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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 5


Page 5 of 42

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Rise of ampicillin resistance began years before human use -- likely triggered by overuse of penicillins in agriculture in the 1950s

Bacteria resistant to ampicillin emerged several years before its widespread use in humans, according to a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Low doses of penicillin added to animal feed in the 1950s and 60s may have encouraged antibiotic-resistant bacteria to evolve and spread.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 2017

Home-based activity program helps older veterans with Dementia maintain function

A home-based activity program called Tailored Activity Program (TAP) was found to significantly reduce dementia-related behaviors in veterans, as well as decrease caregiver distress. After four months, nearly 70% of TAP group participants eliminated or reduced their behavioral symptoms compared to 46% in the control group.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 29, 2017

Employee-job personality match linked with higher income

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that employees whose personality traits closely match their job requirements tend to earn more than those who don't. The researchers used response surface analysis to create a model that identified the relationship between personality traits, job demands, and income.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 29, 2017

Fighting the flu, year after year

Researchers highlight the challenges of preparing seasonal influenza vaccines in eggs, citing reduced effectiveness rates of 40-60 percent. They also emphasize the need for targeted research on manufacturing strategies and vaccine antigens to improve vaccine efficacy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 29, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Minimally invasive treatment provides relief from back pain

A new image-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment has shown extraordinary results in relieving low back pain and sciatica. The procedure involves inserting a probe to deliver energy to the affected area, resolving herniation without thermal damage, and patients were largely pain-free within a day.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2017

Antibiotic resistance: An unexpected chronology

Researchers found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria evolved and spread decades before the widespread use of ampicillin. The study suggests that low doses of penicillin fed to livestock may have triggered this evolution.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 2017

Lifespan prolonged by inhibiting common enzyme

A UCL-led study found that inhibiting RNA polymerase III, a common enzyme in all animals, extends the lifespans of yeast cells and animals by an average of 10%. This discovery may lead to targeted anti-aging therapies, similar to the effects of rapamycin.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Prehistoric women had stronger arms than today's elite rowing crews

A new study reveals prehistoric women had up to 30% stronger arm bones than modern rowers due to activities like grinding grain and performing manual labor. The research suggests that the varied work of early agricultural women played a crucial role in shaping their physical strength.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 29, 2017

Columbia receives grant to study impact of expanded global gag rule on women's health

The Heilbrunn Department at Columbia University is conducting a study to measure the impact of the expanded Mexico City Policy on women's health and wellbeing in Kenya and Nepal. The research aims to assess the current policy's effects on access to life-saving services such as abortion, contraception, and HIV testing and treatment.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateNov 29, 2017

Adobe funds GMU research on video streaming on smartphones

Researchers at George Mason University are developing new techniques for photo editing using machine-learning algorithms, allowing for easier material changes. They are also working to improve streaming video quality on mobile phones by utilizing the features of HTTP/2.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateNov 29, 2017
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Robust Bain distortion in the premartensite phase of a platinum-substituted Ni2MnGa

Scientists at Max Planck Institute discovered robust Bain distortion in premartensite phase of Pt-substituted Ni2MnGa, which transforms to martensite with additional Bain distortion on further cooling. This phenomenon enhances applicability as magnetic actuators and refrigeration technology due to lower hysteresis.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2017

Synthetic cannabis-like drug reduces sleep apnea

Researchers developed a synthetic cannabis-like drug that was safe and effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea. Participants in the trial had reduced apnea and decreased subjective sleepiness after taking the drug for six weeks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSLEEP·DateNov 28, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Malaria: Protective antibodies following natural infection

Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center found that natural infection with malaria induces a strong immune response, producing antibodies that protect mice from infection. The study's findings will help develop more effective and specific vaccines against the disease.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalImmunity·DateNov 28, 2017

Denying patient requests lowers physician ratings

New research from UC Davis Health finds that denying patient requests for specialist referrals, laboratory tests, or medications leads to lower clinician satisfaction ratings. Communications training is recommended to help doctors effectively manage patient requests and balance patient needs with resource efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 28, 2017

Trisomy 21: Research breaks new ground

The study found that trisomy 21 affects proteins on all chromosomes, leading to an overdose of proteins and dysregulated cellular functions. This deregulation disrupts the cell's ability to regulate protein production, resulting in symptoms such as intellectual impairment and congenital heart disease.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Dogs mouth-lick to communicate with angry humans

Researchers found that dogs exhibit mouth-licking behavior in response to visually perceived anger, suggesting a form of communication with humans. The study suggests that domestication may have selected this behavioral trait, indicating dogs' potential understanding of emotional information.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateNov 28, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Quantum systems correct themselves

Researchers developed a new method to protect quantum information in trapped ions by leveraging dissipation. The approach allows for autonomous correction of quantum states without requiring logical circuits or measurements.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

The hero of preconception care

A new study at Boston Medical Center will test Gabby's effectiveness in reducing pregnancy health risks. The AI-powered system has been successful in previous trials, identifying and resolving health risks by over 25% compared to a control group.

SourceBoston Medical Center·DateNov 28, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Child-proofing the Internet of Things

A new project at Lancaster University aims to discover the likely privacy and security challenges arising from children using IoT devices. Researchers will work closely with child protection experts to provide guidelines and advice for children, their families, and teachers on programming IoT devices.

SourceLancaster University·DateNov 28, 2017

A new way to do metabolic engineering

Researchers developed a novel method called CRISPR-AID that combines genetic manipulations to improve metabolic engineering efficiency. By exploring different combinations of gene modifications, scientists can discover optimal solutions for specific goals.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Cardiovascular disease: The immune response to heart attacks

Researchers have identified lymphocyte clusters in the pericardial adipose tissue as key regulators of the post-infarction immune response. These clusters stimulate an immune reaction that degrades damaged tissues, but also promote tissue repair. The findings suggest a critical role for this process in heart healing.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCirculation·DateNov 28, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Expression of certain genes may be key to more youthful looking skin

Researchers identified specific gene expression patterns in women who appear younger than their chronologic age, suggesting that genetic changes may slow down skin aging. The study revealed accelerated changes in pathways related to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and senescence with increasing age.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateNov 28, 2017

Geophysicists uncover new evidence for an alternative style of plate tectonics

Researchers at University of Toronto and Istanbul Technical University propose an 'active drip' model for the formation of the Central Anatolian Plateau, where the lower tectonic plate has dripped below Earth's surface. This process is linked to the planet's crust and upper mantle thickening and sinking into the lower mantle.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Type 2 diabetes, it all starts in the liver

Researchers from UNIGE have identified a key role for the liver in the development of type 2 diabetes, linked to obesity and inflammation. By targeting the protein PTPR-γ, scientists may uncover new therapeutic strategies to prevent insulin resistance and related metabolic conditions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Performance-enhancing drugs sold via the Internet are inaccurately labeled

Research reveals that online products sold as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) may contain unapproved substances or incorrect amounts. Most products did not match label information, highlighting the need for greater regulatory oversight of these appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateNov 28, 2017

One in two people living with HIV in Europe is diagnosed late

A new report by ECDC and WHO reveals that over half of HIV diagnoses in Europe occur at a late stage, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased transmission risks. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent these outcomes, with improved testing practices and community-based services vital to addressing the issue.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateNov 28, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Quantum-emitting answer might lie in the solution

A team of researchers has demonstrated a simple approach for coupling solution-synthesized cesium lead tribromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite nanocrystals to silicon nitride photonic cavities, enhancing room temperature light emission by an order of magnitude.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 28, 2017

Sometimes, it pays for the boss to be humble

Researchers discovered that humble leaders foster higher levels of creativity in teams when team members value open communication and collaboration. Humble leaders acknowledge their limitations, facilitate information sharing, and broaden the scope of team skills.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 28, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Texas A&M-Galveston team finds cave organisms living off methane gas

A research team led by David Brankovits discovered that cave-adapted organisms can thrive on methane gas and bacteria near it, raising the possibility of similar life forms existing worldwide. The study found a complex food web involving tiny organisms and large shrimp.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

A horse is a horse, of course, of course -- except when it isn't

An international team of researchers discovered a previously unrecognized genus of extinct horses in North America, diverging from the main trunk of the Equus family tree around 4-6 million years ago. The new species, Haringtonhippus francisci, was a widespread and successful species that survived until roughly 17,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateNov 28, 2017

New 3-D printer is 10 times faster than commercial counterparts

The new printer can print objects up to 10 times faster than existing commercial counterparts due to its compact printhead design. The team used a screw mechanism and laser to speed up the printing process, enabling it to fabricate detailed objects in several minutes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateNov 28, 2017

Microwave-based test method can help keep 3-D chip designers' eyes open

Researchers at NIST develop a new approach to testing multilayered, three-dimensional computer chips using microwaves. This method provides real-time insight into material performance and defects, potentially reducing electromigration issues and improving chip stability.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 28, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

How do cells release IL-1? After 3 decades, now we know

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have identified the molecule responsible for releasing interleukin-1 (IL-1) from immune cells. The study found that gasdermin D enables IL-1 release without killing the cell, which could lead to more potent and long-lasting vaccines.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateNov 28, 2017

This 'sweet spot' could improve melanoma diagnosis

A new technique using machine learning can improve the diagnosis of melanoma by identifying the optimal amount of context around skin lesions. By segmenting images into two parts, separating the lesion from surrounding skin, researchers found that a limited border beyond the lesion enhances classification performance.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Digital Imaging·DateNov 28, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Capsule research paves way for simpler C. difficile treatment

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that Fecal Microbiota Transplant capsules are just as effective as colonoscopy in treating C. difficile infections. The capsule delivery method is non-invasive, less expensive, and has no risks associated with sedation.

SourceAlberta Health Services·JournalJAMA·DateNov 28, 2017

Biology and chemistry combine to generate new antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Bristol created a new platform for producing desperately needed antibiotics by combining synthetic biology with biology and chemistry. The team successfully generated a semi-synthetic pleuromutilin derivative with enhanced antibiotic activity, addressing the growing resistance to existing antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Key component for quantum computing invented

A Sydney team has invented a microcircuit based on Nobel Prize research, miniaturizing a crucial component for quantum computing. This innovation could pave the way for large-scale integration of quantum circuits and manufacturing in massive quantities.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Call for workers to rise up

A James Cook University study found nearly three quarters of office workers believe there is a negative relationship between sitting down all day and their health. The study suggests that education on the benefits of standing and buy-in from management are crucial to implementing effective behavior change strategies.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPerspectives in Public Health·DateNov 28, 2017

Weight loss through exercise alone does not protect knees

A new study found that weight loss through diet and exercise significantly slows down the degeneration of knee cartilage in obese individuals. However, weight loss achieved solely through exercise had no significant impact on cartilage degeneration, suggesting that a balanced approach involving diet is crucial for protecting the knees.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 28, 2017