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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 7


Page 7 of 42

Why do more women have asthma than men? Blame hormones

A study by Vanderbilt University and Johns Hopkins researchers found that testosterone hinders an immune cell linked to asthma symptoms in women. This is due to the effects of testosterone on lung cells, which are more prevalent in asthmatic women than men.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 28, 2017

In search of: Researchers explore the ocean for alternatives to opioids

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers is exploring natural compounds from marine organisms to develop non-opioid drugs for chronic pain management. The team aims to identify novel drugs with the beneficial effects of opioids but lack the adverse actions, such as addiction and respiratory depression.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·DateNov 28, 2017

Genetic mutation could, if altered, boost FluMist vaccine effectiveness, research suggests

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a genetic mutation in the FluMist intranasal flu vaccine that has the potential to be altered to enhance its protective effect. The mutation reduces virus production, but reversing it makes the virus more active and induces a stronger immune response.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalVaccine·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.

Rotman School strategy professor receives Canada Research Chair

András Tilcsik, a professor at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, has been awarded a Canada Research Chair to investigate biases in organizational processes and policies for hiring. His research will provide evidence and information to help build more diverse and equitable workplaces.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·DateNov 28, 2017

There's a deeper fish in the sea

The new species, named Pseudoliparis swirei, thrives at depths of up to 8,000 meters and is found in groups feeding on tiny crustaceans and shrimp, adapting to extreme pressure with success.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalZootaxa·DateNov 28, 2017

Advances in MALDI mass spectrometry within drug discovery

This special issue highlights innovations in MALDI mass spectrometry for characterizing proteomes, detecting analytes, and screening non-covalent binding of small molecules to target proteins. MALDI imaging is used to study diseases and therapeutics, including the distribution of glycosphingolipids in a Gaucher Disease model mouse brain.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateNov 28, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Harnessing the rattling motion of oxygen ions to convert T-rays to visible light

Researchers have successfully visualized terahertz radiation by converting it into bright, visible light using the rattling motion of oxygen ions in a cage-like structure. The crystal, called mayenite, is composed of calcium, aluminum, and oxygen, making it an inexpensive material with potential applications in T-ray detection.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 28, 2017

ALMA discovers infant stars surprisingly near galaxy's supermassive black hole

Astronomers have discovered eleven low-mass protostars forming close to the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, defying predictions of hostile environment. These newly formed stars are about 6,000 years old and represent the earliest phase of star formation in this highly turbulent region.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 28, 2017

Marriage may help stave off dementia

A synthesis of 15 studies found that married people had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to lifelong singletons and widowers. The researchers suggest that marriage may promote healthier lifestyles and social engagement among couples, which can contribute to a lower risk of dementia.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateNov 28, 2017

Kant, Hume, and the retailer's dilemma

A study found that allowing unethical customers to open multiple accounts benefits both the retailer and ethical customers, increasing purchasing power and engagement.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateNov 28, 2017

Gastric cancer: A new strategy used by Helicobacter pylori to target mitochondria

Researchers discovered H. pylori's two additional strategies to target mitochondria, which maintain an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation and worsen gastric lesions in mice. The findings suggest new avenues for developing effective strategies to combat H. pylori infection and reduce its pathogenic potential.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalScientific Reports·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.

As private funding of biomedical research soars, new risks arise

The shift from public to private funding in biomedical research poses significant challenges, including collaborative research models, intellectual property rights, and oversight. Researchers must navigate conflicts between private benefactors, institutions, and scientists to ensure the integrity of research.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealthcare Transformation·DateNov 27, 2017

Removing chemical used to make Teflon-like coatings has led to fewer low birth weights and less brain damage

A new NYU report reveals that the phase-out of Teflon-like coatings, which contain PFOA, has led to a significant decrease in low-birth weight babies and related brain damage. The study estimates that this shift has saved over $13 billion in healthcare costs and improved educational prospects for thousands of children.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateNov 27, 2017

Discovery points the way to better and cheaper transparent conductors

Researchers have identified a factor limiting the conductivity of fluorine doped tin dioxide, a material used in touch screens, solar cells, and energy efficient windows. The discovery could lead to coatings with up to five times higher conductivity, reducing cost and enhancing performance.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research reveals the scale at which Earth's mantle composition varies

Scientists have discovered that heterogeneities in the Earth's mantle are at least a kilometer in size, enabling the survival of their chemical signature during magma transport. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of mantle convection and its impact on tectonic plate movement.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2017

Fighting plant disease at warm temperatures keeps food on the table

Researchers found that high temperatures weaken plant defenses while strengthening bacterial attacks, making plants more vulnerable to infection. However, treatment with a chemical that mimics salicylic acid can effectively protect plants from infection at elevated temperatures.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

When physics gives evolution a leg up by breaking one

Researchers at Georgia Tech found that physical stress drove the evolution of multicellular bodies in yeast cells, allowing them to grow larger and more robust. This process was mainly driven by forces within the cells' physical structures, which pushed the snowflakes to evolve towards bigger, tougher bodies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 27, 2017

Xenophobia strongly linked to Brexit, regardless of voter age, gender or education

Research found that British citizens who fear immigrants were more likely to have voted for Brexit, and that collective narcissism is a new predictor of political behavior. The study identifies three groups: authoritarians, social dominance orientation, and collective narcissists, with the latter group linked to a strong desire for pri...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 27, 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.

Stem cells in intestinal lining may shed light on behavior of cancer cells

Scientists studied how intestinal epithelial stem cells respond to varying glucose levels, discovering a switch from renewal to growth mode triggered by higher glucose. This finding has implications for understanding cancer cell proliferation and developing new therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Cellular Physiology·DateNov 27, 2017

Bridging the 'practice science gap' to optimize restoration projects

Researchers at Northeastern University are working to bridge the 'practice science gap' by connecting practitioners with biodiversity research. The goal is to improve restoration project outcomes by applying scientific knowledge to practical implementation.

SourceNortheastern University College of Science·JournalConservation Letters·DateNov 27, 2017

New computational method introduced for lighting in computer graphics

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new computational method to address the challenge of computing realistic indirect illumination in real-time computer graphics. The novel method accurately computes indirect illumination using sparse radiance probes, enabling fast and accurate lighting simulations.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateNov 27, 2017

Male trout are now real males again

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark found that widespread feminization among male brown trout in Danish streams had completely disappeared between 2004 and 2016. The improvement was attributed to better wastewater treatment practices, particularly the connection to municipal wastewater treatment plants.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateNov 27, 2017

Long-term logging study demonstrates impacts on chimpanzees and gorillas (Republic of Congo)

A recent study published in Biological Conservation highlights the effects of selective logging on great ape populations before, during, and after timber extraction. The research found that western lowland gorillas avoided areas during logging but returned after it passed through, while chimpanzees were less likely to return to their n...

SourceLincoln Park Zoo·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 27, 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.

Ryk needs a chaperone

Researchers discovered Ryk's chaperone, Smek, which regulates key genes transforming stem cells into brain cells. The study sheds light on the mechanisms of brain development and may lead to new therapies for neurological diseases and brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2017

Dark ocean bacteria discovered to play large role in carbon capture

Researchers from Bigelow Laboratory discovered nitrite-oxidizing bacteria to be key players in the global carbon cycle, capturing more than 1.1 gigatons of CO2 annually. These large, relatively rare bacteria outperform archaea in carbon capture, highlighting a significant shift in our understanding of oceanic carbon cycling.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 2017

New discovery to accelerate development of salt-tolerant grapevines

A recent Australian discovery identified genes expressed in grapevine roots that limit sodium uptake, leading to more robust salt-tolerant rootstocks. This breakthrough allows for early screening of new genotypes at the seedling stage, supporting the local wine sector's sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 27, 2017

Neurofeedback shows promise in treating tinnitus

Researchers used fMRI to study neurofeedback training's potential in treating tinnitus, finding a significant relationship between controlling the primary auditory cortex and attentional processes. The training involved participants focusing away from sound to decrease brain activity.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 27, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Activity descriptors for electrocatalysts in energy storage applications

Scientists developed adsorption-energy-based activity descriptors to improve electrocatalytic activity in energy storage. The descriptors are linked to interfacial electronic coupling, providing a new method for selecting high-activity catalysts and understanding structure-activity relationships.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 27, 2017

Worried about holiday weight gain? Your scale isn't giving you the whole picture

A new study used MRI imaging technology to plot diverse changes in body organ fat storage pools during 18 months of Mediterranean/low-carb and low-fat diets, with and without moderate physical exercise. The results showed that even with modest weight loss, the Med/LC diet was significantly superior to a low-fat diet in reducing some fa...

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalCirculation·DateNov 27, 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.

Quest for new medicines could be helped by cell discovery

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have identified two molecules, SMAD2 and SMAD3, that enhance cellular reprogramming efficiency. This breakthrough could accelerate production of induced pluripotent stem cells for studying diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 27, 2017

Studying heat transfer with computers is easier now

Researchers have developed a new method to study thermal transfer, enabling more efficient numerical simulations and revealing deeper mechanisms of heat flow. This breakthrough opens up important research possibilities and potential applications in various fields.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2017

What can zebrafish teach us about our survival in the face of mutations?

Researchers have found that zebrafish can survive despite mutations by using workarounds such as regulating expression of related genes or skipping errors in DNA transcription. This study provides guidelines for designing targeted mutations and accelerating the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for human diseases.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 27, 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.

Cancer drug starts clinical trials in human brain-cancer patients

PAC-1, a cancer drug that targets procaspase-3, has been approved for use in a phase Ib trial of patients with anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme. The drug has shown promise in pet dogs with brain cancers and is being tested in combination with temozolomide.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateNov 27, 2017

Neuroimaging of soccer fans' brain reveals neural basis of ingroup altruistic motivation

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the neural basis of team-related altruism in soccer fans. The study found that brain areas involved in decision-making and values, such as the medial orbitofrontal cortex, showed increased activity when donations were targeted to fans of the same soccer club.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2017

Johns Hopkins biologist leads team that unlocks mystery of protein function

A team of scientists led by Johns Hopkins University biologist Vincent Hilser has cracked the mystery of proteins that emerged as a distinct type less than 30 years ago. They discovered how these 'intrinsically disordered proteins' regulate their activities and interact with other proteins, constituting the majority of proteins involve...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateNov 27, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Parental diet affects offspring immunity: Meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of hundreds of studies found a close relationship between parents' diet and offspring immunity across various animal species. The study suggests that poor nutrition can negatively impact disease resistance and that the effects of a parental diet can be inherited and maintained in offspring even on a normal diet.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBiological Reviews·DateNov 27, 2017

MS patients who adhere to treatment have higher health costs-and better outcomes

Patients with multiple sclerosis who adhere to medication schedules experience significantly better physical outcomes, including reduced disease impact and disability. However, their overall healthcare costs are higher due to more frequent hospitalizations and medical appointments.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateNov 27, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Batteries with better performance and improved safety

Researchers from Empa and UNIGE have developed a new battery prototype that stores more energy while maintaining high safety levels. The battery uses a solid electrolyte and metallic sodium, which enables faster charging and increased storage capacity.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 27, 2017

Price changes for seven foods could save thousands of lives per year, study says

A new study suggests that altering prices of seven dietary items could prevent an estimated 23,000 deaths per year in the US. The study found that subsidies for healthy foods and taxes on unhealthy foods could reduce deaths from stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, especially among Americans with lower socioeconomic status.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 27, 2017

Ambush in a petri dish

A team of researchers from Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology has made a groundbreaking discovery about the chemical communication between algae and bacteria. The study reveals that a specific lipopeptide, orfamide A, plays a central role in this process.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Flip side of innovation: What causes doctors to scale back on the use of medical practices

Researchers at The Dartmouth Institute found that physicians with more experience and certain specialties tend to slow the use of carotid revascularization procedures. Despite evidence showing these procedures don't benefit older or symptom-free patients, decline rates remained inconsistent across specialties.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 27, 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.

Amputees can learn to control a robotic arm with their minds

Researchers have discovered that amputees can rewire their brains to control a robotic arm through electrodes implanted in the brain. The study found that chronic amputees can create new connections between brain areas, even years after an amputation, and that these connections become more robust with training.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Tracking down genetic influences on brain disorders

New findings help clarify genetic influence on brain disorders by analyzing 3 million genomic locations, revealing links to schizophrenia and other disorders. The study identifies specific variable locations in the genome that affect gene expression and DNA methylation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 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.