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Science News Archive October 2017


Page 22 of 43

Three of the most deadly cancers get critical funding for research

Researchers at Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT) have received $1.3 million in critical funding to study immunotherapy and virotherapy for three deadly forms of cancer: glioblastoma, sarcoma, and ovarian cancer. The grants will support clinical trials to test innovative treatments using gene therapy.

Experts devise plan to slash unnecessary medical testing

Researchers developed a plan to eliminate unnecessary medical testing by providing educational efforts, auditing testing patterns, and harnessing electronic medical records. This initiative aims to reduce medical bills while improving patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction.

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.

Resolving traffic jams in human ALS motor neurons

A team of researchers used stem cell technology to generate motor neurons from ALS patients with FUS mutations, revealing axonal transport defects. Genetic correction and pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6 restored axonal transport, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for ALS.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA finds Tropical Storm Lan strengthening

Tropical Storm Lan is intensifying as it moves through the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, fueled by extremely high oceanic heat content. NASA's Aqua satellite data shows storm clouds with cloud top temperatures reaching minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of producing heavy rainfall.

High blood pressure boosts risk of common heart valve disorder

Researchers found a significant association between elevated systolic blood pressure and the development of mitral regurgitation, a condition where the heart valve leaks. The study suggests that controlling blood pressure may be crucial in preventing this common heart valve disorder.

Fighting opioid addiction in primary care: new study shows it's possible

A new systematic review of evidence suggests that primary care physicians and their teams can provide effective addiction care using anti-opioid medication. The studies found that patients had the highest chance of successful treatment when working with a team of non-physicians, including nurse case managers.

Tropical beetles face extinction threat

A recent study has found that tropical high-altitude beetles are at risk of extinction due to climate change. The research, conducted in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, revealed that two plant-eating beetle groups - weevils and leaf beetles - are highly specialised to high altitudes and may disappear in a warmer world.

New assay may boost targeted treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

A new gene expression profiling assay has been developed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The assay can differentiate between three major subtypes associated with different outcomes, including germinal center B-cell-like and activated B-cell-like subtypes.

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.

TGen develops processing procedures for 'single-cell' sequencing

The Translational Genomics Research Institute has developed novel processing methods for single-cell RNA sequencing, enabling researchers to identify genetic sources of diseases and tailor treatments. This breakthrough is crucial for understanding cancer and improving patient care.

New study: nearly half of US medical care comes from emergency rooms

A new study by University of Maryland School Medicine researchers found that nearly half of all US medical care is delivered by emergency departments. Emergency department visits increased by 44% over a 14-year period, with African-American patients and those without insurance using these services at a higher rate.

Corticosteroids aid healing -- if the timing is right

A new study from Linköping University finds that corticosteroids can improve tendon healing if administered at the correct timing. The research reveals that inflammation must subside before new tissue formation begins. When given after the early inflammatory phase, corticosteroids significantly enhance tendon strength in rats.

Force field analysis provides clues to protein-ion interaction

The AMOEBA force field provides a detailed understanding of protein-ion interactions by incorporating quantum methods. The model distinguishes selective ion binding in calcium and magnesium ions, shedding light on their role in various biological processes.

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.

New bowel cancer drug target discovered

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified a novel protein that exclusively targets Wnt signalling in tumour cells, reducing growth of colon cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

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.

Need for speed makes genome editing efficient, if not better

Researchers created a computational model to improve the efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing by allowing off-target cuts, which may help on-target cutting be faster. The model suggests that proteins can correct mistakes and tolerate minor mutations, potentially leading to more precise gene editing.

High blood pressure linked to common heart valve disorder

A new study from The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Oxford found a strong link between high blood pressure and mitral regurgitation, a condition that makes the heart less efficient at pumping blood. Lowering blood pressure through exercise, diet or medication may reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Wearables to boost security of voice-based log-in

Researchers developed a wearable device called VAuth that creates a unique and secure signature using speech-induced vibrations on the user's body. The technology has achieved a 97-percent detection accuracy and successfully thwarts various practical attacks, making it a promising solution to enhance voice authentication security.

Microbes leave 'fingerprints' on Martian rocks

Researchers have discovered that a specific microbe can oxidize and metabolize metals from synthetic Martian regolith simulants, leaving behind unique signatures. This finding could enable the extraction of metals from asteroids and other celestial bodies using biological methods.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Study: New exercises help athletes manage dangerous breathing disorder

A new set of breathing techniques, developed by Dr. J Tod Olin, has been shown to effectively treat symptoms of EILO in athletes. The techniques, which include the tongue variant, tooth variant, and lip variant, help athletes open their obstructed airways during high-intensity exercise.

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.

Neutron star merger directly observed for the first time

Researchers observe historic detection of neutron star merger in both gravitational waves and the entire spectrum of light, offering insights into a cosmic event. The merger, named GW170817, revealed properties of the dense neutron stars and their collision, providing new opportunities for gravitational testing.

Risk of cesarean section is heritable

A recent study by Philipp Mitteroecker and colleagues used the cliff edge model to predict that women born by Caesarean are more likely to develop FPD in their own childbirth, with a 2.8 times higher risk compared to women born vaginally.

Most medical students overconfident, underprepared on nutrition guidelines

A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that nearly 55% of medical students are confident in their ability to counsel patients on nutritional recommendations, despite half failing a nutrition quiz. The study highlights a gap between nutritional knowledge and attitudes among future physicians.

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.

Aus gravitational waves world-first finding

A team of Australian researchers has confirmed the detection of radio waves from a gravitational wave event, providing new insights into massive bodies like black holes. The discovery was made using the CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array and marks a significant contribution to the global discovery of gravitational waves.

Approximately 1 in 9 US men infected with oral HPV

A study by the American College of Physicians found that almost 11 million US men have oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with a high prevalence among men with multiple lifetime oral sex partners and those who report having sex with men. HPV causes various cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which dispropo...

Seeing the light of neutron star collisions

Researchers confirm neutron star collision using electromagnetic radiation detected by NASA's Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer. The event provided a complete picture of compact object mergers, marking a major breakthrough in astronomy.

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.

A cautionary tale

Researchers at LMU's Gene Center found that human cells use a different mechanism to recognize misplaced DNA than mouse cells. The inflammasome complex is activated via the cGAS-STING recognition mechanism, triggering both an antiviral response and a classical inflammatory reaction.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Catch a fleeting kilonova

UCSB astronomers capture the fleeting kilonova using a network of telescopes and gravitational wave data. The event sheds light on the formation of heavy elements in the universe.

Bite on this: Kansas State University researcher finds alligators eat sharks

A Kansas State University researcher has documented that American alligators on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are consuming small sharks and stingrays, a widespread interaction previously unreported. The study reveals that alligators seek out freshwater habitats with high salinity to prolong their time in saltwater environments.

Tandon researcher engineering antidotes to chemical weapons

Tandon researcher Jin Montclare develops phosphotriesterase (PTE) variants to neutralize toxic chemical agents, including VX and organophosphorus compounds. Her goal is to create stable, robust, and effective antidotes with improved therapeutic efficacy.

An epigenetic key to unlock behavior change

A new study sheds light on the molecular mechanism that shapes behavior in fruit flies, revealing a causal link between epigenetics and genetics. Researchers found that epigenetic marks interact with genes to regulate differences in feeding behaviors.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Study reveals risk factors for substance use problems, as well as resilience

A study of African-American and Latino adults in a high-risk urban community found that despite numerous risk factors, the rate of substance use problems is low for a substantial proportion of participants. Protective 'resilience' factors, such as support, education, and employment, also play a crucial role in preventing substance misuse.

Social media accounts promote skeletal images of women

A new study by the University of Exeter found thousands of social media accounts celebrating extreme thinness, featuring selfies with protruding bones. The research suggests that these platforms are encouraging eating disorders and promoting unhealthy body image among young women.

GP referral to Weight Watchers avoided type 2 diabetes in third of patients

A commercial weight management program delivered by Weight Watchers helped more than half of patients at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to reduce their risk or get their blood sugar levels back to normal. The program led to significant reductions in diabetes risk, with an average fall in HbA1c levels and notable weight loss.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Liquid metal brings soft robotics a step closer

Researchers at University of Sussex and Swansea University have created a way to morph liquid metal into physical shapes, opening up new possibilities in soft robotics and shape-changing displays. The invention uses electrical charges to program the liquid metal, allowing it to dynamically change shape and form complex geometries.

Cancer relapse linked to body's own immune system

A new study reveals that cancer cells can use the body's own immune system to wake themselves up and fuel their growth after treatment, leading to relapse. Researchers found that immunotherapies targeting this response could delay or prevent cancer return in mice, suggesting a promising approach for patients at risk of relapse.

Mechanism explains how seizures may lead to memory loss

Researchers discover how seizures trigger cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease through increased levels of the protein deltaFosB, leading to suppressed production of calbindin and disrupted brain activity. Further studies support the findings, showing potential new strategies for reducing cognitive deficits.

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.

Mousensor, LLC receives NSF SBIR to decode the human sense of smell

Mousensor, LLC has been awarded a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to develop a human-nose-on-a-chip based on fundamental research at CUNY. The company aims to detect and digitize every single smell, enabling fragrance houses to increase competitive advantage through unique product development.