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Science News Archive October 2017


Page 27 of 43

Sorting the myriad medicinal molecules of coral reefs

Researchers at SDSU and partners have developed a new method to identify medicinal properties in unknown coral reef molecules. By analyzing molecular fingerprints, they can predict the potential therapeutic value of these molecules.

Enzyme behind immune cell response revealed

Monash University researchers identified PRMT1 as an enzyme essential for the immune system's ability to produce antibodies and clear infections. The discovery opens up new avenues for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases by targeting this enzyme.

The sea cucumber genome points to genes for tissue regeneration

The sea cucumber genome provides new insights into its ability to regenerate damaged body parts, including viscera, which can be regrown within weeks. The study identified specific genes that may contribute to this ability, offering potential avenues for regenerative medicine research.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Oregon team identifies universality and specificity in protein motions

A team of researchers at the University of Oregon has identified a universal pattern in protein motion, which could help pinpoint where proteins bind to other molecules. The study found that protein motion is governed by random energy fluctuations and a critical hydrogen-bonding network.

VLBA measurement promises complete picture of Milky Way

Astronomers using the VLBA have directly measured the distance to a star-forming region on the opposite side of the Milky Way, nearly doubling the previous record. This achievement allows for the accurate mapping of the Galaxy's structure and spiral arms.

Brain waves reflect different types of learning

Scientists have identified distinct neural signatures for explicit and implicit learning, which could guide the development of training techniques to mitigate learning and memory deficits. The findings may also help diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an earlier stage.

Professor Mark Stockman among recipients of $2 million grant

Dr. Mark Stockman's research aims to create wave-guiding effects without magnets, using rotating nano-laser fields instead. This innovation has potential applications in the optical telecommunications industry and could make transistors more resilient to radiation damage.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Cholesterol byproduct hijacks immune cells, lets breast cancer spread

Researchers discovered that high levels of cholesterol metabolism's byproduct 27HC facilitates breast cancer metastasis by hijacking specific immune cells. The study identifies 27HC as a potential drug target to inhibit its creation or actions, offering hope for effective therapies against this aggressive form of cancer.

Mantis shrimp-inspired camera enables glimpse into hidden world

Researchers developed a bioinspired camera mimicking the mantis shrimp's eye to sense both color and polarization, enabling early cancer detection and decoding underwater communication channels. The camera uses silicon photodetectors and nanomaterials to replicate the mantis shrimp's visual system.

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.

New type of diabetes caused by a genetic mutation

A new type of diabetes has been identified caused by a mutation in the RFX6 gene, leading to reduced insulin secretion and increased risk before age 20. GIP analogs may provide a novel treatment option for patients with this condition.

Tweets can help predict the outcome of football matches

Researchers found that Twitter posts can predict football match outcomes by analyzing tone and sentiment, particularly after significant events like goals and red cards. Combining this information with betting market prices improves forecast accuracy, with a potential bettor earning an average return of 2.28%.

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.

Brain stimulation can improve athletic performance

A study published in Brain Stimulation found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve endurance performance by decreasing perceived effort. The research, conducted at the University of Kent, used a placebo-controlled study to test the effects of tDCS on cycling time to task failure.

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.

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.

Satellites map photosynthesis at high resolution

Scientists have made a major step forward in quantifying photosynthesis by mapping solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence with high spatial resolution from the NASA satellite OCO-2. This enables them to scale SIF to gross primary production across different vegetation types.

An evolving sticky situation

Researchers studied the evolution of sticky toe pads in lizards, finding that geckos took an 'adaptive stumble' approach, while anoles committed to a single type. This divergence highlights the complex nature of evolutionary processes and challenges assumptions about the predictability of evolution.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Physicist named a 2017 CIFAR Azrieli Global scholar

Nathaniel Gabor, an assistant professor of physics at UC Riverside, has been awarded the prestigious 2017 CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar program. As a recipient, he will receive $100,000 in research support and join a global community of top researchers in his area of research on bio-inspired solar energy.

Lehigh to present research out of newly-launched Bioengineering Dept. at BMES

The newly established Department of Bioengineering at Lehigh University is presenting its research at the annual meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) in Phoenix, Arizona. The department's faculty includes 17 members with academic appointments in bioengineering and an additional 17 affiliated members. Their research is s...

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.

3-D packaging of DNA regulates cell identity

A Penn study suggests that DNA 3D packaging controls which genes are available for activation, influencing cell differentiation. The researchers found that tethering DNA to the nuclear periphery with an epigenetic enzyme contributes to a cell becoming a certain type.

Researchers make headway in desalination technology

Engineers at the University of Illinois have made a breakthrough in developing a saltwater desalination process that is potentially cheaper than reverse osmosis. The new technology uses a battery-like device to remove salts from brackish water, opening up possibilities for inland and industrial sources. Further research is needed to de...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

IUPUI developing, testing tools to predict crime, other social harms

Researchers at IUPUI are developing a system to predict where and when social harm events like crime, traffic crashes, and medical emergencies will occur. The project aims to provide data-driven insights to stakeholders, enabling them to allocate resources effectively and improve community quality of life.

New UK-India scheme to tackle antimicrobial resistance announced

A new five-year program will support 25 visiting professorships and two major scientific meetings between the UK and India to address antimicrobial resistance. The initiative aims to share knowledge, foster research collaborations and increase awareness to develop robust interventions against AMR.

Don't dispense of cannabis dispensaries, caution UBC researchers

A recent study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found that customers prefer independent storefronts for buying cannabis over growing their own or getting it from dealers. The researchers argue that this 'store-front' system should remain when recreational marijuana use becomes legal.

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.

NASA's GPM finds Ophelia strengthening in Eastern Atlantic

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found Ophelia's heaviest rainfall south of the center, with rain falling at a rate of almost 3.2 inches per hour. The storm strengthened into a hurricane on Oct. 11, with maximum sustained winds near 90 mph and higher gusts.

Workers at smaller companies less likely to be screened for cancer

A new study by American Cancer Society investigators finds workers at organizations with fewer than 25 employees are less likely to have been screened for three cancers. After adjusting for socioeconomic factors and insurance status, most of the difference in screening rates disappears.

NASA gains valuable insights into the global carbon cycle

The OCO-2 mission gathers data on natural land and ocean sinks, revealing changes in the carbon cycle across seasons and regions. The studies highlight the effects of El Niño on carbon emissions, including increased releases from biomass burning in tropical Asia and lower precipitation in South America.

Carbon dioxide levels lower than thought during super greenhouse period

A new study from Dartmouth College suggests that carbon dioxide levels during the early Eocene period, a so-called 'super greenhouse' era, were lower than previously thought, around 1000 ppm. This finding challenges current climate models and provides important information about the planet's past climate history.

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.

MD Anderson team selected for national push to expand immunotherapy

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has been selected as one of four national Cancer Immune Monitoring and Analysis Centers (CIMACs) under the Partnership for Accelerating Cancer Therapies (PACT). CIMACs will provide expertise in systematic collection, processing, and analysis of blood and tumor samples to improve immun...

An understanding of pigmentation that is more than just skin deep

Scientists sequenced genomes of 2,092 Africans to uncover genetic basis of skin pigmentation, finding a light pigmentation variant introduced by gene flow from non-Africans. The study also identified the MFSD12 region as crucial for melanogenesis, a process in which skin produces pigment.

Reducing racial bias in children

Researchers teach Chinese children to identify black male faces, reducing implicit bias that lasts for at least two months. A second training session boosts effects and has a longer-lasting impact.

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.

Study reveals new threat to the ozone layer

Researchers discovered increasing emissions of short-lived ozone-depleting chemicals in East Asia, threatening the recovery of the ozone layer. The study found dichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane in large amounts, which can be carried up into the stratosphere and cause damage.

Herbivores help protect ecosystems from climate change

Researchers found that herbivores, such as limpets, play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem diversity and resilience. By controlling temperatures and promoting biodiversity, these species can mitigate the effects of climate change on intertidal ecosystems.

Rice U. lab surprised by ultraflat magnets

Researchers at Rice University created ultraflat magnets with magnetic properties by adding rhenium to two-dimensional materials, expanding possibilities for spintronic devices. The discovery was made using chemical vapor deposition and doping techniques.

A defense mechanism to kill intestinal worms

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified an enzyme that disrupts vital cell processes in intestinal worms, potentially leading to new vaccine or drug development. The discovery could also help combat emerging drug-resistant worm infections.

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.

Low-cost battery from waste graphite

Researchers developed a low-cost battery using waste graphite, offering high safety and simplicity in production. The battery features a unique cathode material and can withstand thousands of charging cycles.

Frankincense tested as possible breast, colon cancer treatment

A clinical trial led by Medical University of South Carolina is investigating frankincense as a possible treatment for breast and colon cancer. The study aims to assess whether boswellic acid, an extract from Indian frankincense, can reduce inflammation and slow tumor growth.

Can you hear me now? Ensuring good cellular connections in the brain

Salk Institute scientists discovered that astrocytes induce communication between pairs of neurons early in development through glypican 4. The protein increases receptors on postsynaptic neurons, enabling active connections. This breakthrough offers a promising therapeutic target for neurological disorders.

Predatory bacteria: The quest for a new class of antibiotics

Researchers at OIST have identified genetic manipulation tools for B. bacteriovorus, a type of predatory bacteria that can be used as a living antibiotic to treat various infections. The study also explores potential applications in organic food production and industry.