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Science News for October 27, 2017


Using networks to understand tissue-specific gene regulation

By analyzing regulatory networks for 38 tissues, researchers found that core components are combined differently with added genetic and environmental information, governing unique tissue functions. This work emphasizes the need to consider tissue context when developing therapies to minimize potential side effects.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 27, 2017

Newly discovered microRNA regulates mobility of tumor cells

Researchers at the University of Basel have identified a microRNA that inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process linked to tumor cell spread and metastasis. This discovery may lead to new treatment approaches for breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2017

Artificial intelligence to evaluate brain maturity of preterm infants

Researchers developed software using machine learning to analyze EEG signals from preterm infants, providing an estimate of brain functional maturity. The method is more precise than current methods and enables automatic monitoring of premature infant brain development.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 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.

Regular marijuana use linked to more sex, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that frequent marijuana users had increased coital frequency compared to non-users. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 Americans aged 25-45 and found a positive association between marijuana use and sexual activity across all demographics.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateOct 27, 2017

Winters on Mars are shaping the Red Planet's landscape

Researchers found that CO2 sublimation can create unique features on Mars, such as Sand Furrows and linear gullies. These processes are unlike anything seen on Earth and provide new insights into Martian geomorphology.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 2017

Emotional states discovered in fish

Researchers discovered that fish respond emotionally to their environment, with brain areas linked to positive and negative emotions activated. The study suggests a simpler neurologic basis for emotional assessment than expected, potentially evolving around 375 million years ago.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 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.

New treatments help those with mild, moderate and severe eczema

Two new medications have been approved to treat mild, moderate, and severe eczema in both children and adults. Crisaborole reduces itching, redness, and swelling, while dupilumab targets the underlying cause through injection therapy. These treatments provide effective relief and improve quality of life for those affected by eczema.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateOct 27, 2017

Malaria parasite in the Americas is more genetically diverse than previously thought

A recent study found that populations of Plasmodium vivax in the Americas are as genetically diverse as those in Southeast Asia, contradicting previous assumptions. The research suggests that P. vivax may have originated from Africa, Europe, and Asia, and its genetic diversity was retained upon arrival in the Americas.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 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.

Peatland plants adapting well to climate change, suggests study

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that peatland plants are better adapted to climate change than previously thought. Despite rising temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions, the plant community in peatlands can replace missing species with new ones having similar functions.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2017

Cell Biology: Cellular power outage

Scientists have identified a novel pathway that protects mitochondria from toxic protein aggregates, reducing cellular energy production. The mitoRQC pathway, involving the cytosolic protein Vms1, regulates aberrant protein fate and maintains cellular homeostasis.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell·DateOct 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.

300 neurons traced in extensive brain wiring map

Scientists have now shown that individual neurons in the mouse brain often spool out spindly fibers nearly half a meter long. The team's dataset and analysis tool, MouseLight NeuronBrowser, offer new insights into how elaborately-branching neurons route information in the brain.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·DateOct 27, 2017

HIIT alters brain glucose metabolism in insulin resistant people

A two-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program reduced glucose metabolism in all areas of the brain in physically inactive individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. HIIT improved whole-body insulin sensitivity, and moderate exercise also showed similar benefits.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2017

Nanomagnets levitate thanks to quantum physics

Researchers at University of Innsbruck have successfully levitated nanomagnets using quantum physics, exhibiting stability and entanglement properties. This breakthrough defies the classic Earnshaw theorem and opens new avenues for studying exotic quantum phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 27, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New study identifies mechanism bacteria use to attach to surfaces

Researchers discovered that bacteria use pili as their sense of touch when interacting with surfaces, leading to a new understanding of bacterial surface sensing. This mechanism may help scientists develop strategies to control bacterial growth, either beneficially in bioreactors or pathogenically on medical devices.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2017

Habitat restoration can maximize the benefits of marine protected areas

Research finds that restored, protected reefs have significantly higher oyster densities and larval output compared to harvested reefs. Additionally, restored harvested reefs show increased larval recruitment, implying a valuable spillover effect from reserves to surrounding areas.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 27, 2017

Efforts to revive coal industry unlikely to work, may slow job growth

A study by Indiana University researchers suggests that reviving the coal industry will have little impact on fragile Appalachian communities. Instead, they found that promising jobs may fill communities with false hope, threatening progress in launching job training programs and other transition steps.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateOct 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.

Easing refugees' trauma with psychotherapy

Researchers at Bielefeld University developed Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), a successful treatment method for refugees with mental problems. The therapy involves storytelling to process traumatic events in a meaningful context, leading to closure and reduced symptoms.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalPsychotherapeut·DateOct 27, 2017

National study aims to prove value of mobile stroke units

A national study has launched mobile stroke units, which bring highly trained personnel and advanced medical equipment to patients in need of rapid treatment. The units have shown promise in improving patient outcomes and efficiency, with the potential to enable faster diagnosis and treatment of strokes.

SourceMediaSource·DateOct 27, 2017

TGen-UCSF study uses genomics to make treatment calls for recurrent glioblastoma patients

Researchers have developed a comprehensive genomic sequencing approach that guides timely treatment for recurring brain cancer, resulting in extended progression-free survival. Two patients survived over a year without disease recurrence, demonstrating the potential of precision medicine in aggressive and refractory tumors.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 27, 2017

Peat bogs defy the laws of biodiversity

Researchers analyzed 560 European peat bog samples to study how they respond to different temperatures, precipitation levels, and air pollution. They found that functional redundancy allows the ecosystem to survive despite changing species due to climatic conditions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2017

Advanced artificial limbs mapped in the brain

Researchers used ultra-high field fMRI to map brain pathways in patients with amputations who underwent TMSR. The study found that the brain's motor and somatosensory maps were preserved, but connections with higher-level embodiment regions were weak. Future prosthetics should implement systematic somatosensory feedback to enable patie...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalBrain·DateOct 27, 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.

Two INRS professors earn awards from global organization

Two INRS professors, Shuhui Sun and Federico Rosei, received international recognition for their groundbreaking work on novel materials. Their research focuses on developing renewable energy technologies, with Professor Rosei's discoveries leading to improved solar panels.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateOct 27, 2017

Creating the engineer of 2020: Innovation at Eindhoven University of Technology

Eindhoven University of Technology has implemented significant reforms in its engineering education, introducing a three-course series that teaches patents and standards to improve students' critical thinking skills. The changes resulted in a significant increase in student intake, with over 1,900 students enrolled by 2015.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateOct 27, 2017

Public awareness of atrial fibrillation is low

A study found low public awareness of atrial fibrillation (AF), with only 48% globally aware, but 82% correctly identifying palpitations as an AF symptom. The estimated 33.5 million people worldwide live with AF, highlighting the need for increased public health initiatives.

SourceWiley·JournalThrombosis and Haemostasis·DateOct 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.

Scientists unveil the water buffalo genome

The publication of the buffalo genome provides essential reference point for studies on molecular genetics, helping breeders enhance desirable characteristics and researchers preserve diversity. A molecular tool, Buffalo SNP chip, has been developed to apply modern molecular breeding systems to water buffalo.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGigaScience·DateOct 27, 2017

From Cellulose to 3-D Objects

Researchers have developed a sustainable 3D printing process using polyethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF), a polymer made from cellulose. The new biobased polymer allows for high-quality objects with good solvent resistance and thermal stability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 27, 2017

Almost half of food allergies in adults appear in adulthood

A new study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that almost half of adult food allergies occur in adulthood, with shellfish allergy prevalence increasing by 44% among US adults. The risk of developing a food allergy to certain foods is higher among black, Asian, and Hispanic adults compared to whites.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateOct 27, 2017

Drexel researchers identify 'master regulator' involved in infant lung damage

Researchers at Drexel University have identified microRNA miR-34a as the 'master regulator' involved in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease affecting up to 15,000 premature infants annually. Inhibiting miR-34a significantly reduces BPD in mice, suggesting a potential new treatment target.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 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.

Tropical forest reserves slow down global warming

A new study reveals that protected areas of tropical forest are reducing carbon emissions by a third, and slowing the rate of global warming. The research found that these protected areas prevent the release of three times as much carbon into the atmosphere as the UK emits each year.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 2017

Lifestyle changes, healthier population

A study characterises the clinical, physical, physiological and dietary patterns of the overweight/obese population with primary hypertension. The researchers found that a profile of high cardiovascular risk includes hypertension diagnosis, excess weight/obesity, poor cardiovascular fitness, and unhealthy dietary habits.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalClinical and Experimental Hypertension·DateOct 27, 2017

An experimental model might shed new light on the development of brain cancer in children

Researchers have developed a novel laboratory model that replicates key hallmarks of pediatric high-grade glioma, a devastating illness and leading cause of death in children. Mutations in histone 3.3 are believed to play a pivotal role in its development, with the new model supporting the concept that cancer starts in utero.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 27, 2017

New molecule shows promise in HIV vaccine design

A University of Maryland-led study developed a vaccine candidate that stimulates an immune response against the protective sugars of multiple HIV strains. The molecule mimics a protein-sugar part of the shield and spurs rabbits to produce antibodies, but does not prevent live HIV from infecting cells.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateOct 27, 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.

Dogs may protect against childhood eczema and asthma

Two studies present evidence suggesting that exposure to dogs during pregnancy and early childhood may reduce the risk of developing eczema and asthma. While exposure to dog allergens can exacerbate symptoms in children with allergies, non-allergen-related factors associated with dogs may provide a protective effect.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateOct 27, 2017

Concise guide to pharmacology simplifies drug discovery research

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2017/18 simplifies drug discovery research by providing overviews of key properties for human drug targets. The guide features over 4,000 interactions between ligands and targets, allowing researchers to assess potency.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateOct 27, 2017

Universities drive innovation in the classroom

The University of South Florida's special issue highlights international efforts to promote innovation outputs through new university courses, curricula, and programs. Key findings include the importance of IP management in universities' curricula, as well as innovative approaches to teaching engineering and business skills.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateOct 27, 2017

Allergists examine 'webside manner'

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology is developing guidelines for allergists on using telemedicine to provide high-quality care. This approach leverages technology to improve access to medical care and maximize patient experience. The goal is to have an exceptional user experience, putting the patient at the center.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateOct 27, 2017

NASA finds Tropical Storm Saola's strength off-center

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission observed strong storms and heavy rainfall on Tropical Storm Saola, with rain rates exceeding 66 mm per hour in feeder bands. The storm showed significant structural improvement over the course of several hours, with peak intensity predicted for the following day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 27, 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.

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.

FSU researcher: Modern civilization doesn't diminish violence

A Florida State University researcher challenges the idea that modern civilization reduces violence by arguing it may actually increase the likelihood of surviving a war. Studies on chimpanzees and human societies show that larger populations lead to more deaths in conflicts.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateOct 27, 2017

'European Muslims perceive the EU more positively than other Europeans'

A study by the Cluster of Excellence found that European Muslims have a more positive view of the EU compared to other groups. This is largely due to their satisfaction with living conditions and higher political interest. The study also highlights the importance of successful integration in maintaining trust in EU institutions.

SourceCluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics"·JournalEuropean Union Politics·DateOct 27, 2017