Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive October 2017


Page 34 of 43

Study finds few restrictions on Rx opioids through Medicare

A new Yale study finds that Medicare plans place few restrictions on the coverage of prescription opioids, despite federal guidelines recommending such restrictions. The researchers highlighted an untapped opportunity for Medicare formularies to limit opioid prescribing, citing a modest increase in opiate coverage between 2006 and 2015.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Epigenetic approach for treating Alzheimer's disease

M344 altered key gene expression in a cellular model of AD, preventing cognitive decline and improving memory. In mouse models, low-dose administration of M344 prevented cognitive decline and improved learning and memory.

Farsighted children struggle with attention, study finds

A new study by Ohio State University finds that moderately farsighted preschoolers have poorer scores on attention-related tests. The research suggests that uncorrected vision problems in young children can lead to deficits in learning and literacy.

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.

Cancer scientists crack the durian genome

Researchers from SingHealth, Duke-NUS Medical School, and NCCS have sequenced the complete genetic blueprint of durian, a tropical fruit known for its unique smell. The study reveals that durian has approximately 46,000 genes, nearly double those found in humans.

Addressing the double standard

Compounded bioidentical hormone therapies are not FDA-approved, lack quality control, and have the same risks as FDA-approved hormone therapy products. Women often unknowingly choose these over FDA-approved options due to misconceptions about safety and efficacy.

Green gentrification can limit the favourable effects of green areas on health

Research at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona suggests that green gentrification in cities may not equally benefit all residents, particularly socially disadvantaged neighbours. The process of recovering natural spaces tends to displace low-income populations, increasing chronic stress and negatively affecting their mental health.

A new kind of influenza vaccine: One shot might do the trick

Researchers have developed a new influenza vaccine that uses a nanoscale, controlled-release capsule to provide quick and long-lasting protection against pandemic A strains. The vaccine is based on the M2 protein, which remains constant across different flu viruses.

Indigenous Nations' environmental stewardship in tackling invasive species

A Dartmouth-led study reveals Indigenous nations are adapting to invasive species through public programs, education, and collaborative efforts with non-Indigenous governments. These initiatives not only mitigate the impact of invasive species but also protect cultural identity and traditional economic knowledge.

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.

Novel circuit design boosts wearable thermoelectric generators

The devices can be cut to the size needed for specific applications due to their symmetrical fractal wiring patterns. The modular generators could be inkjet printed on flexible substrates like fabric and manufactured using inexpensive roll-to-roll techniques.

NASA's Aqua satellite finds Hurricane Nate's strongest side

The NASA's Aqua satellite provided valuable temperature data to forecasters, showing the strongest storms were located in Hurricane Nate's eastern side. The storm's cloud top temperatures reached as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain.

Silicon is liberated from Abbot's Flatland

Researchers pack laser-written structures deep into silicon chips, enabling arbitrary 3D fabrication without layers above or below. The method also enables creating functional optical devices and 3D sculpturing of entire wafers.

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.

Researchers help develop new antifungal drug

Scientists have developed a new class of antifungal drugs called 'orotomides' to treat life-threatening invasive fungal infections. The novel mechanism of action offers hope for patients with leukemia and bone marrow transplantation, who are often affected by these infections.

NASA analyzes Tropical Storm Nate

Tropical Storm Nate is forecasted to produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides across a wide area of Central America. The storm's center is expected to move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea, reaching the eastern coast of Mexico before moving into the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Plant cells survive but stop dividing upon DNA damage

Scientists at NAIST have discovered a molecular pathway that explains how plant cells cease cell division upon DNA damage. The study found that the transcription factor family MYB3R prevents progression to the M phase of the cell cycle, allowing plants to maintain genome integrity.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Lost chapel' of Westminster Palace revealed in new 3-D model

Architectural historians at the University of York have reconstructed the first dedicated House of Commons chamber using 3D visualization technology. The project has brought St Stephen's Chapel back to life, revealing parallels between 16th-century political debate and modern-day discussions.

Economic recovery extends to 18 months for Americans with disabilities

According to the nTIDE September 2017 jobs report, Americans with disabilities have seen a significant increase in employment-to-population ratio, rising from 28.0% in September 2016 to 30.4% in September 2017. The labor force participation rate also increased for working-age people with disabilities.

New telescope attachment allows ground-based observations of new worlds

A new telescope attachment using custom beam-shaping diffusers enables highly precise ground-based observations of exoplanets. The technology minimizes distortions caused by the Earth's atmosphere, allowing for stable and smooth images that are essential for maximizing precision in measurements.

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.

New studies add to understanding of treatments for Barrett's esophagus

Two new studies evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy (LNSCT) in treating Barrett's esophagus. ESD was found to have high en-bloc and curative resection rates, while LNSCT showed long-term efficacy in eliminating dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia.

Penn team shows how seemingly acute viral infections can persist

A study from the University of Pennsylvania reveals how defective viral genomes can help infected cells survive despite an immune system attack. The researchers discovered that signaling proteins encoded by these genomes protect infected cells from apoptosis, enabling them to persist in the face of an antiviral response.

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.

What can be discovered at the junction of physics and chemistry?

Scientists have discovered a new type of rare molecules whose properties can be controlled by changing an external magnetic field. These paramagnetic molecules, part of the porphyrin class, are closely related to photosynthesis and respiration in living organisms.

Electron behavior under extreme conditions described for the first time

Researchers have successfully modelled electrons under extreme temperatures and densities, providing new insights into fusion experiments and potentially leading to a clean source of energy. The study solves a decades-old problem in physics by accurately simulating the thermodynamic properties of interacting electrons.

New techniques may help scientists understand and manipulate bone remodeling

Researchers are developing a 'lab-on-a-chip' platform to study cellular communication in bone remodeling, aiming to improve our understanding of bone health and disease. The platform could also be used to test medications meant to halt bone loss, offering a potential solution for osteoporosis and related conditions.

Gluten intolerance appears largely undiagnosed in Canada

A large-scale Canadian study found that nearly one percent of the population has elevated antibodies indicating celiac disease. Despite a strong genetic link to Caucasians, South Asian individuals were surprisingly affected by a specific genetic variant, suggesting other factors may play a role in who develops the disease.

Fueling the future

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution are developing tools and technology for mass production of seaweed for biofuels and chemicals. A breeding program and monitoring system will be created to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Predicting insect feeding preferences after deforestation

Researchers developed a method to predict parasitism rates using interaction preferences, allowing for efficient prediction without extensive field data. The approach was tested in three countries and found consistent patterns, enabling the design of models that capture systematic shifts in interaction preferences.

Deer prefer native plants leaving lasting damage on forests

A new study found that white-tailed deer prefer native plants to invasive species like garlic mustard and Japanese stiltgrass. This leads to a decrease in native plant diversity and an increase in non-native species, altering forest ecosystems.

Lifestyle changes can close regional obesity gap, study finds

A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that lifestyle factors such as diet and activity levels have a major impact on regional obesity rates in Scotland. By addressing these factors, public health initiatives can help narrow the health divide between regions.

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.

DNA damage caused by cancer treatment reversed by ZATT protein

Researchers found that a protein named ZATT can eliminate DPCs with the help of another protein TDP2. Understanding how TDP2 and ZATT work together may improve cancer patient health outcomes. The discovery could lead to development of new drugs targeting these defenses.

A dash of gold improves microlasers

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a new type of microlaser that uses gold nanoparticles to improve frequency comb technology. This innovation enables the creation of smaller, more efficient systems for applications such as portable chemical spectroscopy and cybersecurity.

Asymmetric sound absorption lets in the light

Researchers have developed an asymmetric sound absorber that can absorb sound energy while allowing light and air to pass through. The system uses a two-port design with a waveguide, enabling near-total absorption of sound energy from outside the room.

New study analyzes volcanic fatalities in more detail than ever before

A recent study in the Journal of Applied Volcanology analyzed volcanic fatalities in unprecedented detail, identifying common causes and victims. The research found that nearly half of all fatal incidents occurred within 10 km of volcanoes, with tourists, media, and emergency response personnel being among the most at-risk groups.

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.

Folding of the cerebral cortex -- identification of important neurons

The study found that neurons on the upper-layer cerebral cortex play a crucial role in gyrus formation, and that Cdk5 is an important gene involved in this process. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of brain evolution and development, as well as new treatments for diseases caused by gyrus impairment.

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.

A novel textile material that keeps itself germ-free

A novel textile material called Surfaceskins has been developed to reduce hospital-acquired infections by disinfecting itself. The device can reduce bacteria levels by more than 90% and is designed to be replaced after seven days or one thousand uses.

DSI professor conducts research to combat pancreatic cancer

A recent study by Tal Danino at the Data Science Institute demonstrates that bacteria in pancreatic tumors degrade a chemotherapy drug, Gemcitabine. The study found that antibiotics were effective in killing these bacteria in over 70% of mice, leading to rapid tumor progression without treatment.

NASA finds heavy rainfall in developing Tropical Storm Nate

Heavy rainfall is expected to occur over a wide area, including locations well away from the center, along the Pacific coast of Central America. The tropical cyclone is forecast to strengthen as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico, threatening coastal areas from Louisiana through the Florida panhandle.