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Science News Archive October 2017


Page 39 of 43

Tubules to stop cell growth

Researchers discovered how TORC1 protein complexes regulate cell growth in response to sugar availability. In the absence of sugar, these complexes self-assemble into massive tubular structures that halt cell growth. The formation and disassembly of these tubules can be easily observed in living cells.

Patients' expectations influence the effectiveness of SSRI antidepressants

A new study by Uppsala University researchers found that patients' expectations significantly influence the efficacy of SSRI antidepressants. In a double-blind study, patients who received correct information about their medication showed three times more responders than those given incorrect information.

Designer biosensor can detect antibiotic production by microbes

Researchers from North Carolina State University have engineered designer biosensors that can detect antibiotic molecules of interest produced by microbes such as E. coli. The biosensors use a naturally occurring molecular switch to detect the presence of macrolide antibiotics, enabling the screening of millions of different strains qu...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ancient petrified salamander reveals its last meal

A 35-million-year-old salamander fossil from France has yielded a unique glimpse into the life of an ancient creature. Researchers have successfully imaged the internal anatomy of the specimen using advanced x-ray imaging techniques, revealing that it fed on frogs - a rare food source for salamanders.

NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator points the way to quality treatment

The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator offers a comprehensive strategy to help individuals search for professionally-led, evidence-based treatment. The navigator guides users through a step-by-step process to find qualified treatment providers, taking into account individual needs and preferences.

Incidence of measles in the United States

The overall annual incidence of measles in the United States remained low from 2001 to 2015, with most cases reported among unvaccinated individuals. The study suggests that failure to vaccinate may be the main driver of measles transmission, highlighting the importance of maintaining high vaccine coverage.

Large volcanic eruptions in Tropics can trigger El Niño events

Explosive volcanic eruptions in the tropics can lead to El Niño events by pumping sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, reflecting solar radiation and reducing global surface temperature. Climate model simulations show that El Niño tends to peak during the year after large volcanic eruptions.

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.

Cooling treatment reduces epilepsy in children

A new study published in Epilepsia found that cooling treatment for newborns who suffer from perinatal asphyxia significantly reduces the number of children developing epilepsy later in childhood. The research also showed improved cognitive performance, life quality, and life expectancy for these patients.

Monitoring microbes to keep Marsonauts healthy

A comprehensive study monitored microbial load, diversity and dynamics in a closed habitat for 520 days, finding human-associated bacteria to be the main source of microbial dispersal. The researchers also noted that confinement triggered significant changes in the bacterial community, with diversity decreasing over time.

Vitamin D protects against severe asthma attacks

Taking oral vitamin D supplements alongside standard asthma medication may halve the risk of severe asthma attacks that require hospital care. Research found a 30% reduction in steroid treatment and a 50% decrease in hospitalizations due to asthma exacerbations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Online parent training helps young kids with ADHD

Researchers at Lehigh University found brief online behavioral therapy for parents is equally effective to in-person training in improving children's behavior and parental knowledge. Parents participating in the streamlined 10-week format were more likely to be engaged and complete training.

Gabapentin co-use may increase risk of fatal opioid overdose

A new study found that gabapentin co-use with opioids increases the risk of fatal opioid overdose. The study analyzed data from Ontario, Canada and found that patients prescribed both gabapentin and opioids were more likely to die from an opioid overdose.

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.

Red Sea gene pool follows water flow

Researchers used satellite imagery and simulations to explore the role of currents in the Red Sea biosphere, finding significant variability in eddies that facilitate transport and dispersal. The study's findings suggest water circulation patterns play a significant role in determining the distribution of Red Sea clownfish populations.

Finnish researchers discover what is on the menu for dragonflies

Researchers from Finland's Universities of Turku and Helsinki have identified dozens of prey species consumed by adult dragonflies using DNA analysis of faecal samples. The study provides unprecedented specificity on the position of dragonflies in natural food webs.

New in the Hastings Center Report, September-October 2017

The Hastings Center Report examines ethical dilemmas in global health, including resource sensitivity, physician-assisted death and parental authority. The case for providing cheaper, less effective treatments to promote health and realize ethical values is presented.

UTA study sheds new light on evolution

Researchers at UTA and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology discovered the generation of H2, O2, H2O, and CO2 in the Earth's mantle, shedding new light on planetary evolution. The study also found that deep mantle upwelling can oxidize fluids to produce water and carbon dioxide.

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.

Do mothers favor daughters and fathers favor sons?

A new study found that mothers are more likely to spend money on their daughters while fathers prioritize their sons. This gender-based bias affects decision-making across various aspects of life, including charitable giving, college savings, and politics.

Psychosocial factors, psychological disorders and violent crime

A study by researchers at the University of Seville found that individuals with lower levels of education are 10.32 times more likely to commit violent crimes than those with high educational levels. Additionally, prisoners diagnosed with functional mental illness were 3.5 times more likely to commit or attempt murder.

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.

Morbidity and mortality of leprosy in the Middle Ages

A new study analyzing medieval skeletons found that contracting leprosy increased a person's chances of dying, but social status and sex also played roles. The researchers created a model to explore morbidity and mortality through a unique data set, shedding light on the complexities of the disease in the past.

Free iPhone app could guide MS research, treatment

A new iPhone app called MS Mosaic aims to improve multiple sclerosis management by tracking patients' daily and weekly symptoms. The app collects data through various surveys, performance tests, and wearable device integration, providing insights for more tailored treatment.

New machine evaluates soybean at harvest for quality

Researchers developed a machine to automate soybean quality evaluation during harvesting, providing real-time grain quality information. The system uses high-speed camera and computer program to analyze beans in real time, allowing operators to make adjustments as they go.

Breast cancer statistics, 2017

US breast cancer death rates are decreasing overall, with a 39% drop since 1989. Black women still face higher mortality rates than white women, but several states have seen significant declines in the gap between the two groups.

Gut bacteria metabolism may factor into hypertension

Researchers discovered a mechanism by which gut bacteria contribute to hypertension, involving the breakdown of cortisol into a molecule called GALF. This process can lead to an increase in blood pressure. The study aims to develop targeted therapies to combat hypertension.

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.

Trastuzumab treatment need not delay breast reconstruction following mastectomy

A new study has found that trastuzumab treatment does not increase the risk of surgical site complications that require intervention after breast reconstruction. Immediate breast reconstruction may be possible for patients receiving trastuzumab alone, but those on combination targeted HER-2 treatment should delay surgery.

New cardiac catheter combines light and ultrasound to measure plaques

A new cardiac catheter combines fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) with intravascular ultrasound to measure plaque composition, providing a more accurate prediction of heart attacks. The device has been tested in living swine hearts and human coronary artery samples, showing promising results.

New efficient catalyst for key step in artificial photosynthesis

Scientists have designed a new single-site catalyst that speeds up the rate of water oxidation, releasing protons and electrons that can be used to create hydrogen fuel. The catalyst improves upon previous designs, achieving a comparable rate to natural photosynthesis per catalytic site.

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.

Two agents deliver knockout punches to Ewing sarcoma

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered a novel agent YK-4-279 that, when combined with vincristine, halts the ability of Ewing sarcoma to grow and progress. The combination produces a microtubule catastrophe in cancer cells, targeting their ability to divide and multiply.

NIH researchers uncover drain pipes in our brains

Researchers at NIH uncovered the first evidence of a brain lymphatic system, suggesting vessels act as a pipeline between brain and immune system. The discovery uses MRI to scan brains of healthy volunteers and confirms results in human and nonhuman primate brains.

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.

Education faculty research suggests social action may give youth a career edge

A study published in Developmental Psychology found that socially active youth have higher expectations for their careers and are more likely to attain prestigious jobs. Researchers suggest that educators provide spaces for students to reflect on and challenge inequalities, leading to improved engagement and learning outcomes.

Too little is known about wildfire smoke

A review by UC Davis graduate students highlights the need for research on wildfire smoke's composition and its impact on human health. The study found that current scientific evidence is insufficient, and pesticides and fire-suppression chemicals used in California contribute to the toxic effects of wildfire smoke.

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.

Astronomers reveal evidence of dynamical dark energy

Researchers have discovered evidence of dynamical dark energy, suggesting that the nature of dark energy may not be a constant vacuum energy. The discovery was made possible by high-precision measurements of Baryonic Acoustic Oscillations and will require confirmation from next-generation astronomical surveys.

Pheasant roadkill peaks in autumn and late winter

Researchers found that large-scale pheasant release programs have not changed the birds' roadkill likelihood, but shifted peak times to autumn and late winter. Captive-bred pheasants lack survival skills after release, making them vulnerable to road accidents.

Heat-tempered magnesium alloy a strong choice for implants

Researchers develop heat-treated magnesium alloy that outperforms titanium in implant applications, promoting bone growth and stability while avoiding complications like infection and corrosion. The T-5 alloy shows superior mechanical properties, lower degradation rates, and limited risks of rejection or infection.

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.

Twitter a hotbed of anti-vaccine sentiment, study finds

A new study found that Twitter is a hub of anti-vaccine sentiment, particularly in affluent regions. The research used machine-learning algorithms to analyze over half a million tweets between 2009 and 2015, finding that half of online discussions about vaccines were negative.

Ammonia emissions unlikely to be causing extreme China haze

Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology found that elevated ammonia levels in Beijing have a relatively little impact on the acidity of pollutant particles. They suggest that sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide could be more significant contributors to extreme haze, which is linked to human health risks.

To breed or not to breed? Migratory female butterflies face a monsoonal dilemma

Researchers found that migratory female butterflies make distinct physiological changes to invest in flight over reproduction during migration. They remain reproductively inactive and carry a lighter abdomen to optimize energy use. This strategy allows them to breed at the end of the migration, producing large numbers of eggs.

Livestock grazing harming giant panda habitat

A new study reveals that livestock grazing has damaged one-third of giant panda habitat in the park, with bamboos being a crucial food source. The degradation coincides with a nine-fold increase in livestock numbers over 15 years, driven by factors such as increased consumer demand for meat and unclear government policies.

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.

Study: Women firefighters can improve safety, but department culture must change

A new study from Drexel University found that incorporating diverse ideas from women can improve safety in traditionally male fire departments. However, female firefighters often face hostile cultures and feel unwelcome due to hypermasculine environments. This can lead to a lack of reporting of injuries, which can be career-ending.

Reducing bullying the Finnish way -- in the United States

Researchers tested the KiVa program to reduce bullying and victimization in US schools. Results showed significant reductions in bullying, but implementation was limited by factors such as teacher burnout and lack of resources. Improving teachers' workloads and reducing burnout may lead to better outcomes.

Rare benign tumors hold the 'genetic recipe' to combat diabetes

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital discovered a genomic recipe in rare benign tumors that can regenerate insulin-producing human beta cells, potentially treating diabetes. The study's findings have the potential to develop new drugs that increase healthy beta cell mass.

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.

Oregon study finds that microbial dispersal impacts animal guts

A recent Oregon study with zebrafish found that transmitted microbes lead to similar gut microbiomes, selecting for particular microbes that are good at moving from fish to fish. This suggests the movement of microbes may drive microbiome variation and could impact human health.