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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 13


Page 13 of 43

BU Medical student named TYLENOL Future Care Scholar

Adam Hsieh, a second-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the $10,000 TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship. He aims to pursue a career in medicine to better understand health and disease and extend compassionate care.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017

Personalizing human-robot interaction may increase patient use - Ben-Gurion U.

A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience found that human-robot interactions can be tailored to increase patient use. The researchers discovered that people prefer smooth, familiar movements when interacting with robots, which resemble human movements.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2017

Disaster makes people with depression less healthy

Research from Rice University found that individuals with depressive symptoms before a disaster experience increased inflammation, a major risk factor for heart disease. The study tracked participants' health markers after the 2005 Texas City petrochemical refinery explosion and found a significant increase in inflammatory markers.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MIT neuroscientists build case for new theory of memory formation

Researchers suggest existing models of memory formation should be revised due to existence of 'silent engrams' which store memories even when they cannot be retrieved through natural cues. Memories are stored in a specific pattern of connections that form between cells during the first few minutes after an event occurs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Scientists update 4 key fundamental constants

The updated values of Planck Constant and others bring world closer to revised measurement system, ensuring uniformly precise measurements that scale smoothly from almost infinitesimal to enormous. The new definition will redefine the SI's seven base units, including kilogram, kelvin, and ampere.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetrologia·DateOct 23, 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.

Single-molecule dissection of developmental gene control

A study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reveals the mechanism by which PHF1 increases PRC2 activity, allowing for efficient gene regulation across different species. The findings suggest that stable PRC2 chromatin interactions mediated by PHF1 are key to increased lysine trimethylation and gene repression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 23, 2017

Dr. YouTube ... what's your diagnosis?

A study analyzed 300 seasonal influenza videos on YouTube, finding that most were created by healthcare providers (4.50 score) or professional societies (mean score of 3.52). Despite containing accurate information, these videos often failed to thoroughly educate patients, highlighting the need for improved online health resources.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 23, 2017

Scientists develop new theory of molecular evolution

Scientists have developed a new theory of molecular evolution that explains how genes function and why proteins evolve. The theory applies statistical mechanics to understand protein evolution at a basic level, revealing the importance of amino acid interactions and sequence entropy of folding.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 23, 2017

Scientists write 'traps' for light with tiny ink droplets

Researchers at University of Cambridge develop a printing technique that can write structures small enough to trap and harness light. The method combines high-resolution inkjet printing with nanophotonics, enabling the creation of sensors, lasers, and compact optical circuits.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 23, 2017
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.

New tool captures fertility knowledge and attitudes in transgender youth

A novel tool captures fertility knowledge and attitudes in transgender youth, revealing early signs of common beliefs about fertility. The Transgender Youth Fertility Attitudes Questionnaire seeks to gather data to better support transgender teens, helping clinicians understand how their youth feel about medical gender treatments.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 23, 2017

Saguaro and other towering cacti have a scrambled history

The study found that the giant saguaro, organ pipe, senita, and cardón have scrambled family relationships due to long generation times. However, some similarities like succulent flesh were retained by some cacti through ancient genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017
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.

Research posits earliest tree growth method

Researchers uncover fossil evidence of a novel growth mechanism used by the Earth's first trees, allowing them to achieve large sizes. The study reveals that these early forests played a critical role in shaping global processes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Cryo-EM reveals ignition mechanism for DNA replication

Scientists at Van Andel Research Institute and collaborators have shed new light on the critical step of DNA replication, revealing a spring-loaded mechanism that positions DNA strands toward two side-way gates. This discovery offers fresh insights into a fundamental process of life and driver of many different diseases, including cancer.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Study: Gun deaths, injuries in California spike following Nevada gun shows

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that gun-related deaths and injuries in California spiked after Nevada gun shows. The study, which analyzed data from 2005 to 2013, showed a nearly 70% increase in firearm injury rates in California near Nevada gun shows compared to regions without such exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017
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.

Current organocatalysis and synthetic methods: Expanded aims & scope

Current Organocatalysis and Synthetic Methods is an international peer-reviewed journal covering organo homogeneous/heterogeneous catalysis, mechanistic studies, and kinetics. The journal publishes new methods, reagents, and mechanisms for chemical synthesis, with a focus on green chemistry and chemoenzymatic reactions.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organocatalysis·DateOct 23, 2017

Infants' inference of others' emotions

Researchers found that infants can match emotions with probable causes and search for the cause when it's incongruent. They distinguished between five positive emotional expressions in tasks involving looking and searching behaviors.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Legibility emerges spontaneously, rather than evolving over time

Research reveals surprising patterns in letter orientation, favoring certain symmetries and angles, with no evidence of long-term evolution through cultural transformation or selection. The study analyzed over 100 scripts from around the world, finding that human cognitive preferences directly affect character shape.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalCognitive Science·DateOct 23, 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.

Genetic rescue boosts recovery of Australia's endangered mountain pygmy possums

A genetic rescue technique has increased population numbers and survival rates of the endangered mountain pygmy possum, with a rapid growth of over 200 individuals detected since its introduction in 2011. Habitat restoration, predator control, and environmental protection also played crucial roles in conservation management.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2017

Selective memory

Researchers developed a new cache-management scheme that improves the data rate of in-package DRAM caches, reducing metadata transfer and increasing bandwidth. The 'Banshee' system adds three bits of data to each entry, enabling efficient storage and retrieval of frequently used data.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 23, 2017

Penn study links mutations in notch gene to role in B cell cancers

A Penn study found that Notch gene mutations drive expression of Myc and other genes in B-cell cancers, offering new insights into cancer growth and potential therapeutic targets. The research may lead to more effective treatment combinations by targeting Notch-Myc signaling pathways.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 23, 2017

Maternal responses to infants' cries

Researchers observed maternal responses to infant crying across 11 countries, finding common brain activity patterns in new mothers. The study suggests a neurobiological and evolutionary basis for the human maternal response to infant cries.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Are clinicians prepared to give bad news?

Two studies investigated clinicians' preparedness to give bad news, finding that only one-third have received formal training. Medical students receive less training than other professionals, but more experienced physicians compensate with better skills. The study also highlights the importance of communication training in delivering b...

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 23, 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.

Introduction of a novel system for in vitro analyses of zebrafish oligodendrocyte progenitor cells

Researchers have developed a novel in vitro platform to analyze zebrafish oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which could lead to improved spinal cord repair in humans. The system allows for efficient and controlled analysis of these cells, enabling the study of their differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Rhythm of memory

A study by Prof. Dr. Marlene Bartos and her team found that inhibiting circuits in the hippocampus create high-frequency brainwaves that support parallel processing and storage of information, a key mechanism for laying initial traces of memory.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2017

Activation of immune T cells leads to behavioral changes

Scientists have discovered that T cell activation leads to a depletion of amino acids in the blood, which in turn affects neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, causing anxiety and fear responses. In mice without PD-1 receptor, they found behavioral changes dominated by anxiety and exacerbated fear responses.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 23, 2017

Synthetic hydrogels deliver cells to repair intestinal injuries

Researchers created synthetic hydrogels that allowed human intestinal cells to grow and differentiate in a 3D environment, forming normal tissue structures. The hydrogels can be easily modified to support various cell types, offering a promising approach for treating gut injuries and potentially other organ damage.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 23, 2017

NASA sees Tropical Depression 27W still struggling

Tropical Depression 27W continues to struggle south of Guam, with vertical wind shear pushing clouds and thunderstorms away from its center. The depression is expected to consolidate and strengthen as it moves into warmer waters.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 23, 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.

Crops evolving 10 millennia before experts thought

Research reveals that humans systemically affected crop evolution up to 30,000 years ago, triggering domestication of rice, wheat, and barley. This discovery proves the existence of dense populations and challenges previous understanding of agriculture's origins.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 23, 2017

Resistive memory components the computer industry can't resist

Scientists at Yale University and international collaborators have developed new memsistor devices that can store information and regulate electrical current. The discovery offers great potential for applications in computing, particularly in neuromorphic and logic circuits.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 23, 2017

How hospitals respond when it's uncertain if the newborn is a boy or a girl

A new study found substantial variability across US medical centers in diagnosing and treating disorders of sex development (DSD), with some institutions lacking specialist teams. Families often face difficult decisions about irreversible procedures, highlighting the need for improved guidelines and collaboration among providers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateOct 23, 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.

UCSF innovators use EHRs to track hospital-acquired infection

Using electronic health records, UCSF researchers mapped over 435,000 patient location changes and identified a critical CT scanner in the Emergency Department as a significant source of exposure-related C. diff infections. This analysis led to improved cleaning practices and bolstered infection prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017

Novel therapies for multidrug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have developed novel antimicrobial compounds that can treat multidrug-resistant bacteria, enhancing the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics. The combination of colistin and a manganese tricarbonyl complex showed significant antibacterial activity in killing multidrug-resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 23, 2017

Are e-cigarettes with higher nicotine associated with more smoking, vaping?

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that e-cigarette users who vaped with higher nicotine concentrations were more likely to use combustible cigarettes and experience intense vaping. The research suggests regulatory policies addressing nicotine concentration levels may affect progression of smoking and vaping among adolescents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 23, 2017
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.

Moment of impact: A journey into the Chicxulub Crater

The IODP-ICDP Expedition 364 drilled into the Chicxulub crater off Mexico's coast, uncovering key findings about the impact event. The expedition revealed details about peak-ring crater formation and the recovery of life within 30,000 years after the impact.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 23, 2017

Solution to mysterious behavior of supercooled water

The study reveals that anomalous molecular motions in supercooled water lead to the breakdown of Stokes-Einstein behavior, with regions forming hydrogen bonds heterogeneously. The findings provide insights into the physical implications of this anomaly, which could help explain dynamic behaviors in glassy materials.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2017
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.

Teamwork makes the dream work?

A study by Montefiore Medical Center found that wearing personalized numbered jerseys for code team members significantly increases overall teamwork performance during cardiac arrest. The Mayo Teamwork score was higher in the experimental group, and the percent of directed commands was also increased.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 23, 2017

Birds without own brood help other birds with parenting, but not selflessly

A recent study by Sjouke Kingma found that birds help other birds of the same species care for their offspring in exchange for future benefits, such as inheriting territory or creating an army of little helpers. This behavior challenges the traditional view that all creatures are selfish and maximizing their own reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2017