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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 21


Page 21 of 43

UB spinoff company For-Robin moves one step closer to human clinical trials

For-Robin's monoclonal antibody JAA-F11 successfully targets and kills human breast cancer cells in human tumors grafted into mice, effectively treating triple-negative breast cancer. The company is now focusing on fundraising and preparing for human clinical trials to bring its product from the bench to the bedside.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNeoplasia·DateOct 17, 2017

Many women do not follow contraception guidelines after weight-loss surgery, Pitt study finds

A recent study published by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that many women after weight-loss surgery do not follow recommended contraceptive practices. The findings highlight the need for more frequent referral to counseling for contraception guidance throughout the bariatric surgery process.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 17, 2017

Researchers release the brakes on the immune system

A new study by the University of Bonn has identified a way to enhance the impact of killer T cells in fighting cancer. By blocking a protein called IKKβ, researchers were able to increase the effectiveness of killer T cells against tumor cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 17, 2017

You would not ask a firefighter to perform open-heart surgery

A study by Iowa State University researchers found that collective intelligence theory does not apply to real-world teams due to factors like leadership and communication skills. The research contradicts previous findings supporting the concept, which has been widely adopted in business and management.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateOct 17, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pill for glycemic control for type 2 diabetes shows promise

A study published in JAMA found that the semaglutide pill resulted in better glycemic control than placebo over 26 weeks, with significant reductions in HbA1c levels. The oral formulation of semaglutide also showed comparable safety and weight loss benefits compared to the injectable form.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 17, 2017

A new way to test body armor

Scientists at NIST have developed a new way to test high-performance fibers used in body armor, revealing critical damage mechanisms that lead to degradation. The technique uses positron beam analysis to characterize fiber structure, enabling the creation of more comfortable and effective vests.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Polymer Science·DateOct 17, 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.

Bridging the terahertz gap

Scientists have discovered a new method to generate terahertz frequencies, long considered challenging to source, using an infrared frequency comb. The innovative system produces extremely pure terahertz tones, opening up new applications for wireless communications and high-speed digital communication.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 17, 2017

Matchmaking with consequences

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have uncovered key details of how Myc proteins work inside tumor cells, revealing their crucial role in cancer development. The study found that an enzyme called polymerase-associated factor 1 (PAF1) plays a significant role in amplifying Myc protein activity.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 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.

Bringing the atomic world into full color

A French and Japanese research group developed a new way to turn AFM measurements into clear color images, enabling observation of materials and substances like alloys, semiconductors, and chemical compounds. The newly developed method holds promise for becoming widely used in the research and development of surfaces and devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 17, 2017

On-and-off fasting helps fight obesity

A study published in Cell Research found that intermittent fasting can be beneficial for the metabolism, reducing fat build-up and stabilizing glucose and insulin systems. After sixteen weeks of on-and-off fasting, mice weighed less and had lower body fat compared to control groups.

SourceSpringer·JournalCell Research·DateOct 17, 2017

Johns Hopkins finds training exercise that boosts brain power

A study published by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that a specific brain-training method, dual n-back, significantly improved working memory and attention in young adults. This exercise resulted in more substantial changes in brain activity, particularly in the prefrontal cortex region responsible for higher learning.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·DateOct 17, 2017
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.

A new way to harness wasted methane

Researchers at MIT have found a low-temperature electrochemical process to convert methane into valuable derivatives, potentially leading to lower-cost methane conversion and reduced flaring. This technology could provide an alternative to high-temperature industrial processes and pave the way for widespread adoption.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 17, 2017

UMass Amherst tick testing lab receives grant to study new disease

The UMass Amherst TickReport service is expanding its public health mission with a recent NIH grant and collaboration with L2 Diagnostics to study Borrelia miyamotoi, a tick-transmitted bacterium causing infection and disease in the US, Europe, and Asia. Researchers will conduct human testing on people who submitted B. miyamotoi-positi...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateOct 17, 2017

NSQIP geriatric surgery pilot study may help improve outcomes for older surgical patients

A new pilot study using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) found that 10 out of 14 geriatric-specific variables can predict morbidity and mortality outcomes in older surgical patients. The study identified risk factors such as cognitive impairment, surrogate consent, and...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 17, 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.

Live fast die young: Updating signal detection theory

Researchers developed state-dependent detection theory, which considers multiple connected decisions and energy reserves. The new model finds that as predation risk increases, animals become more tolerant of danger signals, prioritizing short-term survival over long-term reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 17, 2017

Many pelvic tumors in women may have common origin -- fallopian tubes

A new study suggests that many pelvic tumors in women may have a common origin in the fallopian tubes, which could lead to new strategies for preventing and early detecting ovarian cancer. The research found that ovarian cancer cells share genetic similarities with cells covering the tips of fallopian tubes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2017

Study reshapes understanding of climate change's impact on early societies

A recent study has reshaped the understanding of climate change's impact on early societies, focusing on ancient Egypt. The research, published in Nature Communications, explores how large volcanic eruptions affected Nile river flow, reducing summer flood heights and causing social stress that could trigger unrest.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2017

Rivers carry plastic debris into the sea

Researchers found a strong correlation between waste disposal in catchment areas and plastic loads in rivers. Large river systems contribute significantly to ocean pollution due to higher concentrations of plastic particles per cubic meter of water.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 17, 2017

New teleneurology curriculum provides guidelines for care

A new curriculum has been developed to provide standardized training for healthcare providers in teleneurology. The curriculum covers key areas such as technology, licensure, and patient relationships, aiming to improve the quality of remote neurology care.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNeurology·DateOct 17, 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.

Youth football: How young athletes are exposed to high-magnitude head impacts

Researchers studied exposure to high-magnitude head impacts in young athletes during football games and practice drills, finding that players in 'Back' positions sustained more head impacts than others. High-magnitude head impacts occurred more often in open field areas during games than in line of scrimmage.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·DateOct 17, 2017

'Find the Lady' in the quantum world

Researchers propose swapping atoms to demonstrate exotic properties. The process involves swapping two identical atoms without distinguishing them, leading to questions about individuality and connection in the quantum realm. This phenomenon has philosophical implications, as it challenges traditional notions of identity and connection.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 17, 2017

RUDN University chemists developed a promising drug synthesis method

Scientists from RUDN University have developed a new way to synthesize 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives, including the active ingredient of genetic disorder treatment drugs. The new method simplifies production while reducing costs and enabling high-yield synthesis without expensive reagents.

SourceRUDN University·JournalTetrahedron Letters·DateOct 17, 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 examination of occupational licensing contradicts decades of research

A new study examining occupational licensing contradicts decades of research, finding that licensure may rigidify reward structures and enhance entry for historically disadvantaged groups. The study reveals that licenses do not limit competition or increase wages, but rather stagnate quality and widen wage inequality.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 17, 2017

Preservation for the (digital) ages

Digital archivists from UT Austin collaborate with classicists to improve database preservation methods, enabling long-term accessibility of texts. The new approach preserves data and interactive applications separately, allowing for reuse in different contexts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateOct 17, 2017

Scientists create most powerful micro-scale bio-solar cell yet

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a micro-scale biological solar cell that generates high power density and long operational capability, making it suitable for lab-on-a-chip applications in remote regions. The device harnesses microbial photosynthetic and respiratory activities to provide a clean and renewable power source.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateOct 17, 2017

Missing link between new topological phases of matter discovered

The study reveals that bismuth doping in PbSnSe films causes a ferroelectric phase transition, changing the allowable energy levels of electrons. This effect enables the development of new functionality, including lossless conduction of electricity.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2017

Predicting how healthy your heart will be years down the road

A team of researchers is working on a computer software that can deliver better therapies for patients with life-threatening heart failure. The computer model will take MRI or genetic data of a patient and build a multiscale simulation of their heart, leading to more personalized treatment plans.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateOct 17, 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.

Volcanic eruptions linked to social unrest in Ancient Egypt

Researchers discovered a possible reason for Ptolemy III's sudden return home: massive volcanic eruptions. These events cooled the planet's atmosphere, disrupting the Nile River's flow and leading to food shortages and heightened tensions. The study links eruptions to violent uprisings and other upheavals in ancient Egypt.

SourceFuture Earth·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2017

Study shows how water could have flowed on 'cold and icy' ancient Mars

Researchers found a potential bridge between Martian geology and atmospheric models, suggesting peak daily temperatures above freezing could cause melting at glacier edges. This meltwater could have carved the features observed on Mars today, supporting the formation of water-carved valleys and lakebeds.

SourceBrown University·JournalIcarus·DateOct 17, 2017

Pair of discoveries illuminate new paths to flu and anthrax treatments

Researchers have identified key pathways and mechanisms underlying viruses and infections, opening new avenues for treatment. The studies found that targeting the Hedgehog pathway may reduce severity of flu symptoms and could lead to effective treatments for anthrax infection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 17, 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.

Yeast spotlights genetic variation's link to drug resistance

Researchers found that high genetic diversity can prime new mutations causing drug resistance in yeast cells, with varying degrees of impact. The study highlights the importance of understanding genetic diversity's role in evolving drug resistance, with potential implications for treating antimicrobial and anticancer diseases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 17, 2017

How bees find their way home

Researchers identified 'speed neurons' and 'direction neurons' in the bee brain that work together to create a memory for navigation. This ability is crucial for bees, as they rely on it to return to their hive after foraging trips.

SourceLund University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 17, 2017

New research opens the door to 'functional cure' for HIV

Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have shown that a novel compound effectively suppresses HIV virus production in chronically infected cells and prevents viral rebound. The 'block-and-lock' approach blocks reactivation of the virus in cells and locks it into a durable state of latency.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 17, 2017
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.

Culturally tailored obesity intervention a success for hispanic students

A UH-led research found that Hispanic middle school students who worked with high school health mentors, called compañeros, lost significantly more weight and kept it off longer. After six months, 80% of students with compañeros decreased or maintained their BMI, compared to 64% without.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateOct 17, 2017

Amazonian hunters deplete wildlife but don't empty forests

A new study reveals that Amazonian communities with access to healthy fish stocks and large areas of intact forest do not empty their forests through sustainable subsistence hunting. However, large-bodied species and those forming large groups are depleted near communities, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2017

A new compound targets energy generation, thereby killing metastatic cells

A new synthetic compound, E260, has been developed to target the energy generation system of cancer cells, inhibiting an enzyme that supports their survival and dissemination. This approach has shown promising results in treating mice with metastatic cancer, completely curing them with no toxic effects.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2017

New techniques boost performance of non-volatile memory systems

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed new software and hardware designs to improve the performance and reliability of non-volatile memory systems. The 'Proteus' system uses a flexible and fast approach to logging, reducing the need for additional code and preserving long-term memory reliability.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateOct 17, 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.

'Wasabi receptor' for pain discovered in flatworms

A Northwestern University research team found a conserved mechanism for nociception in planarian flatworms, fruit flies, and humans. The discovery could lead to new strategies for treating acute pain in humans by designing analgesic drugs targeting the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) receptor.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 17, 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.

Therapeutic form of arsenic is a potential treatment for deadly type of brain cancer

Researchers found that arsenic trioxide can be a powerful therapy for glioblastoma multiforme, extending patient survival by three to four times. The treatment targets specific genomic signatures of brain tumor cells, allowing for precision medicine and matching the right drug to the right patient.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateOct 17, 2017

MIPT scientists revisit optical constants of ultrathin gold films

Researchers at MIPT have conducted precise measurements of ultrathin gold films, which are key components of modern micro- and nanoscale optical and optoelectronic devices. The findings reveal that the properties of thin gold films are heavily dependent on their structure and average grain size.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 17, 2017

Navigational view of the brain thanks to powerful X-rays

A research team led by Eva Dyer has imaged brains at a mesoscale using the most powerful X-ray beams in the country, revealing capillary grids interlacing brain tissues. The technique could open new windows onto how brain signaling networks work and potentially lead to better understanding of neurological diseases.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournaleNeuro·DateOct 17, 2017

Fighting fires before they spark

Researchers found that mechanically thinning and prescribed burns can reduce fire-severity by up to 60% when used optimally. The study's findings have implications for forest management teams across the US, highlighting the importance of fire in ecosystem restoration.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 17, 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.

Reservoir explorers find extra HIV/SIV pond

Researchers identify regulatory T cells containing replication-competent virus in lymph nodes and gut, providing a strong rationale for targeting CTLA4. The discovery could help design immunotherapies to purge the viral reservoir and induce a stronger antiviral immune response.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateOct 17, 2017