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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 24


Page 24 of 43

Early palliative care provides no quality of life benefits for recently diagnosed MPM patients

A study published in the IASLC 18th World Conference on Lung Cancer found that early specialist palliative care for recently diagnosed malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients does not impact quality of life. Researchers concluded that there is no role for routine early referral to palliative care, regardless of symptoms.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 16, 2017

Whales and dolphins have rich 'human-like' cultures and societies

A new study found that cetaceans have sophisticated social and cooperative behavior traits, including complex alliance relationships, social transfer of hunting techniques, and vocal mimicry. The research suggests a link between brain size and cultural complexity in these marine mammals.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 16, 2017

Major advance in nanopore detection of peptides and proteins

Researchers at the University of Groningen create a funnel-shaped nanopore that can detect polypeptides differing by one amino acid. The technology uses electro-osmotic flow to pull polypeptides into the pore, producing a unique 'fingerprint' for each.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 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.

Endogenous infection marker guides antibiotic therapy

A new meta-analysis shows that procalcitonin reduces relative mortality by 14% and antibiotic side effects by 25% in patients with respiratory infections. This biomarker can help medical experts diagnose infectious diseases and tailor treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 16, 2017

Study suggests oysters offer hot spot for reducing nutrient pollution

Researchers discovered that oyster shells contain unique microbial communities with higher denitrification activities than sediments. This finding has important implications for oyster restoration efforts, which may reduce nutrient levels in coastal waters by leveraging the shell microbiomes' active removal of fixed nitrogen.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2017

Long nanotubes make strong fibers

Researchers at Rice University have advanced the art of making nanotube-based materials by characterizing and purifying long nanotube wires and films. The study found that longer nanotubes yield stronger and more conductive fibers, with an average tensile strength of 2.4 GPa and electrical conductivity of 8.5 megasiemens per meter.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 16, 2017

A kite that might fly

Researchers have identified the most favorable areas for harnessing high-altitude wind energy in the Middle East, where abundant and reliable winds are available. The study's findings suggest that regions over Saudi Arabia and Oman could be ideal locations for airborne wind-energy systems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Flu vaccine failed to protect young leukemia patients during cancer treatment

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that young leukemia patients who received the flu vaccine were still susceptible to flu infections, highlighting the need for additional measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Researchers emphasize the importance of hand washing and other precautions.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 16, 2017

Brain training shows promise for patients with bipolar disorder

Researchers at McLean Hospital discovered a unique brain training program that improves cognitive skills in individuals with bipolar disorder. The study found significant improvements in cognitive performance, memory, and visual learning, with sustained benefits six months after treatment.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateOct 16, 2017

Sleep duration may affect the integrity of sperm DNA

A study of 796 male volunteers found that shorter or longer sleep durations were associated with lower High DNA Stainability in sperm. Volunteers sleeping 6.5 hours or less had 30% lower DNA stainability compared to those sleeping 7-7.5 hours.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateOct 16, 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.

NASA sees Hurricane Ophelia lashing Ireland

NASA's Suomi NPP satellite provided detailed thermal and precipitation data on Hurricane Ophelia, showing extreme heavy rainfall rates of over 8.4 inches per hour. The hurricane was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone but expected to bring hurricane-force winds to Northern Ireland.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 16, 2017

Think laterally to sidestep production problems

KAUST researchers have created a new method for producing solar cells using lateral p-n heterojunctions, which achieve greater power conversion efficiency than traditional methods. This breakthrough simplifies the production process and enables cheaper solar tracking systems to become redundant.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 16, 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.

Einstein researchers share $9 million grant to find anti-aging therapies

Einstein researchers have been awarded a $9 million grant to study the genetic differences between healthy centenarians and people with no family history of extreme longevity. They aim to identify rare gene variants that contribute to longevity and develop drugs that mimic these effects, potentially leading to longer, healthier lifespans.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateOct 16, 2017

Family members play important role in managing chronic illness

A family approach to managing chronic illnesses can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. By working together on lifestyle changes such as healthier eating habits and regular exercise, family members can help patients stay on track with their treatment plans.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateOct 16, 2017

Astronomers detect colliding neutron stars for first time

For the first time, scientists have detected the collision of two neutron stars using both gravitational waves and light. The historic discovery ushers in a new era in astronomy with multi-messenger astronomy, confirming theoretical predictions and providing new mysteries to understand.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 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.

Germ-free hatching eggs: An alternative to formaldehyde application

Researchers have successfully tested a pre-industrial laboratory scale method using microorganisms as natural antagonists to eliminate up to 99.6% of germs from hatching eggs. The bacteria producing pyrazines demonstrated efficiency comparable to that of formaldehyde fumigation.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 16, 2017

Shaping animal, vegetable and mineral

Scientists from Harvard SEAS develop a technique to grow any target shape from any starting shape using a bilayer of elastic materials. The researchers demonstrate the system by modeling the growth of various shapes, including a flower petal and the face of Max Planck.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017

Tweeting rage: How immigration policies can polarize public discourse

Research by René D. Flores found that Twitter data shows a shift in behavior towards anti-immigrant users, with tweets becoming more negative after Arizona Senate Bill 1070 was passed. The study used sentiment analysis to determine the impact of the law on public discourse.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateOct 16, 2017

Radio 'eyes' unlocking secrets of neutron-star collision

The VLA detection and ongoing observations reveal key facts about the event that generated gravitational waves, including the amount of energy released and the environment in which it occurred. Radio waves will continue to provide valuable information for months or even years.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017
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.

Sales of sugar-sweetened drinks in Jamie's Italian restaurants fall by 11 percent after 10p levy

A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that introducing a small levy of 10 pence per drink to the price of sugar-sweetened beverages sold in Jamie's Italian restaurants contributed to a significant decline in SSB sales, with a 9.3% decrease observed six months later. The study suggests that financial measures...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 16, 2017

Childhood poverty, poor support may drive up pregnant woman's biological age

Researchers found that pregnant women with low socioeconomic status during childhood and poor family social support had shorter telomeres, indicating a faster biological age. This rapid aging may increase the risk of premature delivery, gestational hypertension, and other pregnancy complications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateOct 16, 2017

Men develop irregular heartbeat earlier than women; extra weight a factor

A new study found that men develop atrial fibrillation about a decade earlier than women and that being overweight is a significant risk factor. Researchers analyzed data from 79,793 people in Europe and found that men had higher diagnosis rates, especially after age 50, while women's rates increased after age 60.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateOct 16, 2017

Untangling vitamin D activation pathways in inflammation and bone health

A team of researchers has identified a region of the genome that regulates vitamin D activation in the kidneys, which could lead to new treatments for diseases involving vitamin D. The discovery also sheds light on the role of calcitriol in inflammatory diseases and its potential use as a treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 16, 2017

New study finds nature is vital to beating climate change

A new study by The Nature Conservancy found that better land management practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11.3 billion tonnes per year, equivalent to halting oil burning. Natural climate solutions could deliver 37% of the emissions reductions needed to hold global warming below 2 degrees Celsius by 2030.

SourceNature Conservancy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 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.

What's the next step for exon skipping therapies to treat duchenne muscular dystrophy?

A team of leading European clinicians and scientists presents a unique perspective on how to move forward in the development of exon skipping therapies for DMD. The authors discuss the main challenges and opportunities for these therapeutic agents going forward, including biomarkers in AON drug development and regulatory tools in the EU.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateOct 16, 2017

Treatment based On BRCA1 level does not increase survival of stage II/III NSCLC N+ resected patients

Researchers found that treating stage II and III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chemotherapy based on their specific BRCA1 expression levels did not increase overall survival rates. However, BRCA1 expression levels were found to be prognostic, and individualized treatment could achieve different outcomes.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 16, 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 antibiotic resistance genes found

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg have discovered 76 new types of antibiotic resistance genes. These genes can provide bacteria with the ability to degrade carbapenems, a powerful class of antibiotics.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMicrobiome·DateOct 16, 2017

Learning during development is regulated by an unexpected brain region

Scientists have discovered that the thalamus, a deep brain structure, plays a crucial role in regulating critical periods of learning and development. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, have important implications for understanding developmental problems such as intellectual disability and albinism.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 16, 2017

Inpatient satisfaction improved by five-minute intervention, study finds

A daily five-minute conversation that focuses on hospitalized patients' overall well-being and medical symptoms significantly improved their satisfaction with medical care. Patients who received BATHE showed a high degree of satisfaction and rated their medical care as excellent.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalFamily Medicine·DateOct 16, 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.

Cool your airfoils

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing advanced strategies to reduce the adverse effects of extremely high-temperatures on gas turbines. They are exploring applications for an anti-oxidation coating that can help cool airfoils and other hot-section components, enabling higher temperature operation for better efficie...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 16, 2017

Portable 3-D scanner assesses patients with elephantiasis

A portable 3D scanner has been developed to measure swollen limbs in patients with elephantiasis, a parasitic disease causing major swelling and deformity of the legs. The device provides highly accurate results in just a fraction of the time required by traditional methods, making it easier to assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 16, 2017

Astronomers follow gravitational waves to treasure

Researchers from the J-GEM collaboration observed a kilonova explosion, a phenomenon predicted to create heavy elements through rapid neutron capture reactions. The first-ever confirmed kilonova was detected using a network of telescopes worldwide, providing insight into the universe's heavy element production.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateOct 16, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study finds auto-fix tool gets more programmers to upgrade code

A recent study by North Carolina State University found that automated pull request tools can encourage programmers to upgrade out-of-date dependencies, resulting in a 60% increase in necessary upgrades. The research also showed that these tools can help maintain the most up-to-date versions of dependent software.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateOct 16, 2017

On the generation of solar spicules and Alfvenic waves

A new model reveals that neutral particles facilitate magnetic field penetration through the Sun's surface, producing spicules. This leads to the generation of Alfvén waves, which are thought to heat the sun's atmosphere and propel the solar wind.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalScience·DateOct 13, 2017

Study finds surgeries performed later in the day have more complications

A new study by Oxford University Press USA found that patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures between 9 pm and 7 am are at a higher risk of developing complications. The odds of complication more than doubled when accounting for the length of the surgery, highlighting the importance of performing surgeries during daylight hours.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNeurosurgery·DateOct 13, 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.

Study reveals complex biology, gender differences, in kidney cancer

A new study published in Nature Communications describes the unique role of androgens in kidney cancer, suggesting a potential new approach to treatment. Researchers found that androgen signaling can either stimulate or suppress tumor cell movement and invasion, with male patients being more likely to spread to the lungs.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2017

Restless legs syndrome study identifies 13 new genetic risk variants

Researchers have identified 13 new genetic risk variants for restless legs syndrome, a condition affecting up to one in ten people of European ancestry. The findings suggest that the condition may be related to neurodevelopmental disorders and offer clues for developing new treatments, including drugs like thalidomide.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateOct 13, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Insight into the challenges and contributions of nurse bioethicists

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's Connie M. Ulrich emphasizes the value of ethic preparedness among nurse bioethicists, addressing challenges in everyday practice and nursing's role in bioethics and care delivery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalPerspectives in Biology and Medicine·DateOct 13, 2017

Worms reveal secrets of aging

A new molecular pathway controlling lifespan and healthspan has been identified in worms and mammals. Excess levels of proteins called Kruppel-like transcription factors (KLFs) can extend lifespan and improve blood vessel function, highlighting a potential target for age-related diseases.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2017

The melting ice makes the sea around Greenland less saline

Ocean data from Northeast Greenland reveals long-term impact of ice sheet melting on freshwater content, affecting fjords and global ocean circulation. The study finds that increased freshwater input reduces plankton algae production, impacting fish stocks and potentially European climate.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 13, 2017