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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 4


Page 4 of 43

Scientists discover surprising immune cell activity that may be limiting immunotherapy

Treg cells suppress immune function, but eliminating them doesn't eliminate their effects. In fact, dying Tregs release metabolites that affect T-cells, making them unhealthy and reducing the cancer-fighting effect of immunotherapy. The study suggests a new approach to limit this function and block the suppressive activity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 30, 2017

Examining potatoes' past could improve spuds of the future

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified key genes that helped domesticated potatoes adapt over thousands of years. By studying the ancestors of modern North American cultivated potatoes, scientists uncovered common genes and important pathways that enabled spuds to thrive in diverse environments.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

Umbilical cord blood improves motor skills in some children with cerebral palsy

A phase two trial showed improved motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy who received an infusion of their own umbilical cord blood cells. The improvements were greater than those seen in children receiving lower doses or a placebo, and exceeded expected gains from traditional therapies.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateOct 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Group exercise improves quality of life, reduces stress far more than individual work outs

A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that group exercise significantly improved mental, physical, and emotional quality of life, with a 26% reduction in stress levels. In contrast, individual workouts had no significant impact on stress levels or quality of life.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateOct 30, 2017

Quantum dots visualize tiny vibrational resonances

Researchers have discovered a way to visualize tiny vibrational resonances using quantum dots, which could lead to the development of new sensing technologies. The technique uses light waves to drive the motion of a thin membrane, creating patterns that can be visualized through an array of quantum dots.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 30, 2017

3-D 'scaffold' map to help the search for new cancer treatments

Researchers have produced a 3D map of SgK223, a molecular scaffold that plays a critical role in the development and spread of aggressive breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers. The map will enable targeting of specific regions critical for its function, potentially leading to novel strategies for cancer treatment.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 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.

NASA sees extra-tropical storm Saola moving by Japan

Extra-Tropical Storm Saola transitioned from a tropical storm and tracked southeast of Japan, moving north of Hokkaido on October 30. The storm was east of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, with clouds stretching into the Sea of Okhotsk and northwest Pacific Ocean.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 30, 2017

Results from the EXCEL QOL study reported at TCT 2017 and published simultaneously in JACC

Patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) showed similar quality of life improvements at three years. PCI demonstrated a greater early benefit, with improved health status measures that were sustained over time.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 30, 2017

The Lancet: Health impacts of climate change already felt today, as transition to low-carbon society must gain faster pace

The Lancet Countdown report reveals that climate change is having a significant impact on health, with 125 million adults over 65 exposed to heatwaves, and an estimated 5.3% loss in labour productivity. The report also highlights the increase in mosquito-borne diseases, air pollution, and economic losses linked to extreme weather events.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 30, 2017

Scientists penetrate mystery of raging black hole beams

A team of scientists has captured the time delay between X-ray flares and optical light flashes in a stellar-mass black hole, resolving controversy over jet plasma activation. This study uses precise multi-wavelength observations to demonstrate that relativistic jets are formed by gravity and magnetic fields.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 30, 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.

E-cigarette use by high school students linked to cigarette smoking

A large Canadian study links e-cigarette use among high school students to later cigarette smoking. The study found that youth who used e-cigarettes were more likely to start and continue smoking cigarettes. However, the association may be due to common factors rather than a causal effect.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 30, 2017

Helping smokers quit: Payments, personalized support can work

A new study found that smokers who received financial incentives, in addition to personalized support, were nearly 10 times more likely to quit smoking after six months compared to those in the control group. The intervention also showed significant reductions in smoking rates among older participants, women, and non-white smokers.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 30, 2017

Minor merger kicks supermassive black hole into high gear

A team of researchers used the Subaru Telescope to study Messier 77, revealing evidence of a hidden minor merger billions of years ago. The discovery provides crucial evidence for the minor merger origin of active galactic nuclei and sheds light on the mysterious phenomenon.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateOct 30, 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.

Cover crops provide bed and breakfast layover for migrating birds

Researchers found that migratory birds prefer fields with cover crops like cereal rye, providing a safe area to escape predators and increasing insect abundance. This leads to improved bird habitat and increased fueling time for migrants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

How flu shot manufacturing forces influenza to mutate

A new study from Scripps Research Institute reveals that egg-based production causes the virus to target bird cells, disrupting the major antibody target site on the surface. This mutation renders the flu vaccine less effective in humans, with recent vaccines proving only 33% effective against H3N2 viruses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 30, 2017

Jupiter's X-ray auroras pulse independently

Research using ESA's XMM-Newton and NASA's Chandra X-ray observatories found that Jupiter's south pole X-ray emissions pulse every 11 minutes, while north pole emissions are erratic. This behavior is distinct from Earth's auroras, which mirror each other in activity.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 30, 2017

Competitive divers face high risk of back, shoulder and other injuries

A Loyola Medicine sports medicine physician warns that even perfectly executed dives can lead to injuries, with a focus on back, shoulder, and elbow injuries. The athlete's intense training schedule, including frequent dry-land exercises, also contributes to the risk of injury.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCurrent Sports Medicine Reports·DateOct 30, 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.

Neanderthal and modern human noses

Researchers analyzed nasal morphologies to infer Neanderthal soft tissue, finding that cold-adapted nasal configurations evolved independently in both species. Computational fluid dynamics simulations showed faster air warming and humidification rates in Neanderthals compared to modern humans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

Spider silk could be used to power microphones in hearing aids, cell phones

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new type of microphone that uses spider silk to improve directional sensing across a wide range of frequencies. The study, led by Professor Ron Miles and graduate student Jian Zhou, found that the fine fibers are able to pick up velocity rather than pressure of air waves.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

'Precision medicine' for cancer patients may not always be so precise

A new study found that precision medicine for oncology is less precise for people of Latin American, African, and Asian ancestry due to the lack of diverse genetic population data. A computational tool called LumosVar was created to help researchers sort out potentially inaccurate results and improve precision medicine.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBMC Medical Genomics·DateOct 30, 2017

Under pressure

Climate change and human activities are putting North Atlantic right whales under immense pressure, with food scarcity and high mortality rates exacerbating their decline. The study predicts population growth will be hindered by climate-mediated food availability and policy-driven mortalities.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 30, 2017

Making glass invisible: A nanoscience-based disappearing act

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a method to reduce surface reflections from glass surfaces to nearly zero by etching tiny nanoscale features into them. This achievement could enhance solar cell efficiency, improve electronic display use, and support high-power laser applications.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 30, 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.

Wristband devices detect dangerous seizures in patients with epilepsy

New research published in Epilepsia indicates that wristband devices can improve the detection and characterization of seizures in patients with epilepsy. The devices detected 95% of seizures while keeping false alarm rates at a bearable level, providing real-time alerts to caregivers and improving patients' quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateOct 30, 2017

Right-handed baseball players more successful when batting left-handed

Research by Anglia Ruskin University shows that right-handed baseball players who bat left but throw right-handed have a surprising advantage in career success and hitting performance. This biomechanical advantage provides a longer lever to hit the ball, increasing their chances of becoming top hitters.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 30, 2017

Combatting viruses: Code breakers turn code writers

Researchers have created artificial codes to regulate viral assembly, outperforming natural codes in efficiency. The new understanding of viral self-assembly codes could lead to breakthroughs in cancer therapy and immunization.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

Genetic study uncovers evolutionary history of dingoes

A genetic study of dingoes found the species likely migrated to Australia in two separate waves via a former land bridge with Papua New Guinea. The study recommends treating genetically distinct populations as different groups for management and conservation purposes.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEvolutionary Ecology·DateOct 30, 2017

It's mathematically impossible to beat aging, scientists say

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that even with perfect natural selection, aging would still occur due to cancer cells cheating the system. Slowing down one type of cell can lead to an increase in another problematic cell type, making it mathematically impossible to halt aging.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 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.

UIC hopes to reduce LGBTQ youth homelessness

The University of Illinois Chicago has launched the 3/40 Blueprint website to address the lack of systematic research on LGBTQ youth homelessness. The site provides a user-friendly platform for professionals to access concise reports and original research, aiming to facilitate smooth transitions for these vulnerable youth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 30, 2017

Depression is on the rise in the US, especially among young teens

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant increase in depression among Americans aged 12 and older from 2005 to 2015. The prevalence of past-year depression rose from 6.6% to 7.3%, with the most rapid increases seen in young people and those with lower levels of income and education.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateOct 30, 2017

Satellite shows Post-tropical Cyclone Selma dissipate

Post-tropical Cyclone Selma dissipated near the border of El Salvador and Honduras as its maximum sustained winds decreased to near 30 mph. The cyclone's estimated minimum central pressure was 1007 millibars, with weakening continuing until it dissipates over the Sierra Madre Mountains.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 30, 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.

Study suggests the US' power supply has capacity to adapt to climate change

A new study suggests that climate change will negatively impact the reliability of US electricity generation, but today's infrastructure can be adapted to future conditions. Improvements in resiliency are driven by policy and economic opportunities making US power supply cleaner and more efficient.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 30, 2017

Immigrants living in the country without authorization at risk for anxiety and depression

A new study by Rice University found that nearly a quarter of Mexican immigrants living near the California-Mexico border without legal authorization have a mental disorder, with major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder being the most prevalent. The study's findings highlight the need for culturally s...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateOct 30, 2017

Political views have limited impact on how we perceive climate anomalies, study finds

A new study by researchers at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University found that individual perceptions of climate anomalies are largely immune to political bias. The study used high-resolution data and address-based panel survey to examine how people in Oklahoma perceived climate anomalies, including extremes of tempe...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 30, 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.

UTSA researcher receives $1 million award to aid food security

Garry Sunter, a UTSA researcher, has received a $1 million award to develop an insect-based technology that delivers genetic therapies to improve the health of mature, vulnerable plants. The goal is to enable plants to thrive in challenging conditions such as drought and disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateOct 30, 2017

Wave energy and rising sea levels

A study suggests that massive boulders in the Bahamas were transported by hurricanes during the Last Interglacial period, increasing risk of erosion with rising sea levels. The research highlights the potential impact of climate change on coastal environments.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

Focused ultrasound shows promise for treating Parkinson's tremor

A small pilot study found that focused ultrasound treatment improved hand tremor by up to 62% in participants with Parkinson's disease, with minimal side effects. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and potential role of this scalpel-free surgery approach.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 30, 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.

Building a sustainable future: Urgent action needed

A new report highlights the need for sustainable solutions to address growing energy demands from emerging middle classes. The study finds that adoption rates of energy-efficient materials and technologies vary greatly across countries due to differences in climate, economic power, and public perception on climate change.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalMRS Energy & Sustainability·DateOct 30, 2017

UA Cancer Center research team explores anti-breast cancer properties of soy

The UA Cancer Center research team has discovered that genistein, a compound found in soy foods, can protect BRCA1, a gene crucial in thwarting tumor development in breast tissue. This finding offers new hope for treating triple-negative breast cancers, which currently have no targeted chemotherapy available.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateOct 30, 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.

Research aims to help renewable jet fuel take flight

University of Delaware researchers have developed catalysts that transform lignocellulosic biomass into high-carbon molecules suitable for jet fuel, enabling cost-competitive and sustainable production. The process operates at low temperature and is scalable, addressing the need for non-petroleum-based fuels for aviation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalChemSusChem·DateOct 30, 2017

New report proposes learning tech inequality solutions

A new report by digital learning experts recommends following promising strategies to address equity in learning technologies. These include unifying around shared purpose, aligning home, school, and community, connecting to minority youth interests, and targeting specific subgroup needs.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateOct 30, 2017

Research pinpoints powerful biomarker of ,ultiple sclerosis

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered unique micro-RNA molecules in the blood that can diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) and predict its progression. These findings hold promise for developing a definitive diagnostic test, which could lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes for people with MS.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 30, 2017

Bears not bothered by diet high in saturated fats

A study found that captive bears fed a diet high in saturated fats and low in polyunsaturated fats did not develop insulin resistance or other diseases. However, mild inflammation and heart strain were observed, raising concerns about the long-term health of bears in the wild that feed on human refuse.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Zoology·DateOct 30, 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.

Researchers discover cause of brain sensitivity to lack of oxygen

A recent study by Maastricht University Medical Center and Maastricht University found that a specific enzyme, NOX4, plays a crucial role in the brain's sensitivity to hypoxia. This discovery has significant implications for treating post-stroke brain damage.

SourceMaastricht University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

NASA sees Tropical Storm Philippe off Florida coast

Tropical Depression 18 strengthened into Tropical Storm Philippe, located off Florida's east coast on Oct. 29, according to NASA's Aqua satellite analysis. The storm's cold cloud tops indicate very heavy rainfall potential.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 30, 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.

Researchers reveal the effect of nano-diamond on magnetorheological fluids

Chinese researchers found that nano-diamond significantly enhances the performance of magnetorheological fluids (MRFs), increasing their shear yield strength and settling stability. The results show a high potential for MRFs to be highly enhanced through the process, with improved settling stability under different magnetic fields.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateOct 29, 2017