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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 40


Page 40 of 43

Visualizing life in silico

A new user-friendly interface allows cell biologists to create complex biological models using the Virtual Cell supercomputer, expanding access to modeling capabilities. The updated version of VCell enables users to define molecules and explain interactions with minimal coding, reducing complexity and increasing usability.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 3, 2017

Good vibrations for the future of computing

KAUST researchers have demonstrated a scalable, efficient alternative technology to traditional electrical transistors, using mechanical vibrations excited by multifrequency electrical inputs. This novel technique enables the cascading of logic gates, resulting in lower complexity and higher integration densities.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Microelectromechanical Systems·DateOct 3, 2017

Global research team fills language gap in plant science

A global research team of 22 scientists has created a comprehensive glossary of terms to describe cellular processes in plants, aiming to clarify confusion among experts. The lexicon covers key structures and processes involved in cytokinesis, a crucial phase of cell division that could accelerate breeding for sustainable materials.

SourceWashington State University·JournalTrends in Cell Biology·DateOct 3, 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.

One hour of exercise a week can prevent depression

A landmark study found that regular exercise can prevent future depression and that even small amounts of physical activity can deliver significant protection. The research involved 33,908 Norwegian adults and showed that 12% of cases of depression could have been prevented with just one hour of physical activity per week.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2017

'Ideal biomarker' detects Alzheimer's disease before the onset of symptoms

A new biomarker detects Alzheimer's disease in its preclinical phase, identifying individuals with impaired neuropsychological and neurophysiological functions. The discovery has high accuracy and sensitivity, offering a promising approach to early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceAgency for evolving and promotion of STEM disciplines·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateOct 3, 2017

Ninety-eight scientists launch a 2,000-year global temperature database

A team of 98 scientists from 22 countries compiled a comprehensive database of past global temperature records spanning 1 CE to the present. The PAGES2k 2,000 Year Multiproxy Database contains 692 records from 648 locations, providing the largest body of climate records with high temporal resolution.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 3, 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.

Tiny poisonous Brazilian frogs are 'deaf' to their own call

Researchers found that two species of pumpkin toadlets produce sounds outside their hearing range due to an undeveloped inner ear, indicating they are insensitive to the sound of their own calls. This finding suggests that these frogs may be evolving towards a loss of acoustic communication.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What is STEM education?

Research reveals eight mental models used by teachers to construct STEM-based lesson plans, highlighting the need for better understanding of STEM education's value and online classroom design. Implementing teacher leadership techniques in digital classrooms also improves communication patterns.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Science Teacher Education·DateOct 3, 2017

Genetic targets to chemo-resistant breast cancer identified

Research led by Dr. Carlos Arteaga has identified potential targets for treating chemotherapy-resistant triple negative breast cancer, including genes MCL1 and MYC. These genes can be targeted with specific drugs to slow or prevent chemotherapy resistance, improving the outlook for this aggressive form of breast cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 3, 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.

Scientists bring new insights into the heritability of HIV infection severity

A study examining HIV virulence and its effect on the human immune system found that both CD4+ T cell decline and per-pathogen pathogenicity are heritable from donor to recipient. Heritability rates revealed a significant 17% impact, indicating that viral genotype plays a crucial role in infection severity.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 3, 2017

LSUHealthNO to study cause of alcohol abuse linked to PTSD

Researchers will investigate how individual differences in stress response affect escalation of alcohol drinking after traumatic stress, with potential treatments for vulnerable populations. The study aims to identify neurobiological targets for treating alcohol abuse in PTSD patients.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 3, 2017

Surrounded by potential: New science in converting biomass

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have successfully decomposed lignin into stable components using a phosphate-modified ceria catalyst, producing useful industrial precursors for nylon production. The process eliminates the need for hydrogen from natural gas and uses an energy-conserving alcohol-based hydrogenation process.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateOct 3, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Medical scribes reduce hospital wait time, study shows

A new study from the University of Colorado Denver finds that medical scribes significantly decrease patient wait times by about 13 minutes per patient. The presence of a scribe also reduces the time physicians spend completing patient charts, lowering overtime costs for emergency departments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Economics·DateOct 3, 2017

A radical solution comes from mixing tools

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a unique reaction pathway that utilizes molten sodium-based catalysts to efficiently convert natural gas into industrial products. The catalyst, which forms hydroxyl radicals from oxygen and water, has great potential for various catalytic reactions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 3, 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.

Warming unlikely to have major impact on animal agriculture in Northeast

Researchers predict warming temperatures will alter forage growing season timing but have minimal effect on summer heat stress in dairy cattle. Poultry producers may benefit from lower energy costs, while beef cattle production could increase due to warmer conditions and more forage availability.

SourcePenn State·JournalClimatic Change·DateOct 3, 2017

House sparrow decline linked to air pollution and poor diet

A Spanish research team found that urban house sparrows suffer from more stress due to toxic effects of air pollution and unhealthy diets compared to their country counterparts. This could have health implications for people living in cities.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateOct 3, 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.

Benchmarking computational methods for metagenomes

The Critical Assessment of Metagenome Interpretation (CAMI) Challenge evaluated computational tools for metagenomes, assessing assemblers, binners, and taxonomic profilers. The benchmarking results provide performance overviews for developers and applied scientists, informing the selection of suitable software for research questions.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 3, 2017

Study identifies factors linked to dying comfortably for the very old

A new study from the University of Cambridge found that very old people are more likely to die comfortably in care homes or at home, compared to hospitals. The researchers highlight the need for improved training in end-of-life care for all staff and address the shortage of palliative care doctors in the NHS.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateOct 3, 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.

New targeted alpha therapy protocol for advanced prostate cancer

Researchers report on a new dosing regimen for actinium-225 labeled targeted alpha therapy, showing promising anti-tumor response in patients with PSMA-positive tumors. The treatment protocol balances treatment response with toxicity concerns to provide effective therapy with minimal side effects.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 3, 2017

Cell signals that trigger wound healing are surprisingly complex

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that wound healing is triggered by a complex series of calcium signals in cells. The team found that cells use both gap junctions and protein signaling to respond to injury, allowing them to differentiate between different types of wounds.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 3, 2017

KTP grant enables SME to take key role in rail electrification

A Huddersfield-based company has partnered with the University of Huddersfield to leverage a Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP) and develop modernized products for the rail industry. The partnership aims to reduce material usage, increase efficiency, and lower costs through the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateOct 3, 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.

A new way to produce clean hydrogen fuel from water using sunlight

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new metal-free photocatalyst that absorbs a wider range of sunlight than before, producing visible and near-infrared light-driven hydrogen from water. This breakthrough could lead to cheap and clean hydrogen fuel, tackling the challenges of the hydrogen economy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 2017

Clumps as temporary storage

Researchers discovered that yeast cells form protein aggregates in response to stress, which are then dissolved when the stress passes. The aggregates serve as a protective mechanism for essential enzymes, enabling the cell to quickly recover from stress.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 3, 2017

Reduced exposure to bullying could reduce mental illness in extreme preemies

A new study suggests that decreased bullying exposure and family problems during childhood and adolescence could help reduce adult mental illness in extremely low birth weight preemies. Early mental health support for these individuals and their parents may also be beneficial.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2017

'CRISPR-Gold' fixes Duchenne muscular dystrophy mutation in mice

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR delivery system, CRISPR-Gold, that can repair the mutation causing Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The system achieves an 18-times-higher correction rate and improves muscle strength and agility in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 3, 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.

New method for tissue regeneration, inspired by nature, described by scientists

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a novel approach to tissue regeneration, utilizing extracellular vesicles to stimulate cell production and facilitate tissue repair. The study shows promise in treating bone fractures, osteoporosis, and cartilage damage, with potential applications for widespread use.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2017

Got a picky eater? How 'nature and nurture' may be influencing eating behavior in young children

Researchers found associations between genetic variations and limited dietary variety, struggles for control during mealtime, and bitter taste perception. This study aims to understand the interplay of nature and nurture in shaping picky eating behavior in early childhood.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics·DateOct 3, 2017

Studies of 'amorphous ice' reveal hidden order in glass

A new study reveals that amorphous ice, formed when water is cooled to low temperatures, exhibits a previously undetected internal pattern known as disordered hyperuniformity. This finding may help explain water's unique properties and challenge the definition of glass.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 3, 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.

New method to measure cell stiffness could lead to improved cancer treatments

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method called quantitative deformability cytometry (q-DC) to rapidly determine a single cell's stiffness and size. This technique allows for standardized measurements of single cells and could lead to improved cancer treatments by tracking patient progress and predicting drug effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 3, 2017

Comparing different information levels (U. Saint-Mont)

The paper investigates differences between minimum and maximum information levels, introducing new theorems and concepts like overall info difference and typical ratios. It also explores inverse problems and applies comprehensive analysis to derive new insights.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Statistics & Probability Journal·DateOct 3, 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.

Children without allergies can still be afflicted with asthma-like coughing and wheezing

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic found that TRPV1 protein plays a critical role in airway disease through mucus production, cough reflex stimulation and airway narrowing. The study suggests that targeting this protein may lead to new strategies to reduce the impact of RSV infections in both asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 2, 2017

DNA: The next hot material in photonics?

Researchers fine-tune DNA-based thin films to achieve a range of refractive indexes four times greater than silicon, enabling the creation of thinner optical fibers. This could lead to applications in photodynamic therapy, optogenetics, and biosensors.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateOct 2, 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.

DNA mutations shed in blood predicts response to immunotherapy in patients with cancer

A study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers reveals that a simple blood test can predict which patients will respond to checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapies, with 45% of patients showing significant response. The findings suggest that patients with high numbers of genomic alterations in their tumo...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 2, 2017

Non-invasive imaging predicts cancer malignancy

Researchers at Osaka University developed a non-invasive imaging technique using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to quantify cancer severity. The method, called non-labeling multiphoton microscopy (NL-MPM), uses second harmonic generation and autofluorescence to detect malignancy with high accuracy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 2, 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.

Evolutionary crop research: Ego-plants give lower yield

A new study by Jacob Weiner found that less competitive wheat varieties produce higher yields when grown in groups, challenging traditional plant breeding methods. This finding could lead to a shift towards group selection and the development of more efficient agricultural practices.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEcology·DateOct 2, 2017