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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 42


Page 42 of 43

Novel platform for investigating quiescence in dormancy-capable cancer cells

University of Minnesota researchers report a novel encapsulation approach to identify and maintain dormant cancer cells in a quiescent state. This method involves immobilizing cells within a rigid silica-PEG matrix, which prevents movement and proliferation, allowing for differential response between cancer cell lines.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateOct 2, 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.

What a rare blood disease can teach us about blood clotting

Researchers discovered a previously unknown region of antithrombin protein plays a crucial role in preventing blood clots. This finding could lead to better-designed drugs for other blood disorders and improved treatments for patients with antithrombin deficiency.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 2, 2017

Career Awards advance research for Jefferson Lab researchers

Two Jefferson Lab researchers, Ted Rogers and Justin Stevens, received $750,000 in funding to advance their research on protons and the strong nuclear force. Rogers aims to improve understanding of quark movement, while Stevens seeks to gain insight into hybrid mesons and QCD.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateOct 2, 2017

Study finds new program reduces absenteeism in primary schools

A pilot program in five North Carolina schools reduced absenteeism among first- and second-grade students by an average of 10%. The Early Truancy Prevention Program, which involved teachers visiting homes to establish a positive connection with parents and students, showed strong evidence of effectiveness.

SourceDuke University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateOct 2, 2017

Kinless adults in the United States

The study projects an increase in kinless adults among US citizens, particularly white and black Americans, from 2015-2060. The percentage of kinless adults is expected to more than double for white Americans and nearly triple for black Americans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 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.

Feeling sated can become a cue to eat more

A new study reveals that internal physical states can serve as contexts that cue specific learned behaviors, such as seeking food. Researchers found that rats conditioned to associate fullness with receiving treats pressed the lever far more often when they were full than hungry, suggesting a relapse pattern.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 2, 2017

Liquid biopsies may help predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors

Researchers found that patients with high numbers of alterations detected in their DNA collected from blood samples had a higher response rate to treatment, and median survival was longer. The study suggests that counting mutations in the bloodstream could help predict response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 2, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mini-kidneys grown in lab reveal renal disease secrets

Researchers at UW Medicine have developed mini-kidney organoids that can track the early stages of polycystic kidney disease. By manipulating the micro-environment, they found that cyst formation can be increased or decreased.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 2, 2017

Earth's tectonic plates are weaker than once thought

Researchers found that the strength of olivine increases with decreasing grain size, indicating the mantle is weaker than believed. This discovery may help understand how tectonic plates form and deform.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 2, 2017

Artificial light and nocturnal bird migration

Researchers observed that birds slowed down and increased vocal activity at the 'Tribute in Light Memorial' when illuminated by artificial light. The effects disappeared once the installation was extinguished, suggesting urban lighting may impact nocturnal bird migration patterns.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 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.

Healthy lifestyle linked to lower pain in MS sufferers

A study published in Frontiers in Neurology has found strong associations between healthy lifestyle factors and reduced pain levels in people with multiple sclerosis. Regular exercise was shown to increase pain threshold and tolerance, while a balanced diet and no smoking were also linked to lower pain levels.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateOct 2, 2017

Animals that play with objects learn how to use them as tools

Researchers found that birds learned about object properties through exploration before using them to solve tasks. The study suggested that playful exploration enables animals to gather information about their physical world, leading to creative problem-solving.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 2, 2017

Preventing autoimmune disease after a viral infection

A study published in Nature Immunology has found that a specific type of immune cell, called T follicular regulatory cells, plays a crucial role in preventing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus after viral infections. These cells prevent the generation of self-reactive antibody responses whil...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 2, 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.

A deeper understanding of a surface phenomenon

Researchers studied the movement of acetone droplets on water using a simplified model and three independent approaches, finding that ignoring surface tension's curvature leads to accurate calculations. The study has implications for understanding complex phenomena like droplet gliding and measurements like the Langmuir balance.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateOct 2, 2017

Glowing news for organic materials

Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully demonstrated persistent luminescence from organic materials, achieving long-lived emission lasting over an hour. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including bio-imaging and safety applications.

SourceKyushu University, OPERA·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2017

Fukushima radiocesium in Japan

Researchers sampled radiocesium at 8 beaches up to 100 km from Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant, finding highest levels in brackish groundwater beneath the beaches. The concentrations do not pose public health risks but have implications for nuclear power plant management.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2017

Researchers get first look at electrons escaping atoms

Scientists have successfully tracked an electron leaving the vicinity of an atom as it absorbs light, allowing for the classification of quantum mechanical behavior of electrons from different atoms. The breakthrough could eventually lead to controlling electrons' behavior inside matter and creating new states of matter.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 2, 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.

New report details innovations in water reuse

A new national report provides comprehensive guidelines for innovative water-saving techniques, emphasizing safe expansion of water reuse systems. Decentralized non-potable water systems, which use local water sources, are highlighted as a promising approach to reduce water consumption by up to 50 percent.

SourceColorado State University·DateOct 2, 2017

When HIV drugs don't cooperate

Researchers studied HIV drug combinations to understand why some drugs act synergistically while others do not. They found that virus protein mutations and host cell receptor density affect synergy, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 2, 2017

Skipping breakfast associated with hardening of the arteries

Researchers found skipping breakfast associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and poorer cardiometabolic health. Participants who skipped breakfast had higher waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 2, 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.

ALMA and Rosetta detect Freon-40 in space

Researchers detected Freon-40, a stable organohalogen molecule, around infant star system IRAS 16293-2422 and comet 67P/C-G using ALMA and Rosetta. This finding suggests that organohalogens may be an important element in the origin of life, rather than indicators of existing life.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 2, 2017

Fast-moving magnetic particles could enable new form of data storage

Scientists have discovered a way to create and control skyrmions at will in specific locations, paving the way for a new form of data storage. This breakthrough enables the storage of vast amounts of data in a tiny area, potentially extending Moore's Law.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·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.

A sea of spinning electrons

Scientists have discovered a 'chiral spin mode' - a sea of electrons spinning in opposing circles that can transport information with little energy dissipation. This breakthrough paves the way for building novel electronic devices such as computers and processors with reduced energy loss.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 2, 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.

New insights into leading cause of miscarriage, birth defects discovered

Two Northwestern University studies uncover how egg cells use innovative strategies to detect and prevent division errors, leading to birth defects and miscarriages. The research identifies essential proteins for cell division and a backup process that ensures the correct number of chromosomes is received by the embryo.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 2, 2017

Irish scientists can now produce electricity from tears

Researchers at the University of Limerick have discovered that applying pressure to crystals of lysozyme, a protein found in egg whites and tears, can generate electricity. This finding has significant implications for innovative applications such as electroactive coatings for medical implants.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 2, 2017

Blast off!

The University of Pittsburgh has established a new NSF-funded research center, SHREC, to focus on mission-critical computing in space, high-performance computing, and resilient computing. The center aims to bring in $1 million in annual external funding and collaborate with industry partners.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 2, 2017

Delayed hospital discharges could be linked to rise in population deaths

UK researchers found a link between delayed hospital discharges and rising mortality rates, with increased funding needed for the NHS and adult social care to address this issue. The study suggests that each additional day of delay in discharge is associated with an increase in deaths.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 2, 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.

Genre may impact cognitive training using video games

Researchers found that video game genres impact cognitive training, with strategy games offering unique benefits for memory and processing speed. Strategy games were associated with improved white matter connectivity in brain regions related to memory, while action games were linked to a brain region governing mood.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateOct 2, 2017

Sticker shock

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the cost of compounded medication to prevent preterm births is significantly lower than the brand-name version. The analysis showed that the compounded form costs an average of $206 per pregnancy, compared to $10,917 for the brand-name version.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 2, 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.

After medical error, apology goes a long way

A study published in Health Affairs found that communication-and-resolution programs significantly improve patient safety while reducing liability costs. The programs, which include apologies and explanations for medical errors, lead to a low percentage of events resulting in lawsuits, with only 5% leading to malpractice claims.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 2, 2017

Physician licensing laws keep doctors from seeking care

A recent study by Mayo Clinic found that nearly 40% of physicians hesitate to seek mental health care due to concerns about their medical license. The researchers discovered that states with licensing requirements asking about past mental health conditions have more reluctant physicians.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateOct 2, 2017

Tracking live brain activity with the new NeuBtracker open-source microscope

The NeuBtracker microscope allows for the simultaneous observation of neuronal activity and behavioral responses in zebrafish. This enables researchers to test the effects of substances on both brain activity and behavior, opening up new avenues for drug discovery and metabolic research.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Methods·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.

Did game design elements increase physical activity among adults?

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that game-based interventions can increase physical activity among adults. In a 12-week clinical trial, participants who engaged with gamification elements showed significant improvements in step goal achievements and average daily steps compared to those in the control group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 2, 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.

Financial incentives for physicians did not increase follow-up of patients after discharge

A study published in CMAJ found that financial incentives for physicians to see patients sooner after discharge did not influence their behavior, with no significant improvement in follow-up rates. The incentive program, introduced in Ontario in 2006, aimed to reduce costly readmissions by encouraging early physician follow-up.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 2, 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.