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Science News Archive September 2017


Page 32 of 39

Trigger for fatty liver in obesity

Researchers identified a signaling pathway in liver cells that contributes to fatty liver disease in obesity. The study found that increased Fas content leads to liver steatosis and insulin resistance, while low BID content protects against fatty liver development.

New treatment on the horizon for type 1 diabetes sufferers

Researchers at Westmead Institute for Medical Research have discovered a new approach to treating type 1 diabetes, using pancreatic islet transplants delivered into the quadriceps muscle. This method presents fewer risks than current clinical practice of transplanting islets into the liver via the portal vein.

Birds are on the move in the face of climate change

Research reveals significant changes in bird communities due to climate change and land use in northern Europe. Species composition is shifting with some gaining range while others lose it, leading to new community compositions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Better understanding of 'one of the most complex organs' for better lung treatments

A study published by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified two distinct cell types in the lungs, one promoting regeneration and the other forming scar tissue. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies for conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary...

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.

Are you barking up the wrong tree by sleeping with your dog?

A new Mayo Clinic study found that sleeping with dogs can help people sleep better, but only if they're in the bedroom, not in bed. The study of 40 healthy adults and their dogs over five months showed that having pets nearby can provide comfort and security.

What makes alcoholics drink? Research shows it's more complex than supposed

New research shows that long-term mental health problems do not affect drinking patterns, but a history of depression differs significantly among men; those with depression drink less often than those without. The study suggests that there is no single answer to why alcoholics drink and may require personalized treatment approaches.

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.

Article on armed conflict wins Best Research Paper

Dr George Ndi's research highlights the need to upgrade international laws governing warfare due to increasingly asymmetric conflicts involving states and non-state parties. His paper also explores the legal implications of drone technology and stockpiling weapons of mass destruction.

A new learning rule for memory formation and storage revealed

Researchers discovered a new learning mechanism that spans seconds, allowing for the storage of entire sequences of events, including places traversed. This finding challenges the widely accepted Hebbian learning rule, suggesting no causal relationship between interconnected neurons is required to form long-lasting associations.

Cilia: 'The bouncer' of bacteria

Researchers found that cilia play an active role in filtering bacteria by creating a vortical flow field, and shorter cilia mix the local flow to enhance chemical screening. Cilia are essential for selective recruitment of symbiotic bacteria, as their dysfunction can lead to pulmonary conditions and infertility.

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.

The sand trap: Demand outpaces caution -- and knowledge

Researchers warn that easy access to sand has bred a careless understanding of its true global costs, leading to environmental degradation and social issues. The global sand supply is uncertain, with no clear system in place for managing demand and extraction rates.

What role do genome variations play in tuberculosis?

A genome-wide association study identified the CD53 gene as a susceptible locus for tuberculosis. Increased CD53 expression was observed in active TB patients, supporting its biological role in disease susceptibility. This research lays the foundation for identifying individuals at high risk of developing tuberculosis.

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.

Life expectancy trends tied to 2016 voting choices

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Jacob Bor found that counties with lower life expectancy gains saw a significant increase in Republican votes, while Democrats lost votes in these areas. The findings suggest that voters' health needs may be driving their electoral decisions.

Drivers don't ignore a ringing phone but do ignore the risk

A new QUT study reveals that drivers find it difficult to ignore a ringing phone but do ignore the dangers, with 45% believing locating and answering is not as risky as talking or texting. Drivers underestimate the distracting dangers of passive phone use, adapting their behavior only when actively using their phone.

Hidden impacts of sand extraction and trade

The global demand for sand is linked to environmental degradation and social conflicts, threatening water and food security. An interdisciplinary scientific approach is needed to identify sustainable extraction methods.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Healthy aging: New EU project on the human liver

The EU-funded DeLIVER project aims to understand how medical drugs affect the liver and how it changes with age, with researchers from 9 countries working together to develop minimally invasive procedures.

Satellites show different sides of Hurricane Irma

Satellite imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite revealed a clear eye with powerful bands of thunderstorms circling the eye. Cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 83.1 degrees Celsius indicated the most powerful storms in Irma, stretching high into the troposphere.

A tiny device offers insights to how cancer spreads

A team of researchers developed a tiny microfluidic device to track the long-term evolution of invasive cancer cells. The device allowed them to cultivate cells for up to three weeks, providing valuable insights into the biology of aggressive cells and potential targets for therapy.

Sometimes you shouldn't say sorry

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that saying sorry when making a social rejection can have the opposite effect of its intention. Researchers found that apologizing can increase feelings of hurt and create pressure to forgive before being ready. The study's findings challenge popular beliefs about apologies in so...

Ebola: Early immune response provides insight into vaccination

Researchers identified a signature of five early innate immune markers correlating with antibody titers after vaccination, providing insight into VSV-based vaccine efficacy. The study's findings could lead to accelerated vaccine development and improved emergency vaccine strategies.

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.

Human papillomavirus 16 infections may pose variable cancer risk

Researchers have found that human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) infections can have varying levels of cancer risk due to unique genetic variations. Studies revealed thousands of distinct HPV16 genomes in infected individuals, with some variants linked to increased carcinogenic potential.

Double targeting ligands to identify and treat prostate cancer

Researchers have developed a new approach to precisely identify and localize prostate cancer tumors while protecting healthy tissue. The double targeting ligand RPS-027 binds to both PSMA and albumin, reducing kidney uptake and increasing tumor-to-tissue ratios for improved therapeutic profile.

How do close relationships lead to longer life?

Research highlights benefits of social connections on physical and mental health, with decreased risk of mortality associated. The special issue emphasizes the need to integrate social relationships into public health priorities.

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.

Chen receives Humboldt Award

Long-Qing Chen, a renowned professor at Penn State, has been awarded the Humboldt Research Award for his significant contributions to materials science and engineering. He plans to establish international collaborations and learn about European cultures through a one-year research project in Germany.

New dental imaging method uses squid ink to fish for gum disease

A new dental imaging method using squid ink combines light and ultrasound for a comprehensive and accurate examination of gums without pain or discomfort. This non-invasive approach enables dentists to create detailed maps of gum pocket depths, surpassing the conventional method's limitations.

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.

Mediterranean-style diet may eliminate need for reflux medications

A plant-based Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to provide the same medical benefits as popular reflux medications for treating laryngopharyngeal reflux. The diet led to a 62.6% reduction in Reflux Symptom Index, compared to 54.1% in patients taking proton pump inhibitors.

Fast magnetic writing of data

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully developed a novel method to rapidly and efficiently write data onto magnetic carriers using a spin-orbit-torque technique. The technique involves the application of electric current pulses through an adjacent wire, which causes magnetization inversion without the need for coils.

UT Austin study raises question: Why are fossilized hairs so rare?

Researchers at UT Austin found that fossilized hair is extremely rare, unlike feathers, due to its composition and preservation conditions. The team analyzed a massive database of fossilized body coverings to determine the frequency of different types of body coverings in exceptional sites.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Quantum detectives in the hunt for the world's first quantum computer

Researchers at University of Sydney and Microsoft Station Q have confirmed the existence of Majorana fermions, a quasiparticle at the heart of topological quantum computing. This finding is essential for building practical quantum computers and will also be useful in spintronic systems.

Paint by numbers

The study uses image data to reconstruct the cell cycle of white blood cells and the progress of diabetic retinopathy, demonstrating the method's capability in handling continuous biological processes. The software also identifies individual categories and assigns measured data to clusters when data is not part of a continuous process.

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.

Interrupting Parkinson's disease

Researchers have identified a toxic cascade in Parkinson's disease and found that treating dopamine neurons with antioxidants early on may prevent degeneration and improve neuron function. The study also highlights the importance of studying human neurons to develop new therapies.

Alcohol industry misleading the public about alcohol-related cancer risk

A study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that alcohol industry organisations distort information on cancer risk, particularly for breast and colorectal cancers. The researchers call for policymakers to reconsider relationships with these bodies, which develop alcohol policy and disseminate health info.

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.

Exchanges of identity in deep space

Researchers recreated complex cosmic simulations to investigate a possible transformation process where photons become axions and retransform into photons upon interacting with magnetic fields. This phenomenon may explain the observed brightness of distant celestial bodies.

Immune cells halt fungal infection by triggering spore suicide

Human immune cells in the lungs can trigger programmed cell death in inhaled fungal pathogens, preventing germination and host invasion. Pharmacologic inhibition of a key fungal protein has shown promise as a potential therapeutic approach against invasive aspergillosis.