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Science News for September 8, 2017


Bariatric surgery associated with semen abnormalities and reduced fertility in men

A meta-analysis of studies found frequent sperm aberrations and lower fertility rates among men after undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures. Researchers identified elevated estrogen hormone levels and deficient vitamin D as potential factors contributing to semen abnormalities and reduced fertility.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care·DateSep 8, 2017

New software can detect when people text and drive

The system uses cameras and AI to detect hand movements deviating from normal driving behavior, grading them for possible safety threats. Researchers hope the technology will reduce traffic accidents caused by distracted drivers, a major contributor to global crashes.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateSep 8, 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.

Immune cells help fat deal with environmental challenges

Regulatory T-cells in adipose tissue increase in response to environmental stimuli, promoting heat production and fatty acid breakdown. This discovery highlights the complex interactions between immune cells and environment in maintaining metabolic balance.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 8, 2017

Satellites show Hurricane Katia crawling to the Mexico coast

Hurricane Katia is moving toward the west-southwest near 3 mph (6 km/h) and is expected to make landfall on Saturday, Sept. 9, bringing powerful bands of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The storm's eye is becoming more distinct, with a Hurricane Warning in effect for parts of Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 8, 2017

Later circadian timing of food intake is associated with increased body mass index

Researchers found that individuals with high body fat percentages consumed most of their calories shortly before going to sleep when melatonin levels were high. This study provides evidence that the consumption of food during the circadian evening/night plays an important role in body composition.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 8, 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.

Are we being watched? Tens of other worlds could spot the Earth

A team of scientists identified 68 exoplanets where observers can see the planets in our Solar System transit the Sun. Nine of these are ideally placed to observe Earth's transits, although none are habitable.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 8, 2017

2017 Science in Society Awards winners announced

The 2017 Science in Society Journalism Awards honored winners for their investigative reports on topics such as the world's most expensive fish, corporate-funded research, and antibiotic resistance. The awards aim to encourage critical work that considers social effects and ethical problems associated with scientific findings.

SourceNational Association of Science Writers·DateSep 8, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How to draw electricity from the bloodstream

A lightweight power generator based on carbon nanotube fibers can convert the energy of flowing blood into electricity with high efficiency. The device, called a fiber-shaped fluidic nanogenerator (FFNG), was developed by Chinese scientists from Fudan University.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 8, 2017

Medicaid expansion linked to lower uninsured rates

New research found that Medicaid expansion is associated with a significant decrease in uninsured rates among low-income adults with newly diagnosed cancer. In addition, there is a small but statistically significant trend toward earlier stage cancer diagnoses in Medicaid expansion states.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 8, 2017

Lung cancer: Scientists find answer to resistance

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have discovered a new strategy to overcome resistance in lung cancer, which often leads to treatment failure. By combining an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor with an AKT inhibitor, tumor growth can be arrested, potentially improving patient survival.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2017

Who is the chief culprit of dust concentrations over East Asia?

A recent study reveals that the Gobi Desert is a significant contributor to East Asian dust concentrations, with approximately 35% of its emissions transported to remote areas. In contrast, the Taklimakan Desert's dust particles are less likely to be transported due to its geographical location and wind patterns.

SourceScience China Press·DateSep 8, 2017
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.

'Triggers': A new tool to assess cancer patients' palliative needs

The 'Triggers' tool evaluates cancer patients' palliative care needs at an earlier stage, enabling early referrals and potentially improving prognosis. A pilot study showed that 75% of patients who triggered positive on the tool items had a moderate need for specialist palliative care.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateSep 8, 2017

Internal mechanism found to be responsible for the limitless growth potential of epithelial tumors

Epithelial tumours can grow independently of their microenvironment, driven by a feedback amplification loop that activates the JNK stress signalling pathway. This internal mechanism triggers proliferation in non-proliferating cells, leading to chromosomal instability and loss of epithelial polarity.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2017

Why it's difficult to predict evolutionary fate of a new trait

New study highlights challenges in predicting evolutionary fate of new traits, citing factors such as environmental change, social life of alleles, and genetic interactions. This complexity can lead to the emergence of drug resistance and disease outbreaks, emphasizing the need for improved predictive models.

SourceBrown University·DateSep 8, 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.

Folic acid may mitigate autism risk from pesticides

Researchers found that mothers who took recommended amounts of folic acid around conception had a significantly lower risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) even when exposed to household or agricultural pesticides. Folic acid intake was associated with reduced autism risk, but did not eliminate it.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 8, 2017

South Asians with family history of heart disease at greater risk

Research shows people of South Asian descent with a family history of coronary heart disease are more likely to have high levels of calcium buildup in their arteries. A CT scan may be an important test for those at risk, according to UT Southwestern cardiologists.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 8, 2017

Researcher at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown receives ERC grant

Eugenia Chiappe, a principal investigator at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant to investigate how the human brain builds a mental representation of body movements. Her team plans to use fruit fly research as a model to better understand this process.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·DateSep 8, 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.

NASA gets 'eyed' by major Hurricane Jose

NASA's Aqua satellite captures clear view of Hurricane Jose's eye as it strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane. Powerful storms surround the center, capable of heavy rainfall and powerful winds of up to 150 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 8, 2017

Endobronchial valve treatment appears to improve lung function in patients with severe emphysema

A multicenter trial found that endobronchial valve treatment improves lung function, reduces shortness of breath and exercise intolerance, and increases quality of life in patients with severe heterogeneous emphysema. The treatment has been shown to be safe and effective for appropriately selected patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 8, 2017

Animal welfare: Potential new indicator of chronic stress in horses

A recent study discovered that cortisol levels in horses showing signs of compromised welfare were lower than those without such issues. This challenges the conventional view of cortisol as a sole indicator of stress and highlights the need for alternative measures to assess equine welfare.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 8, 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.

High-speed quantum memory for photons

Physicists from University of Basel create a simple and fast quantum memory that stores photons, enabling ultra-fast data transfer and potentially leading to unconditionally secure communication and super-fast quantum computers. The technology has low noise levels and can be implemented in compact setups.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 8, 2017

Under-reporting of vertebral fractures by radiologists: A missed opportunity

A study found that less than half of detectable vertebral fractures are reported by radiologists, particularly in non-musculoskeletal radiologists. This under-reporting can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, increasing the risk of future hip fractures.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·DateSep 8, 2017

Team led by graduate student at PPPL produces unique simulation of magnetic reconnection

A team led by a Princeton University graduate student has developed a unique simulation of magnetic reconnection in space plasmas, which could lead to improved forecasts of space weather events. The new model approximates kinetic effects using fluid equations and agrees better with kinetic models than traditional simulations.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateSep 8, 2017

What mediates the beneficial effects of exercise on breast cancer outcomes?

A study published in Cancer Research found that serum from women with breast cancer after exercise reduces breast cancer cell viability and tumor growth via activation of the Hippo signaling pathway. The effects were most pronounced on hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 8, 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.

Blocking sweet taste receptors can help body fight off sinus infections

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified amino acids that activate sweet taste receptors, which can block the release of antimicrobial peptides and kill bacteria. This new understanding could lead to new treatments for chronic sinus infections, affecting nearly 35 million Americans annually.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 8, 2017

A-MUD: A method for automatically detecting mouse song

Researchers developed an automatic detection method called A-MUD to analyze ultrasonic vocalizations in mice. The tool was compared to manual methods and commercial solutions, showing equal quality and lower error rates.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 8, 2017

When electrons ride a wave

Researchers at HZDR develop a method to control the number of electrons fed into the process, achieving ideal conditions for improved beam quality. This leads to peak currents of up to 150 kiloamperes, exceeding modern large-scale research accelerators.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2017

NASA's fleet of satellites covering powerful Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma's eye was characterized by extremely cold cloud top temperatures, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. NASA-NOAA's satellites captured detailed images of the storm's structure, including its well-defined eye and strong thunderstorms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 8, 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.

A sweeter way to make green products

University of Delaware researchers develop a one-step technology to extract sugars from wood chips and other organic waste, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and high processing costs. The innovative method results in a 95% theoretical yield of sugars and enables the economical production of feed streams for bioproducts.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalChemSusChem·DateSep 8, 2017

Improving cervical cancer screening rates for transgender men

A new study published in LGBT Health suggests that alternative cervical cancer screening methods, such as HPV self-sampling, can increase screening rates among transgender men. The research found that over half of participants preferred HPV self-sampling and had not received a Pap smear within the previous three years.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalLGBT Health·DateSep 8, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Lazy ants make themselves useful in unexpected ways

A study found that a significant portion of ants spend most of their time idle, serving as a reserve labor force. When the top workers are lost, these inactive ants increase their activity levels to replace them, ensuring colony survival.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 8, 2017

An officer and a gentlewoman from the Viking army in Birka

A female Viking warrior was confirmed as a military leader through genetic analysis of her remains, challenging the long-held assumption that only men held high ranks in battle. The study used ancient DNA to identify the woman's sex and revealed a more complex understanding of Viking society.

SourceStockholm University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 8, 2017

Meeting a microbe in the morning or in the evening: Is it all the same?

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that Leishmania parasite infections are controlled by internal body clocks, leading to varying severities depending on the time of day. The research, led by Professor Nicolas Cermakian, discovered that the immune response is strongest at night, making it an ideal time for the parasite t...

SourceMcGill University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 8, 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.

LORELEI: Taselisib boosts breast tumor shrinkage

The LORELEI trial found that adding taselisib to letrozole before surgery improved outcomes for patients with early breast cancer. Taselisib showed a significant increase in objective response rate and worked particularly well in patients with PIK3CA mutant cancer cells.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateSep 8, 2017

Scientist finds secret to thriving

A new study by Dr Daniel Brown defines thriving as a combination of personal development, succeeding at mastering something, and feeling good about life. The research outlines six recommendations for future studies on thriving.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalEuropean Psychologist·DateSep 8, 2017

Study challenges perception that empathy erodes during medical school

A new study published in Medical Education found that both cognitive and affective empathy of medical students improve over the course of their training, challenging the common perception that empathy declines during medical school. The study used a variety of measures to assess empathy and found that improvements in perspective-taking...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalMedical Education·DateSep 8, 2017