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Science News Archive September 2017 - Page 6


Page 6 of 39

How forest fires spoil wine

Glycosylation of smoke-derived volatiles in grapevine is catalyzed by a promiscuous resveratrol/guaiacol glucosyltransferase, leading to undesirable aromas in wine. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon and potential counter-measures for vintners.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2017

Warm Northwest waters draw spawning fish north

Scientists found anchovies and sardines spawning earlier and longer in Northwest waters due to unusually warm ocean conditions. This change may have unforeseen consequences on the food web, including competing with other species for food.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 26, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Research led by PPPL provides reassurance that heat flux will be manageable in ITER

New simulations led by PPPL provide positive news for ITER. Researchers estimate a heat flux width of up to 6 millimeters within the divertor plates' capacity to tolerate, far greater than previous projections. This finding indicates ITER can produce 10 times more power than it consumes without damaging the divertor plates prematurely.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateSep 26, 2017

A majority of medical professionals improperly share log-in credentials to EMRs

A study found that nearly three-quarters of medical professionals improperly share log-in credentials to access electronic medical records (EMRs), compromising patient data. Researchers recommend improving access credentials management and granting maximum privileges for one-time use to reduce password sharing.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalHealthcare Informatics Research·DateSep 26, 2017

The connection between nitrogen utilization and groundwater quality is clear

A 70-year analysis of Danish data reveals a clear connection between nitrogen utilization and groundwater quality. The study found that reduced nitrogen applications lead to lower nitrate concentrations in groundwater, suggesting that economic growth can be achieved without negative environmental impacts.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 2017

Large increase in rate of death from chronic respiratory diseases

Between 1980 and 2014, US chronic respiratory disease deaths rose significantly, with a 29.7% increase overall. The majority of this growth occurred in specific regions, including central Appalachia for COPD, the Southwest for interstitial lung disease, and southern states for asthma.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 26, 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.

Understanding football violence could help the fight against terror

Researchers suggest that understanding the root cause of fan violence could lead to positive outcomes and even reduce extremism. By harnessing motivations such as loyalty and belonging, football fans can be encouraged to channel their energy into pro-social activities.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalInternational Review for the Sociology of Sport·DateSep 26, 2017

Fisheries sustainability linked to gender roles among traders

A WCS study of fish traders in coastal Kenya found that women largely occupied fisheries with low profits and are excluded from more profitable fisheries. To promote gender coexistence and sustainability, the authors suggest increasing gear and market diversity and providing better access to fisheries knowledge and education for women.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEcosystem Health and Sustainability·DateSep 26, 2017

Amount of water in stem cells can determine its fate as fat or bone

Researchers found that altering stem cell volume changes its internal dynamics and influences the cell's fate, with removing water making it stiff pre-bone cells and adding water forming soft pre-fat cells. This study adds a new tool to understanding stem cell biology for regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 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.

In plain sight

Human brains tend to miss objects that are mis-scaled, even when they're in view. Researchers found this phenomenon in eye-tracking studies, but not in computer vision algorithms like deep neural networks. This study aims to better understand human visual search strategies and improve computer vision.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 26, 2017

A new role for insulin as a vital factor in maintaining stem cells

A new study reveals that insulin is essential for preserving pluripotent stem cells' ability to become any cell type. Insufficient insulin leads to a specialized endoderm cell type, similar to early embryonic cells, suggesting potential importance in human development and pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 26, 2017

Drug combo gangs up to take on triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers have discovered a powerful combination treatment that disrupts multiple factors in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. The novel approach, combining a protein inhibitor with a chemotherapy drug, produced a synergistic effect that was more effective than either drug alone.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateSep 26, 2017

Injection alternative

The new model predicts how glucose-responsive insulin (GRI) will affect patients' blood sugar levels based on chemical traits. The MIT team identified several strong GRI candidates and plans to test them in animals.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Russian scientist finds a new way to predict cancer development

A Russian scientist has proposed a model to predict cancer development by analyzing the relationship between age and morbidity. The model uses the Erlang probability distribution to estimate the number of key carcinogenic events for each cancer type.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 2017

Berkeley Lab aims to strengthen the cybersecurity of the grid

Berkeley Lab is developing algorithms to monitor the grid for irregularities and dispatch safe settings to counter potential cyber attacks. The project aims to enhance grid resilience while maintaining security. It partners with industry leaders and utilities to leverage best practices and standards.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateSep 26, 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.

New study analyzes causes of 2010 landslide in Saint-Jude, Quebec

A new study has identified the triggers behind a devastating 2010 landslide in Quebec, Canada, which killed four people and destroyed a house. Sediment erosion by the Salvail River and high groundwater pressure under the river bed contributed to the failure of sensitive clay sediments.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Geotechnical Journal·DateSep 26, 2017

New system proposed for logging physician experience in robotic surgeries

A new web-based program called RoboLog has been developed to improve the reporting of robotic surgeries performed by surgeons in training. The system provides detailed information about a resident's involvement in robotic surgeries, allowing for more accurate assessment of their competency and earlier identification of deficits.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Surgical Education·DateSep 26, 2017

Chronic wasting disease

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting deer and farm animals, with limited effectiveness of past management strategies. New research proposes controlled forest fires as a risk control strategy, aiming to reduce the spread of prions shed by animal waste and carcasses.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Environmental Issues·DateSep 26, 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.

Drought -- a cause of riots

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management found a systematic link between droughts and riots in sub-Saharan Africa. Droughts increase the possibility of rioting by 10% in a given month, with population density playing a key role in this relationship.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateSep 26, 2017

Genetic testing can help determine safest dose of blood thinner

A new study found that genetic testing can help determine the optimal dose of warfarin, reducing major bleeding, blood clots, and warfarin overdose. The study used genetic variants to guide warfarin dosing in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateSep 26, 2017

Even open-label placebos work -- if they are explained

Researchers found that open-label placebos can be effective in treating physical complaints such as chronic back pain and migraine. The placebo effect is enhanced when participants are given a clear explanation of how it works, suggesting that a narrative plays a crucial role.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPain·DateSep 26, 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.

The Lancet HIV: Around one in six new cases of HIV diagnosed in Europe are in people over the age of 50 years

A European study found that nearly one in six new HIV diagnoses in Europe are among people aged 50 or older. Older adults were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced HIV disease and acquire the virus through heterosexual contact. The study calls for increased awareness, targeted testing, and prevention programs for this age group.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateSep 26, 2017

International prize recognizes Northwest ocean research program

The Newport Line, a decades-long ocean monitoring program off the Pacific Northwest coast, has been recognized for its significant contributions to marine science. The PICES Ocean Monitoring Service Award acknowledges the program's value in understanding climate patterns, salmon returns, and ocean currents.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·DateSep 26, 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.

Older drivers adapt their thinking to improve road hazard detection

Researchers found that older drivers modify their response criteria to identify hazards in high-traffic situations, leading to more false alarms. This adaptation allows them to compensate for age-related changes and potentially improve their driving abilities through training.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateSep 26, 2017

Post-heart attack: How can scar tissue be turned back into healthy heart muscle?

Scientists at UNC School of Medicine compare two reprogramming techniques to generate patient-specific cardiomyocytes, finding that one method produces cells with embryonic cell signatures while the other yields cells with adult characteristics. This knowledge is crucial for developing new therapies and understanding cardiac disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 26, 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.

Opening up a new chapter for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's

A research team led by DGIST Professor Moon Cheil has identified the reason behind olfactory dysfunction in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals that a toxic protein called beta-amyloid accumulates in the peripheral nervous system, specifically in the olfactory epithelium, leading to olfactory failure.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateSep 26, 2017

More than 100 schools sign on to teach health risks of climate change

A growing movement in higher education is launching a global effort to educate health professionals on the health impacts of climate change. The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education aims to build expertise among health workers to integrate knowledge into daily practice, enhancing public health while mitigating climate change.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateSep 26, 2017

Clinical trial reveals genetic fault that reduces the effectiveness of leukemia treatment

A genetic fault in the CDKN2A gene has been linked to reduced effectiveness of leukemia treatment, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches. The study, which treated 259 people with AML or MDS, found that those with the mutation survived for 4.5 months on average, compared to 11 months for those without it.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 26, 2017

Need for enhanced nursing and post-acute transitional care models for rising obesity levels

A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing highlights the challenges of transitioning severely obese patients to nursing homes after acute care stays. The researchers found that patient size and bariatric equipment availability can act as barriers, leading to poor outcomes and increased costs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalWestern Journal of Nursing Research·DateSep 26, 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.

TMIST breast cancer screening trial begins to enroll nearly 165,000 women

The Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST) is a randomized trial comparing two types of digital mammography for breast cancer screening. The study aims to determine if the newer technology, tomosynthesis (3D), reduces advanced breast cancers more effectively than conventional mammography.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·DateSep 26, 2017

Higher risk of heart failure in cold weather, study suggests

A study found that cold temperatures and atmospheric pressure increases are associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and death in elderly patients with heart failure. The researchers suggest that elderly patients should avoid fog and low cloud weather in winter to prevent such events.

SourceElsevier·JournalEnvironment International·DateSep 26, 2017

Graphene forged into three-dimensional shapes

Researchers from Finland and Taiwan have successfully fabricated three-dimensional graphene structures using optical forging, a technique that utilizes laser light to shape the material. The resulting graphene objects exhibit unique electronic and optical properties, opening up new possibilities for graphene-based devices.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 26, 2017

New approaches in targeted cancer therapy

Researchers at Cologne University Hospital have discovered a novel inhibitor that specifically targets NMC tumours, a rare and lethal form of cancer. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanism responsible for the effectiveness of the inhibitor, paving the way for new and improved therapies.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 26, 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.

Illinois researchers develop gene circuit design strategy to advance synthetic biology

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new gene circuit design strategy that can predict gene circuit behaviors using an integrated modeling framework. The framework, developed by Associate Professor Ting Lu and his graduate students, has successfully predicted key host metrics for multiple bacteria, including Esche...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 26, 2017

Portland State study links cancerous toxins to cannabis extract

Researchers at Portland State University found benzene and other carcinogenic chemicals in butane hash oil vapor, raising health concerns about dabbing. The study highlights the need for further toxicology research to guide future policy on marijuana consumption.

SourcePortland State University·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 26, 2017

Researchers identify novel way to target Ebola

Scientists have discovered that the Ebola virus directly interacts with T-cells and specifically Tim-1, triggering a cytokine storm. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of Ebola infection and offers potential targets for therapeutic strategies to reduce the severity of the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateSep 26, 2017

Caribbean spiders named for Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders David Bowie, and others

The discovery of 15 new species in the genus 'smiley faced' spiders challenges previous estimates of biodiversity in the Caribbean. Researchers named these species after notable figures including Obama, Sanders, David Bowie and DiCaprio to promote awareness about human rights, equality and climate change.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateSep 26, 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.

Discovering potential therapeutic protein inhibitors for Chagas disease

Researchers used computational drug discovery and in vitro enzyme assays to identify potential therapeutic protein inhibitors for Chagas disease. The study successfully selected four drug-like compounds that interacted with a key amino acid, demonstrating the promise of docking simulation for identifying effective treatments.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 2017

The drying of peatlands is reducing bird diversity

A recent study reveals that peatland bird populations have decreased by a third in Finland and Sweden over the past three decades. The Finnish ruff is among the most threatened species, with its population falling to just 3% of its original size. In contrast, the crane species has tripled its population during this time period.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBiological Conservation·DateSep 26, 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.

Weight loss for adults at any age leads to cost savings, study suggests

A new study suggests that weight loss in adults leads to significant cost savings, peaking at age 50. The research found that an adult who goes from obese to overweight can save $17,655 in direct medical costs and productivity losses over their lifetime, while losing weight from obese to healthy results in a savings of $28,020.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalObesity·DateSep 26, 2017