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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 35 of 42

Injecting gene cocktail into mouse pancreas leads to humanlike tumors

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have created a novel technology that injects a modified virus into the mouse pancreas with pro-cancer molecules, resulting in human-like tumors. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into pancreatic cancer initiation and progression, as well as spur new drug development.

New actors identified in atherosclerosis

Researchers have identified three distinct macrophage populations that play different roles in the development of atherosclerosis. These findings provide new insights into the disease and may lead to improved treatments. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze immune cell populations in affected vessels.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Parents struggle to discuss sex with LGBTQ teens

A Northwestern University study found that parents of LGBTQ teenagers face challenges discussing sexual health, including general discomfort and limited knowledge. The study emphasizes the importance of providing resources to help parents overcome these obstacles and establish supportive relationships with their children.

New breakthrough in treatment for rare skin condition

Scientists at Osaka University developed a new topical gel to treat skin lesions in TSC, a rare inherited disease. The drug's approval marks a world first and offers a painless, safe, and easy-to-use solution for patients suffering from cosmetic issues.

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.

Double perovskites in environmentally friendly solar cells

Researchers at Linköping University have developed high-quality lead-free double perovskite films with long electron-hole diffusion length, a necessary property for efficient solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of these solar cells is still low, but the team has taken a major step towards increasing efficiency in the near future.

A potential new therapeutic target for Ewing sarcoma

IDIBELL researchers discover EphA2 membrane receptor's role in tumor aggressiveness and metastasis in Ewing sarcoma. The study finds that blocking this receptor activity can significantly decrease metastases incidence and survival rates.

A heavy working memory load may sink brainwave 'synch'

Researchers found that as working memory load increases, brain wave synchrony among three key regions breaks down, leading to a loss of communication and sustaining working memory. This study sheds light on the intrinsic limit of conscious thought and cognitive performance, potentially explaining psychiatric disorders.

Macular degeneration linked to aging immune cells

Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that aging immune cells contribute to inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth in macular degeneration, potentially leading to vision loss. The study identified microRNA-150 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing progression to advanced forms of the disease.

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.

Twisting laser light offers the chance to probe the nano-scale

Researchers have developed a technique to sensitively measure molecule structure by twisting laser light and aiming it at miniscule gold gratings. This method could be used to probe the structure and purity of molecules in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, foods, and other important products more easily and cheaply.

When kids' autistic brains can't calm down

Scientists have discovered a mutation in the catnap2 gene that causes seizures in people with autism spectrum disorder. The mutation shrinks brain neurons' branches, disrupting message delivery and leading to seizures.

Urinary incontinence may have negative effects on sexual health

Women with urinary incontinence reported declines in sexual activity and arousal, while men experienced decreased desire, erectile difficulties, and orgasm issues. The study highlights the importance of healthcare professionals recognizing the coexisting impact of incontinence on quality-of-life and well-being.

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.

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.

Attention deficit disorders could stem from impaired brain coordination

A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found a link between impaired brain coordination and attention deficit disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. The study revealed that the ErbB4 gene helps coordinate brain regions to maintain attention.

Traces in the dust

Geographers from FAU investigate ancient dust deposits to draw conclusions about settlement structures, crops, landscape changes, and climate fluctuations. The study aims to understand the cultural growth and decline of the Southern Levant region between the Iron Age and Byzantine period.

New source of global nitrogen discovered

Researchers found that up to 26 percent of natural ecosystems' nitrogen comes from rocks, not the atmosphere. This discovery could help forests and grasslands sequester more fossil fuel CO2 emissions.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Cysticercosis epidemiology in Spain: What's new?

Researchers analyzed cysticercosis cases in Spain from 1997 to 2014, finding increasing hospitalizations, particularly among children under 15. The study also identified regional variations, with the Murcia region having the highest rate, and common clinical characteristics such as epilepsy and convulsions.

270 million visits made to English coastlines each year

A recent study by the University of Exeter reveals that 271 million people visit England's coastal environments each year, with walking being the most popular activity. Additionally, research shows that these 'blue' spaces play a crucial role in supporting physical activity, especially among females and older adults.

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.

Columbia scientists build better way to decode the genome

A new algorithm developed by Columbia University researchers deciphers the genome's most hard-to-translate segments, providing a more complete picture of what DNA encodes. This breakthrough may help find the links between genes and disease, such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and autism.

Penguins go through the flow

Breeding king penguins form large, dense colonies that resemble particles in liquids, providing protection against predators and maintaining social cohesion. The unique structure of these colonies enables them to adapt to internal and external changes, making it crucial for predicting the species' resilience to climate change.

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.

Connections between two brain regions linked with financial risk tolerance

A study found that structural and functional connections between the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex are associated with individual differences in risk tolerance. Individuals with higher risk tolerance had larger amygdalas and more functional connections, suggesting a link between brain function and economic decision-making.

New point-of-care test quickly detects Lyme neuroborreliosis

A new point-of-care test measures CXCL13 concentration in cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose neuroborreliosis, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment and reducing unnecessary treatments. The test provides quick results, reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Computational approaches reveal new insights into molecular protein function

Recent studies published in PLOS Computational Biology have introduced novel computational methods to explore the molecular function of proteins. These approaches aim to simplify the challenge of determining functions for an ever-increasing amount of known proteins by identifying shared functional sites and predicting their activity.

Giant solar tornadoes put researchers in a spin

A European team of scientists re-examines giant solar structures, finding they don't rotate like traditional tornadoes. By analyzing data from several years' worth of observations using the Doppler effect, researchers determine magnetic field direction and plasma movement.

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.

Why do children tattle?

Young children tattle even when blameless, as a way to enforce social norms and cooperate with others. Research suggests that tattling can be seen as evidence of children recognizing important norms and caring about their importance.

Lessons from lemurs: To make friends, show off your smarts

Princeton University researchers found that lemurs who solve problems gain more social connections and attention from others. By observing the behavior of successful individuals, other lemurs are more likely to adopt similar skills and strategies.

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.

Genetic link to IBS identified in women

Research at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden links specific DNA variants to IBS in women, explaining its higher prevalence compared to men. The study found associations with constipation-predominant IBS and harder stools, reinforcing the role of sex-hormones.

Climate change is wreaking havoc on delicate relationship between orchids and bees

A study by the University of Sussex reveals that climate change is altering the timing of events in the interdependent relationship between a rare orchid species and the Buffish Mining-bee. The research shows that rising temperatures are causing an increase in years where the sequence of events needed for successful pollination does no...

Better roads essential for safer cycling

A QUT-led study found that lane widths and speed limits significantly influence the distance drivers leave when passing, not cyclist characteristics. The study's key finding is that cycling would be safer with improved road infrastructure, such as more cycling lanes and stronger enforcement of the law.

Organoids created from patients' bladder cancers could guide treatment

Researchers created patient-specific bladder cancer organoids that mimic actual tumors, allowing for testing of multiple drugs and predicting individual response to treatment. The use of these personalized models may improve understanding of the genomics of bladder cancer and develop new therapies.

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 camera gives surgeons a butterfly's-eye view of cancer

Researchers developed a surgical camera inspired by the morpho butterfly's eye to help surgeons detect cancerous tissue. The camera uses infrared signals to locate tumors and can be integrated with surgical goggles, making it more accessible and cost-effective than existing technologies.

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.

An index measures similarity between cancer cells and pluripotent stem cells

Researchers developed an index measuring similarity between cancer cells and pluripotent stem cells to predict tumor aggressiveness, treatment resistance, and clinical outcome. The index may help identify novel therapeutic targets against cancer by pinpointing the point at which tumor cells acquire stem cell-like characteristics.