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Science News Archive February 2018


Page 10 of 36

New strategy to target transcription factor STAT5 to combat leukaemia

Researchers have developed a novel compound targeting STAT5, which selectively disrupts its activation and gene transcription, impairing AML cell proliferation. The compound showed efficacy in patient-derived AML cell lines and freshly isolated patient samples, indicating its potential as a new treatment option for leukemia.

Digestive ability of ancient insects could boost biofuel development

A study of ancient insects has provided new insights into future biofuel production. The firebrats' unique digestive system has revealed the presence of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), a new class of enzyme that efficiently digests cellulose. This discovery could lead to the development of sustainable low-carbon fuels.

Stagnation in the South Pacific

A team of researchers discovered that changes in the Antarctic Ocean facilitated long-term storage of carbon dioxide during the last ice age. The study suggests that as the climate warmed, this stored carbon was released, contributing to global warming.

Smartphone app may help reduce hospital readmissions after heart attack

A new smartphone app called 'Corrie' has been designed to help patients navigate the hospital discharge process and transition to home after a heart attack. The app allows patients to track medications, follow-up appointments, and lifestyle changes, resulting in a lower readmission rate compared to standard care.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New partnership aids sustainable growth with Earth observations

The partnership aims to develop decision-making tools based on satellite observations of Earth, which can be used worldwide. Conservation International is working with governments and stakeholders to implement policies that preserve natural resources along the Mekong River.

Study finds racial differences in cure rates for Hepatitis C

A recent study published in Pharmacology Research & Perspectives reveals racial disparities in Hepatitis C cure rates among patients receiving optimal therapies. The findings show lower cure rates for African American individuals compared to White individuals, highlighting the need for further exploration of underlying causes.

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.

Surprising new study redraws family tree of domesticated and 'wild' horses

A new study has found that Przewalski's horses are not the last wild horse species, but rather feral, descended from the earliest-known instance of horse domestication by the Botai people in northern Kazakhstan. The research also reveals that modern domesticated horses did not descend from these early domesticated horses.

Drier conditions could doom Rocky Mountain spruce and fir trees

Climate warming is taking a toll on forest health in subalpine regions of Colorado's Front Range, hindering the establishment of spruce and fir trees. The study found that only three years out of 40 have been conducive to seedling establishment, compared to seven favorable years during the prior 40.

Shedding a tear may help diagnose Parkinson's disease

Researchers discovered that levels of alpha-synuclein protein are decreased in people with Parkinson's disease, while levels of oligomeric alpha-synuclein are increased. This finding suggests that tears could be a reliable biological marker for the disease.

With cost removed, women choose more effective contraceptive methods

A new study at the University of Utah Health found that removing cost obstacles allows women to access more effective contraceptive methods. The HER Salt Lake Contraceptive Initiative made all forms of contraception available, and participants could change methods at any time in the study, free of charge.

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.

An under-the-radar immune cell shows potential in fight against cancer

ILC2 cells play a crucial role in preventing or slowing metastasis in lung and prostate cancer by unleashing the killing power of T-cells. Researchers have concluded that ILC2 cells may be a potent weapon in stopping cancer from spreading, offering potential treatment for blood-borne and solid tumours.

Interneuron migration impairement could lead to macrocephaly

A team from the University of Liège has discovered a new crosstalk between the migrating inhibitory interneurons and the stem cells that generate the excitatory neurons. This control regulates the production of excitatory neurons, leading to cortical malformation previously associated with autism in mice.

Younger age at diabetes diagnosis is linked to higher risk of

A new study published in Diabetologia found that the earlier a person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the higher their risk of death from heart disease and stroke. However, an earlier diagnosis was also associated with lower mortality rates due to cancer.

Animal diversity improves reproducibility of pre-clinical research

Researchers found that using more diverse study samples can significantly improve the reproducibility of experimental results in pre-clinical animal research. By combining data from multiple studies, they showed that multi-laboratory studies produce more consistent results than single-laboratory studies.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NEJM reports positive results for larotrectinib against TRK-fusion cancer

In three clinical trials, larotrectinib demonstrated a 75% overall response rate in patients with TRK fusion genes, with 86% continuing treatment or undergoing curative surgery. This study marks a new paradigm in cancer drug development, defining cancers by molecular changes rather than site of occurrence.

The building of innovation

The Lehigh University team is building a new High Pressure Spatial chemical vapor deposition (HPS-CVD) reactor to create new materials with extreme conditions. The device will enable the growth of III-nitride and oxynitride semiconductors, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions and innovative technologies.

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.

How bats carry viruses without getting sick

Researchers found that bats have a dampened STING-interferon pathway, allowing them to maintain a balance with viruses without triggering an immune reaction. This defense strategy is thought to have evolved as part of bat biology, including their ability to fly and host a large viral reservoir.

Histology in 3-D: New staining method enables Nano-CT imaging of tissue samples

A new staining method allows specialists to investigate three-dimensional tissue samples using the Nano-CT system, delivering resolutions of up to 100 nanometers. The technique is time-efficient and compatible with conventional methods, enabling enhanced insights into tissue distribution and microscopic origins of diseases.

Beetroot juice supplements may help certain heart failure patients

A new study found that beetroot juice supplements significantly increased exercise duration, peak power, and peak oxygen uptake in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. The findings suggest that dietary nitrate supplementation may be a valuable addition to treatment for exercise intolerance in these patients.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

UT Dallas scientists isolate cancer stem cells using novel method

Researchers at UT Dallas have isolated cancer stem cells using a two-step process, marking a significant step toward developing new drugs that can target these cells. The technique uses ligands that selectively bind to breast cancer stem cells, allowing for their isolation from standard breast cancer cells.

Archaeology: Pots, people and knowledge transfer

The diffusion of bell beakers in continental Europe was driven by the dissemination of ideas rather than migration, according to a recent genetic study. This finding refutes the long-accepted theory that the spread of cultural elements was associated with significant migrant movements.

A promising new drug to combat serious inflammatory disease

A new drug has shown encouraging safety and efficacy in treating Still's disease, a serious orphan condition. The treatment, which blocks the action of an inflammation factor, has been tested on 23 patients with refractory forms of the disease, resulting in positive responses and significant symptom reduction.

With computation, researchers identify promising solid oxide fuel cell materials

A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers has discovered new materials that could enable solid oxide fuel cells to operate at lower temperatures, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. The researchers used quantum mechanics-based computational techniques to screen over 2,000 candidate materials, yielding a list of 52 poten...

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.

Unsaddling old theory on origin of horses

A study of 20 ancient horses found they are direct ancestors of Przewalski's horses, contrary to previous thought. Their return to a wild state led to changes such as the loss of leopard spotting and night blindness.

UCF-led consortium to manage Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico

A UCF-led consortium will take over management of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, with plans to expand its capabilities and provide new research opportunities. The partnership aims to create a pipeline for students studying space sciences and enhance public outreach through formal education.

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.

Putting black skin cancer to sleep -- for good

A team of international researchers has successfully stopped the growth of malignant melanoma by targeting epigenetic marks on DNA. By blocking enzymes responsible for erasing these marks, they reactivate a natural protective mechanism called cellular senescence, which prevents mutated cells from dividing and forming tumors.

More than half the world's ocean are commercially fished

A new study reveals that industrial fishing activities cover more than 55% of the world's oceans, with global hot spots in the northeast Atlantic and northwest Pacific. The majority of observed fishing efforts come from five countries, including China, Spain, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.

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.

Disease-bearing mosquitoes gain from shrinkage of green spaces

A study in São Paulo found that mosquitoes that transmit diseases are adapting to urban environments, thriving in smaller green spaces where other species disappear. The research highlights the need for further study on how habitat loss affects vector insects and disease transmission.

Color of judo uniform has no effect on winning

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that judo athletes who wear a white uniform have an advantage in winning, regardless of the color of their opponent's uniform. The researchers analyzed extensive data from judo competitions and found no effect of uniform color on winning.

Distinguishing males from females among king penguins

A new study reveals that King Penguins can be distinguished from females by analyzing their sex-specific syllable patterns, achieving an accuracy of 100%. The technique also shows promise for accurately identifying individuals using only beak length, with a success rate of 79%.

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.

Do pain medications carry different heart risks?

A Taiwanese database study of 55,629 patients with hypertension found no significant difference in cardiovascular risk between cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme selective NSAIDs and nonselective NSAIDs. Most commonly used NSAIDs have similar cardiovascular safety profiles under low-to-moderate daily doses and short-term treatment periods.

Looking for the origins of schizophrenia

Researchers found that neural cells from schizophrenic patients produce less pro-angiogenic molecules and more anti-angiogenic proteins, impairing blood vessel formation. The study provides new insights into the causes of schizophrenia and potential therapeutic solutions.

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.

As pediatric use of iNO increased, mortality rates dropped

The use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) among pediatric patients increased between 2005 and 2015, with a corresponding decrease in mortality rates. The median adjusted cost per admission was $158,740, but increasing off-label use of iNO is associated with decreased mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher costs.

Recruiting the immune system to prevent relapse

Researchers have been working on optimizing and reformulating vaccines to target specific immune responses in individuals prone to relapse. Recent clinical trial data suggests that these new formulations may be effective in preventing opioid relapse.

Magnetic field traces gas and dust swirling around supermassive black hole

A team led by Professor Pat Roche created the first high-resolution map of magnetic field lines in gas and dust swirling around a supermassive black hole at the centre of our Galaxy. The map shows intense infrared light and magnetic field lines within filaments of warm dust grains and hot gas, revealing their intricate relationship.

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.

An improved anti-addiction medication

Scientists developed a potent new medicine to fight addiction by blocking an enzyme, resulting in higher GABA levels and reduced dopamine release. The new compound, CPP-115, is 10 times more efficient than vigabatrin and has fewer side effects.

Tennessee scientists receive Outstanding Paper Awards

Two University of Tennessee scientists, Thomas Mueller and Larry Steckel, received top honors from the Weed Science Society of America for their peer-reviewed articles on weed control and dicamba persistence. Their studies provide valuable insights into agricultural spray hoses and cover crops as a weed management tool.

Listening to data could be the best way to track salmon migration

Researchers have turned salmon migration patterns into sound using sonification, enabling untrained listeners to interpret large amounts of complex data. The approach has shown promise in helping scientists feel less overwhelmed by interpreting big data, leading them to spend more time exploring the experience.

Depression linked to reduced arginine levels

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that people with major depressive disorder have reduced arginine levels, which can affect nitric oxide production and vascular regulation. The study also suggests that depression may be linked to lower arginine bioavailability, but further research is needed

New tool tells bioengineers when to build microbial teams

Researchers at Duke University created a framework to determine when using multiple cell populations is beneficial. The system models how variables interact in complex bioengineering tasks, revealing that efficiency and growth rate are key factors. This tool can help industries producing chemicals with bacteria, such as pharmaceuticals...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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