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Science News Archive February 2018


Page 23 of 36

Another blow to fungal infection

Scientists have isolated a natural resistance gene, Stb6, that confers protection against Septoria tritici blotch (STB), a major threat to wheat production. The discovery holds promise for deciphering other resistance genes and developing a natural barrier to infection.

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.

Which commonly prescribed drug is more effective for infants with epilepsy?

A multicenter observational study has revealed that levetiracetam is more effective than phenobarbital in treating infants with nonsyndromic epilepsy. After six months of single-drug treatment, 40% of infants treated with levetiracetam achieved a successful outcome, compared to only 16% of those treated with phenobarbital.

New model for evaluating rangeland systems launches

The G-Range model allows for single-process global simulations, providing insights into rangeland resilience to climate change. It supports policymakers in making informed decisions on rangeland management policies and practices.

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.

Study suggests way to attack deadly, untreatable nerve tumors

Researchers crack genetic code of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and identify Lats1/2 as a gene that suppresses cancer, leading to rapid cell expansion. Disrupting overactive TAZ-YAP signaling reduces tumor growth in mice and human cells, offering new hope for MPNST treatment.

Hybrid optics bring color imaging using ultrathin metalenses into focus

Scientists at the University of Washington created a hybrid optics system combining ultrathin metalenses with computational processing to produce high-efficiency full-color images. This innovation overcomes the narrow wavelength range limitation of traditional metalenses, enabling improved image quality and resolution in various applic...

Bats as barometer of change

Researchers at Rothamsted Research used radar data to track the migratory patterns of a large bat colony in Texas, revealing changes in seasonal habits and winter residency. The findings suggest that bats are arriving earlier in the spring due to environmental shifts, with potential implications for pest management and agricultural pro...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tasmanian devil populations continue to decline

Research shows that Tasmanian devil populations are declining by 80 percent due to devil facial tumor disease, a rare and contagious cancer. Despite this, some wild populations are adapting with slight reproductive changes, such as younger breeding and more pouch young.

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.

Mouse study adds to evidence linking gut bacteria and obesity

A Johns Hopkins study of mice with metabolic syndrome found that the intestinal microbiome plays a substantial role in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. The research suggests that manipulating gut bacteria may prevent obesity and diabetes.

Cancer killing clue could lead to safer and more powerful immunotherapies

Researchers have discovered how CAR-T cell therapy kills cancer cells, revealing a key mechanism that can inform the design of safer and more efficient treatments. The study could pave the way for the adaptation of CAR-T therapy to treat solid cancers, including notoriously hard-to-treat brain tumors.

Smart bomb virus shows promise as brain tumor immunotherapy

A phase I clinical trial found that the altered adenovirus DNX-2401 allowed 20 percent of patients with recurrent glioblastoma to live for three years or longer. The virus triggered an immune response, leading to tumor reduction and complete responses in some patients.

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.

Despite odds, fish species that bypasses sexual reproduction is thriving

The Amazon molly's unique reproductive method has allowed it to thrive for millennia, defying expectations that asexual reproduction would lead to extinction. The fish's hybrid genome and high genetic diversity have enabled it to adapt to environmental changes without accumulating harmful mutations.

Evidence that medical marijuana outlets sell to other users

A study of four medical marijuana outlets found that customers didn't match the local population, with significant differences in age, ethnicity, and location. Dispensaries appeared to target niche markets, including younger customers and those seeking specific products.

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.

Weeds out of control

A nationwide study found that black-grass populations in England have evolved resistance to herbicides, leading to increased costs and lower crop yields. The research team recommends adopting weed-management strategies that rely less on chemicals.

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.

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.

Huntington's disease provides new cancer weapon

Scientists have discovered that the Huntington's gene is toxic to cancer cells due to its repetitive RNA sequences, which can be harnessed for a novel cancer treatment approach. Researchers hope to develop a short-term treatment to kill cancer cells without causing neurological issues associated with Huntington's disease.

Bed bug histamines are substantial, persistent in infested homes

A study by North Carolina State University finds that bed bug-infested homes have substantially higher histamine levels than pest-free homes, which can persist for months even after treatment. Histamine is a chemical released as part of an immune response, but in humans it can cause inflammation and allergic reactions.

Cold open water plunge provides instant pain relief

A 28-year-old man experienced instant pain relief after undergoing a cold water swim following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The procedure was successful but postoperative pain persisted, until the cold water plunge provided lasting relief. Further investigation is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this natural intervention.

TACC, DOD engage in four-year transformational design project

Researchers will explore new mathematical and computational foundations to transform traditional design processes, leveraging massive compute power. TACC provides a comprehensive platform for developing computational methods, creating data visualizations, and analyzing large experimental data sets.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New chapter begins for Kitt Peak telescope

The Mayall telescope is undergoing a major overhaul to install the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which will measure the spectra of 5000 astronomical objects simultaneously. The instrument will allow DESI to map out about one-third of the sky and survey 30 million galaxies and quasars over a five-year period.

Dyslexia does not reduce pass rates for UK GP licensing exam

Researchers found that UK doctors with dyslexia who declare their condition before taking the licensing exam have similar passing rates as those who don't disclose. However, overseas candidates who initially failed the exam were more likely to declare dyslexia afterwards.

Facial attraction: Red-fronted lemurs recognize photos of their own species

Red-fronted lemurs demonstrate an ability to recognize individuals of their own species from photographs, with females showing a stronger response than males. The animals' capacity for cross-modal recognition suggests that they use both sight and smell to differentiate between conspecifics and heterospecifics.

Sea level rise accelerating

A research team detected an acceleration in global sea level rise over the last 25 years, with a potential doubling of total sea level rise by 2100. The rate is increasing by about 0.08 mm/year every year, driven mainly by accelerated melting in Greenland and Antarctica.

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.

Several Berkeley Lab scientists to present talks at 2018 AAAS Annual Meeting

Several Berkeley Lab scientists will present talks on various topics, including sequence-based approaches to plant microbiomes, new ways to search for dark matter, and developments in advanced bioenergy. The presentations aim to advance our understanding of quantum materials and their potential applications, as well as the scientific p...

Survivors of childhood heart defects may have higher risk of premature dementia

Researchers found that people born with heart defects in Denmark had a 60% higher risk of dementia compared to the general population, with those diagnosed before age 65 facing an even greater risk. The study's findings suggest that continued monitoring and management may be necessary for individuals born with congenital heart defects.

Star architecture and its impact on the city

Researchers at Technical University of Munich studied three architectural projects in Graz, Lucerne, and Wolfsburg to investigate their effects. Positive economic impacts were found, but no clear repositioning of the cities was observed.

Study sheds new light on mechanism of breast cancer treatment resistance

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a specific mechanism by which estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers become resistant to standard therapies and metastasize. DNA mutations in the estrogen receptor gene cause tumors to grow even without estrogen, leading to treatment-resistant disease.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Hip-hop music influencing more African-Americans to try 'Molly'

A study found that 82% of African American young adults who tried molly attributed its use to hip-hop music, particularly lyrics from artists like Kanye West and French Montana. Researchers suggest that hip-hop may be an effective source for prevention, health promotion, and harm reduction messages aimed at this demographic.

New cannabis products highly potent, pose mental health risks

Research in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association warns that schizophrenia and psychiatric issues may be triggered by marijuana use, especially among young people. Physicians are advised to counsel patients on dosing and risks, as well as consider a family history of mental illness.

No llamas required

Researchers have developed a new method using yeast to create camelid-free antibodies, allowing for faster and more efficient protein structure determination. This breakthrough enables scientists to study complex proteins without the need for llama or alpaca facilities.

Lung cancer drug resistance explained by computer simulations

Researchers used molecular simulations to understand resistance to osimertinib, an effective anticancer drug for non-small-cell lung cancer. The study identified a novel mutation, L718Q, that causes drug resistance by changing the protein's structure, making it harder for the drug to bind.

Opioid use increases risk of serious infections

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that opioid users have a 1.62 times higher risk of invasive pneumococcal diseases, which can cause meningitis and other severe infections. The study suggests that high-dose opioids, particularly those with long-acting properties, carry the greatest infection risk.

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.

Experimental therapy restores nerve insulation damaged by disease

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have developed an experimental molecular therapy that restores nerve insulation in mice, improving limb function and reducing discomfort. The treatment targets the enzyme HDAC3, which is involved in epigenetic changes that restrict myelin regeneration.

The Scanpy software processes huge amounts of single-cell data

The Scanpy software is a candidate for analyzing the Human Cell Atlas, enabling comprehensive analysis of large gene-expression datasets. It uses graph-based algorithms to characterize cells by identifying their closest neighbors, similar to social networks.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Balancing the benefits and risks of electronic cigarettes

A Massachusetts General Hospital physician outlines the findings of the NASEM committee on e-cigarette risks and benefits. The report suggests that e-cigarettes are less hazardous than combustible cigarettes, but more research is needed to establish long-term risks.