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Science News Archive February 2018


Page 31 of 36

New CRISPR method efficiently corrects DMD defect in heart tissue

Scientists developed a CRISPR gene-editing technique that can correct most DMD mutations by making a single cut at strategic points along the patient's DNA. The new strategy enhances genome editing accuracy and offers an efficient alternative to individualized molecular treatments.

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.

Matchmaking for cancer care

A team of computer scientists has developed a new system to rapidly determine which cancer drugs are likely to work best given a patient's genetic markers. eGARD, the first publicly available system of its kind, can match genetic signatures with outcomes with 95 percent precision.

Insecure workers less likely to have access to family-friendly arrangements

A study by Dr Heejung Chung at the University of Kent found that low-skilled workers and those perceived as more insecure are less likely to access non-statutory flexible working arrangements. This division is particularly pronounced in northern European countries with the best family-friendly working-time arrangements.

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.

Study shines new light on how Salmonella 'die' at low temperatures

A team of researchers discovered that mild heat stress damages the cell wall of Salmonella bacteria without rupturing them. This finding could lead to more efficient ways to deactivate bacteria using shorter heating times at lower temperatures, improving food safety and reducing energy consumption.

Can over-the-counter pain meds influence thoughts and emotions?

Research suggests that over-the-counter pain medication can impact individuals' sensitivity to painful experiences, ability to empathize with others, and processing of information. This could have implications for public health and policymakers should consider potential risks and benefits.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Sick bees eat healthier

Researchers found that sick bees living with the gut parasite Nosema ceranae preferred higher-quality pollen when given the option. This preference could influence which flowers are visited by bees, impacting both native and crop pollination.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Unusual lung structures may raise risk of pulmonary disease

Researchers at McGill University and Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that variations in large airway branches are associated with higher COPD prevalence. People with certain airway tree variations are more likely to have COPD, especially if they smoke, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking as the best antidote.

Active genetics technology opens new horizons

The active genetics technology has been used to edit gene regulatory elements in fruit flies, revealing new fundamental mechanisms controlling gene activity. The researchers provided experimental validation for using active genetics as an efficient means for targeted gene insertion and single-step replacement of genetic control elements.

Bilingualism could offset brain changes in Alzheimer's

A new study by Concordia professor Natalie Phillips explores the effects of bilingualism on patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The research found that multilingual individuals may be able to compensate for AD-related tissue loss by accessing alternative networks in their brains for memory processing.

Scientists can now measure activity of key cancer cell-survival protein

Researchers have developed a new way to measure the activity of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), a protein associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. By identifying specific client proteins tied to Hsp70 activity, scientists can now develop potential therapies by testing small molecules in real-world environments.

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.

Child aids paleontologists in discovery of new ancient fish species

Paleontologists from University of Alberta discover new species of fish in Colombia with the aid of a curious tourist who spotted a fossil shape in flagstones. The fossil, 90 million years old, is the first 'lizard fish' from Cretaceous period found in tropical South America.

New algorithm decodes spine oncology treatment

A new algorithm provides a comprehensive guide to managing spinal metastases, integrating specialties and offering personalized treatment approaches. The algorithm focuses on spine-specific issues and incorporates popular treatment paths, including surgical decompression and stereotactic body radiotherapy.

New fuel standards will decrease childhood asthma cases

The study found that cleaner shipping fuels will result in a significant reduction of childhood asthma cases, with an estimated 14 million annual cases related to global ship pollution using current fuels. The new IMO rule will decrease the allowable amount of sulphur in fuel oil from 35,000 ppm to 5,000 ppm.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The recipe for life

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found evidence that the amino acid arginine was essential for protein-aptamer interactions, potentially altering our understanding of the origin of life. This discovery provides new insights into the ideal conditions for life to emerge, with implications for various hypotheses and experiments.

Study sheds new light on antibiotics produced by ants

Researchers identified powerful antimicrobial agents in some ant species but found that many others don't produce them, challenging conventional wisdom. The study suggests ants could be a future source of new antibiotics to fight human diseases.

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.

Full-length serotonin receptor structure seen for first time

A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has used cryo-electron microscopy to capture the structure of full-length serotonin receptors for the first time. This breakthrough provides valuable insights into molecular binding sites that could lead to more precise drug design and targeted therapies.

Study questions link between medical marijuana and fewer opioid deaths

A new study found that medical marijuana dispensaries are associated with lower rates of opioid overdose deaths, but only in states with loosely regulated dispensary systems. The association declined sharply after 2010 as state laws became more tightly regulated and the opioid crisis shifted to heroin and fentanyl.

Clocking electrons racing faster than light in glass

Scientists at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory discovered that electrons traveling faster than light in glass live much longer than expected, lasting over 2000 times longer than the exciting laser pulse.

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.

New technique boosts eyewitness recall

Researchers at James Cook University found that a new technique, Category Cluster Recall (CCR), improves eyewitness recall compared to traditional free recall methods. Using CCR, witnesses were prompted to remember specific details in categories, resulting in more accurate and detailed information being recalled.

A cyanine dye acid test that won't drown in water

Researchers at Michigan Technological University developed a new cyanine dye that can work in water and exhibits fluorescence in acidic conditions. The dye has multiple benefits, including dual fluorescence under near-infrared and visible light, making it suitable for biomedical research.

Workbench for virus design

Researchers have developed a novel technology platform to genetically modify phage genomes systematically, providing additional functionality. The new phage workbench allows for the creation of custom bacteriophages with various functions, overcoming constraints associated with naturally occurring phages.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Shoals of sticklebacks differ in their collective personalities

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that schooling fish groups exhibit different collective behaviors, with some showing better coordination and leadership than others. The study found that individual group members differ consistently in their behavior, influencing group performance and survival.

Optical ceramic meets metal-organic frameworks

Researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University have developed a new type of optical ceramic material using metal-organic frameworks, which can be transparent or optically clear. The material has been shown to have high optical transmittance and can be used for applications such as lasing gain medium and amplified spontaneous emission.

Viruses -- lots of them -- are falling from the sky

Researchers quantify viruses swept up into free troposphere, carried thousands of km before being deposited back onto Earth. The majority of viruses were found to have originated from sea spray, indicating long-range transport through the atmosphere.

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.

A new role for the 'pigments of life'

Scientists have reconfigured porphyrins to exploit their special properties by 'turning them inside out'. This discovery opens new horizons for these natural pigments as efficient metal-free catalysts. The findings could lead to applications in chemistry, biochemistry, physics and beyond.

Symptoms of alcoholism make taking medication to treat the disease more difficult

Researchers at Oregon State University found that symptoms of alcoholism make it difficult for patients to take naltrexone, a medication approved to treat alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that ongoing daily contact with the patient is crucial to improving adherence, particularly after heavy drinking episodes or strong cravings.

Data-driven shale dialogue

Researchers studying water quality around hydraulic fracturing found a blueprint for moving conversations forward through publicly available data and collaboration. The Shale Network has fostered dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including citizens, watershed groups, and energy companies.

New study sheds light on moon's slow retreat from frozen Earth

Researchers found that the Moon's excessive equatorial bulge formed slowly over four billion years ago as it receded from Earth. The study suggests a weaker young Sun may have enabled this process, with implications for our understanding of Earth's early energy dissipation.

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.

Scientists make it possible to rank the risk of resistance genes

Scientists have developed a new method to rank the risk of resistance genes in bacteria, allowing for better prediction of antibiotic evolution and development. By analyzing 200 genes, researchers identified key factors influencing gene transfer and integration into new hosts.

A hole in the heart increases post-surgical risk of stroke

A study published in JAMA found that patients with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) are at increased risk of stroke after non-cardiac surgery. The researchers analyzed data from over 150,000 patients and found that approximately 3.2% of those with a PFO experienced a stroke within 30 days, compared to 0.5% without one.

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.

No volcanic winter in East Africa from ancient Toba eruption

New research from the University of Arizona contradicts the Toba catastrophe hypothesis by showing no significant negative impact on vegetation growing in East Africa after the 74,000-year-old volcanic eruption. The study found some die-off of mountain plants just after the eruption, but no massive die-off of vegetation at all elevations.

Sequential model chips away at mysteries of aircraft

Researchers developed a new model to characterize ice accumulation on aircraft wings, including mixed ice forms and their effects on adhesion characteristics. The study aims to improve understanding of thermally active nanocoatings to combat ice formation.

Love actually: Computer model may decode Facebook emoticons

Researchers developed a social emotion mining computer model that predicts the right ordering among six Facebook emoticons in terms of votes. The new robust label ranking model outperforms existing solutions and can help social media managers and advertisers analyze their content more accurately.

Scientists find massive reserves of mercury hidden in permafrost

A new study reveals that northern permafrost soils store nearly twice as much mercury as all other soils, the ocean, and the atmosphere combined. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the global mercury cycle and potential environmental consequences of thawing permafrost.

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.

Climate variability -- past and future

AWI researchers found that temperature variability during glacial periods was not uniform worldwide, with intense variations in the Tropics but less so in other regions. The study used a unique global comparison of data from core samples to improve predictions for future climate change.

Researchers solve a materials mystery key to next-generation electronic devices

A team led by Chang-Beom Eom at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has directly observed a two-dimensional hole gas, a counterpart to the two-dimensional electron gas. The discovery is crucial for advancing oxide electronics materials, which could enable new concepts and applications in fields like computing and communication.

Wooden tools hint at fire use by early Neanderthals

A study suggests that early Neanderthals in southern Tuscany used fire to create digging sticks and shape wooden tools. The site's fossil bones and cut marks indicate a high level of technical expertise in toolmaking, dating back to around 171,000 years ago.

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.

Novel genetic variants for ADHD linked to educational attainment

A study has identified five novel genetic variants associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that also influence educational attainment. The findings suggest a shared genetic basis between the two conditions, which may contribute to academic underachievement in children with ADHD.