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Science News Archive February 2018


Page 34 of 36

New technology for accelerated wound healing discovered

The technology involves delivering a human chemokine on site in wounds, increasing immune cell recruitment and specialization to accelerate healing. In preclinical studies, the treatment demonstrated potent effects on acceleration of wound healing in mice and models of diabetes and peripheral ischemia.

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.

A new path into bipolar disorder comes to light

Research suggests that EGR3 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play critical roles in the impaired cellular resilience seen in bipolar disorder. The study's findings may lead to new therapeutic strategies by modulating EGR3 expression.

Oxidation behavior of crude oil and SARA fractions

The study reveals differences in oxidation behavior between crude oil and its SARA fractions, with saturated hydrocarbons oxidizing well under low temperatures. Asphaltenes emit more heat under higher temperatures, highlighting the direct link between SARA fraction ratios and oxidation behavior.

A majority of middle-aged people show a high level of mental well-being

A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found a surprisingly high level of mental well-being among middle-aged individuals. The research examined multiple dimensions of mental well-being and identified four groups with varying levels of mental well-being. Individuals on the high-wellbeing trajectories had more satisfying relation...

Changing weather patterns throwing ecosystems out of whack

A study by University of South Florida researchers found that animal species are shifting the timing of their seasonal activities in response to changing temperatures and precipitation patterns. This shift can have adverse effects on ecosystems, human food supplies, and diseases.

Old drug may have new tricks for fighting cancer

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered that ibrutinib can also target ERBB4, a lesser-studied member of the RTK family, potentially thwarting solid tumor growth. The compound limits growth in human cancer cells and reduces tumor size in mice.

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.

Ribosomes found to induce somatic cell pluripotency

A research team from Kumamoto University has discovered that ribosomes, the protein synthesizing organelle, can induce somatic cells to acquire pluripotency. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating cancer and regenerating cells, as previously differentiated cells can be reprogrammed into multipotent stem cells.

Multinational companies continue to produce unregulated antibiotics in India

A new study found that millions of unapproved antibiotics are being sold in India, with multinational companies manufacturing nearly 20% of the unapproved formulations. The researchers argue that banning the sale of unapproved FDC antibiotics and improving access to healthcare are crucial steps to controlling antimicrobial resistance.

New genome-editing method 'cuts back' on unwanted genetic mutations

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 method that can introduce precise modifications to defective genes with fewer safety drawbacks. The new technique, called Single Nicking in the target Gene and Donor (SNGD), reduces unintended genetic mutations by up to 95%.

Treatment of nitrogen-polluted sediment using marine anammox bacteria

Researchers from Kumamoto University and VIMS used sediment samples to evaluate the effectiveness of marine anammox bacteria in removing excess nitrogen. The study found that adding a bicarbonate supplement and high nitrogen content was necessary for anammox bacteria to thrive, and that symbiotic relationships between other microorgani...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When did flowers originate?

The study reveals that flowering plants diversified suddenly in the Cretaceous period, while molecular-clock dating suggests an older origin. The discrepancy is attributed to false precision on both palaeontological and molecular evolutionary timescales.

Building miniature optical antennas using DNA as a guide

Aalto University researchers have developed a new method called DALI (DNA-assisted lithography) to fabricate precise metallic nanostructures with designed plasmonic properties. The technique uses self-assembled DNA origami shapes as 'stencils' to create millions of fully metallic nanostructures. These structures have intriguing optical...

Army researchers develop new algorithms to train robots

Researchers at U.S. Army Research Laboratory and University of Texas at Austin developed a new algorithm called Deep TAMER to train robots using human feedback. The algorithm enables robots to learn tasks in a short amount of time with accurate critique, improving performance on complex tasks like Atari Bowling.

Quantum algorithm could help AI think faster

Researchers have developed a quantum linear system algorithm that enables faster analysis of large data sets, outperforming classical computers. The new algorithm has the potential to revolutionize fields like commodities pricing, social networks, and chemical structures.

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.

Fruit fly hunger games: Taste neurons in control

A team of neuroscientists has discovered that specific taste neurons located in the fruit fly's proboscis are responsible for its protein craving. The study, published in eLife, identifies two groups of neurons that regulate the fly's feeding behavior.

Algorithm identifies vulnerable people during natural disasters

A new algorithm developed at the University of Waterloo will help first responders and home care providers identify elderly individuals who are most vulnerable during natural disasters. The algorithm uses data from interRAI's home care assessment to generate an up-to-date list of those who may need assistance.

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.

Cause of severe genetic disease identified

Mutations in p63 protein lead to severe genetic disease AEC syndrome, which resembles Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or ALS more closely than other syndromes. The research lays groundwork for causal therapies by showing that protein aggregates underlie the disorder.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Solving the puzzle of multicellularity

A Wits University PhD student has solved part of the evolutionary puzzle of multicellularity by studying the genomic sequence of a four-celled algae. The research identified the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway as a process controlling cell division, which played a key role in the evolution of multicellularity.

New technology: Edible QR code can be the medicine of the future

Researchers at University of Copenhagen develop edible QR code technology that enables precise dosing and storage of medical data, reducing wrong medication and fake medicine. The technology has the potential to transform the pharmaceutical supply chain and enable innovative production of personalized medicine.

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.

Holding on to patriarchy-reinforcing beliefs comes at a price

A recent study found that men who endorse male dominance tend to view women as either chaste and good or promiscuous and bad, leading to objectification and restricted sexuality. This reinforces gender inequality and negatively affects both men and women's well-being.

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.

Can your brain testify against you?

A review explores the applications of neuroscience in law, highlighting the need for clear guidelines to balance potential benefits with civil liberties. The use of neuroscientific evidence raises concerns about individual rights and privacy, particularly in determining guilt and intent.

New controls scale quantum chips

Engineers at Rigetti Computing have developed a technique to reduce qubit interference, allowing for the creation of larger practical quantum processors. This breakthrough enables the retention of logical operations independent of the state of a large quantum register.

It sounds like music to my ... brain!

A new study at D'Or Institute for Research and Education uses Magnetic Resonance machine to read participants' minds and identify the song they're listening to. The computer achieves 85% accuracy in identifying the correct song, paving the way for future research on brain decoding and communication.

Scientists call for global and local control and management of mercury

Mercury is a toxic contaminant with significant health risks to humans and wildlife, primarily through methylmercury in fish consumption. The international treaty on mercury, the Minamata Convention, has been ratified by 84 nations, emphasizing the need for scientific understanding to inform policy decisions.

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.

Monitoring positive charges in solar materials

Scientists successfully detected holes and identified their trapping sites after photoexcitation, revealing that photo-excited holes become trapped in substrate at singly charged oxygen vacancies. The detection opens up new insights for the development of devices and nanodevices based on transition metal oxides.

Illinois researchers develop new surface design inspired by snake skin

Researchers have created a new surface design featuring rigid scales assembled into soft, ferromagnetic micropillars on a flexible substrate. The nanostructured silicon scales enable fluid and light manipulation, with tunable wetting, droplet manipulation, and structural coloration demonstrated.

NASA's newly rediscovered IMAGE mission provided key aurora research

The IMAGE mission used novel techniques like energetic neutral atom imaging to render the invisible visible, capturing large-scale images of the surrounding plasma and revealing new discoveries about Earth's magnetosphere and plasmasphere. This groundbreaking research continues to guide science today.

Radiocarbon dating reveals mass grave did date to the Viking age

A mass grave uncovered in Repton, Derbyshire, has been dated to the late 9th century, consistent with the Viking Great Army's presence in England. The graves contain a mix of men and women, including several with signs of violent injury, suggesting a possible ritual burial site.

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.

Scientists present new long-term ecological research

Researchers from NSF LTER sites present findings on coastal and ocean ecosystems, including salt marsh resilience and the impact of sea ice patterns on penguin populations. The study also investigates the diet of blue whales in the California Current and the effects of El Niño events on marine ecosystems.

Cheetahs' inner ear is one-of-a-kind, vital to high-speed hunting

Researchers have discovered that modern cheetahs possess a distinct vestibular system in their inner ear, which enhances sensitivity and rapid responses to head motions. This unique anatomy allows the cheetah to maintain its gaze locked on prey during high-speed hunts.

Popular, common allergy medication may prevent neuromyelitis optica relapses

Researchers found that adding cetirizine to standard therapy significantly reduced annualized relapse rates in patients with neuromyelitis optica, a rare disease causing inflammation and demyelination. The study suggests that cetirizine may be beneficial in preventing relapses by modulating eosinophil activity.

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.

Cutting off tumor supplies

Researchers identified TNF-alpha and VEGF as key cytokines in tumor vascularization. Targeting these molecules simultaneously could significantly increase the efficacy of existing cancer treatments.

Bacteria play critical role in driving colon cancers

Researchers found that Bacteroides fragilis and Escherichia coli bacteria work together to create a microenvironment that induces chronic inflammation and DNA damage, supporting tumor formation. This discovery could lead to more effective screening and prevention strategies for colon cancer.

In wine, there's health: Low levels of alcohol good for the brain

A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that low doses of alcohol may be beneficial for brain health, reducing inflammation and improving the brain's ability to remove waste. This finding adds to growing research linking lower levels of drinking with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.

Language matters in end-of-life conversations

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing article highlights the importance of carefully using language when discussing end-of-life futility with patients and families. Clear communication can alleviate suffering and provide comfort during a challenging time.

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.

NASA measured rainfall from Fehi's remnants in New Zealand

NASA and Japan's GPM core satellite tracked heavy rainfall from Tropical Cyclone Fehi's remnants in New Zealand. Rainfall rates exceeded 268 mm/h, with some areas experiencing intense storms that dropped over 10 inches of rain in just 12 hours.

Nano-switches in the cell

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which mitochondria regulate protein synthesis in response to oxidative stress. Using quantitative mass spectrometry and biochemical methods, the team identified redox-active thiols that can slow down cellular protein synthesis machinery when reactive oxygen species are present.

New research on why GPs quit patient care

A recent study by University of Exeter researchers has identified three main themes influencing GPs' decisions to leave or remain in direct patient care. The findings highlight concerns about the under-value of general practice within the healthcare system, professional risk in delivering care, and considerations about career options.

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.