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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 31


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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 6, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSocial Policy and Administration·DateFeb 6, 2018
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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018
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 blueprint for future blood-nerve barrier and peripheral nerve disease research

Scientists have detailed the normal human blood-nerve barrier transcriptome for the first time, revealing 12,881 RNA transcripts that define its structure and function. This comprehensive guide will help physicians understand how to keep nerves healthy and design targeted treatments for peripheral nerve disease.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMicrobial Ecology·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 6, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 6, 2018
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateFeb 6, 2018

Emerald ash borer: How cities and towns can prepare for invasion

Pennsylvania has developed effective ash-management plans to combat the emerald ash borer, which offers a model for other regions. The plans include tree inventory, monitoring, management tools, and education, tailored to each community's conditions and goals.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateFeb 6, 2018
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.

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.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMemory·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018
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.

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateFeb 6, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

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.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 6, 2018
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 6, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2018
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.

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.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 5, 2018

Mixed-use developments may actually reduce housing affordability, social diversity

A study by the University of Waterloo found that mixed-use developments in Toronto neighbourhoods led to increased costs and reduced social diversity, disproportionately affecting low-income groups. The study suggests that good policy, such as inclusionary zoning and affordable housing trusts, is needed to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateFeb 5, 2018

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Reducing the footprint of a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide

Scientists at USC Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute have developed a more efficient pathway for converting methane into basic chemicals. The new catalyst, H-SAPO-34, converts methane directly into ethylene and propylene, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and replacing traditional processes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 5, 2018
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.

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 2018