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Science News for January 26, 2018


Paleontology: The eleventh Archaeopteryx

The geologically oldest fossil of the genus Archaeopteryx, dating back 150 million years, has been found in Northern Bavaria. The new specimen exhibits unique features that differentiate it from other known specimens, providing a reliable diagnosis for distinguishing Archaeopteryx from its closest relatives.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPeerJ·DateJan 26, 2018

Potential enzyme as therapeutic target for diabetes

A team of Japanese researchers has identified Sirt2 as a key player in regulating hepatic glucose uptake, which is impaired in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that Sirt2 regulates the dissociation of glucokinase from its regulatory protein, GKRP, through post-translational modifications.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 2018

Choose Omega-3s from fish over flax for cancer prevention, study finds

A University of Guelph study found that omega-3s from fish are eight times more effective at inhibiting tumour development and growth compared to plant-based options. The research suggests that marine-derived omega-3s can significantly reduce breast cancer risk, particularly in aggressive forms.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateJan 26, 2018

Research finds link between rainfall and ocean circulation in past and present

A study published in Nature Communications finds a correlation between Atlantic Ocean surface currents and rainfall patterns in the Western Hemisphere, both in the past and present. The research suggests that changes in ocean currents can influence global climate and may have far-reaching impacts on future climate change.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 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.

UA earthquake engineers conduct NSF-funded research on steel collectors

Researchers at the University of Arizona and partnering universities are working on a NSF-funded project to develop buildings that won't collapse under major earthquakes. The focus is on lateral force transfer through steel collectors, which horizontally transmit earthquake forces.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateJan 26, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIST's superconducting synapse may be missing piece for 'artificial brains'

Researchers at NIST have built a superconducting switch that learns like a biological system, connecting processors and storing memories in future computers operating like the human brain. The synapse can process incoming electrical spikes to customize spiking output signals, using less energy than the human brain.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 26, 2018

Trauma support for welfare recipients helps them earn more

A new study led by Drexel's Center for Hunger-Free Communities found that trauma support could be key to success in the population who receives welfare. Trauma-informed peer support improved income and mental health for caregivers, while also reducing symptoms of depression.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateJan 26, 2018

Botulinum-type toxins jump to a new kind of bacteria

Scientists have isolated a new botulinum neurotoxin, BoNT/En, from a strain of Enterococcus, sparking concern over the potential for multi-drug resistance. The toxin, found in cow feces, was unexpectedly discovered to resemble the toxin that causes botulism, with experts warning of its potentially deadly consequences.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 26, 2018
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.

Polio labs equipped to study rare tropical diseases

Researchers from LSTM are utilizing the Polio network of labs to study neglected tropical diseases affecting over a billion people. The Ghana GPLN lab successfully tested for helminths in a pilot study, identifying a prevalence of 22%, while also detecting Strongyloides infections with no surveillance system.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 26, 2018

What are memories made of?

Researchers have discovered that three distinct varieties of the protein AKT play different roles in brain health, with AKT2 targeting brain cancer and AKT1 promoting memory formation. The study's findings hold promise for developing targeted therapies for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJan 26, 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.

Aerobic exercise may mildly delay, slightly improve Alzheimer's symptoms

A meta-analysis found that aerobic exercise delays and improves Alzheimer's symptoms, with a three times greater improvement compared to combined exercise. The study confirms the American Geriatrics Society's recommendations for exercise duration and frequency.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 26, 2018

Cancer patients less likely to receive clot-busting drugs after stroke

A recent study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference found that cancer patients with stroke are less likely to receive standard clot-busting medication compared to those without a malignancy. The use of newer procedures to mechanically remove clots, however, shows a similar trend in both groups.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJan 26, 2018

UNIST researchers develop highly stretchable aqueous batteries

Researchers at UNIST have developed a highly stretchable rechargeable lithium-ion battery based on aqueous electrolytes, using a simple and cost-effective solution process. The breakthrough involves a bioinspired Jabuticaba-like hybrid carbon/polymer composite that retains its electrical conductivity under high strain rates.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 26, 2018

The sugar-attaching enzyme that defines colon cancer

Researchers identified an enzyme that is absent in healthy colon tissue but abundant in colon cancer cells. The enzyme, GalNAc-T6, attaches sugar molecules to proteins, affecting cell-cell adhesion and leading to abnormal tissue formation. This discovery may lead to new therapies for colon cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 26, 2018
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.

Nearly one out of five NSAID users exceed daily limit

Researchers found that 15% of adult ibuprofen users exceed the maximum recommended dose in a one-week period. Those who do tend to have medical factors such as chronic pain and poor physical state, attitudes conducive to ignoring label recommendations, and poor knowledge of those recommendations.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateJan 26, 2018

Research boosts efficiency and stability of optical rectennas

Researchers have improved optical rectenna efficiency by two-fold, using air-stable diode materials. The devices can convert electromagnetic fields at optical frequencies to electrical current, enabling low-power applications like temperature sensors.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateJan 26, 2018

Health visitors use of video helps vulnerable families

A new study from Aarhus University found that health visitors using video feedback with the Marte Meo method can improve early mother-child relationships in vulnerable families. The research involved 69 families who received extra visits with video clips, showing a significant improvement compared to a control group.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateJan 26, 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.

Stenting system shown to benefit certain stroke patients

A specialized stenting system has been shown to benefit certain stroke patients by reducing the risk of complications. The Wingspan Stent System Post-Market Surveillance Study found a complication rate of just 2.6 percent among patients with intracranial stenosis due to cholesterol plaque.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateJan 26, 2018

X-ray experiments suggest high tunability of 2-D material

Researchers used a new platform, MAESTRO, to observe the electronic structure of a 2-D semiconductor material, tungsten disulfide (WS2), at microscale resolution. The study suggests that WS2 may be highly tunable, with possible applications for spintronics and electronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 26, 2018

Swallowed button batteries add to safety concerns about 'fidget spinners'

Two cases of young children with severe esophageal injuries caused by swallowed lithium batteries from fidget spinners have been reported. The incidents highlight the potential danger of button batteries in children's toys, particularly those not specifically designed for kids.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateJan 26, 2018

Tiny particles have outsized impact on storm clouds and precipitation

Researchers found that ultrafine aerosol particles can have a stronger impact on storm clouds and precipitation than previously thought. In the Amazon rainforest, these tiny particles can intensify storms and cause more rain due to their ability to form many small droplets that draw excess water vapor from the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2018
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.

Scientists have discovered a new type of Botox

Researchers identify a new source of botulinum toxin in Enterococcus faecium bacteria, which can be transferred between species and has implications for protein therapeutics and monitoring emerging pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 26, 2018

Quality of children's sleep may affect eating habits and weight

A study found that poor sleep quality in children is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, indicating a link between sleep patterns and weight gain. The researchers suggest that examining markers of sleep quality may be useful in designing childhood obesity prevention strategies.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJan 26, 2018

New marking technique could halt counterfeit goods

The University of Copenhagen has developed a new marking technique that uses randomness and rare earths to create an un-hackable authentication system. The system can be used to identify genuine products and prevent counterfeiting, with the potential to save industries millions in lost revenue.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 26, 2018

Obese men may have higher chance of recurrence following radical prostatectomy

A large retrospective study found that obese men and those with metabolic syndrome had a higher risk of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Patients with obesity had a 32% higher chance of recurrence compared to those with normal weight, while those with metabolic syndrome had over four-fold increased risk.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJan 26, 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.

Pyridostigmine treatment reverses pediatric complications of botulinum toxin therapy

A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics reports the use of pyridostigmine to reverse complications from botulinum toxin therapy in pediatric patients. Early treatment with pyridostigmine can alleviate symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, and patients may regain normal function within days.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 26, 2018

From stem cells to a functional heart: The role of the Mesp1 gene

The Mesp1 gene plays a crucial role in cardiovascular lineage segregation and regional specification of the heart. Single-cell molecular profiling identified distinct populations of cardiac progenitors with unique molecular features associated with early lineage restriction and region-specific identity.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2018

Older adults who are frail more likely to experience delirium after surgery

A new study suggests that older adults who are frail are twice as likely to experience delirium following elective surgery than those of an older age. The review found that a history of delirium, frailty, and cognitive impairment are the risk factors most strongly associated with developing postoperative delirium.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 2018
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.

Study: Site of 1st chlamydia exposure makes big difference

Exposing the gut to chlamydia provides robust protection against subsequent genital tract and other tissue infections, according to a study published in Infection and Immunity. The discovery has significant vaccine implications for preventing genital chlamydia, particularly among young people.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJan 26, 2018

Drug trial protocol redactions by industry sponsors exposed

Researchers found widespread redactions in commercially sponsored trial protocols, making them useless for assessing ethical justification and identifying discrepancies with publications. The study highlights the mistrust in industry-sponsored drug trials and calls for unconditional access to trial protocols and data.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateJan 26, 2018

Stress and diet associated with brain bleeds in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study from the American Heart Association found that stress and high blood pressure are associated with an increased risk of brain bleeds in sub-Saharan Africa. Consuming green leafy vegetables has been shown to be strongly protective against these bleeds, according to researchers.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJan 26, 2018