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Science News Archive January 2018


Page 29 of 37

Cluster of resistant tuberculosis pathogen discovered

A multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found in eight refugees arriving in Europe, highlighting the need for early detection and isolation. The study's findings led to the development of a rapid PCR test and an EU-wide alert system to prevent further transmission.

Dirt-like skin condition is described

Terra firma-forme dermatosis is a hyperpigmented skin disease with a dirt-like appearance, found on trunks of 28% patients and extremities of 27%. Recognizing the condition helps avoid unnecessary testing and treatment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer targeted with reusable 'stinging nettle' treatment

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new line of attack against cancer using an organic-osmium compound, JPC11, which targets a metabolic process relied on by cancer cells. The treatment can be recycled and reused within cancer cells to attack them repeatedly.

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.

New method stabilizes siRNAs without affecting gene silencing activity

Researchers have developed a new method to stabilize small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) by introducing phosphoramidate modifications, which enhances their stability and therapeutic potential. The study shows that the modified siRNAs maintain their gene silencing activity, making them suitable for various therapeutic applications.

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.

Study finds source of toxic green algal blooms and the results stink

Researchers found that human wastewater nitrogen from septic systems is a significant contributor to the high nitrogen concentrations in the estuary and downstream coastal reefs. The study suggests that septic-to-sewer programs can help mitigate future harmful algal blooms by removing nutrients and improving water quality.

Lake Michigan waterfowl botulism deaths linked to warm waters, algae

A study found that warm waters and algae growth are associated with an increase in botulism-related bird deaths on Lake Michigan. The researchers used satellite data to monitor environmental conditions and found a correlation between warmer waters and higher levels of algae, which can lead to the growth of toxin-producing bacteria.

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.

Researchers seek blood test for early lung cancer detection

A research team at Rush University Medical Center is working on a simple blood test to detect non-small cell lung cancer with 90% accuracy. The goal is to identify biomarkers that can detect the disease earlier and reduce late-stage diagnoses, improving treatment outcomes.

Targeting breast cancer through precision medicine

University of Alberta researchers found that the RYBP protein prevents DNA repair in cancer cells, including breast cancer. This discovery could lead to precision medicine by tailoring treatment to individual patients' DNA.

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.

'Gyroscope' molecules form crystal that's both solid and full of motion

Researchers at UCLA have successfully formed a crystalline solid with moving parts, dubbed 'amphidynamic', which could have wide-ranging applications in technology and science. The creation of BODCA-MOF, a metallo-organic framework containing spherical molecules, demonstrates the potential for rapid motion inside a solid crystal.

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.

The road to recovery

A recent study by Clayton Lamb and colleagues found that higher road density in British Columbia leads to lower grizzly bear density, compromising the species' recovery. Closing roads can reduce the negative impact of roads on habitats, allowing bears to recolonize and recover.

Identical twins can share more than identical genes

Researchers discover epigenetic supersimilarity in identical twins, influencing biological characteristics and cancer risk. This phenomenon is associated with a relatively small group of genes, but many are linked to several types of cancer.

Mass extinctions remove species but not ecological variety

A study by University of Chicago scientists found that mass extinctions removed species but retained ecological variety, whereas environmental changes lead to significant losses in functional diversity. The researchers analyzed two major mass extinctions and discovered a pattern of survival among functional groups.

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.

Planets around other stars are like peas in a pod

A recent study published in The Astronomical Journal found that exoplanets orbiting the same star are often similar in size and have regular orbital spacing. This pattern could suggest that most planetary systems have a different formation history than our solar system.

Sleeping for longer leads to a healthier diet

A King's College London study found that extending sleep hours by up to 1.5 hours per night resulted in a 10-gram reduction in reported free sugar intake. The researchers also noticed trends for reduced total carbohydrate intake among participants in the sleep extension group.

Climate change drives collapse in marine food webs

A new study by University of Adelaide scientists demonstrates how climate change drives the collapse of marine food webs, potentially leading to decreased food availability for top predators and negative impacts on marine species.

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.

Family physicians in South Africa strengthen district hospital care

District hospitals with family physicians in South Africa exhibit better availability of essential services and improved child and neonatal health. In contrast, community health centers with family physicians have lower scores for health system performance and continuity of care.

Genetic alteration can cause obesity among Greenlanders

Researchers have identified a specific gene, ADCY3, that predisposes Greenlanders to obesity and diabetes when it is inactive. The study, published in Nature Genetics, found that 4.4% of test subjects had the gene inactive, leading to significant weight gain and increased risk of diabetes.

Scouting the eagles: Proof that protecting nests aids reproduction

A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that protecting bald eagle nests from human disturbance increased breeding activity and led to a 37% rise in breeding pairs. The research, conducted at Voyageurs National Park, used a modeling framework to analyze data on nest occupancy, success, and reproductive output.

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.

Neighborhood factors may predict heart failure

A study of 27,078 middle-aged whites and African-Americans found that residents in socioeconomically deprived areas were at highest risk for heart failure. After adjusting for other factors, researchers found that neighborhood factors accounted for 4.8% of the variance in heart-failure risk.

NIH fellowships to help grad students study heart health

Two graduate students have won National Institutes of Health fellowships to study heart health, with Tristan Raisch focusing on electrical conduction and Carissa James exploring protein synthesis in gap junctions. The awards strengthen Virginia Tech's training in biomedical sciences.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study finds diversity boosts innovation in US companies

A recent study by NC State University found that fostering diversity increases innovation, resulting in more patents and new products. The study analyzed data from the largest publicly traded companies and found a causal link between diverse workforces and improved innovation.

General anesthetics do more than put you to sleep

Research reveals general anesthetics disrupt synaptic connectivity, affecting communication between neurons across the entire brain. This disruption allows for effective anesthesia while patients experience grogginess and disorientation after surgery.

Tropical Cyclone Irving appears elongated in NASA imagery

Tropical Cyclone Irving appears elongated due to wind shear, with persistent development thunderstorms around its center. The storm is expected to weaken as it interacts with a trough of low pressure, rapidly transitioning into an extratropical system by Jan. 11.

New biomarkers predict outcome of cancer immunotherapy

Researchers identified biomarkers in blood samples that predict response to immunotherapy, allowing for personalized treatment decisions. High-dimensional cell analysis and computer-aided pattern recognition enabled the detection of subtle immune responses and molecular patterns associated with therapy success.

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.

Heart health at risk for Latinas over worries about deportation

A recent study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that worry about deportations is associated with multiple cardiovascular health risk factors in Latinas. The study, which gathered data from 545 women enrolled in the CHAMACOS cohort, found that those who were more concerned had higher waist circumferences and blood pressure.

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.

How good bacteria control your genes

Researchers at the Babraham Institute have discovered that good bacteria in the gut can control gene expression by producing short chain fatty acids, which increase crotonylations and affect gene activity. This process may help prevent cancer and fight infections, highlighting the importance of a healthy diet and gut bacteria.

Sun, wind, and power trading

Renewable energy generation causes grid frequency fluctuations due to variable wind speeds and photovoltaic feed-in. Power trading appears more significant in grid frequency fluctuation than renewable feed-in, with small grids showing larger fluctuations.

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.

Slow-release pill developed to deliver HIV therapeutics

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a slow-release pill that can deliver HIV therapeutics once weekly, improving adherence rates and preventing thousands of new infections. The pill uses an ingestible mini pill box to release medication slowly over time, reducing the need for daily doses.

Artificial muscles power up with new gel-based robotics

Researchers at Shinshu University have designed a wearable robot that utilizes plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gel to provide assistance for individuals with weakened muscles and mobility issues. The system consists of mesh electrodes and applied voltage, enabling natural movement while decreasing muscular activity.

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.