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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 29


Page 29 of 37

The silver lining: Scientists examine how aerosol types influence cloud formation

Researchers have discovered that different aerosol types can act as cloud condensation nuclei, affecting cloud behavior and resulting precipitation. The study highlights the importance of considering aerosol type in understanding cloud formation and precipitation interactions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2018

Patients who receive prescription opioids are more satisfied with care than other patients

Patients with musculoskeletal conditions who receive prescription opioids are more satisfied with their care than those without. However, they often experience increased pain and reduced health outcomes, highlighting the need for further investigation into the complex relationship between opioid use and patient satisfaction.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genomic data suggest two main migrations into Scandinavia after the last ice age

A new study published in PLoS Biology suggests two main migrations into Scandinavia after the last glacial maximum: one from the south and another from the north-east. The research team analyzed genomic data from seven individuals, revealing a surprisingly large number of genetic variants in Scandinavian hunter-gatherers.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateJan 9, 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.

Bio-based compound offers a greener carbon fiber alternative

Researchers have developed a new process to manufacture acrylonitrile, the precursor to carbon fiber, from renewable biomass. The bio-based process produces less heat and toxic byproducts than traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2018

Younger patients constitute half of hospital-acquired pneumonia cases, most of which originate outside of the ICU, study finds

A new study reveals that younger patients account for half of hospital-acquired pneumonia cases, most of which occur outside the ICU. The research highlights gaps in pneumonia preventive measures as a contributing factor to the increased risk. Standardizing protocols for preventive care can help reduce rates of NV-HAP.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·DateJan 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 9, 2018
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.

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.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 9, 2018

HKBU and CUHK discovered that human-perceived temperature is rising faster than actual air temperature

Research found that human-perceived temperature (AP) increased 0.04oC per decade faster than actual air temperature (AT), with projected increases of up to 0.17oC per decade in low-latitude areas. AP is expected to continue rising, posing bigger threats to cities and communities, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 9, 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.

'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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2018

Deep sea creatures provide a guiding light in the quest to develop cancer therapies

Scientists at the Keck School of Medicine of USC developed a test using marine animal luciferases to measure cell death in response to cancer immunotherapies. The Matador assay detected cell death in as little as 30 minutes, exceeding existing assays and offering a fast, inexpensive alternative.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 9, 2018

New tipping point prediction model offers insights to diminishing bee colonies

A new method predicts when sudden change occurs in complex systems like bee colonies, which could help prevent colony collapse disorder. The model uses dimension reduction to accurately predict tipping points and informs control strategies to delay or prevent their occurrence.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateJan 9, 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.

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 9, 2018

Illnesses caused by recreation on the water costs $2.9 billion annually in the US

A US study estimates that 90 million cases of waterborne illnesses occur each year through recreational activities, costing $2.9 billion annually. The most common illnesses are gastrointestinal and respiratory in nature, with adults aged 20-54 experiencing mild illness and children under 10 experiencing moderate illness.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJan 9, 2018

Lyndra announces publication of feasibility study of oral once-weekly drug delivery system for HIV antiretroviral therapy in Nature Communications

A recent study published in Nature Communications presents a proof-of-concept for an oral, once-weekly drug delivery platform for HIV antiretroviral therapy. The platform demonstrates sustained oral delivery of potent anti-HIV therapies, offering a potential solution to non-adherence issues.

SourcePure Communications Inc.·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 9, 2018
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 9, 2018

Bad air quality along Utah's Wasatch Front causes more than 200 pneumonia cases each year

A study by University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare found that bad air quality in the region causes more than 200 pneumonia cases each year, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. The research also estimates that improving air quality could save up to $1.6 million in healthcare costs annually.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJan 9, 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.

Leading organizations in prenatal screening and diagnosis issue new consensus statement on genome se

The International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis, Perinatal Quality Foundation, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine issued a joint position statement on the use of diagnostic genome-wide sequencing for fetal diagnosis. The consensus opinion emphasizes that routine use of genome-wide sequencing as a diagnostic test is not currently ...

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalPrenatal Diagnosis·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateJan 9, 2018
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.

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFinancial Management·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 9, 2018

Smoke from wildfires can tip air quality to unhealthy levels

Wildfire smoke plumes spread across the US, causing devastating effects on air quality and health. Researchers found that smoke from wildfires can tip air quality to unhealthy levels, particularly in urban areas with high population densities.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 9, 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.

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.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2018

Promise of new antibiotics lies with shackling tiny toxic tetherballs to bacteria

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a novel method called SLAY to screen hundreds of thousands of potential antibiotics. The method involves genetically engineering bacteria to produce and test molecules that are potentially toxic to themselves, allowing for rapid screening and efficient testing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCell·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 9, 2018
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.

More than five percent of family physicians did not attempt recertification

More than five percent of family physicians failed to recertify, with increased risk among international medical graduates, men, and older doctors. Attrition from board certification may indicate burnout or a transition out of primary care, prompting calls for new interventions to minimize its impact.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2018

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.

SourceShinshu University·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateJan 9, 2018