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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 32


Page 32 of 37

Swallowable sensors reveal mysteries of human gut health

The ingestible capsule detects and measures gut gases, revealing a potentially new immune system and mechanisms in the human body that have never been seen before. The technology offers a game-changer for gastrointestinal disorders and could lead to fewer invasive procedures like colonoscopies.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Electronics·DateJan 8, 2018

Ibuprofen and testicular health

Researchers found that ibuprofen modified hormonal profiles through selective transcriptional repression of testicular endocrine cells, leading to a state of compensated hypogonadism. The study used testis explants and human steroidogenic cell lines to investigate the effects of ibuprofen on testicular health.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018

Uncovering the power of glial cells

Researchers have found that brain implants can function with the help of glial cells, which are often overlooked as a potential target for treatment. The study suggests that glial cells play a critical role in maintaining optimal brain activity and suggest targeting them may improve current treatments for neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 8, 2018

California awards UCSC Precision Medicine Funds for childhood cancer research

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute's Treehouse Childhood Cancer Initiative has received a $500,000 grant to conduct a 24-month registry study evaluating the effectiveness of comparative RNA-seq analysis in pediatric cancer treatment. The project aims to assess the impact on clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateJan 8, 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.

Beta blockers may boost immunotherapy, help melanoma patients live longer

Researchers at Penn State found that melanoma patients who received immunotherapy with beta blockers lived significantly longer than those without, with five years survival rates of 70% vs. 25%. The study suggests reducing physiological stress with beta blockers can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

SourcePenn State·JournalOncoImmunology·DateJan 8, 2018

Surprising result shocks scientists studying spin

Researchers at RHIC observed a significant directional preference in neutron production when protons collide with larger gold nuclei, contrasting with previous findings in proton-proton interactions. This unexpected result has implications for understanding particle production mechanisms in high-energy collisions.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 8, 2018

New study finds large increase in non-powder gun-related eye injuries

A new study published in Pediatrics reveals a significant increase in non-powder gun-related eye injuries among US children over a 23-year period. The rate of such injuries rose nearly 170%, accounting for 11% of all eye injuries and almost half of hospitalizations during this time.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 8, 2018

Chemists discover plausible recipe for early life on Earth

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop theory that chemical reactions supporting life today could have occurred with ingredients likely present on early Earth. The citric acid cycle's precursor, glyoxylate, is identified as a key molecule in these reactions.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A botanical mystery solved by phylogenetic testing

Researchers at the Missouri Botanical Garden used phylogenetic analysis to confirm the existence of Dracaena umbraculifera, a species thought to be extinct. The study found that the species is more closely related to Dracaena reflexa from Madagascar than to Mauritian Dracaena.

SourceMissouri Botanical Garden·JournalOryx·DateJan 8, 2018

Saliva test aims to detect HPV throat cancers

A new saliva-based diagnostic test could identify people at risk for throat cancers earlier, enabling early treatment and prevention. The test aims to detect HPV infections in a low-cost, non-invasive manner.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateJan 8, 2018

Researchers use AI technology to chart immune cell receptor

Scientists used AI technology to create a map of T-cell receptor diversity, discovering that patients with cancer who have a greater variety of receptors may be more likely to respond to immunotherapy. The research suggests that this variation in receptors could be key to improving treatment outcomes

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJan 8, 2018

Noise from oil and gas operations stresses birds, hinders reproduction

A study published in PNAS found that constant noise from oil and gas operations can cause physiological stress in birds, leading to reduced egg hatching rates and stunted chick growth. The research also showed that species previously thought to be tolerant of noise were actually most affected.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018

January/February 2018 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Patients who receive prescription opioids have higher satisfaction rates than those without, but paradoxically experience more pain. Non-patient medical requests from family and friends require a nuanced response. Diabetes care emphasizes communication, coordination, and biopsychosocial approaches to engage patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 8, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Alzheimer's drug turns back clock in powerhouse of cell

Researchers discover J147, an Alzheimer's treatment that reverses aging by targeting ATP synthase, a protein found in mitochondria. The compound has shown promising results in treating Alzheimer's and potentially other age-associated diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalAging Cell·DateJan 8, 2018

Multi-gene test predicts early heart disease risk

A new multi-gene test predicts a high risk for early-onset heart disease in 1 out of 53 individuals, surpassing the prevalence of a rare genetic defect. The study suggests that combining polygenic screening with current testing could identify five-fold more cases with a genetic explanation.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJan 8, 2018

Less chewing the cud, more greening the fuel

A team of researchers has identified a gene involved in the stiffening of cell walls whose suppression increases the release of sugars by up to 60%. This breakthrough could lead to improved feed for ruminants and better biomass for biofuels, with potential global implications.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 7, 2018

World first multimodal biomicroscopic system enhances the accuracy of cancer treatment

A Korean research team developed a world-first multimodal biomicroscopic system to analyze tumor characteristics and improve cancer resection techniques. The system combines optical multispectral imaging, high-frequency ultrasound, and radiation force imaging to detect tumors at high resolution.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 7, 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.

Use of mobile devices at home can carry conflict to workplace, UTA study says

A UTA study surveyed 344 married couples finding that mobile device use during family time results in lower job satisfaction and performance. The study highlights the need for companies to consider the impact of work-life interaction on employee relationships and productivity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateJan 5, 2018

Immune response to Zika virus contributes to fetal harm

A study published in Science Immunology suggests that Zika virus triggers an immune response that can cause abnormal placental development and restricted fetal growth. Researchers found that the immune system's antiviral proteins, known as type I interferons, can be detrimental to fetal development if present in excess.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 5, 2018

Scientists find culprits for extreme rainfall over Yangtze River in May 2016

Researchers used a probabilistic approach to attribute the extreme event to natural variability and anthropogenic forcing. They found that strong El Niño events significantly increase the risk of extreme rainfall, but also suggest smaller-scale anthropogenic contributions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 5, 2018

Room-temperature multiferroic thin films and their properties

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed high-quality GFO epitaxial films exhibiting ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties at room temperature. They demonstrated room-temperature magnetocapacitance effects, revealing controlled ferroelectric and magnetic ranges.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 5, 2018

Penn study on super-silenced DNA hints at new ways to reprogram cells

Researchers have identified a new way to reprogram cells by disassembling gene repression machinery, potentially leading to more efficient cell reprogramming. The discovery could have implications for treating diseases such as Lou Gehrig's disease and developing regenerative therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 5, 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.

Ultrafine fibers have exceptional strength

Researchers at MIT have developed a process to produce ultrafine fibers with exceptional strength and toughness, exceeding existing materials in specific modulus and specific strength. The new gel-electrospun polyethylene fibers have similar degrees of strength but are much tougher and have lower density.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateJan 5, 2018

Family Medicine and Community Health Journal Volume 5, Issue Number 4 publishes

The December 2017 issue of Family Medicine and Community Health Journal explores various topics in family medicine, including the assessment of family physicians' knowledge of childhood autism. The study found a lack of knowledge about autism among family physicians, highlighting the need for training to improve early detection and int...

SourceFamily Medicine and Community Health·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateJan 5, 2018

In scientific first, IU researchers grow hairy skin in a dish

IU researchers successfully grew hairy skin from mouse pluripotent stem cells, providing a breakthrough for modeling disease and treating skin disorders. The technique builds on past work creating inner ear cells from stem cells and could lead to new therapies for alopecia, acne, and skin cancers.

SourceIndiana University·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 5, 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.

Batman's Gotham City provides test case for community resilience model

A new mathematical model, developed by Colorado State University researchers, integrates a community's infrastructural, social, and economic features to quantify resilience. The 'hazard-agnostic' model, tested in the fictional city of Gotham, provides a framework for predicting long-term effects of disasters and disruptions.

SourceColorado State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·DateJan 5, 2018

University of Montana publishes research on unusual gene evolution in bacteria

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery at the cellular level, studying the unique adaptations of bacteria living inside cicada insects. These tiny organisms lost nearly all their genes to survive within their insect hosts and now rely on multiple types of bacteria working together to provide essential amino acids and vitamins.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 5, 2018

Scientists uncover why sauna bathing is good for your health

A 30-minute sauna bath lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure and increases carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, indicating improved vascular compliance. This study builds on previous findings linking regular sauna bathing to reduced risk of coronary diseases, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Human Hypertension·DateJan 5, 2018

Proceed to checkout? Not on your mobile, say researchers

Researchers found that concerns about making the right choice, security, and missing important details lead to emotional ambivalence, causing customers to abandon their shopping carts. To overcome this, app designers can minimize clutter and organize sites via effective product categorization or filter options.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateJan 5, 2018
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.

New tool to assess largely ignored risk in pharmaceutical industry

Researchers at Cardiff University developed a new method to predict the likelihood of pharmaceutical drugs undergoing racemisation, a process that can lead to harmful versions. The tool could help identify at-risk drug candidates early on in production, reducing financial risk and improving safe medication development.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 5, 2018

Radiation therapy algorithm could reduce side effects, maintain effect against tumors

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a mathematical model for computing radiation therapy treatments that could substantially reduce patient side effects while delivering the same results as conventional radiation therapy. The new approach, known as spatiotemporal fractionation, delivers different doses to part...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateJan 5, 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.

Quantum 'spooky action at a distance' becoming practical

A team of researchers has successfully tested quantum nonlocality in the presence of photon loss using quantum teleportation. They demonstrated that entangled photons can still be verified even when many are lost during transmission, enabling the development of secure global quantum information networks.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 5, 2018

Ocean acidification means major changes for California mussels, FSU researcher says

Research reveals California mussel shells are becoming disordered and less organized due to escalating ocean acidification, impacting their structural integrity. The study suggests this variation may offer the species a glimmer of hope through increased variability in individual traits, potentially aiding natural selection.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 5, 2018

Landmark genetic study better predicts stomach cancer

A new genetic study has better predicted stomach cancer risk by analyzing intestinal metaplasia, a known risk factor for the disease. The study identified biomarkers that can be used to detect patients at high risk of progression.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 5, 2018

Temperature may affect pollen color

New research on Campanula americana found that temperature influences pollen pigmentation, with dark pollen outperforming light under higher temperatures but not elevated UV. This study suggests temperature stress may play a significant role in geographic variation of pollen color.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 5, 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.

Excess fat disrupts heart cell's energy system

A University of Iowa study reveals how excess fat in the heart's mitochondria leads to impaired energy production and cardiac damage. Researchers found that lipid overload causes small, misshapen mitochondria that don't produce energy efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCirculation Research·DateJan 5, 2018

First discover the disorder and then find the patients

Scientists at Bielefeld University confirm the presence of a previously unknown genetic defect 'MPS III-E' causing progressive blindness and inner ear hearing impairment in patients. Biochemical studies revealed that the disorder is caused by an enzyme deficiency, which can be treated with biotechnological enzyme replacement therapy.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJan 5, 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.

Study shows treeshrews break evolutionary 'rules'

A new study reveals that treeshrews defy two widely tested rules governing geographical variation within species: the island rule and Bergmann's rule. In contrast to predictions, treeshrew populations exhibit no size difference between mainland and island habitats.

SourceYale University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJan 5, 2018

Tobacco shops associated with crime in urban communities of color

A UC Riverside-led study found that tobacco shops are associated with high levels of violent and property crime in South Los Angeles. In contrast, medical marijuana dispensaries were not linked to greater violent crime around their locations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJan 5, 2018

DFG supports two new research groups at Goethe University Frankfurt

The university is tackling socially relevant topics such as earth's water resources and the effects of regulatory measures on market development with funding from the German Research Foundation. Researchers will examine how institutional and regulatory parameters influence financial market decisions and outcomes.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateJan 5, 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.

Depression in black adolescents requires different treatment

A new study led by Rutgers University-Camden researcher Wenhua Lu found that Black adolescents express depressive symptoms through complaints about interpersonal struggles and physical pains. This highlights the need for clinicians to tailor treatments such as interpersonal psychotherapy to address these unique expressions of depression.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the Society for Social Work and Research·DateJan 5, 2018

Space fever: Weightlessness increases astronauts' body temperature

Researchers found that astronauts' core body temperature increases gradually over 2.5 months, eventually reaching 38°C (100.4°F), impairing physical and cognitive performance. In space, sweat evaporation is slower than on Earth, leading to overheating during exercise.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 2018

Harnessing the potential of blockchain to transform education

The European Commission Joint Research Centre report explores how blockchain can improve education, from paperless degrees to tracking citations and protecting intellectual property. The report highlights the potential of blockchain in reducing bureaucracy and increasing transparency in the education sector.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateJan 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.

Mirror neuron activity predicts people's decision-making in moral dilemmas

A new UCLA study suggests that mirror neuron activity in the brain can predict a person's willingness to cause harm or help others in moral dilemmas. The research found that those with stronger neural resonance were less likely to choose harming others, while decisions based on greater good were influenced by cognitive processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateJan 5, 2018

Nok research project enters final phase

The Goethe University Frankfurt's Nok research project has been awarded €1.5 million in funding to continue its 12-year study of the 2,500-year-old Nigerian Nok Culture. The project has uncovered significant insights into chronology, settlement, land use, and environment.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateJan 5, 2018

Study boosts hope for cheaper fuel cells

Researchers at Rice University have optimized nanomaterials for fuel-cell cathodes, revealing that nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons can replace platinum to boost fuel cell efficiency. The study showed that the right balance of binding energy is crucial for good catalytic performance.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 5, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

How Zika infection drives fetal demise

A powerful antiviral protein acts as a checkpoint for keeping or ending pregnancy. Mouse fetuses with the protein commit cell suicide when exposed to Zika virus, while those without it continue to develop. The study suggests that this signaling pathway plays a role in spontaneous abortions and other human pregnancy complications.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 5, 2018

Cells rank genes by importance to protect them, according to new research

A new study reveals that DNA mismatch repair (MMR) preferentially protects genes from mutations, rather than non-genic regions of the genome. The research, led by Prof. Nicholas Harberd at the University of Oxford, has important implications for understanding cancer development and human health.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 5, 2018