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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 18 of 41

Modified biomaterials self-assemble on temperature cues

Biomaterials with precisely ordered structures could be used for various biomedical applications due to their precise control of self-assembly. The hybrid approach allows researchers to expand the chemical diversity of protein-based materials by combining different alphabets, such as amino acids and lipids.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cutting carbon emissions sooner could save 153 million lives

A new study projects that cutting carbon emissions sooner could avoid up to 153 million premature deaths globally, with the greatest gains in Asia and Africa. Cities like Kolkata and Delhi, India, could see up to 4.4 million projected saved lives.

Progress toward a new flu treatment, thanks to a small tweak

Researchers present a modified small-molecule drug that targets the RNA polymerase subunit of the influenza virus, reducing its ability to replicate and spread. The compound could potentially eliminate the virus or slow down its reproduction, offering a new treatment option for patients with flu.

Commonly used drugs affect our gut bacteria

A study by EMBL researchers found that over a quarter of non-antibiotic drugs inhibit the growth of at least one species in the human gut microbiome. This can lead to unintended side effects and potentially contribute to antibiotic resistance. The research team screened 1000 marketed drugs against 40 representative bacteria, revealing ...

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.

Stem cells treat macular degeneration

Researchers at UCSB developed a specially engineered retinal patch using stem cells to treat people with sudden severe sight loss from wet AMD. The study showed improvements in vision, enabling patients to read and perform daily tasks.

The use of immunotherapy to treat metastatic breast cancer

Immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating metastatic breast cancer, with a median progression-free survival of 33 months and median overall survival of 82 months. The treatment has been found to improve PFS and OS in both luminal and non-luminal subtypes, offering new hope for patients with this incurable disease.

From landfill to lipstick: Grape waste as a cosmetic and food ingredient

Researchers have identified useful commercial applications for grape waste, such as prolonging the shelf life of fatty foods. Grape pomace is rich in natural antioxidants like proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid, which can be used to substitute artificial antioxidants in food products.

Smithsonian reports first evidence of live-traded dogs for Maya ceremonies

Researchers analyzed animal remains from Ceibal, Guatemala, and found that dogs, turkeys, and cats were raised for ceremonial purposes, with dogs being traded across the landscape. The study sheds light on the role of animals in Maya civilization and challenges previous assumptions about their management.

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.

At first blush, you look happy -- or sad, or angry

A groundbreaking study found that people can correctly identify others' feelings up to 75% of the time by analyzing subtle changes in blood flow color around the nose, eyebrows, cheeks, or chin. Computer algorithms developed from the research accurately recognize human emotion via face color with up to 90% accuracy.

Undark Magazine publisher receives Endocrine Society's journalism award

Deborah Blum received the Endocrine Society's Award for Excellence in Science and Medical Journalism for her article examining how natural compounds in soy can interfere with estrogen hormones in the body. The study highlights the potential health risks associated with EDC exposure, including reproductive disorders and cancer.

Shedding light on the mystery of the superconducting dome

Researchers observed the full range of superconducting states from insulator to superconductor and back to re-entrant insulator in a WS2 monolayer. The discovery could lead to rational design of 2D superconducting devices at relatively high temperatures.

New osteoarthritis genes discovered

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified nine novel genes associated with osteoarthritis. Researchers used the UK Biobank resource and found that five of these genes differ significantly in their expression between healthy and diseased cartilage, offering new targets for future research into therapies.

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.

Amphibian diversity and habitat modification

Human habitat alteration leads to global phylogenetic homogenization, replacing diverse species with similar clades. Average loss of 13.5% in phylogenetic diversity reported across five continents.

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 optical modules could improve thyroid cancer screening

Researchers developed a point-of-care device that simultaneously probes patient hemodynamics, chemical constitution, and anatomy to diagnose thyroid nodules. The device uses near-infrared time-resolve spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy to collect tissue data, promising improved accuracy and reduced costs.

Implantable sensor relays real-time personal health data to a cell phone

Scientists have developed tiny, implantable sensors that can detect various body chemistries without triggering an immune response. The devices are being marketed in Europe and are expected to receive US approval, with potential applications including monitoring oxygen levels in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Physicists discover new quantum electronic material

Researchers create first kagome metal, an electrically conducting crystal with individual atoms arranged in a repeating triangular pattern. The material exhibits strange, quantum-like behaviors in passing electrons, including bending and creation of nearly massless particles.

New biomarkers for neuroblastoma, a type of cancer in children

Researchers have identified two new biomarkers, a trio of RNA molecules, to help determine the severity of neuroblastoma in children. This discovery has immediate significance for disease prognosis and will eventually contribute to more effective treatments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Decoding the chemistry of fear

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that nematode worms exhibit a rudimentary fear-like response when exposed to chemicals from their predator, which has parallels to human anxiety. This discovery may lead to refined prescriptions for current anti-anxiety drugs and enable new treatments for PTSD and panic disorder.

Muslims face high rates of discrimination in Canada

A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that Muslims are the least liked group in Canada, with higher rates of discrimination than most other demographic groups. Residents of Quebec and those with conservative views hold more negative feelings towards Muslims.

Drawing inspiration from plants and animals to restore tissue

Researchers developed two nanofiber dressings that use naturally-occurring proteins to promote healing and regrow tissue. The dressings, inspired by fetal tissue and soy-based molecules, showed significant improvements in wound healing, including 84% tissue restoration within 20 days.

Monoclonal antibody against gram-negative bacteria

Researchers developed a monoclonal antibody targeting BamA in Gram-negative bacteria, inhibiting its function and compromising outer membrane integrity. The treatment shows promise for developing therapeutics against these bacteria.

A small, daily dose of Viagra may reduce colorectal cancer risk

Scientists found that a small daily dose of Viagra significantly reduces colorectal cancer risk in genetically predisposed animal models. The drug works by increasing levels of cyclic GMP, which suppresses excessive cell proliferation and promotes normal cell differentiation.

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.

Climate change threatens world's largest seagrass carbon stores

The loss of seagrass meadows at Shark Bay has released up to nine million metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the annual CO2 output of 800,000 homes. Seagrass ecosystems are crucial for storing carbon, and climate change is compromising their permanence.

Cancer comes back all jacked up on stem cells

Researchers collected three tumor samples from a patient with salivary gland cancer, revealing a significant increase in cancer stem cells and aggressive mutations over time. This study demonstrates how tumors can adapt and overcome therapies, leading to relapse and treatment resistance.

Biochemical insights may help unravel bark beetle outbreaks

Researchers have discovered biochemical mechanisms that help female beetles produce the aggregation pheromone trans-verbenol in response to juvenile hormone III. This finding may improve forecasting of bark beetle outbreaks by understanding how these insects communicate and colonize pine trees.

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.

Glacier mass loss: Past the point of no return

Researchers calculate glacier melting under different climate scenarios, finding that up to 36% of ice could melt without further emissions. Compliance with 1.5°C global warming goal makes little difference in the next 100 years.

FASEB Journal: New insights on asbestos-related disease

Researchers discovered that asbestos exposure sends exosomes to distant cells, causing genetic changes and potentially leading to cancer or diseases. The findings suggest a new mechanism by which asbestos triggers deadly cancers.

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.

Vulnerable populations: A special CMAJ focus

The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) is championing the health of vulnerable populations with a special focus. The journal aims to shine a light on vulnerability in healthcare and empower those who are most affected.

Are traumatic brain injuries in kids associated with later ADHD?

Severe TBI in children increases risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) up to 7 years after injury. A study of 187 children with TBI compared to orthopedic injury found 25.7% developed secondary ADHD, highlighting the need for post-injury monitoring.

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.

Molecular cuisine for gut bacteria

A team of EMBL scientists has developed a comprehensive 'cookbook' for growing and studying 96 diverse gut bacterial strains. The research reveals unexpected nutritional preferences and growth characteristics of these bacteria, providing valuable insights into the human gut microbiome.

Identifying 'designer' drugs taken by overdose patients

A new test developed by chemists can screen for synthetic opioids and cannabinoids in just under five minutes, helping medical staff identify the cause of an overdose. The device uses a small cartridge to extract and analyze drugs from blood samples, providing a potential solution to the growing crisis of opioid overdoses.

Treating postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms in women

A study of 302 postmenopausal women found that prescribed vaginal estradiol hormone tablets and over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer didn't improve symptom relief or sexual function compared to a placebo. The researchers conclude that a better understanding of the underlying mechanism is needed to develop more effective treatments.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Termite queen, king recognition pheromone identified

Researchers have identified a wax-like hydrocarbon called heneicosane as a royal recognition pheromone in termites, enabling workers to recognize and care for queens and kings. This discovery could upend current understanding of insect social behavior and evolution, suggesting that CHCs evolved as royal pheromones 150 million years ago.

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.

Fasting diets reduce important risk factor for cardiovascular disease

Researchers found that participants on the 5:2 diet cleared triglyceride from a meal more efficiently than those on daily calorie restriction, reducing an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The study also showed a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure in participants on the 5:2 diet.

Fast-acting antidote in sight for cholera epidemics

Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the onset of cholera, paving the way for a fast-acting antidote. The study shows that mice without a specific receptor can still get diarrhea after consuming cholera toxin, offering new possibilities for producing a drinkable antidote.

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.

Large study on cancer in the Métis people of Canada

A large study found that Métis adults have higher rates of lung, liver, and breast cancers, as well as poorer prostate cancer survival rates. The study also identified lower incidence rates for melanoma and leukemia in Métis adults compared to non-Aboriginal people.

LSD blurs boundary between self and other

A human brain imaging study found that LSD reduces activity in areas important for establishing one's sense of self, blurring the line between self and other. The serotonin receptor system appears to be a target for treating social impairments in disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.