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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 28 of 41

Study: Autism's social deficits are reversed by an anti-cancer drug

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that romidepsin, an FDA-approved anti-cancer drug, restored gene expression and alleviated social deficits in mice deficient in the Shank 3 gene, a key risk factor for autism. The treatment had a profound and prolonged effect, lasting several years in humans.

CRISPR helps find new genetic suspects behind ALS/FTD

A recent study using CRISPR-Cas9 technology identified new genes that may hasten neuron death in ALS and FTD patients. The researchers found that genes controlling cell movement and protein assembly were potential partners in DPR toxicity, suggesting novel therapies for ALS.

Human diets and fruit species distribution

Researchers found Neotropical fruit species in Central and South America have larger geographic ranges when linked to human diets, suggesting human impact on species distribution. Human use of these fruits may have driven the expansion of their ranges.

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.

New research shows why babies need to move in the womb

Babies' movement in the womb is crucial for developing strong bones and joints. Research has identified that cells receive incorrect molecular signals when movement is absent, leading to brittle bones or abnormal joints. Understanding this mechanism can lead to improved treatments for joint injuries and diseases.

Why is it so hot at night in some cities?

Urban heat islands are caused by cities trapping more heat than surrounding areas due to their structure, affecting energy consumption and air quality. Researchers studied 50 cities and found that well-organized cities with straight streets retain more heat at night, leading to increased energy bills in hot climates.

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.

Heart attack risk increases with six-month dual antiplatelet therapy

A recent study found that six-month dual antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of heart attacks in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The SMART-DATE trial showed that short-term treatment is not safe for ACS patients who have received drug-eluting stents, highlighting the need for prolonged DAPT in these cases.

A milestone in petahertz electronics

Researchers observed attosecond optical-field-enhanced carrier injection into the GaAs conduction band, a process previously thought to be impossible. Intra-band motion plays a significant role in this phenomenon, enhancing the number of electrons excited into the conduction band.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Benefits of Bt corn

The widespread adoption of Bt field corn led to significant reductions in European corn borer and corn earworm infestations. This resulted in lower recommended insecticide sprays, total insecticides applied, and crop damages on pepper, green bean, and sweet corn crops.

Trial for gout drug meets primary endpoint, raises safety

The CARES trial found that long-term febuxostat use in patients with heart disease significantly increases the risk of death, despite not raising cardiovascular outcomes. Researchers were unable to identify a biological mechanism explaining this finding.

The occurrence of magnetism in the universe

Scientists at HZDR aim to demonstrate that precession is sufficient to create a magnetic field using liquid sodium. The experiment could provide insights into the geodynamo and clarify the role of precession in generating the Earth's magnetic field.

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.

Preclinical characterization of therapeutic antibodies

Researchers develop therapeutic antibodies targeting the C-terminus of Sonic hedgehog, a protein involved in tissue homeostasis and repair. These antibodies show promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth and tumor formation in preclinical models.

A new solution for chronic pain

Researchers uncover mechanism behind neuropathic pain and develop innovative treatment blocking FLT3 molecule. The treatment shows immediate and long-lasting therapeutic effects in animal subjects, reducing hyperalgesia and allodynia.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Low-dose 'triple pill' lowers blood pressure more than usual care

A new combination pill of three low-dose medications has been shown to significantly increase the number of patients reaching blood pressure targets compared to usual care. The 'Triple Pill' resulted in a 70% control rate at six months, with benefits seen straight away and maintained until six months.

NASA's James Webb Observatory prepares for additional testing

Engineers are conducting final testing at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems to ensure the observatory is ready for space. The science payload has already undergone rigorous testing, and the integrated spacecraft and sunshield will soon undergo their own launch environment tests.

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.

Heat shock system helps bug come back to life after drying up

Researchers discovered a gene called heat shock factor is co-opted by the sleeping chironomid to survive desiccation. The gene's activation leads to the synthesis of heat shock proteins protecting cells from misfolding, allowing the insect to regain life.

Would you pay for an Ebola vaccine? Most say yes

A majority of US adults (59.7%) would pay at least $1 for an Ebola vaccine, according to a national survey conducted during the 2014-2016 West African outbreak. Participants who had traveled internationally and were interested in getting vaccinated were more likely to be willing to pay.

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.

New iPad app could improve colon cancer screening rates

A new iPad app, mPATH-CRC, was developed to improve colon cancer screening rates. The app simplified the process of ordering a screening test, increasing screenings from 15% to 30% among participants. While the app showed promise, it is not intended to replace doctors' care, but rather to augment it and encourage patient participation.

A new cross-coupling simplifies the synthesis of drug-like molecules

Researchers at TSRI have developed a new desulfonylative cross-coupling reaction that simplifies the synthesis of drug-like molecules, including alkyl-fluorinated compounds. This method paves the way for creating new types of compounds and facilitating the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.

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.

Smoking heightens risk of psychoses

A recent study by the Academy of Finland found that daily and heavy smoking are independently linked to a higher risk of psychoses. Smoking begun at an early age was a particularly significant risk factor, with prevention of adolescent smoking likely to have positive effects on mental health in later life.

Ag robot speeds data collection, analyses of crops as they grow

The TerraSentia crop phenotyping robot, developed by the University of Illinois, measures plant traits using various sensors and transmits data in real-time to operators' phones or laptops. This allows for more objective and efficient data collection, enabling better breeding pipeline outcomes.

Painting a clear picture of how nitrogen oxides are formed

A team of researchers from the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed a comprehensive model for nitrogen oxide formation in combustion. The study reveals that temperature and fuel mixture richness significantly impact NOx production, providing valuable insights for engine companies seeking to reduce emissions.

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.

Stroke research: 32 hits

A new study has identified 22 new genetic risk factors for stroke, providing extensive insight into the biology and pathways leading to the disease. The results demonstrate shared genetic influences with multiple related vascular conditions, including blood pressure and coronary artery disease.

Taking the jab (and the chill) out of vaccination

A team of researchers from James Cook University and Cardiff University have created a fully synthetic flu vaccine that protects mice from swine flu and works on human cells in the laboratory. The vaccine is hyper-stable, meaning it can survive stomach acid and human blood, making it suitable for oral administration.

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.

The Alps are home to more than 3,000 lichens

The Alps boast an impressive array of lichens, comprising over 3,138 entries in the first ever comprehensive checklist. The publication sheds light on the ecology and taxonomy of these organisms, providing a valuable tool for research and further exploration.

Socioeconomic status may affect survival of patients with anal cancer

A study published in CANCER found that living in low-income areas increases the risk of early death among patients with anal cancer. The researchers analyzed data from 9,550 patients and found that those in lower income areas had worse overall survival and cancer-specific survival compared to those in higher income areas.

New treatment for aggressive breast cancer

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new drug that transforms aggressive breast cancer into hormone-sensitive luminal breast cancers, making them responsive to conventional hormone therapy.

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.

It's mostly luck, not pluck, that determines lifetime reproductive success

Studies by Cornell University professors Stephen Ellner and Robin Snyder show that trait variation influences but is often overshadowed by luck in determining lifetime reproductive success. The research suggests that being above average can be more important than possessing exceptional traits to achieve reproductive success.

Psychopathy and perspective

A study of 106 incarcerated male participants found that psychopaths and non-psychopaths could take others' perspectives, but psychopaths excelled only on tasks requiring deliberate consideration. This cognitive deficit may underlie facets of psychopathic behavior.

News from Molecular & Cellular Proteomics

Researchers studying a rare skin disorder called DEB found that loss of collagen VII affected the cellular microenvironment, leading to abnormal mRNA and protein turnover. Meanwhile, another study used novel proteomics to characterize changes in O-GlcNAc modification sites on proteins involved in T cell activation.

Brown adipose tissue made transparent

Researchers have developed a new non-invasive method to measure the metabolic activity of brown adipose tissue, making it easier to verify its heat generation. The method uses multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) to visualize changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, allowing scientists to study its effects on energy b...

New link between obesity and body temperature

Mice lacking the cold-sensing ion channel TRPM8 consumed more food during the day when they should be asleep, leading to obesity and high blood sugar in adulthood. This study reveals a previously unrecognized link between thermal sensing systems, thermoregulation and food intake.

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.

Humans behind majority of raptor deaths in Ontario, study finds

A University of Guelph study found that human encroachment is the leading cause of death among Ontario's at-risk birds of prey, with trauma and starvation being the top causes. The study analyzed over 1,500 bird deaths from 1991 to 2014 and highlighted the need for public awareness and habitat preservation to protect raptor populations.

Study finds that genes play a role in empathy

A new study found that genetics contribute to individual differences in empathy, with genetic variants associated with lower empathy linked to higher autism risk. Women are also more empathetic than men, but this difference is not due to DNA, suggesting non-genetic factors at play.

Beta blocker shows mixed results in protecting against chemo-induced heart damage

A study found that women with breast cancer who took the beta blocker carvedilol during chemotherapy had lower levels of a protein indicative of heart injury, but no difference in heart function. The study's lead author notes that further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential benefits for higher-risk patients.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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