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Science News Archive 2017


Page 100 of 461

Spotting the spin of the Majorana fermion under the microscope

Scientists at Princeton University have enhanced scanning tunneling microscopy to capture signals from the elusive Majorana fermion in iron wires on a lead crystal. The study detects a unique quantum property called spin, which distinguishes the particle from other quasi-particles and provides a signature of its existence.

Lead fishing tackle may be threatening loon populations

A new study reveals that lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of mortality in adult common loons, resulting in 43% population decline over 24 years. The study found that jigs and sinkers accounted for most lead tackle objects ingested by loons.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Paleogenomic analysis sheds light on Easter Island mysteries

A new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers rules out pre-European contact between Easter Island inhabitants and South Americans, leaving many questions unanswered about the island's population dynamics. The analysis of ancient DNA from skeletal remains found no evidence of gene flow between the two groups.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Warming seas could lead to 70 percent increase in hurricane-related financial loss

A new study published in Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure predicts that warmer oceans will lead to higher wind speeds and larger storms, resulting in increased damage and financial losses due to hurricanes. The study estimates a 70% increase in hurricane-related financial loss by 2100 for coastal communities in South Carolina.

Material mimics 3-D camouflage abilities of an octopus

Researchers have created a 2-D material that can morph into a 3D structure and change color to blend in with its environment. The material mimics the skin of an octopus, featuring erector muscles that rapidly form shapes to achieve camouflage.

Cell contacts in embryonic development determine cellular fate

Researchers at IST Austria have identified a positive feedback loop between cell-cell contact formation and cell fate specification in zebrafish embryos. This loop, triggered by long-lasting contacts, leads to the specification of head mesoderm cells, while short-lasting contacts result in endoderm cells.

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.

Pioneering discovery of an odor-detecting receptor enhancer

Researchers discovered an evolutionary conserved sequence motif in mammalian genomes that regulates class I odorant receptor genes, a novel mechanism of expression. The J element controls the selective expression of these genes, highlighting its importance in understanding gene regulation and disease.

Sleep on your side, not your back in late pregnancy

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that pregnant women who sleep on their backs during late pregnancy may be at increased risk of late stillbirth. Fetal activity levels were lower when mothers slept on their backs, suggesting a potential link between maternal position and fetal wellbeing.

New technique scours the genome for genes that combat disease

Researchers at MIT developed a new way to screen for genes that protect against specific diseases by adapting the CRISPR genome-editing system. The new technology identified genes that protect yeast cells from a protein associated with Parkinson's disease, which may also provide protective effects in human neurons.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Genes critical for hearing identified

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified 52 previously unknown genes that play a crucial role in human hearing. The research used 'knock-out' mice to assess their hearing thresholds and found that these genes can lead to mild to severe hearing loss or difficulties at specific frequencies.

Young men are getting more out of 'bromances' than romances

A recent study by Robinson et al. found that young men's 'bromances' are more emotionally satisfying than their romantic relationships with women. The researchers discovered that men felt less judged and more able to express emotions in their close male friendships compared to their girlfriends.

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.

Lost in translation: When humor kills the message

A QUT study found that humorous driver sleepiness advertisements can be ineffective due to drivers' expectations of shocking messages. Young Australian drivers prefer serious road safety topics over lighthearted approaches.

Making healthier decisions, step by step

A study at San Diego International Airport found that signs encouraging stair use increased steps taken by 50% compared to sign-free days. The prompts appeared to nudge both regular and non-exercisers into taking the stairs, demonstrating a ripple effect in behavior.

Tropical tree roots represent an underappreciated carbon pool

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that tropical tree roots account for almost 30% of the total biomass of young trees. The research also revealed diverse root architectures among species, with some sending large tap roots and others extending laterally just below the soil surface.

How switches work in bacteria

Researchers analyzed the structure and dynamics of riboswitches using optical single-molecule experiments. They found that the riboswitch fluctuates between different conformations, with SAM attachment accelerating structure changes to ensure quick gene expression shutdown.

USC team finds a potentially better way to treat liver cancer

A USC research team has identified a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment: mitophagy, the removal of damaged mitochondria. This process can cause tumors to proliferate, but temporarily halting it may reduce cancer stem cell growth, leading to tumor regression.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

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Watching plant photosynthesis...from space

A new technique uses satellite-based remote-sensing to quantify plant metabolism by measuring solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence. This correlation opens up applications for climate change and ecosystem monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and land management.

Whole genome sequencing identifies new genetic signature for autism

Researchers have discovered a new genetic signature for autism by analyzing the genomes of 516 autistic children and their families. The study found that individuals with autism are more likely to have multiple genetic variations, suggesting a complex interplay between genes in the development of the disorder.

UH, ExxonMobil Chemical Company sign research agreement

The partnership aims to reduce environmental impact while developing innovative solutions for manufacturing petrochemical products. Researchers from ExxonMobil will collaborate with UH faculty and students on various projects, including studying catalysis and producing specialty chemicals.

Early pregnancy test for cows improves welfare and food production

A simpler early pregnancy test for cattle has improved animal welfare and food production by enabling pregnancy to be determined after just 25 days. This detection method has contributed to reduced animal costs, more efficient food production, and ultimately good human health.

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.

Laser cavities take on new shapes and functionalities

The researchers have demonstrated the first laser cavity that can confine and propagate light in any shape imaginable, even pathways with sharp bends and angles. This new design could enable higher speed optical communication technologies.

Geologic evidence is the forerunner of ominous prospects for a warming earth

A new review in Marine Geology reveals that slightly warmer temperatures and moderate CO2 concentrations over 100,000 years ago led to dramatic superstorms and sea-level rise in the Bahamas and Bermuda. The study emphasizes that strong climate forcing is not required to yield major impacts on the ocean and ice caps.

Brain imaging results skewed by biased study samples

A new UCSF-led study found that non-representative sampling in pediatric MRI images significantly distorted findings about brain development with age. The research team created a weighted version of the dataset to better reflect the US population, revealing faster-paced brain development and a back-to-front model of brain region develo...

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.

Halting liver cancer with a sugar look-a-like

Researchers at RIKEN discovered a way to prevent liver cancer spread by treating with a modified fucose sugar. The treatment disrupts biological pathways, blocking hepatoma cells from invading healthy liver cells and suppressing migration, but not proliferation.

'Seeing' the other side of our galaxy

A team of astronomers successfully traced a spiral arm on the far side of our Galaxy using radio interferometry and parallax measurements. They located the Scutum-Centaurus spiral arm as it passes around the far side and verified a new method to infer distances in this region.

Understanding rare earth emulsions

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that surface polarization in mixed media increases the attraction among rare earth elements. This finding could make rare earth recovery faster, easier, and less expensive. The study's results have implications for separating rare earths as well as other elements and nuclear waste removal.

Sorting the myriad medicinal molecules of coral reefs

Researchers at SDSU and partners have developed a new method to identify medicinal properties in unknown coral reef molecules. By analyzing molecular fingerprints, they can predict the potential therapeutic value of these molecules.

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.

Enzyme behind immune cell response revealed

Monash University researchers identified PRMT1 as an enzyme essential for the immune system's ability to produce antibodies and clear infections. The discovery opens up new avenues for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases by targeting this enzyme.

The sea cucumber genome points to genes for tissue regeneration

The sea cucumber genome provides new insights into its ability to regenerate damaged body parts, including viscera, which can be regrown within weeks. The study identified specific genes that may contribute to this ability, offering potential avenues for regenerative medicine research.

Oregon team identifies universality and specificity in protein motions

A team of researchers at the University of Oregon has identified a universal pattern in protein motion, which could help pinpoint where proteins bind to other molecules. The study found that protein motion is governed by random energy fluctuations and a critical hydrogen-bonding network.

VLBA measurement promises complete picture of Milky Way

Astronomers using the VLBA have directly measured the distance to a star-forming region on the opposite side of the Milky Way, nearly doubling the previous record. This achievement allows for the accurate mapping of the Galaxy's structure and spiral arms.

Brain waves reflect different types of learning

Scientists have identified distinct neural signatures for explicit and implicit learning, which could guide the development of training techniques to mitigate learning and memory deficits. The findings may also help diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an earlier stage.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Professor Mark Stockman among recipients of $2 million grant

Dr. Mark Stockman's research aims to create wave-guiding effects without magnets, using rotating nano-laser fields instead. This innovation has potential applications in the optical telecommunications industry and could make transistors more resilient to radiation damage.

Cholesterol byproduct hijacks immune cells, lets breast cancer spread

Researchers discovered that high levels of cholesterol metabolism's byproduct 27HC facilitates breast cancer metastasis by hijacking specific immune cells. The study identifies 27HC as a potential drug target to inhibit its creation or actions, offering hope for effective therapies against this aggressive form of cancer.

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.

Mantis shrimp-inspired camera enables glimpse into hidden world

Researchers developed a bioinspired camera mimicking the mantis shrimp's eye to sense both color and polarization, enabling early cancer detection and decoding underwater communication channels. The camera uses silicon photodetectors and nanomaterials to replicate the mantis shrimp's visual system.

New type of diabetes caused by a genetic mutation

A new type of diabetes has been identified caused by a mutation in the RFX6 gene, leading to reduced insulin secretion and increased risk before age 20. GIP analogs may provide a novel treatment option for patients with this condition.

Tweets can help predict the outcome of football matches

Researchers found that Twitter posts can predict football match outcomes by analyzing tone and sentiment, particularly after significant events like goals and red cards. Combining this information with betting market prices improves forecast accuracy, with a potential bettor earning an average return of 2.28%.

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.

Brain stimulation can improve athletic performance

A study published in Brain Stimulation found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve endurance performance by decreasing perceived effort. The research, conducted at the University of Kent, used a placebo-controlled study to test the effects of tDCS on cycling time to task failure.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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