Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2017 - Page 110


Page 110 of 461

A need for bananas? Dietary potassium regulates calcification of arteries

Researchers found that low dietary potassium promotes elevated aortic stiffness, while increased dietary potassium alleviates it. Increased potassium also reduced vascular calcification and aortic stiffness in mouse models, suggesting its potential to protect against heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Obama and Trump administrations get opposite environmental assessment results

The Obama and Trump administrations have produced vastly different environmental assessment results related to the Clean Water Act. A systematic protocol for government cost-benefit analyses of proposed regulations is urgently needed to ensure better decision-making on human health and environmental issues.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2017

Scientists from MSU proposed a way of increasing the efficiency of solar batteries

Researchers from MSU found that changing the ratio of components in light-absorbing perovskite layers influences film structure and solar cell efficiency. By studying intermediate compounds formed during crystallization, they discovered a key factor affecting perovskite crystal shape and solar cell performance.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 5, 2017

Key plant species may be important for supporting wildflower pollinators

A new study found that a selection of efficient key plant species can effectively support pollinators in agricultural landscapes. The researchers identified 14 crucial plant species for the whole bee and hoverfly community, highlighting the potential of targeted agri-environmental schemes.

SourceWiley·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateOct 5, 2017

Jefferson Lab completes 12 GeV upgrade

The 12 GeV Upgrade Project has tripled CEBAF's original operating energy, enabling precise imaging of nuclei and searches for exotic new particles. This upgrades allows researchers to explore the fundamental building blocks of matter at a scale previously inaccessible.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateOct 5, 2017
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.

New 'molecular trap' cleans more radioactive waste from nuclear fuel rods

A new molecular trap, MIL-101-Cr, removes nearly all radioactive iodide from used nuclear fuel rods, exceeding current regulations by up to 0.003 percent. The breakthrough could save on fuel costs worldwide, as the new method is cheaper and more effective than existing industrial adsorbents.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2017

12,000 years ago, Florida hurricanes heated up despite chilly seas

Researchers found that hurricane-suppressing effects of cooler sea surface temperatures were outweighed by the side effects of slowed ocean circulation in Florida during the Younger Dryas period. Turbidites captured the fury of Florida's stormy days, revealing a surprising level of hurricane activity despite chilly seas.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateOct 5, 2017

Simplifying information aids fight against childhood obesity, study finds

A new study found that simplified health information and instruction can improve outcomes for families with low health literacy in childhood obesity treatment programs. Families saw similar improvements in body mass index, sugar-sweetened drink consumption, and quality of life, regardless of their ability to understand health information.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateOct 5, 2017
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 analyze cost-effectiveness of guinea worm disease eradication

The global Guinea Worm Eradication Programme is highly cost-effective in preventing the spread of guinea worm disease, with a financial cost of $0.0176 per capita per year. The programme's cost-effectiveness exceeds that of no intervention or minimal intervention scenarios, making it a valuable investment for disease prevention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 5, 2017

Genomic screening helps doctors target girl's cancer

A precision medicine trial is helping doctors target the genetic makeup of high-risk neuroblastoma tumors. Victoria Thompson, a two-year-old girl, is part of the trial and has seen promising results after innovative treatments.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateOct 5, 2017

Predicting when a sound will occur relies on the brain's motor system

A new study by McGill University researchers reveals that the brain's motor signals play a crucial role in distinguishing complex sounds. By anticipating the occurrence of next tone, the motor system sharpens auditory perception, even when participants remain still.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2017
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.

Researchers identify genetic drivers of most common form of lymphoma

A recent study has identified 150 genetic drivers of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, a common form of blood cancer. The research, led by Duke Cancer Institute scientists, found correlations between specific genes and treatment responses, opening up new avenues for targeted therapies.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell·DateOct 5, 2017

New findings on mechanisms for body temperature regulation by fat tissue

A study by Georgia State University researchers found that brown fat's role in generating heat is more complex than previously thought. They discovered that lipolysis, which breaks down stored fat, is not essential for heat production in response to cold exposure, but rather regulates fuel selection and white fat browning.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 5, 2017

Liverwort genes and land plant evolution

The liverwort's genome has provided insight into the transition from algae to land plants, identifying genes critical for plant growth and development. The study also found that early plants developed strategies for water retention and distribution, which are still employed by modern plants.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 5, 2017

New book examines human need for art and public space

The new book, 'Public Space? Lost and Found,' examines the crucial role of art in shaping our sense of community and politics. It argues that public space is an essential requirement of contemporary life and can never be politically neutral ground.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMIT Press OA Books·DateOct 5, 2017
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.

Scientists enlist supercomputers, machine learning to automatically identify brain tumors

A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin has created an accurate and efficient method to characterize gliomas, the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor. Their system combined biophysical models with machine learning algorithms to analyze Magnetic Resonance imaging data, achieving top results in a c...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateOct 5, 2017

New insights on the addictions of tumors

Research at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute suggests that eliminating p62 protein in surrounding stromal tissue can disrupt tumor supply lines. This could lead to new strategies to target non-oncogenic addictions and undermine cancer growth.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 5, 2017

Perpetrators of genocide say they're 'good people'

A study of 27 defendants in the Rwandan genocide trial found that most tried to justify their actions by claiming they were 'good people'. Researchers analyzed testimony and identified two neutralization techniques: appeal to good character and victimization, which were used more frequently than previously known methods.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Problems·DateOct 5, 2017

New 'movie' technique reveals bacterial signalling in sharper resolution

Researchers at John Innes Centre developed an advanced analysis method to study bacterial signalling, enabling a comprehensive 'signalling map' for the key protein Hfq. This approach integrates data from multiple experiments, increasing our capacity to understand plant and human diseases.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateOct 5, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Climate change and extreme weather challenge communities to be resilient

The documentary highlights New Orleans' efforts to create a master plan for future events as the 'canary in the coal mine' for climate impacts. The city's unique situation, with the Mississippi River altered after the great flood of 1927 and land sinking due to sea-level rise, underscores the need for planning and resilience.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 5, 2017

Do earthquakes have a 'tell'?

Researchers have discovered a potential method to predict nearby strong earthquakes by analyzing deep tremors. The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, found that changes in deep tremor patterns can signal an impending earthquake.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 5, 2017
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 test opens path for better 2-D catalysts

Researchers at Rice University and Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a technique to probe through tiny windows created by an electron beam and measure the catalytic activity of molybdenum disulfide, a two-dimensional material. The study found that most production of hydrogen is coming from the thin sheets' edges.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 5, 2017

Prestigious award for pioneer of gold catalysis

Professor Graham Hutchings' groundbreaking work on gold catalysis has led to the development of a substitute for mercury, significantly reducing environmental harm. The gold catalyst has replaced mercury in PVC production, meeting international regulations and benefiting human health.

SourceCardiff University·DateOct 5, 2017

Road pricing most effective in reducing vehicle emissions

A review of over 60 studies found road pricing to be the most effective strategy to reduce emissions and traffic. Low-emission zones also encourage cleaner vehicles and reduce driving, leading to improved air quality.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateOct 5, 2017

Nerve study shows how cells adapt to help repair damage

Scientists have identified genetic processes that enable nerve-supporting cells to transform into specialized versions that facilitate nerve regeneration. This knowledge may lead to new drug therapies for peripheral neuropathies, a set of conditions causing numbness, muscle weakness, and sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 5, 2017
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.

Researchers get straight to the heart of piezoelectric tissues

A recent study using the Sawyer-Tower technique finds no signs of piezoelectricity or ferroelectricity in pig aorta. The researchers tested the tissue's electromechanical properties and found it behaves like a standard dielectric material.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 5, 2017

What Earth's climate system and topological insulators have in common

Researchers found that the same mathematical principles governing topological insulators also drive equatorial waves in the ocean, explaining their persistence despite weather disturbances. This discovery could lead to new ways of identifying climate dynamics and deepening scientists' understanding of the Earth's climate system.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2017

'Increased risk' donor organs a tough sell to transplant patients

A study suggests that donor organs classified as 'increased risk' due to factors like drug use or incarceration are less likely to be used by transplant patients. Despite low disease transmission risks, these organs account for 1 in every 5 deceased donor organs and could lead to hundreds of additional transplants each year.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalTransplantation·DateOct 5, 2017
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.

Study examines home health care in Medicare beneficiaries

Medicare beneficiaries who receive home health services from lower-quality agencies are more likely to experience higher rates of hospital admissions and emergency department visits. Home health care is a critical area for addressing healthcare disparities, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 4, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Tungsten offers nano-interconnects a path of least resistance

Researchers have found that crystalline tungsten exhibits anisotropic resistivity, with smaller resistivity in certain orientations. The study's findings demonstrate the potential for tungsten to reduce nanowire resistance and may pave the way for new materials to replace copper interconnects.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 4, 2017

Light-activated nanoparticles can supercharge current antibiotics

New research reveals light-activated nanoparticles can re-potentiate existing antibiotics for certain clinical isolate infections. The nanoparticles release superoxide, making bacteria more susceptible to the original antibiotic and reducing effective resistance by a factor of 1,000.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 4, 2017

Your brain on mental training: Structural changes and stress reduction

Long-term mental exercises lead to specific restructuring of the social brain, including changes in gray matter volume and cortical thickness. This is associated with reduced indicators of stress and improved attention, compassion, and cognitive perspective-taking.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 4, 2017
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: therapists lack knowledge to prevent transmission of CMV

A new study by Midwestern University found that physical and occupational therapists are at increased risk of contracting CMV due to lack of knowledge on prevention methods. The study highlights the need for educational initiatives to address the knowledge gap among these healthcare professionals.

SourceMidwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 4, 2017

Researchers find that accurately transcribing DNA overrides DNA repair

Researchers found that accurately transcribing DNA overrides DNA repair, with bacteria becoming hundreds of times more efficient at repairing DNA damage when the transcription fidelity factor GreA is absent. This discovery challenges traditional understanding and has significant implications for cancer research and evolution.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2017
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.

Albatross feces show diet of fishery discards

A new study uses DNA analysis of albatross feces to assess their diet and interactions with fisheries, revealing a high level of fishery involvement in some areas. This non-invasive technique provides a valuable tool for improving fisheries management and monitoring marine biodiversity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 4, 2017

Indicator of extraterrestrial life?

Researchers have discovered Freon-40, an organohalogen, around two celestial objects: an infant star and a comet. The finding suggests that these molecules may form readily in stellar nurseries, providing insights into the chemical evolution of planetary systems.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 4, 2017

DNA-based Zika vaccine is safe and effective at inducing immune response

A phase 1 clinical trial demonstrated the safety and ability of a new DNA-based Zika vaccine to elicit an immune response against the virus, with 100% of participants developing Zika-specific antibodies. The vaccine also showed promise in preventing infection in immunocompromised mice.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2017

Pay-it-forward college financing policies examined in new study

Researchers analyze how pay-it-forward college financing programs could increase college access, making attendance nearly universal. Income share agreements may deter people from attending college if incremental gain is relatively small, but subsidies would not necessarily decrease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateOct 4, 2017

Nanoscale islands dot light-driven catalyst

Researchers create nanostructures with aluminum core and metallic islands that capture light energy, enabling powered chemical reactions. The technique allows for customizable surface chemistry and reactivity in one material.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 4, 2017
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.

Sperm banking is underutilized by adolescent and young adult cancer patients

A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that fertility preservation is associated with increased optimism about the future for survivors, but remains underutilized by at-risk patients with cancer. Meeting with a fertility specialist and parental recommendations are key factors in deciding to bank sperm.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 4, 2017