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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 113


Page 113 of 461

Psychosocial factors, psychological disorders and violent crime

A study by researchers at the University of Seville found that individuals with lower levels of education are 10.32 times more likely to commit violent crimes than those with high educational levels. Additionally, prisoners diagnosed with functional mental illness were 3.5 times more likely to commit or attempt murder.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalThe Spanish Journal of Psychology·DateOct 3, 2017

New information on a major player in chronic visceral leishmaniasis

Researchers have discovered how Leishmania donovani uses physiological response to low oxygen levels to establish a chronic infection. The parasite induces the expression of HIF-1α, a master regulator of cellular response to hypoxia, in monocytes and macrophages.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 3, 2017

Morbidity and mortality of leprosy in the Middle Ages

A new study analyzing medieval skeletons found that contracting leprosy increased a person's chances of dying, but social status and sex also played roles. The researchers created a model to explore morbidity and mortality through a unique data set, shedding light on the complexities of the disease in the past.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateOct 3, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Free iPhone app could guide MS research, treatment

A new iPhone app called MS Mosaic aims to improve multiple sclerosis management by tracking patients' daily and weekly symptoms. The app collects data through various surveys, performance tests, and wearable device integration, providing insights for more tailored treatment.

SourceDuke University·DateOct 3, 2017

New machine evaluates soybean at harvest for quality

Researchers developed a machine to automate soybean quality evaluation during harvesting, providing real-time grain quality information. The system uses high-speed camera and computer program to analyze beans in real time, allowing operators to make adjustments as they go.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateOct 3, 2017

Breast cancer statistics, 2017

US breast cancer death rates are decreasing overall, with a 39% drop since 1989. Black women still face higher mortality rates than white women, but several states have seen significant declines in the gap between the two groups.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateOct 3, 2017

Gut bacteria metabolism may factor into hypertension

Researchers discovered a mechanism by which gut bacteria contribute to hypertension, involving the breakdown of cortisol into a molecule called GALF. This process can lead to an increase in blood pressure. The study aims to develop targeted therapies to combat hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSteroids·DateOct 3, 2017
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.

Trastuzumab treatment need not delay breast reconstruction following mastectomy

A new study has found that trastuzumab treatment does not increase the risk of surgical site complications that require intervention after breast reconstruction. Immediate breast reconstruction may be possible for patients receiving trastuzumab alone, but those on combination targeted HER-2 treatment should delay surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 3, 2017

Program for parents improves ADHD behaviors in young children

A parenting program strengthening skills also improves ADHD symptoms in 3-8 year-olds, according to researchers. The 'Incredible Years' Basic Parent Program demonstrates sustained improvements for children's behavior difficulties and social skills.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalJournal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders·DateOct 3, 2017

New cardiac catheter combines light and ultrasound to measure plaques

A new cardiac catheter combines fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) with intravascular ultrasound to measure plaque composition, providing a more accurate prediction of heart attacks. The device has been tested in living swine hearts and human coronary artery samples, showing promising results.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2017

New efficient catalyst for key step in artificial photosynthesis

Scientists have designed a new single-site catalyst that speeds up the rate of water oxidation, releasing protons and electrons that can be used to create hydrogen fuel. The catalyst improves upon previous designs, achieving a comparable rate to natural photosynthesis per catalytic site.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 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.

Two agents deliver knockout punches to Ewing sarcoma

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered a novel agent YK-4-279 that, when combined with vincristine, halts the ability of Ewing sarcoma to grow and progress. The combination produces a microtubule catastrophe in cancer cells, targeting their ability to divide and multiply.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateOct 3, 2017

NIH researchers uncover drain pipes in our brains

Researchers at NIH uncovered the first evidence of a brain lymphatic system, suggesting vessels act as a pipeline between brain and immune system. The discovery uses MRI to scan brains of healthy volunteers and confirms results in human and nonhuman primate brains.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateOct 3, 2017

Education faculty research suggests social action may give youth a career edge

A study published in Developmental Psychology found that socially active youth have higher expectations for their careers and are more likely to attain prestigious jobs. Researchers suggest that educators provide spaces for students to reflect on and challenge inequalities, leading to improved engagement and learning outcomes.

SourceClemson University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateOct 3, 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.

Too little is known about wildfire smoke

A review by UC Davis graduate students highlights the need for research on wildfire smoke's composition and its impact on human health. The study found that current scientific evidence is insufficient, and pesticides and fire-suppression chemicals used in California contribute to the toxic effects of wildfire smoke.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCurrent Topics in Toxicology·DateOct 3, 2017

Breaking the rules: Heavy chemical elements alter theory of quantum mechanics

Researchers at Florida State University found that the heaviest and rarest elements do not follow traditional rules of quantum mechanics. Instead, Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity governs their behavior, revealing unusual chemistry patterns. The study sheds new light on these lesser-known elements.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 2017

Astronomers reveal evidence of dynamical dark energy

Researchers have discovered evidence of dynamical dark energy, suggesting that the nature of dark energy may not be a constant vacuum energy. The discovery was made possible by high-precision measurements of Baryonic Acoustic Oscillations and will require confirmation from next-generation astronomical surveys.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 3, 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.

Pheasant roadkill peaks in autumn and late winter

Researchers found that large-scale pheasant release programs have not changed the birds' roadkill likelihood, but shifted peak times to autumn and late winter. Captive-bred pheasants lack survival skills after release, making them vulnerable to road accidents.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 3, 2017

Heat-tempered magnesium alloy a strong choice for implants

Researchers develop heat-treated magnesium alloy that outperforms titanium in implant applications, promoting bone growth and stability while avoiding complications like infection and corrosion. The T-5 alloy shows superior mechanical properties, lower degradation rates, and limited risks of rejection or infection.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJournal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery·DateOct 3, 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.

Twitter a hotbed of anti-vaccine sentiment, study finds

A new study found that Twitter is a hub of anti-vaccine sentiment, particularly in affluent regions. The research used machine-learning algorithms to analyze over half a million tweets between 2009 and 2015, finding that half of online discussions about vaccines were negative.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 3, 2017

Ammonia emissions unlikely to be causing extreme China haze

Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology found that elevated ammonia levels in Beijing have a relatively little impact on the acidity of pollutant particles. They suggest that sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide could be more significant contributors to extreme haze, which is linked to human health risks.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2017

To breed or not to breed? Migratory female butterflies face a monsoonal dilemma

Researchers found that migratory female butterflies make distinct physiological changes to invest in flight over reproduction during migration. They remain reproductively inactive and carry a lighter abdomen to optimize energy use. This strategy allows them to breed at the end of the migration, producing large numbers of eggs.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalOikos·DateOct 3, 2017

Livestock grazing harming giant panda habitat

A new study reveals that livestock grazing has damaged one-third of giant panda habitat in the park, with bamboos being a crucial food source. The degradation coincides with a nine-fold increase in livestock numbers over 15 years, driven by factors such as increased consumer demand for meat and unclear government policies.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 3, 2017
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.

Study: Women firefighters can improve safety, but department culture must change

A new study from Drexel University found that incorporating diverse ideas from women can improve safety in traditionally male fire departments. However, female firefighters often face hostile cultures and feel unwelcome due to hypermasculine environments. This can lead to a lack of reporting of injuries, which can be career-ending.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Workplace Behavioral Health·DateOct 3, 2017

Reducing bullying the Finnish way -- in the United States

Researchers tested the KiVa program to reduce bullying and victimization in US schools. Results showed significant reductions in bullying, but implementation was limited by factors such as teacher burnout and lack of resources. Improving teachers' workloads and reducing burnout may lead to better outcomes.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of School Psychology·DateOct 3, 2017

Rare benign tumors hold the 'genetic recipe' to combat diabetes

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital discovered a genomic recipe in rare benign tumors that can regenerate insulin-producing human beta cells, potentially treating diabetes. The study's findings have the potential to develop new drugs that increase healthy beta cell mass.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2017
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.

Oregon study finds that microbial dispersal impacts animal guts

A recent Oregon study with zebrafish found that transmitted microbes lead to similar gut microbiomes, selecting for particular microbes that are good at moving from fish to fish. This suggests the movement of microbes may drive microbiome variation and could impact human health.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2017

Visualizing life in silico

A new user-friendly interface allows cell biologists to create complex biological models using the Virtual Cell supercomputer, expanding access to modeling capabilities. The updated version of VCell enables users to define molecules and explain interactions with minimal coding, reducing complexity and increasing usability.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 3, 2017

Good vibrations for the future of computing

KAUST researchers have demonstrated a scalable, efficient alternative technology to traditional electrical transistors, using mechanical vibrations excited by multifrequency electrical inputs. This novel technique enables the cascading of logic gates, resulting in lower complexity and higher integration densities.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Microelectromechanical Systems·DateOct 3, 2017

Global research team fills language gap in plant science

A global research team of 22 scientists has created a comprehensive glossary of terms to describe cellular processes in plants, aiming to clarify confusion among experts. The lexicon covers key structures and processes involved in cytokinesis, a crucial phase of cell division that could accelerate breeding for sustainable materials.

SourceWashington State University·JournalTrends in Cell Biology·DateOct 3, 2017

One hour of exercise a week can prevent depression

A landmark study found that regular exercise can prevent future depression and that even small amounts of physical activity can deliver significant protection. The research involved 33,908 Norwegian adults and showed that 12% of cases of depression could have been prevented with just one hour of physical activity per week.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 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.

'Ideal biomarker' detects Alzheimer's disease before the onset of symptoms

A new biomarker detects Alzheimer's disease in its preclinical phase, identifying individuals with impaired neuropsychological and neurophysiological functions. The discovery has high accuracy and sensitivity, offering a promising approach to early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceAgency for evolving and promotion of STEM disciplines·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateOct 3, 2017

Ninety-eight scientists launch a 2,000-year global temperature database

A team of 98 scientists from 22 countries compiled a comprehensive database of past global temperature records spanning 1 CE to the present. The PAGES2k 2,000 Year Multiproxy Database contains 692 records from 648 locations, providing the largest body of climate records with high temporal resolution.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 3, 2017
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.

Tiny poisonous Brazilian frogs are 'deaf' to their own call

Researchers found that two species of pumpkin toadlets produce sounds outside their hearing range due to an undeveloped inner ear, indicating they are insensitive to the sound of their own calls. This finding suggests that these frogs may be evolving towards a loss of acoustic communication.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2017

What is STEM education?

Research reveals eight mental models used by teachers to construct STEM-based lesson plans, highlighting the need for better understanding of STEM education's value and online classroom design. Implementing teacher leadership techniques in digital classrooms also improves communication patterns.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Science Teacher Education·DateOct 3, 2017

Genetic targets to chemo-resistant breast cancer identified

Research led by Dr. Carlos Arteaga has identified potential targets for treating chemotherapy-resistant triple negative breast cancer, including genes MCL1 and MYC. These genes can be targeted with specific drugs to slow or prevent chemotherapy resistance, improving the outlook for this aggressive form of breast cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 3, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Scientists bring new insights into the heritability of HIV infection severity

A study examining HIV virulence and its effect on the human immune system found that both CD4+ T cell decline and per-pathogen pathogenicity are heritable from donor to recipient. Heritability rates revealed a significant 17% impact, indicating that viral genotype plays a crucial role in infection severity.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 3, 2017

LSUHealthNO to study cause of alcohol abuse linked to PTSD

Researchers will investigate how individual differences in stress response affect escalation of alcohol drinking after traumatic stress, with potential treatments for vulnerable populations. The study aims to identify neurobiological targets for treating alcohol abuse in PTSD patients.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 3, 2017

Surrounded by potential: New science in converting biomass

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have successfully decomposed lignin into stable components using a phosphate-modified ceria catalyst, producing useful industrial precursors for nylon production. The process eliminates the need for hydrogen from natural gas and uses an energy-conserving alcohol-based hydrogenation process.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateOct 3, 2017
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.

Medical scribes reduce hospital wait time, study shows

A new study from the University of Colorado Denver finds that medical scribes significantly decrease patient wait times by about 13 minutes per patient. The presence of a scribe also reduces the time physicians spend completing patient charts, lowering overtime costs for emergency departments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Economics·DateOct 3, 2017

A radical solution comes from mixing tools

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a unique reaction pathway that utilizes molten sodium-based catalysts to efficiently convert natural gas into industrial products. The catalyst, which forms hydroxyl radicals from oxygen and water, has great potential for various catalytic reactions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 3, 2017