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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 161


Page 161 of 461

Drought response in global crops may be as complex as day and night

Researchers have identified a set of genes that help control early drought response in Brassica rapa, a popular global crop. The study sheds light on how plants respond to water stress throughout the day-night cycle, revealing potential mechanisms for improving drought resistance and fertilization efficiency.

SourceDartmouth College·DateAug 29, 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.

Caspian Sea evaporating as temperatures rise, study finds

The Caspian Sea has been slowly evaporating over the past two decades, with water levels dropping nearly 7 centimeters per year from 1996 to 2015. This increase in evaporation is linked to rising surface air temperatures associated with climate change.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 29, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New findings on the past and future of sea ice cover in the Arctic

Researchers found evidence of sea ice at the North Pole during the last interglacial period, contradicting previous hypotheses. The study suggests that the Arctic Ocean may be free of ice in summer within 250 years if CO2 levels rise, highlighting the complexity of climate change processes.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2017

A milestone in aquatic toxicology

The publication marks a significant milestone in aquatic toxicology with the release of the first generation of annotations for the fathead minnow genome. The data will enhance the utility of this species for ecotoxicology research and open up new avenues for studying its effects on ecosystems.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 29, 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.

Single-nucleus RNA sequencing, droplet by droplet

Researchers developed DroNc-Seq, a method merging sNuc-Seq with microfluidics for parallel measurement of gene expression in complex tissues. The technique enables identification of unique expression signatures for cell types, including rare ones, and differentiation between closely related subtypes.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 28, 2017

Oil and gas wells as a strong source of greenhouse gases

New study reveals that methane leaks around North Sea boreholes could be a major source of greenhouse gases, with up to 17,000 tonnes released per year. Scientists estimate that about one third of the over 11,000 wells drilled in the North Sea are leaking methane.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 28, 2017

Cutbacks in foreign aid for HIV treatment would produce great harm, generate few savings

A 33% cutback in U.S. foreign aid for HIV treatment and prevention programs in South Africa and Côte d'Ivoire would result in devastating health and economic consequences, including over 500,000 additional cases of HIV and 1.6 million more deaths in the next decade. The study suggests that such cuts would produce proportionally greater...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 28, 2017

Combination of conventional and new drugs enhances tumor cell death

Researchers found that combining CDKs' inhibitors with conventional anti-cancer drugs like cisplatin increases tumor cell death. However, treating cells with 5-FU can lead to decreased death rates and resistance. This study suggests a promising approach for developing new anti-cancer treatments.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalTranslational Oncology·DateAug 28, 2017

Largest Ichthyosaurus was pregnant mother

The largest ever recorded Ichthyosaurus was a pregnant adult female, estimated to be 3-3.5m long, and is an important discovery for the field of palaeontology. The specimen, found in a museum collection, has provided valuable insights into the size range of the species and the presence of embryos.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateAug 28, 2017
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.

Nursing home use and costs in United States

According to an 18-year analysis, 56% of individuals aged 57-61 are likely to spend time in a nursing home, with high out-of-pocket costs for some. Lifetime spending averages $7,300, but some face expenses over $47,000.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2017

How low should LDL cholesterol go?

Researchers found that ultra-low LDL cholesterol levels (below 10 mg/dL) significantly reduced cardiovascular event risk by over 40%. No adverse effects on cognition or safety endpoints were reported. The study suggests achieving low LDL cholesterol levels beyond current treatment targets may further reduce cardiovascular risk.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 28, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

VLA reveals distant galaxy's magnetic field

Scientists used a giant cosmic lens to study a star-forming galaxy nearly five billion light-years away, providing clues about the origin of galactic magnetic fields. The analysis revealed a large-scale, coherent magnetic field similar to those in nearby galaxies.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 28, 2017

Nagoya-led team flips the switch on ferroelectrics

Researchers at Nagoya University have created a way to manipulate the domain structure of lead zirconate titanate films, a crucial step for future electronic and electro-mechanical devices. By controlling the switching of domains, they can potentially accelerate the development of next-generation technologies.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 2017

New member of NAS reveals how animals select good microbes, reject harmful ones

Researchers discovered that ciliated tissues in mammals selectively recruit beneficial microbes called symbionts and clear out toxic molecules. This mechanism provides insight into the basic function of cilia surfaces and may aid development of ways to foster beneficial bacterial partners.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 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.

Drug breakthrough for mosquito virus outbreaks

A team of researchers discovered a way to treat severe inflammation from mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya and Ross River virus. They developed an NLRP3 inhibitor drug MCC950, which provided significant relief from inflammation and disease in infected mice.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 28, 2017

Mimicking birdsongs

A team of researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has created a simple device that mimics the complex songs of birds, including Zebra and Bengalese finches. The study suggests that birds may have exploited the physical properties of soft materials to produce their distinctive vocalizations.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalInterface·DateAug 28, 2017

It's not a rat's race for human stem cells grafted to repair spinal cord injuries

Researchers found that human neural stem cells retained an intrinsic human rate of maturation despite being placed in a traumatic rodent environment. The study's findings suggest that clinical outcome measures for future trials need to focus on long time points after grafting, as success may take time.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 28, 2017

Americans' risk of needing nursing home care is higher than previously estimated

A new study by the RAND Corporation found that 56% of people aged 57-61 will stay in a nursing home at least one night during their lifetime, contradicting previous estimates of 35%. The study analyzed 18 years of data and found that most people can afford nursing home care, with costs averaging $7,300 over a lifetime.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 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.

New technique to aid IVF embryo selection

Researchers develop a new imaging technique to assess early-stage embryo quality, improving IVF outcomes. The hyperspectral imaging method measures metabolic differences in embryos, providing an objective measure of viability.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateAug 28, 2017

Unifying statistics, computer science, and applied mathematics

The Lehigh project aims to build bridges between optimization experts, learning theorists, and statisticians to advance machine learning. With a $1.5 million grant, the team will develop innovative educational pathways and state-of-the-art mathematical tools for data science, promoting long-term research and training activities in the ...

SourceLehigh University·DateAug 28, 2017

Optical control of magnetic memory -- New insights into fundamental mechanisms

Researchers have made an important step toward understanding optically controlled magnetic storage devices, finding that laser light plays a key role in toggling magnetisation alignments. The study reveals the formation of a ring-shaped region around the tiny laser spot and its impact on the material's temperature distribution.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Bone marrow protein may be target for improving stem cell transplants

A new study has identified Del-1, a bone marrow protein, as a potential regulator of hematopoiesis, the process by which blood cells are created. Targeting Del-1 may enhance immune cell production and improve stem cell transplants for both donors and recipients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 28, 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.

Coral skeletons may resist the effects of acidifying oceans

New research suggests that corals build their hard, calcium carbonate skeletons faster and in bigger pieces than previously thought. This active construction method helps them grow much faster and with greater control.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2017

Keeping pandas off endangered list ledge

Researchers found high-quality panda habitat is growing, but areas outside nature reserves are experiencing fragmentation due to human activities and natural events. The study highlights the need for continued conservation efforts to address these gaps.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 28, 2017

NASA sees Tropical Storm Pakhar after landfall

Tropical Storm Pakhar made landfall in southeastern China, with NASA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing an image of the storm shortly after. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 63 mph and was centered about 54 miles southwest of Hong Kong.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2017

Songbirds in the ice-age Bahamas

Fossil analysis reveals morphological similarities between late Pleistocene Bahamian birds and their modern counterparts, indicating extinction due to sea level rise, warming, and wetting. The findings suggest that climate change played a significant role in the disappearance of these species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 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.

Social biases in the sharing economy

An online experiment with over 9,000 participants reveals social biases in the sharing economy, favoring high-star rated profiles and decreasing trust with increasing risk aversion. The study supports the notion that reputation offsets trust judgments based on social biases.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2017

Chronic lack of sleep increases risk-seeking

A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that chronic lack of sleep leads to increased risk-taking behavior in young adults. After sleeping only 5 hours a night for a week, participants displayed significantly riskier behavior, including taking greater financial risks.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 28, 2017

Helping corals to cope with pressure

Tiny plant cells in coral tissue produce osmolytes to regulate pressure, helping corals survive in salty waters. This finding has important implications for managing coral reefs under climate change.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 28, 2017

NASA sees Tropical Storm Harvey moving back into the Gulf

Tropical Storm Harvey is expected to produce heavy rainfall accumulations of 15-25 inches over the upper Texas coast and into southwestern Louisiana. The storm's center is located near Port O'Connor, Texas, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph and slight re-strengthening possible later today.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 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.

Maternal suicide in pre-and postnatal periods in Ontario

A new study published in CMAJ found that maternal suicide is a leading cause of death during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth. The study suggests that perinatal women who are suicidal may be at higher risk to complete suicide, and highlights the need for improved mental health supports.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 28, 2017

Compounds in cocoa may help delay onset of type 2 diabetes

Researchers discovered that epicatechin monomers in cocoa enhance beta cells' ability to secrete insulin, improving blood glucose control. The study suggests these compounds could potentially delay or prevent type 2 diabetes onset in patients.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateAug 28, 2017

Study identifies methods for preventing overcrowding in emergency rooms

A new study has identified four key strategies for preventing overcrowding in emergency rooms, including the involvement of executive leadership and a data-driven approach. High-performing hospitals use coordinated strategies, gather data to adjust operations in real-time, and hold staff accountable to reduce crowding.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 28, 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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Perovskite solar cells go single crystal

Researchers have successfully grown single crystalline films of perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 on electron-collecting substrates, exhibiting excellent photovoltaic properties. The resulting devices achieve high efficiency rates, closing the gap with traditional silicon-based solar cells and offering a promising solution for renewable energy.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 28, 2017

Repetitive elements shape embryonic chromatin landscape

Scientists from Helmholtz Zentrum München have found that retrotransposons, particularly LINE1 elements, regulate global chromatin accessibility in the early mouse embryo. This study identifies a novel role for retrotransposons in shaping the chromatin landscape necessary for correct developmental programming.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 28, 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.

Climate may quickly drive forest-eating beetles north, says study

A new study predicts that global warming will extend the range of the southern pine beetle, a tree-killing insect, through much of the northern US and southern Canada. The beetle's spread is threatened by rising winter temperatures, which could lead to loss of biodiversity, iconic forests, and damage to tourism and forestry industries.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 28, 2017