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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 170


Page 170 of 461

Technique speeds chemical screening to prioritize toxicity testing

Researchers at NC State University have developed a high-throughput technique that can determine the potential toxicity of chemicals in seconds, enabling prioritization for in-depth testing. This approach accelerates the identification of environmentally hazardous chemicals and could significantly expedite screening.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 22, 2017

How cytoplasm 'feels' to a cell's components

Engineers at MIT found that organelles like mitochondria and lysosomes encounter different types of resistance in cytoplasm based on size and speed. The researchers developed a phase diagram to describe the material properties of cytoplasm from an organelle's perspective, which may aid in pharmaceutical designs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2017

How continents were recycled

Scientists use computer simulations to analyze the evolution of plate tectonics on Earth over the past 3 billion years. They demonstrate that continents have been recycled and transformed throughout history.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 22, 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.

ShAPEing the future of magnesium car parts

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new process that makes it possible to produce magnesium alloys for structural car parts. The ShAPE process enhances the material's energy absorption and ductility, making it a viable alternative to aluminum in certain applications.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering A·DateAug 22, 2017

In Neptune, it's raining diamonds

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf simulated the conditions inside Neptune and found diamonds forming in real time using an ultra-strong X-ray laser. The study provides insights into the planet's chemical makeup and has potential applications for electronic instruments, medical procedures, and industrial production.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 21, 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.

Both chimpanzees and humans spontaneously imitate each other's actions

A new study from Lund University reveals that both humans and chimpanzees engage in similar levels of imitation in zoo settings, suggesting a more complex understanding of ape cognition than previously thought. The study highlights the social and communicative role of imitation in these species.

SourceLund University·JournalPrimates·DateAug 21, 2017

Do video game players make the best unmanned pilots?

Research from the University of Liverpool reveals video game players excel in accuracy and confidence decisions as UAS operators. Professional pilots also perform well, but with less overconfidence compared to VGPs.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCogent Psychology·DateAug 21, 2017

Repairing damaged hearts with self-healing heart cells

Scientists identify a novel RNA molecule, Singheart, which regulates genes controlling heart cell repair. This discovery may lead to new treatments for heart failure and could potentially heal the heart like skin wounds.

SourceNational University Health System·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research reveals potential target for alcohol liver disease

A new study has identified fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a potential target for treating alcoholic liver disease. The research found that FGF21 levels increase in the blood after alcohol consumption, providing protection against liver damage.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateAug 21, 2017

A good read: AI evaluates quality of short stories

Researchers developed neural networks to evaluate short narratives, improving predictions over a baseline system. The AIs classified texts into popular and non-popular categories, highlighting the importance of understanding story structures in narrative evaluation.

SourceDisney Research·DateAug 21, 2017

Our brains do change from early to mid-adulthood

Researchers found significant microstructural changes in brain structure from early to mid-adulthood, allowing for accurate age estimation. These changes were associated with cognitive decline and disease, but the link to old-age cognitive decline is unclear.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 21, 2017

Dino-killing asteroid could have thrust Earth into 2 years of darkness

Scientists estimate that a massive asteroid impact could have triggered 2 years of darkness on Earth, shutting down photosynthesis and drastically cooling the planet. The research found that soot in the atmosphere would have blocked sunlight, causing a steep decline in average temperatures.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 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.

Afternoon slump in reward response

A study of healthy young men found that brain reward system activation dips at 2 p.m., contrary to previous research showing peak mood during this time. This timing may impact the treatment of disorders like depression, substance abuse, and sleep disturbances.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateAug 21, 2017

Global group to investigate genetic causes of cerebral palsy

A new international collaboration aims to identify common neurodevelopmental pathways and probable environmental triggers for cerebral palsy. The group is pooling data from genetically and clinically characterized cases to lay the groundwork for clinical trials and better management of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateAug 21, 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.

Analysis of a 'rusty' lunar rock suggests the moon's interior is dry

A new study from the University of California San Diego suggests that the moon's interior is likely very dry, contradicting recent findings of wetness. The researchers analyzed fragments of the 'Rusty Rock,' a lunar rock collected during the Apollo 16 mission in 1972.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2017

Immune cells contribute to treatment resistance in aggressive breast cancers

A recent study found that tumor-infiltrating immune cells, specifically regulatory T cells (Tregs), can interfere with immune-targeting therapies in aggressive breast cancers. Depleting Tregs delayed tumor growth in mouse models, suggesting a potential strategy to improve targeted treatments.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 21, 2017

People favor highly reviewed products, even when they shouldn't

Research suggests that people prioritize products with more reviews, regardless of their quality, due to a popularity bias. This can lead to poor purchasing decisions, as statistical models recommend choosing products with fewer reviews when ratings are low.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 21, 2017

'Electronic skin' takes wearable health monitors to the next level

The electronic skin microsystem developed by Kyung-In Jang and John A. Rogers tracks heart rate, respiration, muscle movement, and other health data, transmitting it wirelessly to a smartphone. The device offers improved flexibility, smaller size, and self-adhesive properties.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Hidden river once flowed beneath Antarctic ice

A Rice University study reveals that flowing liquid water below the Antarctic ice appears to play a pivotal role in determining the fate of Antarctic ice streams. The research used sediment cores and precise seafloor maps to uncover an extensive, uncovered, water-carved channel connected to subglacial lakes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 21, 2017

Remarkable artistry hidden in ancient Roman painting revealed

Researchers used a portable macro X-ray fluorescence instrument to analyze an ancient Roman painting, revealing elements such as iron-based pigment and green earth pigment used in the underpainting. The study could help conservators restore the image and preserve ancient artistry for future generations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2017

CHEO researchers identify practices leading to safer outcomes in procedural sedation for children

Researchers at CHEO identified sedation medications and practices associated with the best clinical outcomes, making ketamine-alone a logical choice for providing procedural sedation to children. The study found that choice of sedation medication had the biggest impact on the incidence of adverse events.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 21, 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.

Meter-sized single-crystal graphene growth becomes possible

Researchers successfully grew meter-sized single-crystal graphene on industrial Cu foils, overcoming the challenge of polycrystalline films. The technique improves domain alignment and quality through a temperature-gradient-driving method and oxygen supply.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 21, 2017

Post-whaling recovery of Southern Hemisphere

Researchers use complex ecosystem model to predict whale numbers by 2100, finding some species will not recover, while others like humpbacks are expected to make full recovery. Southern Hemisphere whaling has led to slow growth rates and reduced populations in several species.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateAug 21, 2017

Shocking gaps in basic knowledge of deep sea life

Scientists warn of alarming gaps in basic knowledge of deep sea life as human activities intensify. Despite this, recent technological advancements enable the collection of genetic information about populations, shedding light on their interconnectedness.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateAug 21, 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.

Penn biologists show how plants turn off genes they don't need

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a mechanism for regulating gene activity in plants by identifying small DNA sequences called Polycomb response elements (PREs) that direct the silencing of genes. These PREs can be manipulated using gene-editing techniques to alter gene expression without adding foreign gene...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 21, 2017

Formation of volatile-rich lunar surface

Researchers analyzed zinc, chlorine, and lead in 'Rusty Rock' to find volatile elements condensed during the moon's early formation. The findings suggest a depleted lunar interior with reduced volatile compounds, including water.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 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.

Nanotechnology moves from the clean room to the classroom

High school students can now explore nanoscience with the help of Argonne National Laboratory's Center for Nanoscale Materials and industry partner United Scientific Supplies, Inc. Students can grow copper wires at the nano-scale and micro-scale using technology developed by the Center.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateAug 21, 2017

McLean researchers uncover security issues with health apps for dementia patients

A recent study by McLean Hospital researchers highlights the need for better security and privacy measures in health apps designed for dementia patients. The paper found that many apps collect user-generated content without adequate protection, posing a risk to patients' sensitive information. Clinicians are urged to educate themselves...

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 21, 2017

Link between cells associated with aging and bone loss

Researchers discovered a causal link between senescent cells and age-related bone loss in mice. Targeting these cells increased bone mass and strength. The study's findings suggest that senolytic drugs may have widespread application in treating multiple chronic diseases, including osteoporosis.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 21, 2017

A holodeck for flies, fish and mice

Researchers develop a virtual reality system that decouples movement from perception in animals, allowing for the study of spatial cognition. The system is used to test various behaviors, including navigation, fear response and collective behavior.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 21, 2017

Using machine learning to improve patient care

Researchers developed a machine-learning approach called ICU Intervene that takes large amounts of ICU data to determine treatments for different symptoms. The system uses deep learning to make real-time predictions, learning from past cases to suggest critical care interventions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateAug 21, 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.

Urban infrastructure, hydrology, and biodiversity

A study models urban impacts on river and stream ecosystems, finding that hard infrastructure affects over 1,200 species nationwide and contributes to 260 local extinctions. Cities can improve environmental quality through infrastructure policies beyond their boundaries.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2017

Targeted habitat restoration and biodiversity loss

Restoring links between large adjoining habitat fragments can reduce species extinctions and provide a large potential return on investment in biodiversity. By targeting these areas, researchers found that habitat restoration could decrease the duration between habitat loss and extinction of tropical bird species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2017

Sopping up sunblock from oceans to save coral reefs (video)

Scientists have created magnetic nanobiocomposite beads that can effectively remove oxybenzone, a coral killer found in sunblock, from seawater. The beads, made from environmentally friendly materials, can capture high concentrations of oxybenzone and have shown promising results in laboratory tests.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2017

Evolutionary arms 'chase'

A recent study challenged the conventional view of coevolution between plants and herbivores, suggesting that plants' defensive traits, rather than their genetic relationships, are key factors in determining which species herbivores target. This new paradigm proposes that herbivores may 'chase' or switch hosts based on the plant's defe...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2017

Into the wild for plant genetics

Researchers at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew detail for the first time the opportunities for plant sciences with portable real-time DNA sequencing. By sequencing random pieces of the genome in the field, accurate species identification is possible within a few hours of collecting a specimen.

SourceRoyal Botanic Gardens Kew·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 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.

When fish swim in the holodeck

Scientists have developed a system called FreemoVR, which immerses freely-moving animals in a reactive, three-dimensional world controlled by a computer. This allows researchers to study complex interactions of neurons in different brain regions while maintaining natural sensory input and feedback.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 21, 2017

CRC screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy reduces risk for death

A re-analysis of USPSTF evidence suggests flexible sigmoidoscopy may reduce all-cause mortality, contrary to previous guidelines. Researchers found that looking at cohorts as separate trials, rather than aggregating them, strengthened the evidence supporting screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 21, 2017

Our hairy insides

Researchers found that angled hairs can affect fluid flow, slowing it down like a grate. This discovery may help illuminate the role of hairy surfaces in the body and enable the design of new microfluidic devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 21, 2017
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.

What hours are worked by women, men in dual-physician couples with kids?

A study of dual-physician couples found that women with children worked significantly fewer hours than those without children. Men in these couples did not exhibit the same reduction in work hours as their female partners. The authors suggest societal expectations and specialty factors may contribute to these findings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 21, 2017

Genetic variant tied to risk of typhoid fever

A study identified a genetic risk factor for typhoid fever that targets bacterial virulence and cholesterol metabolism. The VAC14 gene variant reduces the ability of Salmonella Typhi to invade human cells, suggesting a potential preventive approach with cholesterol-lowering drugs.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 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.

NASA sees major Hurricane Kenneth in Eastern Pacific

Hurricane Kenneth, a category 4 storm, has strengthened significantly in the Eastern Pacific, with maximum sustained winds reaching 130mph. The National Hurricane Center forecasts a turn toward the northwest, then north-northwest over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2017