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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 173


Page 173 of 461

Spoiler alert: Computer simulations provide preview of next week's eclipse

Researchers used supercomputers to create highly-detailed solar simulations, timed to the moment of the eclipse, which provided a preview of the solar corona's appearance. The simulations included improved treatments of energy transport and magnetic shear, increasing the accuracy of the predictions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateAug 18, 2017

A map of the cell's power station

Scientists from the University of Freiburg successfully mapped the mitochondrial protein landscape, revealing over 200 new proteins not previously attributed to this organelle. This study provides a basis for studying the potential new functions of mitochondria and understanding various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 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.

Ocean channel in Bahamas marks genetic divide in Brazilian free-tailed bats

A study found a dramatic genetic rift between bat populations on either side of the Northwest and Northeast Providence Channels in the Bahamas. The researchers suggest that bats from Florida colonized the northern islands while those from other parts of the Caribbean likely colonized the southern Bahamas.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateAug 18, 2017

UH receives $3.3 million from state cancer research program

The University of Houston has received a $2 million grant to recruit cancer researcher Rohith Reddy, who will focus on next-generation technologies for detecting gynecological cancers. The institution also received a $1.3 million grant to expand tobacco cessation programs in substance abuse treatment centers.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 18, 2017

Potato waste processing may be the road to enhanced food waste conversion

Penn State researchers have developed a novel approach to efficiently convert potato waste into ethanol, achieving a maximum ethanol concentration of 37.93 grams per liter in a co-culture biofilm reactor. The process eliminates the need for externally added enzymes and energy costs, reducing production costs and increasing productivity.

SourcePenn State·JournalFuel·DateAug 17, 2017

Pioneering research reveals how altered brain networks can lead to seizures

Researchers developed a method to identify brain tissue most likely to generate seizures in people with epilepsy, offering new treatment strategies for drug-resistant cases. By analyzing EEG recordings and mathematical modeling, the team found that targeting specific brain regions could lead to enhanced surgical outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 17, 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.

Ocean exploration uncovers one of Cuba's hidden natural treasures

Scientists from the US and Cuba have discovered healthy and nearly pristine mesophotic coral reefs off Cuba's coast, with many sites suitable for potential creation of marine protected areas. The expedition resulted in thousands of dive notes, underwater photos and video, documenting diverse marine organisms and new species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateAug 17, 2017

Solutal Marangoni flows of miscible liquid drive transport without surface contamination

A research team led by Professor Hyoungsoo Kim quantified the Marangoni effect in miscible liquids, revealing a new mechanism for driving transport without surface contamination. The findings have potential applications in removing impurities from surfaces and developing alternative materials to surfactants.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 17, 2017

How the genome sets its functional micro-architecture

Researchers at EPFL studied the TADs involved in digit development, finding that they can host multiple associations between genes and enhancers. Disrupting the 3D structure of chromatin leads to remodeling of TADs, with CTCF mediating long-range DNA contacts.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 17, 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.

Contraceptive pill linked to lowered risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found a link between prolonged use of oral contraceptives and reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. However, breastfeeding was not associated with a significant protective effect after accounting for influential factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 17, 2017

Deep-sea sponges -- home to the next generation of antimicrobials?

A team of scientists from the University of Plymouth is developing potential new antimicrobials produced by the microbiome of deep-sea sponges. They have already cultured over 100 novel bacterial strains, some of which can kill MRSA, and are on the lookout for other applications in cancer, immune deficiency, and wound healing.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateAug 17, 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.

Reprogrammed cells rescue infertility in mice

Researchers reprogrammed cells carrying an extra chromosome in mice, resulting in the loss of the extra chromosome. This technique, known as trisomy-biased chromosome loss, successfully generated fertile offspring and offers a potential solution to infertility related to extra chromosomes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2017

Scientist emphasizes importance of multi-level thinking

The paper highlights the value of considering multiple viewpoints and levels of description to tackle complex scientific and philosophical questions. By recognizing unconscious assumptions and leveraging the strengths of both brain hemispheres, science can achieve more powerful problem-solving.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 17, 2017

An unusual white dwarf may be a supernova leftover

Astronomers have discovered a white dwarf with low mass, high velocity and strange composition that may be the remnants of a Type Iax supernova. The calculated age of the explosion suggests it occurred between five and 50 million years ago.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2017

A better way to measure mortality trends?

Researchers analyzed years of life lost due to top causes of death in the US from 1995 to 2015, revealing disparities and successes. Life-years lost showed that cancer caused more life-years lost than heart disease, despite heart disease being the leading cause of death.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 17, 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.

Researchers develop dissolvable, easy-to-use milk capsules

Developed by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg researchers, the dissolvable milk capsules are made from a crystalline crust that easily dissolves in hot liquid. The production process is relatively simple and can be used for various liquids, including fruit juice concentrate.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalChemical Engineering & Technology·DateAug 17, 2017

Computer approaches human skill for first time in mapping brain

A WSU research team developed a computer algorithm that accurately maps brain neural networks, similar to human performance, which could speed up the analysis of brain circuitry. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of devastating brain diseases and more efficient treatments.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBioinformatics·DateAug 17, 2017

What's the best strategy to increase living kidney donation?

A new analysis suggests that targeted educational interventions can improve living kidney donation rates. The study found significant benefits from educating both the potential recipient and their close social network, highlighting a promising approach to increase living donor kidney transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 17, 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 method identifies brain regions most likely to cause epilepsy seizures

A new mathematical approach has identified brain regions that contribute most to epilepsy seizures, allowing surgeons to select specific areas for removal. The method has shown promise in reducing the number of seizures experienced by patients, providing a potential breakthrough in epilepsy treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 17, 2017

Gold nanostars and immunotherapy vaccinate mice against cancer

A new treatment combines gold nanostars and immunotherapy to treat cancer. The treatment successfully cured two mice and vaccinated one mouse against the disease. By destroying tumors and triggering the immune system, the treatment activates immunity against remaining cancerous cells.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 17, 2017

NIH funds Rosalind Franklin University study on role of oxytocin in anxiety

Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University are investigating the role of oxytocin in stress-induced psychiatric disorders, aiming to identify new targets for pharmacotherapy. The study has the potential to shed light on commonalities and differences in fear and anxiety circuitry between males and females.

SourceRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science·DateAug 17, 2017

Slowing dangerous bacteria may be more effective than killing them, researchers report

A new study reveals that manipulating bacterial communication can help the body defeat an infection without causing drug-resistant strains. By targeting the dormancy-signal molecule, researchers hope to develop molecules that can disrupt specific bacteria's language, reducing resistance development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2017

Scientists identify central neural circuit for itch sensation

Researchers have discovered a critical neural pathway that transmits itch signals from the spinal cord to the brain, with the parabrachial nucleus identified as a first relay. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying itch signal processing and offers potential targets for therapeutic treatment of chronic itching.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

College freshmen who weighed themselves daily lost body fat

A new study at Drexel University found that female college students who weighed themselves daily lost body fat and experienced modest BMI changes, while those who did not saw little change. The researchers suggest that daily self-weighing can motivate healthy eating and exercise behaviors.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine·DateAug 17, 2017

Should I stay or should I leave?

A new study investigates the decision-making process in relationships, revealing common pros and cons of staying versus leaving. Participants weighed reasons such as emotional intimacy, investment, and personality traits, with married individuals citing more constraint-based reasons for staying.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 17, 2017

Mind flex

A Harvard Medical School study found that neurons involved in learning and memory are less stable than previously thought, but more flexible. This flexibility allows the brain to easily integrate new information and adapt to changing circumstances.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateAug 17, 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.

Study of nervous system cells can help to understand degenerative diseases

A new study reveals significant differences in the genes expressed by human and mouse microglia, with unique human genes playing a crucial role in immune response. The findings provide valuable insights for studying neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 17, 2017

Winners announced for the BMC Ecology Image Competition 2017

The BMC Ecology Image Competition 2017 has produced a diverse array of winning and highly commended images showcasing pressing issues in ecology. The competition highlights the intersection of art and science, with images capturing intricate species interactions, conservation efforts, and natural processes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateAug 17, 2017

Super-photostable fluorescent labeling agent for super-resolution microscopy

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new photostable fluorescent dye, PhoxBright 430 (PB430), to visualize cellular ultrastructure. PB430 enables continuous STED imaging and can be used for multicolor imaging of biological structures.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 17, 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.

UBC researcher looks to the future of bone replacements

A UBC Okanagan researcher has developed a new artificial bone design that can be customized and printed with a 3D printer. The designs strike a balance between porosity and strength, offering potential for more effective bone replacements.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalMaterials & Design·DateAug 17, 2017

New gene catalog of ocean microbiome reveals surprises

A new gene catalog of ocean microbes has revealed nutrient limitation as a central driver in the evolution of their genomes. The study found that microbial genomes change drastically with depth, adapting to varying levels of nitrogen availability.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 17, 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.

In search of Edwards' pheasant

Scientists are searching for Edwards' pheasant, a critically endangered bird species endemic to central Vietnam. Researchers have identified two potential locations where the bird may still exist, using data compiled from known sightings and recordings dating back to the late 1800s.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalOryx·DateAug 17, 2017

Tuberculosis drug may work better than others in its class

Computer simulations show moxifloxacin kills bacteria more quickly and performs better when doses are missed, making it a superior option for tuberculosis treatment. The research also found that levofloxacin killed bacteria more quickly than gatifloxacin.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 17, 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.

Energy dense foods may increase cancer risk regardless of obesity status

A new study found that consuming high energy-density foods increases obesity-related cancer risk among normal-weight women, independent of body mass index. The study suggests that metabolic dysregulation caused by high-energy-density diets may be a contributing factor to obesity-related cancers.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateAug 17, 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.

Vitamin C may encourage blood cancer stem cells to die

A study found that vitamin C activated the enzyme TET2 in mice with genetic mutations that reduce its function, leading to the death of leukemia stem cells. High-dose vitamin C treatment was also shown to suppress the growth of cancer stem cells from human patients implanted in mice.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 17, 2017

Artificial womb raises hope for premature babies

Researchers have successfully used an artificial womb to incubate healthy baby lambs for a week, paving the way for potential treatment of extremely premature infants. The technology, known as ex-vivo uterine environment (EVE) therapy, aims to improve lung development and reduce ventilation-derived injury.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 17, 2017

New terahertz imaging approach could speed up skin cancer detection

Researchers have developed a new terahertz imaging approach that combines high-resolution images with fast acquisition speed, enabling early-stage skin cancer detection without tissue biopsies. The technique uses compressed sensing and adaptive imaging algorithms to achieve subwavelength resolution images.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateAug 17, 2017

Army researcher's paper named 'Editor's Pick' in journal Optics Letters

The study describes a method for measuring potential energy surfaces of atoms near optical nanofibers, facilitating quantum memories and components. It enables controlled interactions between lasers and atoms or materials, crucial for unconditionally secure communications and quantum computing.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 17, 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.

Florida flood risk study identifies priorities for property buyouts

Scientists from UC Santa Cruz and the Nature Conservancy released a report identifying lands in Florida that are potential targets for projects with multiple benefits, such as reduced flood exposure, conservation, and remediation of social vulnerability. The study proposes prioritizing property buyouts based on these factors to support...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Ocean and Coastal Economics·DateAug 17, 2017

Wistar scientists develop novel immunotherapy technology for prostate cancer

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a gene-based delivery system that instructs the body to generate therapeutic antibodies against cancer cells. This technology has shown promising results in treating prostate cancer by binding to cancer cells and recruiting immune cells, resulting in tumor shrinkage and improved survival.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCancer Immunology Immunotherapy·DateAug 17, 2017

Latency of seizures determined by diet

A study from Hiroshima University found that the brain's estrogen levels are directly linked to DHA intake, which can prevent seizures. The research suggests that dietary sources of DHA may contribute to brain health and could lead to the development of new epilepsy treatments.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 17, 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.

Two-step process leads to cell immortalization and cancer

New research reveals a two-step process for cell immortalization and cancer development, with telomerase playing a complex role. Telomerase levels are insufficient to lengthen all telomeres, leading to genomic instability and tumor formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2017

Bird-brained? Not at all: Reed warblers reveal a magnetic map

Researchers have discovered that mature Reed Warblers can detect the declination from magnetic north and use it to locate themselves longitudinally, orienting towards their migratory route. This system is believed to be learned by experience, as juvenile birds were unable to adapt to a new magnetic signal.

SourceBangor University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 17, 2017