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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 174


Page 174 of 461

Study shows cigarette makers shifted stance on nicotine patches, gum

A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that tobacco companies knew NRT hardly ever works without counseling, but now sell it over-the-counter to complement smoking. The 'Tobacco Papers' reveal how industry documents show a shift in perception toward nicotine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 17, 2017
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

How we recall the past

Researchers have identified a distinct 'detour' circuit in the hippocampus that is necessary for memory recall, but not for memory formation. This circuit branches off from the original memory circuit and connects to the entorhinal cortex, enabling easier editing or updating of memories.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateAug 17, 2017

Breaching the sexual differentiation paradigm for reproductive tract development

Researchers Fei Zhao and colleagues discovered a hormone-sensing nuclear receptor that contributes to Wolffian duct degeneration in females. The finding challenges the long-held assumption that androgens are essential for Wolffian duct retention, suggesting alternative mechanisms may be at play.

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

Outdoor light at night linked with increased breast cancer risk in women

A large long-term study found that women who live in areas with high levels of outdoor light at night may be at higher risk for breast cancer. The link was stronger among women who worked night shifts and were premenopausal or current/past smokers.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 17, 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.

Astrophysicists explain the mysterious behavior of cosmic rays

A team of Russian and Chinese scientists has developed a model explaining the nature of high-energy cosmic rays in our Galaxy, focusing on Fermi bubbles. They propose that giant shock fronts can re-accelerate protons to energies exceeding 1015 eV, producing the observed CR spectrum above the 'knee'.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalEPJ Web of Conferences·DateAug 17, 2017

Only two-thirds of trainee GPs plan to work in NHS general practice

A new study by the University of Warwick found that only two-thirds of trainee doctors plan to work in NHS general practice due to concerns about workload pressure and low morale. Many prefer locum or salaried positions over partnerships. The study highlights the need for improved GP training programs and workforce planning.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 17, 2017

Ray of hope for more abundant wheat crops

Researchers at Lancaster University discovered that wheat crops experience a delay in photosynthesis when transitioning from shade to sunlight, resulting in a loss of up to 21% productivity. The study suggests that breeding varieties with faster adjustment times could lead to increased yields without requiring more water or nutrients.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateAug 17, 2017

When Russian teenagers start drinking

A survey of Russian high school students reveals that those without university plans consume alcohol more often. Reading habits also show a positive correlation with sobriety among university-bound teens.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·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.

Slippery liquid surfaces confuse mussels

Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering developed a non-toxic, lubricant-infused coating that disrupts mussel attachment mechanisms, preventing their adhesion. The coating outperforms existing alternatives in preventing mussel biofouling.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2017

Cloudy water linked to gastrointestinal illnesses

Drexel University researchers found associations between acute gastrointestinal illness and water turbidity, even at low levels. Cloudy drinking water provides a place for germs like norovirus, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium to hide, increasing the risk of illness.

SourceDrexel University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 17, 2017

Spoiler alert: Computer simulations provide preview of upcoming eclipse

Researchers used Stampede2 supercomputer to forecast solar eclipse corona, shedding light on sun's structure and space weather. The simulations, completed with NASA's Pleiades and other computers, provided highly detailed models of the sun's surface and predicted the solar corona's appearance during the Aug. 21 eclipse.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateAug 17, 2017

Archaeologists uncover ancient trading network in Vietnam

A vast ancient trading network operating in Vietnam from 4,500 to 3,000 years ago has been uncovered by archaeologists. The network included specialist tool-makers and technological knowledge, with items manufactured and circulated over hundreds of kilometres.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAntiquity·DateAug 17, 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.

Smoking linked to frailty in older adults

A recent study found that current smoking in older people increases the risk of developing frailty. Frailty is a condition associated with decreased physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalAge and Ageing·DateAug 17, 2017

Smells like queen spirit

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have identified specialized odorant receptors in social insects that detect cuticular hydrocarbon cues and candidate pheromones. The discovery provides new insight into the chemical communications systems used by eusocial insects, enabling workers to recognize queen and male ants.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2017

Concussion detection aid moves closer to getting in game

The Blink Reflexometer device detects changes in blinking patterns to identify concussions and neurological disorders like Parkinson's, Huntington's, and schizophrenia. The technology aims to provide a portable, rugged, and fast aid for trainers to make objective calls about player safety.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateAug 17, 2017

Simulation shows the high cost of dementia, especially for families

A new simulation study shows that dementia can more than double the healthcare expenditure of aging individuals, with the majority of the financial burden falling on family members. The total average cost to care for a person with dementia was $321,000 over five years, compared to $137,280 without dementia.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·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.

Early rotator cuff surgery yields good long-term outcomes

A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that early surgery to repair supraspinatus tears leads to substantial improvement in clinical and radiographic outcomes at 10 years. The results suggest that preventing later rotator cuff muscle degeneration is key to long-term success.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 17, 2017

University of Florida, US Army develop model for lighter armor

Researchers created a new model that better describes the behavior of ceramic materials under impact stress, improving prediction of resistance to deep penetration. The improved model reduces the need for expensive experiments, guiding material design and multi-materials systems approaches.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures·DateAug 17, 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.

Lubricant-infused material is a slick trick against mussels

A lubricant-infused polymer coating has been developed to prevent mussel fouling, a significant problem in marine environments. The coating tricks mussels into not producing their adhesive threads, reducing the problem of fouling on ship hulls and marine pipes.

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

Researchers unlock cheesemaking secret

A discovery by a UQ-Columbia University-University of Washington research group has explained the regulation of pyruvate carboxylase enzyme in Lactococcus bacterium, crucial for efficient milk acidification and cheese production. The findings have significant implications for Australia's billion-dollar cheese industry.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 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.

Male fruit flies can smell a good mate based on her metabolism

A study found that male fruit flies are attracted to females with low insulin signaling in their energy storage organ and high insulin signaling in follicle cells supporting egg production. This attraction is linked to increased fertility and offspring production.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 17, 2017

Are stem cells the link between bacteria and cancer?

Researchers have found that Helicobacter pylori infection increases stem cell turnover in the stomach, leading to increased cell division and cancer risk. The bacteria sends a signal to stem cells, putting them into overdrive, which may explain why chronic infections with H. pylori are linked to stomach cancer.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2017

Engineering team images tiny quasicrystals as they form

Researchers have successfully formed and imaged tiny quasicrystals using silica nanoparticles, revealing a non-periodic yet ordered structure. The team used transmission electron microscopy to capture the growth process, which was influenced by varying concentrations of chemical compounds and mechanical stirring.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 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.

New weather forecasting model could help advance NOAA's 3-4 week outlooks

A new weather forecasting model, Subseasonal Experiment (SubX), combines multiple global models to produce more accurate forecasts for the US. The multi-model approach improves temperature and precipitation outlooks for weeks 3-4, providing critical insights for decision makers.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateAug 17, 2017

Bacteria stab amoebae with micro-daggers

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a mechanism used by bacteria Amoebophilus to shoot micro-daggers that pierce the digestive compartment of an amoeba, allowing it to escape digestion and thrive. The study reveals new insights into bacterial evolution and opens up possibilities for other structural biology investigations.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2017

Managing western flower thrips

A study evaluated the effectiveness of chemical insecticides and the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against western flower thrips on broccoli and lettuce. The results suggest that incorporating biopesticides like Beauveria bassiana into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices can help manage thrip populations effectively.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Plant Science Journal·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.

Algal blooms cost Ohio homeowners $152 million over six years

Studies estimate algal blooms at two Ohio lakes cost Ohio homeowners $152 million in lost property value over six years. Fishing license sales also drop significantly when algae levels reach moderate health risk, causing up to $5.6 million in lost revenue and associated expenditures.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEcological Economics·DateAug 17, 2017

Researchers show how particular fear memories can be erased

A research team at UC Riverside has developed a method to selectively erase specific fear memories by weakening the connections between neurons involved in forming these memories. This breakthrough has therapeutic implications for treating PTSD and phobias, allowing beneficial memories to be retained while detrimental ones are suppressed.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNeuron·DateAug 17, 2017

Higher rural suicide rates driven by use of guns

Suicide rates in rural areas of Maryland are 35% higher than urban settings, driven by significantly greater use of firearms. Removing firearms from the equation reveals comparable suicide rates between rural and urban areas.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 17, 2017

Young people with chronic illness more likely to attempt suicide

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that young people with chronic illnesses are three times more likely to attempt suicide than their healthy peers. Chronic conditions increase odds of suicidal thoughts by 28% and plans to die by suicide by 134%.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·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.

Digging in the dirt

University of Delaware researchers have developed new methods to evaluate the risk of subsurface phosphorus losses in US croplands, particularly in flat and artificially drained areas. The study uses soil data to improve existing phosphorus index models and provides a more accurate assessment of subsurface phosphorus risks.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 17, 2017

No direct flights for memory retrieval

Research finds that a neural stopover in the subiculum is necessary for retrieving episodic memories, but not forming them. Activating or inhibiting this pathway affects memory recall and stress hormone levels related to fear responses.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell·DateAug 17, 2017

Smithsonian manatee count informs policy recommendations

A new sonar-based method estimates Antillean Manatees in the San San Pond Sak wetland, finding a lower population than previously thought. The study suggests modifications to protect manatees from illegal fishing nets and human activities.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateAug 17, 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.

Poisonings went hand in hand with the drinking water in Pompeii

Researchers found alarming concentrations of antimony in Roman water pipes from Pompeii, linked to vomiting, diarrhea, and organ damage. The element is acutely toxic, causing rapid reactions that can lead to dehydration, liver and kidney problems, and even cardiac arrest.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalToxicology Letters·DateAug 17, 2017

Worm atlas profiles gene readouts in every cell type in the animal

Researchers have created a comprehensive atlas of gene activity in every cell type of an animal, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. The study reveals selective activation of genetic code in different cell types, accounting for the formation of specialized cells and body parts.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·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.

Communicating in a foreign language takes emotion out of decision-making

Research by UChicago psychologists found that using a foreign language decreases emotional aversion, leading people to be less averse to breaking taboos and more willing to make utilitarian choices. The study suggests that the decision-making process is affected by the emotional distance provided by speaking a non-native language.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 17, 2017

Antibiotics found to weaken body's ability to fight off disease

New research finds that antibiotic use reduces the diversity of microbes in the gut, making it harder for the immune system to fight off infections. This disruption can compromise the intestinal barrier and leave the gut vulnerable to severe infection.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 17, 2017

New technique overcomes genetic cause of infertility

Scientists have created healthy offspring from genetically infertile male mice using a new technique that removes the extra sex chromosome. The approach has potential for treating human infertility caused by Klinefelter syndrome and Double Y syndrome.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience·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.

Researchers printed graphene-like materials with inkjet

An international research team developed inkjet printing techniques for scalable mass fabrication of black phosphorous-based photonic and optoelectronic devices. The novel technique enables the production of functional devices with excellent print quality and uniformity.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2017

Families bear most of the costs related to dementia care

A new study estimates that families of individuals with dementia incur $184,500 greater in lifetime care costs compared to those without dementia. Reducing symptoms by 10% can lower lifetime costs by $3,880 and $680, respectively.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 17, 2017

Reed warblers have a sense for magnetic declination

Migratory Eurasian reed warblers rely on changes in magnetic declination to guide them along the east-west axis, solving a challenging navigational problem. The birds learn to recognize large-scale spatial patterns of declination gradients during their annual movements.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 17, 2017

Schoolchildren who use e-cigarettes are more likely to try tobacco

A recent UK study found that schoolchildren who use e-cigarettes are 34% more likely to smoke a cigarette within a year. The research, led by the University of Leeds, surveyed over 2,800 adolescents and found that e-cigarette use was a strong predictor of smoking initiation, particularly among those with no friends who smoked.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalTobacco Control·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.

Female mouse embryos actively remove male reproductive systems

Researchers at NIH reveal that COUP-TFII determines sex-specific reproductive system development in mice. Female mouse embryos without COUP-TFII display both male and female ducts, indicating the active removal of male reproductive systems.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2017