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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 189


Page 189 of 461

DNA from Viking cod bones suggests 1,000-year history of European fish trade

A new study suggests a European stockfish trade existed for 1,000 years, with cod bones from Haithabu providing evidence of fish caught in northern Norway being consumed on mainland Europe. The findings support the idea that traded fish played a significant role in knitting the European continent together economically.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 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.

Researchers set record for fastest light pulse

The team achieved an unprecedented wavelength and demonstrated the potential to capture slow-motion video of electrons in atoms and molecules with attosecond light pulses. This breakthrough has significant implications for improving the efficiency of solar panels by understanding photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2017

Fat rats show why breast cancer may be more aggressive in patients with obesity

A study published in Hormones & Cancer found that obese rats with sensitive androgen receptors had more aggressive tumors, even after anti-estrogen treatment. Researchers identified inflammation and cytokine interleukin 6 as key factors contributing to this sensitivity, highlighting the potential for personalized therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalHormones and Cancer·DateAug 7, 2017

New AI algorithm monitors sleep with radio waves

A new AI algorithm developed by MIT researchers uses radio signals to monitor sleep stages without sensors attached to the body. The device analyzes reflections of radio waves off the person's body, eliminating irrelevant information using deep neural networks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 7, 2017

Molecule in human saliva has potential for wound healing

A study published in The FASEB Journal found that the salivary peptide histatin-1 promotes angiogenesis, a critical process for efficient wound healing. Histatin-1 was also shown to increase cell adhesion and migration, opening new avenues for understanding oral wound healing and potentially improving treatments for other types of wounds.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 7, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study links malaria rapid diagnostic tests to more antibiotic use and finds ignored results

A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that rapid diagnostic tests for malaria are reducing the need for antimalarial medications but may also lead to an increase in antibiotic prescriptions. The research analyzed over 500,000 patient visits across malaria-endemic regions and revealed that ...

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateAug 7, 2017

Stress heightens fear of threats from the past

Researchers found that stress levels and time since an adverse event can lead to the misidentification of harmless cues as threats, exacerbating anxiety disorders. The study provides new insights into how the human mind generalizes fear and could inform better treatments for PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Bilingual babies listen to language

Researchers found that bilingual infants can differentiate between words in different languages, even at a young age. The study suggests that bilinguals have an efficient processing strategy to prioritize the currently heard language when switching between languages.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 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.

Machines just revealed the evolution of language

Machine learning scientists at Disney Research developed a dynamic word embeddings model that uncovers how the meanings of words change over time. The model, which integrates neural networks and statistics used in rocket control systems, detects semantic change throughout history by analyzing semantic vector spaces.

SourceDisney Research·DateAug 7, 2017

Greater access to higher education could have reversed EU referendum result

New research from the University of Leicester suggests that greater access to higher education was a predominant factor in the 2016 EU referendum outcome. An increase of 3% in British adults accessing higher education could have reversed the result, while a decrease in turnout in England and Wales may also have changed the outcome.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalWorld Development·DateAug 7, 2017

New CubeSat propulsion system uses water as propellant

A new micropropulsion system for CubeSats uses an innovative design of tiny nozzles that release precise bursts of water vapor to maneuver the spacecraft. The FEMTA thruster technology demonstrates a thrust-to-power ratio of 230 micronewtons per watt, making it a viable method for attitude control of CubeSats.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 7, 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.

Afforestation with non-native trees alters island soils

A recent study from Guam found that non-native Acacia trees alter the soil chemistry and root-zone nutrient budgets, causing collateral ecosystem deviations. The results contribute to ongoing global discussions about afforestation for revegetating tropical degraded habitats.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalJournal of Coastal Zone Management·DateAug 6, 2017

MOF keeps humidity in the Goldilocks zone

Researchers have developed a metal-organic framework (MOF) material that can regulate humidity levels within a specific range. The material, Y-shp-MOF-5, takes up water in dry air but releases it when the relative humidity falls below 45%. This autonomous behavior maintains optimal humidity levels between 45-65%.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 6, 2017

How to pave over our big butt problem

A team at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia has developed an asphalt mixture with encapsulated cigarette butts, reducing thermal conductivity and handling heavy traffic. The innovation could solve a huge waste problem while also mitigating the urban heat island effect common in cities.

SourceRMIT University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateAug 6, 2017

Herbal medicine shows potential to treat cancer

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have identified three traditional Saudi plants with potent anticancer substances, including topoisomerase inhibitors. The study suggests these compounds could be used to develop novel cancer treatments, but more research is needed before they can be tested in humans.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 6, 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.

So lonely I could die

Research suggests that loneliness and social isolation can significantly increase the risk of premature mortality, with effects comparable to those of obesity. The American Psychological Association reports that approximately 42.6 million adults in the US experience chronic loneliness, which can lead to a 50% reduced risk of early death.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 5, 2017

Can discrimination contribute to feelings of radicalization?

Studies suggest that experiences of discrimination make feelings of insignificance worse, predicting an attraction to fundamentalist groups. Marginalization is also linked to lower levels of cultural integration, perpetuating a cycle of prejudice and extremism.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 5, 2017

A mathematical crystal ball gazes into future of prostate cancer treatment

International researchers developed a mathematical model predicting docetaxel discontinuation due to adverse events, incorporating five clinical factors. The combined model stratified patients into low and high risk groups, with the high group having more than double the likelihood of discontinuation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateAug 4, 2017

Software lets designers exploit the extremely high resolution of 3-D printers

Researchers at MIT developed a new design system that catalogs physical properties of tiny cube clusters, enabling computationally efficient evaluation of macroscopic designs. The system explores the entire space of properties to determine printable clusters, which can be used to optimize object materials and properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 4, 2017

Lightweight catalyst for artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Fuzhou University have created a macroscopic aerogel from carbonitride nanomaterials that catalyzes the water-splitting reaction under visible-light irradiation. The material offers excellent structural and electronic properties, making it suitable for artificial photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 4, 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.

How do birds get their colors?

A study in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology reveals that 32% of bird species have complex plumage patterns produced by melanins, not carotenoids. Melanins control pigmentation on a cellular level, while carotenoids require dietary intake and specialized structures.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateAug 4, 2017

Cell aging in lung epithelial cells

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich found that cellular senescence in lung epithelial cells can contribute to the development and worsening of IPF. Senescent cells secrete mediators that promote fibrosis and impair lung function by preventing cell division.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 4, 2017

Scientists discover unknown virus in 'throwaway' DNA

Researchers used Next-Generation Sequencing to identify a new viral lineage distantly related to herpesviruses in fish genomes. The discovery could lead to the identification of viruses in other species, potentially preventing outbreaks before they happen.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalVirus Evolution·DateAug 4, 2017

Scientists reveal source of human heartbeat in 3-D

A team of scientists has developed a way to produce 3D data showing the cardiac conduction system, enabling more accurate computer models of the heartbeat. This breakthrough will improve our understanding of troublesome heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation and help surgeons design operations with less risk of damaging precious tissue.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 2017

Financial decisions influenced by intensity of light

A study of over 2,500 people found that higher light intensity leads to worse decisions and increased inconsistency in monetary gambles. Luminance also influences risk attitudes, with individuals more likely to avoid known risks on high-light days.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 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.

Sending the right signals

Dr. Warren Ruder is developing microparticles carrying engineered bacteria known as 'smart biomaterials' to reprogram mammalian cell signaling and influence disease outcomes. His goal is to use these hybrid biomaterials to better understand how cell signaling works and affect many diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateAug 4, 2017

Origin of human genus may have occurred by chance

A GW researcher argues that the human genus may have originated by chance, rather than in response to environmental changes. Computer simulations suggest that clusters of species originations could be caused by random fluctuations, rather than a single broad-scale event.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPaleobiology·DateAug 4, 2017

Materials governed by light

Hybrid materials combining organic and inorganic components show promise for various applications, including optics and biomedicine. The materials display enhanced photophysical properties, such as anisotropic response to polarized light and artificial antenna effects.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateAug 4, 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.

Cultural activities may influence the way we think

A new study proposes that cultural activities, such as language use, affect our ability to collect data, make connections, and infer behavior. The research reveals that the brain's limited working memory can be beneficial in some cognitive tasks, unlike our closest relatives, chimpanzees.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2017

Tracing the path of Parkinson's disease proteins

A team of researchers has developed methods to observe and quantify misfolded proteins associated with Parkinson's disease entering neurons. They found that fibrils were actively engulfed by the cell membrane and transported to lysosomes, where most remained for days.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 4, 2017

Wildlife royalties -- a future for conservation?

A new royalty system for wildlife imagery could generate significant revenue for conservation efforts, particularly for carnivorous species like lions. The idea proposes that a portion of income from products featuring wildlife images be allocated to support conservation initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAnimals·DateAug 4, 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.

CU Boulder engineers develop thoroughly modern magnesium process

Researchers at CU Boulder have revamped a World War II-era magnesium production process that requires half the energy and produces a fraction of the pollution compared to current leading methods. The breakthrough could improve the production of strong, lightweight metal used in various applications.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateAug 4, 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.

UM researchers to study genome role in survival of plants, animals

Researchers will use genomic technologies to understand genetic basis of traits influencing wildlife and plant survival in changing environments. The project aims to advance understanding of how organisms cope with environmental challenges and develop guidelines for genomic interventions.

SourceThe University of Montana·DateAug 4, 2017

Two weeks in the life of a sunspot

A sunspot, dubbed AR12665, was tracked by NASA's satellites as it rotated into view on July 5, 2017. The active region produced several solar flares, a coronal mass ejection, and a solar energetic particle event over its 13-day journey.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2017

$1.6 million grant to help African-Americans with glaucoma

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is developing an intervention to empower patients with glaucoma to take a more active role in their treatment. The study aims to improve communication between patients and ophthalmologists, leading to better medication adherence and reduced intraocular pressure.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateAug 4, 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.

New CDC funding for U-M injury center probes solutions to injuries

The University of Michigan Injury Center has received $2.5 million from the CDC to continue its research on preventing injuries such as opioid overdoses, concussion, and motor vehicle crashes. The center aims to reduce injury by publishing innovative research and translating it into practice for local communities.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateAug 4, 2017

Desert tortoises can't take the heat of roadside fencing

Researchers found that desert tortoises often overheat and die when encountering fencing meant to keep them safe from roads. The study suggests that designing and installing barrier fencing to minimize pacing and heat stress is crucial to prevent tortoise deaths.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 4, 2017

UIowa study examines altered gene expression in heart failure

Researchers found that elevated levels of protein Cdk8 in heart muscle cells lead to declining heart function and heart failure. The study suggests modifying gene expression may provide a path to preventive treatments for heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 4, 2017

Drug short-circuits cancer signaling

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have published a study on K-80003, an anti-cancer agent that prevents activation of the PI3K pathway, resulting in inhibition of cancer cell growth.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 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.

Clues about immune resolution identified in blood

Researchers identified a cluster of immunoresolvents in blood that activate immune cells, enhancing the immune system's ability to fight bacterial infections. This new profiling procedure has potential applications in distinguishing between cancerous and healthy tissue.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 4, 2017

Simultaneous design and nanomanufacturing speeds up fabrication

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method that combines design and nanomanufacturing to create optimal nanostructured surfaces for solar cells. The technique uses mathematical functions and machine learning to fabricate quasi-random structures, resulting in increased light absorption and improved efficiency.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 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.

Research into ultrafast laser technology could increase network speeds tenfold

A research team at the University of New Mexico is developing ultrafast laser transmitter technology that could send data at a speed of over 100 gigabits per second, ten times faster than current fiber optic networks. The goal is to enable high-speed communication in applications such as remote medical consultations and IoT connectivity.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·DateAug 4, 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.