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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 195


Page 195 of 461

Women show cognitive advantage in gender-equal countries

New research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that women living in gender-equal countries have better cognitive test scores later in life than women in gender-unequal societies. The female advantage in cognitive performance was highest in Sweden, where women tend to outperform men on memory tests.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 1, 2017

New imaging tracer allows early assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysm risk

Researchers developed a novel imaging tracer that allows for early assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) risk. The study shows high sensitivity and specificity in detecting vessel wall biology, suggesting a promising tool for AAA risk stratification.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateAug 1, 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.

Poor appetite and food intake in older adults

A study of 2,597 older adults found that those with poor appetites consumed less protein, fiber, and solid foods, but more dairy and sweets. Researchers hope to identify specific food preferences to help improve appetite and diet quality.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 1, 2017

Building bridges within the cell -- using light

Scientists have created a method to build bridges between organelles in living cells, allowing for controlled manipulation of communication between subcellular compartments. This breakthrough could lead to breakthroughs in understanding cell function and developing new treatments for diseases.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalChemical Science·DateAug 1, 2017

Big data points humanity to new minerals, new deposits

A groundbreaking study applies big data analysis to mineralogy, predicting the existence of 1,500 missing minerals and new deposits. The technique enables scientists to represent data from multiple variables on thousands of minerals in a single graph, revealing patterns of occurrence and distribution.

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateAug 1, 2017

Noise helps cells make decisions

A new study by the Reik lab finds that genetic noise is essential for cells to make decisions about their fate, enabling symmetry breaking and unique cell types.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 1, 2017

Study identifies enzyme that protects cells from toxic fat

Researchers found an enzyme called DGAT1 that helps protect a key organelle within cells from toxic fatty acids. This discovery contributes to understanding common metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 1, 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.

Safely releasing genetically modified genes into the wild

Scientists use nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations to model gene movement and develop 'switches' that initiate and terminate gene drives, balancing genetic traits with embedded weaknesses. They also find that intense release in specific regions can trigger spreading, but can be stopped by barriers like pesticides.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2017

New algorithm finds the optimal bond breaking point for single molecules

Researchers developed an algorithm to identify the stress-induced breakdown of molecular bonds, enabling efficient chemical synthesis and catalysis. The algorithm can be applied to any molecule, including biological ones, and has implications for various applications such as molecular machines and catalyst design.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 1, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Antibiotic stewardship teams' must be planned and paid for to halt dangerous infections

The article highlights the urgent need for specialist health workers to promote appropriate antibiotic use, improve diagnosis and treatment of infections, and prevent drug-resistant bacteria. The proposed multidisciplinary teams should be made up of infectious diseases specialists, clinical microbiologists, nurses, and pharmacists.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateAug 1, 2017

Dietary restriction can improve learning in worms

A new study reveals that dietary restriction improves learning in worms by depleting a specific amino acid metabolite. The researchers used the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans to test how food deprivation affected learning and found that restricted access to food increased learning by reducing kynurenic acid levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 1, 2017

It's never too cold for quantum

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding quantum critical points, which occur at absolute zero and are responsible for phase transitions. The new findings reveal that quantum fluctuations play a crucial role in these phenomena, even at extremely low temperatures.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 1, 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.

NASA tracks Tropical Depression Emily across Florida into Atlantic

Tropical Depression Emily consolidated along the central west coast of Florida on July 31 before tracking east into the Western North Atlantic Ocean. The storm's circulation has become elongated, with limited convection near the center due to dry mid-level air, and is expected to turn toward the northeast later in August.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 1, 2017

Study examines fees, finances of medical specialty boards

The study found that examination fees accounted for 88% of revenue and 21% of expenditures, while officer and employee compensation and benefits accounted for 42% of expenses. The ABMS member boards reported a cumulative surplus of $635 million between 2003 and 2013.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 1, 2017

How the electrodes of lithium-air batteries become passivated

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University found that electrode passivation in lithium-air batteries is triggered by the binding of superoxide anion with lithium ions. They suggested using solvents, electrolytes, and materials to inhibit this process, which could lead to more efficient battery operation.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateAug 1, 2017

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Aug. 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a novel method to convert used cooking oil into biofuel using recycled carbon materials. Additionally, they have found a way to insulate the innermost wall of a fusion reactor to maintain the delicate balance between hot plasma and cool exhaust. Furthermore, scientists have di...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemistrySelect·DateAug 1, 2017

Evolution of fan worm eyes

Fan worms have developed unusual compound eyes on their tentacles to detect motion and predators, alerting them to danger. The eyes' unique genetic makeup reveals an independent evolutionary history from other visual systems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 1, 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.

Study: History of gum disease increases cancer risk in older women

A study led by the University at Buffalo found a significant association between periodontal disease and increased cancer risk in postmenopausal women. The study revealed that women with a history of gum disease had a 14% higher risk of overall cancer, as well as higher risks for gallbladder and esophageal cancers.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateAug 1, 2017

'Code Blue' equals lower survival for cancer patients

A nationwide study found that cancer patients with cardiac arrest in the hospital have a survival rate of less than 10 percent, compared to 20-25 percent for non-cancer patients. The study aims to provide guidance on end-of-life care decisions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateAug 1, 2017

Genome sequencing shows spiders, scorpions share ancestor

Researchers have discovered a whole genome duplication in the evolution of spiders and scorpions, suggesting they shared an ancestor over 400 million years ago. This event is thought to have led to changes in gene expression, contributing to the diversification of these species.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalBMC Biology·DateAug 1, 2017

Satellite data for agriculture

Satellite data can optimize fertilizer use, protect groundwater, and monitor agricultural areas more efficiently. The DEMMIN soil measurement and validation site is a key player in this initiative.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateAug 1, 2017

City College engineers produce long lasting, energy density battery

A new generation of manganese dioxide-zinc batteries offers unprecedented cycle life and energy density, making it suitable for large grid storage applications. The breakthrough allows the battery to maintain its high energy density over 900 cycles, overcoming a major limitation of zinc-anode batteries.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateAug 1, 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.

Study examines drowning-induced brain injury in children

Children who develop brain injury due to non-fatal drowning often suffer from severe motor deficits, while maintaining relatively intact perceptual and cognitive abilities. The study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess brain integrity in 11 children with quadriplegia caused by drowning-induced brain injury.

SourceWiley·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateAug 1, 2017

Detecting radio waves with entangled atoms

Scientists trap millions of rubidium atoms and apply a resonant radio frequency field to detect radio waves. They achieve high sensitivity by utilizing entanglement, reducing experimental noise and surpassing the standard quantum limit.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 1, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Celebrity Twitter accounts display 'bot-like' behavior

Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that celebrity Twitter accounts with over 10 million followers exhibit bot-like behavior, retweeting at similar rates as automated accounts. In contrast, smaller accounts are more likely to be bots, which spend less time engaging with human content.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateAug 1, 2017

NASA catches formation of Tropical Depression 13W

Tropical Depression 13W forms in Northwestern Pacific with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots, centered near 25.4 degrees north latitude and 164.1 degrees east longitude. The storm is expected to intensify to tropical storm status before becoming extra-tropical.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 1, 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.

Deadly fungus affecting hibernating bats could spread during summer

A recent study by the USGS found that the deadly fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans can be transported by bats and people visiting contaminated sites in summer. Guano accounted for 93% of bat-associated detections, while equipment and sediment samples also tested positive for fungal DNA.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateAug 1, 2017

Booty, booby and nitwit: Academics reveal funniest words

Researchers at the University of Warwick found that certain words are perceived as funnier when read on their own. The study, which analyzed over 800 participants and 5000 random words, revealed that men and women have different preferences for humorous words.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateAug 1, 2017

Bird with super senses inspires researchers

The oilbird's unique combination of sharp vision, smell, tactile sensation, and echolocation abilities inspire researchers to create more advanced drones. By studying the bird's sensory system, scientists hope to develop models that can be used in robotics engineering.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 1, 2017

Adorable alpine animal acclimates behavior to a changing climate

The American pika's behavioral adaptations to climate change include shifting mating seasons, migrations, and adjustments in feeding and foraging strategies. However, these adaptations are limited by physiology and may incur costly trade-offs with other essential activities.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateAug 1, 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.

Wildfires continue to beleaguer Western Canada

In British Columbia, over 500 wildfires are currently active, with firefighters battling blazes in three main areas. The region is experiencing its third-worst fire season on record, with 840 fires breaking out since April 1. Firefighting costs have reached $172.5 million, with close to 4,000 personnel working to contain the flames.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 1, 2017

Gene-regulatory factors shown to improve pancreatic cancer response to chemotherapy

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified two microRNAs that can improve pancreatic cancer response to gemcitabine, a common chemotherapy drug. These findings suggest novel combined treatments for this devastating disease. MicroRNA levels can also predict prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 1, 2017

Among gun owners, culturally tailored suicide prevention messages work best

A study by Oregon State University found that gun owners are more likely to engage in gun safety behaviors when given culturally tailored suicide prevention messages. The research suggests that messaging should respect the values and rights of gun owners, rather than using language that may inadvertently promote anti-firearm bias. Cult...

SourceOregon State University·JournalArchives of Suicide Research·DateJul 31, 2017

Industry steps up efforts to minimise impact of open display tobacco product ban

In Scotland, tobacco companies are using financial incentives to encourage retailers to prioritize their brands and maintain point-of-sale displays despite the ban. Researchers found that 17 out of 24 small independent retailers reported receiving assistance from tobacco companies to adapt their ganties before the ban took effect.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateJul 31, 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.

Methane-eating microbes may reduce release of gases as Antarctic ice sheets melt

A new study reveals that methane-eating microbes in Antarctica's subglacial Whillans Lake can consume nearly all released methane, potentially reducing its impact on the atmosphere. This process could have significant climatic implications and may play a critical role in mitigating the effects of melting Antarctic ice sheets.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 31, 2017

Coordinated care organizations lead to more timely prenatal care

A new study found that Oregon's CCO model significantly improves the timeliness of prenatal care for pregnant women on Medicaid. The study reveals that more women began prenatal care in the first trimester, particularly among white and Asian women and those in urban areas.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateJul 31, 2017

People find it difficult to judge how good their intuitions are

A study by psychologists at the University of Kent found that people's confidence in their intuitions does not necessarily reflect their actual ability to perform well in tasks that require intuitive thinking. Despite claiming to be intuitive, participants did not exhibit superior performance or grasp of underlying rules.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 31, 2017

Danish university and industry open a patent-free playground

Aarhus University researchers and industrial companies publish results and data on innovative Open Science platform, making basic research relevant to industries accessible. The platform breaks barriers and provides risk-free zone for companies to try out ideas, acquire latest university research and create unique products.

SourceAarhus University·DateJul 31, 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.

Cycad leaf physiology research needed

Recent reports on gymnosperms' slow photosynthetic use of sunflecks prompted a call for cycad species study. Experimental protocols should be defined from natural habitats to accurately represent species behavior.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalPlant Signaling & Behavior·DateJul 31, 2017

Metal instability achieves energy-efficient nanotechnology

Scientists at Osaka University and Italian researchers have created freestanding nanowires that can convert small levels of electrical power into mechanical oscillations at high frequencies. The design achieves unprecedented low power consumption, making it a significant step towards energy-efficient technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJul 31, 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.

Glaciers may have helped warm Earth

A new study suggests that glaciers may have played a role in releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, potentially warming the planet. The research found that glacial weathering increased the rate of carbon dioxide release, with oscillating glaciers changing atmospheric levels by up to 25 parts per million over 10,000 years.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017

Shared housing, shared behavior in mouse model of autism

A mouse model of autism shows that social environment influences behaviors characteristic of ASD. Housing genetically modified mice with unmodified littermates alters their behavior, highlighting the impact of social hierarchy on ASD-like traits.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 31, 2017

What does trophy hunting contribute to wild lion conservation?

The article highlights significant 'unknowns' about trophy hunting's contribution to lion conservation, including the causes of lion mortality and the extent to which hunting affects land use. Innovative funding methods are needed to reverse species loss due to the income shortfall from hunting compared to other forms of tourism.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateJul 31, 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.