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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 206


Page 206 of 461

Shining rings: A new material emits white light when exposed to electricity

Scientists at Nagoya University developed a new material that conducts electricity and emits white light when exposed to electricity. The 'responsive porous host' method allows for predictable synthesis of stimuli-responsive materials with potential applications in memory devices, artificial muscles, and drug delivery systems.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 24, 2017

Bird songs provide insight into how developing brain forms memories

Researchers discovered that a specific neural signal in the brain regulates young animals' ability to learn behavioral patterns from adults, particularly in zebra finches. The findings suggest that disruptions in this protein complex may be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 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.

Research targets long-term brain deficits in cardiac arrest survivors

Research by LSU Health New Orleans scientists may lead to a treatment for long-term sensory problems in cardiac arrest survivors. The study used rodent models and computer modeling to show that cardiac arrest damages the cerebral cortex, leading to decreased sensory responsiveness.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 24, 2017

Nutritional value of soybean meal varies among sources from different countries

Research from the University of Illinois found that soybean meal produced in different countries has varying levels of digestible protein and amino acids. The study suggests that US, Indian, and Brazilian soybean meals have higher concentrations of these nutrients compared to Argentine and Chinese alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 24, 2017

The oldest 'bad boy' in the world

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena reconstructed a 300 million-year-old beetle from Australia, shedding new light on the earliest developments in beetles. The 'Bad Boy' exhibits an unorthodox mix of ancestral and modern characteristics, challenging traditional beetle classification.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateJul 24, 2017

Using money to buy time linked to increased happiness

Research at the University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School found that spending money on time-saving purchases leads to greater life satisfaction. The study surveyed over 6,000 adults across four countries and controlled for income, revealing that buying time has similar benefits as having more money.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Greatest threat to eastern forest birds is habitat loss on wintering grounds

A new study predicts that habitat loss on wintering grounds will be the greatest threat to eastern forest birds, exacerbated by climate change. The research found that bird species spend up to 60% of their year in Central America's wintering grounds, where habitat conversion and land-use changes will have a significant impact.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 24, 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.

Multitasking monolayers

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a method to produce patterned monolayers that can perform multiple functions, such as catalyzing chemical reactions and sensing molecules. These materials offer a new option for device designers, allowing for the creation of single materials with two functionalities.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 24, 2017

NASA sees Tropical Depression Roke over Hong Kong

Tropical Depression Roke made landfall in Hong Kong on July 23, weakening from a tropical storm earlier that day. After the landfall, NASA's Terra satellite captured visible light images of the depression, showing an elongated area of clouds and thunderstorms along the southeastern coast of China.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 24, 2017

Carnegie Mellon Robotics pioneer receives highest honor in computer graphics

Jessica Hodgins, a pioneer in character animation and robotics, has been recognized with the prestigious Steven Anson Coons Award for her outstanding contributions to computer graphics. Her work on physical simulation and control has advanced the development of realistic computer animations and human-robot interaction.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 24, 2017

Genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9 prevents angiogenesis of the retina

Researchers from Mass Eye and Ear successfully prevented mice from developing retinal angiogenesis using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing techniques. The technique targets VEGFR2, a critical protein responsible for angiogenesis, and showed promising results in preclinical models.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 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.

Two undergrads improve plant carbon-cycle models

Two undergraduate students from the University of Illinois improved plant carbon-cycle models by discovering variation in stomata behavior among different tree species. Their findings reduced error rates by 30-60%, increasing model accuracy and improving predictions of crop growth, biomass production, and ecosystem dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 24, 2017

Scientists gain clearer picture of how genes affect lean body mass

A comprehensive study published in Nature Communications reveals that lean body mass is highly heritable and can be attributed to specific genes. The research may lead to the development of future therapies to prevent the loss of lean mass and associated disabilities such as sarcopenia.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 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.

Strength of tectonic plates may explain shape of the Tibetan Plateau, study finds

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that the Tibetan Plateau's unique shape may be explained by the strength of the tectonic plates involved in its formation. The research found that a strong Asian plate results in a narrow plateau, while a weak Asian plate produces a broad one.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2017

Reshaping computer-aided design

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL have developed InstantCAD, a tool that enables designers to interactively edit and optimize CAD models using a streamlined workflow. This allows for real-time improvements and optimizations, reducing the time required to test and refine complex designs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 24, 2017

Alcohol boosts recall of earlier learning

A University of Exeter study found that drinking alcohol boosts memory recall for information learned before the drinking episode began. Those who consumed more alcohol showed stronger effects on memory performance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 24, 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.

Rahul Roychoudhuri awarded prestigious Lister Prize

Babraham Institute group leader Dr Rahul Roychoudhuri has been selected for the £200,000 Lister Institute Research Prize Fellowship to support his research on immune system regulation and suppression. His goal is to better understand how gene regulators affect T cells and potentially treat autoimmune diseases.

SourceBabraham Institute·DateJul 24, 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.

Kidney disease risk score can be built into patients' electronic health records

A new clinical decision support tool calculates and displays kidney failure risk based on criteria identified from a large cohort study. The tool automatically calculates and displays a risk score within the health record, making it easier for physicians to spot disease progression and take action.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJul 24, 2017

High-temperature superconductivity in B-doped Q-carbon

Scientists have discovered a novel way to create superconductors at higher temperatures using boron-doped Q-carbon, with a transition temperature of 57K. This breakthrough could lead to practical applications in fields like energy and transportation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 24, 2017

Physics of bubbles could explain language patterns

A new study using physics to predict where and how dialects occur suggests that dialects tend to move outwards from population centers. This theory explains why cities have their own dialects and how language boundaries get smoother over time.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 24, 2017

How fear alone can cause animal extinction

A recent study found that the scent of a praying mantis can cause fruit flies to spend less time eating, more time being vigilant, and produce fewer offspring, leading to increased extinction risk. The study sheds light on the Allee effect, a long-standing biological conundrum related to population size and extinction.

SourceMcGill University·DateJul 24, 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.

Study finds 90 percent of American men overfat

A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that up to 90% of adult males and 50% of children in the US may be overfat. The condition is linked to various health problems, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateJul 24, 2017

NASA mission surfs through waves in space to understand space weather

A new NASA study using data from the Van Allen Probes spacecraft has discovered that plasmaspheric hiss waves are more complex than previously understood. Low-frequency hiss waves interact with high-energy particles and can efficiently remove them from the radiation belts, protecting satellites.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 24, 2017

Writing with the electron beam: Now in silver

A team from HZB and EMPA successfully realized direct electron beam writing of silver nanocrystals using Electron-Beam-Induced Deposition. This breakthrough enables the creation of complex features onto a substrate in a single step, promising applications in nano-optics and information technology.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 24, 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.

Stroke survivors without early complications at long-term risk of death, stroke

A new study published in CMAJ found that people who survive a stroke or mini-stroke without early complications have an increased risk of death and stroke for at least 5 years following the initial event. Researchers recommend long-term management of modifiable risks, such as high blood pressure and physical activity, to reduce this risk.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 24, 2017

Fearing surveillance, dads with a record avoid kids' schools

Research reveals that fathers with a record are nearly 50% less involved in their child's education, linked to distrust and avoidance of 'surveilling institutions'. This can lead to poor educational outcomes and transfer feelings of institutional distrust, setting up disadvantage from early childhood.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJul 24, 2017

New vaccine production could improve flu shot accuracy

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new way to produce the seasonal flu vaccine that could speed up production and provide better protection against infection. By keeping the human influenza virus from mutating during production, they generate a perfect match to the target vaccine in a shorter time frame.

SourceDuke University·JournalmBio·DateJul 24, 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.

Benefits of continued statin use after adverse reactions

A new study found that patients who continued receiving statins after experiencing an adverse reaction, such as muscle aches and pains, had a lower risk of death and cardiovascular events. The study analyzed data from 28,266 participants and found that about 70% of patients continued taking statin prescriptions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 24, 2017

Algae cultivation technique could advance biofuels

Researchers at Washington State University developed a unique biofilm reactor that efficiently grows algae in days, not weeks. The system uses recycled gases, less water, and lower light than traditional reactors, producing algae rich in fats suitable for biodiesel production.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAlgal Research·DateJul 24, 2017

Shaping up against pathogens

A team of scientists at KAUST has discovered a key role for epigenetic chromatin modification in plant defense against pathogens. By phosphorylating histone deacetylase (HD2B), MPK3 releases genes and blocks others, rapidly reprogramming the cell's molecular makeup.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 23, 2017

Smart sensors could save lives

A team from KAUST developed a cheap, reliable system to signal danger using disposable sensor nodes linked wirelessly to fixed nodes. The system uses 3D printing and inkjet printing to create small sensors that can detect heat, low humidity, and hydrogen sulphide.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJul 23, 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.

Sports success not necessarily related to specialization

A recent study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that specializing in one sport at a young age does not increase the likelihood of achieving elite status. In fact, current high school and college athletes reported a higher incidence of sports-related injuries compared to professional athletes.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJul 23, 2017

Approaching to autonomous controlling swarm of UAVs

A new control technique has been developed to achieve tight formation control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reducing power requirements by minimizing vortices effects. The technique uses an adaptive control scheme to estimate and suppress the aerodynamic interference caused by closely flying UAVs, improving overall performance.

SourceScience China Press·DateJul 23, 2017

Sports specialization may lead to more lower extremity injuries

Researchers found that athletes who specialized in a single sport were more likely to suffer from lower extremity injuries. Specifically, those with moderate or high levels of specialization had a 50% and 85% higher incidence of such injuries, respectively.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJul 23, 2017

First patient treated in trial of a novel liver dialysis device, DIALIVE

A first patient has been successfully treated with the DIALIVE system, a novel liver dialysis device designed to remove toxins that trigger inflammation in liver failure patients. The trial aims to establish the device's safety and performance in 24 patients across Europe, with plans for an additional study enrolling over 100 patients.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateJul 23, 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.

Link between income inequality and physical activity for women, but not for men

A recent study found that women in areas with high income inequality are less likely to meet aerobic, strengthening, and overall physical activity recommendations compared to men. The researchers suggest that increased working hours, caring responsibilities, and household headship contribute to this disparity.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJul 23, 2017

World-first ketamine trial shows promise for geriatric depression

Researchers have conducted the world's first randomised control trial assessing ketamine's effectiveness as an antidepressant in elderly patients. The trial found that repeated intravenous doses of ketamine resulted in a 68.8% response and remission rate among patients, with no severe side effects reported.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJul 22, 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.

Ultrathin device harvests electricity from human motion

A Vanderbilt University team developed an ultrathin energy harvesting system that generates electricity from human motion, offering a potential solution for wearable devices and smart clothing. The device operates at low frequencies, making it suitable for slow movements like sitting or standing.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJul 21, 2017

Energy-efficient accelerator was 50 years in the making

The Cornell-Brookhaven ERL Test Accelerator, CBETA, combines two energy-saving technologies: energy recovery and permanent magnets. This innovation could lead to higher luminosity in colliding-beam experiments and produce brighter, more coherent radiation.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 21, 2017