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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 208


Page 208 of 461

Opioids and obesity, not 'despair deaths,' raising mortality rates for white Americans

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that drug-related deaths have skyrocketed among middle-aged white men, increasing by over 25-fold between 1980 and 2014. The researchers argue that economic insecurities and an 'obesogenic' environment are contributing factors, rather than 'despair deaths'.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 20, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Battery breakthrough using 2016 Nobel Prize molecule

A KAIST research team developed molecular pulley binders for high-capacity silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries, improving charge-discharge cycles. The innovative binding system, inspired by the 'mechanical bond' concept, enhances electrode stability and capacity retention.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

Berkeley Lab to lead multimillion-dollar geothermal energy project

Berkeley Lab is leading a $9 million project to remove technical barriers to EGS, a clean energy technology that could power 100 million American homes. The project aims to develop field experiments to understand and model rock fractures, essential for geothermal systems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJul 20, 2017

North American monsoon storms fewer but more extreme

Researchers found that North American monsoon storms are becoming more extreme, with heavier rain and stronger winds, while their frequency is decreasing. The study, led by the University of Arizona, used historical climate data to verify the findings.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateJul 20, 2017

A healthy lifestyle increases life expectancy by up to 7 years

A new study published in Health Affairs reveals that individuals who adopt healthy behaviors such as maintaining a normal weight, not smoking, and consuming alcohol moderately can expect to live seven years longer than the general population. These extra years are spent in good health, free from disability.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 20, 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.

Scientists discover combined sensory map for heat, humidity in fly brain

Researchers visualize how fruit flies sense and process both temperature and humidity through their brains, revealing a 'sensory map' that helps them avoid hot and dry conditions. This discovery could inform strategies to prevent mosquito-borne diseases by targeting the mosquitoes' own humidity receptors.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 20, 2017

Stanford researchers discover biological hydraulic system in tuna fins

Researchers have found a unique biological hydraulic system in the median fins of Pacific bluefin and yellowfin tuna, which enables fine adjustment of fin shape and position to generate precise control during swimming and turning maneuvers. This system may enhance design in sailing vessels and autonomous vehicles.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

NIH-supported scientists elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies to HIV in calves

Researchers have successfully elicited broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) to HIV in calves by immunization, a breakthrough that may inform HIV vaccine and therapeutics design. The unique structure of bovine bNAbs, particularly the long HCDR3 loops, shows promise for promoting human immune system development.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 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.

The first light atomic nucleus with a second face

Physicists successfully registered a light atomic nucleus with a deformed shape, challenging the conventional view that such states only exist in massive elements. The discovery was made using a complex experimental method and computational simulations.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2017

Patients may be at risk after discharge from the ER with acute kidney injury

A new study reveals that patients discharged home from the emergency department with acute kidney injury (AKI) are at an increased risk of dying within 30 days. Patients with moderate-to-severe AKI have a higher risk of death, emphasizing the need for close follow-up and repeat kidney function testing.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 20, 2017

Nesting aids make agricultural fields attractive for bees

A study conducted in rapeseed fields found that nesting aids increased brood cells and attracted a variety of pollinator species. The availability of flowering plants and nesting sites is crucial for wild bee reproduction and diversity.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 20, 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.

NASA imagery shows disorganized Tropical Depression 8E

Tropical Depression 8E is characterized by a lack of organized circulation in NASA's Aqua satellite imagery. The depression is forecast to become a remnant low by this weekend, with a turn towards the southwest or south-southwest expected.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 20, 2017

Gene drives likely to be foiled by rapid rise of resistance

Researchers found that mutations giving rise to resistant genetic sequences formed frequently in fruit flies, hindering the efficiency of gene drives. This development may necessitate new approaches to overcome resistance in genetically diverse populations, making gene drive technology less reliable.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 20, 2017

Microscopic silk cocoons may facilitate drug design

Researchers have developed microscopic silk capsules that can protect sensitive molecules, such as natural silk proteins, antibodies, and other delicate molecules. These biodegradable capsules may enable the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases by delivering drugs or vaccines intact to target organs.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2017

Most precise measurement of the proton's mass

Physicists from Germany and Japan made a precise measurement of the proton's mass, improving it by a factor of three and correcting the existing value. The resulting mass is significantly smaller than current standards, providing insight into fundamental physical theories.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 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.

Reducing inflammation protects stem cells during wound repair

Researchers found that celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory drug, protects stem cells from harsh inflammation during wound repair. The study showed that celecoxib promoted stem cell survival and differentiation into skin cells, leading to better wound healing outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalCytotherapy·DateJul 20, 2017

Nutrition advice aimed at children also improves parents' diets

A study found that nutrition advice aimed at children also improved their parents' diets, leading to reduced cardiovascular risk. The intervention focused on reducing saturated fat intake and increasing unsaturated fat consumption in children, resulting in better dietary habits among parents.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 20, 2017

3-D printing sweeps toy manufacturing off the shelves

A study by Michigan Technological University finds that 3-D printing can save consumers up to 90% on toy purchases, with the potential to offset $60 million in annual savings. DIY manufacturing also enables the creation of novel toys and games that are not commercially available.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalTechnologies·DateJul 20, 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.

A robot that grows

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and Stanford University have created a soft robot that can extend its tip and control its growth direction based on external sensors, enabling it to navigate complex environments. The robot has potential applications in endovascular surgery, search and rescue operations, and construction.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 20, 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.

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.

Molecular 'pulleys' help boost battery performance

Researchers used polyrotaxane to create a silicon anode that expands and contracts more easily, boosting battery performance. The technique allows for high volumetric and energy densities similar to commercialized lithium-ion batteries.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

Mixed outcomes for plants and animals in warmer 2080s climate

Researchers predict that 54% of English species can expand their populations into new areas, while 27% may not find suitable climate in existing sites. The study highlights the need to protect and enhance habitats for species to colonize new areas.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 20, 2017

Probiotics: Novel biosynthetic tool to develop metallic nanoparticles

This research reviews the use of probiotics for producing metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), which have potential applications in treating diseases and diagnosing conditions. Gold, silver, copper and zinc oxide NPs are suggested for drug delivery, antimicrobial activity, and anti-corrosive properties.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalRecent Patents on Drug Delivery & Formulation·DateJul 20, 2017

Francis Crick Institute to train top African scientists

The Francis Crick Institute has launched a fellowship programme to train African researchers to combat infectious diseases in their home countries. The programme, called the Crick African Network, will provide two years of intensive training and mentorship to foster the next generation of research leaders in Africa.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·DateJul 20, 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.

New research uncovers a cause of schizophrenia

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that genetic defects in glial cells may lead to schizophrenia by impairing myelin production and neural network formation. The research uses mouse models with human glial cells to demonstrate the defective glial cells' role in brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell·DateJul 20, 2017

SNMMI technologist section announces 2017 award winners

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging's Technologist Section recognized the work of several award-winning nuclear medicine technologists, including Amanda Abbott, Dusty M. York, Cindi Luckett-Gilbert, Margaret M. Doonan, and Robert A. Pagnanelli, for their contributions to education and service in the field.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJul 20, 2017

Study finds day-to-day experiences affect awareness of aging, mood

A study found that an individual's awareness of aging affects their mood, with positive attitudes leading to better moods and negative experiences having a bigger impact on mood for those with positive attitudes. The study enrolled 116 participants aged 60-90 who kept daily logs of stressors, age-related experiences, and affect.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateJul 20, 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.

Payments to protect forests are worth it

A new study in Uganda found that payment programs to protect forests can be highly effective in reducing deforestation and mitigating global carbon emissions. The program, which offered modest payments to landowners for leaving trees intact, resulted in a 50% reduction in tree loss compared to a control group.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

New mutations related to hereditary neuroendocrine tumors

Researchers have discovered new genes associated with the development of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, which are rare neuroendocrine tumors with a strong hereditary component. The study identifies alterations in enzymes involved in cell respiration as a key factor in tumor growth.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 20, 2017

Small pest, big battle

A team of UC researchers is using gene editing to develop a new method to control disease-spreading mosquitoes, focusing on the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Safe Genes project aims to introduce genetic elements that rapidly spread throughout a population, reducing the mosquito population and preventing disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJul 20, 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.

Search and rescue dogs do their jobs despite travel stress

A recent study found that air travel stress has no effect on search and rescue dog job performance, but alters the canine microbiome. Despite physiological impacts, dogs overcome stress to save lives.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutritional Science·DateJul 20, 2017

Reintroduced Przewalski's horses have a different diet

Researchers found that Przewalski's horses, now protected in the Gobi Desert, consume only high-quality grass throughout the year due to improved human attitudes. In contrast, Khulan wild asses also live in the same habitat but are still hunted and have a more restricted diet.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 20, 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.

Google searches can be used to track dengue in underdeveloped countries

A new study uses Google search data to track dengue fever in underdeveloped countries, providing accurate and timely estimates of disease prevalence. The method, called ARGO, combines Google Trends data with government-provided clinical data to alert governments and hospitals when elevated dengue incidence is anticipated.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 20, 2017

'Sound' research shows slower boats may cause manatees more harm than good

Research at Florida Atlantic University reveals that slower boat speeds do not reduce risks to manatees, but instead cause more harm. An innovative alerting device is proven to deliver a better solution, projecting low-intensity sounds that deter manatees from approaching boats.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJul 20, 2017

Loma Linda University researchers finds links between meal frequency and BMI

Loma Linda University researchers found four factors associated with decreased body mass index: single or dual meals, overnight fasting up to 18 hours, breakfast instead of skipping it, and making breakfast the largest meal of the day. Making breakfast the largest meal resulted in a more significant decrease in BMI compared to lunch.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJul 20, 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.

Donor-recipient tissue mismatch analysis may help personalize treatment after transplant

A molecular analysis of tissue mismatch between donors and recipients predicted which recipients needed high doses of immune modulating drugs. The study found a strong correlation between low medication levels and low molecular mismatch scores, allowing physicians to tailor treatment to individual patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 20, 2017

Heritage and ancient grain project feeds a growing demand

A Cornell-led project has identified modern, ancient, and heritage wheat varieties best suited for organic growing in the Northeastern and north-central climates. The results show that these varieties are in high demand, with consumers willing to pay more for bread, pasta, and baked goods made from them.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Cereal Science·DateJul 20, 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.