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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 209


Page 209 of 461

Semiliquid chains pulled out of a sea of microparticles

Researchers at the University of Warsaw have developed a method to form colloidal chains by pulling out individual particles from a suspension using an electrode. The chains are held together by a thin layer of liquid, and their flexibility is influenced by the type of liquid used.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2017

Shale gas development spurring spread of invasive plants in Pennsylvania forests

A study published in Journal of Environmental Management found a direct correlation between shale gas development activity and the rapid invasion of non-native plant species in Pennsylvania's northern forests. The research suggests that invasive plants can alter forest ecosystems, affecting wildlife habitats and timber harvests.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJul 20, 2017

Fernanda weakens to Tropical Storm

Fernanda has weakened from its peak wind speed of 143.75 mph, now with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph and higher gusts. The storm is expected to continue moving west-northwest for the next couple of days before potentially becoming a tropical depression.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 20, 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.

Mountain glaciers recharge vital aquifers

Small mountain glaciers play a significant role in recharging vital aquifers and keeping rivers flowing during the winter. A new study found that these glaciers contribute up to 66% of annual flow in mountain streams, highlighting their importance in maintaining ecosystem processes.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 20, 2017

Novel approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder

A new therapy called 3MDR is being investigated for its effectiveness in treating British military veterans with treatment-resistant and combat-related PTSD. Researchers aim to help patients approach their traumatic memories through walking on a treadmill while interacting with self-selected images.

SourceCardiff University·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.

ESMO Awards recognise four outstanding oncologists

The European Society for Medical Oncology has announced the recipients of its four distinguished annual awards. Miguel Martin is recognized for his work in breast cancer research, while José Baselga receives the Lifetime Achievement Award for pivotal contributions to drug development. Alberto Bardelli wins the Translational Research Aw...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateJul 20, 2017

Sunny, rainy, or cloudy: New study shows how weather impacts response to mobile ads

A new study in Marketing Science found that consumer responses to mobile promotions are higher and faster in sunny weather than cloudy weather. The study suggests that firms can use local weather information to improve the effectiveness of their mobile ads, with better-than-yesterday or forecasted sunshine boosting purchase responses.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·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.

Study provides insights on preeclampsia

Researchers have developed a method to quickly diagnose preeclampsia, which affects 5% of pregnancies and is linked to elevated fetal hemoglobin levels. The findings may lead to better diagnostics and treatments for affected women.

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

Shooting the Achilles heel of nervous system cancers

Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have discovered a novel synthetic lethality screen to discover molecules that target genetically modified yeast lacking NF1. The team identified one lead candidate called Y100, which disrupts tumor cell growth and induces oxidative stress causing death of NF1-deficient cancer cells.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJul 20, 2017

Study predicts heart cell's response to dwindling oxygen

Researchers developed a model predicting heart cells' ability to produce ATP and stay alive under low oxygen conditions. The study found that even severely depleted regions of the heart can maintain ATP levels using energy reserves until oxygen approaches zero, but eventually crash when backup reserves shut down.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 20, 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.

Curbing deforestation

A new Northwestern University study suggests that paying people to conserve their trees could be a highly cost-effective way to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions. The program, known as Payments for Ecosystems, was found to have large impacts on forest cover in western Uganda.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

Setting the record straight: PPIs do not cause Dementia

A study of 13,864 participants found no convincing evidence linking PPI use to increased dementia risk. The research suggests that PPIs are safe for patients who require them for long-term treatment, and benefits may outweigh risks.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 20, 2017

Study offers potential diagnostic and prognostic tools for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affect approximately one in four people living with HIV, causing symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. Researchers have found elevated levels of microRNAs affecting brain development, providing a potential biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 20, 2017

Researchers identify critical need for standardized organ donation metrics

Researchers found significant discrepancies in how potential donors are evaluated and identified across the US. They propose two new metrics: evaluating donation percentage and tracking organs transplanted per possible donor, which could help identify high-performing OPOs and improve donation rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJul 20, 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.

Social scientists reveal structure of AIDS denialist online communities

Researchers found that active users are more likely to be denialists, with a core group promoting denialist views and recruiting support through interactions. The study identified a high-risk group of over 1,000 users, including those who interact with the core and are influenced by their views.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalAmerican Behavioral Scientist·DateJul 20, 2017

Self-proclaimed slackers may be sabotaging own health

Research by American Psychological Association finds that people who think they're less active than peers have a greater chance of dying younger. The study controlled for actual activity levels and found a significant correlation between perceived physical activity and mortality.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJul 20, 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.

Spiral arms allow school children to weigh black holes

Researchers have discovered a way to estimate black hole masses by looking at spiral galaxy arms. The study found that galaxies with tightly wound spiral arms tend to have more massive black holes.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 20, 2017

New PET-CT scan improves detection in rare cardiac condition

Researchers developed a new combined PET-CT scan technique that diagnoses cardiac sarcoidosis more accurately, revealing secondary sites in 40% of patients. The technique uses a 72-hour high-fat diet to provide clearer images and better detect the disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Nuclear Cardiology·DateJul 20, 2017

A plastic planet

A new study led by Roland Geyer estimates that over 8 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, with most becoming waste after four years. The research provides a global analysis of plastic production and fate, highlighting the need for sustainable materials management.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2017

Elephant seals recognize each other by the rhythm of their calls

Researchers found that northern elephant seal males use the memory of rhythmic patterns to identify rival calls, distinguishing between subtle changes in tempo and tone. This ability is crucial for their survival, allowing them to choose strategies in mating and territorial battles.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 20, 2017

USF biologists find frog's future health influenced by gut microbes as tadpoles

Researchers found that disrupting gut microbes in tadpoles affects adult frogs' ability to fight parasitic infections. A healthy bacterial community may confer protection against diseases later in life. The study's findings have implications for understanding the immune systems of mammals and humans.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature Communications·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.

Sexual health clinics should ask about abuse

A study by Queen Mary University of London found that training clinicians to ask about domestic violence in sexual health clinics can be feasible and increase referrals to specialist services. The risk of gynaecological and sexual health problems is three-fold higher in women who have suffered domestic violence.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateJul 20, 2017

Study finds aboriginal community with strong ethno-cultural identity and connection to the land has lower suicide rates

A University of Guelph-Humber funded study found that a strong ethno-cultural identity and connection to the land are significant factors in positive mental health outcomes. The Cree community showed lower rates of depression, suicide, and mental illness despite shared history of trauma.

SourceUniversity of Guelph-Humber·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateJul 20, 2017

The way rivers function reflects their ecological status and is rarely explored

Researchers propose a new approach to measure river ecosystem functionality, integrating process measurements to assess ecological status. The study synthesizes existing processes, criteria of use, and sensitivity to environmental stressors, offering a tool for researchers and managers.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·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.

Innate reaction of hematopoietic stem cells to severe infections

Researchers found that hematopoietic stem cells can directly detect bacterial infections and begin dividing without signals from growth factors. This reaction damages the cells' regenerative ability, potentially leading to malignant diseases at advanced age.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 20, 2017

UH researcher working to make security cameras 'smarter'

A University of Houston researcher is developing a system that would allow security cameras to recognize and send an alert at the first sign of a threat to public safety. The project uses video analytics to build mathematical models that reflect human behavior and predict deviations from the norm.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 20, 2017

A super-algae to save our seas

Researchers have made a breakthrough in genetically engineering microalgae found in corals to enhance their stress tolerance and prevent coral bleaching. This could be a game-changer for ocean productivity and global coral reef conservation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 20, 2017

Why was MacronLeaks' influence limited in the French election?

USC researchers found that disinformation campaign on MacronLeaks was mostly consumed by foreigners on social media, with 18% of promoters being bots. The campaign's impact on French voters appeared to be limited despite being tweeted nearly 350,000 times.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFirst Monday·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.

Young adult cancer survivors struggle to get back to normal

A new longitudinal study found that 32% of young adult cancer survivors experience consistently low social functioning over time. The researchers highlight the need for support programs and screening at diagnosis to address these challenges.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateJul 20, 2017

A sodium surprise

Biomedical engineers found that different beta subunits attach to the main protein in a unique way, affecting the channel's control over the heartbeat. This discovery could lead to precision medicine and therapies tailored to individual needs.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJul 20, 2017

High-dose flu vaccine reduces hospital visits for nursing home residents

A large clinical trial found that the high-dose flu vaccine significantly reduced hospitalization rates among nursing home residents, with a relative risk of hospitalization being 12.7 percent lower for the high-dose group. The vaccine also appeared to help prevent hospitalization for other problems, including cardiovascular symptoms.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·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.

Study finds restoration at Illinois prairie is working in the soil, too

Scientists have found evidence that the soil microbiome in restored Illinois prairies is recolonizing and recovering, closely resembling those in untouched natural prairies. This discovery suggests that restoration efforts are working at a foundational level, contributing to the health of people and the planet.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateJul 20, 2017

Pulses of electrons manipulate nanomagnets and store information

Scientists use electron pulses to create and manipulate nanoscale magnetic excitations that can store data, confirming dynamic understandings provided by theory. Tailored electron pulses can swiftly write, erase or switch topologically protected magnetic textures such as skyrmions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 20, 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.

Strengthening 3-D printed parts for real-world use

A Texas A&M University doctoral student has pioneered a method to strengthen 3-D printed parts, making them suitable for real-world applications. The technology uses microwave energy to weld layers together, creating more durable parts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2017

In frogs, preventing early-life gut microbiome disruptions leads to better health

Biologists found that disrupting the gut and skin bacterial communities of tadpoles later affects adult frogs' ability to fight parasitic gut worms. Preventing early-life disruptions might confer protection against diseases in adulthood, with potential applicability to understanding immune systems in mammals and humans.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2017

The unexpected source of tuna's fin finesse

A new study reveals that tuna's precise control over their fins is enabled by the hydraulic activity of their lymphatic system. This specialization is also observed in other scombrid species, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to high-performance swimming needs.

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

Why sugary drinks and protein-rich meals don't go well together

A study published in BMC Nutrition found that consuming sugar-sweetened drinks with high-protein meals reduced fat oxidation, leading to increased fat storage. The researchers also discovered that the combination of a sugary drink and a protein-rich meal increased cravings for savory and salty foods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Nutrition·DateJul 20, 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.

High levels of antibiotic-resistance in Indian poultry farming raises concerns

A new study from India reveals high levels of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in chickens raised for both meat and eggs on farms in Punjab state. The study found that nearly 60% of E. coli isolates contained enzymes conferring drug resistance to key medications, raising concerns about the consequences to human health.

SourceBurness·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 20, 2017

Is mental health associated with perception of nasal function?

A study of preoperative patients for rhinoplasty found that poor mental well-being and low self-esteem are associated with poorer perceptions of nasal function. Patients with good mental health reported better nasal function, regardless of body dysmorphic concerns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJul 20, 2017

Parents have critical role in preventing teen drinking

A recent study found that parents have a significant impact on their teenagers' decisions regarding alcohol, with parental behavior and attitudes being key factors in preventing or delaying underage drinking. The study suggests that parents should discuss alcohol use with their children, set clear expectations, and avoid binge drinking.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 20, 2017

Could sharks help save shipping industry billions?

Researchers are investigating the secrets of sharks' ability to shed slime and biofilms, which could lead to sustainable anti-fouling coatings for ships. The study aims to develop new technologies inspired by nature to mitigate hull fouling and its impact on the environment.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·DateJul 20, 2017

Want to win at sports? Take a cue from these mighty mice

A recent study on California mice found that surges of testosterone before and after aggressive encounters lead to future wins. Winning experiences change the brain's response to testosterone, fueling competitiveness and confidence.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateJul 20, 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.

Native leech preys on invasive slug?

Invasive giant slug <i>Limax maximus</i> has spread to Hokkaido, Japan, where it is preyed upon by microphagous leech <i>Orobdella kawakatsuorum</i>. The study reveals that the invasive species feeds on various crops including cucumber and sweet potato.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateJul 20, 2017

NASA's Hubble sees martian moon orbiting the Red Planet

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured images of Phobos, the smallest moon in our solar system, as it orbits Mars. Phobos is just 16.5 miles across and completes an orbit in just 7 hours and 39 minutes, faster than Mars' rotation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 20, 2017

Researchers improve method to identify aquatic species using environmental DNA

Scientists have improved their ability to track species by analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) found in water samples. This new method uses polymerase chain reaction technology to amplify long, intact pieces of DNA, allowing for more accurate species identifications and genetic variation detection within species.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJul 20, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Cucumbers in space provide insights on root growth

Scientists have grown cucumbers in space to study the effects of water and gravity on plant roots. In their experiments, they found that water has a greater influence on controlling root growth than gravity, which will help inform future space farming strategies.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 20, 2017