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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 217


Page 217 of 461
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.

Researchers find first genomic biomarkers in extracellular vesicles in veterinary patients

A study by Tufts University researchers found significant changes in miRNA expression levels in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and congestive heart failure. The study identified new genomic biomarkers, including exosomal miR-181c and miR-495, which could provide insight into diagnosis and therapies for MMVD and human ...

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateJul 14, 2017

Fluorine grants white graphene new powers

Rice University researchers discovered a way to turn white graphene, an exceptional conductor of heat, into a wide-bandgap semiconductor with magnetic properties by adding fluorine. The magnetism is an unexpected bonus that could make the unique material suitable for electronics in extreme environments.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 14, 2017

When life gives you lemons, make bioplastics!

A team of chemists developed a method to produce polycarbonates from limonene and CO2, replacing bisphenol-A (BPA) as a precursor. This bioplastic production approach reduces toxicity and offers a sustainable alternative for various industries.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 14, 2017

Immunosuppression underlies resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy

A Massachusetts General Hospital research team found that anti-angiogenic drugs induce a microenvironment that suppresses immune systems actions, allowing tumors to grow. Developing a potential strategy to overcome this mechanism, the researchers identified CX3CL1 as an attractive target for immunotherapy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 14, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Helping robots learn to see in 3-D

Researchers at Duke University have developed an algorithm that allows robots to recognize and understand 3-D objects, even when parts are hidden from view. The system can simultaneously guess what a new object is and how it's oriented without examining it from multiple angles first.

SourceDuke University·DateJul 14, 2017

Mica provides clue to how water transports minerals

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered that the capture and release of ions at the interface between water and muscovite mica is controlled by electrostatic properties. This breakthrough allows for real-time observations of ion transport dynamics, giving new insights into environmental processes.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2017

Study identifies new target to preserve nerve function

Researchers have discovered a new role for an enzyme called Axundead in promoting axon degeneration. However, blocking its function preserved the integrity of injured axons and allowed them to maintain signal transmission within the brain's complex circuitry for weeks.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 14, 2017

Bacteria never swim alone

Researchers found that algae and bacteria can form flocks at very low concentrations of individuals, enabling them to sense each other's presence and affect each other. This discovery could increase our understanding of how microorganisms infect their host animals and the evolutionary basis for flocking behavior among bacteria.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 14, 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.

Unabated climate change would reverse the development gains in Asia: Report

Asia and the Pacific face severe impacts from unmitigated climate change, including increased temperatures, extreme weather events, and declining agricultural productivity. The region is projected to experience a 6-degree Celsius temperature increase by 2100, leading to significant economic losses and human suffering.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·DateJul 14, 2017

Scientists create first laboratory generation of astrophysical shock waves

Researchers generate high-energy shock waves in a laboratory setting, simulating the formation of supersonic shock waves that propel cosmic rays and particles. This breakthrough enables new studies on the acceleration of astrophysical particles and complements present remote sensing observations.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 14, 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.

Spark Therapeutics announces publication in The Lancet of pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial data for investigational voretigene neparvovec

The Phase 3 clinical trial data showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in functional vision and visual field in participants with RPE65-mediated inherited retinal disease. Participants demonstrated marked gains in full-field light sensitivity and peripheral vision.

SourceTen Bridge Communications·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 14, 2017

COPD -- changes in the lungs, changes in the microbiome

A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that certain subtypes of COPD are associated with changes in the lung microbiome, which may promote pathogenic bacteria. The findings suggest personalized medicine approaches should consider the microbiome when treating patients with specific COPD subtypes.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2017

Squirrels have long memory for problem solving

Researchers found grey squirrels could remember complex problem-solving techniques for nearly two years, even with changes to the task. This exceptional memory allows them to quickly adapt and retrieve skills, contributing to their success in urban environments.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJul 13, 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 by UTA professor shows many parents in the dark about concussions

A UTA professor's study found that many parents have a limited understanding of concussions and their impact on children's futures. The research highlights the importance of educating caregivers to recognize symptoms and protect youth athletes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Applied Biobehavioral Research·DateJul 13, 2017

Nagoya medical researchers propose new disease category of skin disorders

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified a new category of genetic skin diseases characterized by autoinflammatory responses. These conditions reflect an uncontrolled primitive immune response that does not depend on external irritants, emphasizing the need for better understanding and effective treatments.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 13, 2017

How to cryopreserve fish embryos and bring them back to life (video)

Researchers have successfully cryopreserved and revived zebrafish embryos using a novel method involving plasmonic gold nanoparticles. The technique has the potential to be applied to other species with similar embryonic sizes and structures, offering a breakthrough in preserving aquatic biodiversity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 13, 2017

Is 'ovarian tissue freezing' superior to egg freezing?

A new study suggests that ovarian tissue freezing is a superior option to egg freezing for preserving fertility, reversing menopause, and promoting natural conception. Nearly 37% of women who underwent the procedure were able to have children later in life, with nearly two-thirds experiencing restored natural fertility.

SourceSAGE·JournalReproductive Sciences·DateJul 13, 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.

USDA announces $7.2 million for research on plant-biotic interactions

The USDA has awarded $7.2 million in grants for research on plant-biotic interactions, aiming to improve crop yields and reduce the need for fertilizers. The funding will support fundamental and applied research to better understand the complex relationships between plants, microbes, and invertebrates.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 13, 2017

Mountaintop coal mining causes Appalachian rivers to run 'consistently saltier'

A new study by University of Wyoming researchers finds that mountaintop-removal coal mining in Appalachia degrades water quality and causes dramatic increases in salinity, leading to more perennial streamflows. The study's findings have significant implications for the region's ecosystem and future environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 13, 2017

Zika vaccine protects fetus against infection and birth defects

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a Zika vaccine that can protect the developing fetus against infection and birth defects during pregnancy. The study showed that two different potential vaccines could prevent the Zika virus from infecting the fetus.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 2017

Artificial intelligence helps build brain atlas of fly behavior

Researchers used machine learning to track 400,000 fruit flies' behaviors over 225 days and matched specific behaviors to different groups of neurons. The resulting brain-wide atlas offers insight into fly neural circuitry and could inform understanding of human behavior.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 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.

Study reveals interplay of an African bat, a parasite and a virus

Researchers studied the relationship between an African forest bat, a novel virus, and a parasite, identifying all three as potentially new species. The study found that the parasite plays a crucial role in transmitting the virus, with the fly serving as a 'chauffeur' to help the virus spread.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2017

Feedback from thousands of designs could transform protein engineering

Scientists from University of Washington and University of Toronto have developed new high-throughput approach to test folding stability of thousands of computationally designed proteins. This study led to the design of 2,788 stable protein structures with potential bioengineering and synthetic biology applications.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

How social rank can trigger vulnerability to stress

Researchers found that social rank triggers differential vulnerability to chronic stress and identifies brain energy metabolism as a predictive biomarker. The study showed that dominant mice display susceptibility to stress through social avoidance, while subordinate mice exhibit resilience.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 13, 2017

Long working hours increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation

A study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who work long hours (55+ hours/week) are approximately 40% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation over a ten-year period. The risk is higher among those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and other risk factors.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJul 13, 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.

Cancer may metastasize without lymph node involvement

Research funded by NFCR finds two distinct patterns of metastatic spread in human colorectal cancer, where distant metastases originate directly from primary tumors without involving the lymph system. The study provides genetic evidence towards resolving the enigma of lymph node metastases and distant metastases.

SourceNational Foundation for Cancer Research·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

Ravens can plan ahead, similar to humans and great apes

A new study reveals ravens can plan ahead for different events, such as using tools to access rewards, with a high success rate of 86%. Ravens demonstrated self-control by choosing less appealing immediate rewards over better ones, similar to great apes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

Mapping behavior in the fruit fly brain

A team of researchers has created behavior anatomy maps in fruit flies to understand how specific brain circuits generate aggression, wing extension, or grooming behaviors. The data will help neurobiologists assign behaviors to neurons and study brain circuits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 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.

Top international award for UNSW Sydney climate scientist

Professor Matthew England has been awarded the Tinker-Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica for his outstanding research on the influence of the Southern Ocean on global climate. He is recognized for his leadership roles in international programs and commitment to translating global issues to local impacts.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·DateJul 13, 2017

New data network for Huntington's disease research

The University of Plymouth has developed HDNetDB, the first freely available data network for scientists researching Huntington's disease. This resource links various cellular processes in a molecular network and provides a more holistic view of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2017

Researchers develop dynamic templates critical to printable electronics technology

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed bio-inspired dynamic templates used to manufacture organic semiconductor materials that produce printable electronics. This technique is also eco-friendly compared with how conventional electronics are made, which gives the researchers the chance to return the favor to nature.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 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.

Genetically enhanced, cord-blood derived immune cells strike B-cell cancers

Researchers developed genetically enhanced cord-blood derived immune cells to target B-cell malignancies, boosting persistence and embedding a suicide gene. The engineered natural killer cells showed improved efficiency in killing cancer cells and extended survival in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalLeukemia·DateJul 13, 2017

Water makes the proton shake

Researchers have elucidated the ultrafast motions and structural characteristics of protons in water under ambient conditions, identifying the Zundel cation as a predominant species. The proton explores all locations between two water molecules within less than 100 fs, losing memory quickly due to strong electric field fluctuations.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

Diet rich in tomatoes cuts skin cancer in half in mice

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that daily tomato consumption reduced skin cancer tumors by 50% in male mice, while female mice showed no significant differences. The researchers suggest that dietary carotenoids, particularly lycopene, may protect skin against UV light damage.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2017

Research takes on radical rethink of UK digital infrastructure

A new £5 million research partnership aims to create super-resilient, data-driven networks that can adapt to changing demands. The partnership will develop an 'autonomic' network with minimal human intervention, leading to improved customer experiences and greater agility for businesses.

SourceLancaster University·DateJul 13, 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.

Ga-ga, goo-goo, why a baby likes you

Researchers found that by one year old, infants prefer speakers of their native tongue but not unfamiliar languages. Infants also form positive biases toward prosocial behavior from familiar language speakers, suggesting an innate preference for similar groups.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJul 13, 2017

MIT Bitcoin study shows value of exclusive access for early adopters

A study by MIT researchers found that delaying access to new technologies can stifle their spread, as seen in the case of cryptocurrency Bitcoin among incoming freshmen. The study showed that early adopters who received their allotment late cashed out at nearly twice the rate as those who received it earlier.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

On the way to a biological alternative

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have made a significant step towards understanding nitrogenase's function by analyzing its spatial structure. The team discovered that a vanadium ion replaces molybdenum in the enzyme, leading to distinct effects on its geometric and electronic structure.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 13, 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.

A neural switch for becoming alpha male

Researchers discovered a neural circuit in mice that enhances social dominance, boosting chances of becoming an alpha male during aggressive encounters. Stimulating this circuit increased the mouse's winning rate to 90% without affecting motor performance or anxiety levels.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

BASF unveils new class of insecticide for malaria prevention

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended BASF's Interceptor(R) G2, a long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito net containing chlorfenapyr, for malaria prevention. The new product is the first to be approved from a new chemical class since the 1980s and offers a promising solution to combat malaria resistance.

SourceBASF SE·JournalMalaria Journal·DateJul 13, 2017

Bacterium actively drives colorectal cancer tumor cell growth

A subspecies of the bacterium Streptococcus gallolyticus actively promotes the development of colorectal cancer by driving CRC cell proliferation through β-catenin cell signaling. The study found that infected mice developed more tumors and greater β-catenin production than control mice.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 13, 2017

Yes, the sun is an ordinary, solar-type star after all

A new study resolves the ongoing debate about the Sun's cyclic behavior by showing it follows the same pattern as other nearby solar-type stars. The research suggests that the Sun's magnetic cycle depends on its rotation rate and luminosity, advancing scientists' understanding of stellar magnetic fields.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 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.

How neurons sense our everyday life

Researchers at King's College London have discovered a molecular mechanism that enables neurons to adapt to their environment, shaping learning and memory formation. The study reveals that Brevican protein plays a critical role in regulating experience-dependent plasticity, influencing the intrinsic properties of PV+ interneurons and s...

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuron·DateJul 13, 2017

Cancer cells force normal cells to mimic viruses to help tumors spread, resist treatment

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified a process where cancer cells instruct normal cells to act like viruses, enabling tumors to spread and resist treatment. This 'virus mimic' is detected in the blood of cancer patients and could explain why some breast cancers are more aggressive than others.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 2017

New material resembling a metal nanosponge could reduce computer energy consumption

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a new nanoporous material that can increase magnetic domain orientation efficiency, reducing the energy needed to process data. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve computer energy efficiency and increase mobile device autonomy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 13, 2017

Chillier winters, smaller beaks

Researchers found a clear correlation between winter temperatures and beak size, with the coldest winters associated with the smallest beaks. This study challenges previous theories on the driving forces behind beak evolution and provides new insights into the relationship between climate and morphological traits.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEvolution·DateJul 13, 2017

Research makes robots better at following spoken instructions

Researchers at Brown University developed a new system that enables robots to follow spoken instructions, regardless of their level of abstraction. The system uses language grounding and hierarchical planning algorithms to analyze the specificity of commands, resulting in dramatic speed-ups in performance.

SourceBrown University·DateJul 13, 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.