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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 229


Page 229 of 461

Computing takes the prize

Nobuo Sato received a $10,000 grant to apply his knowledge of Quantum Chromodynamics to understand the protons and neutrons in everyday matter. His calculations involve parton distribution functions and transverse momentum distributions.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 5, 2017

Neutrons detect elusive Higgs amplitude mode in quantum material

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have observed the Higgs amplitude mode with an infinite lifetime, providing new insights into exotic materials. The discovery was made using sophisticated neutron scattering techniques in a two-dimensional material.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 5, 2017

Moms, kids and TV: A complicated relationship that's not all bad

A University of Michigan study finds that low-income mothers view television as a positive tool when watching parent-approved educational programming with their child. The study also highlights the importance of parental mediation and setting limits on screen time, especially for obesity prevention.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Children and Media·DateJul 5, 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.

From dry to wet: Rainfall might abruptly increase in Africa's Sahel

The Sahel region could receive significantly more rainfall, potentially transforming from a dry to a wet area, as temperatures rise beyond the Paris Climate Agreement's limit. This sudden change poses a huge adaptation challenge for an already troubled region with over 100 million people affected.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateJul 5, 2017

Kenan Charitable Trust awards $1.5 million to UNC Health Affairs schools

The UNC School of Medicine, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and other health professions schools will establish clinical experiences for students in rural areas of North Carolina, launching the UNC Rural Interprofessional Health Initiative (RIPHI). The program aims to improve health disparities and develop a health workforce prepared ...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJul 5, 2017

Genetic DJ: Growing cells remix their genes

A study by Babraham Institute and Weizmann Institute reveals genes are constantly rearranged in cells, changing their positions to fine-tune gene expression. Researchers collected data from over 4,000 individual cells using single-cell Hi-C technology, providing unique insights into genome organisation.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2017

Skin plays significant role in spread of leishmaniasis

Researchers at the University of York have found that parasites responsible for leishmaniasis are mainly acquired from the skin rather than through blood transfusions. This discovery challenges current treatment methods and highlights the importance of measuring parasite levels in the skin to assess treatment success.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The big ecological roles of small natural features

A team of researchers explores the disproportionate ecological importance of small natural features, highlighting their significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. These elements, such as salt marshes and rocky outcrops, are often overlooked but can provide resources that limit key populations or support unusual diversity.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 5, 2017

Three-dimensional chip combines computing and data storage

Researchers at MIT and Stanford developed a 3D chip that integrates computing and data storage, overcoming communication bottlenecks. The chip uses carbon nanotubes and RRAM cells, enabling dense and fine-grained integration of computating and data storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2017

Global erosivity map shows differences between climatic regions

A new global erosivity map shows significant variations in rainfall erosivity across different climatic regions, highlighting the need for soil degradation mitigation and restoration strategies. The map provides critical data for assessing soil erosion by water, flood risk, and natural hazard prevention.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Marine parasites: Different strokes for different folks

A research team used micro-computer tomography to investigate the relationship between parasite and host masses, finding a positive correlation. This suggests that larger hosts support larger parasites. The study also sheds light on the life-cycle of parasitic barnacles, revealing two groups with different competitive strategies.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 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.

Don't let lower back injuries take you down for the count

Three common conditions affecting varsity and professional athletes include symptomatic lumbar disk degeneration, lumbar disk herniation, and spondylolysis. Nonsurgical therapy is recommended as the first-line treatment for lower back conditions in elite athletes, with successful recovery rates reported.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJul 5, 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.

Saving the paintbrush lily from extinction

A major conservation effort is underway to conserve the last remaining paintbrush lilies in Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden. The species, Haemanthus pumilio, has declined drastically due to habitat destruction and invasive species. The garden aims to increase the population through micropropagation and control burns.

SourceStellenbosch University·DateJul 5, 2017

Fish prefer to swim with sporty shoalmates

Research reveals minnows prefer energetic shoalmates due to increased visual stimulation and potential hydrodynamic benefits. Higher metabolic rates in shoal mates may reduce predation risks for following fish.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 5, 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.

In the egg, American bullfrogs learn how to avoid becoming lunch

A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that American bullfrog embryos can learn about predators while still in the egg, developing faster and hiding more when exposed to predator signals. This allows them to avoid becoming vulnerable prey, making it harder to control their spread.

SourceOregon State University·JournalOecologia·DateJul 5, 2017

Reconciling predictions of climate change

Researchers developed a mathematical model to reconcile temperature estimates from global climate models and paleoclimate records. They found that higher temperature ranges, up to 6 degrees Celsius, may be possible when long-term warming patterns are considered.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 5, 2017

Training can improve athletes' stereo vision

Researchers found that repetitive training using stereoscopic stimuli can improve reaction speed and processing time in athletes. After six training sessions, the athletes' processing time decreased significantly, and this ability remained stable for six months after the training ended.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJul 5, 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.

How much does dementia risk increase after traumatic brain injury?

A retrospective cohort study of over 40,000 TBI patients found a significant increase in dementia risk after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Those with mild TBI had a 1.6% diagnosis rate, while those with moderate-to-severe TBI had a 3.5% diagnosis rate, highlighting the increased risk in middle-aged individuals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 5, 2017

Milky Way could have 100 billion brown dwarfs

An international team of astronomers suggests that the Milky Way contains a staggering number of brown dwarfs, with estimates ranging from 25 to 100 billion. The Substellar Objects in Nearby Young Clusters (SONYC) survey found that brown dwarfs are common in dense star clusters and have a small effect on their formation environment.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 5, 2017

Synthetic horns may save rhinos if they are not like the real thing

Research suggests that inferior synthetic horns can drive out wild horn suppliers through adverse selection, reducing poaching and driving down prices. Nonprofits could play a key role in producing these synthetic horns, promoting competition and increasing market supply.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalEcological Economics·DateJul 5, 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.

'Competency-based' service training for flight attendants improves passenger satisfaction

A study found that competency-based cabin service training for airline flight attendants improves customer satisfaction levels. The training, which focuses on four nationally recognized competency-focused units, resulted in statistically significant differences in customer satisfaction ratings among passengers.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalThe Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research·DateJul 5, 2017

First look at gravitational dance that drives stellar formation

Researchers observe intense gas motions at filament junctions, indicating strong acceleration gradients and massive core formation. The study reveals that interstellar filaments and hub systems are privileged locations for forming the most massive stars in the Galaxy.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·DateJul 5, 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.

What kind of Facebook user are you?

Researchers at Brigham Young University identify four categories of Facebook users: those who use the platform to build relationships, share information with others, self-promote, and simply observe social media activity. The study sheds light on why people engage with Facebook in different ways.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalInternational Journal of Virtual Communities and Social Networking·DateJul 5, 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.

Two out of three US adults have not completed an advance directive

A comprehensive review found that 63% of Americans have not completed an advance directive, with chronic illness and age being key factors. The study emphasizes the importance of completing these documents to ensure end-of-life care preferences are respected.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 5, 2017

Digital communication improves young patient engagement, according to new study

A new study from the University of Warwick and King's College London found that digital communication methods can improve the health care experience of younger patients. The research, which involved case studies from 20 NHS specialist clinical teams, suggests that this approach can engage those who are otherwise disengaged and enhance ...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJul 5, 2017

Study: No link seen between traumatic brain injury and cognitive decline

A new study examined the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and age-related cognitive change, finding no significant difference between participants with TBI and those without. The researchers suggest that future studies should collect more information on past TBIs to better understand their impact on cognitive decline.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJul 5, 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.

Engineers find way to evaluate green roofs

A team of engineers at the University of Illinois has developed a mathematical technique to assess green roof performance, considering factors such as rainfall intensity and soil moisture. The study aims to facilitate communication between stakeholders about the financial risk and environmental benefits of green infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment·DateJul 5, 2017

Brain's immune cells may drive overeating and weight gain

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that brain-resident immune cells called microglia play a crucial role in driving overeating and weight gain in mice fed high-fat diets. The study suggests that targeting microglia could provide a novel approach to treating obesity, potentially avoiding side effects of existing medications.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2017

Bacteria collaborate to propel the ocean 'engine'

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that phototrophic and heterotrophic bacteria collaborate to cycle nutrients, feeding the ecosystem. This interaction is crucial for maintaining a balanced nutrient level, supporting half of the planet's primary production and oxygen supply.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 5, 2017

Figuring out how fast Greenland is melting

A new study from University of Arizona scientists has analyzed Greenland's past temperatures to better understand the island's vast ice sheet melting. The research found that current temperatures are warmer than the 1930s, with a long-term trend for ever-higher surface temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateJul 5, 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.

For mice, too much muscle glycogen impairs endurance exercise performance

A study published in Cell Metabolism found that high glycogen levels actually impair endurance muscle performance in mice. Glycogenin-deficient mice underperformed normal mice despite having higher glycogen levels, suggesting a switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism in slow-twitch muscles.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2017

How a few drops of blood led to a breakthrough in immunology

Researchers from McGill University Health Centre cracked the code to understanding regulatory T cell function, a key component of our immune system. The study's findings have significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and Crohn's disease.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalScience Immunology·DateJul 5, 2017

Probing psychopathic brains

A study by Harvard University researchers found that psychopaths' brains prioritize short-term gains, leading to poor decision-making and violent behavior. The research used brain scans of nearly 50 prison inmates, revealing a specific connection between the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 5, 2017

New study shows West Antarctic Ice Sheet loss over the last 11,000 years

A new study published in Nature reveals that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet has experienced significant and sustained ice loss over the past 11,000 years, driven by wind-driven incursions of warm water. The research provides crucial insights into the mechanisms behind this ice sheet's behavior and its contribution to sea-level rise.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 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.

One-step protein purification achieves high yields, purity and activity

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a novel method for one-step protein purification that improves yield, purity, and activity by 10- to 500-fold. The CL7/Im7 affinity chromatography purification scheme overcomes weaknesses of current commercially available systems.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2017

Re-making planets after star-death

Astronomers Dr Jane Greaves and Dr Wayne Holland propose a new model for forming planets in the aftermath of a supernova explosion. They suggest that material caught up in the bow-wave around a moving neutron star could provide raw materials for future planet formation. Further data from ALMA is needed to confirm this theory.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 5, 2017

Meaningless accelerating scores yield better performance

Research published in Psychological Science shows that people are highly sensitive to the acceleration of scores, not just their actual value. This finding suggests that meaningless accelerating scores can be an effective motivator, as long as they increase at a fast rate.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 5, 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.

Sex now needs to be included as a biological variable in NIH-funded research, but how?

The National Institutes of Health has instituted a policy to consider sex as a biological variable in funded research, with recommendations provided by coauthors Terri Lynn Cornelison and Janine Austin Clayton. Guidelines include including both male and female subjects in studies and generalizing findings appropriately.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGender and the Genome·DateJul 5, 2017

Global ocean health relatively stable over past 5 years

A study analyzing five years of Ocean Health Index data for 220 countries found that global ocean health has remained stable, but individual countries have seen changes, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Improvements in fishery management and marine protected areas may have stabilized ocean health scores in other regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 2017

One fin in the grave: Necrobiome poses a health threat to fish

Researchers found that wastewater-exposed rainbow darters had increased metabolic rates, suggesting they were under stress from environmental conditions. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in these fish was also linked to human infections such as food poisoning.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 5, 2017