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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 243


Page 243 of 461

Video games can change your brain

Research has shown that playing video games can change the brain regions responsible for attention and visuospatial skills, making them more efficient. Additionally, studies have found evidence of increased brain activity in reward system regions associated with internet gaming disorder.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJun 22, 2017

Cracking the mystery of avian egg shape

A study reveals that birds' flight ability influences egg shape, with more asymmetric and elliptical eggs found in better fliers. The researchers propose that the stretchy egg membrane is responsible for generating diversity in egg shapes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

Biofilms -- the eradication has begun

Scientists at McGill University Health Centre develop novel enzyme technology that prevents and breaks down biofilms, exposing microbes to antibiotics and host defenses. This approach has huge potential to combat biofilm-associated infections responsible for thousands of deaths across North America.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 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.

Magnetic memories of a metal world

A team led by Dr James Bryson deciphered magnetic messages in rare metal meteorites, confirming Psyche as an exposed planetary core. The findings suggest the asteroid cooled quickly due to its rocky mantle stripped away.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 22, 2017

How protons move through a fuel cell

Proton movement in ceramic fuel cells follows polaron model, allowing for increased conductivity. The discovery sheds new light on material choice for sustainable energy and hydrogen storage systems.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2017

Satellite data to map endangered monkey populations on Earth

A team of scientists is using a combination of satellite and ground data to identify monkey populations that have declined through hunting. This approach combines indicators such as human activity zones, mosquito-derived DNA, animal sound recordings, and detections of other species found when monkeys are present.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 22, 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.

Snake fungal disease identified in wild British snakes for first time

Scientists have identified a new fungal skin disease affecting European wild snakes for the first time. The study, led by the Zoological Society of London, confirms that snake fungal disease (SFD) is present in UK and Czech Republic snakes, posing no risk to humans or livestock.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2017

Researchers design sounds that can be recorded by microphones but inaudible to humans

Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a sound that is completely inaudible to humans yet is audible to any microphone. This technique, called 'BackDoor,' has numerous applications, including securing private conversations and protecting confidential meetings from electronic eavesdropping. The signal can also be used t...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateJun 22, 2017

Lessons from whale population collapse could help future species at risk

A study of historic whaling records reveals early warning signs of global population collapse up to 40 years before the event for four whale species. The research provides a potential tool for predicting which species are at risk due to environmental pressures such as overfishing and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania - Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 22, 2017

New design improves performance of flexible wearable electronics

Researchers have designed a flexible thermoelectric energy harvester that rivals rigid devices, using liquid metal interconnects for low resistance and self-healing capabilities. The technology has the potential to power wearable electronics without batteries.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Energy·DateJun 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.

Adulthood wellbeing lower for single-parent kids -- new research

New research by the University of Warwick finds that individuals who spent their entire childhood with a single parent earn 30% less and are more likely to be unemployed. They also have lower levels of wellbeing and life satisfaction in adulthood, with 9% less likelihood of being in a romantic relationship.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 22, 2017

Study sheds light on how bacterial organelles assemble

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Michigan State University have imaged the protein shell of a bacterial microcompartment at atomic resolution. The study provides the first picture of an intact bacterial organelle membrane, which could help in fighting pathogens or engineering beneficial organisms.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

Finally, understanding how the sun's spicules are made

Spicules are violently driven jets of plasma that occur thousands of times per day, yet their origin is poorly understood. The new model resolves this mystery by explaining how magnetic fields and solar plasma interact to generate spicules.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

Localized signaling islands in cells: New targets for precision drug design

Scientists have identified specific areas within cells where hormones can transmit information to exact locations. Targeted therapeutics could be more effective by activating enzymes in these regions. The study also highlights the importance of insulating signal effects to reduce side effects.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 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.

High fat diet reduces gut bacteria, Crohn's disease symptoms

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that a high fat diet rich in plant-derived 'good' fats reduced bacterial diversity and inflammation in mice with Crohn's-like disease. This discovery could lead to new anti-inflammatory probiotics and provide hope for patients suffering from debilitating intestinal symptoms.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJun 22, 2017

Proton pump inhibitors do not contribute to dementia or Alzheimer's disease

Research found no link between proton pump inhibitors and increased risk of dementia in people 75-years-old or older. However, frequent PPI use was associated with higher rates of depression, heart disease, and other health conditions. Regular PPI use also showed a decreased risk of cognitive decline.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 22, 2017

A rising star

Researchers at UCSB used star ascidian to study the interaction between cells and their physical environment, finding a mechanism that allows blood vessels to shrink without impeding blood flow. This discovery has implications for understanding cellular development and metastasis in cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateJun 22, 2017

More guns now being purchased for self-defense than recreation

A new study found that more lethal weapons are being manufactured and sold for self-defense purposes, rather than recreational use. The study analyzed data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and found a significant increase in the production of high-caliber pistols and rifles between 2004 and 2015.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 22, 2017

Introducing the Large Dairy Herd Management 3rd edition (e-book)

The third edition of Large Dairy Herd Management is a comprehensive e-book developed to meet the growing information needs of dairy farmers, service professionals, and students worldwide. It features 97 chapters in 15 sections, covering topics such as herd health, nutrition, and reproduction.

SourceElsevier·DateJun 22, 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.

Sea sponges stay put with anchors that bend but don't break

Researchers found that the internal structure of sea sponge anchors, known as basalia spicules, allows them to bend up to 2.4 times before breaking, enabling them to securely attach to the seafloor. The study's findings may lead to the development of new materials with similar properties.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJun 22, 2017

Elevated rate of autism symptoms found in children with Tourette syndrome

A recent study by UCSF researchers found that around 22.8% of children with Tourette's met the criteria for autism, compared to 8.7% of adults. The study suggests that the high rate may be due to shared symptoms rather than an overlapping etiology.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 22, 2017

Correct connections are crucial

Researchers have discovered that correct connections between brain regions are essential for optimal relief of Parkinson's Disease symptoms using deep brain stimulation. By analyzing brain connectivity, they were able to predict the best possible outcome and optimize electrode placement.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 22, 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.

Unexpected rotation in a stone-dead galaxy

A team of scientists has detected a rotating stellar disk in the ancient elliptical-shaped galaxy MACS2129-1, located 10 billion light-years from Earth. This finding contradicts prevailing astrophysical theory regarding the formation of such galaxies shortly after the Big Bang. The stars in MACS2129-1 rotate at a speed of over 500 km p...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2017

Losing train of thought or it's hard to multi-task? You may be having one drink too many

A study found that substance use, particularly binge drinking and cocaine, is associated with cognitive impairments such as attention deficits and executive functioning issues. Cognitive impairments were also linked to daily life difficulties, impeding treatment utilization, and decreased effectiveness of treatment.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·DateJun 22, 2017

Greater emphasis on preventing, treating heart disease in women needed

Research finds that women are often unaware of their risk, and physicians don't prioritize prevention due to perceived barriers. The study aims to destigmatize cardiovascular disease for women and promote evidence-based guidelines for better treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 22, 2017

HPV testing leads to earlier detection and treatment of cervical pre-cancer

A study of over 450,000 women found that HPV testing led to a 15.8% increase in cervical precancer detection and shorter time to diagnosis, but also resulted in more biopsies and surgical procedures. The benefits of HPV testing outweigh the harms, but caution is needed due to potential overtreatment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 22, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New efficient, low-temperature catalyst for hydrogen production

Scientists have developed a new low-temperature catalyst that produces high-purity hydrogen gas while using up carbon monoxide, improving the performance of fuel cells. The catalyst operates at low temperature and pressure, making it less expensive and easier to use.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

How eggs got their shapes

Researchers found that egg shape varies smoothly across species and is determined by membrane properties rather than shell. A strong correlation links birds with elliptical and asymmetric eggs to high flight ability, revealing adaptations for flight may have driven egg-shape variety in birds.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 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.

Study examines gun policy preferences across racial groups

A new study found stronger support for all forms of gun control among Latinos and blacks than whites, with significant predictors including racial prejudice and ideology. The researchers analyzed data from a 2015 survey on gun control conducted by YouGov.com.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateJun 22, 2017

NASA's Webb telescope gets freezing summertime lodging in Houston

The James Webb Space Telescope will undergo a three-month test period at NASA's Johnson Space Center to prove its ability to operate in space-like conditions. Chamber A, a historic Apollo-era test chamber, simulates temperatures as low as -393 degrees Fahrenheit, essential for detecting infrared light from distant objects.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 22, 2017

Crowdsourced data may inaccurately represent some population groups

A UCSF-led study found that crowdsourced data may not be representative of certain populations, such as older adults and racial/ethnic minorities. The study suggests that proactive efforts are needed to promote inclusion of underrepresented groups in projects using crowdsourced recruitment and data collection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 22, 2017

Seafood poisoning bug thwarts a key host defense by attacking the cell's cytoskeleton

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria deploy a needle-like apparatus called Type III Secretion System (T3SS) to inject toxic proteins into cells, disabling their ability to produce defensive molecules like reactive oxygen species. This allows the bacteria to escape the gut and cause l...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 22, 2017

Combined molecular biology test is the first to distinguish benign pancreatic lesions

A combined molecular biology test can accurately identify benign pancreatic lesions, potentially sparing patients from unnecessary cancer screenings and operations. The test uses two proteins to rule out precancer and cancer, with a sensitivity of 95.5% and specificity of 100% for distinguishing between serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) an...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 22, 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.

Quantum thermometer or optical refrigerator?

Physicists have developed optomechanical beams that can act as inherently accurate thermometers or optical shields, exploiting the principles of quantum physics. These microscopic beams have potential applications in biology, chemistry, electronics, and chip-based temperature sensors that never need calibration.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

Lab grown human colons change study of GI disease

Scientists have successfully grown human embryonic colons in a laboratory using pluripotent stem cells, providing unprecedented detail for studying GI diseases. The technology also holds potential for generating human gastrointestinal tract tissues for transplantation into patients.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 22, 2017

Piling on pressure solves enduring mystery about metal's makeup

Researchers solved a mystery about lithium's structure, revealing its atoms are arranged simply like oranges in a box, contrary to previous complex results. The study used high-pressure experiments and advanced quantum mechanics to accurately observe the material's fundamental properties.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

Australian origin likely for iconic New Zealand tree

New fossil research from the University of Adelaide suggests that the ancestors of the iconic New Zealand Christmas Tree, P?hutukawa, may have originated in Australia. The fossils, found near St Helens, East Coast Tasmania, date back to around 25 million years ago and describe two new species of Metrosideros.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJun 22, 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.

On polygamous females and single-parent males

A study by Bielefeld University researchers found that male plover survival rates are significantly higher than females, resulting in a sex bias of only 37% females among adult plovers. This advantage may be due to males having greater body weight and growth rates at hatching.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2017

Nearly half of US women don't know heart disease is their No. 1 killer

A new study reveals that nearly half of US women are not aware of the leading cause of death among females, with only 40% reporting a heart health assessment by their healthcare provider. Women's Heart Alliance reports alarming data on delayed medical care due to weight concerns and lack of education.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 22, 2017

Personalized exoskeletons are taking support one step farther

Researchers developed a personalized exoskeleton system that reduces energy expenditure during walking by 24%, on average. The system subtly changes its pattern of assistance based on individual energy expenditure patterns, leading to further reductions in energy expenditure with repeated use.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 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.

Using science to combat addiction

The article highlights the need for science to inform policies addressing addiction, citing technological advances that have contributed to increasing rates of addictions. Science can also be used to counteract addictions through better drug regulation and programs addressing long-term brain changes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

Multifunctional catalyst for poison-resistant hydrogen fuel cells

Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a multifunctional catalyst that can oxidize both hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the same reaction system. The catalyst mimics the behavior of two enzymes and shows promise for increasing energy production efficiency from hydrogen fuel cells.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 22, 2017

Accentuate the positive to reduce risk of chronic disease

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with a diverse range of positive emotions have lower levels of systemic inflammation, which may reduce their risk for chronic diseases. The research, led by Anthony Ong, suggests that having a rich and diverse positive emotional life may benefit health.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEmotion·DateJun 22, 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.

Scientists uncover origins of the sun's swirling spicules

A computer simulation, taking a year to run, shows how spicules form on the sun's surface by incorporating neutral particles. The model suggests spicules play a key role in energizing the sun's atmosphere and generating Alfvén waves.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

Critical gaps in our knowledge of where infectious diseases occur

A recent joint statement highlights the critical lack of knowledge on the worldwide distribution of disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Macroecologists propose creating a data network to close these gaps and predict future outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 22, 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.

News from the pathogen that causes sleeping sickness

Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic target for African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. The newly discovered TbALPH1 enzyme triggers the degradation of messenger RNA and is unique to the parasite's biology.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 22, 2017