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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 249


Page 249 of 461

Chemistry of sea spray particles linked for first time to formation process

Researchers have identified the driving force behind differences in sea spray particles' chemical make-up, enabling better understanding of ocean chemistry and physics' influence on cloud formation. The study's findings could improve climate models by providing a more accurate representation of clouds' impact on precipitation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 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.

Figuring out the 3-D shape of molecules with a push of a button

A team of researchers led by Carnegie Mellon University chemist Roberto R. Gil and Universidade Federal de Pernambuco chemist Armando Navarro-Vázquez has developed a program that automates the process of figuring out a molecule's three-dimensional structure, reducing human error and shortening the pipeline of drug discovery.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 19, 2017

How cells combat chromosome imbalance

MIT biologists identified a mechanism for eliminating genetically imbalanced cells using natural killer cells. Aneuploidy, or uneven chromosome distribution, harms most cells but can help cancer cells grow uncontrollably.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 19, 2017

X-ray eyes in the sky: Drones and WiFi for 3-D through-wall imaging

UCSB researchers have developed a method for 3D through-wall imaging using drones and WiFi, enabling objects to be imaged in real-time with high resolution. The technology has potential applications in emergency search-and-rescue, archaeological discovery, and structural monitoring.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJun 19, 2017

Family of patients with NAFLD and cirrhosis are at increased risk of liver fibrosis

Family members of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis are at a significantly higher risk of developing advanced liver fibrosis. A clinical trial found that immediate relatives had 12 times higher prevalence of liver fibrosis than healthy controls, indicating the need for screenings in family members.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 19, 2017

Deadly heatwaves will continue to rise, according to study

A study published in Nature Climate Change warns that 74% of the world's population will face deadly heatwaves by 2100 if current emissions continue. Researchers found a common threshold beyond which temperatures and humidities become lethal, with tropical areas projected to bear the greatest risk.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 19, 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.

Vaccine that lowers cholesterol offers hope of immunizing against cardiovascular disease

A study published in the European Heart Journal shows a vaccine that lowers cholesterol may be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. The AT04A vaccine, administered to genetically modified mice, reduced cholesterol levels by 53% and induced long-lasting antibodies against PCSK9, an enzyme contributing to high cholesterol.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 19, 2017

Tiny fossils reveal backstory of the most mysterious amphibian alive

Researchers discovered two ancient fossils from the Triassic Period that connect Kermit the Frog's relatives to wormlike creatures with sharp teeth. These findings expand the history of modern amphibians by 15 million years, closing a major gap in early caecilian evolution.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 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.

Mapping how words leap from brain to tongue

Researchers led by SDSU neuroscientist Stephanie Ries discovered that wide swaths of the brain work in parallel to retrieve correct words from memory, challenging previous assumptions about localized language processing. The study's findings could help speech-language pathologists develop strategies for treating disorders like anomia.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

New research points to potential for more targeted treatments of neuroblastoma tumors

Research at the University of Chicago Medical Center identified genetic variations that pre-dispose children to severe forms of neuroblastoma, paving the way for more targeted treatments. Children with MYCN-amplified tumors have a lower survival rate, but understanding their genetic predispositions could lead to more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 19, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Close failing banks before they cost US billions of dollars, says study

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University researchers proposes a new capital ratio that would allow regulators to close insolvent banks earlier, potentially saving $18.5 billion in closure costs. The proposed ratio, called the nonperforming asset coverage ratio, could prevent regulators from granting forbearance to insolvent banks.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Banking & Finance·DateJun 19, 2017

Inexpensive organic material gives safe batteries a longer life

Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered a new class of material that addresses many battery concerns, including fire risk, cold weather performance, and lifespan. The quinones-based anode is inexpensive, chemically stable, and allows batteries to work across temperature ranges.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 19, 2017

Riding a romantic roller coaster? Relationship anxiety may be to blame

A recent study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships explores how high levels of relationship anxiety impact partner experiences. Researchers found that individuals experiencing anxiety about their partner's commitment tend to experience increased volatility in their feelings about the relationship.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJun 19, 2017

Sugar-coated nanomaterial excels at promoting bone growth

Researchers at Northwestern University have designed a sugar-coated nanomaterial that promotes bone regeneration by binding to growth factor BMP-2, reducing its need by 100 times. The biodegradable material functions as an artificial extracellular matrix, mimicking natural cell interactions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 19, 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.

A diagnostic test for ALS

Researchers have developed a diagnostic test for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using neurofilaments, which can confirm the presence of the disease. The test has shown promising results in accurately diagnosing ALS patients, with a good correlation between neurofilament levels and motor neuron loss.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNeurology·DateJun 19, 2017

Is it sometimes ok to cheat?

Research at Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that fig wasps that cheat by not collecting pollen can still flourish in populations where they have a time and energy advantage. This suggests that cheaters may become more common when punishment is too severe, allowing them to reproduce and pass on their non-cooperative behavior.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 19, 2017

Bacteria from hot springs solve mystery of metabolism

Researchers at Stockholm University have discovered how bacteria in hot springs control the burning process, providing insights into human cellular metabolism. By studying oxygen combustion at low temperatures, scientists unraveled the mechanism behind the carefully controlled process in our cells.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 19, 2017

Rachel Whitaker receives Allen Distinguished Investigator Award

Rachel Whitaker, Associate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Illinois, receives a $1.5 million award to study mobile genetic elements and their role in microbial evolution. Her research aims to develop a new evolutionary paradigm to combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateJun 19, 2017

Like a moth to a flame

The spruce budworm's massive defoliation can lead to devastating consequences for the forest industry, causing an estimated $3 billion to $4 billion in losses over the next 30 years in New Brunswick alone. Defoliation increases the risk of natural fires igniting eight to 10 years after a budworm outbreak.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 19, 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.

Possible enhanced pesticide absorption from fresh food via nanoemulsions

A team of researchers led by David Julian McClements aims to quantify the ability of food nanoemulsions to increase pesticide bioavailability, posing a risk to human health. The study will investigate how nanoemulsion composition and structure impact pesticide absorption in fruits and vegetables.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJun 19, 2017

Volcanic eruptions triggered dawn of the dinosaurs

Researchers found clear links between volcanic activity and the end-Triassic mass extinction. The study revealed repeated large emissions of carbon dioxide from volcanoes, which led to a profound impact on the global climate.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 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.

Discovery could lead to sustainable ethanol made from carbon dioxide

A recent discovery by Stanford University scientists could lead to a new, more sustainable way to make ethanol without corn or other crops. The technology uses three basic components: water, carbon dioxide and electricity delivered through a copper catalyst.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Treating autism by targeting the gut

Researchers found that restoring a healthy balance in gut bacteria can treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms. The review highlights several studies showing positive impacts of probiotics, prebiotics, diet changes and faecal matter transplants on ASD symptoms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateJun 19, 2017

Discovery could guide immunotherapy for lung cancer

Scientists have discovered a new type of immune cell that can predict which lung cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy treatment. The study found that patients with high levels of tissue-resident memory T-cells in their tumour were more likely to survive, and the cells' behaviour played a key role in increasing survival rates.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 19, 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.

Potential Atlantic Ocean Tropical Cyclone 2 examined by NASA

A developing tropical cyclone in the western Atlantic Ocean is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm within the next five days. NASA provided critical data and cloud height information to forecasters, revealing heavy rain showers and towering thunderstorms with heights above 9.3 miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 19, 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.

Researchers produce biofuel for conventional diesel engines

The new biofuel can be used undiluted in modern diesel engines or mixed with petroleum diesel, fulfilling EU and US requirements. It has improved properties compared to traditional biodiesel, which vaporizes at higher temperatures and forms deposits on engine components.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 19, 2017

Looking for trouble: Territorial aggressions and trespasses pay off among primates

Research by Kevin Langergraber and colleagues reveals that patrolling by male chimpanzees increases group size, leading to increased offspring and long-term benefits. This cooperative behavior outweighs individualized efforts, demonstrating a striking example of group-level cooperation among primates.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

UTEP doctoral student discovers 3 chameleon species

A UTEP doctoral candidate has discovered three new species of chameleons in the Albertine Rift region of Central Africa. The reptiles were found to be endemic to specific mountain ranges, with two species named after their habitats and a third species named after herpetologist Krystal Tolley.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateJun 19, 2017

Scientists identify single-gene mutations that lead to atopic dermatitis

Scientists have identified mutations in the CARD11 gene that lead to severe atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin disease. Supplementing with the amino acid glutamine may partially correct the underlying cell-signaling defects, according to a study published in Nature Genetics.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 19, 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.

Mutant mosquitos make insecticide-resistance monitoring key to controlling Zika

A recent study by Emory University highlights the importance of insecticide-resistance monitoring in controlling the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases. The research found that applying insecticides like deltamethrin in areas with high resistance can be ineffective, emphasizing the need for targeted control measures.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 19, 2017

Study: Most state pension plans paper over unfunded liabilities

A study finds that many state pension plans use open-ended amortization to delay payments, making their financial condition appear better than it is. This practice exacerbates funding shortfalls and increases the risk of insufficient funds to pay pension obligations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateJun 19, 2017

Combining immunotherapies effective against mouse model of cancer

Researchers from Nationwide Children's Hospital used a combination of immunotherapies in a mouse model of rhabdomyosarcoma, finding that combining oncolytic virotherapy and PD-1 blockades was more effective than either approach alone. This new strategy marshals more T-cells to attack tumors without increasing regulatory T-cells.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 19, 2017

How viewing cute animals can help rekindle marital spark

Researchers found that couples who viewed positive images of their spouses paired with cute animals showed improved marriage quality. The intervention used evaluative conditioning to create automatic associations between the spouse's face and positive feelings.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 19, 2017

Tumor immune fitness determines survival of lung cancer patients

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology identify tissue-resident memory T cells as an important distinguishing factor between cancer patients whose immune system mounts an effective anti-tumor response. The study found that patients with a high density of these cells in tumor tissue survived significantly longer.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 19, 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.

New CDC data shows gaps remain in surveillance for mosquitoes that transmit Zika

The study highlights potential widespread presence of mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the US, as well as gaps in local surveillance capabilities. This information will help target limited public health resources and improve understanding of these mosquito species' distribution.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJun 19, 2017

'Full toolbox' needed to solve the climate change problem

Experts conclude that a near-zero-emissions energy system will require a diverse portfolio of energy technologies, including bioenergy, nuclear energy, and carbon capture technology. The study corrects previous research suggesting the US can be powered solely by solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

GCS embarks on its 'smart exascale' decade'

The Gauss Centre for Supercomputing (GCS) has secured €500 million in funding for the next decade to invest in next-generation systems and strengthen comprehensive user support. The organisation aims to deliver world-class supercomputing resources while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and industry.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·DateJun 19, 2017

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing reverses Huntington's in mouse model

Scientists used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to reverse Huntington's disease pathology and motor symptoms in a mouse model. The treatment delivered enzymes to brain cells, reducing toxic protein aggregates and improving motor abilities.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 19, 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.

Financial incentives enhance viral suppression among HIV-positive persons in the US

A recent study by Columbia University found that financial incentives significantly increased viral suppression and clinic attendance among HIV-positive patients. The study showed a four-percent higher percentage of patients with suppressed virus at sites offering gift cards compared to those without.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

Ebola vaccine developed in Canada shows promising results

A phase 1 randomized controlled trial found an Ebola virus disease vaccine developed in Canada to be well-tolerated and effective, with high antibodies present six months after immunization. The vaccine showed no safety concerns and was well-received by participants.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 19, 2017

Scientists throw light on mysterious ice age temperature jumps

A new study reveals that rising CO2 levels reached a tipping point, triggering sudden temperature shifts of up to 15°C in the Northern Hemisphere during ice age periods. The findings add to evidence suggesting that gradual climate changes can lead to abrupt surprises.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 19, 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.

To connect biology with electronics, be rigid, yet flexible

UW researchers design polymers that can effectively communicate across biological and electronic realms by creating rigid and non-rigid regions with varying conductance properties. These findings may lead to new biosensors, flexible bioelectronic implants, and improved batteries.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 19, 2017

Self-medication misuse is high in the Middle East

A systematic review reveals widespread self-medication misuse in the Middle East, with pharmacies selling up to 97% of antibiotics without a prescription. The study emphasizes the need for improved policies and education to address this issue.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateJun 19, 2017

New three-in-one blood test opens door to precision medicine for prostate cancer

A new three-in-one blood test developed by researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research can pick out men with advanced prostate cancer who are likely to benefit from treatment with PARP inhibitors. The test detects early signs of resistance and monitors cancer's evolution over time, allowing for timely adjustments to treatment.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJun 18, 2017