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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 262


Page 262 of 461

Researchers shed light on how our eyes process visual cues

Scientists at The University of Queensland discovered that dendrites in the retina's nerve cells play a critical role in decoding images. The study reveals that dendritic processing enables the retina to convert and refine visual cues into electrical signals.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2017

Florida researchers identify protein target to halt citrus tree disease

Florida researchers have identified a small protein from the Wolbachia bacterium that can silence viral material in Asian citrus psyllids, potentially helping trees fight off bacterial invasion. The protein could serve as a target for spray treatments to protect trees against the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateJun 7, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Scientists discover a 2-D magnet

Researchers have discovered intrinsic magnetism in isolated 2-D materials, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of more efficient and compact magnetic devices. The discovery was made using Scotch tape to exfoliate monolayers from larger crystals, revealing unique properties not seen in their 3-D forms.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateJun 7, 2017

How to reduce shockwaves in quantum beam experiments

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a method to overcome the fundamental limit on particle density in atomic and molecular-beam experiments. By cooling skimmers to lower temperatures, they significantly reduced shockwaves and increased beam density, enabling more interesting chemical reactions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 7, 2017

Fake online profiles easier to fish out with new software tool

Researchers developed a computer model to spot social media users who make up information about themselves, estimating age and gender with high accuracy. The study found that nearly 40% of adult website users lie about their age and one-quarter lie about their gender.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateJun 7, 2017

Red onions pack a cancer-fighting punch, study reveals

University of Guelph researchers discover Ruby Ring onion variety has highest levels of quercetin and anthocyanin, compounds known for their anti-cancer properties. The study reveals red onions can activate pathways that encourage cancer cell death and disrupt communication between cells.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalFood Research International·DateJun 7, 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.

Study finds youth football players have significant differences in head impact exposure

A study of 97 youth football players aged 9-13 found they experienced a total of 40,538 head impacts during four seasons. The number of impacts differed significantly depending on the player's age/weight level, suggesting all athletes should not be evaluated as one group when assessing head impact exposure and injury risk.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJun 7, 2017

Offshore wind turbines vulnerable to Category 5 hurricane gusts

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that offshore wind turbines may not withstand Category 5 hurricane gusts, which could pose a risk in hurricane-prone areas. The study highlights the limitations of current turbine design and suggests that manufacturers and engineers need to improve hurricane-resilient turbines.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 7, 2017

Metabolism: Beta cells under fire

Fatty acid esters disrupt insulin synthesis and lead to beta cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. High-resolution mass spectrometry imaging reveals an imbalance in insulin production and secretion, affecting the function of pancreatic islets.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 7, 2017

Coal waste fuel may reduce anthropogenic emissions, TPU study reveals

Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a technology to obtain liquid fuel from coal wastes for thermal power stations, reducing anthropogenic emissions and disposing of waste efficiently. The new fuel composition shows lower sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions when burned compared to traditional coals.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateJun 7, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-pressure experiments solve meteorite mystery

Researchers have solved a long-standing riddle in the analysis of meteorites from Moon and Mars using high-pressure experiments at DESY's X-ray light source PETRA III. The study reveals that cristobalite can transform into seifertite under non-hydrostatic conditions, challenging previous assessments of meteorite formation conditions.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2017

Neuroimaging technique may help predict autism among high-risk infants

Researchers used functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) to scan 59 high-risk, 6-month-old infants, finding that brain patterns preceded behavioral symptoms of autism. The technique accurately predicted diagnoses in 82% of cases, with 93% accuracy in smaller groups.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 7, 2017

Survival of the fittest -- Biology's role in sustainable power generation

Researchers developed a parametric genetic algorithm to assess complementary options for large-scale wind-solar coupling in the electrical grid. The approach successfully optimized power generation and dispatch decisions, showing promise for managing intermittent renewable energy sources.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJun 7, 2017

FSU researchers find plus-size fashion models improve women's psychological health

FSU researchers found that viewing plus-size models improves women's psychological health by reducing social comparisons and increasing body satisfaction. Women paid more attention, remembered more, and reported higher levels of satisfaction when exposed to average and plus-size models compared to thin models.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCommunication Monographs·DateJun 7, 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.

Scientists find world's oldest fossil mushroom

Researchers at University of Illinois find ancient fungal specimen with gills under cap, revealing insights into fungal evolution and adaptation to terrestrial environments. The oldest known fungus fossil, Gondwanagaricites magnificus, pushes the timeline for fungi's existence by millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 7, 2017

Review of appendix cancer cases finds over diagnosis

Researchers found that pathologists outside of academic centers were more likely to misdiagnose appendix tumors as invasive cancer. A significant number of patients had their diagnoses changed after a second evaluation, emphasizing the importance of expertise in appendix cancer diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 7, 2017

Altruism changing Western society

Researchers found that emancipative values, including freedom, autonomy and self-expression, are linked to prosocial behavior. Studies showed that people with these values are more likely to engage in charity work, volunteer and defend others' rights.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateJun 7, 2017

Natural capital: Holistic management makes ecosystems healthier, people wealthier

Researchers found that using holistic ecosystem management increases the value of stored natural capital in the Baltic Sea fishery ecosystem over five decades. The study highlights the critical role of interactions between commercially important species and how these interactions impact the overall system's wealth.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 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.

New confirmation of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity

An international research team led by Kailash C. Sahu observed the gravitational microlensing effect in a star other than the Sun, confirming a key prediction of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The study determined the mass of a white dwarf star, providing new insights into galaxy evolution and the history of stars.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2017

Acacias are invading unaltered areas in the northwest of the peninsula

The invasive Acacia dealbata species is outcompeting native vegetation in undisturbed areas of the northwest Iberian Peninsula. The study found that natural scrublands can serve as a barrier to slow its spread, but pine forests are more susceptible to its invasion.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJun 7, 2017

Observation of skyrmion breathing motion with X-ray technique

Korean researchers develop technology to observe skyrmion breathing motion, a unique magnetic dynamic motion that generates high frequency signals. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultra-low power and ultra-high frequency communication devices.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2017

Fungi awake bacteria from their slumber

Researchers at UFZ discovered that fungi increase bacterial activity in dry soils by supplying water and nutrients, enabling them to thrive. This study reveals the important role of fungi in soils, including their function as pumping stations and pipelines for water and substrates.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 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.

Certain cardiovascular medications may increase risk of falling

A new analysis suggests that non-selective beta-blockers are associated with a 22% increased risk of falling compared to selective beta-blockers. The study of over 10,000 individuals found no association between selective beta-blocker use and fall risk.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJun 7, 2017

Pregnant women could get on their bikes and stay healthy with better support

A recent study reveals the reasons why pregnant women decide to stop or continue cycling to work, including ambiguous medical guidelines and perceptions of risk. Women prefer Dutch-style bikes with a low crossbar and wide seat for comfort, highlighting the need for safer cycling infrastructure and informed medical guidance.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateJun 7, 2017

Scientists improve people's creativity through electrical brain stimulation

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London used transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance creative problem-solving ability by suppressing a key brain area. Participants who received the intervention showed improved ability to think outside the box and solve complex problems.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 7, 2017

Building 'OLEDs' from the ground up for better electronics

Researchers introduce a new bottom-up approach to pattern emissive polymers, enabling efficient creation of multi-colored OLED arrays. The method uses designer iridium photocatalysts and could potentially enable high-throughput manufacturing of OLEDs using various technologies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 7, 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.

New fabric coating could thwart chemical weapons, save lives

Scientists have developed a way to adhere a lightweight coating onto fabrics that can neutralize nerve agents delivered through the skin, potentially protecting soldiers and emergency responders. The coating uses a zirconium-based metal-organic framework that deactivates harmful compounds in under 5 minutes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 7, 2017

Recycling plant material into stock chemicals with electrochemistry

Researchers develop two-step process to consistently break lignin at one specific chemical bond using electrical potential and blue light, producing pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other household products. The method is cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and suitable for large-scale adoption in industry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 7, 2017

Finding new homes won't help Emperor penguins cope with climate change

A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists predicts that dispersal among Emperor penguins will not prevent population decline due to climate change. Despite the ability of penguins to migrate to locations with better sea ice conditions, projected accelerated melting in Antarctica makes for a challenging dynamic.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJun 7, 2017

A more sustainable way to refine metals

A new method for refining metals uses organic molecules and mechanical force to remove toxins, making it a more sustainable alternative to conventional techniques. The process has been successfully tested on several metals, including germanium, zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 7, 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.

New study on children shows fiber supplement changes gut bacteria

A daily fiber supplement has been shown to decrease body fat and improve intestinal bacteria profiles in children with overweight or obesity. The study found a 19% reduction in triglycerides and significant weight gain reductions compared to a placebo group.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJun 7, 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.

Bread and health: A personal matter

A new study found that whole grain breads, once thought healthier, may not have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. The researchers discovered that an individual's unique microbiome plays a crucial role in how their body responds to different types of bread.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 7, 2017

Waste not, want not

Scientists have found that supplementing cattle with dried distillers' grains can minimize the effects of harder-to-digest Bermuda grass as seasons progress. This allows for a potential two-season grazing strategy to optimize nutrition and weight gain.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJun 7, 2017

New-generation material removes iodine from water

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a new-generation microporous material that scrubs iodine from water. The breakthrough could hold the key to cleaning radioactive waste in nuclear reactors and after nuclear accidents like Fukushima.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 7, 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.

Combatting weeds with lasers

Scientists at the University of Bonn have created a robotic system that uses short laser pulses to weaken weed vitality, eliminating the need for herbicides. The innovative technology has the potential to transform the field of sustainable agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateJun 7, 2017

Oyster shells inspire new method to make superstrong, flexible polymers

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new technique to create superstrong, flexible polymers inspired by the nacre of oyster shells. The method uses controlled self-assembly of nanoparticles in a polymer matrix to improve mechanical properties.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 7, 2017

Genes influence ability to read a person's mind from their eyes

A new study found that genetic variants on chromosome 3 are associated with better performance on the 'Reading the Mind in the Eyes' Test, which measures cognitive empathy. Women tend to score higher than men, and variations in the gene LRRN1 are linked to increased volume of the brain region involved in this skill.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 7, 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.

Detecting autism in infants before symptoms emerge

Researchers linked brain connectivity changes to ASD diagnosis in 11 of 59 high-risk infants, predicting symptoms up to two years old. Early detection could significantly improve quality of life for people with autism spectrum disorder.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 7, 2017

'Immunoswitch' particles may be key to more-effective cancer immunotherapy

Scientists at Johns Hopkins created a nanoparticle that carries two different antibodies to simultaneously switch off cancer cells' defensive properties while switching on a robust anticancer immune response in mice. The 'immunoswitch' particles dramatically slowed the growth of mouse melanoma and colon cancer, even eradicating tumors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 7, 2017

Retinal cells 'go with the flow' to assess own motion through space

Researchers discovered that direction-selective ganglion cells in the retina sense their owner's motion through space by detecting radial optical flow. This allows the brain to integrate information from visual and vestibular systems to sense rotation and maintain image stabilization.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateJun 7, 2017

New study shows important economic contributions of H-1B visas

A new study found that H-1B visa holders contribute significantly to the growth of assurance business human capital in the US audit industry, with skilled foreign employees accounting for 28% of this growth. The authors warn of potential negative implications if further restrictions limit hiring of skilled employees from outside the US.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateJun 7, 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.

Social experience tweaks genome function to modify future behavior

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified genomic mechanisms that underlie social behavior in mice, including changes in brain regions and epigenetic modifications. These findings may provide insights into social disorders in humans and shed light on the shared biological mechanisms across animal species.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 7, 2017

Researchers demonstrate spin effects in solution-based nanocrystals

Scientists have successfully demonstrated electronic spin effects in wet-chemically produced nanocrystals, opening doors to more efficient and powerful electronics. The Rashba effect, a phenomenon normally not observed due to high crystal symmetry, was controlled by varying layer thickness, light used, and electric fields.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2017

Overcoming immune suppression to fight against bovine leukemia

Researchers developed an anti-PD-1 antibody that blocks PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, reinvigorating antivirus immune response and decreasing BLV counts. The new treatment could be effective against various intractable infectious diseases in cows.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 7, 2017

How can you tell deep-sea octopuses apart? Check their warts

A new study compares physical characteristics of two similar octopus species, assigning names years ago but never rigorously compared. Researchers analyzed 72 specimens and devised a method to quantify subtle differences in wart distribution.

SourceField Museum·JournalMarine Biology Research·DateJun 7, 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.

Vanderbilt-led study disputes link between uterine fibroids and miscarriage risk

A 10-year Vanderbilt University Medical Center study disputes the long-held notion that uterine fibroids increase the risk of miscarriage. Contrary to previous research, women with fibroids have an identical risk of miscarriage as those without them when accounting for other pregnancy loss factors.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 7, 2017

Mining cancer data for treatment clues

Cancer genomics researchers found a significant association between PONDS-forming sequences and cancer. They discovered that short inverted repeats are enriched at translocation breakpoints in human cancer genomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 7, 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.

How have HPV vaccines affected cervical cancer screening?

Research confirms a positive correlation between HPV vaccination and increased cervical screening rates, contradicting concerns about reduced screening due to reassurance. However, vaccine cost and provider recommendations remain significant barriers to widespread adoption in the US.

SourceWiley·JournalDiagnostic Cytopathology·DateJun 7, 2017