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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 281


Page 281 of 461

Where you grow what you grow

A new study found that camelina seed yields were 54% lower at Hays than at Moccasin due to environmental conditions. However, seed protein content was significantly higher at Hays, and oil composition differed between the two test sites.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 24, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study suggests metals from Bolivian mines affect crops and pose potential health risk

A study suggests that exposure to trace metals from potatoes grown in soil irrigated with waters from the Potosi mining region in Bolivia may pose a potential health risk. The study found high hazard quotients for arsenic and cadmium, indicating a significant risk of non-cancer health illnesses, particularly among children.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateMay 24, 2017

Sorghum: Health food, sweetener and now, clothing dye

Researchers develop practical wool dye from sorghum husks, offering UV protection and fluorescence, while reducing waste disposal. The dyes showed good colorfastness even after multiple washes and ironing cycles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMay 24, 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.

Can parents' tech obsessions contribute to a child's bad behavior?

A new study found that even low amounts of digital technology interruptions by parents can cause greater child behavior issues such as oversensitivity and hyperactivity. Researchers suggest carving out technology-free times for family bonding and reducing device use during parent-child activities.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalChild Development·DateMay 24, 2017

Genetic mutation studies help validate new strategy for reducing lipids, cholesterol

Researchers found that blocking ANGPTL3 activity with an injectable antibody reduced triglycerides by up to 76 percent and lowered LDL cholesterol 23 percent in human study participants. Carriers of mutations disabling ANGPTL3 had nearly 40 percent fewer incidents of coronary artery disease compared to non-carriers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 24, 2017

Discovered: Fast-growing galaxies from early universe

A team of astronomers discovered a new kind of galaxy that formed less than a billion years after the Big Bang, creating stars more than 100 times faster than our Milky Way. This find solves a long-standing puzzle of how massive galaxies came to have hundreds of billions of stars when they formed so quickly.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 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 documents range of challenging meditation experiences

A new study chronicles and categorizes challenging meditation experiences among Western Buddhists, revealing a broader range of effects than previously documented. The research identified seven types of experiences and 26 categories of influencing factors, which vary widely in duration and associated distress or impairment.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 24, 2017

Mindfulness-focused childbirth education leads to less depression

A study from researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison and UCSF found that mindfulness training during pregnancy can reduce depression symptoms in new mothers. The study showed a decrease in opioid-based pain medication use during labor among the mindfulness group, suggesting a potential benefit for infant health.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateMay 24, 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.

Near real-time genomic sequencing maps introduction and spread of Zika virus in US

A study by a multi-national research team, including scientists from the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, explains how Zika virus entered the US and how it might re-enter the country. They used near real-time genomic sequencing to create a family tree showing the virus's spread through space and time.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2017

Amazingly flexible: Learning to read in your 30s profoundly transforms the brain

A new study found that learning to read in adulthood reorganizes deep brain structures, including the thalamus and brainstem, which helps filter visual input. This process enhances reading capabilities, with better alignment of signal timings between brain regions leading to improved navigation through texts.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 24, 2017

Three types of work stress increasing in the US, according to SUNY downstate researchers

Researchers at SUNY Downstate Medical Center found increasing trends in US work characteristics since 2002, including low job control, job strain, and work-family conflict. These stressors are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and contribute to the slowing of declining CVD mortality rates.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 24, 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.

Brain microenvironment makes HER2-positive breast cancer metastases resistant to treatment

A recent study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers has identified a novel mechanism behind the resistance of HER2-positive breast cancer metastases to treatment. The study found that overexpression of the HER3 gene contributes to this resistance, and combining anti-HER2 and anti-HER3 therapies can slow tumor growth.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 24, 2017

Recreational cannabis, used often, increases risk of gum disease

A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that frequent recreational cannabis use increases the risk of gum disease. The study analyzed data from over 1,900 US adults and found that frequent users were twice as likely to have signs of periodontal disease as non-frequent users.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateMay 24, 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.

FGCU virologists publish study that finds Zika invaded Florida multiple times in 2016

A new study published in Nature reveals that the Zika virus outbreak in Florida was not a single introduction but rather at least four separate introductions that led to local chains of transmission. The research found that most Florida introductions are linked to the Caribbean, and mosquito control efforts helped limit the spread of t...

SourceFlorida Gulf Coast University·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2017

Study shows need for increased protection of world's national animal symbols

A recent study found that 35 percent of the world's national animal symbols are threatened with extinction, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The analysis also revealed that populations of national animal symbols represented by North America and Australia-Oceania fare better than those in Africa.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalBioScience·DateMay 24, 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.

Largest psoriasis meta-analysis to date yields new genetic clues

Researchers have identified 16 new genetic markers associated with psoriasis, bringing the total to 63 loci linked to the disease. The largest psoriasis meta-analysis to date, involving over 39,000 participants, has shed light on pathways related to the disease and pinpointed potential gene targets.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2017

What bone proteomics could reveal about the dead

Researchers identified protein patterns in bones that change with age, suggesting potential biomarkers for determining age in human remains. The study's findings have implications for forensic science and may help reconstruct ancient species relationships.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMay 24, 2017

Water is surprisingly ordered on the nanoscale

Scientists have observed a surprising order in the surface of water droplets at the nanoscale, with molecules behaving like those in ice. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of atmospheric, biological, and geological processes, as researchers explore how additives like salt affect the water network.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 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.

Revealed: How polyomavirus tricks our cells into helping it build its invasion route

Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered how polyomaviruses hijack cellular molecular motors to build a portal for itself, allowing it to reach the nucleus and cause problems. The findings could aid in the development of new treatments or preventive strategies against polyomavirus diseases such as Merkel cell carcinoma.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2017

BU researcher receives entrepreneur award from the American Thoracic Society

BU researcher Avrum Spira recognized for his work on early detection of lung cancer using Percepta RNA biomarker, as well as development of new drugs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His research has made a direct impact on diagnosis and daily care of patients with lung cancer and COPD in the past 20 years.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateMay 24, 2017

Vitamin D supplements could help pain management

Research suggests that vitamin D levels combined with good sleep quality can effectively manage conditions like arthritis, menstrual cramps, and chronic back pain. This review highlights the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in pain management, offering a new approach to alleviate suffering.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateMay 23, 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.

'Pregnant' housefly males demonstrate the evolution of sex determination

Researchers discovered a new gene, Mdmd, which determines male sex in houseflies. The gene is relatively large and similar to CWC22, and its loss leads to 'pregnant' males with mature eggs. This finding demonstrates the evolution of sex determination and has implications for developing sustainable pest control strategies.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2017

Improve evolution education by teaching genetics first

A large controlled trial found that teaching genetics first significantly improved students' test scores on evolution, especially for foundation classes. The study suggests that priming students with genetics information before teaching evolution can lead to better understanding of this complex concept.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 23, 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.

Biosynthetic secrets: How fungi make bioactive compounds

Biological engineers at Utah State University have successfully decoded and reprogrammed fungal biosynthetic machinery to produce natural compounds with anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-cholesterol properties. The team has reproduced several bio-active compounds in engineered microbes, including beauvericin and bassianolide.

SourceUtah State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 23, 2017

Sheffield energy experts design cooling system for Qatar 2022 stadium

Dr Ben Hughes's team designs district cooling technology to cool outside air and push it through the stadium, stands, and concourse areas. The system uses recovered heat in a mixed mode, delivering a stable, comfortable indoor environment while being more sustainable than traditional air conditioning systems.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateMay 23, 2017

Study offers guidance for targeting residual ovarian tumors

Researchers found that continuous, low-dose cisplatin delivery is effective against smaller tumor clusters, while higher doses are more effective against larger ones. The study's findings support the development of an implantable device to deliver these higher doses without the side effects associated with current catheter-based therapy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateMay 23, 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.

A CLOUD of possibilities: Finding new therapies by combining drugs

Scientists have created a library of 308 compounds to test drug combinations for new therapies. A study found a synergy between flutamide and phenprocoumon that efficiently killed prostate cancer cells, targeting the androgen receptor. The CLOUD library is ideal for discovering new applications for approved active ingredients.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 23, 2017

Solar cells more efficient thanks to new material standing on edge

Researchers developed a new perovskite material that overcomes water sensitivity, creating stable and efficient solar cells with a ten percent efficiency rate. The material's ability to self-organize in an edge-standing structure increases electron circulation, improving energy conversion.

SourceLund University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 23, 2017

Lizards may be overwhelmed by fire ants and social stress combined

A team of biologists studied lizards' reactions to fire ant exposure in socially stressful environments. Despite initial expectation that lizards would be stressed, they found lower baseline cortisol levels in those exposed to fire ants for two weeks.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateMay 23, 2017

Recommended daily protein intake too low for the elderly

Research suggests that older adults require more protein than previously thought to maintain muscle mass and prevent weight loss. Experts argue for increased focus on leucine-rich proteins like milk and whey to support elderly health.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMay 23, 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.

Genetic mutation trade-offs lead to parallel evolution

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that populations of E. coli evolved in two divergent paths, either improving swimming speed or growth rate, but not both, due to trade-offs. This study sheds light on how evolution proceeds when performance depends on multiple traits restricted by a trade-off.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateMay 23, 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.

Eating chocolate may decrease risk of irregular heartbeat

A large study found that consuming moderate amounts of chocolate was associated with a significantly lower risk of atrial fibrillation, a common and dangerous type of irregular heartbeat. The study suggested that even small amounts of cocoa consumption can have a positive health impact.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHeart·DateMay 23, 2017