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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 302


Page 302 of 461

Vitamin D levels not linked to asthma or dermatitis

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that genetic alterations associated with lower vitamin D levels do not predispose individuals to asthma, atopic dermatitis, or high IgE levels. The researchers looked at data from over 100,000 individuals and found no statistically significant difference between rates of these conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 9, 2017

Study finds Alzheimer's disease likely not caused by low body mass index

Researchers analyzed DNA samples from over 95,000 participants to examine the association between Alzheimer's disease and low BMI. The study found no causal relationship, suggesting that individuals with Alzheimer's disease are more likely to have low BMIs due to weight loss in the early stages of the disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 9, 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.

Abusing power hurts leaders, too

A new study from the University of Florida found that leaders who act abusively to colleagues experience negative effects on their well-being, including reduced relaxation and self-competence. The researchers suggest that agreeable leadership qualities may be less susceptible to the negative consequences of power.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 9, 2017

Screening for thyroid cancer not recommended

The USPSTF concludes that screening for thyroid cancer in asymptomatic persons results in harms that outweigh the benefits due to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Most cases of thyroid cancer have a good prognosis with a 98.1% 5-year survival rate.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 9, 2017

Closing the gate to mitochondria

Researchers create 'ImportOmics' method to identify proteins imported into mitochondria, uncovering new insights into cell function and potential disease causes. The study reveals over 1,120 mitochondrial proteins, including previously unknown associations.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2017

Protecting life's tangled ecological webs

A new theory from McGill University researchers suggests that protecting remnant habitats and corridors can help preserve biodiversity by allowing species to move in response to environmental change. This approach is crucial for maintaining ecosystem structure and preventing extinctions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 9, 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.

Most home kitchens in Philadelphia study would earn severe code violations

A recent Drexel University study found that most Philadelphia home kitchens have evidence of pest infestations and improper raw meat storage, with bacteria-laden sponges being a common issue. The study also revealed that refrigeration temperatures were often above recommended levels, allowing bacteria to grow rapidly.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Food Protection·DateMay 9, 2017

Severe foot pain linked to recurrent falls

Researchers found that severe foot pain and flat feet were associated with a higher risk of recurrent falls. The study suggests that targeting foot pain may help reduce hospitalizations and loss of independence for older adults.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalGerontology·DateMay 9, 2017

Research reveals globe-trotting history of sika deer

A new study by University of Delaware researchers explores the history of sika deer in Dorchester County, Maryland, revealing a complex relationship with native white-tailed deer. The study suggests that sika deer may be outcompeting white-tails for resources, causing ecological concerns and challenging management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBiological Invasions·DateMay 9, 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.

Fentanyl can sicken first responders. Here's a possible solution.

NIST researchers have developed Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) and Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) technologies to detect fentanyl in unknown powders. These techniques can identify the lowest concentrations of fentanyl mixtures, allowing law enforcement officers to take extra precautions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateMay 9, 2017

Noise pollution from gas compressors changes abundance of insects, spiders

A study by Florida Museum of Natural History found that noise pollution from gas compressors significantly decreases the populations of certain insects and spiders, while increasing others. This shift in arthropod communities could have larger-scale ecological consequences.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMay 9, 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.

Personality factors are best defense against losing your job to a robot

A study published in the European Journal of Personality found that individuals with higher intelligence, maturity, extraversion, and interests in arts and sciences are less likely to lose their jobs to robots. The research suggests traditional education may not be enough to prepare people for future job changes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEuropean Journal of Personality·DateMay 9, 2017

Men and women show equal ability at recognizing faces

Researchers found no difference between men and women in facial recognition abilities, challenging conventional wisdom that women excel in this area. Facial recognition is a crucial skill for social interactions and decision-making.

SourcePenn State·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 9, 2017

Metabolic markers accurately diagnose typhoid fever

A metabolomics approach has identified a unique metabolic 'signature' that can accurately distinguish typhoid from other tropical diseases, providing a new approach for typhoid diagnostics. The study found excellent predictive power in distinguishing culture-positive typhoid patients from those with other diseases.

SourceeLife·DateMay 9, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stroke patients take the lead in their rehabilitation

Intento's device enables stroke patients to self-administer electrical stimulation, improving mobility and performing basic tasks. 70% of patients showed significant improvement in motor functions compared to conventional therapy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateMay 9, 2017

A large mineral sector can undermine other companies

A large mineral sector can lead to a 'resource curse,' where the finance sector prioritizes established firms over smaller companies, hindering national economic growth. This phenomenon, studied in 70 countries, suggests that the finance sector's focus on larger companies can exacerbate the resource curse.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEmerging Markets Review·DateMay 8, 2017

Study refutes findings behind challenge to Sierra Nevada forest restoration

A UC Berkeley study has found significant flaws in research used to challenge the US Forest Service's plan to restore Sierra Nevada forests. The study, published in Ecological Applications, uses historic field data to estimate forest density and finds two major methodological flaws.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 8, 2017

How cancer turns a good-guy protein into a double agent

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that CHD4, a protein that usually prevents mutation, can become a protector of cancer cells. The protein plays a key role in DNA damage repair and may be linked to cancer progression.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 8, 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.

Pasture management and riparian buffers reduce erosion

Researchers found that rotational grazing with a fenced riparian buffer or converting pastures to hayfields reduced soil erosion and runoff. These practices lowered sediment concentrations, volumes, and loads in watersheds compared to continuous grazing.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 8, 2017

Kicking the salt shaker habit may not be enough

A study found that restaurant foods and commercially processed foods contributed to 70% of dietary sodium intake, with an average daily consumption of over 3,500mg. Reducing sodium in these foods is crucial to lowering blood pressure and preventing heart disease.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 8, 2017

Engineered bone marrow could make transplants safer

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed biomimetic bone tissues that provide a safe space for donor cells to grow without competition from host cells. This breakthrough technology has shown promising results in mice, with donor cells surviving for up to six months and supplying new blood cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

May/June 2017 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found that Canadian primary care practices scored an average of 5.36 out of 10 on the Patient Medical Home (PMH) model, with Ontario being the only province to score higher than the national average. Despite efforts to implement the PMH model, provinces showed little variation in achieving key objectives.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 8, 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.

The vicious circle of inequality

A study of 45,000 individuals across 27 nations found a clear association between societal inequality and increased social dominance orientation among dominant groups. This can lead to violent persecution of immigrants, racism, and sexism. The researchers also asked white Americans if they would participate in ethnic persecution, findi...

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

UTHealth researchers identify genes in children linked to stress, bipolar disorder

A recent study by UTHealth researchers has identified genetic alterations in children at high risk for bipolar disorder, which can be modulated by stress. The findings suggest that these genetic markers may contribute to the increased risk of developing bipolar disorder in children chronically exposed to stressors.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 8, 2017

Studies reveal socioeconomic and racial disparities in lupus

Two studies found a link between poverty and worsening lupus disease outcomes, as well as higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes among Black and Hispanic women. Poverty status was also associated with increased end-organ damage over time.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateMay 8, 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.

New cell separator could revolutionize medical advances in cancer

A new cell separator developed by University of Surrey Biomedical Engineers uses dielectrophoresis to sort cells electrostatically, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This innovation has significant promise for stem-cell therapy and cancer research, offering a more affordable and effective solution.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

Drivers are slower to respond to emergencies in semi-automated cars

Researchers found that drivers who were watching videos while the car was in autonomous mode responded more slowly and severely to an emergency. The study suggests that new ways of assessing driver safety will be needed as technology develops, including designing systems to improve driver response during system failures.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Safety Research·DateMay 8, 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.

The evolutionary story of birch, told through 80 genomes

A new study sequencing 80 silver birch genomes reveals genetic mutations influencing tree growth, wood production, and environmental adaptations. These findings hold potential for breeding trees better suited to various industries and climates.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 8, 2017

Discrimination reported in survey of online group of physician moms

A survey of physician moms found nearly 4 out of 5 respondents experienced discrimination, with gender and maternal discrimination prevalent. Women who reported maternal discrimination were more likely to value changes like longer paid maternity leave and breastfeeding support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

ACP strongly recommends generic bisphosphonates for osteoporosis

The American College of Physicians strongly recommends the use of generic bisphosphonates or denosumab to reduce fracture risk in women with osteoporosis. The guideline advises physicians to prescribe generics over brand-name drugs and discuss medication adherence with patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Dartmouth-led team develops smartwatch with all the moves

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a prototype smartwatch called Cito that can rotate, hinge, translate, rise, and orbit in five different directions. The innovative technology improves the user experience by addressing limitations of fixed-face watches.

SourceDartmouth College·DateMay 8, 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.

Tillage farming damaging earthworm populations, say scientists

Conventional tillage severely damages earthworm populations, but reduced tillage practices can increase their numbers. Farming with no-tillage, Conservation Agriculture, and shallow non-inversion tillage are shown to significantly boost earthworm populations.

SourceUniversity College Dublin·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 8, 2017

TGen distinguished professor honored by New York's Columbia University

Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, a world-renowned expert in cancer therapies, is honored by Columbia University with a gold medal for his outstanding accomplishments in clinical medicine. This recognition marks the 250th anniversary of P&S, one of the nation's most accomplished medical schools.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateMay 8, 2017

Bullying's lasting impact

A new study led by the University of Delaware found that kids who are bullied in fifth grade often suffer from depression and begin using alcohol and other substances a few years after the incidents. The study also shows that peer victimization has lasting effects on substance use five years later.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 8, 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.

Manufacturing technique can make proteins less effective

Researchers developed a device to study the effects of 'extensional flow' on proteins, which can lead to reduced effectiveness and aggregation. The device revealed that manufacturing processes can be optimized to reduce protein damage, improving the quality of biopharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

'Hot' electrons don't mind the gap

Researchers found that hot electrons can create a photovoltage about a thousand times larger than what is seen if there is no gap. The discovery shows the potential for nanoscale photodetectors to convert light into electricity and sensors or other sophisticated electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 8, 2017

Interactive website helps to reduce dizziness

A new interactive website, Balance Retraining, has been developed to help people with dizziness carry out vestibular rehabilitation exercises via the web. The site provides personalized feedback and advice, and has shown promising results in reducing dizziness symptoms amongst adults aged 50 and above.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Drivers of insecticide use

A new study by UC Santa Barbara scientists has found that landscape characteristics, such as crop diversity and field size, affect insecticide use. Crop diversity was shown to reduce insecticide use by 8kg per hectare in table grapes, while larger fields use more insecticide.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 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.

Space radiation reproduced in the lab for better, safer missions

A team of researchers at the University of Strathclyde has successfully created man-made space radiation in a laboratory setting using laser-plasma-based accelerators. This breakthrough could enable safer and more reliable space exploration by testing devices and equipment in controlled conditions on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2017

Study: Black and white kids faring equally in subsidized housing

A new study by Johns Hopkins University found that once-formidable disparities between black and white families living in subsidized housing have largely vanished. Black and white children who grew up in such housing fared similarly in education, employment, and earnings.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalHousing Policy Debate·DateMay 8, 2017

Archaeogeneticist pinpoints Indian population origins using today's populace

Researchers have identified the origins of Indian populations by analyzing genetic evidence from people alive in the Subcontinent today. The study reveals that hunter-gatherer groups arrived from Africa more than 50,000 years ago, while later waves of settlement came from Iran and Central Asia.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 8, 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.

Public skeptical of research if tied to a company

A new study at Michigan State University finds that people are skeptical of research linked to a company, even if the partner has a good reputation. The public's perception of science is affected by corporate involvement, with 77% of participants expressing negative views.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 8, 2017

New way to detect ecstasy discovered

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new technique to detect ecstasy that is extremely reliable and simple to use. The method can detect even small traces of the active compound in ecstasy with almost 100 percent certainty.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 8, 2017

Stanford team brings quantum computing closer to reality with new materials

A Stanford team has made significant advancements in developing new materials for quantum computing, enabling the creation of practical systems. By harnessing light and electron interactions, they have created structures that can trap spinning electrons, a crucial step towards making quantum computing a reality.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 8, 2017

Installing solar to combat national security risks in the power grid

The US military could bolster its energy independence by deploying solar-powered microgrids, reducing reliance on vulnerable backup systems and enhancing grid resiliency. The proposed systems would provide localized energy security, decreasing the chance of cascading failures.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMay 8, 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.