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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 303


Page 303 of 461

New research could transform how we filter water

A new process for water filtration using carbon dioxide reduces energy consumption by 1,000 times compared to conventional methods. The research, published in Nature Communications, suggests the technique could be applied in various industries and is easily scalable.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hypoxia reverses mitochondrial disease in mouse model

Researchers found that breathing 11% oxygen can eliminate neurologic damage in a mouse model of Leigh syndrome, but treatment needs to be continuous. The study reveals promising results, with hypoxia therapy reversing brain lesions and symptoms in animals close to the end stages of the disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Chemically tailored graphene

Scientists have developed a method to precisely control graphene's electronic transport properties using in-situ Raman spectroscopy. This technique allows for the creation of tailored graphene-based materials with controlled function, enabling their utilization in the semiconductor industry.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 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.

Lung study points to new therapies to treat critical illness

Researchers discovered a chemical signal linked to life-threatening lung inflammation, pointing towards new therapies. Blocking molecular signalling mechanisms in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) alleviated lung inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThorax·DateMay 8, 2017

Caltech chemical engineer explains oxygen mystery on comets

A Caltech engineer explains how comets produce oxygen gas, a rare finding in space, through dynamic molecular oxygen production. The discovery challenges previous theories and has implications for searching for life on exoplanets.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2017

Physical keyboards make virtual reality typing easier

Researchers at Michigan Technological University developed a virtual keyboard that syncs with a physical keyboard, allowing VR typists to see what keys they typed. The system, which uses a light-up virtual keyboard, improves typing performance and reduces errors, making it easier for people to use head-mounted displays for office work.

SourceMichigan Technological University·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.

Garden-enhanced intervention improved BMI and nutrition knowledge of California students

A new study found that a garden-enhanced intervention improved BMI and nutrition knowledge among upper elementary students in California. The Shaping Healthy Choices Program showed significant improvements in nutrition knowledge and vegetable identification, but not in fruit and vegetable intake or parenting practices. However, body me...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 8, 2017

When electric vehicles crash, what happens to the battery?

Researchers investigate lithium-ion batteries under crash loads, including previous stress, charging status, and temperature. They develop tailor-made test rigs and simulations to understand battery behavior, aiming to contribute to improved range and vehicle design while ensuring safety.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateMay 8, 2017

Secondhand smoke ups heart disease in unique group of female nonsmokers -- Amish women

Researchers found that Amish women exposed to secondhand smoke had a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, while men exposed to secondhand smoke tended to have a higher body mass index (BMI). The study, conducted in a Pennsylvania Amish community, used a novel method to track exposure and avoided recall bias. Small amounts of second...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 8, 2017

Space weather model simulates solar storms from nowhere

A NASA model has simulated stealth solar storms from the sun, showing how slow and quiet processes can create massive magnetic field twists that speed out into space without warning. The models match space-based observations, revealing a complex process that generates energy over two weeks.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 8, 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.

Underlying molecular mechanism of bipolar disorder revealed

A recent study has identified the molecular mechanism behind lithium's effectiveness in treating bipolar disorder, providing a clear path to developing new diagnostic tests and therapies. The research, led by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells to map lithium's response path...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

Copays don't reduce use of Medicare home health care, study shows

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that imposing copays on Medicare home health care does not reduce its usage, despite increased out-of-pocket costs for seniors. The researchers analyzed data from over 290,000 seniors and found no significant difference in home care usage between plans with and without copays.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Refrigerator for quantum computers discovered

A new quantum-circuit refrigerator has been invented by Mikko Möttönen and his team at Aalto University, which reduces errors in quantum computing. The device uses a nanoscale cooling mechanism to cool qubits, making them more reliable and powerful.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 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.

Geographic disparities in life expectancy among US counties

A study found large geographic disparities in life expectancy among US counties, with a 20.1 year gap between the lowest and highest life expectancies. Life expectancy increased overall, but masked massive variation at the county level, with some areas experiencing much larger increases than others.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Finding a new major gene expression regulator in fungi

Researchers have identified a new major gene expression regulator in fungi, which is preferentially deposited based on gene function and conservation. The discovery was made using DNA sequencing data from 16 fungal genomes, revealing high levels of DNA base modifications, including the methyl group addition to adenine (6mA).

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 8, 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.

New Canadian clinical guideline for physicians tapers down use of opioids

A new Canadian clinical guideline recommends reducing opioid medication use for patients with chronic non-cancer pain, prioritizing harm reduction and optimizing non-opioid treatment. The guideline also proposes strict dose limits and trial tapers to minimize risks associated with opioids.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 8, 2017

SPECT/CT combined with fluorescence imaging detects micrometastases

Researchers developed a dual-modality imaging technique using SPECT/CT and fluorescence to detect micrometastases in colorectal cancer. This approach can guide resection of tumor lesions and potentially improve prognosis for cancer patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

New findings may explain the advantages of polyunsaturated fat

A new study found that polyunsaturated fat caused epigenetic changes in participants' fat tissue, leading to differences in fat storage. The results suggest that polyunsaturated fat may have a more positive impact on health compared to saturated fat.

SourceLund University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 8, 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.

Breast-feeding's role in 'seeding' infant microbiome

A new UCLA-led study found that breast milk contains nearly a third of the beneficial bacteria in a baby's intestinal tract, and that continued breastfeeding after solid food intake maintains this advantage. This research suggests that breast milk plays a crucial role in establishing a healthy gut microbiome.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 8, 2017

Cannabis reverses aging processes in the brain

Researchers found that low-dose cannabis can reverse cognitive decline in older mice by increasing nerve cell connections and reversing molecular signatures. This breakthrough opens the door to potential human clinical trials for treating age-related dementia.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Medicine·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.

Why some images trigger seizures

Researchers have identified a link between certain static images and gamma oscillations that occur when viewing black and white bar patterns, which can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. By adjusting image parameters, such as contrast and bar width, these images can be reduced to minimize the risk of seizures.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 8, 2017

Organic electronics: Semiconductors as decal stickers

Researchers at LMU Munich develop mechanically stable pentacene nanosheets for flexible electronics and biosensors. The new method eliminates the need for solvents and allows for low contact resistance, enabling applications in vital data acquisition, displays, and solar cells

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 8, 2017

Poor overall environmental quality linked to elevated cancer rates

A new study found that counties with poor environmental quality have higher cancer incidence rates, with air and built environment factors strongly associated. Breast and prostate cancer were most closely linked to poor air quality, highlighting the need for policy changes to reduce pollution.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCancer·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.

Rice U. unveils dual-channel biological function generator

Researchers develop biofunction generator and bioscilloscope to analyze and manipulate two biological circuits simultaneously, enabling precise control over gene expression and protein production. The technology, based on mathematical modeling and optogenetics, offers new insights into complex synthetic biological systems.

SourceRice University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateMay 8, 2017

Commuter marriage study finds surprising emphasis on interdependence

A new study of commuter marriages reveals a surprising emphasis on interdependence among married couples living apart due to their careers. The study found that many respondents described themselves as highly interconnected despite the distance, with communication technologies playing a key role in task sharing.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMay 8, 2017

Paris 1.5°C target may be smashed by 2026

A positive phase of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation could accelerate global warming, potentially pushing temperatures above 1.5°C as early as 2026. According to new research, this natural climate driver would likely produce a sharp acceleration in global warming over the next decade.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 8, 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.

Poor environmental quality linked to elevated cancer rates

A new study reveals an association between cumulative exposure to harmful environmental factors and cancer incidence across the United States. Counties with poor environmental quality demonstrated a higher incidence of cancer cases, with prostate and breast cancer showing strong links.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 8, 2017

Reversing pest resistance to biotech cotton: The secret is in the mix

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that interbreeding genetically engineered cotton with non-Bt cotton can delay and even reverse evolution of resistance by pests. This novel strategy involves planting a mix of Bt and non-Bt seeds, which generates a random mixture of plants within fields.

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

Fabrication technology in the fourth dimension

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a construction principle for controlling the deformation of 4D printed objects, which can support weight and change shape in response to external stimuli. The technology has potential applications in aerospace, medical devices, and more.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2017

To improve chronic pain, get more sleep (coffee helps too)

Researchers found that chronic sleep loss significantly exacerbates pain sensitivity in mice, but using caffeine or wakefulness-promoting agents like modafinil can block this effect. These findings suggest a new approach to chronic pain management by addressing both sleep and daytime alertness.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Narrative journaling may help heart health post-divorce

A study of 109 separated or divorced individuals suggests that narrative expressive writing can lower heart rate and increase heart rate variability, both indicators of good cardiovascular health. By creating a structured story around their feelings, participants were able to process emotions in a more physiologically adaptive way.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateMay 8, 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.

A slingshot to shoot drugs onto the site of an infection

A team of chemists from Italy and Canada has developed a molecular slingshot made of DNA that can deliver drugs to precise locations in the human body. The device uses a synthetic DNA strand with anchoring moieties that bind to target antibodies, releasing a loaded drug upon recognition.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2017

Scientists find skin cells at the root of balding, gray hair

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a protein called KROX20 is essential for hair pigmentation and a gene called SCF determines the color of hair. The study found that deleting these genes leads to gray or white hair in mice, providing potential insights into balding and aging.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 8, 2017

Caution: Energy drinks put individuals with genetic heart condition at risk

A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology has found that energy drinks can trigger serious cardiac events, including arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, in individuals with congenital long QT syndrome. The researchers warn young patients with this genetic condition to exercise caution when consuming energy drinks.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 8, 2017

Penn study identifies new target to fight prostate, lung cancer

A Penn study has identified a new molecular chain of events that highlights novel targets to treat prostate cancer, which also shows promise in treating lung cancer. The research found that PKCε overexpression can cause cancer progression and that blocking CXCL13-CXCR5 molecules may be a new cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 8, 2017

Microscopic soil creatures could orchestrate massive tree migrations

Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, discovered that tiny soil organisms create 'soil highways' for young trees, influencing their migration patterns. The study suggests that these invisible biotic communities could be used to encourage tree migration and preserve heat-sensitive species.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 8, 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.

Low oxygen reverses mitochondrial disease in mice

Researchers found that breathing low-oxygen air reversed brain damage caused by mitochondrial defects in mice. The study suggests that hypoxia therapy may be a potential treatment for mitochondrial diseases, including Leigh syndrome. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop a practical regimen.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

The influence of zero-hours contracts on care workers' lives

A study found that UK care workers' understanding of their role and job control are significant workplace hazards. Despite this, zero-hours contracts did not significantly influence employee wellbeing, but employees with these contracts had greater levels of engagement in their jobs.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOccupational Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017