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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 344


Page 344 of 461

Algorithms can exploit human perception in graph design

Researchers have developed an algorithm to automatically improve the design of scatterplots by exploiting models and measures of human perception. The optimized designs effectively communicate relationships between two data variables, reducing unintended miscommunication.

SourceAalto University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateApr 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Charting the skies of history

Researchers at Kyoto University and Japan's National Institute of Polar Research used ancient texts to track past solar events, including prolonged auroras. They found clear patterns in solar activity and discovered that auroras were more prevalent during maximal solar cycles.

SourceKyoto University·JournalSpace Weather·DateApr 5, 2017

Biomarker could lead to personalized therapies for prostate cancer

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a new biomarker, TSPYL5, that can help identify prostate cancer progression and predict treatment response. The testis-specific protein varied between normal patients and tumor tissues with different Gleason scores, allowing clinicians to make rational decisions in treating the ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBMC Cancer·DateApr 5, 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.

What are common dermatologic features of classic movie villains?

Researchers analyzed top 10 film heroes and villains, finding six villains had facial skin issues, including alopecia and hyperpigmentation. The study suggests unfair portrayals of dermatologic conditions may contribute to prejudice and cultural misunderstandings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 5, 2017

Newly discovered chemical reaction in eye may improve vision

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered a self-renewing mechanism to help retina sense light using biochemically manipulated vitamin A. This mechanism could lead to improved therapeutics for treating people with vision impairment and other nerve cell disorders.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2017

X-ray study reveals long-sought insights into potential drug target

Researchers discovered new structural details of an angiotensin II receptor called AT2, which could be a target for new medicines. The information uncovered could give drug developers a new path for compounds that combat pain and inflammation or promote tissue regeneration.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 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.

Wikipedia articles on plane crashes show what we remember -- or forget

A study of nearly 1,500 Wikipedia articles on airplane crashes found that recent incidents trigger collective memory of past events, forming an interconnected network. The number of deaths and date of the crash significantly impact view flow, while prior viewership of target articles also play a role.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 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.

Cover, crimp, cultivate?

Researchers explored three organic methods to suppress weeds: using cover crops instead of disks, turning them under, or flatening with a crimper. While some found cover crops to be effective in reducing weeds, the team also noted that unexpected weather conditions and soil fertility issues impacted results.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 5, 2017

Innovative sensor can screen toxic drugs, help develop biomaterials, and much more

UCR researchers developed an inexpensive sensor that can weigh microgram-sized biological samples in fluids, expanding applications in toxicity research, plant sciences, and biomaterials engineering. The sensor uses a simple glass tube and off-the-shelf electronics to measure mass, volume, and density of tiny samples.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2017

Ready for the new kelvin!

Scientists from PTB have determined the Boltzmann constant with an accuracy of 1.9 ppm, fulfilling a key condition for the redefinition of the kelvin unit. This achievement will enable the kelvin to be based on fundamental constants, providing a more stable and reliable definition.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalMetrologia·DateApr 5, 2017

Neonicotinoids detected in drinking water in agricultural area

Researchers detected neonicotinoid pesticides in drinking water in an agricultural area, highlighting concerns over their impact on human health. A new study found that a specific treatment method can effectively remove these substances from water.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateApr 5, 2017

New function discovered for compound that may help slow aging

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new function for rapamycin that may help prevent neurologic damage and some related diseases. The compound appears to stop cellular senescence, a stage cells reach where they get old and start secreting damaging substances.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAging Cell·DateApr 5, 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.

A novel method for the fabrication of active-matrix 3-D pressure sensors

Researchers at UNIST created a three-dimensional tactile sensor that detects wide pressure ranges from human body weight to finger touch. The novel method uses foldable substrates and air-dielectric layers, enabling simultaneous detection of position and intensity of pressure.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2017

Research into why we remember some aviation disasters and forget others

A study analyzing Wikipedia articles about airline crashes between 2008 and 2016 found that recent events trigger past memories, with a short-term attention span for recent crashes. Aviation disasters with large numbers of deaths are more memorable than reported events with fewer fatalities.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 2017

Study analyzes what 'a' and 'the' tell us about language acquisition

A recent study analyzes the words 'a' and 'the' to understand language acquisition, revealing that experience is crucial for early-childhood language development. The study found that children rapidly generalize grammatical structures they hear, with a significant increase in linguistic productivity around age 2.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 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.

Powers of attraction could decimate deadly starfish

A research team led by Professor Bernard Degnan and Associate Professor Sandie Degnan has discovered that crown-of-thorns starfish gather in large groups due to pheromone release. The team plans to use this knowledge to develop environmentally safe baits to capture the pests, making it easier to protect coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2017

Born to love superheroes

Human infants demonstrate an innate ability to recognize heroic acts from early stages of development, drawn to figures protecting the weak. As they grow, their understanding of justice becomes more complex.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 5, 2017

UCLA researchers discover a new cause of high plasma triglycerides

Researchers identified six people with hypertriglyceridemia whose bodies produce autoantibodies against GPIHBP1, preventing LPL from reaching capillaries. This newly discovered syndrome, dubbed the GPIHBP1 autoantibody syndrome, has life-threatening potential and may be treatable with immunosuppressive drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 5, 2017

Plants have been helping to offset climate change, but now it's up to us

New research confirms that global photosynthesis is stable for hundreds of years before industrial revolution, but grows rapidly with increased CO2 levels. The findings affirm estimates used in climate change models and suggest that nature's brakes are not enough to counter human emissions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

As kids' weight climbs, power of healthy fat supplements drops

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that body weight plays a significant role in the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in children. The researchers found that the more a child weighed, the smaller the measurement was of key omega-3 fatty acids in their bloodstream.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2017

Breakthrough telescope to map origins of stars, galaxies and the 'cosmic dawn'

The Cerro Chajnantor Atacama Telescope-prime (CCAT-p) will map the sky at submillimeter and millimeter wavelengths, giving unprecedented insights into star and galaxy formation. The telescope's high-altitude location and innovative design enable faster measurements of polarized signals, revealing clues about the universe's early moments.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 5, 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.

High fat, high sugar diet during pregnancy 'programs' for health complications

A study found that a high-fat, high-sugar diet during pregnancy can disrupt metabolic processes, leading to poor glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. This may program the mother for potential health complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, later in life.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 5, 2017

DFG establishes 17 new priority programs

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has established 17 new Priority Programmes across diverse fields, including humanities, social sciences, life sciences, and engineering sciences. The programmes will receive approximately €100 million in funding for the next three years.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateApr 5, 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.

Sodium citrate spray could temporarily restore sense of smell

Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that sodium citrate nasal spray can temporarily restore sense of smell in people with viral-induced anosmia or hyposmia. The treatment lasted up to two hours and was most effective for patients whose ability to smell was damaged by viral infection.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalClinical Otolaryngology·DateApr 5, 2017

Into the DNA of a coral reef predator

Scientists from OIST and Australia have sequenced the COTS genome, revealing identical genetic material between Great Barrier Reef and Okinawa populations. The study identified water-borne molecules used by COTS for communication, which could be targeted to disrupt destructive spawning events.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2017

New approach developed by humanists and scientists maps evolution of literature

A new method, referred to as quantitative criticism, is used to analyze relationships among ancient Latin and Greek texts, mapping the cultural evolution of literature. The study provides new evidence for the impact of writers such as Caesar and Livy on Roman prose literature.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2017

Exploring the mysteries of the universe

The Cerro Chajnantor Atacama Telescope (CCAT-prime) will be the highest telescope of its kind, allowing scientists to study the formation of stars and galaxies in unprecedented detail. With a diameter of six meters and location at an altitude of 5,612 meters, CCAT-prime aims to solve the mystery of dark matter and dark energy.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·DateApr 5, 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.

Discovering how insulin-producing cells show their age

Researchers identified markers of aging in insulin-producing beta cells, revealing diverse populations with different lifespans. Insulin resistance accelerates beta cell aging, contributing to type 2 diabetes development.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 5, 2017

Monoclonal antibody cures Marburg infection in monkeys

Scientists have successfully treated guinea pigs and rhesus monkeys with a monoclonal antibody to cure Marburg and Ravn viruses. The treatment, MR191-N, provided up to 100% protection when administered within 5 days of infection, offering new hope for preventing and treating filovirus outbreaks.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 5, 2017

Green laser light probes metals for hidden damage (animation)

Researchers have developed a spectroscopic method using second harmonic generation to detect internal damage in metals. The technique uses green laser light to identify changes in metal properties, potentially distinguishing between intact and damaged parts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 5, 2017

Deep sleep may act as fountain of youth in old age

Researchers at UC Berkeley argue that restorative deep sleep is vital for warding off memory loss and a range of mental and physical disorders in older adults. The aging brain's decline in slow wave sleep and neurochemical regulation can lead to cognitive and physical impairments.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuron·DateApr 5, 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.

Impostor feelings fuel negative mental health outcomes for minority students, study

A new study from UT Austin found that impostor feelings worsen the effects of perceived discrimination on depression and anxiety among ethnic minority college students, especially African Americans. Researchers recommend including impostorism in mental health assessments to help overcome discriminatory experiences.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateApr 5, 2017

Research links decline in hemlock forests to changes in water resources

Research by Indiana University geographers reveals a 15% increase in annual water yield resulting from forest damage caused by the hemlock woolly adelgid. The study highlights concerns about water quality as rainfall runs off more quickly, carrying higher concentrations of nutrients.

SourceIndiana University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 5, 2017

Scientists unravel effect of ENSO and Atlantic multidecadal oscillation on the East Asian winter monsoon

Researchers found that the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation significantly modulates the Pacific SST-EAWM relationship, leading to warmer winters over East Asia when ENSO-like mode and AMO are in phase. The study suggests considering AMO phase in predicting EAWM-related climate based on ENSO variability.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateApr 5, 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.

Love it or hate it: Marmite may affect brain function

A study by University of York researchers found that eating Marmite daily for a month reduced brain's response to visual stimuli by 30% in participants. This effect is believed to be due to the presence of vitamin B12, which increases GABA levels in the brain.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateApr 5, 2017

Nitrogen, phosphorus from fertilizers and pet waste polluting urban water

A new study by the University of Minnesota reveals that lawn fertilizers and pet waste are major sources of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants in urban watersheds. The research highlights the need to reduce excessive fertilizer use and properly manage pet waste to mitigate pollution and eutrophication.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2017

Project Hotspot

Scientists drilled three 2-km-deep holes to explore the geology of a scientific borehole in the Snake River Plain. They found evidence of heat and older hydrothermal interactions, but no geothermal energy production due to a cool water aquifer.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateApr 5, 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.

When the doctor recommends against the surgery a breast cancer patient wants

A new study found that surgeons' recommendations against contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) did not increase the likelihood of patients seeking a second opinion or receiving surgery from a different surgeon. In fact, many patients were satisfied with their treatment despite no discussion about CPM. The study surveyed 1,140 pat...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateApr 5, 2017

Scientists engineer sugarcane to produce biodiesel, more sugar for ethanol

A team of researchers has successfully engineered sugarcane to produce oil in its leaves and stems, resulting in higher oil content without compromising sugar production. This breakthrough could lead to the development of dual-purpose bioenergy crops that are more profitable and sustainable than traditional soybeans and corn.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology·DateApr 4, 2017