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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 370


Page 370 of 461

Climate had a hand in shaping the human nose

A study published in PLOS Genetics found that nose size and shape are linked to differences in ancestral temperature and humidity levels. Wider nostrils were correlated with ancestors who lived in warmer climates, suggesting a role for climate in shaping human nasal evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 16, 2017

Tardigrades use unique protein to protect themselves from desiccation

Scientists discovered that tardigrades' unique protein-based mechanism protects them from desiccation by forming glass-like solids, which can also safeguard other biological materials. This breakthrough has potential uses in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, particularly in drought-resistant crops and medication storage.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 16, 2017

Not like the other black girls

A study by Colleen Butler-Sweet found that young middle-class black women experience tension with poorer black women, feeling like 'stepsisters' due to social class differences. These women often face criticism and pressure to conform to white beauty standards, exacerbating feelings of alienation and competition.

SourceSpringer·JournalGender Issues·DateMar 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New plant research solves a colorful mystery

Researchers at John Innes Centre discovered how and why 'anthocyanic vacuolar inclusions' form in plants, causing vibrant colors like purple, blue, and orange-red hues. These structures help guide pollinators to flowers or animals to fruits for seed dispersal.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 16, 2017

The fed's bank bailout

New research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that the Fed's actions were effective in encouraging banks to lend, benefiting the economy. The study found that a total of 62% of bigger US banks used the Discount Window or Term Auction Facility during the crisis, leading to increased lending of almost all types.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Financial Intermediation·DateMar 16, 2017

Researchers create viruses to selectively attack tumor cells

Scientists at IDIBAPS and IRB Barcelona developed a novel strategy to genetically modify viruses that selectively target tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. The study's results show promising effectiveness in controlling tumor growth and destroying cancer cells, offering hope for new cancer therapies.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2017

To kill ticks, target their animal hosts

A new study reveals that host-targeted bait boxes employing a sneaky trick can significantly reduce the prevalence of ticks on residential properties. The boxes use a cloth wick soaked in tick-killing insecticide to lure mice and chipmunks, which subsequently die after attachment.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateMar 16, 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.

Link between Vitamin D treatment and autism prevention

Researchers at the University of Queensland found that pregnant mice treated with vitamin D supplements did not develop autism traits in their offspring. Vitamin D is crucial for brain development and maintaining healthy bones, but its role in preventing autism remains unclear.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalMolecular Autism·DateMar 16, 2017

Mating mix-up with wrong fly lowers libido for Mr. Right

A new study finds that invasive fruit fly males of the wrong species can coerce females into sex, reducing their offspring production and willingness to mate with their own kind. Native species are threatened by these unwelcome romantic advances, which contribute to their decline.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMar 16, 2017

Nose form was shaped by climate

The study found that nose width is strongly correlated with temperature and humidity levels in different climates, suggesting a role for natural selection in shaping nose shape. The researchers also identified differences between men and women in nose features across populations.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 16, 2017

Smoking cessation programs benefit patients prior to joint replacements

Smokers who enrolled in a smoking cessation program before surgery had fewer adverse events and better surgical outcomes, including lower hospital readmission rates. The study found that the program reduced the risk of complications by 4.3 times and decreased reoperation rates.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateMar 16, 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.

Cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder discovered

The absence of protein SPRED2 alone can trigger excessive grooming behavior in mouse models. The study identifies the Ras/ERK-MAP kinase cascade as a key signaling pathway involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Administering an inhibitor to this pathway improves OCD symptoms, suggesting new potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 16, 2017

Treating cocaine addiction by reducing our appetite for drugs?

A new study in Biological Psychiatry suggests that blocking hypocretin signaling may provide a new avenue for treating cocaine addiction. The study found that blocking hypocretin signaling reduced cocaine intake in rats allowed long access to cocaine, and restored the normal GABAergic system.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 16, 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.

Scientists develop light-controllable tool to study CaMKII kinetics in learning and memory

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a photo-inducible CaMKII inhibitor to study intracellular signaling cascades. The tool revealed that CaMKII activation persists for approximately 1 minute, contradicting previous studies, and is necessary only for short periods of time for LTP and animal learning.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNeuron·DateMar 16, 2017

Deep learning and stock trading

Researchers used deep learning and machine learning techniques to analyze S&P 500 data, achieving statistically significant and economically substantial returns. The findings challenge the efficient-market hypothesis and suggest AI can excel in times of high volatility.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·DateMar 16, 2017

The repulsion trick: A self-solving puzzle for organic molecules

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich develop a method to mix molecules with opposing intermolecular interactions, creating tailored surface structures. The technique enables the controlled production of active layer systems, which are crucial for organic electronics applications.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 16, 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.

Having athletic trainers could benefit youth football organizations

The presence of a certified athletic trainer at youth football practices and games can enhance player safety through improved injury awareness, prevention, and assessment. This was found in a study published in Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, which reported a decline in injuries from 25 to 14 over two seasons.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAthletic Training & Sports Health Care·DateMar 16, 2017

A preference for casual sex increases risk of harassment

Adolescents who fantasize about casual sex and have had casual relationships are more likely to be harassed. Researchers found that those who have been sexually harassed also prefer casual sex, highlighting the need for better communication scripts among young people.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateMar 16, 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.

The recipe for especially efficient stomata

Researchers discovered a unique transcription factor, MUTE, responsible for the superior function of stomata in grasses. Engineered Brachypodium plants lacking this protein grew poorly, highlighting its importance in enhancing photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2017

New center to address antimicrobial drug development challenge

A new research center, Centre for Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics (CAP), will be established at the University of Liverpool to accelerate the development of new antibiotics. The facility will provide access to pharmacodynamics research expertise, facilities, and training, addressing a significant gap in UK capability.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMar 16, 2017

Genetic association with aggressive prostate cancer discovered

A genetic connection to aggressive prostate cancer has been discovered, increasing the risk by threefold for men with a specific gene variant. The study's findings may lead to the development of a blood test to predict disease severity and aid in targeted treatment.

SourceLunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 16, 2017

Review confirms link between drug use and poor dental health

A systematic review of 28 studies found that dental patients with substance use disorders have more tooth decay and periodontal disease than the general population. The lifestyle associated with problematic drug use also affects oral health through factors like dry mouth, malnutrition, and poor hygiene.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·DateMar 16, 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.

DeepMind-Royal Free deal is 'cautionary tale' for health care in the algorithmic age

A study of Google DeepMind's access to millions of NHS patient records reveals concerns over data privacy and regulation. The researchers argue that the original agreement lacked transparency and suffered from an inadequate legal basis, serving as a cautionary tale for public sector bodies and private tech firms.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalHealth and Technology·DateMar 16, 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.

Earth's first example of recycling -- its own crust!

Scientists have found evidence of Earth's first example of recycling, where its own crust was reworked and reused over 4 billion years ago. The discovery uses neodymium isotope analysis to study variations in the element's abundance, indicating that ancient rocks were compositionally similar to younger basaltic oceanic crust.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2017

Human antibody for Zika virus promising for treatment, prevention

Researchers have determined the structure of a human antibody bound to Zika virus, revealing how it interferes with the infection mechanism. The findings suggest the antibody is effective even at low concentrations, making it more potent than previous antibodies.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2017

Mount Sinai to present clinical findings at American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions 2017

Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System will present their study on the predictive value of the Fuster-BEWAT score for predicting the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy individuals, and another study exploring determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis in the absence of cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateMar 15, 2017

How plankton cope with turbulence

Researchers discovered how plankton cope with turbulent layers in the ocean. Plankton cells change their shape from asymmetric to egg-shaped structures, allowing them to swim downwards and avoid damage. This adaptation provides an evolutionary advantage for the population, as only half of the cells are affected by turbulence.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 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.

Some veggies each day keeps the stress blues away

A longitudinal study of over 60,000 Australians found that eating 3-4 daily servings of vegetables lowers stress risk by 12% and eating 5-7 daily servings of fruit and vegetables reduces stress risk by 14%. Women who eat more veggies have a lower stress risk compared to men.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 15, 2017

From the butterfly's wing to the tornado: Predicting turbulence

Physicists developed a simple mathematical model to predict turbulent flows and verified it physically in a lab. They identified exact coherent structures (ECSs) that provide entry points for computing predictions about future turbulence behavior.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 15, 2017

Dark matter less influential in galaxies in early universe

A team of astronomers found that distant galaxies were dominated by normal matter, with dark matter playing a smaller role. The study used the KMOS and SINFONI instruments to measure galaxy rotation velocities and created an average rotation curve, which also showed a decreasing velocity trend away from the centers of the galaxies.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 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.

Copper-bottomed deposits

Scientists at Université de Genève studied over 100,000 combinations to establish a model predicting the amount of copper present in deposits. The researchers found that factors such as magma depth and duration determine the quantity of copper, with optimal conditions ranging from 20 km depth and 2 million years injection time.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 2017

Scientists mobilize as bleaching resumes on Great Barrier Reef

Coral bleaching reappears on the Great Barrier Reef for the second year in a row, with scientists conducting aerial and underwater surveys to measure damage. The study reveals that past exposure to bleaching does not make corals more tolerant, and global warming is the primary threat to the Reef's resilience.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2017

The genes and neural circuits behind autism's impaired sociability

Researchers identified a gene link to impaired sociability in autism and found its neural circuit mechanism. The study suggests a 'toggle switch' that can be turned on or off to regulate sociability, potentially leading to new treatments for patients with autism. Seizures were also found to impair sociability by repressing specific genes.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2017

The need for speed may contribute to dolphin and whale strandings

Research suggests that dolphins and whales expend more energy when swimming at high speeds, potentially leading to increased risk of strandings. A study by Terrie Williams found that beaked whales using loud sonar use 30.5% more energy than unstartled animals.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 15, 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.

Changing temperatures and precipitation may affect living skin of drylands

A USGS study reveals that changes in temperature and precipitation patterns may cause desert surfaces to become lighter, altering energy exchange between the planet and its atmosphere. This could lead to increased albedo, slowing the earth's warming rate, but also resulting in soil erosion and decreased fertility.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 2017

Global climate change worsens winter haze in China

A new study found that global climate change is linked to severe winter haze in eastern China, with Arctic sea ice loss and extensive snow contributing to poor ventilation conditions. The 2013 'airpocalypse' event was exacerbated by these factors, highlighting the need for stringent emission reductions to mitigate future haze events.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 15, 2017

More IV fluids, fewer c-sections

A new study by Thomas Jefferson University found that women who received IV fluids at a higher rate during labor were less likely to need a cesarean section and had shorter labors. The study pooled data from seven small clinical trials involving over 1,200 women.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateMar 15, 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.

Researchers make headway toward understanding Alexander disease

Researchers have discovered a critical finding about Alexander disease, a rare and fatal neurological disorder. Using mouse models, they found that the GFAP protein behind the symptoms is broken down more rapidly than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 15, 2017

Gigantic Jupiter-type planet reveals insights into how planets evolve

Astronomers discovered a 11 times massive young planet, HD 106906b, which formed outside the debris disk and is 13 million years old. The study suggests this rare peek into planetary formation provides insights into how planets evolve, contradicting current theories.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 15, 2017

Mapping the effects of crystal defects

A team at MIT has developed a new mathematical approach to analyzing phonon-dislocation interactions, resolving longstanding mysteries about how dislocations affect material properties. The findings could inform future efforts to develop thermoelectric devices and other electronic systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 15, 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.

New driver, target in advanced mucosal melanoma

Researchers have identified mutations in the SF3B1 gene present in 37% of mucosal melanoma samples, which could lead to novel therapies. The study highlights the potential of targeting this gene in patients with advanced mucosal melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMelanoma Research·DateMar 15, 2017

Quantum key system could make mobile transactions far more secure

Researchers have demonstrated a prototype device that can send unbreakable secret keys from a handheld device to a terminal, enabling secure mobile transactions. The system uses ultra-fast LEDs and moveable mirrors to transmit keys at a rate of over 30 kilobytes per second.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 15, 2017

Mineral self-assembly was common on primitive Earth

Scientists confirm that silica can form complex self-assembling mineral structures in natural alkaline waters. These 'biomorphs' resemble living organisms and may hold clues to the origins of life on Earth.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 15, 2017

Pharmacists with greater role in care prevent repeat hospital visits

A study at Kern Health Systems found that pharmacists with expanded roles can reduce readmission rates for high-risk patients by up to 28% and 32%. The program, which included post-discharge counseling and medication management, also showed promise in reducing long-term hospital readmissions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMar 15, 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.

China's severe winter haze tied to effects of global climate change

Researchers at Georgia Tech found that changes in atmospheric circulation, caused by Arctic sea ice loss and increased Eurasian snowfall, contribute to stagnant air conditions over China. This leads to the buildup of pollution, exacerbating winter haze problems in regions like Beijing. The study suggests that global climate change will...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 15, 2017