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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 38


Page 38 of 461

Texas A&M-Galveston team finds cave organisms living off methane gas

A research team led by David Brankovits discovered that cave-adapted organisms can thrive on methane gas and bacteria near it, raising the possibility of similar life forms existing worldwide. The study found a complex food web involving tiny organisms and large shrimp.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 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.

A horse is a horse, of course, of course -- except when it isn't

An international team of researchers discovered a previously unrecognized genus of extinct horses in North America, diverging from the main trunk of the Equus family tree around 4-6 million years ago. The new species, Haringtonhippus francisci, was a widespread and successful species that survived until roughly 17,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateNov 28, 2017

New 3-D printer is 10 times faster than commercial counterparts

The new printer can print objects up to 10 times faster than existing commercial counterparts due to its compact printhead design. The team used a screw mechanism and laser to speed up the printing process, enabling it to fabricate detailed objects in several minutes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateNov 28, 2017

Microwave-based test method can help keep 3-D chip designers' eyes open

Researchers at NIST develop a new approach to testing multilayered, three-dimensional computer chips using microwaves. This method provides real-time insight into material performance and defects, potentially reducing electromigration issues and improving chip stability.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 28, 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.

How do cells release IL-1? After 3 decades, now we know

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have identified the molecule responsible for releasing interleukin-1 (IL-1) from immune cells. The study found that gasdermin D enables IL-1 release without killing the cell, which could lead to more potent and long-lasting vaccines.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateNov 28, 2017

This 'sweet spot' could improve melanoma diagnosis

A new technique using machine learning can improve the diagnosis of melanoma by identifying the optimal amount of context around skin lesions. By segmenting images into two parts, separating the lesion from surrounding skin, researchers found that a limited border beyond the lesion enhances classification performance.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Digital Imaging·DateNov 28, 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.

Capsule research paves way for simpler C. difficile treatment

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that Fecal Microbiota Transplant capsules are just as effective as colonoscopy in treating C. difficile infections. The capsule delivery method is non-invasive, less expensive, and has no risks associated with sedation.

SourceAlberta Health Services·JournalJAMA·DateNov 28, 2017

Biology and chemistry combine to generate new antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Bristol created a new platform for producing desperately needed antibiotics by combining synthetic biology with biology and chemistry. The team successfully generated a semi-synthetic pleuromutilin derivative with enhanced antibiotic activity, addressing the growing resistance to existing antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Key component for quantum computing invented

A Sydney team has invented a microcircuit based on Nobel Prize research, miniaturizing a crucial component for quantum computing. This innovation could pave the way for large-scale integration of quantum circuits and manufacturing in massive quantities.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 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.

Call for workers to rise up

A James Cook University study found nearly three quarters of office workers believe there is a negative relationship between sitting down all day and their health. The study suggests that education on the benefits of standing and buy-in from management are crucial to implementing effective behavior change strategies.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPerspectives in Public Health·DateNov 28, 2017

Weight loss through exercise alone does not protect knees

A new study found that weight loss through diet and exercise significantly slows down the degeneration of knee cartilage in obese individuals. However, weight loss achieved solely through exercise had no significant impact on cartilage degeneration, suggesting that a balanced approach involving diet is crucial for protecting the knees.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 28, 2017

UTSA researcher studies how professional sports fans use mobile phones

A study by UTSA researcher Seok Kang found that instrumental motives, such as purchasing tickets or buying merchandise, predict behavioral loyalty among fans. Ritualistic motives, like relaxation and social interaction, are associated with attitudes toward teams or players.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalInternational Journal of Mobile Communications·DateNov 28, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Understanding a therapeutic paradox for treating thrombo-vascular complications in kidney disease

A new therapeutic paradox targets thrombo-vascular complications in kidney disease by boosting a regulatory protein called STUB1, which interacts with tissue factor to trigger clotting. This approach may offer an alternative to standard heparin treatment while maintaining a balance between pro-clotting and anticoagulant factors.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 28, 2017

UNM researcher finds stress during pregnancy affects the size of the baby

A new study finds that prenatal stress during late gestation reduces offspring growth during dependence, resulting in a reduced body size throughout development. In contrast, early prenatal stress accelerates growth and increases size after weaning to ensure reproduction before death.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2017

Study: How to get patients to share electronic health records

A new study from the University at Buffalo School of Management found that patient education and transparency are crucial in getting patients to share their medical records electronically. By making patients aware of existing privacy policies and security measures, healthcare providers can create an environment where patients feel comf...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateNov 28, 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.

Diabetes and obesity together responsible for nearly 800,000 cancers worldwide

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that diabetes and being overweight or obese are responsible for nearly 800,000 new cancer cases globally. High BMI was linked to twice as many cancers as diabetes, with liver cancer and endometrial cancer being the most common types.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateNov 28, 2017

More doctors are becoming 'nursing home specialists'

The number of doctors specializing in nursing home care has risen by over a third between 2012 and 2015, according to a new study. This trend suggests the emergence of a significant new specialty in medical practice, but its impact on patient outcomes and continuity of care remains uncertain.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateNov 28, 2017

A fear of getting dumped kills romance and commitment

Researchers found that perceived risk of a romantic relationship ending influences the intensity of love and commitment, leading to reduced feelings when facing high or low risks. Commitment is strongest when there's only a moderate chance of break-up.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateNov 28, 2017

ERC Consolidator Grants: 630 million euro from the EU to 329 top researchers

The European Research Council has awarded €630 million in Consolidator Grants to 329 top researchers across Europe, creating an estimated 2,000 jobs and funding research projects in physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The grants are aimed at boosting the EU's scientific excellence and competitiveness.

SourceEuropean Research Council·DateNov 28, 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.

Scientists show how Himalayan rivers influenced ancient Indus civilization settlements

A new study by Imperial College London and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur reveals that ancient Indus Civilization urban centers didn't need an active river system to thrive. The research found that a major Himalayan river, the Sutlej River, changed course eight thousand years ago, leaving behind an abandoned river valley occ...

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Brazilian ethanol can replace 13.7 percent of world's crude oil consumption

A study suggests that expanding sugarcane cultivation in Brazil for ethanol production could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by up to 5.6% by 2045, while replacing up to 13.7% of world crude oil consumption. The expansion of sugarcane cultivation is proposed in areas not under environmental protection or reserved for food produc...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 28, 2017

The pediatric submersion score predicts children at low risk for injury following submersions

A risk score identifies children at low risk for submersion-related injury who can be safely discharged from the emergency department. The Pediatric Submersion Score is a proposed guideline developed using sophisticated statistical methods, providing valuable information for future management of low-risk childhood submersion.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateNov 28, 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.

Making a case for health literacy

A new report highlights the benefits of health literacy for both patients and providers, achieving the quadruple aim of quality care, community health, reduced costs, and improved patient and provider experiences. Health literacy can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospitalization rates, and lower health expenditures.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateNov 28, 2017

Defending the science of infant imitation

University of Miami Assistant Professor Elizabeth Simpson challenges a 2016 study that claims human babies do not imitate, citing flaws in methodology and presenting evidence of neonatal imitation. Her research suggests that imitation is a marker of healthy social development in infants.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateNov 28, 2017

Why is massive star formation quenched in galaxy centers?

Researchers found a strong inverse relation between magnetic field strength and star formation rate in molecular cloud complexes. This suggests that magnetic fields slow down or stop the collapse of gas clouds to form stars, leading to fewer massive stars in galaxy centers.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 28, 2017

Critical link between obesity and diabetes has been identified

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a critical link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, finding that insulin delivery is impeded due to abnormal immunoglobulins. The study may lead to new strategies for diabetes risk screening and prevention.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 28, 2017

Nationalism from international sports may increase international conflict

A study published in International Studies Quarterly found that countries tend to behave more aggressively in international affairs after experiencing surges of nationalism from international sports. This includes cases such as the 1969 Soccer War and the 2016 English-Russian Euro riots, where military or political conflicts arose betw...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateNov 28, 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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

DIY: Scientists release a how-to for building a smartphone microscope

Researchers from University of Houston release open-source dataset and instructions for building a smartphone microscope with an inexpensive inkjet-printed elastomer lens. The device can perform fluorescence microscopy, detect waterborne pathogens, and has potential applications in rural areas and developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 28, 2017

Continuous glucose monitors warn of low blood sugar threat

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that continuous glucose monitors can protect against hypoglycemia episodes, even when the body's defense mechanisms are impaired. The devices raised awareness of low blood sugar threats and reduced severe episodes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 28, 2017

The WHT measures the size of a stellar-mass black hole jet

Scientists measured a time delay of 100 milli-seconds between X-rays and optical flashes from the jet emitted by V404 Cygni's black hole. This delay indicates the inner acceleration zone in the jet is approximately 30,000 kilometers away from the event horizon.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 28, 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.

BU: Immediate ART treatment improves retention rates

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately following an HIV diagnosis dramatically improves retention in clinical HIV care. Patients who were eligible for ART at diagnosis were 25 percentage points more likely to start therapy and 18 percentage points more likely to remain in care at...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 28, 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.

Scientists reveal rules for making ribs

Researchers from USC discovered that the levels of Hedgehog protein determine whether cells form bone or cartilage in developing ribs. High Hh concentrations favor bone formation, while lower concentrations promote cartilage growth.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·DateNov 28, 2017

What helps international students to adapt

Research at National Research University Higher School of Economics found that international students with internal motivation and autonomy experience less culture shock and higher subjective well-being. Conversely, those driven by external factors struggle to adapt. The study's findings can inform preparation strategies for students s...

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Intercultural Relations·DateNov 28, 2017

Largest study of opioid deaths reveals who is at most risk

A study of over 13,000 opioid overdose deaths found that individuals with chronic pain conditions were at the highest risk of death. The study also reveals that many who died had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, highlighting the importance of early intervention for those at high risk of fatal overdose.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 28, 2017

Prehospital supraglottic airway is associated with good neurologic outcome in cardiac arrest victims

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that prehospital use of supraglottic airways is linked to better neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest patients who receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The study suggests that SGA may improve oxygenation, supporting its continued use in emergency medical services.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateNov 28, 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.

NREL develops switchable solar window

Scientists at NREL have developed a switchable solar window that converts sunlight into electricity while maintaining transparency. The device uses thermochromic materials and has an average light transmission of 68% in its transparent state.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

NIAID scientists link cases of unexplained anaphylaxis to red meat allergy

Researchers at NIAID found that some patients' seemingly inexplicable anaphylaxis was caused by an uncommon allergy to a molecule found naturally in red meat. Six study participants tested positive for an allergy to galactose-a-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal, and experienced no anaphylaxis after implementing diets free of red meat.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAllergy·DateNov 28, 2017

Beating heart patch is large enough to repair the human heart

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have successfully grown a fully functional artificial human heart muscle large enough to patch over damaged tissue. The breakthrough enables therapies to replace lost muscle after a heart attack, which currently leaves patients with scar tissue that cannot transmit electrical signals or contract.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Migraines linked to high sodium levels in cerebrospinal fluid

Researchers found higher sodium concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of migraine patients compared to healthy controls, potentially aiding in diagnosis and understanding of migraines. The study used a novel magnetic resonance technique called cerebral sodium MRI to visualize sodium levels in the brain.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 28, 2017