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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 385


Page 385 of 461

Bubble-recoil could be used to cool microchips, even in space

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago have developed a method using bubble-recoil to mix liquid coolant around high-power microelectronics. This technique is effective both on Earth and in space, where traditional pool-boiling methods fail due to the lack of gravity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateMar 6, 2017

Evidence disproving tropical 'thermostat' theory

Research by Matthew Huber at Purdue University suggests that the tropics warmed significantly during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, which would have made it difficult for some organisms to survive. The findings provide new insights into the Earth's climate history and challenge long-held assumptions about tropical temperatures.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 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.

Imaging the inner workings of a sodium-metal sulfide battery for first time

Researchers used a full-field transmission x-ray microscope to capture the structural and chemical evolution of a sodium-metal sulfide battery during its electrochemical reactions. The study reveals significant fractures and cracks in the material after the first cycle, leading to irreversibility and degraded performance.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 6, 2017

Cerebrospinal fluid shows promise as autism biomarker

Researchers found that altered CSF distribution in high-risk infants can predict ASD, with 70% accuracy. Increased subarachnoid CSF at six months is associated with more severe autism symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 6, 2017

Penn physician pioneers new reconstructive surgery for female genital mutilation

A new reconstructive procedure has been developed to help women with female genital mutilation (FGM) restore their physical and psychological well-being. The technique, which involves separating the labia majora and leaving the clitoris raw to promote regeneration, has shown promising results in three patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAesthetic Surgery Journal·DateMar 6, 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.

Brain cells show teamwork in short-term memory: Western University study

Researchers discover that brain cells work together to store and retrieve short-term memory, contradicting previous assumptions about single neurons. This finding has implications for understanding cognitive function, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Mizzou researchers receive $1 Million NSF career grant

Two paleobiologists at the University of Missouri will use their $500,000 CAREER grants to integrate research into education programs. Jim Schiffbauer's lab will also introduce elementary students to the Cambrian Period, while John Huntley's team explores biological responses to climate change in fossil records.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 6, 2017

Patients with OCD have difficulty learning when a stimulus is safe

Patients with OCD have difficulty learning which stimulus is safe and vice versa due to impaired brain activity, specifically in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This cognitive inflexibility affects how they perceive threats under updated circumstances, making current exposure therapies less effective.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

SF State researchers create new tool that measures active learning in classrooms

Researchers at SF State University have developed a new tool called DART that analyzes classroom noise to measure the extent of active learning. The study found that DART can accurately classify audio recordings into three categories: single voice, multiple voice, or no voice, with over 90% accuracy.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 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.

Cosmic environments and their influence in star formation

A study of galaxy properties in the cosmic web reveals that central galaxies form stars for a longer period than satellite galaxies. Satellite galaxies experience a steep decline in star formation activity due to 'ram-pressure stripping' as they fall into dense cluster environments.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 6, 2017

Scientists discover how animals measure time of year to reproduce

Researchers discovered that melatonin regulates VEGF production in the pituitary gland, controlling blood vessel growth and hormone release for seasonal fertility. This mechanism enables animals to adapt to changing environments and has implications for farming and human medicine.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Biophysicists propose new approach for membrane protein crystallization

Researchers from MIPT and their international collaborators have developed a novel method to crystallize membrane proteins using synthetic patches called nanodiscs. This approach enables the transfer of membrane proteins into lipidic cubic phase for crystal growth, preserving their functional state and enabling high-resolution X-ray di...

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·DateMar 6, 2017

Study shows US grasslands affected more by atmospheric dryness than precipitation

A new study published in Nature Geoscience shows that US grasslands are more than three times more sensitive to vapor pressure deficit, or atmospheric dryness, than they are to precipitation. This means that plants in US grasslands are more likely to be damaged by drought due to the high sensitivity of their stomata to dry air.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 6, 2017

Breakthrough in live coral imaging

Scientists used OCT to observe tissue organization and behavior of living corals, identifying changes in tissue layers and fluorescent pigments under light exposure. The study reveals that corals expand their surface area at night and produce more mucus upon stress, challenging current assumptions about coral metabolic rates.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 6, 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.

Electronic system lowers wait times for access to specialists

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that an electronic system reduced median wait time to see a specialist by 17.4% and increased appointments scheduled within 30 days. The eConsult system improved access to care for low-income patients, providing sustainable improvements in specialty care.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 6, 2017

Religious participation may serve to strengthen social bonds

A new study finds that active religious participation correlates with stronger social support networks in communities. Regular religious activity is viewed as trustworthy and generous, leading to more sought-after support from others.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 6, 2017

New types of structures for cage-like clathrates

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered new types of cage-like compounds called clathrates that can convert waste heat into electricity. The compounds, which trap an atom inside a larger cage, show promise for improving thermoelectric devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 6, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

1 in 5 residents overuses electricity at neighbors' expense

A new study by Uppsala University reveals that household electricity use can be reduced substantially when residents are forced to pay for their own consumption. The study found that 20% of tenants accounted for up to two-thirds of the reduction in electricity consumption, highlighting the need for fairer distribution of costs.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

A kidney disease's genetic clues are uncovered

Researchers have identified two genes linked to IgA nephropathy, a common cause of kidney failure. The study found that variations in these genes, C1GALT1 and C1GALT1C1, are significantly more common in patients with high levels of the Gd-IgA1 marker.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 6, 2017

Direct-to-consumer telehealth may drive up medical spending by encouraging new care

A RAND Corporation study found that direct-to-consumer telehealth services prompt new use of medical services, leading to increased spending. Despite the convenience and lower costs associated with telehealth visits, only 12% of telemedicine visits replaced traditional office visits, while 88% represented new use of medical services.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 6, 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.

Study IDs 90 genes in fat that may contribute to dangerous diseases

Researchers have identified 90 genes in fat cells that may contribute to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. The study used a large dataset of Finnish men with detailed health records, revealing the effects of gene variations on human health and disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 6, 2017

One-two punch may floor worst infections

McMaster researchers have discovered a new combination therapy that effectively treats the world's worst infectious diseases, including superbugs resistant to all known antibiotics. The treatment targets Gram-negative bacteria with an intrinsically impenetrable outer shell, making infections deadly in hospital settings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 6, 2017

New UTSA study delves into income inequality and inflation

A new study by Edgar Ghossoub explores the relationship between income inequality and inflation, finding that a strong stock market can reduce income inequality. However, countries with smaller stock markets and higher inflation, like Mexico, experience more damaging effects of income inequality on their populations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateMar 6, 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.

Vaginal progesterone reduces the rate of preterm birth

Treatment with vaginal progesterone significantly reduced preterm birth, neonatal complications, and death in pregnant women with twins and a short cervix. The study, which included data from six studies involving 303 women, found that vaginal progesterone use was associated with a 31% lower risk of preterm delivery before 33 weeks.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 6, 2017

More social connection online tied to increasing feelings of isolation

A national analysis found that frequent social media use is associated with increased social isolation, even when controlling for demographic factors. The researchers suggest that social media may displace authentic social experiences and elicit feelings of envy, contributing to feelings of isolation.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

QUT joins new intelligent transport center

The iMOVE CRC will focus on reducing congestion, fuel use and emissions, improving freight coordination, productivity and international competitiveness. QUT researchers will contribute to the development of smart solutions, including connected autonomous vehicles and traffic management.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMar 6, 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.

Tree growth model assists breeding for more wood

A tree growth model developed by Washington State University researchers helps breeders identify trees that can produce more wood. The model simulates hormonal interactions and gene expression to predict radial growth, leading to faster and thicker trees.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateMar 6, 2017

NASA takes a double-look at Tropical Cyclone Blanche

Tropical Cyclone Blanche formed near Australia's Top End on March 5 and made landfall the next day. NASA's satellite imagery showed cloud top temperatures of minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating powerful storms that can generate heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 6, 2017

New study sheds light on the darker side of business travel

A new study analyzing online public responses to media reporting found that frequent business travelers tend to either 'flourish' or 'flounder' in their careers. The research highlights the need for organizations to develop policies to protect employees from the negative impacts of business travel.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateMar 6, 2017

Medicaid payment reform linked to fewer early elective deliveries

Researchers found that state-level Medicaid payment reform led to a 14% reduction in early elective deliveries and improved gestational age and birthweight for infants. The impact was particularly significant for minority patients, with increased health disparities addressed through this policy change.

SourceMedica Research Institute·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 6, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New materials could turn water into the fuel of the future

Researchers developed a high-throughput method to identify new photoanode materials, doubling the number of compounds with potential for use in solar fuels. The approach combines computational and experimental approaches, revealing how to 'tune' properties to make better photoanodes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Simple tool can predict serious adverse events in acute heart failure patients

A new study validates the Ottawa Heart Failure Risk Scale (OHFRS) as a reliable predictor of serious adverse events in acute heart failure patients. The OHFRS, combined with NT-ProBNP blood test results, improves prediction accuracy, enabling safer hospital discharge decisions and reducing unnecessary admissions.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

Helping women progress in traditionally male dominated fields

Researchers found that women's math and science self-efficacy beliefs and interactions with others about transferring are crucial factors in their intention to transfer to four-year STEM courses. Additionally, diverse backgrounds and personal circumstances, such as marital status and childcare obligations, also play a significant role.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 6, 2017

Star clusters discovery could upset the astronomical applecart

Researchers have discovered young stars in old star clusters, suggesting that our current models of stellar evolution may be incorrect. This finding could mean that star clusters contain multiple generations of stars.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 6, 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.

Unique protein partly to blame for worm's digestive distress

Researchers have discovered a unique protein in the Orsay virus, a nematode worm virus, that plays a crucial role in binding to cells and infecting them. The protein's molecular structure has potential antiviral applications, and its study could guide bioengineers in developing synthetic variations of the virus to target parasitic worms.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 6, 2017

Infant MRIs show autism linked to increased cerebrospinal fluid

A study found that many toddlers diagnosed with autism at two years of age had a substantially greater amount of extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid at six and 12 months of age, before diagnosis was possible. The more CSF at six months, the more severe the autism symptoms were at two years of age.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 6, 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.

Mouse arrest

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a professional pest management intervention was no better at decreasing asthma symptoms in children allergic to mice than teaching families how to reduce mouse allergens on their own. Both groups showed substantial reductions in mouse allergen levels an...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateMar 6, 2017

Robot uses social feedback to fetch objects intelligently

Researchers at Brown University created an algorithm that enables robots to ask for clarification when unsure about object requests. The system uses a combination of speech commands and human gestures to improve interpretation accuracy and efficiency.

SourceBrown University·DateMar 6, 2017

Early deaths from childhood cancer up to 4 times more common than previously reported

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology finds that childhood cancer deaths within a month of diagnosis are significantly higher than previously reported, affecting young children and minority groups disproportionately. The study used a large national database to find that early deaths from some pediatric cancer subtypes w...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 6, 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.

Vesicle formation findings could pave way for liquid biopsies, drug delivery devices

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Magee-Womens Research Institute have developed a framework to understand vesicle formation, which can help create non-invasive diagnostic tools like liquid biopsies. The study also provides insights into optimizing artificial vesicles for drug delivery devices.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Continuous pain is often not assessed during neonatal intensive care

A recent analysis found that only 31.8% of newborns were assessed for prolonged, continuous pain in European neonatal intensive care units. Intensive care units with specific support systems performed assessments more frequently, highlighting the need for better pain monitoring in newborns.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMar 6, 2017

Research into palliative care top priority for cancer patients

Researchers from the University of Surrey found that cancer patients prioritize palliative and end-of-life care, while nurses focus on eHealth and technology to manage symptoms at home. Both parties agree on factors affecting early cancer symptom presentation and psychosocial support services.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalOncology Nursing Forum·DateMar 6, 2017

Designing the fuel-efficient aircraft of the future

University of Michigan researchers use Stampede supercomputer to design fuel-efficient aircraft with morphing wings and composite materials. Their studies show that tow-steered composites can reduce structural weight by 10% and fuel burn by 0.4%, while morphing wings have the potential to burn 2% less fuel than current designs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMar 6, 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.

Underwater mountains help ocean water rise from abyss

Scientists have identified a mechanism by which deep waters may rise to the surface through turbulence generated by underwater topographic features. This finding could help estimate how long the ocean stores carbon in its deepest regions before returning it to the surface.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2017

Study shows how skates, rays and sharks sense electrical fields

Researchers at UC San Francisco have cracked the mystery of electrosensation in skates, revealing new insights into how these animals detect prey. The study found that specific ion channels play a crucial role in this process, and that there are similarities between the skate's electrosensory system and the mammalian auditory system.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2017