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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 392


Page 392 of 461

Banded mongooses go to war over sex and territory

Researchers observed banded mongooses fighting over food and territory, often resulting in serious injury and death. However, they found that pregnant females were less likely to lose their litters after conflicts, suggesting a possible strategy to maintain pregnancy and increase group competitiveness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateFeb 28, 2017

Sustainable ceramics without a kiln

Material scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a method to manufacture ceramics without heat, using calcium carbonate nanoparticles compacted with water. The resulting material is stronger than concrete and as stiff as stone, with potential applications in sustainable construction and energy storage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2017

A better way to measure the stiffness of cancer cells

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new laser technique to measure the stiffness of individual cancer cells, which is correlated with cellular disorder. This technique has the potential to enable high-throughput screening for early cancer detection, allowing for rapid and accurate diagnosis.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 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.

Adolescents with autism four times more likely to visit emergency department

A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that adolescents with autism are four times more likely to visit the emergency department than their non-autistic peers. The research suggests that youth with autism may need better access to primary care and specialist services.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 28, 2017

Exploring the mysteries of supercooled water

Physicists at Roma Tre University developed a computer-based simulation to study the interactions of water molecules in supercooled conditions. The study reveals that a specific property of the water network can be used to determine changes in entropy, offering insights into unusual thermodynamic facets of water's activity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateFeb 28, 2017

Genetic variant linked to overactive inflammatory response

Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a genetic link between Ifitm3 and the immune system's inflammatory response. The study found that individuals with a specific gene variant may experience an overactive immune response to viral infections, making anti-inflammatory drugs a potential treatment option.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 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.

Existence of a new quasiparticle demonstrated

Researchers have demonstrated the existence of a new quasiparticle called angulon, which forms when a rotating object interacts with its surrounding environment. The angulon theory can explain 20 years of observations and offers a quick and simple description for rotation of molecules in solvents.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2017

New treatment target identified for aggressive lymphomas

Researchers at CNIC discovered that miR-28 regulates the terminal differentiation of B lymphocytes, blocking the growth of B cell lymphomas. This finding highlights the potential of synthetic miR-28 analogs to inhibit tumor growth in Burkitt lymphoma and diffuse large cell lymphoma.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalBlood·DateFeb 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.

Mathematical theorem finds gerrymandering in Pennsylvania congressional district maps

A new mathematical theorem developed by Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh mathematicians proves that Pennsylvania's congressional district maps are likely the result of gerrymandering. The researchers used a Markov chain to analyze the characteristics of the current map, comparing it to randomly generated typical ...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2017

Biofuel produced by microalgae

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have identified the key enzymes responsible for oil synthesis in microalgae. The research reveals that four lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases (LPATs) play a crucial role in the formation and growth of lipid droplets, where TAG biosynthesis occurs.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 28, 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.

Frogs have unique ability to see color in the dark

Researchers discovered frogs can distinguish color in extreme darkness, making it crucial for finding escape routes. Frogs use their color vision to select food in low-light conditions, unlike humans.

SourceLund University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 28, 2017

NYU researchers coax colloidal spheres to self-assemble into photonic crystals

Researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering successfully assembled colloidal spheres into diamond and pyrochlore crystal structures, a breakthrough in creating efficient photonic crystals. The discovery has the potential to increase the efficiency of lasers and miniaturize optical components.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 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.

WSU mathematician breaks down how to defend against quantum computing attacks

A new paper by Nathan Hamlin explains a code that could thwart hackers armed with next generation quantum computers. The Generalized Knapsack Code uses alternative number representations to block cyberattacks, providing a viable security method for defending against quantum computing hacks.

SourceWashington State University·JournalOpen Journal of Discrete Mathematics·DateFeb 28, 2017

Breakthrough research for testing and arranging vertical axis wind turbines

Researchers at Stanford University developed a lab model of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) arrangements that can help design and implementation in the future. The study found that closely spaced VAWTs can generate up to 10 times more power per unit of land area than widely spaced HAWTs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateFeb 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.

Researchers coax particles to form vortices using magnetic fields

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory created tiny swirling vortices out of magnetic particles using magnetic fields. The discovery provides insight into the behavior that governs such systems and opens up new opportunities for materials and devices with new properties.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 28, 2017

Do cells have exotic vibrational properties?

Scientists at New Jersey Institute of Technology propose that cell components store energy on their outer edges, a strategy used by various cells daily. This discovery could lead to the development of new materials with unique properties, including applications in energy-efficient solar cells and sound deadening.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 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.

Racial, ethnic, gender bias occurs in pathway from teacher to principal

A new study by University of Texas at Arlington researcher Bradley Davis found that teachers from underrepresented groups face significant barriers to becoming principals. The study analyzed data on nearly 11,000 educators over 17 years and discovered that inequitable pathways to the principalship were constructed around race and sex.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

Calculating recharge of groundwater more precisely

A new study has found that large-scale hydrologic models can be improved to provide more realistic groundwater recharge estimates. The research team compared two models and showed that accounting for subsurface heterogeneity leads to greater estimates of groundwater recharge, which is essential for securing sustainable water supplies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2017

Risk of subsequent malignancies reduced among childhood cancer survivors

The risk of subsequent malignancies has decreased among childhood cancer survivors, particularly those treated with lower radiation doses. The study found that cumulative incidence rates of subsequent neoplasms and specific types of cancers, such as meningiomas and nonmelanoma skin cancers, were lower in recent treatment eras.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 28, 2017

Super plants need super ROOTS

A new program, ROOTS, aims to develop drought-resistant crops with improved root function and plant health monitoring. Researchers are adapting miniaturized sensing technologies to monitor root productivity and detect stress signals in real-time.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateFeb 28, 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.

Study finds secret to diverse forests' super success

Research from the University of Minnesota reveals that diverse tree stands outperform monocultures due to species' adaptability in using available space. This adaptability maximizes combined productivity through enhanced light utilization and increased biomass production.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 28, 2017

Youth with type 2 diabetes develop complications more often than type 1 peers

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that teens and young adults with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing kidney, nerve, and eye diseases. This study, funded by NIH and CDC, compared over 1,700 youth with type 1 and 272 youth with type 2 diabetes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 28, 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.

Male poison frogs become cannibals after taking over territories

In a study, male Allobates femoralis frogs became cannibals when they took over new territories, eating all clutches to ensure only their own offspring survived. This behavior was linked to territorial status, rather than sexual motivation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017

Could a ketogenic diet alleviate gout?

A recent study suggests that a ketogenic diet can protect against gout flares in rats by increasing levels of ketone bodies and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome. This could potentially improve treatment outcomes for humans with the disease.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017

Cell 'stickiness' could indicate metastatic potential

Researchers discovered that weakly adherent cancer cells are more likely to migrate and invade other tissues compared to strongly adherent cells. This finding suggests that adhesion strength may serve as a general marker of metastatic cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

Women may be at higher risk for sports-related concussion than men

A new study found that women athletes are 50% more likely to suffer a sports-related concussion than their male counterparts. The research, which analyzed data from 1,203 college athletes over a four-year period, also revealed that women take longer to recover from the injury, with an average return-to-play time of 10 days.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 28, 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.

Inhaler users get about half as much medicine as they should from each puff

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine identified critical errors in inhaler use, leading to reduced medicine delivery. The most common mistakes include not shaking the device or holding breath for sufficient time, resulting in medication stuck in the mouth or throat.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery·DateFeb 28, 2017

See how Zika infection changes a human cell

Researchers found Zika virus alters host cell cytoskeletal architecture to build replication factories, potentially targeting with existing chemotherapy drugs. This study suggests a new approach to treating Zika-related disorders like microcephaly and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 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.

Road salt alternatives alter aquatic ecosystems

New research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology finds that organic additives in road salt alternatives act as fertilizers, boosting algae growth and increasing zooplankton populations. This can have both desirable and undesirable effects on aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the need for further study.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateFeb 28, 2017

Using Google to map our ecosystem

Researchers used Google Street View to map street tree canopy coverage in Singapore, finding that increasing cover can reduce ground surface and air temperatures. The study's method could help urban planners prioritize tree planting and create greener environments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEcological Indicators·DateFeb 28, 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.

Lead dressed like gold

Using advanced computational theory, researchers developed a method called spectral dynamic mimicry that allows them to calculate the laser pulse shape to produce any desired spectral output. This ability could have implications for optical computing and molecular detection.

SourcePrinceton University·DateFeb 28, 2017

Study finds new link between childhood abuse and adolescent misbehavior

A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that childhood abuse impairs associative learning, contributing to misbehavior patterns later in life. Researchers discovered that abused children struggled with learning which stimuli were associated with rewards, leading to pessimism and poor decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateFeb 28, 2017

Sleepovers with stuffed animals help children learn to read

A new study reveals that stuffed animal sleepovers at libraries significantly increase children's interest in picture books and encourage them to read with their stuffed animals. The program's effectiveness in developing prosocial behavior is also demonstrated.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateFeb 28, 2017

Study shows stem cells fiercely abide by innate developmental timing

A recent study published in Developmental Biology reveals that stem cells adhere strictly to their unique species' developmental clocks. The research paves the way for accelerated stem cell differentiation and faster cell growth, potentially solving various diseases such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer's.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateFeb 27, 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.

Taking aim at a key malaria molecule

Scientists have created a way to measure the heme levels within malaria parasites, which could help develop more effective treatments. The discovery could provide insights into how the parasites control their own heme levels and may lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs that target these mechanisms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 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.

Sponge bacterium found to encapsulate arsenic drawn from environment

A Tel Aviv University study finds a unique biological model of arsenic detoxification in the Entotheonella bacterium, which inhabits Theonella swinhoei sponges. The bacterium accumulates and neutralizes toxic elements, transforming them into inert products within its cells.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2017