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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 410


Page 410 of 461

Study associates proximity to oil and gas development and childhood leukemia

A study finds that young Coloradans diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia are more likely to live in areas of high-density oil and gas development. Researchers recommend future studies incorporate information on oil and gas activities, production levels, and pollutant exposure near homes, schools, and day care centers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 15, 2017

Bioinvasion on the rise

A recent study found that 37% of all recorded alien species have been introduced globally over the past few decades, with new introductions increasing at an alarming rate. Climate change is expected to lead to further invasions as non-native plants adapt to new environments.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 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 protein could be key in fighting debilitating parasitic disease

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a key protein that prevents snails from shedding parasites, reducing the risk of infection. The study's findings suggest that introducing this protein into populations of snail hosts could create more resistant snails, providing a new approach to controlling schistosomiasis.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 15, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Mouse studies offer new insights about cocaine's effect on the brain

Researchers discovered how a protein called WAVE1 regulates brain response to cocaine, providing fundamental insights into the brain's inner workings. The study suggests new potential treatments for cocaine addiction and highlights the importance of understanding dopamine signaling.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2017

Measurements in baby's first year may point to autism risk

A new study uses magnetic resonance imaging to identify infants at high risk for developing autism by age two, with over 90% accuracy. The research found that rapid growth of the brain's surface area is a key indicator of autism risk.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2017

University of Toronto physicists harness neglected properties of light

Researchers have discovered a way to distinguish small or distant objects that normally blend into a single blur by utilizing the phase property of light. This method allows for increased resolution in microscopes and telescopes, with potential applications in observing binary stars and studying tiny structures.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 15, 2017

What's holding up CRISPR-based cures

Despite breakthroughs in CRISPR technology, delivering the gene-editing tool directly into patients remains a challenge. Researchers are exploring multiple approaches to overcome the issue, and despite hurdles, the potential payoff is significant.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 15, 2017

When does a man say 'I'm the father'?

A study analyzing 5.4 million births found that men are more likely to acknowledge paternity when the mother has good health, education, and private insurance. This can lead to better birth outcomes for children, including higher Apgar scores and lower rates of complications.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateFeb 15, 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.

Many physicians choose insomnia meds based on habit

Research from Harvard Medical School found that physicians' past prescribing patterns are a stronger predictor of chosen medication than patient characteristics. Habits play a significant role in clinical decision-making, even among well-intentioned doctors.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 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.

Graphene from soybeans

Graphene, a carbon material one atom thick, has been made more commercially viable thanks to the humble soybean. The novel GraphAir technology eliminates the need for high-controlled environments and expensive equipment, reducing production time and cost.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

Fractal edges shown to be key to imagery seen in Rorschach inkblots

Researchers have unlocked the mystery of why people see multiple images in Rorschach inkblots by analyzing fractal characteristics at the blots' edges. The team found that higher fractal dimension values produce more visual perceptions, with inkblots generating up to 300 differently perceived images.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 14, 2017

Delinquent youth have more high-risk sex HIV/AIDS behaviors as they age

A study by Northwestern University found that delinquent youth are more likely to have multiple sexual partners and engage in unprotected vaginal sex with high-risk partners as they age. This risk is particularly pronounced among African American males, who are over four times more likely to have multiple partners.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 14, 2017

Seeing the world through fresh eyes

Researchers tracked lens epithelial cells in live zebrafish using genetically engineered fluorescent proteins to determine factors responsible for regulating eye development. The study reveals a complex interplay between E-cadherin and N-cadherin proteins controlling cell movement and adhesion.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 14, 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.

Communicating health risks in a post-truth world

Research suggests that public officials must demonstrate they care and prioritize building trust to effectively communicate risk. This includes engaging directly with affected communities and the media to address concerns and reduce outrage.

SourceSax Institute·JournalPublic Health Research & Practice·DateFeb 14, 2017

Researchers develop 'living diode' using cardiac muscle cells

Scientists at the University of Notre Dame developed a 'living diode' using cardiac muscle cells, enabling directional signal processing. This innovation opens doors to functional biological structures for controlling mechanical devices in the body.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAdvanced Biosystems·DateFeb 14, 2017

Variable Tdp-43 cryptic exons between cell types

A research team discovered that Tdp-43 cryptic exons are highly variable between cell types, potentially leading to early diagnosis and therapeutic agents for neurological diseases. This finding may elucidate the causes of Frontotemporal Dementia and Lou Gehrig's Disease.

SourceKorea Brain Research Institute·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·DateFeb 14, 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.

Study: Long-term eelgrass loss due to joint effects of shade, heat

A new study links declining eelgrass beds to deteriorating water quality and rising temperatures, resulting in significant ecological and economic costs. The study estimates potential economic loss at $1-2 billion in Chesapeake Bay alone, primarily due to impacts on blue crab fisheries and silver perch populations.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 14, 2017

Potential new causes for the odor-producing disorder TMAU

Researchers have identified additional genes that may contribute to the metabolic disorder TMAU, suggesting that genetic testing may not be sufficient to identify all cases. This new insight provides reassurance to those who report fish-like odor symptoms without mutations in the FMO3 gene.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalBMC Medical Genetics·DateFeb 14, 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.

Kurt Gottfried receives 2016 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award

Dr. Kurt Gottfried was awarded the 2016 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for his long-standing career as a 'civic scientist,' advocating for arms control and human rights. He co-founded organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists and American Physical Society's Committee on International Freedom of Scientists.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2017

Shock from heart device often triggers further health care needs

Researchers analyzed data from 10,266 patients with ICDs and found that nearly half experienced healthcare-related care after a shock, while one in seven was admitted to the hospital. The average cost of healthcare following an inappropriate shock was $4,470, highlighting the need for smarter ICD programming strategies.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 14, 2017

Scientists reveal how the brain maintains useful memories

Scientists have identified specific groups of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex that develop codes to store relevant information from multiple experiences. Over time, these neurons lose less important details unique to each experience. The findings provide new insight into how the brain collects and stores useful knowledge.

SourceeLife·DateFeb 14, 2017

Beach bashing

Researchers assess seasonal beach behavior for 29 beaches along the Pacific coast, finding 76% above normal erosion during the 2015-16 El Niño winter. The study highlights the increasing vulnerability of California's coastline to coastal hazards as climate events intensify.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 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.

Traditional Chinese medicine in HIV cure issue of AIDS Research & Human Retroviruses

A small study of nine AIDS patients treated with traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over a decade resulted in undetectable or low viral loads, sparking potential interest in TCM as a functional cure. The findings suggest that these observations warrant further exploration by the HIV research community.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateFeb 14, 2017

Cultivated scallops populations develop distinct genetic structure

Researchers at Bielefeld University found that cultivated scallops have a unique genetic structure compared to their natural counterparts. The study used RAD sequencing and microsatellites to analyze the genetic architecture of nine scallop populations, revealing differences in the artificially cultivated type.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 14, 2017

Turning up the heat for perfect (nano)diamonds

Defective diamonds are transformed into highly perfect nanodiamonds using high-temperature conditions, enabling precision measurement of electromagnetic fields and other variables. This process improves the homogeneity of crystal lattices, paving the way for scalable methods in quantum sensing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateFeb 14, 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.

Important to maintain a diversity of habitats in the sea

Researchers investigated habitat diversity's impact on coastal sediment ecosystems and found that more habitats scored better in functionality than single-habitat ecosystems. Human activities like habitat homogenization threaten both species and habitat diversity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 14, 2017

CU Boulder researchers develop brain model to quantify pain beyond sensory input

Researchers at CU Boulder have developed a functional MRI-based model that identifies brain activity patterns involved in varied pain experiences. The model, called SIIPS1, maps positively correlated and negatively correlated brain sub-regions, including regions not traditionally considered important for pain assessment.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

Canadian glaciers now major contributor to sea level change, UCI study shows

A new UCI study shows that Canadian glaciers are losing ice at an alarming rate, with surface melt accounting for 90% of the loss since 2005. The researchers found that the Queen Elizabeth Islands' ice cap has been melting by 900 percent annually, contributing to sea level change.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 14, 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.

Researchers identify cells linked to the development of the heart's ventricular chambers

A study published in Nature Communications identifies a population of cells expressing Foxa2 that gives rise to cardiovascular cells of both left and right ventricular chambers. The research sheds light on the formation of heart chambers and may lead to new protocols for generating ventricular cardiomyocytes in cell culture.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

Learning how to fine-tune nanofabrication

Researchers developed a computational method that allows for controlled fabrication of tiny electrical wires and other nanomaterials. By analyzing intermolecular interactions, the team was able to predict the outcome of molecular self-assembly with high accuracy, leading to potential breakthroughs in device manufacturing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 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.

High-res biomolecule imaging

Researchers at MIT developed a method to produce high-resolution images of individual biomolecules without requiring crystallization. The technique uses nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond crystals to detect tiny variations in magnetic fields, achieving resolutions up to 100 times higher than conventional methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2017

Smoking cessation counseling successful when paired with lung cancer screening

Researchers found that telephone-based smoking cessation counseling given shortly after lung cancer screening can help people stop smoking. The study enrolled 92 participants and showed an 8-person increase in verified quitters, with 17% in the counseling group compared to 4% in the control group.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalLung Cancer·DateFeb 14, 2017

Limited evidence that styrene causes cancer

A registry study of over 72,000 styrene-exposed employees found no increased incidence of common cancers such as oesophagus or lung cancer. However, a possible increased risk of myeloid leukaemia and nasal cancer was detected, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEpidemiology·DateFeb 14, 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.

Level up and learn: Team teaches science through video game

A UT Dallas team created a modified version of Minecraft, Polycraft World, to teach chemistry to college students. The game allowed players to learn about chemical elements and compounds while building and processing natural resources.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 14, 2017

Only a limited HIV subset moves from mother to child, study shows

A limited subset of HIV strains can be transmitted from mothers to children, but these viruses are generally shorter and have fewer sugars attached, making them less likely to be neutralized by the immune system. This study highlights the need for different strategies to prevent transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalRetrovirology·DateFeb 14, 2017

Sick and tired -- not just a figure of speech

A large-scale study found that genetics accounts for about eight percent of people's differences in self-reported tiredness/low energy. Most of these genetic contributions overlapped with mental and physical health conditions, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking and weight.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 14, 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.

Graphene foam gets big and tough

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material called rebar graphene, which can be shaped and has exceptional conductivity. The material supports over 3,000 times its own weight without deforming, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 14, 2017