Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2017 - Page 418


Page 418 of 461

Diesel trains may expose passengers to exhaust

A new study from the University of Toronto finds that diesel trains can emit nine times higher levels of black carbon and ultrafine particles in cars directly behind locomotives compared to busy city streets. Practical steps for passengers include avoiding front cars during peak emissions periods.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateFeb 8, 2017

Penn researchers are among the first to grow a versatile 2-dimensional material

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully grown a single layer of tungsten ditelluride, a unique two-dimensional material with predicted topological electronic states. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in quantum computing, as these materials may enable intrinsically error-tolerant forms of computation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·Journal2D Materials·DateFeb 8, 2017

Study finds naps may help preschoolers learn

A new study found that preschoolers who napped after learning new verbs had a better understanding of the words when tested 24 hours later. The study suggests that parents may want to consider maintaining regular naptimes for preschoolers, who are at an age where naps have a tendency to dwindle.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 8, 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.

CU Anschutz research investigates role of protein in obesity among Latin American women

A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that limited access to dietary protein is a potential driver of obesity among women of low socioeconomic status in Latin America. The researchers used the protein leverage hypothesis to understand differences in obesity among socioeconomic groups and discovered an ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateFeb 8, 2017

Giving the messages from fat cells a positive spin to prevent diabetes

Researchers found that weight loss significantly reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes by resetting the chemical messages sent by fat cells. After gastric bypass surgery, volunteers showed improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic health, with reduced markers of disease risk.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalObesity·DateFeb 8, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hidden lakes drain below West Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier

Researchers at the University of Washington used CryoSat-2 data to identify four interconnected lakes draining beneath Thwaites Glacier in eight months. The glacier sped up by about 10 percent during this time, indicating that other factors, such as ocean warming, are driving its long-term movement.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateFeb 8, 2017

Students who enjoy or take pride in math have better long-term math achievement

A longitudinal study of 3,425 German students found that emotions influenced math achievement over time. Students with higher intelligence and those who enjoyed math had better grades and test scores. In contrast, students experiencing negative emotions like anxiety and shame suffered from lower achievement.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 8, 2017

'Corrective glass' for mass spectrometry imaging

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have developed a new technique to visualize molecular distributions on rippled, hairy, or bulgy surfaces. The 'corrective glass' method uses laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) to correct for surface topography and provide accurate chemical imaging.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalRSC Advances·DateFeb 8, 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.

How Thailand eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission

Thailand successfully eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission by implementing the WHO four-pronged strategy, including primary prevention, unintended pregnancy prevention, HIV transmission prevention, and treatment care support

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalPaediatrics and International Child Health·DateFeb 8, 2017

Patient self checks are critical to avoid potentially deadly melanoma recurrence

Researchers analyzed data from over 580 patients with stage II melanoma and found that 40% of recurrences were spotted by patients due to suspicious skin changes or other symptoms. Patients are encouraged to regularly examine their skin and report any new or unusual symptoms to their physicians.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 8, 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.

Towards equal access to digital coins

Scientists at the University of Luxembourg developed Equihash, a memory-hard problem algorithm that resolves Bitcoin's centralization issue. This allows for more democratic digital currencies like Zcash, where users can contribute to mining with standard hardware, reducing investment costs and increasing decentralization.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·DateFeb 8, 2017

How to decrease the mass of aircrafts

Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed polymer matrices capable of replacing aluminum and titanium in aircraft parts. The new materials possess higher strength than metals, decreasing the mass of aircraft parts that operate at high temperatures.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science·DateFeb 8, 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.

Scientists identify mechanisms driving gut bacterial imbalance and inflammation

A study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers uncovered molecular pathways behind gut bacterial imbalance during inflammatory episodes. The findings provide insights into developing new prevention and treatment strategies for conditions like IBD, colorectal cancers, and gastrointestinal infections.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 8, 2017

UNIST engineers oxide semiconductor just single atom thick

Researchers at UNIST have successfully fabricated the world's thinnest oxide semiconductor, just one atom thick, using atomic layer deposition on graphene. This breakthrough material has a wide band gap and high optical transparency, opening up new possibilities for flexible electronic devices.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 8, 2017

Key friendships vital for effective human social networks

Researchers used wireless tracking technology to map social interactions in remote hunter-gatherer populations, showing that close friendships facilitate the exchange of information and culture. Strong friendships are more important than family ties in predicting levels of shared knowledge among individuals.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateFeb 8, 2017

Men experience greater cognitive impairment and short-term death following hip surgery

A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals that men are more susceptible to cognitive impairment following hip surgery. Cognitive limitations significantly increase the risk of dying within six months for both men and women, with men being up to five times more likely to die than unimpaired women.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 8, 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.

UNIST to engineer dream diodes with a graphene interlayer

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology create a new technique for enhancing Schottky Diode performance. By inserting a graphene layer, they overcome the contact resistance problem that has remained unsolved for 50 years.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 8, 2017

Want to help your mate beat the blues? Show them the love

A University of Alberta study found that supporting a partner with depression can lead to improved future mental health. Researcher Matthew Johnson recommends offering 'invisible support' and helping with daily tasks to alleviate stress.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Media research: For readers, print has priority

A study by Neil Thurman found that readers spend significantly more time reading print editions than digital versions, with 40 minutes spent on print versus less than a minute on digital. This suggests that print media remains a crucial source of attention for newspapers.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournalism·DateFeb 8, 2017

Why nature restoration takes time

A European research team discovered that when restoring nature, initial soil communities lack strong links between organisms. However, with time, these connections strengthen, enabling a diverse plant community to thrive. Fungi are found to drive this process, storing and using nutrients more efficiently.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2017

Youth soccer coaches can prevent injuries with just 90 minutes of training

A new study by Drexel University and others found that youth soccer coaches can be as effective as professional athletic trainers in preventing injuries with short training programs. The 90-minute educational workshop improved movement technique for the majority of soccer players, reducing injury risk.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateFeb 8, 2017

BMBF funding for diabetes research on pancreas chip

The Helmholtz Zentrum München will receive 1.5 million euros to develop stem cell culture models on a chip for investigating pancreatic diseases and testing therapy options. The goal is to explore biology, identify points of attack, and potentially develop beta cell replacement therapy.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·DateFeb 8, 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.

Grow, mow, mulch: Finding lawn's value

The study found that tall fescue resulted in more soil carbon than Kentucky bluegrass, but required more frequent mowing. Returning grass clippings increased both soil carbon and nitrogen compared to when clippings were collected.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateFeb 8, 2017

Math learned best when children move

Children who moved and used their bodies during instruction showed improved math scores, outperforming those who were sedentary. The study suggests individualized learning strategies are crucial for optimizing math performance in school-age children.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateFeb 8, 2017

Innovative procedure to measure cell energy production developed

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine developed a new software tool to measure energy production in human immune cells, using Extracellular Flux technology and the SHORE analytical tool. This tool enables accurate comparisons between healthy individuals and those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 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.

Function of olfactory receptor in the human heart identified

Researchers found olfactory receptors in human heart muscle that react to fatty acids, reducing heart rate and contraction force. A blocker for the receptor has been developed to mitigate negative effects on diabetic patients and those with increased heart rates.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBasic Research in Cardiology·DateFeb 8, 2017

Educational psychology: Finding the fun in maths

A longitudinal study by LMU Munich researchers found that positive emotions and success in math learning mutually reinforce each other. Students who enjoyed and took pride in math had even better achievement than those with high intelligence.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 8, 2017

A 'release and kill' strategy may aid treatment of tuberculosis

Researchers develop 'release and kill' strategy to target M. tuberculosis in infected macrophages, potentially shortening TB treatment periods. The approach leverages selective apoptosis to release the bacteria from infected cells, making them susceptible to antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 2017

A trust gap may hinder academic success for minorities

A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that middle school students of color who lose trust in their teachers due to perceptions of mistreatment from school authorities are less likely to attend college. The researchers also found that racial disparities in discipline contribute to this mistrust, with African America...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 8, 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.

Real-time feedback helps save energy and water

A study by universities of Bonn and Bamberg found that real-time shower feedback can reduce energy and water consumption by 22%. The feedback system showed current energy and water usage, leading to lasting behavioral changes among participants.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 8, 2017

Stem-cell-derived cells flag a possible new treatment for rare blood disorder

A new study by researchers at Boston Children's Hospital has successfully used stem-cell-derived cells to identify potential treatments for the rare blood disorder Diamond Blackfan anemia. The team found a promising compound called SMER28, which was able to get live mice and zebrafish to produce red blood cells.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 8, 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.

Bright spots of resilience to climate disturbance

Researchers identify 'bright spots' of resilience in marine ecosystems affected by climate change. These ecosystem-forming species are either resistant or able to recover from perturbations, with implications for ecosystem-sparing management.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 8, 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.

Decoding ocean signals

Ocean absorbing more carbon dioxide reduces atmospheric greenhouse gas levels, but promotes acidification in marine organisms. A study by UC Santa Barbara geographer Timothy DeVries and colleagues found that a slowdown of the ocean's overturning circulation is likely the cause.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2017

A middleweight black hole is hiding at the center of a giant star cluster

Astronomers have found strong evidence for an intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH) weighing 2,200 solar masses at the center of the globular star cluster 47 Tucanae. The IMBH is believed to be the missing link between stellar-mass and supermassive black holes, potentially providing insight into the formation of galaxies.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2017

Better scaffolds help scientists study cancer

Rice University scientists have designed better scaffolds to study cancer, creating more realistic tumor models. The new designs improve cell proliferation and protein production, paving the way for drug development.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateFeb 8, 2017

New species discovered in Antarctica

A team of Japanese scientists has discovered a new species of polychaete worm, revealing its gel-like coat and long notochaeta. The discovery provides insight into marine life's adaptation to extreme Antarctic conditions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalZootaxa·DateFeb 8, 2017

New stem cell technique shows promise for bone repair

A new method of repairing injured bone using stem cells from human bone marrow and a carbon material with photocatalytic properties has been developed. The research team found that the material accelerates bone regeneration by activating key transcription factors, leading to increased osteoblast differentiation.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 8, 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.