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Science News Archive 2017


Page 51 of 461

Workplace sexual harassment 'a chronic problem,' says APA president

Research suggests that workplace sexual harassment is primarily aimed at women but can affect men as well. Women tend to report more adverse effects than men, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Organizational climate and hierarchical power dynamics are key predictors of workplace sexual harassment.

Passenger pigeon genome shows effects of natural selection in a huge population

A new study analyzes DNA from museum specimens and finds that passenger pigeons' low genetic diversity was caused by natural selection, which spread beneficial mutations rapidly and eliminated deleterious ones. The research suggests that the species' adaptation to large flocks may have become a liability when their population declined.

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.

New imaging technique peers inside living cells

A novel imaging system called Ultrasound Bioprobe enables high-resolution views of sub-cellular structures in live cells, overcoming previous limitations. This breakthrough has potential applications in early diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for diseases.

Helping children with ADHD thrive in the classroom

Researchers at University of Kentucky have developed an after-school program to help children with ADHD succeed academically and build confidence. The program uses small group activities and explicit comprehension strategies to improve academic performance.

A structural clue to attacking malaria's 'Achilles heel'

Scientists provide detailed picture of how human antibodies bind to malaria parasite's circumsporozoite protein, a key target for vaccine development. The study could lead to enhanced efficacy and duration of protection against malaria.

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.

Study shows codeine prescribed to children despite FDA warning against it

A new study reveals that codeine was still being prescribed to one in 20 children undergoing tonsil and adenoid surgery two years after the FDA issued a warning about its risks. The research suggests safer alternatives like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be effective for managing post-surgical pain.

Gene discovery may halt worldwide wheat epidemic

Researchers at UC Davis identified a gene that enables resistance to Ug99, a devastating strain of stem rust threatening global food security. Breeders can use molecular markers to select for the genes and develop varieties with multiple resistance levels.

Intervention becomes first to successfully reduce risk of dementia

A randomized controlled trial found that computerized speed of processing training significantly reduced the risk of dementia among older adults. Participants who completed more training sessions had lower risk, with a 5.9% incidence rate compared to 10.8% in the control group.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genomic study explores evolution of gentle 'killer bees' in Puerto Rico

Africanized honey bees, which are more docile than other so-called 'killer bees', retain most of their African heritage but have shifted genetic traits towards European honey bees. This rapid evolution likely occurred due to living on a densely populated island where humans eradicated aggressive bees, favoring the gentler counterparts.

Micro-spectroscopy opens new routes for diagnostics

Researchers develop a new spectrometer to analyze single living cells in situ, providing mechanical and chemical maps of the system. The study reveals that oncogene expression causes significant softening in cells, making them more invasive.

Discovery of a promising medication for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using the medication pimozide, which was found to stabilize progression and alleviate symptoms in animal models. A limited clinical trial on human subjects suggests that pimozide may be effective in improving patients' quality of life.

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.

Study reveals how the songbird changes its tune

Finches learn to adjust their songs depending on the situation they are in, with two distinct brain regions involved in this process: one for generalizable rules and another that can override them. This study provides insights into how humans learn complex behaviors like language and movement disorders.

Grand Challenges Explorations grant for Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde has received a Grand Challenges Explorations grant to monitor premature and at-risk babies using a new skin-worn sensor. The Neo-PATch prototype detects plasma analytes without blood samples, enabling timely treatment and keeping newborns safe with their mothers.

Why do employees cheat? Too much pressure

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that high-performance pressure in the workplace leads to cheating behavior among employees. The study suggests that managers can help prevent this by coaching employees on viewing pressure as non-threatening and focusing on ethical performance standards.

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.

To trim away a protein

Scientists have developed Trim-Away, a novel method that directly and quickly depletes proteins from any cell type. This technique utilizes a protein called Trim21 to recognize antibodies directed against specific cellular proteins, allowing researchers to study their function in natural environment.

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.

Springer launches new interdisciplinary psychology journal

Human Arenas will publish a mix of theoretical and empirical studies on higher psychological functions in human phenomena, focusing on analysis and critical discussion of crucial data. The journal encourages exploration of ideas and productive thinking through novel forms of scientific enquiry and writing.

Renaissance of the iron-air battery

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich observe deposits forming on iron electrodes during operation, revealing a key to improving battery performance. The findings enhance energy density and capacity, paving the way for widespread adoption in mobile applications.

Employees want to sit down less and walk more during work days

Research published in BMC Research Notes found that desk-based workers spent 73% of their working day sitting down, but wanted to spend only 53.8% of it doing so. They also preferred spending more time walking and standing during work hours, with an additional 46 minutes per eight-hour day for walking and 26 minutes for standing.

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.

A new window into electron behavior

Physicists at MIT and Princeton University have developed a new technique to map the energy and momentum of electrons beneath a material's surface. By using momentum and energy resolved tunneling spectroscopy, researchers can visualize the band structure of materials, which determines their electrical and optical properties.

Want safe travels? Find freeways with these features

A study by Brigham Young University researchers found that lower speed limits were linked to higher rates of accidents, contrary to expectations. Increasing shoulder width and using concrete barriers were also associated with a decrease in crash risk.

UT Dallas study tackles the divide over NFL players' protests

A UT Dallas study found a sharp racial divide in opinions on NFL players' protests, with 90% of black respondents supporting kneeling during the national anthem. The survey also showed that 100% of black respondents believe the NFL should not punish protesters, while only 25% of non-black respondents agree.

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.

Nearby pulsars shed light on the antimatter puzzle

Researchers used the HAWC Observatory to study two nearby pulsars, Geminga and PSR B0656+14, which produced high-energy positrons in cosmic rays. The analysis found that while pulsar radiation contributed some positrons, it was not enough to explain the excess.

An update on the road to better plastics for a sustainable future

Scientists have made progress in creating more sustainable plastics from plants, but developing recyclable materials remains a challenge. Degradable plastics face difficulties degrading in natural environments due to varying factors such as humidity and microorganisms.

A new way to store thermal energy

Researchers at MIT have developed a new chemical composite that can store thermal energy during the day and release it when needed. The hybrid material uses molecular switches to change shape in response to light, allowing for controlled thermal energy storage.

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.

Why are minorities underrepresented in genetic cancer studies?

A study published in Journal of Cancer Survivorship found that motivation to provide samples for genetic tests depends on oncologist engagement or religion, rather than race. Women with better access to healthcare and a greater sense of well-being were more likely to participate in genetic research.

Study raises possibility of naturally acquired immunity against Zika virus

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered that some women who develop symptom-free Zika infections may acquire immunity that protects them from future infections and their offspring. This finding suggests the possibility of developing diagnostic tests to identify naturally immune women, which could help pr...

Secrets of succulents' water-wise ways revealed

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered the molecular processes behind crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis in succulents. They found that the PPCK enzyme is essential for optimizing CO2 capture and storage, and that alterations in the circadian clock can affect CAM function.

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.

Can a common ingredient in laundry detergent help advance diabetes research?

Researchers from Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine discovered that sodium percarbonate and calcium peroxide improved insulin-producing cell function and viability in lab-built bioartificial pancreas. Oxygen-generating materials could potentially supplement cells' high oxygen needs, aiding in diabetes treatment.

Ceria nanoparticles: It is the surface that matters

Researchers studied ceria nanoparticles using probe molecules and a complex ultrahigh vacuum-infrared measurement system, gaining insights into their surface chemistry. The findings suggest that surface defects and oxygen vacancies enhance the high catalytic activity of these nanoparticles.

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.

New physical model explains the origin of Earth's water

A new physical model proposes that most of Earth's water came from objects scattered into the inner Solar System by Jupiter's rapid growth. The model suggests that Jupiter's massive size and gravitational pull disturbed thousands of water-rich planetesimals, delivering them to the region currently occupied by Earth's orbit.

NASA detects solar flare pulses at sun and Earth

Scientists have discovered oscillations in solar flares that exhibit pulses or oscillations in the amount of energy being sent out. These findings offer new insights into the origins of massive solar flares and their effects on space weather.

UCLA Engineering develops 'internet of things' for the battlefield

A team of UCLA engineers is developing an Internet of Things (IoT) system tailored to the challenges of the battlefield, enabled by data-driven decision making and secure platforms. The system aims to increase mission success and reduce casualties in rapidly changing situations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New talking therapy could help cancer survivors cope after treatment

A new project led by Queen Mary University of London aims to develop and test a talking-based therapy for cancer survivors, addressing issues such as fatigue, fear of recurrence, and concerns about returning to work. The therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), will be assessed in a full trial involving 344 participants.

New research could predict La Niña drought years in advance

Scientists improve drought prediction for La Niña events with two new studies, predicting a second year of drought due to the current La Niña. The research found that La Niña's impact on atmospheric circulation and southern U.S. drought becomes stronger in the second year.

Newly found immune defence could pave way to treat allergies

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a previously unknown mechanism by which immune responses are regulated. The discovery found that Th2 cells express EGFR, releasing defense molecules only in response to parasites, preventing tissue damage.

Finding Majoranas

Researchers at UCSB have made a breakthrough in generating Majorana quasiparticles, which are essential for topological quantum computing. By using 'hashtag'-shaped nanowires, the team has successfully coaxed these exotic states into existence, paving the way for braiding and potentially revolutionizing quantum information processing.

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.

A new test to measure the effectiveness of CF drugs

A new lab model was developed to test new therapeutics for cystic fibrosis. The model uses primary bronchial epithelial cells from CF patients and infectious/inflammatory factors normally found in the CF airways.