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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 66


Page 66 of 461

Man's earliest ancestors discovered in southern England

Fossils of the oldest mammals related to mankind have been discovered on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, dating back 145 million years. The two teeth belong to small, rat-like creatures that lived during the time of the dinosaurs and are the earliest undisputed fossils of mammals belonging to the line that led to human beings.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateNov 7, 2017

Employee volunteerism? Only if you think your boss is ethical

A new study by University of Vermont researchers shows that employees are more likely to engage in green behavior and local volunteerism if their boss is perceived as ethically responsible. However, this engagement declines significantly if the boss displays poor ethics.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateNov 7, 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.

Can virtual reality be used to manage pain at a pediatric hospital?

Researchers found that virtual reality significantly reduced patients' and parents' perception of acute pain, anxiety, and general distress during blood draw procedures. The study suggests that VR could act as a preventative intervention transforming the blood draw experience into a less distressing procedure.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateNov 7, 2017

Osaka University chemists unlock the potential of fluoroalkenes

Researchers have developed a new method to replace fluorine atoms with boron in fluoroalkenes, enabling the creation of more versatile building blocks. This breakthrough could lead to improved pharmaceuticals and materials with unique properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 7, 2017

Shocking results of galaxy-cluster collisions

New observations reveal previously undetected regions where shocks accelerated subatomic particles, causing radio emission. Astronomers believe a North-South and East-West collision occurred, with possible third collision still to be analyzed.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateNov 7, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cosmos code helps probe space oddities

The Cosmos code, developed by the University of Texas at Austin, has been optimized for the Stampede2 supercomputer using XSEDE ECSS resources. This allows for accurate simulations of black hole jets and other astrophysical phenomena, providing new insights into the mysteries of space.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateNov 7, 2017

Tech increases microfluidic research data output 100-fold

North Carolina State University researchers have developed a novel microfluidic platform called NanoRobo, which can collect up to 30,000 spectrographic information points per day. This technology enables the rapid discovery and screening of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, such as perovskite quantum dots, used in LEDs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateNov 7, 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.

After repeated C. diff infections, people change their behaviors

A study of patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections found that many changed their behaviors, including increased hand washing and use of soap and water. However, certain dietary changes and probiotic supplements showed little evidence to reduce the risk of future infections.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 7, 2017

A little stress is good for cellular health and longevity

Researchers discovered that mild mitochondrial stress signals can prevent protein-folding quality control failure and suppress damaged proteins associated with degenerative diseases. This approach doubles the lifespan of C. elegans and may offer a strategy for increasing cellular health and delaying disease risk in humans.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 7, 2017

IUDs may have a surprising benefit: Protection against cervical cancer

A comprehensive study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that IUD use is associated with a dramatic decrease in cervical cancer incidence. The analysis included data from 16 high-quality observational studies involving over 12,000 women worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 7, 2017

Study: Serving water with school lunches could prevent child, adult obesity

A new study suggests that encouraging children to drink plain water with their school lunches could prevent over half a million youths from becoming overweight or obese. The intervention was associated with small but significant declines in risks of being overweight, with estimated long-term savings of $13 billion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateNov 7, 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.

Study outlines 'perfect storm' that led to Colombia's antibiotic resistance epidemic

A study by UTHealth researchers found that a 'promiscuous' carbapenemase gene and a bacterial clone carrying an antibiotic-killing gene created the perfect storm for Colombia's antibiotic resistance epidemic. The gene spread horizontally across Gram-negative bacteria, while the clone was introduced via an infected patient from the US.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 7, 2017

Position statement opposing sex/porn addiction model

A group statement by three organizations opposes the addiction model in relation to frequent sexual behavior and pornography viewing. The statement cites a lack of scientific rigor and validity in current assessments for these concepts, as well as neglecting important cultural factors.

SourceCenter for Positive Sexuality·JournalJournal of Positive Sexuality·DateNov 7, 2017

How far did you fall from the tree?

Researchers at Kyoto University used a chimpanzee parent-offspring trio to estimate direct mutation rates, finding higher rates than in humans. The study also revealed a strong male-biased mutation spectrum and new structural alterations.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 7, 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.

Sheep are able to recognize human faces from photographs

Researchers trained sheep to recognize celebrity faces and found they could identify their handler's face without prior training. The study suggests sheep have advanced face recognition abilities, comparable to those of humans and monkeys.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 7, 2017

Researchers discover promising new anticancer strategy

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a compound that irreversibly stops the growth of certain aggressive, treatment-resistant tumor cells. The compound, FiVe1, blocks cell division by binding to a structural protein, vimentin, produced abundantly in mesenchymal-type cells.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2017

Climate change, sparse policies endanger right whale population

The study reveals that climate change and insufficient international protection are endangering the North Atlantic right whale population, which has made modest gains in recent years. The lack of adequate policies in northern waterways increases the risk of ship traffic and commercial fishing gear harming the whales.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 7, 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.

UTSA professor to harvest clean energy from hot pavements

A new technology developed by UTSA professor Samer Dessouky converts heat from paved surfaces into electricity, generating power for rural areas and potential back-up lighting in airports. This innovation uses drones to map concentrated heat sources, enabling efficient energy harvesting from hot pavements.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateNov 7, 2017

Take charge, wine lovers, and trust your palate

A Michigan State University study found that people fit into specific 'vinotypes' based on their food and beverage preferences. The researchers recommend that servers and sommeliers consider these preferences when suggesting a wine. By trusting their own palate, consumers can make informed choices about wine pairings.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Wine Business Research·DateNov 7, 2017

How a 'flipped' gene helped butterflies evolve mimicry

A genetic inversion led to the development of mimicry in Asian swallowtail butterflies, with some species maintaining multiple forms of disguise to evade predators. The researchers found that the genetic change carried unrelated material, potentially introducing long-term disadvantages.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 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.

Do violent communities foster violent kids?

Researchers found that exposure to community violence is associated with increased antisocial behavior in children and adolescents, regardless of pre-existing conduct disorder. The study suggests that prevention programs can help break the cycle of violence.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateNov 6, 2017

Stem cells from muscle could address diabetes-related circulation problems

Researchers found that stem cell injections improved circulation, induced gene expression changes, and reduced inflammation in diabetic mice with peripheral artery disease. The study suggests that stem cell treatment could help alleviate symptoms in severe PAD patients.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTheranostics·DateNov 6, 2017

Diffused light shows clear structures

Researchers have successfully developed a method to analyze microscopic structures using incoherently scattered light, improving the analysis of small-scale biological systems. The technique has the potential to enhance imaging capabilities in fields like biology and medicine.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 6, 2017

New drug shows potential as a different kind of antidepressant in mouse trials

A new drug compound, BU10119, has been developed by scientists at the University of Bath and shown significant potential as an antidepressant in mice. The compound works by blocking kappa opioid receptors, which have anti-depressant like effects in mice, offering a new potential treatment for those who don't respond to SSRIs.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateNov 6, 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.

Climate change likely to be more deadly in poor African settlements

A new study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that climate change will disproportionately affect people living in crowded urban settlements in Africa. The study found that temperatures in these areas can be up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the official weather station, leading to a significant increase in heat-related deaths.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 2017

Has adolescent preventive care increased since the Affordable Care Act?

The study found that annual well-visit rates among adolescents increased from 41% to 48% after the ACA, with significant gains among minority and low-income adolescents. The ACA's requirement for coverage of preventive services without a copay led to increases in the receipt of recommended services up to age 21.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 6, 2017

Scientists discover potential treatment to stop glaucoma in its tracks

Researchers at UC Berkeley and University of Toronto have discovered lipid mediators that may halt glaucoma progression. The study found that lipoxins A4 and B4 secreted by astrocytes can stop retinal ganglion cell degeneration, offering a potential treatment for this neurodegenerative disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 6, 2017

Trial shows most people will complete treatment for latent TB without direct observation

A phase 4 randomized clinical trial found that self-administered treatment for latent tuberculosis infection had a high rate of treatment completion in the United States, Spain, and Hong Kong. The findings suggest that once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine by self-administration is noninferior to direct observation in completing treatm...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 6, 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.

UHN vision scientists discover potential neuroprotective treatment for glaucoma

Researchers at UHN's Krembil Research Institute identified LXB4, a unique lipid that protects neurons against glaucoma in preclinical models. This discovery provides hope for devising a new strategy to protect vision in glaucoma patients and may have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 6, 2017

Forest of molecular signals in star forming galaxy

Using ALMA's unparalleled sensitivity and resolution, the team identified eight massive dusty clouds along the center of the galaxy, each with a unique chemical signature. The clouds are thought to be aggregates of dense, warm cocoons around young stars, driving complex chemical reactions and molecule formation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateNov 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.

High protein diets point to new anti-obesity treatments

A new study found that phenylalanine reduces food intake by affecting the gut and brain, suggesting it may be used to treat or prevent obesity. The amino acid suppressed appetite by releasing hormones in the gut and activating areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·DateNov 6, 2017

Trained T-cells to target toxic viruses in pediatric patients

A new T-cell therapy approach is being tested to help fight active viral infections in children with severe immune deficiencies. The therapy uses 'viral specific' T-cells that are engineered to target three common and potentially toxic viruses: EBV, CMV, and adenovirus.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateNov 6, 2017

Could a saliva test be next for lupus?

Pioneering UH researcher Chandra Mohan proposes a simpler salivary test to diagnose lupus, potentially replacing invasive blood tests. Saliva samples from people with SLE harbor antibodies and proteins that could be used as biomarkers for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateNov 6, 2017

Two INRS professors elected to OSA's 2018 class of fellows

INRS professors François Légaré and Federico Rosei have been elected OSA Fellows for their groundbreaking work in ultrafast molecular imaging and photonic materials development. The distinction reflects their leadership, publication record, and significant impact on optics and photonics research.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateNov 6, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Breaking the chain: Catalyzing a green future for chemistry

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new catalyst to produce valuable chemicals from biomass, allowing for the creation of green raw materials for manufacturing. The catalyst enables the production of important chemicals like 2-butanol and cyclohexanol without emitting CO2.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 6, 2017

Lightning-fast communications

University of Utah researchers create a new component for ultra-high-speed communications and computing using perovskite, a mineral discovered in Russia. The technology uses the terahertz spectrum to transmit data a thousand times faster than current systems.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2017

Briny pool bacteria can clean up and power up

Researchers have discovered a novel way to detoxify salty wastewater using bacteria that can generate electricity, producing hydrogen gas. The bacteria, found in deep-water brine pools, thrive in extreme conditions and have the potential to convert waste products into valuable chemical products.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBioresource Technology·DateNov 6, 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.

The impact of the 'war on drugs' for female 'mules'

A University of Kent study has found that women working as drug 'mules' are not victimized by their sex but by the illicit trade and its illegal status. The research highlights a legal bias that distorts sentencing policies, drawing attention away from the negative effects of punitive drug laws.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalThe Howard Journal of Crime and Justice·DateNov 6, 2017

Fish provide insight into the evolution of the immune system

A study on guppy fish reveals how their immune genes evolve to resist parasites while maintaining critical function over millions of years. The research sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics of the immune system and its ability to adapt to new threats.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2017

How marketing decoys influence decision-making

Neuroeconomic research investigates the neural underpinnings of the decoy effect, a marketing strategy that influences decision-making. The study reveals greater value-related activity in the left ventral striatum when the chosen option is superior to the decoy, indicating its impact on choice.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 6, 2017

Mechanosensation in the duck bill

Researchers discovered that duck embryos have a high density of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors, making them more sensitive to touch. This specialization is crucial for ducks' tactile foraging abilities, which differ from those of visual-dependent chickens.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 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.

Is anticoagulant warfarin associated with lower risk of cancer incidence?

Researchers observed a significant association between warfarin use and reduced risk of new cancers, particularly prostate, lung, breast, and colon cancers. The findings suggest that warfarin may be protective against certain types of cancer, which could have implications for anticoagulation treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017