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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 70


Page 70 of 461

What do piranhas and goldfish have in common?

A recent study published in Systematic Biology reveals that piranhas and goldfish are more closely related to catfishes than previously thought. The researchers used ultraconserved elements to reconstruct a Tree of Life for Ostariophysi fishes, revealing surprising relationships among the Characiformes order.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalSystematic Biology·DateNov 3, 2017

Study shows need for adaptive powered knee prosthesis to assist amputees

Researchers at NC State University found that amputees using powered knee prostheses faced difficulties when carrying loads, but load-adaptive settings reduced exertion and improved performance. The study highlights the need for more real-world testing in prosthetics research to expand device utility.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 3, 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.

Zooming in on protein teamwork

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new super-resolution optical microscopy technique that makes dimerization of membrane receptors visible. The study reveals ligand-specific receptor dimerization and improves our understanding of the decision between cell life or death.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 3, 2017

Sandia develops optical diagnostic to help improve fuel economy while reducing emissions

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed an optical diagnostic that can quantify the formation of soot in combusting fuel sprays, enabling engine developers to design advanced combustion strategies for cleaner engines. The device uses a custom engineered diffuser to emit light rays with the same brightness over a spec...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalApplied Optics·DateNov 3, 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.

Getting the world to listen

Researchers can increase their work's impact by using visual storytelling and developing a media product following a Four Phase Media Development Model. This model involves four steps: scoping, development, release, and review to ensure success.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Information Science·DateNov 3, 2017

In pursuit of a universal flu vaccine

A study suggests that targeting the 'stalk' of the hemagglutinin protein, which remains relatively constant across flu strains, could provide broad protection against seasonal and pandemic strains. However, the results also show that the stalk can mutate in response to immune pressure.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 3, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Return of the comet: 96P spotted by ESA, NASA satellites

The ESA and NASA's SOHO mission recently observed comet 96P in two separate sessions, offering valuable insights into its composition and interactions with the solar wind. By combining polarization measurements from both missions, scientists can gain a better understanding of the comet's tail particles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 3, 2017

Chemists have created compounds that can treat glaucoma

Researchers from RUDN University designed new compounds that selectively inhibit human carbonic anhydrase, reducing intraocular pressure and potentially treating glaucoma. The study's findings suggest a promising approach for developing new antiglaucoma drugs by modifying the compound's molecular periphery.

SourceRUDN University·JournalBioorganic Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2017

Rise of populism affects wildlife management in US

A cultural backlash from US populism limits opportunities for state fish and wildlife agencies to adapt to changing social values. Traditionalist values are associated with lower trust in wildlife agencies, while mutualist values support restrictions on humans.

SourceColorado State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 3, 2017

Livestock-associated MRSA found among MRSA from humans

The ECDC survey found a significant increase in Livestock-associated MRSA detections in humans across the EU/EEA since 2007. LA-MRSA poses a zoonotic risk, particularly for those working with livestock, and its spread is of concern due to lack of systematic surveillance.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateNov 3, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electron microscopy uncovers unexpected connections in fruit fly brain

Researchers have discovered new neural connections in a critical brain region of the fruit fly, challenging existing maps and highlighting the need for detailed brain mapping. High-resolution electron microscopy has revealed these unexpected synapses, which may be crucial for learning and memory.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2017

Job numbers reflect rising inclusion of Americans with disabilities

The National Trends in Disability Employment - Monthly Update shows a 9.3% increase in employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities, outpacing those without disabilities. Effective practices and processes for inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace are identified as key factors.

SourceKessler Foundation·DateNov 3, 2017

Nighttime blood pressure may predict risk of kidney failure in children

A recent study found that children with high blood pressure at night experienced a faster time to kidney failure than those with normal blood pressure. The study also showed that patients with high blood pressure during both day and night had an even more rapid decline, highlighting the importance of nighttime blood pressure control in...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 3, 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.

CALET makes first direct measurements of high energy electrons in space

The CALET experiment has successfully measured the cosmic-ray electron spectrum up to 3 TeV, providing insight into the origin and acceleration of cosmic rays. The findings suggest the presence of nearby astrophysical sources, such as pulsars or dark matter annihilation.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 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.

ALMA discovers cold dust around nearest star

The ALMA discovery reveals two dust belts surrounding Proxima Centauri, one extending four hundred million kilometres from the star and another even farther out. These findings suggest a complex planetary system with multiple planets and potentially offer insights into the formation of the Earth.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 3, 2017

Study refutes using anti-malaria drug to treat diabetes

A recent study from UC Davis researchers refutes the use of an anti-malaria drug to create new insulin-producing cells for Type 1 diabetes treatment. The findings highlight the crucial need for reproducibility in scientific research, contradicting a previous report that sparked excitement in the field.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 3, 2017

Vitamin D may be key for pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome

A new study led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that vitamin D deficiency may be a key factor for pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) getting pregnant. The research revealed that women with PCOS who were vitamin D deficient had a 40% lower chance of achieving a pregnancy compar...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateNov 3, 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.

Crystals in a pink X-ray beam

A new experimental setup allows for serial crystallography using broad-spectrum X-rays at synchrotron sources, enabling the study of proteins with smaller samples and shorter exposure times. This method reduces unwanted scattered radiation, making it possible to determine protein structures with high precision.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2017

Probability calculations -- even babies can master it

Researchers found that babies prefer to look at the likely option when it is easier to distinguish, but not when the difference is smaller. Six-month-old babies can also estimate which color makes up the majority of balls and choose accordingly.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalChild Development·DateNov 3, 2017

Synthetic material acts like an insect cloaking device

Researchers have developed a synthetic material that can absorb light from all directions, making it suitable for antireflective coatings. This material is similar to the brochosomes used by leaf hopper insects to blend in with their backgrounds, allowing them to hide from predators.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 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.

Agricultural productivity drove Euro-American settlement of Utah

Researchers applied an ecological model to explain historical settlement patterns in Utah, finding that agricultural suitability drove colonization. The study's results illustrate why populations are distributed across the state and provide insights into the impact of early settlers' decisions on modern-day Utah.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateNov 3, 2017

Protecting the wild: Baylor professor helps to minimize recreation disturbance to wildlife

A Baylor University professor and his team have developed a method to measure recreation disturbance across large landscapes, enabling better understanding of its impact on wildlife. The study aims to provide recreation managers with a tool to mitigate negative effects on wildlife while allowing for responsible recreation use.

SourceBaylor University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateNov 3, 2017

Shedding light on the mystery of matter accretion in young stars

An international team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery about matter accretion in young stars, allowing for more accurate calculations of the accretion rate. This finding is crucial for understanding the life cycle of stars and their growth under gravity's influence.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 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.

New link found between gut bacteria and age-related conditions

A new study finds that gut bacteria from old mice induce age-related chronic inflammation in young mice, suggesting a potential strategy for healthy ageing. The research highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiota to prevent inflammaging and related diseases.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 2, 2017

Synaptic disorder

Scientists discover dysfunctional autophagy plays a central role in motor neuron diseases, characterized by muscle atrophy and loss. The PLEKHG5 gene controls the degradation of synaptic vesicles, and its dysfunction leads to aggregation and motor neuron disorder progression.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2017

Electrostatic force takes charge in bioinspired polymers

The study introduces a method for controlling polymer structure and function by utilizing electrostatic charge, allowing for the creation of smart materials with diverse applications. By tuning the sequence of charges along polymer chains, researchers can engineer desired properties and expand the diversity of polymers used.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 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.

Researchers identify potential autoantigen in aggressive form of kidney disease

A particular protein, DNAJB9, is found in abundance in the kidneys of patients with fibrillary glomerulonephritis, an aggressive kidney disease. The discovery may improve diagnosis and treatment options for this disease, which affects nearly half of patients who become dependent on dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 2, 2017

Removing digital devices from the bedroom can improve sleep for children, teens

Penn State researchers recommend removing electronic devices from bedrooms, establishing bedtime routines, and avoiding bright lights to improve sleep in children and adolescents. The study suggests screen-based media consumption leads to delayed bedtimes, reduced total sleep duration, and negative effects on sleep quality.

SourcePenn State·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 2, 2017

Risk of oversharing in conversation increases with age, study says

As people age, their ability to filter distracting information and consider others' perspectives declines, increasing the risk of oversharing. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Northwestern University found that older adults are more likely to reveal irrelevant details in conversation.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCognition·DateNov 2, 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.

Resisting alien invasions

Researchers found that competition and herbivory provide resilience against invasive species in certain marine protected areas. The study suggests that healthy kelp forests, with high levels of native algae, outcompete invasive species like Sargassum horneri.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 2, 2017

Navigating the genome to cure deafness

A Tel Aviv University study identifies the first group of long non-coding RNAs in the auditory system, which may help devise strategies for curing deafness. The researchers found that these RNA molecules play a crucial role in regulating genes involved in deafness.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2017

Mini cancer tumors grown in first-of-kind pioneering research

Scientists at the University of Birmingham are pioneering a new approach to bowel cancer treatment using mini tumor models. The study, funded by Cancer Research UK, aims to identify new treatments and improve existing ones for this common yet deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·DateNov 2, 2017

Australian tourism policies fail to address climate change

A recent study by QUT-led researchers found that only 21% of Australia's tourism strategies mention climate change, with most simply acknowledging it as an issue. The study suggests that the industry has significant room to improve and step up action on addressing climate change.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Sustainable Tourism·DateNov 2, 2017

Treating menopausal symptoms can protect against stress' negative effects

A small-scale study suggests estrogen treatment after menopause can protect working memory needed for short-term cognitive tasks from the effects of stress. Women who received estrogen therapy performed better on memory tasks regardless of stress exposure.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 2, 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.

Retired professional footballers at higher risk of knee osteoarthritis

A large study reveals retired professional footballers are two to three times more likely to suffer from knee pain and osteoarthritis than the general population. The research found that repetitive microtrauma from playing football is a major cause of increased risk, particularly in younger age groups.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateNov 2, 2017

Patients report worse care experience in GP practices owned by limited companies

Research published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that patients registered to general practices owned by limited companies reported worse experience of their care compared to those registered with independently owned practices. The study analyzed data from over 7,900 general practices in England and found signifi...

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateNov 2, 2017

Scientists decipher mechanisms underlying the biology of aging

Researchers deciphered molecular processes influencing aging by studying chromatin silencing in yeast, discovering a balance between open and closed states to maintain cell function and longevity. Continuous or complete loss of this balance accelerates aging.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2017

What effect has substance abuse on outcome of schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics?

Long-term administration of antipsychotic drugs can worsen schizophrenia outcomes if patients consume substances like nicotine and alcohol or drugs like cannabis and amphetamines. However, measures such as administering long-acting injectable antipsychotics and psychoeducation can improve adherence and reduce substance abuse.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Drug Abuse Reviews·DateNov 2, 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.

Psoriasis (PsO) patients at higher risk for serious liver disease

Patients with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing serious liver disease compared to those with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a large population-based study. The study found that systemic inflammation plays a significant role in the development of liver disease in these patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateNov 2, 2017

Animals' mitochondria defenses discovered in plants

Scientists have identified a plant-specific unfolded protein response (UPRmt) that protects mitochondrial proteins from damage, similar to the UPRmt found in animals. This discovery highlights the conserved nature of mitonuclear stress signaling pathways across species.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

Study: Most US adults say today's children have worse health prospects

A new study by Michigan Medicine found that less than 1 in 5 adults believe kids are physically healthier today compared to when they were growing up. Mental health issues are also a dominant factor in children's well-being, with only 15% of respondents believing the chances for good mental health have improved.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 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.