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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 71


Page 71 of 461

UZH anthropologists describe third orangutan species

Researchers from the University of Zurich have identified a distinct third species of orangutans, Pongo tapanuliensis, through genomic and morphological analysis. The Tapanuli population is believed to be direct descendants of the first Sumatran population and has been isolated for at least 10,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 2, 2017

Innovative statistical methods shed light on extent of modern slavery in US, world

Groundbreaking research employs innovative statistical methods to accurately quantify modern slavery's prevalence, revealing an estimated 40.3 million people enslaved worldwide in 2016. The work has been widely accepted by the UN and advocates, offering a solution to estimate the extent of slavery in well-developed countries.

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalCHANCE·DateNov 2, 2017

This drug could block harmful impact of teen binge drinking

A recent study has discovered a potential treatment for adult alcohol dependence caused by teenage binge drinking behavior. Researchers found that a specific drug can prevent the detrimental effects of adolescent binge drinking on brain development and reduce alcohol consumption in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateNov 2, 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.

UGA, Sanofi Pasteur develop new broadly protective vaccines for H3N2 influenza

Researchers at UGA and Sanofi Pasteur developed a broadly protective vaccine against multiple strains of H3N2 influenza, which neutralized 100% of the viruses over a five-year period. The vaccine has the potential to replace seasonal flu vaccines with year-round manufacturing, reducing production time.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Virology·DateNov 2, 2017

Long-term study of Nicaraguan children reveals key window in which...

A new study in Nicaraguan children pinpoints a narrow window of antibody levels that enhances reaction to severe dengue, shedding light on the long-standing phenomenon of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). The findings hold important implications for vaccine development against dengue and related flaviviruses like Zika.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017

The secret lives of ancient land plants

The study of Marchantia polymorpha's genome sheds light on land plant evolution, showing liverworts possess ancestral characteristics. The findings have significant implications for molecular and genetic studies, providing insights into future agricultural applications.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2017

Atmospheric beacons guide NASA scientists in search for life

Researchers suggest hunting for cruder signatures of potentially habitable worlds, which would be easier to detect with current resources in less time. They look for atmospheres rich with water vapor and nitrogen, and oxygen, as these are basic molecules that are biologically friendly and have strong infrared emitting power.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Brain activity is inherited, may inform treatment for ADHD, autism

A new study at Oregon Health & Science University found that brain activity patterns are inherited, with heritable relationships demonstrated within five brain systems. This discovery may lead to personalized and targeted treatment approaches for conditions like ADHD and autism.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNetwork Neuroscience·DateNov 2, 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.

Biocompatible photonic crystals expand their use from optics to medicine

Researchers at ITMO University have developed a novel approach to obtaining non-toxic magnetic photonic crystals, expanding their applications from photonics to biomedicine. These nanospheres can be used to design drugs for fighting thrombosis and cancer, and their biocompatibility makes them suitable for targeted drug delivery.

SourceITMO University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2017

NSF investments aim to address growing cybersecurity challenge

The NSF Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace program aims to address the growing cybersecurity challenge through foundational research and education. The $74.5 million investment will support a wide range of research areas, including access control, cryptography, and human interaction, to develop safer and more secure cyber systems.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateNov 2, 2017

Family favoritism: Younger siblings impacted more

A new study by Alex Jensen reveals that younger siblings experience a stronger impact from family favoritism compared to older siblings. The research found that when children perceive favoritism, their relationship with parents is strengthened if they feel like the favorite and the parents agree, but weakened if they don't.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateNov 2, 2017
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.

Learning a mother tongue: A universal process?

Researchers studying a traditional population in the Bolivian Amazon found that Tsimane children spend less than one minute per hour talking to their parents, compared to ten times less than in Western countries. This variation highlights wide intercultural differences in language development.

SourceCNRS·JournalChild Development·DateNov 2, 2017

Mexican doctors safely reuse donated pacemakers after sterilisation

A study presented at the Mexican Congress of Cardiology found that pacemakers can be safely reused after sterilisation, potentially increasing access to life-saving treatment for those who cannot afford it. The procedure involves washing and sterilizing donated devices, which were used in patients with a minimum battery life of six years.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateNov 2, 2017

Blood-clotting protein prevents repair in the brain

Researchers discovered that a blood-clotting protein, fibrinogen, stops adult stem cells from producing myelin, preventing brain cell repair. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for diseases such as MS and other conditions affecting the nervous system.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNeuron·DateNov 2, 2017

Computer program helps doctors detect acute kidney injury earlier to save lives

A new computer program has been developed to help doctors detect acute kidney injury earlier, reducing its severity and improving survival rates. The program, which was tested in over half a million patients, showed a significant reduction in hospital mortality, length of stay, and dialysis rates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 2, 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 do adult brain circuits regulate new neuron production?

Researchers have discovered a long-distance brain circuit that controls the production of new neurons in the hippocampus, a critical area for learning and memory. The circuit, involving the medial septum and PV interneurons, regulates stem cell activity and maintains healthy neurogenesis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

WSU researchers document transformation of graphite into hexagonal diamond

A team of WSU researchers has observed and recorded the creation of hexagonal diamond in highly oriented pyrolytic graphite under shock compression. The discovery reveals crucial details about how hexagonal diamond is formed, potentially helping planetary scientists estimate impact severity at meteorite craters.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2017

Childhood spankings can lead to adult mental health problems

A new study by University of Michigan researchers links childhood spankings to depression, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies in adulthood. The study suggests that spanking should be considered an adverse childhood experience, similar to physical and emotional abuse.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateNov 2, 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.

A bit of a 'quantum magic trick'

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and University of Rochester use quantum mechanics to measure frequency with unprecedented accuracy, reducing uncertainty by a factor of 100. This breakthrough has potential applications in various fields, including MRI medical imaging, navigation, and astronomy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 2, 2017

UC-led genomic study reveals clues to wild past of grapes

A UC-led genomic study suggests that humans gathered wild grapes for centuries before cultivating them as a crop. The research found evidence of human consumption of grapes dating back approximately 22,000 years, prior to the traditional domestication period of around 7,000-10,000 years ago.

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

Ions in the spotlight

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have developed a method to trap ions in optical traps, preventing driven motion and allowing for longer lifetimes. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultra-cold temperatures and observation of quantum effects in chemical processes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2017

Is gun violence contagious?

Gun violence in US cities like Washington D.C. shows an endemic pattern, with clustering in certain neighborhoods rather than spreading rapidly. Researchers recommend place-based interventions targeting neighborhood features to reduce crime rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·DateNov 2, 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.

New pathway identified as a target for precision medicine against a common brain tumor

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a promising target for precision medicines to block the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway, which drives cell proliferation in medulloblastoma. Inhibiting this pathway using an investigational drug INK128 significantly extended the lives of mice with the tumor.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

Carbonate shells change with time

Scientists have discovered that foraminifer shells are originally formed as metastable carbonate vaterite and later transform into calcite. This finding resolves discrepancies between natural shell observations and laboratory experiments, with significant implications for climate archives.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2017

What mitigates the consequences of recession for companies?

A recent study found that foreign direct investments reduce the negative impact of recessions on Russian companies. The research analyzed over 1,000 public companies and discovered that linkages with foreign partners alleviate the effects of economic downturns.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Economics and Business·DateNov 2, 2017

A strange new world of light

Scientists at Harvard have created a new tool to study novel aspects of light, enabling more complex operations and applications. The metasurface connects two aspects of light, allowing for the creation of any structured beam, including spirals, corkscrews, and vortices.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·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.

CSIC tightens the noose around superbugs

A team of CSIC scientists has designed new molecules capable of destroying resistance to conventional antibiotics in bacteria. By targeting the cellular mechanisms that lead to antibiotic resistance, these molecules can break down the proteins responsible for making bacteria resistant to multiple drugs.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2017

An Arctic example: How scientific collaboration can foster international stability

The Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation aims to improve movement of researchers and equipment, share data and metadata, and transfer traditional knowledge across territories. Effective implementation will balance national interests with common goals for the benefit of all stakeholders in the region.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017

Left or right? Like humans, bees have a preference

Researchers found bees display unique biases in left- and right-handedness when flying through obstacles, impacting flight efficiency. This discovery could lead to strategies for steering drone aircraft fleets, optimizing safe and collision-free routes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 2, 2017

Novel technology pioneered by Stanford ties brain circuits to alertness

Researchers employed MultiMAP technology to monitor nerve cells' activity in zebrafish brains, linking each neuron to its specific cell type. This method revealed distinct neuronal circuits not previously suspected to be associated with alertness, shedding light on the forces driving this essential brain state.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 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.

Elucidation of bone regeneration mechanism

A new study reveals that a population of progenitor cells, marked by high expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9, provides osteoblasts during bone regeneration. These cells are derived from embryonic somites and reserved in niches of bone-forming tissues in adult animals.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

SUTD researchers solve mystery behind red blood cell maturation

A team of SUTD researchers identified over 1800 proteins in young reticulocytes, revealing key changes in protein composition during maturation. These findings provide insights into the transition from a multi-lobular to biconcave shape and increased deformability.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateNov 2, 2017

MIPT scientists enlist lichens to monitor air pollution

Researchers found that lichen samples from Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod had higher free radical concentrations than those from cleaner towns. The study suggests using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to monitor air quality in cities without traditional stations.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Spectroscopy·DateNov 2, 2017
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.

Chip-based sensors with incredible sensitivity

Penn State electrical engineers create microchip-based sensors for multiple applications, including motion, temperature, pressure and biochemical sensing, using innovative on-chip glass microspherical shell whispering gallery mode resonators.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2017

Cancer cells destroyed with dinosaur extinction metal

Researchers discover iridium, a densest metal, kills cancer cells by filling them with deadly oxygen, without harming healthy tissue. The treatment uses laser light to activate the compound, targeting key proteins in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 2, 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.

Are cities affecting evolution?

A recent study reveals that urbanization is driving evolutionary changes in various species, including mosquitoes, bedbugs, and rats, with potential consequences for human health. The researchers argue that cities are becoming a novel ecosystem, influencing the evolution of species that may, in turn, affect our lives.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017

Tanning beds and risky behavior linked -- in men

A study by the University of Connecticut found that men who tan use tanning beds more frequently than women but engage in riskier behaviors, such as smoking and binge drinking. Men who tan also exhibit addictive behavior towards tanning, with 49% of users reporting difficulty quitting.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateNov 2, 2017

Bacteria in the gut modulates response to immunotherapy in melanoma

Patients with higher diversity of bacteria in their digestive tract had longer median progression-free survival. A favorable microbiome also was associated with increased antigen processing and presentation by the immune system at the tumor site.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017

More time on social media is not linked to poor mental health

A study by Chloe Berryman found that social media use among young adults is more closely linked to mental health problems than the amount of time spent using it. However, vaguebooking – writing cryptic posts to solicit attention – was a worrying trend that showed a correlation with loneliness and suicidal thoughts.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychiatric Quarterly·DateNov 2, 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.

Preventing a genetic uprising in early life

A recent study published in Cell Stem Cell has discovered a mechanism to prevent genetic chaos caused by transposons in early human development. The research found that endosiRNAs, a type of small interfering RNA, play a crucial role in regulating transposon activity during epigenetic reprogramming.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

SCAI examines strengths and weaknesses of sham PCI trial

The study found that exercise time improved by 28.4 seconds in PCI-treated patients, but not significantly in sham-PCI treated patients. SCAI questions the reliability of the findings due to the small number of patients and subjective endpoint used.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateNov 2, 2017

Youth uniquely vulnerable to sleep disruption from screens

A review of over five dozen studies reveals that excessive screen time in youths aged 5-17 is associated with delayed bedtimes, fewer hours of sleep and poorer sleep quality. Biological, neurological and environmental factors contribute to the negative impact of digital media on sleep patterns.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 2, 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.