Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2017 - Page 76


Page 76 of 461

Elderly chromosomes activate genes differently than in the young

Researchers discovered that our chromosomes age along with us, affecting how our immune system renews itself. In young people, thousands of gene sites are open, while in older adults, these sites become closed, leading to decreased activity in genes and pathways critical for defending against disease.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 31, 2017

Energy efficiency labeling for homes has little effect on purchase price

A Norwegian research team found that energy efficiency labeling for homes has no significant effect on purchase price. The researchers conducted a thorough analysis of home sales data before and after the labeling system was introduced in Norway in 2010. They discovered that any apparent impact of the label was likely due to other fact...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnergy Policy·DateOct 31, 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.

Does cutting weekend allied health services hurt patients?

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that removing weekend allied health services from hospitals had no significant effect on patients' length of stay or adverse events. In fact, having no services was associated with a 2% reduction in length of stay and a 3% decrease in adverse events.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 31, 2017

NSF RAPID grant boosts CCNY's Caribbean storm study

The City College of New York has received a $174,895 NSF RAPID grant to investigate the impacts of post-hurricane land-atmosphere interactions on convective and precipitation processes in the Caribbean region. Researchers will conduct field studies in Puerto Rico to improve their understanding of storm development and intensification.

SourceCity College of New York·DateOct 31, 2017

Landmark discovery turns marathon of evolution into a sprint

A research team has discovered a technique called Accelerated Evolution that rapidly generates valuable natural products by mimicking bacterial evolution processes. This breakthrough could lead to hundreds of new compounds and revolutionize natural product drug discovery.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why do some head knocks cause more damage than others?

UNC researchers discovered that high-intensity shear shock waves amplify deep inside the brain, delivering a tenfold increase in tissue-ripping acceleration. This phenomenon may explain why some head knocks cause more harm than others.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateOct 31, 2017

Tracking mosquitoes with your cellphone

Researchers at Stanford University developed a platform called Abuzz that uses cellphone recordings to track mosquito populations and distributions. The platform aims to create the world's largest network of mosquito surveillance, enabling targeted control efforts and reducing the burden of mosquito-borne diseases.

SourceStanford University·DateOct 31, 2017

Strength exercise as vital as aerobic new research finds

A new study of over 80,000 adults found that strength-based exercise reduced the risk of premature death by 23% and cancer-related death by 31%. The research suggests that governments and public health authorities should promote strength-based guidelines to encourage long-term health and wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateOct 31, 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.

'Monster' planet discovery challenges formation theory

NGTS-1b, the largest planet compared to its companion star, has been discovered by an international collaboration of astronomers. The giant gas giant orbits a small star half the size of our Sun and challenges theories on planet formation.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 31, 2017

Future volcanic eruptions could cause more climate disruption

A new study found that future volcanic eruptions could lead to surface cooling of up to 40% due to the oceans' decreased ability to moderate the climate impacts. The increased cooling would disrupt the water cycle, decreasing global precipitation.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2017

More money, education only makes discrimination worse for minorities

A study by Ohio State University found that upwardly mobile blacks and Hispanics experience more racial discrimination than their socioeconomically stable peers. This discrimination may be linked to poor health outcomes among young adults of color. The research suggests that addressing poverty alone is insufficient to eradicate health ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 31, 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.

Chromosome organization emerges from 1-D patterns

Using computer models, researchers analyzed epigenetic marks to predict how chromosomes fold in three dimensions. By training a neural network on these marks, they were able to identify the structural types of chromatin and validate their findings with additional data.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2017

INRS to upgrade its tomography and ultrafast dynamic imaging facilities

INRS is upgrading its research facilities to study geological reservoirs, monitor hydrocarbons around sea ice, and understand chemical bonds, thanks to a $12 million investment. The new Multidisciplinary Tomography Centre will provide access to comprehensive non-destructive analysis tools.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateOct 31, 2017

Aliens may be more like us than we think

A new study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology suggests that aliens could have evolved in a similar way to humans, with natural selection playing a key role. The research uses evolutionary theory to predict the biological make-up and behavior of complex alien life forms.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateOct 31, 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.

SourceData is making data discoverable

SourceData provides a suite of tools to generate, validate and use figure data, making it efficient to find and reuse published results. The platform links figures to other related figures across papers and journals, creating a searchable knowledge graph.

SourceEMBO·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 31, 2017

Uncomfortable sight from an ancient reflex of the eye

A new study from Penn researchers shows that a reflexive system of the human eye also produces a conscious, visual experience that may be related to excessive light sensitivity. The findings suggest that people have brain activity and a visual experience in response to invisible light pulses that stimulate melanopsin cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2017

The world's shortest laser pulse

Researchers at ETH Zurich generate the world's shortest controlled laser pulse with a duration of 43 attoseconds, allowing for unprecedented time resolution in studying molecular dynamics. This breakthrough enables faster charge transfer and potentially more efficient solar cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 31, 2017

How to detect the risk of dyslexia before learning to read

A new approach to detecting dyslexia has been developed by associating auditory processing in children with their reading skills. The study found that children who had difficulty processing low-frequency sounds were more likely to have reading problems and may be at risk of developing dyslexia.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 31, 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.

New app will help prevent HIV among transgender women

The Transwomen Connected app aims to cater to the physical, mental and emotional needs of transgender women. The project will build a mobile app with HIV prevention tools and resources tailored specifically with their needs in mind.

SourcePortland State University·DateOct 31, 2017

Red Sea is warming faster than global average

Analyses of satellite sensing data show Red Sea's maximum surface temperatures increasing at a rate of 0.17°C per decade, four times faster than the global ocean warming rate. This rapid warming poses a threat to marine biodiversity in the region.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 30, 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.

VIMS study may add to resource managers' toolbox

A VIMS study suggests that a common measure of fish health can help gauge the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay. The researchers found that annual trends in fish condition were surprisingly consistent among diverse species, with correlations between condition and changes in water quality, food availability, and climatic factors.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateOct 30, 2017

NIH awards UTHealth's Vasanthi Jayaraman $2.6 million for brain research

Vasanthi Jayaraman receives Maximizing Investigators' Research Award to study brain cell communication, developing high-resolution images of glutamate receptors for potential drug targets. Her research aims to enhance learning and memory, treat neurodegenerative conditions like Lou Gehrig's disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateOct 30, 2017

Social media data use needs tighter research controls, experts say

Experts say social media data use needs stricter guidelines due to rapid technological advancements and lack of adequate ethics frameworks. Researchers are mining large datasets to uncover insights into human behaviour, but only a small fraction report considering the ethical implications.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalResearch Ethics·DateOct 30, 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.

Breastfeeding for two months halves risk of SIDS, study finds

A recent international study found that breastfeeding for at least two months significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by almost half. This finding suggests that any amount of breastfeeding provides some level of protection against SIDS, regardless of whether it's exclusive or partial.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 30, 2017

Preparing for the power outages and water shortages of the next disaster

A University of Delaware research team is studying how people adapt to power outages and water shortages after disasters. The project aims to optimize risk management strategies and improve societal needs through a multifaceted approach combining engineering modeling techniques, social science methods, and real-world case studies.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 30, 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.

Are the grandkids worth it? Climate change policy depends on how we value human population

A new study finds that reducing greenhouse gas emissions to protect future generations from environmental destruction could save tens of billions of dollars annually, especially in wealthier countries. By valuing human population differently, policymakers can make more informed decisions about climate policy.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

Sight unseen

Researchers analyzed over 600 drug and breast cancer cell pairings, revealing significant changes in gene expression without affecting cell growth or survival. The study identified potential synergistic combinations of drugs, including trametinib and alpelisib, to overcome adaptive resistance mechanisms.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2017

The advent of 'green' cattle

A new method of carbon footprinting for pasture-based cattle production systems can identify 'green' cattle within a herd, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that existing methods underestimates the impacts of poorly performing animals, which produce disproportionately large amounts of methane.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateOct 30, 2017

Monster colliding black holes might lurk on the edge of spiral galaxies

Researchers at RIT suggest that outer gas disks of big spiral galaxies are suitable for hosting orbiting black holes and merging massive black holes. This discovery could help explain how black-hole pairs form and provide a new way to study the universe using gravitational waves and traditional light measurements.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 30, 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.

Important mechanism of epigenetic gene regulation identified

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a crucial mechanism for epigenetic gene regulation, involving the DNMT3A enzyme. This finding provides new insights into the development of aggressive types of leukemia and may lead to more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 30, 2017

UNIST unveils new fast-charging, high-energy electric-car battery technology

Researchers at UNIST have developed a novel hydrogen isotope separation system based on porous metal organic frameworks, exhibiting the highest selectivity to date. The system can efficiently separate and store deuterium, with a separation factor of 26, making it more cost-effective than cryogenic distillation methods.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 30, 2017

Voltage-driven liquid metal fractals

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that applying low voltage to gallium indium can induce the formation of unique fractal patterns. The discovery has significant implications for controlling liquid metals, as it allows for reversible and effective manipulation of surface tension.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 30, 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.

Insects and pharmaceutical contamination

Researchers found that insects reared on contaminated diets or irrigated with antibiotics exhibit increased mortality rates and altered development times. This study has implications for integrated pest management and the use of reclaimed wastewater in agriculture.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

Study shows how memories ripple through the brain

A recent NIH-funded study used innovative NeuroGrid technology to show that sleep boosts communication between the hippocampus and association neocortex, crucial for memory formation. The research suggests that neural dialogue between these regions helps retain information during sleep.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateOct 30, 2017

Spooky conservation: Saving endangered species over our dead bodies

A University of Queensland researcher suggests that conservation burials, where burial fees support threatened species conservation, have substantial potential to increase biodiversity. By generating revenue exceeding the cost of saving all threatened species, conservation burials could effectively protect endangered wildlife.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Letters·DateOct 30, 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.

Tsunami reveals human noise pollution in Hawaiian waters

A tsunami in Hawaii's Kona Coast provided a rare glimpse into underwater soundscapes without human disruption, revealing that boat traffic and sonar exercises create the loudest disruptions in bays. This study validates concerns about human noise pollution disrupting dolphin sleep patterns.

SourceDuke University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateOct 30, 2017

Driving drug resistance out of fungi

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based gene drive platform to create diploid strains of C. albicans, allowing for the efficient deletion of genes involved in drug resistance and biofilm formation. The approach identified synergistic combinations of genes that contribute to these traits.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 30, 2017

Early warning health and welfare system could save farmers millions of pounds

A new early warning system called Y-Ware is being developed to alert farmers to the risk of disease among their young cattle stock, aiming to improve health and welfare while reducing antimicrobial use. The project utilizes machine learning techniques and real-time data from sensors to provide an early warning system for health.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateOct 30, 2017

Microscopic defects make batteries better

Researchers found that microscopic defects in electrodes enable lithium to hop inside the cathode along multiple directions, increasing reactive surface area and allowing for more efficient exchange of lithium ions. This discovery challenges traditional thinking on how electrode shape should be optimized for battery performance.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 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.

UT professor studies effects of medicaid expansion

A study published in Population Health Management found that state-level Medicaid expansion improved health care access among low-income US residents, increasing insurance coverage and reducing barriers to care. Residents in non-expansion states were disproportionately negatively affected by the decision not to expand Medicaid coverage.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateOct 30, 2017

Nanoscale platform aims to control protein levels

Rice University scientists invented a bifunctional recognition system called NanoDeg to target specific proteins and regulate their degradation. This plug-and-play system allows for precise control over protein expression levels, enabling the study of cellular dynamics and synthetic gene circuits.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateOct 30, 2017

Societies detail treatment for patients with ventricular arrhythmias

The new guidelines aim to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. The guideline recommends the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and provides guidance on genetic counseling and testing.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 30, 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.