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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 78


Page 78 of 461

Spider silk could be used to power microphones in hearing aids, cell phones

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new type of microphone that uses spider silk to improve directional sensing across a wide range of frequencies. The study, led by Professor Ron Miles and graduate student Jian Zhou, found that the fine fibers are able to pick up velocity rather than pressure of air waves.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

'Precision medicine' for cancer patients may not always be so precise

A new study found that precision medicine for oncology is less precise for people of Latin American, African, and Asian ancestry due to the lack of diverse genetic population data. A computational tool called LumosVar was created to help researchers sort out potentially inaccurate results and improve precision medicine.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBMC Medical Genomics·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.

Under pressure

Climate change and human activities are putting North Atlantic right whales under immense pressure, with food scarcity and high mortality rates exacerbating their decline. The study predicts population growth will be hindered by climate-mediated food availability and policy-driven mortalities.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 30, 2017

Making glass invisible: A nanoscience-based disappearing act

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a method to reduce surface reflections from glass surfaces to nearly zero by etching tiny nanoscale features into them. This achievement could enhance solar cell efficiency, improve electronic display use, and support high-power laser applications.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 30, 2017

Wristband devices detect dangerous seizures in patients with epilepsy

New research published in Epilepsia indicates that wristband devices can improve the detection and characterization of seizures in patients with epilepsy. The devices detected 95% of seizures while keeping false alarm rates at a bearable level, providing real-time alerts to caregivers and improving patients' quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateOct 30, 2017

Right-handed baseball players more successful when batting left-handed

Research by Anglia Ruskin University shows that right-handed baseball players who bat left but throw right-handed have a surprising advantage in career success and hitting performance. This biomechanical advantage provides a longer lever to hit the ball, increasing their chances of becoming top hitters.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 30, 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.

Combatting viruses: Code breakers turn code writers

Researchers have created artificial codes to regulate viral assembly, outperforming natural codes in efficiency. The new understanding of viral self-assembly codes could lead to breakthroughs in cancer therapy and immunization.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

Genetic study uncovers evolutionary history of dingoes

A genetic study of dingoes found the species likely migrated to Australia in two separate waves via a former land bridge with Papua New Guinea. The study recommends treating genetically distinct populations as different groups for management and conservation purposes.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEvolutionary Ecology·DateOct 30, 2017

It's mathematically impossible to beat aging, scientists say

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that even with perfect natural selection, aging would still occur due to cancer cells cheating the system. Slowing down one type of cell can lead to an increase in another problematic cell type, making it mathematically impossible to halt aging.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

UIC hopes to reduce LGBTQ youth homelessness

The University of Illinois Chicago has launched the 3/40 Blueprint website to address the lack of systematic research on LGBTQ youth homelessness. The site provides a user-friendly platform for professionals to access concise reports and original research, aiming to facilitate smooth transitions for these vulnerable youth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 30, 2017

Depression is on the rise in the US, especially among young teens

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant increase in depression among Americans aged 12 and older from 2005 to 2015. The prevalence of past-year depression rose from 6.6% to 7.3%, with the most rapid increases seen in young people and those with lower levels of income and education.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateOct 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Satellite shows Post-tropical Cyclone Selma dissipate

Post-tropical Cyclone Selma dissipated near the border of El Salvador and Honduras as its maximum sustained winds decreased to near 30 mph. The cyclone's estimated minimum central pressure was 1007 millibars, with weakening continuing until it dissipates over the Sierra Madre Mountains.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 30, 2017

Study suggests the US' power supply has capacity to adapt to climate change

A new study suggests that climate change will negatively impact the reliability of US electricity generation, but today's infrastructure can be adapted to future conditions. Improvements in resiliency are driven by policy and economic opportunities making US power supply cleaner and more efficient.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 30, 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.

Immigrants living in the country without authorization at risk for anxiety and depression

A new study by Rice University found that nearly a quarter of Mexican immigrants living near the California-Mexico border without legal authorization have a mental disorder, with major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder being the most prevalent. The study's findings highlight the need for culturally s...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateOct 30, 2017

Political views have limited impact on how we perceive climate anomalies, study finds

A new study by researchers at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University found that individual perceptions of climate anomalies are largely immune to political bias. The study used high-resolution data and address-based panel survey to examine how people in Oklahoma perceived climate anomalies, including extremes of tempe...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 30, 2017

UTSA researcher receives $1 million award to aid food security

Garry Sunter, a UTSA researcher, has received a $1 million award to develop an insect-based technology that delivers genetic therapies to improve the health of mature, vulnerable plants. The goal is to enable plants to thrive in challenging conditions such as drought and disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateOct 30, 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.

Wave energy and rising sea levels

A study suggests that massive boulders in the Bahamas were transported by hurricanes during the Last Interglacial period, increasing risk of erosion with rising sea levels. The research highlights the potential impact of climate change on coastal environments.

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

Focused ultrasound shows promise for treating Parkinson's tremor

A small pilot study found that focused ultrasound treatment improved hand tremor by up to 62% in participants with Parkinson's disease, with minimal side effects. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and potential role of this scalpel-free surgery approach.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 30, 2017

Building a sustainable future: Urgent action needed

A new report highlights the need for sustainable solutions to address growing energy demands from emerging middle classes. The study finds that adoption rates of energy-efficient materials and technologies vary greatly across countries due to differences in climate, economic power, and public perception on climate change.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalMRS Energy & Sustainability·DateOct 30, 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.

UA Cancer Center research team explores anti-breast cancer properties of soy

The UA Cancer Center research team has discovered that genistein, a compound found in soy foods, can protect BRCA1, a gene crucial in thwarting tumor development in breast tissue. This finding offers new hope for treating triple-negative breast cancers, which currently have no targeted chemotherapy available.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateOct 30, 2017

Research aims to help renewable jet fuel take flight

University of Delaware researchers have developed catalysts that transform lignocellulosic biomass into high-carbon molecules suitable for jet fuel, enabling cost-competitive and sustainable production. The process operates at low temperature and is scalable, addressing the need for non-petroleum-based fuels for aviation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalChemSusChem·DateOct 30, 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.

New report proposes learning tech inequality solutions

A new report by digital learning experts recommends following promising strategies to address equity in learning technologies. These include unifying around shared purpose, aligning home, school, and community, connecting to minority youth interests, and targeting specific subgroup needs.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateOct 30, 2017

Research pinpoints powerful biomarker of ,ultiple sclerosis

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered unique micro-RNA molecules in the blood that can diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) and predict its progression. These findings hold promise for developing a definitive diagnostic test, which could lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes for people with MS.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 30, 2017

Bears not bothered by diet high in saturated fats

A study found that captive bears fed a diet high in saturated fats and low in polyunsaturated fats did not develop insulin resistance or other diseases. However, mild inflammation and heart strain were observed, raising concerns about the long-term health of bears in the wild that feed on human refuse.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Zoology·DateOct 30, 2017

Researchers discover cause of brain sensitivity to lack of oxygen

A recent study by Maastricht University Medical Center and Maastricht University found that a specific enzyme, NOX4, plays a crucial role in the brain's sensitivity to hypoxia. This discovery has significant implications for treating post-stroke brain damage.

SourceMaastricht University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Philippe off Florida coast

Tropical Depression 18 strengthened into Tropical Storm Philippe, located off Florida's east coast on Oct. 29, according to NASA's Aqua satellite analysis. The storm's cold cloud tops indicate very heavy rainfall potential.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 30, 2017

Researchers reveal the effect of nano-diamond on magnetorheological fluids

Chinese researchers found that nano-diamond significantly enhances the performance of magnetorheological fluids (MRFs), increasing their shear yield strength and settling stability. The results show a high potential for MRFs to be highly enhanced through the process, with improved settling stability under different magnetic fields.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateOct 29, 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.

Mental health clinicians need to better engage men with depression

A study from the University of Sydney reveals that men with depression are not engaging with treatment as much as expected, despite increased help-seeking behavior. The research highlights the need for more structured and goal-oriented approaches in treatment regimens to better support men's mental health needs.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAustralian Psychologist·DateOct 29, 2017

Artificial intelligence: Is this the future of early cancer detection?

A new AI-assisted endoscopic system has been shown to automatically identify colorectal adenomas during colonoscopy, demonstrating a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 79%. The system enables real-time optical biopsy, allowing for the complete resection of adenomatous polyps and preventing unnecessary polypectomy.

SourceSpink Health·DateOct 29, 2017

Pumpkin genomes sequenced, revealing uncommon evolutionary history

Scientists have sequenced the genomes of two pumpkin species, Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata, to understand their contrasting desirable traits. The study reveals an interesting evolutionary history, with pumpkins being a paleotetraploid resulting from the combination of two ancient genomes.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalMolecular Plant·DateOct 29, 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.

Just-in-time 3-D implants set to transform tumor surgery

Researchers are developing customized 3D implants that can be printed in real-time during tumor surgery, allowing for more precise treatment of bone cancer. This innovative technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes and expand surgical options.

SourceRMIT University·DateOct 29, 2017

Potential cancer treatment breakthrough with nanoporous acupuncture needles

Korean researchers have discovered a potential cancer treatment method using nanoporous acupuncture needles, which were found to reduce the incidence of abnormal vascular clusters in rats with colorectal cancer. The treatment also affected the maturation rate of colorectal cancer in rats.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 29, 2017

Oldest recorded solar eclipse helps date the Egyptian pharaohs

Researchers used biblical and ancient Egyptian texts to determine an annular solar eclipse on 30 October 1207 BC, which could help date the Egyptian pharaohs, including Ramesses the Great. This calculation enables precise dating of their reigns with a one-year precision.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAstronomy & Geophysics·DateOct 29, 2017

'Combosquatting' attack hides in plain sight to trick computer users

A new study reveals combosquatting domains are 100 times more prevalent than typosquatting domains, and nearly 60% of abusive domains remain active for over a year. Researchers discovered legitimate companies registering trademark-containing domains that were later taken over by malicious attackers.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 28, 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.

'Instant replay' for computer systems shows cyber attack details

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology develop 'Refinable Attack INvestigation' (RAIN) software to automate cyber attack investigation. The system provides a detailed record of intrusions, even if attackers covered their tracks, allowing investigators to quickly identify the extent and impact of network or computer system attacks.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 28, 2017

Using networks to understand tissue-specific gene regulation

By analyzing regulatory networks for 38 tissues, researchers found that core components are combined differently with added genetic and environmental information, governing unique tissue functions. This work emphasizes the need to consider tissue context when developing therapies to minimize potential side effects.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 27, 2017

Newly discovered microRNA regulates mobility of tumor cells

Researchers at the University of Basel have identified a microRNA that inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process linked to tumor cell spread and metastasis. This discovery may lead to new treatment approaches for breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2017

Artificial intelligence to evaluate brain maturity of preterm infants

Researchers developed software using machine learning to analyze EEG signals from preterm infants, providing an estimate of brain functional maturity. The method is more precise than current methods and enables automatic monitoring of premature infant brain development.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 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.

Regular marijuana use linked to more sex, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that frequent marijuana users had increased coital frequency compared to non-users. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 Americans aged 25-45 and found a positive association between marijuana use and sexual activity across all demographics.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateOct 27, 2017

Winters on Mars are shaping the Red Planet's landscape

Researchers found that CO2 sublimation can create unique features on Mars, such as Sand Furrows and linear gullies. These processes are unlike anything seen on Earth and provide new insights into Martian geomorphology.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 2017

Emotional states discovered in fish

Researchers discovered that fish respond emotionally to their environment, with brain areas linked to positive and negative emotions activated. The study suggests a simpler neurologic basis for emotional assessment than expected, potentially evolving around 375 million years ago.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 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.

New treatments help those with mild, moderate and severe eczema

Two new medications have been approved to treat mild, moderate, and severe eczema in both children and adults. Crisaborole reduces itching, redness, and swelling, while dupilumab targets the underlying cause through injection therapy. These treatments provide effective relief and improve quality of life for those affected by eczema.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateOct 27, 2017

Malaria parasite in the Americas is more genetically diverse than previously thought

A recent study found that populations of Plasmodium vivax in the Americas are as genetically diverse as those in Southeast Asia, contradicting previous assumptions. The research suggests that P. vivax may have originated from Africa, Europe, and Asia, and its genetic diversity was retained upon arrival in the Americas.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 27, 2017