Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2017


Page 8 of 461

Knockout mice help find gene for bad breath

Researchers discovered a genetic link between sulfur compounds and chronic bad breath in humans and genetically modified mice. The study found that people with the condition had mutations in the SELENBP1 gene and high levels of odor-causing chemicals in their blood, mirroring findings in mice with the same mutation.

Life on the edge prepares plants for climate change

Scientists used genetic variability to map a plant species' ability to adapt to climate change, finding that Scandinavian plants can cope with severe drought. The study suggests that relocating populations with genetic variants supporting drought adaptation could help rescue endangered species and improve crop performance.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New methods reveal the biomechanics of blood clotting

Researchers have measured and mapped the key molecular forces on platelets that trigger blood clotting. The findings suggest that platelets care about the direction of forces applied to them, requiring a lateral force signal to prevent unnecessary clotting.

Biofilms as construction workers

Researchers at Technical University of Munich use biofilms to guide microorganisms in creating tailor-made templates for new materials. This process utilizes light, heat, and other stimuli to control the movement of microbes, enabling the creation of complex networks with natural structures.

Hibernating squirrels and hamsters evolved to feel less cold

Research reveals that hibernating rodents evolved adaptations to reduce cold sensation, allowing them to conserve energy during winter. This adaptation enables ground squirrels and Syrian hamsters to survive exposure to extremely low temperatures without feeling stressed.

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.

Cooperative learning aids in preventing alcohol use in rural middle schools

A new study found that cooperative learning significantly reduced students' association with deviant peers and growth in alcohol use among middle schoolers. By increasing students' contacts with prosocial youths, cooperative learning helps interrupt the tendency for socially marginalized students to cluster into groups of deviant peers.

Can't switch your focus? Your brain might not be wired for it

A new study at Drexel University suggests that brain signals 'stick' to white matter networks are associated with cognitive flexibility. The research found that the alignment between brain signals and structural anatomy is linked to greater flexibility, but also a measurable mental cost.

Timing of regulatory stick and supportive carrot may keep businesses focused

Researchers found that when punitive measures from regulatory agencies were followed by help from business support organizations, companies were more likely to stick to voluntary improvement projects. The study analyzed 1,200 environmental improvement recommendations and found a positive correlation between the timing of regulatory act...

New evidence supports HIV screening in young adulthood

A study suggests that age 25 would be the most beneficial age for a one-time screening HIV test of the general population, improving rates of HIV diagnosis and overall health outcomes. However, youth at high risk should be tested more frequently.

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.

Special issue: Natura 2000 appropriate assessment and derogation procedure

A comprehensive review of the European Court of Justice and German Federal Administrative Court's relevant case-law on Natura 2000 assessment and derogation procedure. The study examines key aspects of the procedure, including scope, procedural steps, and requirements for authorisation and implementation.

The cyanide defense: How one bacterium inhibits predators with poison

A South Korean study reveals that the bacterium Chromobacterium piscinae produces cyanide when attacked by a microbial predator, inhibiting its growth without killing it. The researchers suspect that the bacteria use nutrient-rich environments to trigger the production of this protective compound.

Neurological assessment in the blink of an eye?

The Blink Reflexometer uses high-speed video to analyze the blink response in patients, providing quantitative measurements comparable to electromyography. A small validation study showed promising results, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic indicator of neurological health.

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.

Silky secrets to make bones

Researchers found that genes can be activated in human stem cells to initiate biomineralization, a key step in bone formation. The study used engineered silk derived from golden orb weaver spider webs and supercomputers Stampede1 and Comet to model the folding of proteins and predict osteogenesis.

Exercising at own pace boosts a child's ability to learn

A study conducted by primary school pupils found that exercising at their own pace significantly improves a child's mood, attention, and memory. The research used over 11,000 schoolchildren across the UK, who completed various physical activities before answering tests on concentration and happiness.

Study examines insecticide's effects on honey bees

A large-scale study has found that residue levels in pollen and nectar from thiamethoxam-treated seeds do not harm bees, with no effect on colony survival. The research involved individual honey bees and 84 colonies, providing a robust threshold for assessing potential risk.

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.

Couple up for long-term happiness

Research from the British Household Panel Survey shows married couples have a higher sense of well-being than singles. Those who consider their spouse as their best friend experience the largest benefits, suggesting a lifelong positive effect on happiness.

Arthritis drug could help treat advanced skin cancer

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered that combining an immunosuppressive arthritis drug, leflunomide, with a melanoma treatment may enhance its effectiveness. The study found that the combination almost completely stopped the growth of a melanoma tumor in mice.

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.

Study resolves controversy about electron structure of defects in graphene

Researchers Ana María Valencia García and Marília Junqueira Caldas resolved a longstanding controversy about the calculation of defect electronic structures in graphene. They used a hybrid functional method, which yielded results compatible with experimental data, resolving divergences between different simulation methods.

Developing next-generation sensing technologies

Researchers develop low-cost, privacy-preserving sensor technology for counting, locating, and tracking occupants in commercial spaces. The technology uses high-efficiency infrared LEDs and photodiodes to reduce energy costs of heating and cooling by up to 30%.

Monocytes have many faces

An international research team has discovered that monocyte-derived cells are a diverse mixture, differing from dendritic cells. This diversity affects the immune system's response to tumor cells, impacting cancer immunotherapy success rates.

Songbirds may hold the secret to how babies learn to speak

A study of zebra finches found that when young birds mimic sounds they've memorized, neural activity increases in specific brain regions. This process may hold the key to understanding how humans learn complex behaviors like speech and precise movements.

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.

A functional genomics database for plant microbiome studies

A functional genomics database has been developed to study the plant microbiome, revealing key genes involved in bacterial adaptation to plants. The database combines 3837 genomes from various organisms, including plants and human gut bacteria, allowing researchers to identify genes that aid in bacterial colonization.

Scientists make research 'jelly' grow more like biological tissues

Researchers from NTU Singapore and CMU have developed a technique to direct the growth of hydrogel to mimic plant or animal tissue structure and shapes. The team's findings suggest new applications in tissue engineering and soft robotics, where hydrogel is commonly used.

Obesity can add five weeks of asthma symptoms per year in preschoolers

A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that obesity can add five weeks of asthma symptoms per year in preschoolers. The research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight may be an effective strategy for controlling asthma, and that inhalers work effectively for all preschoolers.

Siting solar, sparing prime agricultural lands

A new study suggests that unconventional spaces like rooftops, salt-affected land, and contaminated sites can generate renewable energy while sparing valuable agricultural land. The research found that these land-sparing sites in the Central Valley could exceed state energy demands up to 13 times for photovoltaics.

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.

Conservation study uses tiny treadmills to test sea turtle hatchling stamina

A Florida Atlantic University study uses tiny treadmills to simulate disorientation and measures the energy spent by sea turtle hatchlings crawling on beaches. The researchers found that hatchlings expend massive amounts of energy but can still swim well, supporting the importance of lighting ordinances during turtle hatching season.

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.

Dysfunctional gene may be culprit in some Crohn's disease cases

Researchers identified a mechanism where ileal Crohn's disease is induced by bile acids when T cell adaptation does not occur properly. Bile acid sequestrants may be an effective treatment for patients with impaired MDR1 expression, suggesting a potential new avenue for therapy.

Paving the way for a non-electric battery to store solar energy

Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a polymer-based system storing more than two times higher energy density than previous systems. The new technology has potential applications in solar-powered heating and could provide sustainable energy storage for areas without access to power grids.

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.

Rice U. physicists discover new type of quantum material

Researchers predict creation of 'Weyl-Kondo semimetal,' a quantum material with unique properties, and demonstrate its existence through modeling. The discovery has significant implications for understanding high-temperature superconductivity and strongly correlated materials.

Consumer choices for the climate

Researchers found that Norwegian consumers can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 58% by making conscious choices such as carpooling, cutting back on meat, and buying durable goods. However, this reduction can be offset if the saved money is spent on discretionary items with high climate impacts.

Some monkeys prone to isolation

Research on rhesus macaques suggests that some individuals are more likely to remain socially isolated due to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental influences. This phenomenon is linked to reduced life expectancy in various species, including humans, who are experiencing an increasing epidemic of social isolation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New measurements to guide radiation therapy

Researchers measured absolute cross sections for secondary electrons interacting with DNA molecules in a condensed-phase environment. This study provides insights into the damage and radiation dose delivered to patients in radiotherapy.

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.

Images of the brain refute a theory of the 60s on the domain of language

A large-scale brain imaging study has refuted the long-held theory that a specific region in the left hemisphere is responsible for language processing. The research found no correlation between the planum temporale's anatomical asymmetry and language lateralization, contradicting previous findings.

UC researchers identify nontraditional sites for future solar farms

A study by UC researchers identified over 8,400 square kilometers of non-agricultural land in the Central Valley suitable for large solar installations. This land can generate enough solar energy to exceed California's projected demands by 13 times for photovoltaic power and two times for concentrating solar power.

Using DNA strands to design new polymer materials

Scientists have created asymmetrical polymer structures that bind together in a spatially defined manner, similar to atoms coming together to make molecules. This breakthrough technique could lead to new materials for applications ranging from drug delivery to 'soft robotics',

Acoustic device makes piezoelectrics sing to a different tune

Researchers have developed a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device that can achieve frequencies six times higher than most current devices, thanks to the use of embedded interdigital transducers (IDTs). The device also boosts output power by 10 percent compared to conventional devices.

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.

Novel combination therapy shown to be effective in ovarian cancer

Researchers found a novel combination of PARP and BET inhibitors to be effective in treating ovarian cancers without BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. The combination resulted in enhanced sensitivity of cells to cell death, offering potential applications in broadening treatment options for various malignancies.