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Science News Archive 2017


Page 89 of 461

Cool roofs have water saving benefits too

A new Berkeley Lab study finds that cool roofs can save up to 9% of outdoor water consumption in California counties. Widespread adoption could result in 83 million gallons of water savings daily in Los Angeles County.

Physical inactivity and restless sleep exacerbate genetic risk of obesity

A large-scale study found that low physical activity and inefficient sleep patterns intensify genetic risk factors for obesity, confirming previous findings with new, more objective measurements. The study also showed a gene-activity interaction between physical activity levels and genetic variants associated with obesity.

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.

Mountain glaciers shrinking across the West

A new satellite imaging tool has been used to track elevation changes for mountain glaciers in the US, confirming significant loss of ice over the past 60 years. The results show that cumulative ice loss at Mount Rainier is equivalent to removing a layer of ice about 25 feet thick.

Youth Enjoy Science (YES) grant brings diversity to cancer research

The Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Program at CWRU School of Medicine aims to interest and recruit underrepresented minorities in cancer research careers. The program provides a comprehensive approach to training middle school through college undergraduates, with the goal of increasing diversity in scientific research.

Creation of coherent states in molecules by incoherent electrons

Researchers have demonstrated that incoherent electrons can induce coherence in molecular systems through attachment, leading to the ejection of ions in a preferred direction. This breakthrough has significant implications for controlling chemical reactions using photons and understanding the dynamics of excited molecular negative ions.

Study reveals connection between microbiome and autoimmune disorders

A recent study published in Cell reveals a new mechanism in the gut microbiome that regulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cells, potentially preventing inflammatory bowel disease. The research also suggests that changes in the gut microbiome can increase the risk of other autoimmune disorders.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why aren't more kids with sickle cell disease getting this test?

Researchers are launching a national study to understand why fewer than 30% of children with sickle cell disease receive transcranial Doppler screening, which can prevent strokes. The goal is to identify barriers and implement strategies to increase access to the life-saving test.

The skinny on lipid immunology

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Monash University uncover the basis for T cell receptor autoreactivity to self-phospholipids, with implications for psoriasis, contact hypersensitivities, and allergies. The study highlights the physical structures that enable lipid recognition by T cells.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Global CO2 emissions stalled for the third year in a row

Global CO2 emissions have stalled for the third consecutive year, with fossil carbon dioxide emissions slowing down since 2012. Meanwhile, methane and nitrous oxide emissions continue to rise, driven by agricultural activities and industrial production in key countries like China, US, and India.

How obesity promotes breast cancer

Research from Helmholtz Zentrum München reveals a new mechanism by which obesity fuels the growth of breast cancer. The enzyme ACC1 plays a central role in this process, and blocking its activity with an antibody treatment can halt this mechanism.

$1.25 million grant to improve treating children with autism, other needs

The five-year grant will prepare 18 master's-level scholars in AAC practices to improve services for children, teens, and young adults with complex communication needs. Scholars will develop competencies in evidence-based practices related to instruction, assessment, collaboration, and individualized support.

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.

The end of pneumonia? New vaccine offers hope

A new vaccine under development offers comprehensive coverage against up to 90 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, targeting deadly forms of the bacterium that cause pneumonia. The vaccine stimulates a strong immune response and may provide universal coverage against pneumococcal disease.

Nicotinic receptor could be target for treatment of lung inflammation

Researchers found that an experimental drug stimulates alpha-7 nicotinic receptors, reducing inflammation and improving lung function in mice with chronic allergic conditions. The treatment also activated M2 macrophages, associated with tissue repair, and reduced pro-inflammatory molecules.

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.

Microfluidics probe 'cholesterol' of the oil industry

Researchers at Rice University have developed microfluidic devices to study the interaction between asphaltene and dispersants, revealing that smaller particles are more likely to stick together. The study found that dispersants can break down deposits by increasing repulsion between aggregates, creating softer asphaltenes.

'Selfish brain' wins out when competing with muscle power, study finds

A new investigation reveals that human brains are less impaired than skeletal muscles when experiencing extreme physical and mental exertion. The 'selfish brain' hypothesis suggests that the brain prioritizes its own energy needs over peripheral organs, potentially contributing to human evolution's trade-offs.

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.

Exploring how herpes simplex virus changes when passed between family members

Researchers discover nearly perfect genetic transmission of the virus from a father to his son, suggesting that HSV-1 may not change much when transmitted between closely related individuals. However, transmission between unrelated hosts may provide an opportunity for greater genetic diversity and potential changes in virulence.

Metacognition training boosts gen chem exam scores

University of Utah researchers found that metacognition training improved general chemistry exam scores for lower-performing students. On average, these students raised their final exam scores by 4%, with the strongest improvement seen in the bottom quartile, who scored a full letter grade better.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

To vape or not to vape? Probably: Not to vape

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that e-cigarettes trigger both unique and familiar immune responses in the lungs. Researchers compared sputum samples from e-cigarette users, cigarette smokers, and non-smokers, revealing significant increases in inflammatory biomarkers, oxida...

'Antelope perfume' keeps flies away from cows

A team of scientists developed an innovative way to prevent sleeping sickness in cattle using the smell of antelopes. By mimicking the waterbuck's repellent scent, more than 80 percent of cows were spared from infection. The method is cheaper and more popular among Maasai herders than traditional treatments.

High field magnet at BER II: Insight into a hidden order

Researchers have discovered a new magnetic phase transition in a uranium-ruthenium crystal at extremely high magnetic fields. At around 21.6 Tesla, the magnetic moments of uranium atoms point alternatingly up-up-down in opposite directions, forming an uncompensated antiferromagnetic order.

E-cigarettes may trigger unique and potentially damaging immune responses

New research suggests e-cigarettes can lead to lung disease, triggering increased neutrophil activation and altered mucin secretion. The study found similar biomarkers of oxidative stress and activation of innate defense mechanisms associated with lung disease in both e-cigarette and cigarette users.

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.

Chromosomes may be knotted

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that chromosomes are likely entangled, suggesting they may be knotted. The team used mathematical algorithms to examine 3D polymer models of chromosomes and extended the models to determine if they contain knots.

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.

Dartmouth to debut wearables that warn and wow at UIST 2017

Dartmouth College introduces several cutting-edge technology projects, including RetroShape, a smart watch that provides tactile feedback, and Frictio, a smart ring with calendar alerts. Pyro, a thumb-tip recognition technique, also showcases improved finger gesture interaction with computing applications.

Gamma rays will reach beyond the limits of light

Researchers produced high-energy photon beams using a new method, exceeding known limits and paving the way for deeper understanding of atomic nuclei. The discovery has potential applications in future large-scale laser facilities and could lead to new sources of energy.

NASA sees a new depression form after another fizzled

A new tropical depression has formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, hours after a neighboring system dissipated. The storm is currently disorganized and moving northwest towards Guam, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots.

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.

New function in gene-regulatory protein discovered

A team of researchers has discovered a new function of the gene-regulatory protein CBP, which affects the recruitment and release of RNA polymerase from genes. This finding enhances our understanding of gene regulation and provides insights into why CBP is often affected in certain forms of cancer.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Creating a better RNA switch

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a powerful RNA switch that can activate genes thousands of times better than nature, providing precise control over gene expression. This technology has potential applications in diagnostics, metabolic engineering, and regulating RNA networks.

Ancient DNA offers new view on saber-toothed cats' past

Researchers analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes from ancient saber-toothed cat samples, finding that the two species shared a common ancestor about 20 million years ago. The study suggests that saber-toothed cats continued to live in Europe much more recently than previously thought.

What the Balkans can teach other states in conflict

The research highlights the importance of peaceful transition to inclusive democracy and power-sharing in facilitating voluntary returns. Notably, older people with positive memories of before wartime were more likely to return, while women were less likely to want to go back. The study also emphasizes the crucial role of lawyers and n...

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.

Researchers are tracking pandemic potential of H7N9 bird flu in China

Scientists found that H7N9 avian flu viruses can spread among ferrets via respiratory droplets and are minimally responsive to commonly used antiviral drugs. The study also shows that these viruses have a high potential for pandemic due to their efficient replication in human airway cells and the lungs of animal models.

Mapping migrant communities across Europe to support local integration

Scientists have unveiled a dataset mapping diverse migrant communities in the EU, providing insights for policymakers to develop targeted integration policies. The maps reveal residential patterns of migrants by nationality or country of origin, highlighting concentration, diversity, and segregation within cities.

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.

How solar peaker plants could replace gas peakers

Researchers have designed a solar peaker plant that can store energy thermally to deliver power after dark, making it a viable alternative to fossil fuels for peaking. The plants, which use molten salt tower technology, can operate for up to 6 hours and have a capacity factor of 15-25%.