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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 12 of 37

Empowerment of women worldwide key to achieving competing goals

A study suggests that increasing women's access to education, reproductive health services, and contraceptive technologies is crucial for achieving sustainable development. Empowering women can help slow down population growth, reduce consumption of resources, and protect biodiversity.

Type of treatment for prostate cancer affects quality of life

The study found that sexual function declined after all treatments, with robotic surgery patients regaining function closest to brachytherapy and radiation levels. Urinary incontinence also decreased most for surgical patients, with robotic surgery showing slight improvement over open surgery.

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.

In roundworms, fats tip the scales of fertility

Researchers discovered that fats can tip the scales of fertility in roundworms by monitoring fatty acid levels using an enzyme called acyl-CoA synthase 4 (ACS-4). This phenomenon has implications for future studies into human fertility and reproductive development.

'Eating with the eyes' is hard-wired in the brain

Researchers at Japan's National Institute of Genetics discovered a direct neural link connecting the brain's visual system to its feeding center, linking visual perception of food to feeding motivation. This study, using genetically engineered zebrafish, shows that 'eating with the eyes' is deeply rooted in evolution.

Genetic evidence points to nocturnal early mammals

Researchers found that early mammalian ancestors enhanced their night vision genes, allowing them to thrive in the dark. This study supports existing fossil evidence and sheds light on the evolution of vision in mammals.

Light rays from a supernova bent by the curvature of space-time around a galaxy

An international team of physicists and astronomers has detected for the first time multiple images from a gravitationally lensed Type Ia supernova. The observations suggest that this phenomenon can be used to test key cosmological theories about the accelerating expansion of the universe and the distribution of dark matter. By analyzi...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fungi have enormous potential for new antibiotics

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered over 1000 pathways in fungi to produce natural and bioactive chemicals. The findings show vast potential for fungi to produce new antibiotics, efficient production of existing ones, and potentially more effective versions.

Periodic model predicts the spread of Lyme disease

A periodic time-delayed model of Lyme disease predicts its spread in North America and Canada, incorporating seasonality and climate factors. The model suggests that reducing tick recruitment rates can help eliminate the disease.

Bergamotene -- alluring and lethal for Manduca sexta

A gene in wild tobacco regulates the production of bergamotene, which increases pollination success and protects against herbivory. The compound is emitted at night to attract nocturnal pollinators, such as Manduca sexta moths.

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.

Changing the game

A new architecture for 3D stacked memory increases rendering speeds by up to 65% by processing data in memory, reducing traffic between GPU cores. This innovation benefits both science, particularly complex modeling and virtual reality, and the gaming industry.

New data unearths pesticide peril in beehives

A study by Cornell University found that pesticides pose a significant risk to honeybees, with over 60% of found pesticides attributed to non-sprayed orchards and surrounding farmland. The research analyzed the bees' food stores and revealed high levels of pesticide exposure in 17% of colonies.

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.

Plant's parent genes cooperate in shaping their child

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered how plant parent genes cooperate to develop their offspring. The study shows that maternal and paternal factors work together to control the asymmetric division of the zygote, leading to the formation of roots or leaves.

Study shows hearing tests miss common form of hearing loss

Research shows complex partnership between ear and brain can compensate for significant inner ear damage, leading to normal audiogram but difficulty hearing in certain situations. The study highlights the need for more challenging behavioral tests to diagnose patients with 'hidden hearing loss'.

Higher temperatures drive multi-generational genetic changes in roundworms

Exposure to high temperatures in Caenorhabditis elegans can lead to genetic changes that persist through both sperm and egg, affecting up to 14 generations. These changes are driven by a temperature-induced reduction in an enzyme, resulting in gene expression alterations that 'remember' the environmental stress.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A good night's sleep

Researchers designed a new technology that uses machine learning to model personal sleep patterns based on recorded sounds made during sleep. This method allows doctors to diagnose patients under normal sleeping conditions, leading to better treatment outcomes.

New behavioral intervention targets Latino men at high risk of HIV infection

A new behavioral intervention program called HOLA en Grupos has been shown to increase condom use and HIV testing among Latino MSM, reducing the risk of infection. The program achieved a 100% retention rate and significant increases in knowledge and skills, providing a promising solution for addressing this growing public health concern.

Super-resolution microscopy of hydrogels

Hydrogels, jelly-like materials with water-based properties, require a better understanding of their structure and mechanical properties. Professor Ullal will use super-resolution microscopy techniques to characterize the structure of hydrogels and develop new materials.

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.

New research unlocks forests' potential in climate change mitigation

Scientists have created a global map measuring the cooling effect of forests by regulating water and energy exchange between the Earth's surface and atmosphere. This new statistical model allows communities to pinpoint ideal locations for forest protection or reforestation efforts.

Macrophages shown to be essential to a healthy heart rhythm

A recent study has discovered that macrophages are essential for the normal functioning of the heart, helping conduct electric signals that coordinate heartbeat. The findings suggest that changes in macrophage numbers or properties may contribute to heart rhythm abnormalities.

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.

Mindfulness class helped women, but not men, overcome 'negative affect'

A recent study found that a mindfulness course significantly helped women overcome negative affect, while its effects on men were negligible. The study, led by Brown University researchers, suggests that mindfulness may be more effective for women due to their tendency to ruminate and process emotions differently than men.

Antarctica's biodiversity is under threat

A new study finds that Antarctica's biodiversity is lagging behind the rest of the world in protected area management and bioprospecting regulation. The region faces threats from warming oceans, melting ice cover, and transnational pollution, despite some successes in invasive species management.

On the brink of eradication: Why polio research matters

Researchers like Dr. Julie Pfeiffer are studying poliovirus, a highly infectious childhood disease now close to global eradication, to gain insights into other viruses like Ebola, Zika, and influenza. This basic research can lead to new treatments and vaccines for these viruses.

Recognizing foreign accents helps brains process accented speech

Researchers found that increased familiarity with a foreign accent leads to better sentence processing and trains the acoustic system to process accented speech. Listeners who correctly identified the accent responded similarly to grammar and vocabulary errors in both native and foreign-accented sentences.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Preliminary study suggests possible new treatment for MS

A preliminary study suggests that removing Epstein-Barr virus-infected B cells and boosting the immune system may improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Three participants showed significant improvements, including one person with secondary progressive MS who was able to walk without assistance for the first time in 20 years.

New quantum liquid crystals may play role in future of computers

Physicists at Caltech have detected a new state of matter, a three-dimensional quantum liquid crystal, which could play a role in ultrafast quantum computers. This discovery may lead to the creation of topological superconductors, addressing challenges in building quantum computers.

Naked mole-rats turn into plants when oxygen is low

Naked mole-rats can survive for at least five hours without oxygen by metabolizing fructose, reducing their movement and slowing their pulse rate. This unique adaptation may lead to new treatments for patients suffering from low oxygen conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes.

A promising target for kidney fibrosis

A new study published in JCI Insights reveals that increasing SMOC2 levels in the kidney can initiate and continue kidney fibrosis, while reducing SMOC2 levels prevents it. Detecting SMOC2 in urine may help diagnose fibrosis, making it a potential biomarker for early intervention.

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.

Majority of parents plan to use telemedicine for pediatric care

A survey by Nemours Children's Health System found that 64% of parents plan to use telemedicine for their child's care within the next year. Parents cite convenience and immediacy as top reasons for using telemedicine, with most rating the experience superior to in-office visits.

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.

Research uncovers life-saving benefits in the battle against viruses

A University of Surrey-led study has developed a model to provide vital insight into controlling CMV infection, particularly in transplant patients and HIV/AIDS sufferers. The research identified four unique patterns of response and created a sophisticated mathematical model to predict therapy duration needed for viral clearance.

3-D printing helps treat woman with spinal condition

Researchers used 3D printing to create a model of a patient's lower spine, allowing for successful insertion of a catheter for spinal cord stimulation. The technique may provide additional information to improve access in cases where standard approaches prove difficult.

Environmental 'memories' passed on for 14 generations

Scientists discovered that environmental changes can be passed on in the genes of tiny nematode worms for at least 14 generations. This phenomenon was observed in worms carrying a transgene array, which showed increased activity after exposure to warmer temperatures.

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.

Study shows rapid growth in neuroscience research

A study of neuroscience papers from 2006-2015 reveals the most productive journals and contributing countries. Psychology and behavioral sciences have become popular research areas, while China's involvement has increased significantly, jumping from 11th to 2nd place in 2015.

'Genetic scalpel' can manipulate the microbiome, Yale study shows

Yale researchers have developed a 'genetic scalpel' to regulate gene activity in the gut microbiome, enabling precise control over bacterial communities. This breakthrough tool may help understand the microbiome's impact on health and disease, including infectious diseases and behavioral disorders.

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.