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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 16 of 37

Widely disparate spending on health forecast through 2040

According to a new analysis, health spending is expected to increase rapidly in high-income countries, while low-income countries are projected to see relatively slow growth. This could lead to rising out-of-pocket costs for people in emerging economies, leaving the poorest unable to afford care.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

With beetroot juice before exercise, aging brains look 'younger'

A new study found that drinking beetroot juice before exercise improves brain connectivity and efficiency in older adults, similar to those of younger brains. The researchers also discovered higher levels of nitrate and nitrite in the blood after exercising with beetroot juice compared to placebo groups.

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.

Two in the pack: No changes for Isle Royale wolves

The Isle Royale wolf population has remained unchanged for the second year in a row, with only two wolves left on the island. The moose population is expected to double over the next three to four years, leading to increased vegetation consumption and potentially altering the island's ecosystem.

Predictive power

The Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) developed a model of the Watts Bar Unit 2 reactor core before startup and simulated its initial cycle. The simulations confirmed engineers' predictions on safe operation and provided detailed hour-by-hour behavior during power escalation. CASL's high-fidelity code su...

Chaining up diarrhea pathogens

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that vaccine-induced IgA antibodies 'enchain' bacteria in the intestine, forming clumps that prevent disease and genetic exchange of resistant genes. This approach could lead to a new strategy for intestinal infections, including farm animal vaccination and potential human applications.

Experimental drug targets nucleus of allergen-sensitized cells

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered a small molecular compound, RCM-1, that blocks the transcription factor FOXM1 and its pro-inflammatory activity in asthma. The compound prevented overproduction of mucous-generating goblet cells and reduced lung inflammation.

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.

OU law student recipient of Udall Congressional Internship

University of Oklahoma College of Law student Aaron Fournier has been selected for the Udall Foundation's Native American Congressional Internship, focused on tribal sovereignty and public policy. He will work with federal employees in Washington, D.C., to promote increased tribal sovereignty after completing his studies.

Individualizing health care one byte at a time

A team of scientists has developed an algorithm called PhenomeNET Variant Predictor (PVP) that can identify genetic changes in patients with genetic disorders. PVP uses data from non-human model organisms and a large database of gene-to-phenotype associations to prioritize variants with their likelihood of involvement in human disease.

Well-kept vacant lots can help reduce crime

A new study by Michigan State University found that well-kept vacant lots can help reduce crime rates in urban areas. The research analyzed nine years of crime data in Flint, Michigan, and discovered a correlation between greening efforts and decreased crime rates, including violent and property crimes.

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.

Scientists identify neural basis for parasitic cowbird's secret password

Researchers have identified the neural basis for password-based species recognition in cowbirds, a behavior that resolves the paradox of species recognition in brood parasites. The study reveals that young cowbirds use a specific chatter call as a 'password' to identify conspecifics and avoid imprinting on host species.

'Gamers' method creates unique 4-D molecular spectral maps

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new method, GAMERS, to extract the static and dynamic structure of complex chemical systems. This four-dimensional coherent spectroscopic method reveals hidden features of molecular structure, enabling insights into quantum phenomena and potential applications in solar cells.

What makes pancreatic cancer so aggressive?

FAU researchers identified Zeb1 as a key factor that activates embryonic programme, leading to rapid dissemination and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. They also found that blocking Zeb1 reduces metastatic capacity in other tumour types.

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.

Arctic river ice deposits rapidly disappearing

Climate change is causing Arctic river ice deposits to melt nearly a month earlier than they did 15 years ago, with most icings disappearing 26 days earlier in 2015 than in 2000. This rapid decline could have significant impacts on Arctic river ecosystems.

Birds sing shorter songs in response to traffic noise

Research found that birdsong duration and frequencies are adjusted in response to traffic noise, with songs returning to natural state after road closures. Temporary road closures can help mitigate this effect, providing birds with an opportunity to sing optimally.

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.

Can barnacle geese predict the climate?

Researchers found that barnacle geese cannot accurately anticipate climate change due to the unpredictability of polar region warming. The birds' reproductive success will be reduced if they continue to mistime their arrival at breeding grounds, despite some compensation from a longer breeding season and smarter migration strategies.

Kristin Umland receives 2017 AMS Impact Award

Kristin Umland receives the 2017 AMS Impact Award for her work on illustrating mathematics standards and creating professional development resources. Her efforts have improved math education for millions of teachers and students across the US.

UNH helps lead the way for campuses to measure their nitrogen footprints

Researchers at UNH have developed a new tool to measure both carbon and nitrogen footprints, aiming to reduce campus activities' impact on water quality and climate change. The Nitrogen Footprint Tool Network includes seven institutions, tracking emissions from food waste, energy consumption, and transportation.

Understanding decisions: The power of combining psychology and economics

A collaborative effort between psychologists and economists reveals that combining both disciplines leads to better understanding of decisions. The research focuses on individuals' expectations for major life events, such as finding work or having children, and shows that teens are capable of estimating numerical probabilities with acc...

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.

Rapid screening machine can read and separate protein sequences

A novel optical technique enables rapid sorting of amino acid sequences in living bacteria, revealing structural properties crucial for materials development. This technology uses femto-pico second lasers to inspect proteins without heating them up, enabling non-lethal screening and separation.

Paper: Nutrition label readers favor food quality over quantity

Researchers found that nutrition label users tend to select healthier foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and beans, while avoiding refined grains and fried foods. The study suggests that dining facilities can encourage healthy eating behaviors by increasing nutrient-dense food options and product reformulations.

NASA measures rainfall rates in Tropical Cyclone Maarutha

Tropical Storm Maarutha's intense rainbands were detected by the Global Precipitation Measurement mission, showing rainfall rates of over 134 mm per hour near its center. The satellite imagery provided valuable insights into the cyclone's powerful convective storms, which reached altitudes of over 10.9 miles.

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.

Inflammatory bowel diseases on the rise in very young Canadian children

A new study finds that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases are rising rapidly among young Canadian children, particularly those under five years old. The incidence of IBD has stabilized for children over five but continues to rise in younger age groups, with an estimated 600-650 children diagnosed annually.

Fainting episodes may increase risk of workplace accidents, job loss

A Danish study found that working-age people with fainting spells have a 1.4-fold increased risk of occupational accidents and a 2-fold higher risk of job loss compared to those without the condition. Younger individuals with poor socioeconomic status or additional health conditions are particularly at high risk.

High-fat, high-carb diet a cause of osteoarthritis

A study published in Scientific Reports found that a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet rich in saturated fatty acids can weaken cartilage in joints, leading to osteoarthritis. The research suggests that diet may play a significant role in the onset of osteoarthritis, rather than wear and tear.

Signs point to reduced drinking by pregnant women

A study published in Journal of Health Economics found that drinking by pregnant women is down 11 percent in states requiring point-of-sale warning signs. The benefits to heeding the warnings show up in fewer extremely premature births and very-low-birth-weight babies.

Researchers unlock an immunity 'black box'

A research team at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has revealed a previously unknown immune machinery underlying neutrophilic dermatosis, a group of autoinflammatory skin disorders. By mapping the biological pathways involved, the researchers identified key molecules and signaling nodes that drive inflammation and tissue damage.

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.

Better living through pressure: Functional nanomaterials made easy

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new technology that mimics imprint processes used in industrial manufacturing, creating nanowire-array structures similar to those found in touch-screens for sensors, computers, phones, and TVs. The pressure-based fabrication process is faster and more environmentally friendl...

For young adults, cigarettes more pleasurable with alcohol than with pot

A recent study by UCSF found that young adults experience greater pleasure from smoking cigarettes while under the influence of alcohol compared to marijuana. The study, which used self-reported data from 500 participants aged 18-25, suggests that co-use of cigarettes and alcohol may be more pleasurable than co-use with marijuana.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bacteriophages, natural drugs to combat superbugs

Researchers discover bacteriophages that can effectively reduce bacterial levels and improve health in mice infected with antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs.' The study's findings suggest phages could be a promising alternative to antibiotics, with potential benefits including fewer side effects and the ability to evolve against resistance.

Narcissism and social networking

A recent meta-analysis of 57 studies involving over 25,000 participants found a weak to moderate link between social media activity and narcissistic tendencies. Grandiose narcissists are more likely to frequent social networking sites, whereas vulnerable narcissism is associated with insecurity and social withdrawal.

Killing flu viruses with help from a frog

Researchers have identified a frog peptide, urumin, that can destroy many strains of human flu and protect mice against infection. The peptide targets the hemagglutinin protein on the virus, destabilizing it and killing it.

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 study offers good news for pork producers

A new study offers good news for pork producers, providing research-backed management recommendations. The study found that quality in one part of the pig does not predict quality in other parts, and that individual differences account for most variability in pork products.

Sea scorpions: The original sea monster

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found that sea scorpions likely used their serrated tail spines to kill ancient early vertebrates. The study suggests that these prehistoric predators could slash their tails from side to side, using a horizontal slashing motion to capture and dispatch their prey.

New mechanism to fight multi-resistant bacteria revealed

Researchers identified a compensatory mechanism in bacteria that can be used as a new therapeutic target against multi-drug resistant bacteria. The study found that the pace of adaptation in multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli strains is faster than for strains with single resistance mutations.

Both low and high birth weight linked to fatty liver disease in children

A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests that both low and high birth weights are linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. The study found that advanced scarring of the liver is associated with low birth weight, while more inflammation is linked to high birth weight.

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.

Hydrogen halo lifts the veil of our galactic home

Researchers at University of Arizona discover diffuse hydrogen gas surrounding Milky Way, accounting for large part of galaxy's baryonic mass. This finding confirms predictions from simulations and provides new insights into the nature of dark matter.

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.