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Science News for April 2, 2017


Alcohol abuse even before pregnancy may harm offspring

A new study conducted in rats found that mothers' alcohol use before conception can harm their offspring's glucose function, increasing the risk of developing diabetes. The research suggests that pre-pregnancy alcohol exposure may be passed on to the child, leading to lifelong effects on glucose homeostasis.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateApr 2, 2017

'Peeling the onion' to get rid of odors near wastewater treatment plants

A new system has been developed to sample, measure, categorize and control nuisance odors from sewage and wastewater treatment facilities. The technology uses a range of methods, including plastic bags, metal containers and electronic noses, to identify the sources of the smells and develop strategies for elimination.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 2, 2017

A beach lover's dream: A step toward long-lasting sunscreen

Scientists have made a breakthrough in developing longer-lasting sunscreens by studying the behavior of molecular ingredients. By using lasers to simulate sunlight, researchers found that up to 10% of sunscreen molecules can become stuck in an excited state, leading to degradation and reduced protection.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 2, 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.

UK shale gas extraction could be reduced by limited space to develop wells

Researchers from Durham University found that only a quarter of the UK's largest shale gas reserve might be recoverable due to limited space for well development. To minimize land disruption and environmental impact, they recommend locating wells as far apart as possible and operating on a multi-well basis.

SourceDurham University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 2, 2017

No more 'superbugs'? Maple syrup extract enhances antibiotic action

Researchers found a natural way to enhance antibiotic action by combining maple syrup extract with commonly used antibiotics. This approach works on various bacterial strains, including E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, allowing for up to 90% less antibiotic use while maintaining effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 2, 2017

Mysterious cosmic explosion puzzles astronomers

Astronomers discover enigmatic flash of X-rays from galaxy 10.7 billion light years away, exhibiting properties unlike known gamma-ray bursts or stellar destruction; scientists struggle to understand its origin and potential implications for compact star mergers.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 2, 2017
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.

Upcycling 'fast fashion' to reduce waste and pollution

Researchers at Aalto University have made significant progress in recycling and upcycling clothing to create high-quality textiles. They discovered an ionic liquid that can dissolve cellulose from wood pulp and cotton-polyester blends, producing fibers stronger than commercially available viscose.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 2, 2017
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.

New gene-based blood tests identify more skin cancers

Researchers have developed two new blood tests that can reliably detect previously unidentifiable forms of melanoma, a type of aggressive skin cancer. The tests use DNA fragments in the blood to monitor tumor growth and can detect changes in genes that help cancer cells multiply.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateApr 2, 2017

Patients' immune system may influence effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy

A study by the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that higher levels of tumor-associated immune cells and certain T cell types are associated with better response to immunotherapy. This could lead to more effective treatments for patients with recurrent head and neck cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateApr 2, 2017