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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 2 of 37

American Academy of Sleep Medicine announces 2017 award recipients

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced the 2017 award recipients, including David F. Dinges for his dedication to the sleep field and significant contributions in administration, public relations, and government affairs. Susan Redline received the William C. Dement Academic Achievement Award for her exceptional initiative...

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.

NASA eyes intensifying Tropical Cyclone Frances

Tropical cyclone Frances strengthened in the western Timor Sea, with NASA satellites capturing visible and rainfall data. The storm's maximum sustained winds were estimated at 50 knots (57.5 mph), with strong convective storms near the center dropping rain at a rate of over 70 mm per hour.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plague bacteria take refuge in amoebae

Research found that plague bacteria Yersinia pestis can survive within amoebae, using proteins to avoid being digested. This discovery has implications for predicting disease re-emergence and may lead to new strategies for controlling the spread of plague.

Bullying linked to increased desire for cosmetic surgery in teens

Adolescents involved in bullying exhibit increased desire for cosmetic surgery, with a focus on poor psychological functioning among victims. The study suggests that plastic surgeons should screen for psychological vulnerability and history of bullying when evaluating patients.

Antibiotics counteract the beneficial effect of whole grain

A large Danish cohort study found that antibiotic use is associated with lower enterolignan concentrations in the blood, especially for women. The study suggests that antibiotics can negatively affect intestinal bacteria's ability to metabolize plant lignans into enterolignans.

UTA student wins UT System Regents award

UTA senior Frederick Tran won the 2017 Regents' Outstanding Arts and Humanities Award for his short fiction piece 'Airstrikes,' which tells the story of a doctor serving with Médecins Sans Frontières in Yemen. The award recognizes Tran's talent, hard work, and ability to tackle difficult subjects through his writing.

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.

The high cost of surviving acute respiratory distress syndrome

A new study found that nearly half of ARDS survivors were jobless one year after hospital discharge, with an estimated average loss of $27,000 in earnings. The research also identified risk factors for joblessness and highlighted the need for occupational rehabilitation strategies to support survivors' return to work.

Study examines state of social, personality psychology research

The study found that social and personality psychologists are less likely to use questionable research practices and more likely to follow best practices, leading to an overall improvement in the field. Despite this progress, most respondents believe further improvements are needed, particularly in replicability.

Medical guidelines for astronauts to be launched in the US

Scientists at Northumbria University and University of Plymouth are developing medical guidelines for astronauts. A systematic review group will pool studies and create comprehensive guidelines that inform operational decisions. The guidelines aim to prevent health changes among astronauts, as well as benefiting terrestrial human health.

Ice cave in Transylvania yields window into region's past

Researchers have extracted ancient ice cores from a Transylvanian cave glacier to reconstruct winter climate conditions during the Holocene period. The findings reveal warmer and wetter winters, with significant shifts in atmospheric dynamics occurring around 7,000 years ago.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A close look into the barley genome

A new high-quality barley genome sequence has been created, allowing for detailed analysis of agronomically important gene families. This breakthrough could significantly accelerate the development of new varieties resistant to pathogens and climate fluctuations.

Scythian horse breeding unveiled: Lessons for animal domestication

Researchers sequenced the genome of 13 ancient Scythian stallions and 1 mare, uncovering diversity in coat coloration patterns and genetic traits valued by breeders. The study suggests that Scythian breeders maintained natural herd structures and selected horses with robust morphologies.

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.

Using rooster testes to learn how the body fights viruses

Researchers analyzed rooster testes to uncover how piRNA shields germ cells from viral invaders. The study reveals a unique defense mechanism that could be adapted to combat human diseases related to viruses like avian leukosis virus, which can lead to cancer in chickens and is related to similar viruses in humans.

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.

Food insecurity can affect your mental health

A new study found that food insecurity is associated with poorer mental health and specific psychosocial stressors across global regions. Nearly one in three individuals experience common mental disorders, which may be exacerbated by food insecurity's impact on nutrition and social norms.

Scientists examine impact of high-severity fires on conifer forests

A new study finds that high-severity fires in a warming climate can limit the ability of Western conifer forests to recover, potentially transforming landscapes from forested to shrub-dominated systems. The researchers found that hardwood trees and shrubs quickly establish after fire, while conifers struggle to compete.

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.

Study quantifies kidney failure risk in living kidney donors

Researchers developed a risk calculator to estimate long-term risks of developing kidney failure in living kidney donors. The study found that black donors and older male donors were at higher risk, while younger black candidates should be carefully evaluated.

The key to long female lives may be heterogeneity

A new study finds that heterogeneity in frailty and robustness in Eurasian sparrowhawks contributes to longer female lives, with life expectancy reaching up to 4.23 years for the most robust adult females. The study suggests considering heterogeneity when studying sex differences in mortality.

Computational research details the activation mechanism of p38α

A recent study published in eLife provides a deeper understanding of p38α's structure and activation mechanism. The research reveals novel conformations that could be used to uncover new inhibitors, as well as important electrostatic interactions that may allow for alternative activation pathways with increased specificity.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

How domestication altered the genome of ancient horses

Analyses of 14 ancient horse genomes reveal that domestication led to changes in forelimbs and coat colors, as well as the presence of genetic variants associated with milk production for human consumption. The study suggests that early domestication was not limited to a small group of stallions but involved multiple founders.

Ocean warming to cancel increased CO2-driven productivity

Researchers found that high CO2 levels boost production at different levels of the food web, but ocean warming causes stress to marine animals, preventing them from efficiently using increased resources. This led to a collapse of the food web. The study suggests that ocean warming will be an overwhelming stressor for marine ecosystems.

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.

Cold-water corals: Acidification harms, warming promotes growth

A recent study reveals that cold-water corals can thrive in warmer temperatures, but are harmed by ocean acidification. The research, conducted at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, found that elevated temperatures can compensate for the negative effects of acidification on coral growth and fitness.

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.

First global simulation yields new insights into ring system

Researchers simulated the entire ring system of Chariklo, a small body in the Solar System with rings. The simulation found that the inner ring is unstable without help, suggesting smaller particles or an undiscovered shepherd satellite may be responsible.

Light has new capacity for electronics

Scientists have discovered a new phenomenon called the photodielectric effect, which could lead to the creation of laser-controlled touch displays. The discovery uses light to increase the dielectric permittivity of a material, allowing for more efficient energy storage and filtering.

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.

'Outstanding' results announced from new blood cancer study

Researchers from the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust have reported outstanding results from a long-term follow-up study on patients with CLL. The study, which used a selective BTK inhibitor, showed durable remissions without new toxicities in most patients.

Feeling the heat

Thermal comfort has increased in China over the past few decades due to rising temperatures and declining wind speed. The study found an average of 255 very cold and cold days per year, but a decline in cold days, with only 11 hot and very hot days per year.

Looking for the quantum frontier

Researchers have developed a new theoretical framework to identify computations that occupy the 'quantum frontier', the boundary between problems solvable by classical and quantum computers. The study shows that these computations can be performed with near-term, intermediate quantum computers.

Control of molecular motion by metal-plated 3-D printed plastic pieces

Researchers developed a novel fabrication method combining 3D printing and electroplating to produce complex metallic structures for molecular beam-splitting. This approach enables the creation of high-voltage electrodes with impeccable surface properties and precision alignment, overcoming previous fabrication problems.

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.

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.

Exercise and vitamin D better together for heart health

Researchers discovered a positive relationship between exercise and vitamin D levels in reducing cardiovascular disease risks. The study found that exercising regularly boosted vitamin D stores, while adequate vitamin D levels also protected against heart attacks and strokes.

NOAA funds UM coral restoration research

The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has received a two-year NOAA grant to support cutting-edge coral conservation research. Researchers will outplant nursery-raised staghorn corals onto nearshore reef habitats and develop an outreach program to engage the public in coral reef conservation.

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.