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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 3 of 37

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pregnancy does not increase expectant mothers' melanoma risk

Researchers analyzed data on 2,025 women diagnosed with stage I to IV melanoma and found no significant differences in prognosis between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. The study upends long-held beliefs about pregnancy and melanoma, showing that screening and treatment should be similar for both groups.

Dr. Fatima Sheikh named AGS Clinician of the Year

Dr. Fatima Sheikh, MD, CMD, MPH, is recognized for her outstanding work in post-acute and long-term care, as well as her dedication to mentoring a diverse team. She has championed programs to manage chronic conditions and advance care planning for older adults.

How do students with debt fare in community college?

A study found that community college students who borrow up to $1,999 in loans complete 17% fewer academic credits. The researchers suggest that student debt may be contributing to lower credit hour completion rates for some students.

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.

When students pay attention in class, their brains are in sync

Brain-to-brain synchrony was more pronounced in students who were more engaged during class, reflecting their liking for the teacher and peers. This phenomenon may support synchronized behavior in human interactions, such as conversations or group activities.

Diabetes app forecasts blood sugar levels

Researchers developed a personalized algorithm that predicts the impact of particular foods on an individual's blood sugar levels. The Glucoracle app allows users to upload food and blood measurements, providing real-time predictions of post-meal blood sugar levels.

New eye test detects earliest signs of glaucoma

A new eye test has been developed to detect the earliest signs of glaucoma, allowing for early treatment and potential reversal of vision loss. The test uses a specialized fluorescent marker to identify individual nerve cell death in the back of the eye.

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.

Wireless power can drive tiny electronic devices in the GI tract

Researchers have successfully powered small electronic devices in the gastrointestinal tract using mid-field wireless powering, a technique that operates at higher frequencies for more efficient delivery. This breakthrough could transform disease diagnosis and treatment by enabling implantable devices to operate wirelessly.

The upside of worrying

A new paper by Kate Sweeny argues there's a positive side to worrying, with benefits including motivating preventive and protective behavior, recovery from traumatic events, and adaptive preparation and planning. Worrying the right amount can also motivate without paralyzing motivation, while serving as an emotional buffer.

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.

A turbo engine for tracing neurons

Researchers designed UltraTracer to work with existing algorithms, turbo-charging them for faster processing and larger datasets. The software can compare tens of thousands of neuron shapes to better understand cell types.

Ripples in the cosmic web

A team of astronomers has made the first measurements of small-scale ripples in primeval hydrogen gas, using rare double quasars. The results provide important clues about the temperature of gas in the cosmic web just a few billion years after the Big Bang.

Unification could be good for North Korea, RAND report asserts

A RAND report identifies conditions that would help North Korean elites accept unification, including individual safety, wealth, and meaningful contributions. The report recommends actions by the ROK to address these concerns and prepare for potential unification.

Mental Qigong can be just as rewarding as its physical cousin

Researchers discover that mental practice of Wu Qin Xi has the same effect on EEG brain activity as physical training, increasing theta and alpha waves in beneficial ways. This finding provides hope for individuals who cannot perform physical Qigong due to mobility issues or other constraints.

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.

Mineral resources: Exhaustion is just a myth

An international team has demonstrated that mineral resources are sufficient to meet growing demand, contradicting claims of exhaustion. The report highlights the need for responsible mining practices and continued research to minimize environmental impact.

Mother's family history could pose risk for preterm birth -- Ben-Gurion U. study

A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that pregnant women with a family history of premature births are at higher risk of preterm delivery. The study followed 2,300 mothers and daughters over 22 years and found that the risk was significantly higher among those whose mothers had given birth early in their pregnancies.

Team science critical to diagnosis, prevention, treatment of diseases

Boston University School of Medicine's team science approach has led to numerous publications, new research grants, and training opportunities. The Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research has facilitated successful biomedical partnerships, resulting in 421 highly cited scientific publications.

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.

Diabetes app forecasts blood sugar levels

Researchers developed a personalized algorithm that predicts the impact of specific foods on an individual's blood sugar levels. The algorithm has been integrated into an app, Glucoracle, allowing individuals with type 2 diabetes to make better nutritional choices.

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.

A little support from their online friends calms test-anxious students

A new study suggests that reading supportive comments from online friends prior to taking a test can help college students with high levels of test-anxiety reduce their nervousness. Undergraduate students who received social support from their online friends reduced their anxiety levels by 21%, performing as well on a set of computer p...

Fukomys livingstoni, I presume?

Two new species of African mole-rats were formally described as Fukomys hanangensis and Fukomys livingstoni. Genetic analysis revealed two distinct evolutionary lineages that suggest geological and volcanic activity isolated these populations in East Africa.

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.

Mushrooms get defensive

Researchers have found a single enzyme responsible for producing a unique chemical defense in mushrooms, which can inhibit the growth of insect larvae. This novel mechanism is crucial for mushroom survival and highlights the importance of polyketide synthases in fungal defense.

Dr. Richard Allman to deliver prestigious 2017 Henderson Lecture

The American Geriatrics Society announced Dr. Richard Allman's prestigious 2017 Henderson Lecture, focusing on leadership, research, education, and quality improvement in older adult care. Dr. Allman has extensive experience developing policy and programs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

National mental-health survey finds widespread ignorance, stigma

A national survey by Michigan State University found that less than half of Americans can recognize anxiety, and nearly 8 in 10 do not recognize prescription drug abuse as a treatable problem. The survey aims to educate health officials and policymakers on where to target prevention efforts for major societal issues.

New blood test may better predict gestational diabetes

A new study finds a single measurement of plasma glycated CD59 (GCD59) can identify women at risk for gestational diabetes with high accuracy. Higher GCD59 levels are associated with an increased risk of large-for-gestational-age newborns, highlighting the potential of this biomarker to improve pregnancy outcomes.

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.

E-cigarettes do not promote cancer growth in lab tests

A new study by British American Tobacco found that commercially available e-cigarettes did not promote the development of cancer in laboratory cells. In contrast, smoke from a reference cigarette was positive for cancer-promoting activity at very low concentrations.

Protein 'spy' gains new abilities

Rice University scientists have developed a new technique to label proteins in cells using bio-orthogonal tags, allowing for high spatial and temporal control. The technique uses an engineered switch that only charges tRNA with the tag when prompted, providing a snapshot of total protein synthesis in the cell.

Twitter could have predicted the outcome of the Brexit vote

A study found that Leave campaigners outperformed Remain's Stronger In on Twitter, using effective messaging and agenda-setting strategies. The analysis also revealed the Remain camp's sporadic online approach and reliance on negative comments, which strengthened the Leave campaign's message.

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.

Stem cells edited to fight arthritis

Scientists rewired mouse stem cells using CRISPR to produce biologic anti-inflammatory drugs that protect joints and tissues from chronic inflammation. The engineered cells can sense TNF-alpha and release a protective drug to combat inflammation.

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.

Discovery in northern lakes may be key to understanding early life on Earth

Scientists have found that Boreal Shield lakes in Canada share key properties with Archean oceans, allowing for new insights into early life forms and potential solutions to greenhouse gas emissions and harmful algal blooms. Researchers can use these lakes as living laboratories to study ancient microbial communities.

DNA from extinct humans discovered in cave sediments

Scientists at Max-Planck Institute develop new method to retrieve hominin DNA from cave sediments, revealing genetic affiliations of ancient humans. The discovery sheds light on human evolution, allowing researchers to uncover the genetic history of extinct species like Neandertals and Denisovans.

Diagnosed autism linked to maternal grandmother's smoking in pregnancy

A study of 14,500 participants found that maternal grandmothers who smoked during pregnancy increased the risk of girls displaying autistic traits by 67% and their grandchildren being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by 53%. Further research is needed to understand these molecular changes and potential transgenerational influences.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

What causes gene transfer to trigger T cell activation and exhaustion?

A new review discusses how gene therapy delivered via adeno-associated viruses (AAV) can trigger an immune response in T cells, leading to activation and exhaustion. The review highlights the variability in individual patients' immune responses to AAV vectors and potential strategies to suppress these reactions.

Blood test predicts kids at risk for dengue shock syndrome

A blood test can predict which children are at risk of developing dengue shock syndrome, a life-threatening complication. Daily platelet counts and changes in platelet levels over time help identify patients who are most likely to develop the condition.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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