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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 32 of 37

How to save animals by reducing roadkill

A collaborative study published in PLoS ONE found that fences with or without crossing structures can reduce roadkill by up to 54% across all species. Focusing on effective prevention methods, researchers also recommend increasing the duration and comparability of future studies to protect biodiversity.

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.

Neptune's journey during early planet formation was 'smooth and calm'

A study published in Nature Astronomy found that blue binaries in the Kuiper Belt formed closer to the Sun and were shaped by Neptune's gravitational nudges. The research suggests a smooth and calm migration of Neptune from 20 AU to its current location at 30 AU, allowing fragile binaries to be pushed out to their current orbits.

Steppe migrant thugs pacified by Stone Age farming women

The study reveals that Yamnaya warriors married local Stone Age women, adopting an agrarian lifestyle and forming the Corded Ware Culture. This integration led to a rapid genetic changeover from Neolithic to Corded Ware cultures in Europe.

Materials may lead to self-healing smartphones

Researchers have created a self-healing material that can stretch up to 50 times its original size and automatically stitch itself back together within a day. The material, which uses ion-dipole interactions, could potentially be used to repair smartphones and other electronic devices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How nanoparticles affect flow through porous stuff in surprising ways

Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that nanoparticles can enhance or attenuate viscous fingering, a phenomenon where fluids converge in finger-shaped patterns. The study found that nanoparticle deposition rates and diffusion rates can destabilize flows, creating vortex dipoles.

Study reveals 10,000 years of genetic continuity in northwest North America

A new study of ancient DNA from northwest North America finds evidence of genetic continuity spanning over 10,000 years. The research suggests that indigenous groups living today in southern Alaska and British Columbia are descendants of the first humans to inhabit the region, supporting their oral traditions.

Majority of incontinence treatments deliver poor results

A new study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that many treatments for urinary and fecal incontinence are ineffective, with surgery being the most successful treatment option. The study analyzed thousands of research articles and found that only 37% of people treated with bulking agents achieved long-term success.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Choosing the right substrate for the right function

Researchers found that ubiquitin-interacting motifs in USP25 determine its preferential cleavage of Lys48-linked ubiquitin chains. The study reveals a unique mechanism for substrate specificity, which could have implications for understanding protein regulation and degradation.

Stopping Zika from crossing the placenta

Scientists identify a specific placental sugar that binds tightly to the Zika envelope protein, allowing it to cross the placenta and cause birth defects. Researchers are developing a strategy to block this interaction using a nanoparticle coated in the same sugar.

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.

Drought linked with human health risks in US analysis

A new Yale-led study reveals a connection between drought exposure and adverse human health among older adults in the US. Researchers found that severe drought conditions increase the risk of mortality among adults 65 or over, as well as cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in areas where droughts are rare.

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.

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.

Method may help myeloma patients avoid painful biopsies

Engineers at MIT have developed a microfluidic technique to capture and count circulating plasma cells from small samples of blood, potentially providing a less painful test for multiple myeloma. The device uses conventional blood draws and can detect the ratio of different antibodies produced by cancerous and healthy cells.

Less fear: How LSD affects the brain

Researchers found that LSD decreases activity in the amygdala, a region related to processing negative emotions like fear. This 'de-frightening' effect may contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Exotic species aren't all bad

A new study by NIOO-KNAW ecologist Bart Grutters suggests that exotic water plants can be a valuable asset in aquatic ecosystems, offering similar benefits to indigenous species. The research found that properties such as chemical defences and stem rigidity should be considered when evaluating the impact of exotic species.

The inner lives of molecules

Researchers have developed a new experimental technique to take 3D images of molecules in action, combining two technologies to probe the structure and behavior of molecules. This tool enables experiments with larger molecules that were previously impossible, allowing for better understanding of quantum mechanics in complex systems.

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.

Electronic control to ensure photovoltaic systems always work at maximum power

The UPV/EHU's Advanced Control Group has successfully developed a sliding mode controller to maintain maximum power point of solar panels despite changes in irradiation and load. This control system offers improved efficiency compared to traditional algorithms, which cause oscillating working points and diminish efficiency.

Developing adoptive T cell therapy for ovarian cancer

Scientists are working on tweaking T-cell therapy for leukemia to apply to solid tumors like ovarian cancer. The researchers identified proteins overproduced by ovarian cancer cells and found that engineered T cells can kill both human and mouse ovarian cancer cells in the lab.

Platelets instead of quantum dots

Researchers at ETH Zurich have solved the mystery of producing nanoplatelets, which are flat, uniform crystals with striking colors. The team developed a theoretical model and experimentally confirmed its predictions, paving the way for alternative materials to quantum dots in displays and solar cells.

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.

Price awareness can be a buzzkill

Researchers found that people who are aware of a product's price tend to evaluate the experience more critically, resulting in decreased satisfaction. For consumers, avoiding price focus can prolong enjoyment, while for marketers, separating price from experience may prevent consumer burnout and increase purchasing loyalty.

Psychiatric disorders do not increase risk of Alzheimer's disease

A recent study found that psychiatric disorders do not increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, contrary to previous assumptions. However, the study suggests that some psychiatric disorders may be prodromal symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the importance of proper differential diagnostics.

Researchers develop a new way to study key biological processes

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a novel mass spectrometry method to study iron-sulfur cluster proteins, which are crucial for various biological processes. The study successfully detects all reaction components simultaneously, providing detailed insights into their conversion process.

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.

US Air Force Academy awarded the 2017 UPS George D. Smith Prize

The US Air Force Academy has been awarded the 2017 UPS George D. Smith Prize for its effective preparation of students to become frontline analytics practitioners in the Air Force. The academy's O.R. program provides cadets with access to real-world data and problem-solving opportunities through partnerships with top organizations.

MERS-like coronavirus identified in Ugandan bat

A novel coronavirus found in a Ugandan bat is 87% identical to the one causing MERS, but lacks key proteins allowing it to infect humans. Researchers say the virus is unlikely to spread to humans, despite its similarities.

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.

Birth weight is risk factor for fatty liver disease in children

Low birth weight and high birth weight are associated with the severity of liver disease in children, increasing their risk for NAFLD. Children born with low-birth weight are more likely to develop severe scarring of the liver, while those with high-birth weight are at greater risk for the hepatitis form of fatty liver disease.

Even 'healthy' weight gain raises pregnancy diabetes risk

Research tracked over 3,000 women and found that small weight gains within the healthy BMI range doubled their risk of gestational diabetes compared to those with stable weights. Women who gained more than 2.5% of their body weight each year had almost triple the risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Paper: Experienced auditors better at fraud detection after a simple cue

A new study by University of Illinois experts finds that experienced auditors can detect fraud more accurately when prompted to look for signs of guilt in the CEO's voice. The researchers compiled judgments from 31 veteran auditors, who improved their accuracy rate from 43% to 70% with the cue. This suggests that even seasoned auditors...

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.

Participation in a weight management program reduces job absenteeism

A study found that individuals with obesity who participated in a structured weight loss program reported fewer hours missed from work after six months. On average, participants worked 6.4 hours more than expected, while their overall work performance did not change significantly.

Gray tin exhibits novel topological electronic properties in 3-D

Alpha-tin, commonly called gray tin, shows a novel electronic phase under strain, exhibiting massless Dirac fermions in three dimensions. This discovery holds promise for novel physics and potential applications in technology, including ultrafast electronic devices and spintronic devices.

Researchers pinpoint new drug target for heart failure patients

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new target for improving cardiac output in heart failure patients by modifying a specific protein. Modifying the serine 302 amino acid on myosin binding protein-C (MyBP-C) can significantly enhance cardiac function, providing a promising therapeutic approach.