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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 33 of 37

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.

Set strawberry alarm clock for post-apple bloom

Researchers at Cornell University discovered that strawberries produce higher yields when blooming directly after an apple bloom. This method allows growers to manipulate the timing of crop blooms without relying on natural habitats, providing a more sustainable solution for boosting crop yields.

Method identifies epileptic patients who can benefit from surgery

Researchers developed a model to predict which patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy will respond to drug treatment. The study analyzed genetic material and clinical data for 237 individuals, achieving accuracy rates of up to 82% in predicting patient response.

New type of insulin-producing cell discovered

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered a possible new route to regenerating beta cells, giving insight into healthy metabolism and diabetes. This discovery could lead to better treatment or cures for diabetes by understanding how these cells mature into functioning beta cells.

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.

Hair strands could reveal lifestyle secrets of criminals (video)

Researchers have developed a new scientific technique that can analyze human hair to provide clues about a person's lifestyle. The technique uses liquid chromatography in conjunction with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LC-IRMS) to identify 15 isotope ratio measurements that potentially yield crucial information about certain lifestyl...

Technique makes more efficient, independent holograms

A team of researchers from Harvard SEAS encoded multiple holographic images in a metasurface that can be unlocked separately with differently polarized light. This advancement offers more control over polarization manipulation and measurement, enabling applications such as anti-fraud protection and entertainment.

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.

So sheep may safely graze

A team of French and Argentinian scientists identified a genetic mutation responsible for fleece variation in domesticated sheep. The study mapped and functionally validated the mutation using genomic sequencing data from over 2,000 lambs, shedding light on an ancient gene mechanism that may have occurred.

Streamlining mass production of printable electronics

A team of researchers in Germany and Canada has successfully demonstrated a proof of concept for fully inkjet-printable flexible resistive memory. This breakthrough enables the mass production of printable electronics with mechanically flexible memory tiles, using commercially available materials.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Airbnb fans and critics both correct in home-sharing debate, says study

A new study by Columbia University researchers found that most Airbnb hosts in Manhattan make less than $10,000 a year, with nearly two-thirds of listings booked less than 30 days. Meanwhile, a small share of hosts generates the majority of the revenue, with top earners capturing 80% of all revenue.

NASA analyzes storms that caused deadly Colombia mudslides

Heavy rainfall in Mocoa, Colombia triggered devastating flooding and mudslides that killed over 250 people. NASA's GPM mission provided crucial data on precipitation from its orbit, helping estimate the amount of rain that fell near the affected area.

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.

Call to phase out lead bullets at shooting ranges

New research finds that lead bullets used at shooting ranges can cause serious health problems, particularly for women of child-bearing age. The study suggests a transition to copper bullets and lead-free primers is necessary to mitigate these risks.

New rice fights off drought

Scientists at RIKEN developed transgenic rice strains that resist drought stress, showing higher yields and increased biomass. The modified rice lines produced more galactinol, a key osmoprotectant, to cope with water loss, leading to improved drought tolerance.

How to hack a cell

A new study by Boston University engineer Wilson Wong outlines a simplified platform to target and program mammalian cells as genetic circuits, enabling researchers to make complex computations. The BLADE platform uses DNA recombinases to allow for more targeted manipulation of cells and their behavior.

Study reverses thinking on genetic links to stress, depression

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found no significant connection between a serotonin gene variant and depression risk when exposed to stress. The research, which analyzed data from over 40,000 people, suggests that previous conclusions on the link were overstated and may have been replicated without true effect.

MERS-like coronavirus identified in Ugandan bat

Researchers identified a novel coronavirus in a Ugandan bat that is 87% identical to MERS-CoV and 91% identical to NeoCoV. However, the virus has significant differences in its spike gene, making it unlikely to spread to humans.

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.

Jumping droplets extinguish unpredictable hotspots in electronics

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 'jumping droplet' technique that effectively cools mobile hotspots by harnessing the power of surface energy. This breakthrough method, reported in Applied Physics Letters, enables efficient heat dissipation in all directions, outperforming existing methods.

UBC invention uses bacteria to purify water

The UBC-developed system uses a combination of fibre membranes and beneficial bacteria to remove contaminants from non-potable water. This innovative approach aims to provide an efficient and low-maintenance solution for communities with limited access to clean drinking water.

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.

Study compares brain atrophy between typical elderly and 'superagers'

Researchers found that cognitively average elderly adults experienced greater annual whole-brain cortical volume loss compared to SuperAgers. Despite this, SuperAgers showed signs of slower brain atrophy over an 18-month period, with potential implications for understanding cognitive decline and age-related brain changes.

A new blue gene: NKPD1 variant increases depression risk

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has identified a link between rare variants of the NKPD1 gene and depressive symptoms. Researchers found that nearly 2,000 people with depressive symptoms were analyzed, revealing a possible genetic connection to depression.

How stress controls hemoglobin levels in blood

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discover a new mechanism regulating hemoglobin gene expression through stress response. Stress is necessary to produce hemoglobin, and its signal activates enzymes to facilitate splicing.

Improving healthcare commissioning for probation: Mapping the landscape

The study will examine how healthcare services are delivered to people on probation and identify ways to improve health outcomes and reduce recidivism. By analyzing existing data and conducting surveys, the researchers aim to develop evidence-based guidelines for better healthcare commissioning in this vulnerable population.

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.

Be more patient? Imagine that

Researchers used fMRI to explore the role of imagination and willpower on patience. They found that imagining consequences can increase patience without relying on increased willpower, and that this approach may be more sustainable than exerting willpower.

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.

A self-healing, water-repellant coating that's ultra durable

Researchers at University of Michigan developed a self-healing, water-repellent coating that's hundreds of times more durable than its counterparts. The coating can heal itself chemically and physically, making it ideal for applications like waterproofing vehicles, clothing and ship hulls.

Individuals of victimized groups require group sincerity before giving forgiveness

Researchers found that democratic decision-making processes and majority endorsement within offender groups influence victims' perception of sincerity and conciliatory response. The study suggests that governments and political leaders should build consensus within their group about the appropriateness of an apology to the victim group.

Common antibiotic may help to prevent or treat PTSD

A new study found that doxycycline can reduce fear memory responses in healthy volunteers by 60%, suggesting its potential to treat PTSD. The antibiotic disrupts the formation of negative associations in the brain, which is crucial for learning to fear threats.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Heart attacks diagnosed quicker by new blood test

Scientists at King's College London have developed a new blood test that detects damaged heart muscle caused by a heart attack more sensitively than current tests. This could lead to faster diagnosis and treatment of patients, while reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.

ER docs can pick your nose

A new study by ER docs shows that administering medications via the nose can be a helpful option for certain patients, especially children. Intranasal administration of midazolam, fentanyl, naloxone, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine can provide effective pain relief and seizure treatment.

INFORMS® awards Holiday Retirement its 2017 Edelman Award

Holiday Retirement received the 2017 Franz Edelman Award for its innovative use of operations research to develop a revenue management system that optimizes pricing across all its senior living communities. The award recognizes the significant impact of this achievement on organizational efficiency and profitability.

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.

A step forward to making crops drought tolerant

Researchers sequenced the genome of Xerophyta viscosa, a 'resurrection plant', to understand its ability to tolerate severe drought. The study revealed key genes that enable plants to survive desiccation and opens up new areas of exploration for developing drought-tolerant crops.

New research could help speed up the 3-D printing process

Researchers have found that conventional desktop and professional 3D printers build objects at a slow rate of 10-20 cubic centimeters per hour. The team identified a pinch-wheel mechanism as a limitation, which can be improved to increase printing speed.

Mini brains from the petri dish

Researchers developed organoids that resemble human brain structure, investigating rare congenital brain defect Miller-Dieker syndrome. The study reveals disrupted stem cell division leading to poor organization and early differentiation of nerve cells.

Has music streaming killed the instrumental intro?

Research found that instrumental intros in top-10 songs decreased from 20 seconds to 5 seconds between 1986 and 2015, while song titles became shorter and lyrics started earlier. The 'attention economy' of modern pop music is prioritizing quick hooks over lengthy introductions.

Using drugs to weaken traumatic memories

Researchers have successfully tested a new drug that considerably weakens the recollection of a negative experience in humans. In the study, participants who received doxycycline beforehand showed a reduction of two thirds in their emotional responses to traumatic stimuli.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrate value of second opinions

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that nearly 90% of patients who sought second opinions received either a new diagnosis or a refined version of their original diagnosis. This significant finding highlights the importance of second opinions in ensuring accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes. The study's lead author no...