Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2017


Page 34 of 37

Regardless of income and age, best investment strategy is to diversify

A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that diversifying retirement savings between traditional and post-tax accounts can help individuals make the most of their investments. The research model accounted for factors like age, income, and future tax policies to determine the optimal investment strategy.

Oldest remains of insects from bed bug genus found in Oregon

Researchers have discovered the oldest specimens of insects from the bed bug genus in Oregon, dating back to around 5,100 and 11,000 years ago. The remains were identified as relatives of the common bed bug, but were not the bed bugs found in hotel rooms.

Studying the brain's suspension system in TBIs

Researchers studied the brain-suspension system using magnetic resonance elastography, finding that it significantly delayed and weakened force transfer from skull to brain. This suggests up to 90% protection against TBI injury.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Melting snow contains a toxic cocktail of pollutants

Researchers found that snow absorbs certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from car emissions, increasing toxic pollutant levels in the environment. The study highlights the need for further research to reduce premature deaths caused by mild air pollution in North America.

Finger prosthesis provides clues to brain health

Researchers developed a new method to measure brain health by analyzing neural networks' responses to artificial touch experiences provided by a finger prosthesis. The technique offers precise insights into the cooperation between neurons and can reflect the entire brain's health, providing potential breakthroughs in neurological disea...

Breaking the protein-DNA bond

A Northwestern University study found that free-floating proteins can break up protein-DNA bonds at a single-binding site, disrupting gene expression. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the stability of protein-DNA interactions and has implications for understanding biological processes in living cells.

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.

Living at home the best survival strategy for young kangaroos

A study of 129 kangaroo offspring found that those spending time with their mothers grew faster and gained more weight, while those alone had higher survival rates. Social interaction also allows young kangaroos to avoid harassment from adult females.

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.

Graphene sieve turns seawater into drinking water

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed graphene-oxide membranes that can filter out common salts from seawater, making it safe to drink. This technology has the potential to revolutionize water filtration worldwide, particularly in countries with limited access to clean water.

iTango: New technique studies neuromodulation in real time

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed iTango, a light-sensitive technique to visualize and manipulate neuromodulation. The technique allows for increased spatial and temporal precision, enabling the identification of specific neurons impacted by neuromodulation and control over behavior.

Multi-university effort to advance materials, define the future of mobility

Three MIT-affiliated research teams receive $10M in funding to develop novel energy storage technologies for future mobility and autonomous systems. The projects focus on lithium-ion batteries and nanostructured catalysts for oxygen reduction, with the goal of accelerating materials discovery and reducing CO2 emissions.

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.

Trends in college attendance rates in rural America

Researchers investigated 2,000 rural high school students' college attendance patterns, finding over half attended two-year colleges and those who only attended were less likely to have educational aspirations. Parental education, track, and teacher expectations predicted college choices.

Weight history over time shows higher risk of death for overweight, obese people

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that individuals with a maximum BMI in the overweight or obese categories had an elevated risk for all-cause death and deaths from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. Participants who experienced significant weight loss were at the highest risk for death.

Program equips rural primary care providers to manage complex diabetes

A new study found that a videoconferencing educational program equips rural primary care providers with the confidence to manage patients with complex diabetes. The program, called Endo ECHO, improves access to specialized care for large numbers of patients through weekly virtual clinics.

Elimination of specific neurons outside the brain triggers obesity

Researchers developed a novel technique to eliminate specific peripheral neurons without affecting the brain, revealing their crucial role in maintaining normal adiposity. The study showed that mice lacking these neurons became fat quickly, opening new avenues for understanding diseases related to the peripheral nervous system.

New species evolve faster as mountains form

Scientists analyzed plant species in China's Hengduan Mountains and found that new species evolved at a faster rate than in nearby regions. This study provides the strongest evidence yet for the uplift-driven diversification hypothesis, supporting the idea that mountains create micro-habitats allowing species to adapt and diversify.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

When human illness rises, the environment suffers, too

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human illness leads to more destructive fishing methods and environmental harm at Lake Victoria. Healthy individuals tend to prioritize sustainable fishing practices, whereas chronically ill people focus on short-term gains, resulting in unsustainable methods.

Can pure maple syrup help reduce chronic inflammation?

Research suggests that pure maple syrup's inulin content can support a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to reduced chronic inflammation. The discovery of additional compounds with antioxidant properties further supports the health benefits of pure maple syrup.

Artificial pancreas improves blood sugar control in young kids

A new study finds that an artificial pancreas system improves blood glucose control better than usual home management for children aged 5 to 8 years with type 1 diabetes. The wearable device uses computer algorithms to track blood sugar levels and adjust insulin dosing, resulting in a longer time in the target range.

Where the Jordan stops flowing

A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers suggests that Israel's Jordan River, with only 3% of its original flow, can serve as a case study for tackling water scarcity and pollution worldwide. A two-pronged strategy involving regional cooperation to remove pollution sources and increase water flow is proposed.

A 'bionic leaf' could help feed the world

Researchers have invented a 'bionic' leaf that uses bacteria, sunlight, water and air to produce fertilizer in the soil where crops are grown. The system produces biomass and liquid fuel yields that greatly exceeded natural photosynthesis.

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.

Ridding the oceans of plastics by turning the waste into valuable fuel

Researchers have developed a process to reuse certain plastics, transforming them into a valuable diesel fuel. The technology uses a metallocene catalyst and can produce up to 10,000 pounds of fuel per day, making it a cost-effective solution for addressing plastic pollution in oceans and on land.

Babies cry most in UK, Canada, Italy & Netherlands

New research by the University of Warwick found that babies in the UK, Canada, and Italy cry more than those in other countries. On average, babies around the world cry for 2 hours per day in the first two weeks, peaking at 2 hours 15 minutes at six weeks.

A biomarker for cancer of the oropharynx

Researchers have developed a biomarker that can detect early signs of HPV16 E6 antibody presence in blood samples, indicating high risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer. The test is highly specific but not suitable for larger population groups due to low new case incidence rates.

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.

Meningitis bacteria adapting to STI niche, genetic analysis shows

A recent cluster of sexually transmitted infections in the US has revealed that meningitis bacteria are adapting to a urogenital environment, gaining enzymes to grow in low-oxygen conditions. The capsule-less organism is less likely to cause invasive diseases, but may still be susceptible to existing vaccines.

Tiny black holes enable a new type of photodetector for high speed data

Researchers at UC Davis and W&WSens Devices, Inc. developed a new type of photodetector that uses tapered holes to divert photons sideways, preserving the speed of thin-layer silicon and efficiency of thicker layers. The device can convert data from optical to electronics at 20 gigabytes per second, outperforming existing technology.

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.

Rock exposed in World War I trenches offers new fossil find

A 425-million-year-old fossil find from the Austrian Alps reveals juvenile crinoids were carried by objects floating in ancient oceans. The discovery sheds light on the behavior of early sea lilies, suggesting they spent part of their youth drifting across vast distances.

New technology could end costly crude oil pipeline blockages

A prototype device has been developed to remove asphaltenes from crude oil, addressing costly pipeline blockages. The device uses electrokinetics to attract and remove the solidified molecules, improving flow rates and reducing pressure requirements.

Researchers 'iron out' graphene's wrinkles

Engineers at MIT have created a method to iron out wrinkles in graphene, producing uniform performance and increasing its electrical conductivity. The technique enables the mass production of single-domain graphene wafer-scale, paving the way for faster electronic devices.

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.

Hormones are behind hernias of the groin in elderly men, study suggests

A study has identified hormones as the cause of inguinal hernias in older men, finding that increased estrogen action and decreased testosterone levels lead to muscle tissue weakness and scarring. The researchers propose using aromatase inhibitors as a potential treatment to prevent recurrence or even surgery.

Early climate 'payback' with higher emission reductions

Researchers at the Met Office Hadley Centre found that aggressive emission reductions can reduce the risk of extreme seasonal temperatures by half within 20 years. This study challenges previous assumptions that most benefits of mitigation would be delayed until later in the century.

Penn researchers use new imaging to show key enzyme in ovarian cancer

Researchers have developed a new imaging test that can measure Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase 1 (PARP-1) levels in ovarian cancer patients, helping doctors identify those most likely to benefit from emerging PARP inhibitor therapy. The study used a novel radiotracer technology and PET scans to confirm findings in patients.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Stretching the boundaries of neural implants

Scientists have created a new type of stretchable neural implant that can be used to study spinal cord neurons and potentially restore function. The fibers, developed by MIT researchers, can flex and stretch while delivering both optical and electrical impulses.

Extreme heat exposure linked to firefighter heart attacks

Research links extreme heat and physical exertion in firefighting to blood clotting and impaired blood vessel function, increasing the risk of heart attacks. The study suggests that exercising in extremely high temperatures should be done with proper hydration and cooling time.

Diabetes control is more difficult for night-shift workers

A study of 260 individuals with type 2 diabetes found that night shift workers had poorer glycemic control, despite adjusting for factors like diet and sleep duration. The research highlights the need for special attention to managing diabetes in this population through healthy habits and medication use.

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.

UTA assistant professor awarded APS's Mitsuyoshi Tanaka Dissertation Award

Benjamin Jones, UTA assistant professor, received the prestigious award for his doctoral thesis on sterile neutrinos in cold climates. His research using the IceCube experiment at the South Pole provided a strong constraint on the existence of sterile neutrinos, ruling out their presence with 99% confidence.

Screening the dark genome for disease

Researchers have developed a method to swiftly screen the non-coding DNA of the human genome for links to diseases driven by gene regulation. The technique uses CRISPR/Cas9 to precisely cut and paste DNA sequences, enabling the identification of regulatory elements controlling disease genes.

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.

Domesticated rice goes rogue

A recent study has discovered the ancestry of Asian rice and its weedy cousins, revealing that rice has a natural tendency towards becoming weeds. The research found that both strains evolved from different crop varieties, with relatively few changes needed to turn the crop plant into a weed.

Renewable energy needed to drive uptake of electric vehicles

A new study suggests that renewable energy sources are crucial for consumers to buy electric vehicles, as environmental performance trumps price and range confidence. The research found that participants prioritized the need for electricity to be produced from renewable sources for electric vehicles to be a true green alternative.

'Sniffing' urine to detect prostate cancer could prevent unnecessary biopsies

Researchers have identified a set of molecules in urine that are present in 90% of prostate cancer patients but not in healthy individuals. This discovery could lead to the development of a non-invasive test for early detection of prostate cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies and improving patient outcomes.

Tiny plankton wields biological 'Gatling gun' in microbial Wild West

Researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the biological 'Gatling gun' of dinoflagellates, a type of planktonic microbe. These microscopic organisms have developed sophisticated defensive mechanisms, including harpoon-like structures and projectile-firing organs that resemble a Gatling gun.

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.