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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 7 of 37

The Math Alliance receives AMS award

The Math Alliance has been awarded the Mathematics Programs that Make a Difference Award by the American Mathematical Society for its work promoting diversity and inclusion in mathematics. The organization's programs have successfully addressed underrepresentation of minority groups, with a 30-fold expansion over the last decade.

Rosetta online server that includes everyone

The Rosetta Online Server (ROSIE) uses XSEDE's Stampede supercomputer to provide access to the Rosetta software suite for 3D structure prediction and high-resolution design of biomolecules. With over 5,000 users, ROSIE has enabled notable scientific advances in computational biology.

Estimating wealth from outer space

Researchers found that nighttime illumination can accurately predict wealth levels in regions, including individual settlements. Satellite data on night light emissions was used to make inferences about local economic rank and compare wealth levels across countries.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New survey hints at exotic origin for the Cold Spot

A new survey of galaxy redshifts finds no evidence of a supervoid causing the Cosmic Microwave Background's Cold Spot. The researchers suggest that smaller voids and galaxy clusters in the area may be responsible, but simulations of standard cosmology give only a 1-in-50 chance that the spot arose by chance.

One step closer to an 'exercise pill'

Researchers discovered that inhibiting myostatin production in mice significantly enhances muscle mass and improves markers of heart and kidney health. The findings suggest a promising pathway for protecting against obesity-derived cardiometabolic dysfunction, potentially leading to the development of an 'exercise pill'.

Study: Early organic carbon got deep burial in mantle

A Rice University study found that fossilized organic carbon could have been deeply buried in the mantle starting around 2.4 billion years ago, during a critical period known as the great oxidation event. The researchers discovered that the chemical composition of subducting crustal rock plays a crucial role in determining whether carb...

Scientists unravel how protein impacts intellectual disability

Researchers found that a protein called HUWE1 helps balance nerve cell communication, which is essential for preventing intellectual disability. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying intellectual disability and could lead to potential treatments.

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.

Obesity amplifies genetic risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A recent study found that obesity significantly increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by different metabolic pathways, particularly in individuals with the PNPLA3 gene variant. The researchers suggest that genetic screening may be valuable in identifying high-risk subgroups.

Parkinson's disease will be curable with cortisol

A research team at DGIST has discovered a candidate substance that can prevent and potentially cure Parkinson's disease by inducing the expression of the parkin protein. Cortisol, a stress hormone, promotes the production of this protein, which protects dopaminergic neurons from death.

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.

Gut bacteria tell the brain what animals should eat

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that gut bacteria control food preferences in fruit flies by inducing metabolic changes that mimic protein satiety. The research identifies two bacterial species responsible for altering appetite behavior, shedding light on the complex interaction between diet and microbes.

Few researchers consider hearing loss in healthcare communication: Study

A review of medical literature by NYU researchers found that only 23.9% of studies on doctor-patient communication mentioned hearing loss, highlighting a significant gap in understanding its impact on care. The study suggests that simple strategies can mitigate the negative effects of hearing loss on patient communication.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Revolutionary method reveals impact of short circuits on battery safety

Researchers developed a novel approach to study Li-ion battery failure under short-circuit conditions, gaining insights into cell design vulnerabilities and thermal runaway propagation. The findings provide new knowledge to improve battery safety and reliability for portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale storage.

Potential new treatment for kidney failure in cancer patients

A new study published in Oncoimmunology suggests that kidney dysfunction in cancer patients can be triggered by the immune system's response to the tumor. Researchers identified neutrophils as a key player in this process, which can lead to impaired blood flow and inflammation in organs like the kidneys.

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.

Screening for preeclampsia in pregnant women recommended

The USPSTF concludes that screening for preeclampsia has a substantial net benefit, allowing for early identification and effective treatment to prevent serious complications. Moderate-certainty evidence supports the effectiveness of well-established treatments in reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

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.

New study shows youth violence on decline

A new study by Boston University professor Christopher Salas-Wright reveals a 29% decrease in youth violence in the United States between 2002 and 2014. Despite encouraging findings, racial and ethnic disparities in youth violence persist.

Genes associated with resilience against brain pathology identified

Researchers discovered two genes, UNC5C and ENC1, associated with aging individuals' better memory and brain function despite accumulated brain pathologies. The study used genetic analysis of 979 organ donors' brain tissue to identify these genes and provide potential new targets for developing medications to enhance brain resilience.

Low-sodium diet might not lower blood pressure

A new 16-year study found that consuming less sodium was associated with higher blood pressure in men and women, challenging the current recommended limits. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium intake showed a significant association with lower blood pressure.

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.

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.

Religious people more likely to oppose reproductive technologies

A new study by Rice University found that religious individuals are more likely to disapprove of reproductive genetic technologies than non-religious people. Evangelical Christians are the most opposed, with 23% deeming disease technologies morally wrong, while 80% of evangelicals reject enhancement technologies.

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.

Bad feelings can motivate cancer patients

A recent study found that anger and guilt in cancer patients can inspire them to set new goals and engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise. This motivation can counteract the negative effects of stress hormones on physical health. The research suggests that certain negative emotions can play a crucial role in directing adaptive health ...

Cognitive skills differ across cultures and generations

Researchers found significant cultural differences in cognitive skills among adolescent participants but not their parents, highlighting the importance of considering developmental and cultural perspectives. The study suggests that cultural contrasts may differ in nature as well as magnitude at different points along the life span.

Extinction risk for many species vastly underestimated, study suggests

A new study reveals that species' geographic ranges are systematically overestimated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), leading to an underestimation of extinction risk. The research provides a formula to estimate more accurate species ranges, suggesting that at least 10 out of 18 bird species should have the...

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.

'Cyclops' algorithm spots daily rhythms in cells

A new algorithm, CYCLOPS, can detect and characterize molecular rhythms in human cells. The tool has the potential to improve dosing for many existing medications by identifying optimal times for administration.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers map the evolution of dog breeds

The study maps the evolution of dog breeds using gene sequences from 161 modern breeds, uncovering evidence of ancient canine migration across the Bering land bridge. The research also sheds light on the origins of various breeds, including herding dogs and hairless breeds.

A survival guide for retail startups

A new study found that retail startups that spend more per employee and manage faster inventory turnover are more likely to survive. This is based on data from almost 16,000 small retailers in Portugal, where half of new ventures fail.

Afghanistan and Iraq veterans' opioid use similar to that of civilians

A new study published in Pain found that opioid use among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn veterans is comparable to the general US population. Chronic pain management with opioids was strongly associated with PTSD, major depressive disorder, tobacco use, and rural residence.

New method to grow womb lining and mimic menstrual cycle in the laboratory dish

Researchers at KU Leuven have successfully grown three-dimensional cultures of the endometrium in a laboratory dish, shedding light on the monthly menstrual cycle and its regulation by female hormones. The new technique enables the study of diseases such as endometrial atrophy and cancer, as well as drug discovery and screening.

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.

Model for multivalley polaritons

IBS scientists developed a theoretical model for valv polarization in microcavities, which predicts that valleys with opposite polarization can be distinguished and tuned. This could lead to applications in valleytronics by selectively exciting different valleys with polarized laser light.

Higher costs for complex cancer surgery indicator for worse care

A new study by Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center found that high-volume surgeons who perform more complex cancer operations have lower patient costs due to reduced complications and better outcomes. However, this association disappears when accounting for processes of care and complications associated with surgical procedures.

MIT engineers manipulate water using only light

Researchers at MIT have created a system that can manipulate the movement of water on a surface using visible light. The technology has potential applications in fields such as microfluidic diagnostic devices and oil-water separation, where it could enable more efficient and controlled separation of fluids.

Childhood obesity linked to quadrupled risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A new study has found that children with obesity are four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes by age 25 compared to their normal-weight counterparts. The study examined data from over 369,000 children and teenagers in the UK and found a significant increase in type 2 diabetes cases between 1994 and 2013.

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.

Study finds first molecular genetic evidence of PTSD heritability

A large study from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium found that genetic influences play a role in PTSD risk after trauma, with strongest effects among women. The research also identified significant overlap between PTSD and other mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.