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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 16


Page 16 of 37

Widely disparate spending on health forecast through 2040

According to a new analysis, health spending is expected to increase rapidly in high-income countries, while low-income countries are projected to see relatively slow growth. This could lead to rising out-of-pocket costs for people in emerging economies, leaving the poorest unable to afford care.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 19, 2017
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.

U of I study ranks which production attributes are most important to consumers when buying beef, chicken

A University of Illinois study reveals which production attributes matter most to consumers when buying beef and chicken, with 'no growth hormones' topping the list. The study found that organic was ranked lowest in importance, sparking surprise among researchers who attribute this to a lack of understanding about the term's meaning.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgriculture and Human Values·DateApr 19, 2017

With beetroot juice before exercise, aging brains look 'younger'

A new study found that drinking beetroot juice before exercise improves brain connectivity and efficiency in older adults, similar to those of younger brains. The researchers also discovered higher levels of nitrate and nitrite in the blood after exercising with beetroot juice compared to placebo groups.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalGerontology·DateApr 19, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy is feasible in a public county hospital

A study found that outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy is safe and effective, with shorter hospital stays and decreased healthcare costs. The study showed no differences in complications, post-discharge ER visits, or readmissions between the outpatient and hospital-stay groups.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 19, 2017

Two in the pack: No changes for Isle Royale wolves

The Isle Royale wolf population has remained unchanged for the second year in a row, with only two wolves left on the island. The moose population is expected to double over the next three to four years, leading to increased vegetation consumption and potentially altering the island's ecosystem.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateApr 18, 2017

Predictive power

The Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) developed a model of the Watts Bar Unit 2 reactor core before startup and simulated its initial cycle. The simulations confirmed engineers' predictions on safe operation and provided detailed hour-by-hour behavior during power escalation. CASL's high-fidelity code su...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateApr 18, 2017

Chaining up diarrhea pathogens

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that vaccine-induced IgA antibodies 'enchain' bacteria in the intestine, forming clumps that prevent disease and genetic exchange of resistant genes. This approach could lead to a new strategy for intestinal infections, including farm animal vaccination and potential human applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

Experimental drug targets nucleus of allergen-sensitized cells

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered a small molecular compound, RCM-1, that blocks the transcription factor FOXM1 and its pro-inflammatory activity in asthma. The compound prevented overproduction of mucous-generating goblet cells and reduced lung inflammation.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 18, 2017

Researchers identify tactic Dengue virus uses to delay triggering immune response

Researchers identified cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) as the protein responsible for detecting viral infection, but dengue virus counteracts this by degrading cGAS. This study sheds light on a novel mechanism by which viruses evade immune detection and may inform techniques to dampen pro-inflammatory responses.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 18, 2017

OU law student recipient of Udall Congressional Internship

University of Oklahoma College of Law student Aaron Fournier has been selected for the Udall Foundation's Native American Congressional Internship, focused on tribal sovereignty and public policy. He will work with federal employees in Washington, D.C., to promote increased tribal sovereignty after completing his studies.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateApr 18, 2017

Individualizing health care one byte at a time

A team of scientists has developed an algorithm called PhenomeNET Variant Predictor (PVP) that can identify genetic changes in patients with genetic disorders. PVP uses data from non-human model organisms and a large database of gene-to-phenotype associations to prioritize variants with their likelihood of involvement in human disease.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 18, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Well-kept vacant lots can help reduce crime

A new study by Michigan State University found that well-kept vacant lots can help reduce crime rates in urban areas. The research analyzed nine years of crime data in Flint, Michigan, and discovered a correlation between greening efforts and decreased crime rates, including violent and property crimes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalApplied Geography·DateApr 18, 2017

Scientists identify neural basis for parasitic cowbird's secret password

Researchers have identified the neural basis for password-based species recognition in cowbirds, a behavior that resolves the paradox of species recognition in brood parasites. The study reveals that young cowbirds use a specific chatter call as a 'password' to identify conspecifics and avoid imprinting on host species.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 18, 2017

'Gamers' method creates unique 4-D molecular spectral maps

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new method, GAMERS, to extract the static and dynamic structure of complex chemical systems. This four-dimensional coherent spectroscopic method reveals hidden features of molecular structure, enabling insights into quantum phenomena and potential applications in solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateApr 18, 2017

Cannabinoids may soothe certain skin diseases, say CU Anschutz researchers

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus found that cannabinoids may be effective in treating eczema, psoriasis, and other skin diseases. Topical cannabinoid drugs with little psychotropic effect could provide relief for patients with itchy skin conditions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

What makes pancreatic cancer so aggressive?

FAU researchers identified Zeb1 as a key factor that activates embryonic programme, leading to rapid dissemination and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. They also found that blocking Zeb1 reduces metastatic capacity in other tumour types.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 18, 2017

Arctic river ice deposits rapidly disappearing

Climate change is causing Arctic river ice deposits to melt nearly a month earlier than they did 15 years ago, with most icings disappearing 26 days earlier in 2015 than in 2000. This rapid decline could have significant impacts on Arctic river ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 18, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Birds sing shorter songs in response to traffic noise

Research found that birdsong duration and frequencies are adjusted in response to traffic noise, with songs returning to natural state after road closures. Temporary road closures can help mitigate this effect, providing birds with an opportunity to sing optimally.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalBioacoustics·DateApr 18, 2017

Can barnacle geese predict the climate?

Researchers found that barnacle geese cannot accurately anticipate climate change due to the unpredictability of polar region warming. The birds' reproductive success will be reduced if they continue to mistime their arrival at breeding grounds, despite some compensation from a longer breeding season and smarter migration strategies.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 18, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Kristin Umland receives 2017 AMS Impact Award

Kristin Umland receives the 2017 AMS Impact Award for her work on illustrating mathematics standards and creating professional development resources. Her efforts have improved math education for millions of teachers and students across the US.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 18, 2017

UNH helps lead the way for campuses to measure their nitrogen footprints

Researchers at UNH have developed a new tool to measure both carbon and nitrogen footprints, aiming to reduce campus activities' impact on water quality and climate change. The Nitrogen Footprint Tool Network includes seven institutions, tracking emissions from food waste, energy consumption, and transportation.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateApr 18, 2017

Understanding decisions: The power of combining psychology and economics

A collaborative effort between psychologists and economists reveals that combining both disciplines leads to better understanding of decisions. The research focuses on individuals' expectations for major life events, such as finding work or having children, and shows that teens are capable of estimating numerical probabilities with acc...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2017

Rapid screening machine can read and separate protein sequences

A novel optical technique enables rapid sorting of amino acid sequences in living bacteria, revealing structural properties crucial for materials development. This technology uses femto-pico second lasers to inspect proteins without heating them up, enabling non-lethal screening and separation.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

Paper: Nutrition label readers favor food quality over quantity

Researchers found that nutrition label users tend to select healthier foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and beans, while avoiding refined grains and fried foods. The study suggests that dining facilities can encourage healthy eating behaviors by increasing nutrient-dense food options and product reformulations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 18, 2017

NASA measures rainfall rates in Tropical Cyclone Maarutha

Tropical Storm Maarutha's intense rainbands were detected by the Global Precipitation Measurement mission, showing rainfall rates of over 134 mm per hour near its center. The satellite imagery provided valuable insights into the cyclone's powerful convective storms, which reached altitudes of over 10.9 miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 18, 2017

Inflammatory bowel diseases on the rise in very young Canadian children

A new study finds that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases are rising rapidly among young Canadian children, particularly those under five years old. The incidence of IBD has stabilized for children over five but continues to rise in younger age groups, with an estimated 600-650 children diagnosed annually.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

Fainting episodes may increase risk of workplace accidents, job loss

A Danish study found that working-age people with fainting spells have a 1.4-fold increased risk of occupational accidents and a 2-fold higher risk of job loss compared to those without the condition. Younger individuals with poor socioeconomic status or additional health conditions are particularly at high risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 18, 2017

High-fat, high-carb diet a cause of osteoarthritis

A study published in Scientific Reports found that a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet rich in saturated fatty acids can weaken cartilage in joints, leading to osteoarthritis. The research suggests that diet may play a significant role in the onset of osteoarthritis, rather than wear and tear.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2017

Signs point to reduced drinking by pregnant women

A study published in Journal of Health Economics found that drinking by pregnant women is down 11 percent in states requiring point-of-sale warning signs. The benefits to heeding the warnings show up in fewer extremely premature births and very-low-birth-weight babies.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateApr 18, 2017

Researchers unlock an immunity 'black box'

A research team at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has revealed a previously unknown immune machinery underlying neutrophilic dermatosis, a group of autoinflammatory skin disorders. By mapping the biological pathways involved, the researchers identified key molecules and signaling nodes that drive inflammation and tissue damage.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

Better living through pressure: Functional nanomaterials made easy

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new technology that mimics imprint processes used in industrial manufacturing, creating nanowire-array structures similar to those found in touch-screens for sensors, computers, phones, and TVs. The pressure-based fabrication process is faster and more environmentally friendl...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2017

For young adults, cigarettes more pleasurable with alcohol than with pot

A recent study by UCSF found that young adults experience greater pleasure from smoking cigarettes while under the influence of alcohol compared to marijuana. The study, which used self-reported data from 500 participants aged 18-25, suggests that co-use of cigarettes and alcohol may be more pleasurable than co-use with marijuana.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateApr 18, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Homing pigeons share our human ability to build knowledge across generations

A new study by Oxford University reveals that homing pigeons can accumulate knowledge and improve their flight paths over time, mirroring human cumulative culture. The birds' collective intelligence enables them to streamline their routes, outperforming solo or group flights with no membership changes.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2017

Bacteriophages, natural drugs to combat superbugs

Researchers discover bacteriophages that can effectively reduce bacterial levels and improve health in mice infected with antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs.' The study's findings suggest phages could be a promising alternative to antibiotics, with potential benefits including fewer side effects and the ability to evolve against resistance.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

Narcissism and social networking

A recent meta-analysis of 57 studies involving over 25,000 participants found a weak to moderate link between social media activity and narcissistic tendencies. Grandiose narcissists are more likely to frequent social networking sites, whereas vulnerable narcissism is associated with insecurity and social withdrawal.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Personality·DateApr 18, 2017

Killing flu viruses with help from a frog

Researchers have identified a frog peptide, urumin, that can destroy many strains of human flu and protect mice against infection. The peptide targets the hemagglutinin protein on the virus, destabilizing it and killing it.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateApr 18, 2017

New study offers good news for pork producers

A new study offers good news for pork producers, providing research-backed management recommendations. The study found that quality in one part of the pig does not predict quality in other parts, and that individual differences account for most variability in pork products.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

Sea scorpions: The original sea monster

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found that sea scorpions likely used their serrated tail spines to kill ancient early vertebrates. The study suggests that these prehistoric predators could slash their tails from side to side, using a horizontal slashing motion to capture and dispatch their prey.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateApr 18, 2017

New mechanism to fight multi-resistant bacteria revealed

Researchers identified a compensatory mechanism in bacteria that can be used as a new therapeutic target against multi-drug resistant bacteria. The study found that the pace of adaptation in multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli strains is faster than for strains with single resistance mutations.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 18, 2017

Both low and high birth weight linked to fatty liver disease in children

A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests that both low and high birth weights are linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. The study found that advanced scarring of the liver is associated with low birth weight, while more inflammation is linked to high birth weight.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 18, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Climate change and risk to fossil fuel industry: Sustainability train has left the station

The article highlights that climate change threatens the sustainability of the fossil fuel industry, with emissions accounting for two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions. The industry faces increasing pressures due to carbon-based businesses and economies facing impediments to consumption, according to Jim Krane and Ritchie D. Priddy.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalMRS Energy & Sustainability·DateApr 18, 2017

Hydrogen halo lifts the veil of our galactic home

Researchers at University of Arizona discover diffuse hydrogen gas surrounding Milky Way, accounting for large part of galaxy's baryonic mass. This finding confirms predictions from simulations and provides new insights into the nature of dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 18, 2017
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.