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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 17


Page 17 of 37

Emergency departments administering more medications through the nose

Emergency departments are increasingly using intranasal medication administration as an alternative to injections or IVs, offering a fast and noninvasive route to deliver medications directly to the brain. This method requires no needles, is less painful than IVs or injections, and minimizes infectious disease spread.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 18, 2017

NASA sees lingering remnants of Tropical Cyclone 02W

Remnants of former Tropical Cyclone 02W lingered in the South China Sea as NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible images of clouds and flaring convection. The system is expected to dissipate due to dry air and unfavorable conditions for re-intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 18, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NSF CAREER award targets advanced microscopy techniques

Mini Das, assistant professor of physics at UH, aims to develop fast, low-radiation, high-resolution X-ray microscopy to study tissues and materials without slicing or killing samples. Her project will test new detecting methods, algorithms, and instrumentation.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 18, 2017

Study on impact of climate change on snowpack loss in Western US

A recent study found that climate change has led to a 20% loss in the annual maximum amount of water contained in the Western US's mountain snowpack over the last three decades. The researchers estimate that further losses of up to 60% could occur within the next 30 years, posing significant economic and societal impacts.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2017

Researchers quantify grasslands' carbon storage value

Researchers have quantified the economic value of biodiversity in grasslands for enhancing carbon storage capacity. Increasing plant species diversity from one to ten resulted in twice the carbon storage value compared to increasing it from one to two species.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 2017

Master detox molecule boosts immune defenses

Scientists at Luxembourg Institute of Health discovered a new molecular mechanism where the human immune system activates T cells to fight off pathogens through the production of glutathione, a substance that stimulates energy metabolism. This discovery offers potential therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Health·JournalImmunity·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

NREL establishes world record for solar hydrogen production

Scientists at NREL have achieved a new solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency record of 16.2%, significantly improving upon the 14% efficiency set in 2015. The breakthrough, published in Nature Energy, involves an inverted metamorphic multijunction semiconductor architecture that enhances device efficiency and durability.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 18, 2017

Sat nav for bread wheat uncovers hidden genes

Scientists have created the most accurate navigation system for the bread wheat genome, allowing researchers to analyze its genes more easily than ever before. The system includes detailed annotation of over 100,000 wheat genes, revealing previously hidden genes and improving crop yields.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 18, 2017

NREL's new perovskite ink opens window for quality cells

Scientists at NREL developed a new perovskite ink with a long processing window, allowing for the production of high-efficiency solar cells. The ink was tested using blade-coating and produced indistinguishable film morphology and device performance.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

Processable high internal phase pickering emulsion using depletion attraction

Scientists successfully produce stable Pickering emulsions by inducing depletion force between solid particles and liquid droplets. This technology has significant implications for industries such as separation film, systems engineering, drug delivery, and sensors.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2017

Canary in the kelp forest

Researchers found that bryozoans quickly dissolved in warmer waters exposed to acidity, changing their chemical composition to build higher levels of magnesium in their skeletons. This predisposes these animals to dissolve in ocean acidification, which is becoming more common due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateApr 18, 2017

Frog slime kills flu virus

Researchers have discovered a frog-derived peptide, urumin, that specifically targets the H1 strain of influenza viruses. Urumin was found to disrupt the integrity of flu viruses without harming mammalian cells, making it a promising lead for antiviral drug discovery.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateApr 18, 2017

Oral contraceptives reduce general well-being in healthy women

A major randomized study by Karolinska Institutet found that the most common combined oral contraceptive pill negatively affects women's quality of life without increasing depressive symptoms. The study involved 340 healthy women who reported lower mood/well-being and self-control after taking the pill compared to those given placebos.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalFertility and Sterility·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.

Poor sleep in anxiety, depression may make it harder to see positive

Researchers found that poor sleep in people with depression and anxiety can make it harder for the brain to modify negative emotional responses. The study used functional MRI to measure brain activity in a specific region, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which was found to work harder in individuals with lower sleep efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateApr 18, 2017

Megafaunal extinctions driven by too much moisture

Research reveals that major increases in environmental moisture caused widespread glacial-age grasslands to be replaced by peatlands and bogs, fragmenting populations of large herbivore grazers. The study found distinctive biochemical signals reflecting massive increases of moisture on the landscape.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 18, 2017

Zinc supply affects cardiac health

Research by TUM found that low zinc levels can affect the heart's ability to deal with oxidative stress, leading to increased risk of heart disease. Zinc deficiency was also linked to upregulation of genes responsible for programmed cell death.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateApr 18, 2017

Tracing the puzzling origins of clinging jellyfish

A recent genetic study of clinging jellyfish populations has discovered unexpected connections between communities in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, challenging previous assumptions about their origins. The research suggests that there may be more than one species of Gonionemus, with different variants found in various locations.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalPeerJ·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.

Lasers measure jet disintegration

A team of researchers applied spectroscopic diagnostics to study sub- and supercritical jet disintegration, revealing trends important for improving jet propulsion systems. The Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) technique provided quantitative density data, offering new insights into fluid behavior.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 18, 2017

Charisma-challenged? You can still be a good boss

New research from Michigan State University suggests that a boss's mindset can significantly impact employee motivation. Studies found that leaders with a regulatory focus, or mindset, can adapt their behavior to elicit specific mindsets in employees, whether it's innovation or a more conservative work focus.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

Making oil from algae -- towards more efficient biofuels

A Japanese research team has discovered the mechanism behind oil synthesis in microalgae cells, which could contribute to the development of more efficient biofuels. The findings revealed that adding seawater increases the production of triacylglycerol, a key component of oil.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2017

NREL researchers capture excess photon energy to produce solar fuels

Scientists at NREL developed a proof-of-principle photoelectrochemical cell capable of capturing excess photon energy. The cell achieved peak external quantum efficiency for hydrogen generation of 114 percent, significantly improving the production of hydrogen from sunlight.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 18, 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.

USDA announces $6.3 million in available funding on resilient agroecosystems

The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced $6.3 million in available funding for projects supporting resilient agriculture and forestry production systems. These investments will help producers, land managers, and decision-makers develop valuable tools to address climate-related challenges.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateApr 18, 2017

Captive meerkats at risk of stress

New research suggests that captive meerkat groups in zoos are more susceptible to chronic stress due to their small group sizes and constant exposure to human visitors. The study measured stress levels by analyzing hormone samples from the meerkats' droppings, revealing a link between small group sizes and high visitor numbers.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 18, 2017

Protein primes mouse stem cells to quickly repair injury, Stanford study finds

A Stanford study has identified a protein called hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) that can prime mouse stem cells to quickly respond to injury. The researchers found that HGF helps activate a critical signaling pathway in the cells, stimulating the production of proteins important for alerting stem cells and promoting tissue repair.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 18, 2017

New method can model chemistry in extreme magnetic fields of white dwarfs

Researchers developed a new methodology to calculate theoretical spectra for atoms and molecules in strong magnetic fields exhibited by up to one-fifth of white dwarfs. This work sheds light on the presence of oxygen, silicon, phosphorous, carbon, and carbon-containing compounds in these collapsed stars.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·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.

Sharon C. Glotzer wins 2017 MRS Communications Lecture Award

Sharon C. Glotzer received the 2017 MRS Communications Lecture Award for her work on polymer-tethered nanoparticles. Her paper, published in MRS Communications, demonstrates the use of computational tools to design and assemble functional materials nanostructures.

SourceCambridge University Press·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

Prescribed forest fire frequency should be based on land management goals

A 68-year study found that frequent burning of forests can lead to diverse ecosystems with small trees and herbaceous plants, while annual burning creates tall canopy trees with wide spaces. The study suggests land managers should plan fire use strategically based on forest goals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateApr 18, 2017

Pigeon study takes on sexism in science

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis and the University of New Hampshire found hundreds of differences in gene activity between male and female rock doves. The findings aim to promote sex and gender inclusion in experimental science and shed light on physiological differences between sexes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2017

Researchers find strong link between fast-food ads and consumption among pre-schoolers

A recent Dartmouth-led study found a strong association between fast-food TV ads and increased consumption among pre-schoolers. The research team recruited 548 parents and tracked their child's exposure to child-targeted ads, revealing that moderate or high exposure increased the likelihood of consuming fast food by about 30%.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateApr 18, 2017

UTSA professor's study describes new way to predict tumor growth

A new study by Yusheng Feng describes an algorithm that can predict the growth of cancerous tumors, helping medical professionals make informed decisions on treatment options. The algorithm takes into account various factors such as biological events and cell patterns to provide personalized predictions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalComputer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering·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.

Study examines effectiveness of steroid medication for sore throat

A recent study published in JAMA found that a single capsule of corticosteroid dexamethasone did not increase the likelihood of complete symptom resolution after 24 hours in patients with sore throats. However, at 48 hours, more participants receiving dexamethasone reported feeling completely better.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 18, 2017

Study finds amoeba 'grazing,' killing bacteria usually protected by fi

A University of Wisconsin-Madison study reveals that certain amoebas called dictyostelids can penetrate biofilms and devour bacteria, including multi-drug resistant species. This finding has potential applications in combating antibiotic-resistant infections, such as bacterial keratitis and fire blight.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProtist·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.

City of Hope researchers successfully prevent graft-versus-host disease

Researchers have identified a way to prevent graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplants while preserving anti-cancer effects on fighting leukemia and lymphoma. By depleting specific donor T cells, the regimen may stop GVHD without subduing cancer-killing immune cells.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 17, 2017

Updated AATS guidelines help cardiovascular surgeons navigate the challenges of managing ischemic mitral regurgitation

The updated AATS guidelines offer guidance on managing ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), a condition associated with increased long-term mortality. For patients with severe IMR, replacement or repair of the mitral valve is considered based on specific criteria.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateApr 17, 2017

New many-toothed clingfish discovered with help of digital scans

Researchers at University of Washington and Texas A&M University discovered a new genus and species of clingfish using digital scans. The duckbilled clingfish has an impressive number of tiny, conical teeth, estimated to be 10 times what all other known clingfish have.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCopeia·DateApr 17, 2017

New study shows that antipsychotic medications can be reduced in dementia patients

A new study led by Jennifer Tjia found that training nursing home staff to recognize unmet needs of cognitively impaired residents significantly reduced antipsychotic medication use. The OASIS program shifted care planning from focusing on limitations to meeting resident needs, resulting in a 7% drop in antipsychotic prescriptions.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 17, 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.

Teaching happiness to men with HIV boosts their health

A new Northwestern University study finds that teaching positive emotion skills to men with HIV reduces their viral load and improves mental health. The intervention, which consisted of eight weekly sessions, also led to increased happiness and a stronger immune system.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 17, 2017

Virtual microscopy: New online resource for educators & researchers

A new database, Virtual Microscopy Database, launches to provide high-quality images of human body structures, making it easier for educators and researchers to access and use digital microscopic images. This resource is expected to benefit schools in the developing world by reducing the need to purchase microscopes and glass slides.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateApr 17, 2017

'Twist and shine': Development of a new photoluminescent sensor material

Researchers developed a new photoluminescent sensor material that retains properties over time and under repeated mechanical stress. The material incorporates a stress-sensing molecule into a common polymer, allowing for efficient triggering of light emission with increasing force.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2017

Low cervical cancer screening rates found among mentally ill

A study of California Medicaid recipients with severe mental illness found low cervical cancer screening rates, with only 20.2% screened compared to 42.3% in the general population. Younger women and those from minority groups had higher screening rates, but there was still a significant disparity in cervical cancer development risk.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateApr 17, 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.

Reading the genetic code depends on context

Biologists found that sets of three triplets, rather than individual codons, may be crucial for correct protein synthesis in ribosomes. This discovery could reframe cancer genetics and human genetic diseases research.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017