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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 25


Page 25 of 37

Study: Higher wages linked to immigrant diversity

A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that diverse immigrant populations lead to higher wages in cities with inclusive institutions, whereas anti-immigrant policies stunt wage growth for US-born employees. The study tracked data from 33 million people across 160 metropolitan areas and showed a significant wage increase of ...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalEconomic Geography·DateApr 10, 2017

NASA sees new Tropical Cyclone Cook moving past New Caledonia

Tropical Cyclone Cook formed in the Southern Pacific Ocean and made landfall on April 10 near central New Caledonia. The storm's center was surrounded by powerful thunderstorms with a cloud-filled eye, and its winds were measured at 70 knots (80.5 mph) on April 11.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 10, 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.

The Forecaster's Dilemma: Evaluating forecasts of extreme events

The study evaluates forecast accuracy for extreme events, revealing the problem of limited data subsets and biased inferential procedures. By adopting probability distributions, forecasts can be evaluated using standardized tools to address this critical issue.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalStatistical Science·DateApr 10, 2017

Discovery of 'helical molecular glue'

A research team has discovered a 'helical molecular glue' that attracts two structurally-different clockwise-helical molecules. This finding opens the door to creating new polymer materials with various properties. The discovery was made using poly(lactic acid) and other related polymers.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 10, 2017

Many new doctors may be posting unprofessional content on Facebook

A study found that nearly half of new doctors' Facebook profiles contain concerning content, including self-authored unprofessional posts and confidential patient information. Researchers warn about the impact on online and offline behavior as a new generation of physicians enters practice.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateApr 10, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Different breast cancer treatment options vary widely in their cost-effectiveness

A new study found that different breast cancer treatments have varying relative values based on complications and cost. Lumpectomy plus whole breast irradiation was the most commonly used treatment, while mastectomy plus reconstruction had nearly twice the complication risk and higher costs.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 10, 2017

UTHealth microbiologists discover possible new strategy to fight oral thrush

A preclinical study found that an antimicrobial protein called EntV reduces the severity of oral thrush in a mouse model, blocking fungal growth and development. This new strategy may lead to the development of a novel antifungal drug that can combat multidrug-resistant yeast strains.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2017
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.

Study examines stroke hospitalization rates, risk factors

Acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations among those aged 18 to 64 years increased from an average of 141,474 per year in 2003-2004 to 171,386 per year in 2011-2012. The study confirms the importance of focusing on prevention in younger adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 10, 2017

Newfound signal helps pancreatic cancer cells hide from immune system

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have uncovered a critical pathway by which pancreatic cancer cells evade the immune system, involving high levels of two proteins - dectin-1 and galectin-9. The study found that blocking this interaction can increase survival in mice with pancreatic tumors.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 10, 2017

Cold temperatures perceived in a photo increase cognitive control

Researchers found that viewing images of cold landscapes improved cognitive control, suggesting that temperature perception can influence mental processes. The study's results suggest a possible explanation for the relationship between temperature and cognitive control, including social proximity.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPsychological Research·DateApr 10, 2017

Life skills are important for wellbeing in later life

Researchers found that people with more life skills, such as emotional stability and control, enjoyed better health outcomes, including lower cholesterol levels and smaller waistlines. The study also found a link between increased life skills and reduced loneliness, depression, and improved physical functioning.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 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.

Student and school variables can predict high school dropout, study finds

A Georgia State University study found that high school dropout rates are influenced by both student-level and school-level factors. Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in determining dropout rates, regardless of race or ethnicity. Schools can make a difference by offering extracurricular activities and limiting retention pol...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalSchool Psychology Quarterly·DateApr 10, 2017

Weather-forecast tool adapted to evaluate brain health of oxygen-deprived newborns

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have adapted a weather-forecast tool to assess the effectiveness of therapies for reducing brain injury in newborns who suffered oxygen deprivation during birth. The non-invasive method produces real-time heat maps of the infant's brain, helping doctors determine whether therapies are working.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 10, 2017

Large ERC grant for Kim Sneppen

Kim Sneppen, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, has been awarded a large ERC grant to explore diversity in biological systems using methods from physics and complex systems. His project aims to understand how diversity emerges and is maintained in complex biological systems.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateApr 10, 2017

Proton-nuclei smashups yield clues about 'quark gluon plasma'

Rice University physicists are providing new insight into the quark-gluon plasma by smashing protons and lead nuclei at nearly the speed of light. They found evidence for the chiral magnetic effect, a characteristic magnetic property of QGP that arises from quantum mechanics.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 10, 2017
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.

Logging threatens breeding turtles

Research by the University of Exeter found that logging debris on beaches in Colombia is impacting breeding turtles' movement and survival. The study revealed that females with high amounts of debris were more likely to be wounded or have eggs at risk due to flooding.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateApr 10, 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.

CRISPR mines bacterial genome for hidden pharmaceutical treasure

Researchers use CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to activate silent genes in Streptomyces bacteria, revealing potential new compounds with distinct structures that could lead to novel classes of drugs. The study aims to combat antibiotic resistance and cancer by identifying new chemical scaffolds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 10, 2017

Diamonds coupled using quantum physics

Scientists at TU Wien have successfully coupled nitrogen-vacancy defects in two diamonds using quantum physics, a crucial step towards developing new quantum technologies. The breakthrough enables the creation of highly sensitive sensors and switches for quantum computers.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 10, 2017

Behind the scenes: Philly 'soda tax' passed on reveneue appeal

A Drexel University study found that Philadelphia's soda tax was passed by focusing on revenue generation for pre-kindergarten education, rather than its health impact. The tax ultimately raised $32 million in revenue over five years and has been successful in other cities.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateApr 10, 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.

Fish social lives may be key to saving coral reefs

A new study suggests that the social eating habits of fish play a critical role in protecting coral reefs. By analyzing the feeding behavior of reef fish, researchers found that overfishing can lead to a decrease in algae-eating and increase in vulnerability to predators.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2017

It's the thought that counts: The neuro-anatomical basis of forgiveness revealed

Research by SISSA found that individuals with more developed anterior superior temporal sulcus (aSTS) are more likely to forgive those who have caused harm unintentionally. The aSTS is involved in representing others' mental states and comprehending the unintentional nature of actions.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 10, 2017

Laser-based dermatological procedures could be revolutionized with new technique

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new technique, sonoillumination, which uses ultrasonic pulsation to improve laser transmission through skin tissues. This technique has the potential to reduce safety concerns in laser dermatology and provide safer, more effective treatment options for patients.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateApr 10, 2017

NASA catches Tropical Cyclone Ernie being blown apart

Tropical Cyclone Ernie was battered by strong vertical wind shear, with most clouds and thunderstorms pushed east and southeast of its center. The storm's weakening trend accelerated after making landfall in Western Australia, ultimately leading to its dissipation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 10, 2017

USC Viterbi researchers develop new class of optoelectronic materials

Researchers have developed a new class of semiconductor materials that can be used as light absorbers in solar cells, potentially using one hundred times less material than silicon. These materials have superior performance, reduced toxicity, and show promise for developing high-performance optoelectronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 10, 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.

Putting a spin on logic gates

Researchers have developed a prototype for a spin-wave majority logic gate that utilizes wave interference to process information. This innovation uses spin waves instead of classical currents or voltages, enabling the creation of nanoscale devices with improved efficiency and reliability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 10, 2017

Huge permafrost thaw can be limited by ambitious climate targets

A new international research study warns that global warming will thaw about 20% more permafrost than previously thought, potentially releasing significant greenhouse gases into the Earth's atmosphere. Nearly 4 million square kilometers of frozen soil could be lost for every additional degree of global warming experienced.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 10, 2017

New technology can detect tiny ovarian tumors

Researchers have developed a new test that can detect ovarian cancer months earlier than current methods, potentially improving five-year survival rates. The test uses synthetic biomarkers that interact with tumor proteins to release fragments in urine samples.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 10, 2017

Two new species of orchids discovered in Okinawa

Researchers have discovered two new species of parasitic orchids, Gastrodia nipponicoides and Gastrodia okinawanesis, on the main island of Okinawa. The plants are related to the common orchid Gastrodia nipponica but can be distinguished by differences in their petals' lips and column structure.

SourceKobe University·JournalPhytotaxa·DateApr 10, 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.

As fins evolve to help fish swim, so does the nervous system

A new study from the University of Chicago found that the shape and mechanics of fish fins evolve in parallel with the sensory system, tuned to swimming behavior. The researchers mapped fin shape on an evolutionary tree to determine how the mechanical properties and nervous systems of the fins evolved over time.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2017

What triggers a high-school student to suddenly drop out?

Researchers found that adolescents exposed to severe stressors are more likely to drop out of high school. Stressors can come from family members, conflicts with peers, work issues, health problems, and legal issues, often occurring away from school.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalChild Development·DateApr 10, 2017

Strong correlation between corruption and electoral success of populist parties

Research from the University of Gothenburg finds a strong correlation between corruption and the electoral success of populist parties in European countries. Public services such as law enforcement, healthcare, and education are critical to people's confidence in public institutions and democracy.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Research·DateApr 10, 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.

Rice U. scientists add to theory about Huntington's mechanism

Researchers use computer simulations to show how N-terminal sequence encourages aggregation of huntingtin protein fragments while polyproline inhibits it. This discovery offers a new target for drug development to halt Huntington's disease progression. The study also highlights the involvement of the cytoskeleton in the disease mechanism.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2017

Some bed bugs show early signs of resistance to 2 common insecticides

Research found reduced susceptibility to chlorfenapyr among three out of 10 bed bug populations, and five populations showed resistance to bifenthrin. The study suggests adherence to integrated pest management practices can slow the development of resistance.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateApr 10, 2017

Blood test shows promise in detecting abusive head trauma in infants

A new blood test has been developed to detect acute intracranial hemorrhage due to abusive head trauma in infants, with a high sensitivity rate of 90%. The test uses a combination of biomarkers and hemoglobin levels to identify infants at risk.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 10, 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.

Greenhouse gas effect caused by mangrove forest conversion is quite significant

A seven-year study reveals that mangrove conversion to agricultural uses results in a land-use carbon footprint of 1,440-1,603 pounds of CO2 for beef and shrimp production, respectively. This amounts to approximately the same greenhouse gas emissions as driving a fuel-efficient automobile from Los Angeles to New York City.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateApr 10, 2017

Researchers at Stanford create new method for recording bird flight in 3-D

Researchers at Stanford University have created a new method for recording the shape of birds' wings during flight, enabling high-definition 3D reconstructions. The technique uses automated pattern recognition to capture wing deformations in real-time, revealing insights into aerodynamics and potential applications in drone design.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 10, 2017

Recent advances and new insights into quantum image processing

Recent advances in quantum image processing (QIP) have improved computing speed, guaranteed security, and minimal storage requirements. QIP technologies utilize entanglement and parallelism to capture, manipulate, and recover quantum images.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalInternational Journal of Quantum Information·DateApr 10, 2017

Forget sponges: The earliest animals were marine jellies

A team of evolutionary biologists from Vanderbilt University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison devised a new approach to settle contentious phylogenetic tree-of-life issues. They found that comb jellies have considerably more genes supporting their 'first to diverge' status in the animal lineage than do sponges.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 10, 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.

Social media tools can reinforce stigma and stereotypes

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a software to analyze social media comments and found that 51% of tweets about Alzheimer's disease contained stigma. The system may help combat negative attitudes and promote positive experiences of people with dementia.

SourceOregon State University·DateApr 10, 2017

Flammable floodplains are weak spot of Amazon forest

Seasonally inundated areas in the Amazon heart may be weak spot to climate-induced collapse and fires, spreading to surrounding forests. Fire-related savannas dominate flooded parts when rainfall drops below 1500 mm/year.

SourceWageningen University and Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 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.

New chemical composition of 'poppers' linked to retinal damage

A small study found that the new chemical composition of poppers is linked to retinal damage, with symptoms starting within hours or days of inhaling the substance. Most patients fully recovered after stopping drug use, but some experienced prolonged visual effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateApr 10, 2017

What obese fruit flies may tell us about the evolution of cold tolerance

A study on fruit flies found that a gene called THADA plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy storage, which may have relevance to human obesity and cold tolerance. The researchers observed that THADA knockout flies were more sensitive to cold and had slower metabolisms, leading to obesity.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 10, 2017