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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 32


Page 32 of 37

How to save animals by reducing roadkill

A collaborative study published in PLoS ONE found that fences with or without crossing structures can reduce roadkill by up to 54% across all species. Focusing on effective prevention methods, researchers also recommend increasing the duration and comparability of future studies to protect biodiversity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 2017

Neptune's journey during early planet formation was 'smooth and calm'

A study published in Nature Astronomy found that blue binaries in the Kuiper Belt formed closer to the Sun and were shaped by Neptune's gravitational nudges. The research suggests a smooth and calm migration of Neptune from 20 AU to its current location at 30 AU, allowing fragile binaries to be pushed out to their current orbits.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 4, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To e-, or not to e-, the question for the exotic 'Si-III' phase of silicon

Researchers at Carnegie Institution have synthesized pure samples of Si-III, a semiconductor with an extremely narrow band gap, narrower than diamond-like silicon crystals. This discovery may lead to unpredictable technological breakthroughs in fields like solar energy and electronics.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 4, 2017

Steppe migrant thugs pacified by Stone Age farming women

The study reveals that Yamnaya warriors married local Stone Age women, adopting an agrarian lifestyle and forming the Corded Ware Culture. This integration led to a rapid genetic changeover from Neolithic to Corded Ware cultures in Europe.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAntiquity·DateApr 4, 2017

Materials may lead to self-healing smartphones

Researchers have created a self-healing material that can stretch up to 50 times its original size and automatically stitch itself back together within a day. The material, which uses ion-dipole interactions, could potentially be used to repair smartphones and other electronic devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2017

How nanoparticles affect flow through porous stuff in surprising ways

Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that nanoparticles can enhance or attenuate viscous fingering, a phenomenon where fluids converge in finger-shaped patterns. The study found that nanoparticle deposition rates and diffusion rates can destabilize flows, creating vortex dipoles.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 4, 2017

Study reveals 10,000 years of genetic continuity in northwest North America

A new study of ancient DNA from northwest North America finds evidence of genetic continuity spanning over 10,000 years. The research suggests that indigenous groups living today in southern Alaska and British Columbia are descendants of the first humans to inhabit the region, supporting their oral traditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 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.

Majority of incontinence treatments deliver poor results

A new study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that many treatments for urinary and fecal incontinence are ineffective, with surgery being the most successful treatment option. The study analyzed thousands of research articles and found that only 37% of people treated with bulking agents achieved long-term success.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Medicine·DateApr 4, 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.

Choosing the right substrate for the right function

Researchers found that ubiquitin-interacting motifs in USP25 determine its preferential cleavage of Lys48-linked ubiquitin chains. The study reveals a unique mechanism for substrate specificity, which could have implications for understanding protein regulation and degradation.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 4, 2017

Future CO2 and climate warming potentially unprecedented in 420 million years

New research suggests that carbon dioxide concentrations will head towards values not seen since the Triassic period due to human activities. The study finds that if humanity fails to tackle rising CO2, by AD 2250 CO2 levels could reach 2000 ppm, potentially unprecedented in 420 million years.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 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.

Stopping Zika from crossing the placenta

Scientists identify a specific placental sugar that binds tightly to the Zika envelope protein, allowing it to cross the placenta and cause birth defects. Researchers are developing a strategy to block this interaction using a nanoparticle coated in the same sugar.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2017

Touch-sensitive, elastic fibers offer new interface for electronics

North Carolina State University researchers have developed elastic, touch-sensitive fibers that can detect strain, twisting, and touch. The fibers use liquid metal alloy to store electric charge, enabling different electronic signals based on touch location.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 4, 2017

Drought linked with human health risks in US analysis

A new Yale-led study reveals a connection between drought exposure and adverse human health among older adults in the US. Researchers found that severe drought conditions increase the risk of mortality among adults 65 or over, as well as cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in areas where droughts are rare.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateApr 4, 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.

There's a cost to 'bee-ing' too smart, U of G professor finds

Fast-learning bumblebees collect fewer resources and have shorter foraging careers, according to a new U of G study. The researchers found that the energy demands of intelligence may eat up limited resources, leaving smart bees with less energy.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 4, 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.

Method may help myeloma patients avoid painful biopsies

Engineers at MIT have developed a microfluidic technique to capture and count circulating plasma cells from small samples of blood, potentially providing a less painful test for multiple myeloma. The device uses conventional blood draws and can detect the ratio of different antibodies produced by cancerous and healthy cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 4, 2017
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.

Improving silver nanowires for FTCEs with flash light interactions

A Korean research team develops high-performance silver nanowires with strong adhesion using flash light-material interactions. The Ag NWs demonstrate six times higher conductivity than pristine NWs, and their adhesion to substrates is enhanced by 310%.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 4, 2017

Less fear: How LSD affects the brain

Researchers found that LSD decreases activity in the amygdala, a region related to processing negative emotions like fear. This 'de-frightening' effect may contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

Exotic species aren't all bad

A new study by NIOO-KNAW ecologist Bart Grutters suggests that exotic water plants can be a valuable asset in aquatic ecosystems, offering similar benefits to indigenous species. The research found that properties such as chemical defences and stem rigidity should be considered when evaluating the impact of exotic species.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·DateApr 4, 2017
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.

Two new mechanisms for herbicide resistance found in Palmer amaranth

Researchers found two new mutations on the PPX2 gene responsible for PPO-inhibiting herbicide resistance in Palmer amaranth. The glycine 210 deletion and R98 region mutations confer resistance to multiple herbicides, with some plants carrying both mutations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·DateApr 4, 2017

The inner lives of molecules

Researchers have developed a new experimental technique to take 3D images of molecules in action, combining two technologies to probe the structure and behavior of molecules. This tool enables experiments with larger molecules that were previously impossible, allowing for better understanding of quantum mechanics in complex systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateApr 4, 2017

Electronic control to ensure photovoltaic systems always work at maximum power

The UPV/EHU's Advanced Control Group has successfully developed a sliding mode controller to maintain maximum power point of solar panels despite changes in irradiation and load. This control system offers improved efficiency compared to traditional algorithms, which cause oscillating working points and diminish efficiency.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 4, 2017

Developing adoptive T cell therapy for ovarian cancer

Scientists are working on tweaking T-cell therapy for leukemia to apply to solid tumors like ovarian cancer. The researchers identified proteins overproduced by ovarian cancer cells and found that engineered T cells can kill both human and mouse ovarian cancer cells in the lab.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateApr 4, 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.

Platelets instead of quantum dots

Researchers at ETH Zurich have solved the mystery of producing nanoplatelets, which are flat, uniform crystals with striking colors. The team developed a theoretical model and experimentally confirmed its predictions, paving the way for alternative materials to quantum dots in displays and solar cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 4, 2017

New drug delivery system shows promise for fighting solid tumors

Researchers have found a way to deliver cancer drugs to hypoxic regions of solid tumors, making them more susceptible to treatment. The new delivery system, using liposomes to carry prodrugs, has shown promising results in treating non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateApr 4, 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.

Price awareness can be a buzzkill

Researchers found that people who are aware of a product's price tend to evaluate the experience more critically, resulting in decreased satisfaction. For consumers, avoiding price focus can prolong enjoyment, while for marketers, separating price from experience may prevent consumer burnout and increase purchasing loyalty.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 4, 2017

Quickly assessing brain bleeding in head injuries using new device

A new hand-held EEG device has been shown to accurately rule out brain bleeding in patients with head injuries. The device, approved by the FDA in 2016, can quickly assess electrical activity in the brain to determine if a patient needs further evaluation and treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateApr 4, 2017

Psychiatric disorders do not increase risk of Alzheimer's disease

A recent study found that psychiatric disorders do not increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, contrary to previous assumptions. However, the study suggests that some psychiatric disorders may be prodromal symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the importance of proper differential diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

Researchers develop a new way to study key biological processes

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a novel mass spectrometry method to study iron-sulfur cluster proteins, which are crucial for various biological processes. The study successfully detects all reaction components simultaneously, providing detailed insights into their conversion process.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 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.

US Air Force Academy awarded the 2017 UPS George D. Smith Prize

The US Air Force Academy has been awarded the 2017 UPS George D. Smith Prize for its effective preparation of students to become frontline analytics practitioners in the Air Force. The academy's O.R. program provides cadets with access to real-world data and problem-solving opportunities through partnerships with top organizations.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 4, 2017

MERS-like coronavirus identified in Ugandan bat

A novel coronavirus found in a Ugandan bat is 87% identical to the one causing MERS, but lacks key proteins allowing it to infect humans. Researchers say the virus is unlikely to spread to humans, despite its similarities.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateApr 4, 2017

Birth weight is risk factor for fatty liver disease in children

Low birth weight and high birth weight are associated with the severity of liver disease in children, increasing their risk for NAFLD. Children born with low-birth weight are more likely to develop severe scarring of the liver, while those with high-birth weight are at greater risk for the hepatitis form of fatty liver disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 4, 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.

Even 'healthy' weight gain raises pregnancy diabetes risk

Research tracked over 3,000 women and found that small weight gains within the healthy BMI range doubled their risk of gestational diabetes compared to those with stable weights. Women who gained more than 2.5% of their body weight each year had almost triple the risk of developing gestational diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice·DateApr 4, 2017

Paper: Experienced auditors better at fraud detection after a simple cue

A new study by University of Illinois experts finds that experienced auditors can detect fraud more accurately when prompted to look for signs of guilt in the CEO's voice. The researchers compiled judgments from 31 veteran auditors, who improved their accuracy rate from 43% to 70% with the cue. This suggests that even seasoned auditors...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateApr 4, 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.

Gray tin exhibits novel topological electronic properties in 3-D

Alpha-tin, commonly called gray tin, shows a novel electronic phase under strain, exhibiting massless Dirac fermions in three dimensions. This discovery holds promise for novel physics and potential applications in technology, including ultrafast electronic devices and spintronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 4, 2017

Researchers pinpoint new drug target for heart failure patients

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new target for improving cardiac output in heart failure patients by modifying a specific protein. Modifying the serine 302 amino acid on myosin binding protein-C (MyBP-C) can significantly enhance cardiac function, providing a promising therapeutic approach.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 4, 2017