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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 33


Page 33 of 37

UK sexual health (GUM) clinic access has worsened over past few years

Access to UK sexual health clinics has worsened over the past few years, with women being less likely to receive appointments. Clinics in England show the sharpest decline, falling below recommended standards of offering 98% of patients an appointment within 48 hours.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateApr 4, 2017

Students use analytics, operations research to help solve world hunger

A group of students from the UK developed a new method to improve soybean strains using analytics and operations research. The solution has the potential to increase global food production and was part of the first annual O.R. and Analytics Student Team Competition.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·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.

Predicting the limits of friction: Sandia looks at properties of material

Researchers developed a model to predict the limits of friction behavior in metals based on materials properties. The discovery has significant implications for industries such as wind turbines and electric vehicles, enabling engineers to design and optimize materials for better performance.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateApr 4, 2017

Set strawberry alarm clock for post-apple bloom

Researchers at Cornell University discovered that strawberries produce higher yields when blooming directly after an apple bloom. This method allows growers to manipulate the timing of crop blooms without relying on natural habitats, providing a more sustainable solution for boosting crop yields.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 4, 2017

Method identifies epileptic patients who can benefit from surgery

Researchers developed a model to predict which patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy will respond to drug treatment. The study analyzed genetic material and clinical data for 237 individuals, achieving accuracy rates of up to 82% in predicting patient response.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 2017

New type of insulin-producing cell discovered

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered a possible new route to regenerating beta cells, giving insight into healthy metabolism and diabetes. This discovery could lead to better treatment or cures for diabetes by understanding how these cells mature into functioning beta cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 4, 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.

Hair strands could reveal lifestyle secrets of criminals (video)

Researchers have developed a new scientific technique that can analyze human hair to provide clues about a person's lifestyle. The technique uses liquid chromatography in conjunction with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LC-IRMS) to identify 15 isotope ratio measurements that potentially yield crucial information about certain lifestyl...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2017

Technique makes more efficient, independent holograms

A team of researchers from Harvard SEAS encoded multiple holographic images in a metasurface that can be unlocked separately with differently polarized light. This advancement offers more control over polarization manipulation and measurement, enabling applications such as anti-fraud protection and entertainment.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·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.

So sheep may safely graze

A team of French and Argentinian scientists identified a genetic mutation responsible for fleece variation in domesticated sheep. The study mapped and functionally validated the mutation using genomic sequencing data from over 2,000 lambs, shedding light on an ancient gene mechanism that may have occurred.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 4, 2017

Streamlining mass production of printable electronics

A team of researchers in Germany and Canada has successfully demonstrated a proof of concept for fully inkjet-printable flexible resistive memory. This breakthrough enables the mass production of printable electronics with mechanically flexible memory tiles, using commercially available materials.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 4, 2017

Global growth of ecological and environmental citizen science is fueled by new technology

The study reveals a significant increase in ecological and environmental citizen science projects over the past four decades, with a diversification of approaches driven by advances in technology. From structured monitoring to 'mass participation' projects using smartphones, citizen science is becoming increasingly popular and accessible.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

Airbnb fans and critics both correct in home-sharing debate, says study

A new study by Columbia University researchers found that most Airbnb hosts in Manhattan make less than $10,000 a year, with nearly two-thirds of listings booked less than 30 days. Meanwhile, a small share of hosts generates the majority of the revenue, with top earners capturing 80% of all revenue.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 4, 2017

NASA analyzes storms that caused deadly Colombia mudslides

Heavy rainfall in Mocoa, Colombia triggered devastating flooding and mudslides that killed over 250 people. NASA's GPM mission provided crucial data on precipitation from its orbit, helping estimate the amount of rain that fell near the affected area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 4, 2017

Study reveals the multitasking secrets of an RNA-binding protein

Researchers uncover how a fruit fly protein binds to multiple types of RNA, revealing new insights into its multifunctional role. The study may help explain the diverse functions of RNA-binding proteins implicated in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCell Reports·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.

Call to phase out lead bullets at shooting ranges

New research finds that lead bullets used at shooting ranges can cause serious health problems, particularly for women of child-bearing age. The study suggests a transition to copper bullets and lead-free primers is necessary to mitigate these risks.

SourceRMIT University·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateApr 4, 2017

New rice fights off drought

Scientists at RIKEN developed transgenic rice strains that resist drought stress, showing higher yields and increased biomass. The modified rice lines produced more galactinol, a key osmoprotectant, to cope with water loss, leading to improved drought tolerance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateApr 4, 2017

How to hack a cell

A new study by Boston University engineer Wilson Wong outlines a simplified platform to target and program mammalian cells as genetic circuits, enabling researchers to make complex computations. The BLADE platform uses DNA recombinases to allow for more targeted manipulation of cells and their behavior.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 4, 2017

Study reverses thinking on genetic links to stress, depression

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found no significant connection between a serotonin gene variant and depression risk when exposed to stress. The research, which analyzed data from over 40,000 people, suggests that previous conclusions on the link were overstated and may have been replicated without true effect.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 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.

MERS-like coronavirus identified in Ugandan bat

Researchers identified a novel coronavirus in a Ugandan bat that is 87% identical to MERS-CoV and 91% identical to NeoCoV. However, the virus has significant differences in its spike gene, making it unlikely to spread to humans.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateApr 4, 2017

Paintings, sunspots and frost fairs: Rethinking the Little Ice Age

Researchers argue that the Little Ice Age was a manageable downturn in climate concentrated in particular regions, with warm summers continuing much as they do today. The study suggests that there is no single explanation for this, and that not all winters were cold.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalAstronomy & Geophysics·DateApr 4, 2017

Jumping droplets extinguish unpredictable hotspots in electronics

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 'jumping droplet' technique that effectively cools mobile hotspots by harnessing the power of surface energy. This breakthrough method, reported in Applied Physics Letters, enables efficient heat dissipation in all directions, outperforming existing methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·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.

UBC invention uses bacteria to purify water

The UBC-developed system uses a combination of fibre membranes and beneficial bacteria to remove contaminants from non-potable water. This innovative approach aims to provide an efficient and low-maintenance solution for communities with limited access to clean drinking water.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalWater Research·DateApr 4, 2017

Study compares brain atrophy between typical elderly and 'superagers'

Researchers found that cognitively average elderly adults experienced greater annual whole-brain cortical volume loss compared to SuperAgers. Despite this, SuperAgers showed signs of slower brain atrophy over an 18-month period, with potential implications for understanding cognitive decline and age-related brain changes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 4, 2017

A new blue gene: NKPD1 variant increases depression risk

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has identified a link between rare variants of the NKPD1 gene and depressive symptoms. Researchers found that nearly 2,000 people with depressive symptoms were analyzed, revealing a possible genetic connection to depression.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

How stress controls hemoglobin levels in blood

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discover a new mechanism regulating hemoglobin gene expression through stress response. Stress is necessary to produce hemoglobin, and its signal activates enzymes to facilitate splicing.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell Research·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.

Improving healthcare commissioning for probation: Mapping the landscape

The study will examine how healthcare services are delivered to people on probation and identify ways to improve health outcomes and reduce recidivism. By analyzing existing data and conducting surveys, the researchers aim to develop evidence-based guidelines for better healthcare commissioning in this vulnerable population.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·DateApr 4, 2017

Be more patient? Imagine that

Researchers used fMRI to explore the role of imagination and willpower on patience. They found that imagining consequences can increase patience without relying on increased willpower, and that this approach may be more sustainable than exerting willpower.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 4, 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.

A self-healing, water-repellant coating that's ultra durable

Researchers at University of Michigan developed a self-healing, water-repellent coating that's hundreds of times more durable than its counterparts. The coating can heal itself chemically and physically, making it ideal for applications like waterproofing vehicles, clothing and ship hulls.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 4, 2017

Individuals of victimized groups require group sincerity before giving forgiveness

Researchers found that democratic decision-making processes and majority endorsement within offender groups influence victims' perception of sincerity and conciliatory response. The study suggests that governments and political leaders should build consensus within their group about the appropriateness of an apology to the victim group.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 4, 2017

Are looks more important than personality when choosing a man?

A study found that mothers and their daughters prefer physically attractive men, regardless of personality traits. Daughters are pickier than their parents, while mothers view even unattractive men as potentially desirable partners for their daughters.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateApr 4, 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.

Common antibiotic may help to prevent or treat PTSD

A new study found that doxycycline can reduce fear memory responses in healthy volunteers by 60%, suggesting its potential to treat PTSD. The antibiotic disrupts the formation of negative associations in the brain, which is crucial for learning to fear threats.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

Heart attacks diagnosed quicker by new blood test

Scientists at King's College London have developed a new blood test that detects damaged heart muscle caused by a heart attack more sensitively than current tests. This could lead to faster diagnosis and treatment of patients, while reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.

SourceKing's College London·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateApr 4, 2017

ER docs can pick your nose

A new study by ER docs shows that administering medications via the nose can be a helpful option for certain patients, especially children. Intranasal administration of midazolam, fentanyl, naloxone, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine can provide effective pain relief and seizure treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 4, 2017

INFORMS® awards Holiday Retirement its 2017 Edelman Award

Holiday Retirement received the 2017 Franz Edelman Award for its innovative use of operations research to develop a revenue management system that optimizes pricing across all its senior living communities. The award recognizes the significant impact of this achievement on organizational efficiency and profitability.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 4, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A step forward to making crops drought tolerant

Researchers sequenced the genome of Xerophyta viscosa, a 'resurrection plant', to understand its ability to tolerate severe drought. The study revealed key genes that enable plants to survive desiccation and opens up new areas of exploration for developing drought-tolerant crops.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 4, 2017

New research could help speed up the 3-D printing process

Researchers have found that conventional desktop and professional 3D printers build objects at a slow rate of 10-20 cubic centimeters per hour. The team identified a pinch-wheel mechanism as a limitation, which can be improved to increase printing speed.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateApr 4, 2017

Mini brains from the petri dish

Researchers developed organoids that resemble human brain structure, investigating rare congenital brain defect Miller-Dieker syndrome. The study reveals disrupted stem cell division leading to poor organization and early differentiation of nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 4, 2017

Has music streaming killed the instrumental intro?

Research found that instrumental intros in top-10 songs decreased from 20 seconds to 5 seconds between 1986 and 2015, while song titles became shorter and lyrics started earlier. The 'attention economy' of modern pop music is prioritizing quick hooks over lengthy introductions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMusicae Scientiae·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.

Using drugs to weaken traumatic memories

Researchers have successfully tested a new drug that considerably weakens the recollection of a negative experience in humans. In the study, participants who received doxycycline beforehand showed a reduction of two thirds in their emotional responses to traumatic stimuli.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

Successful reversal of Vasalgel male contraceptive in rabbits

A study successfully reversed Vasalgel's contraceptive effect in rabbits after an injection of sodium bicarbonate dissolved the gel. Sperm concentration and motility returned to baseline levels, indicating a quick return of fertility.

SourceParsemus Foundation·JournalBasic and Clinical Andrology·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.

Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrate value of second opinions

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that nearly 90% of patients who sought second opinions received either a new diagnosis or a refined version of their original diagnosis. This significant finding highlights the importance of second opinions in ensuring accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes. The study's lead author no...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·DateApr 4, 2017

Industry experts discuss advantages & risks of shifting data analytics to the cloud

Industry experts examine the advantages of shifting data analytics to the cloud, including cost savings and improved management of analytics workloads. The panel discussion highlights the potential for companies to gain by moving their data analytics activities to the cloud, including more efficient use of IT resources.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateApr 4, 2017

Marker may help predict success with extended-wear contact lenses

Researchers found that patients with early mucin deposits had a higher rate of corneal infiltrates, but those with repeat deposits were less likely to experience problems. Mucin deposits may act as a protective barrier between the lens and ocular surface.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateApr 4, 2017