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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 34


Page 34 of 37

Regardless of income and age, best investment strategy is to diversify

A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that diversifying retirement savings between traditional and post-tax accounts can help individuals make the most of their investments. The research model accounted for factors like age, income, and future tax policies to determine the optimal investment strategy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateApr 4, 2017

Oldest remains of insects from bed bug genus found in Oregon

Researchers have discovered the oldest specimens of insects from the bed bug genus in Oregon, dating back to around 5,100 and 11,000 years ago. The remains were identified as relatives of the common bed bug, but were not the bed bugs found in hotel rooms.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateApr 4, 2017

Studying the brain's suspension system in TBIs

Researchers studied the brain-suspension system using magnetic resonance elastography, finding that it significantly delayed and weakened force transfer from skull to brain. This suggests up to 90% protection against TBI injury.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Biomechanical Engineering·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.

Melting snow contains a toxic cocktail of pollutants

Researchers found that snow absorbs certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from car emissions, increasing toxic pollutant levels in the environment. The study highlights the need for further research to reduce premature deaths caused by mild air pollution in North America.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateApr 4, 2017

Finger prosthesis provides clues to brain health

Researchers developed a new method to measure brain health by analyzing neural networks' responses to artificial touch experiences provided by a finger prosthesis. The technique offers precise insights into the cooperation between neurons and can reflect the entire brain's health, providing potential breakthroughs in neurological disea...

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 4, 2017

Breaking the protein-DNA bond

A Northwestern University study found that free-floating proteins can break up protein-DNA bonds at a single-binding site, disrupting gene expression. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the stability of protein-DNA interactions and has implications for understanding biological processes in living cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of 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.

Nurse fellowship immerses Ph.D. students in nursing care while enhancing scientific inquiry

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's BSN-PhD program combines rigorous coursework with a clinical nurse fellowship to accelerate education opportunities for the next generation of nurse researchers. This innovative approach prepares PhD students earlier in their careers, enabling them to conduct rigorous, clinically relev...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Professional Nursing·DateApr 4, 2017

Graphene sieve turns seawater into drinking water

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed graphene-oxide membranes that can filter out common salts from seawater, making it safe to drink. This technology has the potential to revolutionize water filtration worldwide, particularly in countries with limited access to clean water.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 3, 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.

iTango: New technique studies neuromodulation in real time

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed iTango, a light-sensitive technique to visualize and manipulate neuromodulation. The technique allows for increased spatial and temporal precision, enabling the identification of specific neurons impacted by neuromodulation and control over behavior.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 3, 2017

Multi-university effort to advance materials, define the future of mobility

Three MIT-affiliated research teams receive $10M in funding to develop novel energy storage technologies for future mobility and autonomous systems. The projects focus on lithium-ion batteries and nanostructured catalysts for oxygen reduction, with the goal of accelerating materials discovery and reducing CO2 emissions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 3, 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.

Trends in college attendance rates in rural America

Researchers investigated 2,000 rural high school students' college attendance patterns, finding over half attended two-year colleges and those who only attended were less likely to have educational aspirations. Parental education, track, and teacher expectations predicted college choices.

SourcePenn State·JournalResearch in Higher Education·DateApr 3, 2017

Weight history over time shows higher risk of death for overweight, obese people

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that individuals with a maximum BMI in the overweight or obese categories had an elevated risk for all-cause death and deaths from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. Participants who experienced significant weight loss were at the highest risk for death.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 3, 2017

Elimination of specific neurons outside the brain triggers obesity

Researchers developed a novel technique to eliminate specific peripheral neurons without affecting the brain, revealing their crucial role in maintaining normal adiposity. The study showed that mice lacking these neurons became fat quickly, opening new avenues for understanding diseases related to the peripheral nervous system.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2017

New species evolve faster as mountains form

Scientists analyzed plant species in China's Hengduan Mountains and found that new species evolved at a faster rate than in nearby regions. This study provides the strongest evidence yet for the uplift-driven diversification hypothesis, supporting the idea that mountains create micro-habitats allowing species to adapt and diversify.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 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.

When human illness rises, the environment suffers, too

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human illness leads to more destructive fishing methods and environmental harm at Lake Victoria. Healthy individuals tend to prioritize sustainable fishing practices, whereas chronically ill people focus on short-term gains, resulting in unsustainable methods.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2017

Can pure maple syrup help reduce chronic inflammation?

Research suggests that pure maple syrup's inulin content can support a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to reduced chronic inflammation. The discovery of additional compounds with antioxidant properties further supports the health benefits of pure maple syrup.

SourcePadillaCRT·DateApr 3, 2017

Artificial pancreas improves blood sugar control in young kids

A new study finds that an artificial pancreas system improves blood glucose control better than usual home management for children aged 5 to 8 years with type 1 diabetes. The wearable device uses computer algorithms to track blood sugar levels and adjust insulin dosing, resulting in a longer time in the target range.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateApr 3, 2017

Where the Jordan stops flowing

A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers suggests that Israel's Jordan River, with only 3% of its original flow, can serve as a case study for tackling water scarcity and pollution worldwide. A two-pronged strategy involving regional cooperation to remove pollution sources and increase water flow is proposed.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalWater Research·DateApr 3, 2017

A 'bionic leaf' could help feed the world

Researchers have invented a 'bionic' leaf that uses bacteria, sunlight, water and air to produce fertilizer in the soil where crops are grown. The system produces biomass and liquid fuel yields that greatly exceeded natural photosynthesis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 3, 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.

Ridding the oceans of plastics by turning the waste into valuable fuel

Researchers have developed a process to reuse certain plastics, transforming them into a valuable diesel fuel. The technology uses a metallocene catalyst and can produce up to 10,000 pounds of fuel per day, making it a cost-effective solution for addressing plastic pollution in oceans and on land.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 3, 2017

Babies cry most in UK, Canada, Italy & Netherlands

New research by the University of Warwick found that babies in the UK, Canada, and Italy cry more than those in other countries. On average, babies around the world cry for 2 hours per day in the first two weeks, peaking at 2 hours 15 minutes at six weeks.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 3, 2017

A biomarker for cancer of the oropharynx

Researchers have developed a biomarker that can detect early signs of HPV16 E6 antibody presence in blood samples, indicating high risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer. The test is highly specific but not suitable for larger population groups due to low new case incidence rates.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 3, 2017

Researchers uncover clue about how tiny microbes self-mutate

Researchers have discovered a genetic element that enables tiny microbes to self-mutate, dramatically expanding the tree of life. The discovery reveals how rapid evolution occurs in these small organisms, which are also remarkably diverse.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 3, 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.

Meningitis bacteria adapting to STI niche, genetic analysis shows

A recent cluster of sexually transmitted infections in the US has revealed that meningitis bacteria are adapting to a urogenital environment, gaining enzymes to grow in low-oxygen conditions. The capsule-less organism is less likely to cause invasive diseases, but may still be susceptible to existing vaccines.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2017

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, April 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing three new approaches to improve deep learning technologies. They are bringing together quantum, high-performance, and neuromorphic computing architectures to optimize complexity in a low-power environment. Additionally, scientists have created an approach to get a better look ...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateApr 3, 2017

Tiny black holes enable a new type of photodetector for high speed data

Researchers at UC Davis and W&WSens Devices, Inc. developed a new type of photodetector that uses tapered holes to divert photons sideways, preserving the speed of thin-layer silicon and efficiency of thicker layers. The device can convert data from optical to electronics at 20 gigabytes per second, outperforming existing technology.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 3, 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.

Rock exposed in World War I trenches offers new fossil find

A 425-million-year-old fossil find from the Austrian Alps reveals juvenile crinoids were carried by objects floating in ancient oceans. The discovery sheds light on the behavior of early sea lilies, suggesting they spent part of their youth drifting across vast distances.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeologica Acta·DateApr 3, 2017

New technology could end costly crude oil pipeline blockages

A prototype device has been developed to remove asphaltenes from crude oil, addressing costly pipeline blockages. The device uses electrokinetics to attract and remove the solidified molecules, improving flow rates and reducing pressure requirements.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Petroleum Technology·DateApr 3, 2017

Researchers 'iron out' graphene's wrinkles

Engineers at MIT have created a method to iron out wrinkles in graphene, producing uniform performance and increasing its electrical conductivity. The technique enables the mass production of single-domain graphene wafer-scale, paving the way for faster electronic devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 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.

Integrating caregivers at discharge significantly cuts patient readmissions

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that integrating informal caregivers into discharge planning reduces hospital readmissions by 25% for elderly patients. Proper training and support enable caregivers to manage complex care responsibilities, preventing readmissions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 3, 2017

Hormones are behind hernias of the groin in elderly men, study suggests

A study has identified hormones as the cause of inguinal hernias in older men, finding that increased estrogen action and decreased testosterone levels lead to muscle tissue weakness and scarring. The researchers propose using aromatase inhibitors as a potential treatment to prevent recurrence or even surgery.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateApr 3, 2017

Early climate 'payback' with higher emission reductions

Researchers at the Met Office Hadley Centre found that aggressive emission reductions can reduce the risk of extreme seasonal temperatures by half within 20 years. This study challenges previous assumptions that most benefits of mitigation would be delayed until later in the century.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 3, 2017

Monkey business produces rare preserved blood in amber fossils

Scientists discovered fossilized red blood cells from a mammal, along with the only known fossils of a parasite that still exists today, Babesia microti. The preserved blood cells provide insight into the evolution of diseases we struggle with today.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateApr 3, 2017

Penn researchers use new imaging to show key enzyme in ovarian cancer

Researchers have developed a new imaging test that can measure Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase 1 (PARP-1) levels in ovarian cancer patients, helping doctors identify those most likely to benefit from emerging PARP inhibitor therapy. The study used a novel radiotracer technology and PET scans to confirm findings in patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 3, 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.

Stretching the boundaries of neural implants

Scientists have created a new type of stretchable neural implant that can be used to study spinal cord neurons and potentially restore function. The fibers, developed by MIT researchers, can flex and stretch while delivering both optical and electrical impulses.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 3, 2017

Extreme heat exposure linked to firefighter heart attacks

Research links extreme heat and physical exertion in firefighting to blood clotting and impaired blood vessel function, increasing the risk of heart attacks. The study suggests that exercising in extremely high temperatures should be done with proper hydration and cooling time.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 3, 2017

Diabetes control is more difficult for night-shift workers

A study of 260 individuals with type 2 diabetes found that night shift workers had poorer glycemic control, despite adjusting for factors like diet and sleep duration. The research highlights the need for special attention to managing diabetes in this population through healthy habits and medication use.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateApr 3, 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.

UTA assistant professor awarded APS's Mitsuyoshi Tanaka Dissertation Award

Benjamin Jones, UTA assistant professor, received the prestigious award for his doctoral thesis on sterile neutrinos in cold climates. His research using the IceCube experiment at the South Pole provided a strong constraint on the existence of sterile neutrinos, ruling out their presence with 99% confidence.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateApr 3, 2017

Screening the dark genome for disease

Researchers have developed a method to swiftly screen the non-coding DNA of the human genome for links to diseases driven by gene regulation. The technique uses CRISPR/Cas9 to precisely cut and paste DNA sequences, enabling the identification of regulatory elements controlling disease genes.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 3, 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.

Domesticated rice goes rogue

A recent study has discovered the ancestry of Asian rice and its weedy cousins, revealing that rice has a natural tendency towards becoming weeds. The research found that both strains evolved from different crop varieties, with relatively few changes needed to turn the crop plant into a weed.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 3, 2017

Renewable energy needed to drive uptake of electric vehicles

A new study suggests that renewable energy sources are crucial for consumers to buy electric vehicles, as environmental performance trumps price and range confidence. The research found that participants prioritized the need for electricity to be produced from renewable sources for electric vehicles to be a true green alternative.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateApr 3, 2017

'Sniffing' urine to detect prostate cancer could prevent unnecessary biopsies

Researchers have identified a set of molecules in urine that are present in 90% of prostate cancer patients but not in healthy individuals. This discovery could lead to the development of a non-invasive test for early detection of prostate cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies and improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 3, 2017

Tiny plankton wields biological 'Gatling gun' in microbial Wild West

Researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the biological 'Gatling gun' of dinoflagellates, a type of planktonic microbe. These microscopic organisms have developed sophisticated defensive mechanisms, including harpoon-like structures and projectile-firing organs that resemble a Gatling gun.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 3, 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.