Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2017


Page 18 of 41

Hot spot at Hawaii? Not so fast

Researchers developed a method to analyze hot spot tracks and found most groups are fixed and relatively motionless, moving at about 4 millimeters per year. This contradicts previous findings that suggested hot spots moved as much as 33 millimeters a year.

Citrus: From luxury item to cash crop

Research reveals citrons and lemons were first citrus fruits to arrive in the Mediterranean, prized for their rarity and symbolic value. The study highlights the crucial role of Muslim traders in dispersing cultivated citrus across Northern Africa and Southern Europe.

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.

Novel approach to track HIV infection

Researchers have developed a novel approach to track HIV infection by identifying individual viral particles associated with infection. The new method reveals that uncoating leading to infection occurs early in the cytoplasm, around 30 minutes after cell fusion.

Smart computers

A team of scientists from the University of Freiburg has created a self-learning algorithm that decodes human brain signals measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG) with high accuracy. The algorithm, based on brain-inspired models, can recognize and differentiate between various behavioral patterns from different movements, making it ...

Seeking the secret ingredient in the original smallpox vaccine

Researchers explore the origins of the smallpox vaccine, tracing its development from cowpox virus to modern vaccinia virus. The study sheds light on the intricate relationships between different types of viruses and lymphs involved in the vaccine's evolution.

Research reveals how physical exercise protects the heart

A study by the University of São Paulo found that aerobic exercise facilitates the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria from heart cells, increasing energy supply and reducing toxic molecules. Regular exercise can help prevent heart failure and improve cardiac function.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Virus with an eggshell

Researchers found that avian flu viruses isolated from humans have the same gene sequences as those from birds, suggesting transmission through the mineral layer. The mineralized shell changes the electric surface potential of the virus, allowing it to adsorb efficiently onto host cells.

Despite benefits, half of parents against later school start times

A nationally representative survey found that 51% of parents support later school start times to accommodate their teens' natural circadian rhythms. Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep per night, but many parents underestimate their children's sleep needs, with only half agreeing with existing recommendations.

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.

NASA gets a final look at Hurricane Gert's rainfall

Before becoming a post-tropical cyclone, NASA observed Hurricane Gert's intense rainfall of over 2.94 inches per hour. The storm's eastern side was experiencing powerful bands of rain, with some areas reaching up to 7.5 miles in height.

How whip-like cell appendages promote bodily fluid flow

Researchers at Nagoya University found that Daple protein is essential for the correct arrangement of cilia on brain cells, enabling directional fluid flow. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind hydrocephalus and its related diseases such as asthma and female infertility.

Scientists from the MSU studied new liquid-crystalline photochrom

Researchers have synthesized new liquid-crystal photochromic polymers with comb-shaped molecules that change molecular orientation under external fields, forming coatings and films. These polymers exhibit photoisomerization and photo-orientation processes, allowing for control over phase behavior and optical properties.

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.

Lasers used to detect risk of heart attack and stroke

A new diagnostic tool uses near-infrared light to identify high-risk arterial plaques, which can lead to blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. By selectively identifying rupture-prone deposits, doctors may be able to detect the threat of an imminent heart attack earlier.

Paper: Clinical signs best predictors of mortality in critically ill calves

A new study suggests that clinical signs, such as gastrointestinal problems and septic arthritis, are better indicators of mortality in neonatal calves with diarrhea than blood pH levels. The research found that these clinical signs were significant determinants of mortality, while blood pH levels were only a predictor when they droppe...

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.

A map of the cell's power station

Scientists from the University of Freiburg successfully mapped the mitochondrial protein landscape, revealing over 200 new proteins not previously attributed to this organelle. This study provides a basis for studying the potential new functions of mitochondria and understanding various diseases.

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.

UH receives $3.3 million from state cancer research program

The University of Houston has received a $2 million grant to recruit cancer researcher Rohith Reddy, who will focus on next-generation technologies for detecting gynecological cancers. The institution also received a $1.3 million grant to expand tobacco cessation programs in substance abuse treatment centers.

Potato waste processing may be the road to enhanced food waste conversion

Penn State researchers have developed a novel approach to efficiently convert potato waste into ethanol, achieving a maximum ethanol concentration of 37.93 grams per liter in a co-culture biofilm reactor. The process eliminates the need for externally added enzymes and energy costs, reducing production costs and increasing productivity.

Pioneering research reveals how altered brain networks can lead to seizures

Researchers developed a method to identify brain tissue most likely to generate seizures in people with epilepsy, offering new treatment strategies for drug-resistant cases. By analyzing EEG recordings and mathematical modeling, the team found that targeting specific brain regions could lead to enhanced surgical outcomes.

Ocean exploration uncovers one of Cuba's hidden natural treasures

Scientists from the US and Cuba have discovered healthy and nearly pristine mesophotic coral reefs off Cuba's coast, with many sites suitable for potential creation of marine protected areas. The expedition resulted in thousands of dive notes, underwater photos and video, documenting diverse marine organisms and new species.

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.

How the genome sets its functional micro-architecture

Researchers at EPFL studied the TADs involved in digit development, finding that they can host multiple associations between genes and enhancers. Disrupting the 3D structure of chromatin leads to remodeling of TADs, with CTCF mediating long-range DNA contacts.

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.

Contraceptive pill linked to lowered risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found a link between prolonged use of oral contraceptives and reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. However, breastfeeding was not associated with a significant protective effect after accounting for influential factors.

Deep-sea sponges -- home to the next generation of antimicrobials?

A team of scientists from the University of Plymouth is developing potential new antimicrobials produced by the microbiome of deep-sea sponges. They have already cultured over 100 novel bacterial strains, some of which can kill MRSA, and are on the lookout for other applications in cancer, immune deficiency, and wound healing.

Reprogrammed cells rescue infertility in mice

Researchers reprogrammed cells carrying an extra chromosome in mice, resulting in the loss of the extra chromosome. This technique, known as trisomy-biased chromosome loss, successfully generated fertile offspring and offers a potential solution to infertility related to extra chromosomes.

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.

Scientist emphasizes importance of multi-level thinking

The paper highlights the value of considering multiple viewpoints and levels of description to tackle complex scientific and philosophical questions. By recognizing unconscious assumptions and leveraging the strengths of both brain hemispheres, science can achieve more powerful problem-solving.

An unusual white dwarf may be a supernova leftover

Astronomers have discovered a white dwarf with low mass, high velocity and strange composition that may be the remnants of a Type Iax supernova. The calculated age of the explosion suggests it occurred between five and 50 million years ago.

A better way to measure mortality trends?

Researchers analyzed years of life lost due to top causes of death in the US from 1995 to 2015, revealing disparities and successes. Life-years lost showed that cancer caused more life-years lost than heart disease, despite heart disease being the leading cause of death.

Researchers develop dissolvable, easy-to-use milk capsules

Developed by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg researchers, the dissolvable milk capsules are made from a crystalline crust that easily dissolves in hot liquid. The production process is relatively simple and can be used for various liquids, including fruit juice concentrate.

Computer approaches human skill for first time in mapping brain

A WSU research team developed a computer algorithm that accurately maps brain neural networks, similar to human performance, which could speed up the analysis of brain circuitry. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of devastating brain diseases and more efficient treatments.

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.

What's the best strategy to increase living kidney donation?

A new analysis suggests that targeted educational interventions can improve living kidney donation rates. The study found significant benefits from educating both the potential recipient and their close social network, highlighting a promising approach to increase living donor kidney transplantation.

Gold nanostars and immunotherapy vaccinate mice against cancer

A new treatment combines gold nanostars and immunotherapy to treat cancer. The treatment successfully cured two mice and vaccinated one mouse against the disease. By destroying tumors and triggering the immune system, the treatment activates immunity against remaining cancerous cells.

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.

NIH funds Rosalind Franklin University study on role of oxytocin in anxiety

Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University are investigating the role of oxytocin in stress-induced psychiatric disorders, aiming to identify new targets for pharmacotherapy. The study has the potential to shed light on commonalities and differences in fear and anxiety circuitry between males and females.

Scientists identify central neural circuit for itch sensation

Researchers have discovered a critical neural pathway that transmits itch signals from the spinal cord to the brain, with the parabrachial nucleus identified as a first relay. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying itch signal processing and offers potential targets for therapeutic treatment of chronic itching.

College freshmen who weighed themselves daily lost body fat

A new study at Drexel University found that female college students who weighed themselves daily lost body fat and experienced modest BMI changes, while those who did not saw little change. The researchers suggest that daily self-weighing can motivate healthy eating and exercise behaviors.

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.

Should I stay or should I leave?

A new study investigates the decision-making process in relationships, revealing common pros and cons of staying versus leaving. Participants weighed reasons such as emotional intimacy, investment, and personality traits, with married individuals citing more constraint-based reasons for staying.

Mind flex

A Harvard Medical School study found that neurons involved in learning and memory are less stable than previously thought, but more flexible. This flexibility allows the brain to easily integrate new information and adapt to changing circumstances.

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.