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Science News Archive August 2017


Page 23 of 41

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.

Child's home learning environment predicts 5th grade academic skills

A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that children whose parents provide them with learning materials and engage in meaningful conversations develop early cognitive skills that cascade into later academic success. The study tracked the influence of early home learning environments on...

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.

Artificial blood vessels mimic rare accelerated aging disease

Biomedical engineers have grown miniature human blood vessels exhibiting symptoms of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disease. The technology will help doctors screen potential therapeutics more rapidly, with the goal of creating a personalized screening platform.

How friction evolves during an earthquake

Researchers at Caltech simulated earthquakes in a lab to measure dynamic friction and its impact on seismic events. They found that slip velocity is the key factor in dynamic friction, contradicting previous assumptions.

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.

David Attenborough gains new species namesake

A new species of damselfly, Mesosticta davidattenboroughi, has been discovered in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber and named after Sir David Attenborough. The fossil is extremely well-preserved, showing a complete set of wings, and provides new insights into the past appearance of a rare group of damselflies.

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.

The key to drought-tolerant crops may be in the leaves

Researchers found that plants growing in dry climates have higher concentrations of leaf wax, a natural protective barrier. The team bred winter wheat cultivars with increased wax production, which enabled them to tolerate drought and produce high yields.

Evidence does not support the use of gabapentinoids for chronic low back pain

A meta-analysis published in PLOS Medicine found that gabapentinoids have no significant improvement in pain relief for chronic low back pain, and may even worsen symptoms. The study analyzed findings from 8 randomized controlled trials and identified significant risks of adverse events such as dizziness and visual disturbances.

CHLA researcher awarded $1.9 million by NIH

Muller Fabbri's research focuses on targeting immune cells contributing to disease progression in neuroblastoma. He aims to identify new molecular targets to prevent and overcome cancer resistance to treatment.

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.

A metabolic treatment for pancreatic cancer?

Researchers discovered that targeting arginase 2, an enzyme involved in nitrogen metabolism, can curb the growth of pancreatic tumors, especially in obese individuals. The study suggests a novel approach to treating this deadly cancer, with potential for improved survival rates and therapeutic windows.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gaining influence over others does not increase autonomy

A study by the University of Kent found no correlation between social influence and personal autonomy, suggesting that increased power actually diminishes feelings of freedom. The researchers also discovered a lack of personal power correlates with a lack of social power.

Atomically thin layers bring spintronics closer to applications

University of Groningen scientists have developed a graphene-based device that can inject and detect electron spins with unprecedented efficiency, increasing the spin signal by a hundredfold. The discovery has significant implications for the development of spin transistors and spin-based logic.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Cell economics 101

Researchers discovered that intestinal cells use a strategy to increase protein production within minutes of food entering the intestines, enabling fast and efficient processing. This approach has potential medical implications for diseases such as colitis, Crohn's disease, and bowel cancer.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

UCI study uncovers possible roots of schizophrenia

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery, finding that an amino acid called methionine may play a crucial role in the development of schizophrenia. Excess methionine during pregnancy has been shown to alter fetal brain development, leading to changes in gene expression and potentially life-long consequences.

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.

How a nutrient, glutamine, can control gene programs in cells

Researchers have discovered how glutamine controls gene programs in cells, revealing a new mechanism of differentiation and gene regulation. This finding has significant implications for understanding developmental biology, the immune response, and cancer dysregulation.

Frogs that adapt to pesticides are more vulnerable to parasites

Researchers found that wood frogs with pesticide tolerance are more susceptible to a deadly virus and a parasitic worm, while those far from agriculture have reduced susceptibility. This study highlights the complexity of pesticide-parasite interactions and the need to consider multiple stressors in environmental conservation.

Marijuana use amongst youth stable, but substance abuse admissions up

A recent study found that while marijuana use amongst youth has remained relatively unchanged, admissions to substance abuse treatment facilities have increased. Researchers attribute this rise to a heightened perception of high-risk behavior among young people, particularly as states legalize marijuana.

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.

Cosmic magnifying lens reveals inner jets of black holes

Astronomers have discovered a unique lensing system that provides the best view yet of blobs of hot gas streaming from supermassive black holes. The discovery allows scientists to see these clumps closer to the central engine of the black hole and in greater detail than before.

Can previous exposure to west Nile alter the course of Zika?

A new study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso researchers explores the impact of prior West Nile virus exposure on Zika infection. The team collected blood samples from 500 individuals and tested for West Nile antibodies to determine whether previous exposure could inhibit or enhance Zika infection severity.

Don't get mad -- it's only a game!

A study by FAU researchers found that men tend to be more aggressive than women in competitive situations, while team players exhibit less aggression. Cortisol levels also decreased in participants exhibiting aggressive behavior.

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.

NASA, ESA spacecraft track solar storm through space

Scientists have tracked a solar storm using data from 10 NASA and ESA spacecraft, shedding light on how coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move through space. The study provides key information for understanding space weather effects on the solar system.

Mercury is altering gene expression

Researchers measured the effect of low-level mercury concentrations on microalga gene expression, revealing widespread deregulation of genes involved in various processes. This study provides insight into the environmental and public health implications of mercury's entry into the food chain.

Epigenetic drugs show promise as antivirals

EZH2/1 inhibitors, used in cancer clinical trials, have activity against a variety of viruses, including HSV. These compounds suppress viral gene expression and induce antiviral pathways.

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.

Changes to high-risk medical devices often supported by low-quality research

A recent study published in JAMA found that many studies supporting changes to high-risk medical devices are poorly designed and lack rigor. The researchers analyzed 83 supplement approvals for these devices and found similar problems with data quality and analysis procedures as seen in premarket approval studies.

NASA's GPM found Gert strengthening into a hurricane

Tropical Storm Gert strengthened into a hurricane, generating intense rainfall and dangerous surf along the US East coast. The storm's eastern side showed the most intense rainfall rates, with some areas reaching over 3.5 inches per hour.

'Organismic learning' mimics some aspects of human thought

Researchers have developed a new learning algorithm that mimics the human brain's ability to forget unimportant memories, enabling computers to learn and forget in a proper way. This technology, called organismoids, uses quantum materials to create devices that can adapt and change their behavior over time.

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.

Adding silicon to soil to strengthen plant defenses

Researchers found that high levels of silicon concentrations decrease insect growth and root consumption by up to 71%. Silicon helps plants build phytoliths, making them less digestible to insects, and triggering an immune system response. This natural defense mechanism could provide a sustainable solution for crop protection.