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Science News Archive August 2017


Page 26 of 41

Researchers discover new class of chemical reaction

A new study identifies chemically termolecular reactions, where three molecules participate in breaking and forming bonds, impacting flame propagation speeds and gas phase chemistry. This discovery opens up new possibilities in engine design and understanding planetary atmospheres.

From cancer evolution to personalized therapies

A recent study predicts cancer drug resistance and sensitivity by analyzing genomic alterations and their interactions. Researchers used The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset to create a map of oncogenic dependencies, revealing that certain genetic changes can make tumors resistant to some drugs while making them sensitive to others.

Immune study points to new ways to treat lung disease

Researchers found that neutrophils lose oxygen-sensing protein, leading to overactive response to infection and chronic inflammation. Studying glucose regulation in neutrophils may lead to new treatments for patients with low oxygen levels and lung disease.

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.

Granulins are brain treasure, not trash

Researchers detect granulins inside cells for the first time, suggesting a potential FTD treatment strategy by targeting lysosomal function. The discovery may have therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease as well.

Ozone treaty taking a bite out of US greenhouse gas emissions

A new study shows the Montreal Protocol significantly reduced US greenhouse gas emissions from 2008 to 2014, equivalent to 170 million tons of CO2 annually. The treaty's impact on climate-altering gases was a major side benefit of reducing ozone-depleting substances.

The brain's solution for seeing as is and seeing flexibly

New experiments support distinct roles for ventral and dorsal brain pathways in processing information about objects. The dorsal pathway sees objects according to what they are and what is done with them, while the ventral pathway sees objects as they always are, clarifying their roles in visual processing.

The origin of the chloroplast

A new study reveals that the chloroplast lineage split from its closest cyanobacterial ancestor over 2.1 billion years ago in low salinity environments, marking a crucial step in photosynthesis evolution. The association of the chloroplast with its eukaryotic host took place around 800-750 million years ago in marine environments.

Varroa mites -- bees' archenemies -- have genetic holes in their armor

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered four genes that help Varroa mites survive and two that affect their reproduction. The team used RNA interference to identify the key genes, which could lead to reduced or eliminated mite populations. This breakthrough may also have applications beyond bee conservation.

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.

The critical point in breaking the glass problem

Researchers from University of Bristol and Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz have found a critical point in the glass transition, enabling reconciliation of mutually incompatible interpretations. The study suggests that the thermodynamic and dynamic interpretations are different reflections of the same underlying phenomenon.

Researchers achieve major improvement for lensless computational microscopy

Scientists from ITMO University and Tampere University of Technology developed a new algorithm to increase the resolution of images obtained in lensless microscopes. The approach relies on diffraction patterns and computational methods, allowing for improved image quality without physical changes to the microscope.

A fleeting blue glow

A team of UCSB astrophysicists observed a supernova colliding with a nearby companion star, revealing surprising information about the mysterious star. The study demonstrates that the supernova collided with a non-white dwarf companion, implying the white dwarf was stealing matter from a larger companion to explode.

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.

Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption may have protective health effects

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that light-to-moderate drinking can lower risk of mortality from all-causes and cardiovascular disease, while heavy consumption can increase risk. Moderate drinking was associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

Exotic quantum states made from light

Researchers at the University of Bonn have created exotic quantum states made from light by creating an optical 'well' that traps a super-photon. This achievement marks a significant step towards developing quantum circuits and improving quantum communication and computing capabilities.

DC Hot Stick developed for first responder, worker safety

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a probe to detect direct-current (DC) energy, ensuring safe contact with electrical lines. The 'Hot Stick' probe can penetrate cable insulation and indicate whether a cable is fully discharged of energy.

Clustering for health

A study led by Dr. Susana Minguet identified the protein Caveolin-1 as a key regulator of B cell organization and signaling. The team found that Caveolin-1 deficiency leads to autoimmune disease in animal models, highlighting a new strategy for treating autoimmunity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Single molecules can work as reproducible transistors -- at room temperature

Columbia University researchers successfully demonstrate current blockade using atomically precise molecular clusters at room temperature. The team created a single cluster of geometrically ordered atoms with an inorganic core and positioned linkers to connect it to two gold electrodes, achieving reproducible transport characteristics.

UTSW identifies weight-gain receptor linked to antipsychotic drugs

Researchers at UTSW Medical Center identified a cellular receptor central to the undesirable effects of antipsychotic drugs, which are essential medications for millions worldwide. Co-treating with a weight-loss drug that targets the serotonin 2c receptor prevented weight gain and improved metabolic profiles in mice.

UCI logs second-highest research funding total in fiscal 2016-17

In fiscal 2016-17, UCI researchers secured $378 million in grants and contracts, with a strong focus on health research and collaborations with companies. The funding reflects continued support for the university's world-class faculty, facilities, and community-based programs.

Why expensive wine appears to taste better

A study found that the brain's reward center is tricked into thinking expensive wine tastes better due to its higher price. The 'marketing placebo effect' plays a role in this phenomenon, where identical products are perceived differently based on their prices.

New 3-D simulations show how galactic centers cool their jets

Researchers developed theories supported by 3D simulations to explain the formation and dissipation of galaxy jets. The simulations show that instabilities in space jets are triggered by the interaction with surrounding matter, known as the ambient medium.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Vapor harvesting gets the edge

Scientists at KAUST have found that the edge of a surface structure plays a crucial role in water-droplet formation during vapor harvesting. This discovery reveals that rough-edged structures mimicking nature can be highly effective in collecting atmospheric water vapor, potentially improving efficiency in regions with limited rainfall...

Meadow of dancing brittle stars shows evolution at work

Researchers discovered a new species of brittle star, Teleosaster creasyi, preserved in a 275-million-year-old fossilized meadow in Western Australia. The species shows evidence of evolution before the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which wiped out over 90% of marine life.

Fewer defects from a 2-D approach

Scientists at KAUST have discovered that two-dimensional layers of perovskite material can achieve higher purity levels than their three-dimensional counterparts. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.

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.

Experiments cast doubt on how the Earth was formed

Experiments suggest a significant amount of zinc in the Earth's core, contradicting previous theories. This implies a revised formation process and potential changes to the estimated Earth composition, including its core.

Bumper stickers make often impersonal highways a space for social interaction

A University of Kansas researcher found that bumper stickers can facilitate social communication on highways, with drivers using labeling, affective, and puzzle modes to interpret messages. The use of mass-customized stickers has led to a shift towards more specific and unique messages, requiring new interpretive orientations.

Racial profiling of Latino immigrants influences families differently

A study by University of Kansas researcher Andrea Gómez Cervantes explores the consequences of racial profiling on Latino immigrants and their family members. Indigenous-Latino immigrants face heightened risks of detention, institutional violence, and social exclusion due to their race and ethnicity.

On the darknet, drug buyers aren't looking for bargains

Researchers found that first-time buyers care only about finding trustworthy sellers, with trust remaining their primary concern. The core group of repeat buyers and sellers is harder to shut down, and disrupting it may be the best way to interrupt the cycle.

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.

Almonds may help boost cholesterol clean-up crew

A recent study found that consuming almonds regularly can improve HDL cholesterol levels and function in people with elevated LDL cholesterol. The almond diet resulted in a 19% increase in large HDL particles and improved HDL function by 6.4%, suggesting potential benefits for heart health.

Scientists map sex chromosome evolution in pathogenic fungi

Researchers mapped evolutionary turning points that transformed a fungus with tens of thousands of mating types to one with only two. They found that translocations brought together separate chunks of sex-determining genes onto a single chromosome, mimicking the human X or Y chromosome.

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.

Professor harnesses AI to keep the Old Trafford traffic flowing

A new AI-powered traffic management system called SimplifAI will be tested in Manchester, aiming to reduce congestion and improve air quality. The system, developed by Professor Lee McCluskey and his team, can analyze data and devise complex strategies in a fraction of the time required by human operators.

Supportive relationships linked to willingness to pursue opportunities

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people with supportive spouses are more likely to take on potentially rewarding challenges, leading to personal growth and happiness. Those who experienced a supportive relationship had better psychological well-being and relationship functioning months later.

Transgender TV characters have the power to shape audience attitudes

A new study from USC Annenberg reveals that TV characters have the power to influence attitudes toward transgender people and policy issues. Viewers who saw a June 2015 episode of Royal Pains featuring a portrayal of a transgender teen had more positive attitudes toward both transgender people and related policies.

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.

NASA watches the Sun put a stop to its own eruption

A solar filament rose from the surface of the Sun but collapsed due to invisible magnetic forces, preventing an eruption. Scientists used data from multiple NASA observatories and ground-based telescopes to track the event and develop a model that explains how the Sun's magnetic landscape terminates eruptions.

Sweet! Sugar-coated probe yields better acid test

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed new probes that can detect low pH in living cells without causing photobleaching. The probes are coated with a simple sugar found in fruits and emit light in two different ways, making them highly sensitive to pH and gentle on cells.

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.

Space-based experiment will tackle the mysteries of cosmic rays

The ISS-CREAM experiment aims to study the origin and diversity of cosmic rays, potentially revealing new details about dark matter. By detecting primary particles, ISS-CREAM will extend measurements to the highest energies possible and increase exposure by an order of magnitude.

Opioid crisis impacts ICUs with more admissions, deaths

A recent study found that the opioid crisis has led to a significant increase in ICU admissions and deaths in US hospitals, with an estimated nearly double increase in deaths from opioid overdoses. The study also revealed that the cost of caring for these patients increased significantly during this period.

Testicular macrophages are guardians of fertility

Two types of testicular macrophages have been identified, one found in interstitial spaces and another on the surface of seminiferous tubules. These macrophages prevent other immune system agents from entering the testes by releasing specific molecules.

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.

A NASA triple-view of Hurricane Franklin's fade out

NASA provided three different views of former Hurricane Franklin, revealing powerful storms and heavy rainfall before it dissipated. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected intense feeder bands on the western side of the tropical storm dropping rain at rates over 2.8 inches per hour.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Chemical profile of ants adapts rapidly

Researchers found that ant species with closely related genetic backgrounds can have significantly different chemical profiles, which can change faster than other traits during evolution. Climate also influences the composition of these profiles, with species from humid regions having distinct hydrocarbon patterns.

Jackdaws flap their wings to save energy

Researchers at Lund University discovered that jackdaws minimize energy consumption when flapping their wings by creating multiple small vortices. This unique phenomenon could lead to more efficient flight in birds and potentially influence aircraft design.

Scientists make critical insights into T-cell development

Researchers at Monash University identified a crucial part of PTPN2's role in early T-cell development, which can contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. Decreased levels of this enzyme lead to pro-inflammatory T-cells that damage body tissues.

Higher income individuals more physically active, yet more sedentary

A new study found that higher income individuals engage in more moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity on fewer days, known as the 'weekend warrior' effect, while spending more time in sedentary pursuits. The study suggests tailoring physical activity messages to reflect the constraints of both low and high income individuals.

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.

Improved analysis of kidney cancer

A research team at Lund University has discovered that gene expression in normal tissue varies depending on the location within the kidney. This variation affects the accuracy of comparisons between tumour cells and healthy tissue, leading to a better understanding of kidney cancer subtypes.