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Science News Archive August 2017


Page 33 of 41

Successful guide dogs have 'tough love' moms, Penn study finds

Researchers found that puppies raised by attentive mothers were less likely to succeed in training programs. Those whose mothers nursed more often while standing up had lower graduation rates as adult guide dogs. The study suggests that minor obstacles can help offspring succeed later in life.

In utero exposure to diesel exhaust could be linked to adult heart failure

A new study published in The FASEB Journal reveals that gestational exposure to diesel exhaust can modify DNA in the developing embryo and increase susceptibility to adult heart failure. Researchers identified specific gene expression effects and DNA methylation changes that may play a role in mediating adult sensitivity to heart failure.

High resolution without particle accelerator

Researchers successfully perform optical coherence tomography with XUV radiation at laboratory scale, producing strong image contrasts and achieving higher resolution than infrared-based methods. The technique has potential applications in biology, including non-destructive imaging of cells.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MRSA survival chances predicted by DNA sequencing the superbug

Researchers used DNA sequencing to identify patients at risk of death from MRSA infections, predicting survival chances with high accuracy. The study found that different strains of MRSA kill patients in distinct ways, shedding light on the pathogen's deadly mechanisms.

NASA sees Typhoon Noru over southern Japan

Typhoon Noru made landfall in Wakayama, Japan, with sustained winds near 75 mph, forcing warnings throughout central Japan. The storm is forecast to pass west of Tokyo and re-emerge over the Pacific Ocean by August 9.

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.

Some land conservation measures unpopular among property owners

A new study by the University of Connecticut found that coastal landowners in Connecticut are skeptical about granting easements to protect marshes from sea level rise, citing concerns over fair pricing and transparency. However, they favor alternative strategies like restrictive covenants and future interest agreements.

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.

Big data yields surprising connections between diseases

Researchers at the University of Chicago have created a new classification system for common diseases based on genetic and environmental correlations. The study analyzed health insurance claims data from nearly half a million people and found surprising relationships among diseases such as migraine and irritable bowel syndrome.

Individuals with bipolar disorder need workplace support

A new study found that individuals with bipolar disorder often face exclusion and stigma at work, leading to negative outcomes. The research highlights the importance of intervening to improve relationships with co-workers and supervisors, and suggests that workplace support is crucial for individuals with severe mental illness.

Researchers crack the 'Karakoram anomaly'

A summer 'vortex' of cold air over the Karakoram mountain range is inducing an anomalous cooling that causes glaciers to grow in spite of global warming. This unique temperature control system has significant implications for ice melt rates and river flows in the region.

Limiting access to fast-food restaurants unlikely to reduce obesity

New Indiana University research suggests that limiting access to fast-food restaurants will not reduce obesity. Instead, the study found that changes in the availability of healthy food options, such as supermarkets and nutritious food outlets, may make it easier for people to access healthy foods.

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.

Largest-ever study of pets and kids' health finds no link

A new study of over 2,200 children finds no link between having a dog or cat and improved mental or physical health. While children from pet-owning families tend to have better general health, the association disappears when adjusting for other variables.

New approach makes it easier to find novel drugs

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and University of Manchester have developed a new method to screen compounds that is more sensitive than existing methods. This technique, called CoSPI, can help identify allosteric compounds that regulate enzyme activity, which could lead to new treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.

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.

USC Stem Cell discovery refreshes the heart

Researchers identified a genetic variation underlying heart muscle regeneration in adult mammals. The study found that some individuals can naturally recover from a wounded heart due to higher percentages of regenerative cells, and that modulating the activity of a specific gene may enhance regeneration.

Can a Zika outbreak be sustained sexually?

Researchers found that populations of males who have sex with males can form an outbreak-sustaining core, while heterosexual populations experience smaller outbreaks. This raises concerns about silent, sustained outbreaks in the community, particularly among men who are least likely to get tested for Zika.

Playing action video games can actually harm your brain

A new study suggests that habitual players of action video games have less grey matter in their hippocampus, a major part of the brain associated with spatial memory and remembering past experiences. The study found that gaming can lead to changes in the brain that increase the risk of developing brain illnesses and diseases.

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.

Pharmacy service could save NHS £517.6m, finds study

A study by the University of Manchester found that a pharmacy service, launched in 2011, improves patient medicine adherence and translates to increased health gain at reduced overall cost. The New Medicine Service has saved NHS England £517.6m in its first five years.

Side effect to blood pressure drugs is genetically determined for some patients

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that genetic abnormalities contribute to thiazide-induced hyponatremia, a condition causing low sodium levels. Researchers identified patients with this side effect who exhibited persistent subtle differences in blood and urine tests even after medication was stopped.

Printable tool enables sensitive diagnostic testing

A new portable platform enables sensitive and rapid diagnostic testing in resource-limited settings, detecting telltale markers of disease as accurately as the most sensitive tests on the market. The D4 assay can identify a disease biomarker in as few as 15 minutes.

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.

How a chemo drug can help cancer spread from the breast to the lungs

Researchers found that paclitaxel, a breast cancer treatment, can fuel the spread of disease to lungs by creating an environment hospitable to cancer cells. The study identified a gene called Atf3 as key to this process, which helps distribute 'seeds' (cancer cells) and fertilize the 'soil' (lungs).

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Lizard venom may contain clues to treating blood clots

Researchers studied lizard venom to discover novel compounds with potential in treating stroke and deep-vein thrombosis. The study identified selective action on fibrinogen chains, a targeted approach successful for snake venom treatments.

The sun's core makes a complete rotation in one week

Researchers have accurately measured the Sun's core rotation rate, discovering it takes just one week for the core to complete a full rotation. This groundbreaking finding has the potential to refine models of the Sun's birth, evolution, and structure, shedding new light on its internal dynamics.

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.

'Origami organs' can potentially regenerate tissues

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a range of bioactive tissue papers made from materials derived from organs, which can potentially be used to support natural hormone production in young cancer patients and aid wound healing. The new biomaterials are thin, flexible, and pliable enough to fold into origami structures.

Midlife cardiovascular risk factors may increase chances of dementia

A large NIH-funded study found that middle-aged Americans with vascular health risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure are more likely to develop dementia later in life. The study analyzed data from 15,744 participants over 25 years and found a strong link between midlife vascular health and the risk of developing dementia.

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.

NASA Spots extra-Tropical Depression Nalgae near Kuril Islands

NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of extra-tropical storm Nalgae near the Kuril Islands, indicating a transition from tropical to non-tropical characteristics. The storm was moving north-northwest at 20 mph with maximum sustained winds down to 28.7 mph.

North-South health divide bigger than ever

Research reveals a stark North-South divide in middle-aged adult mortality rates, with 49% more deaths among 35-44 year olds in the North in 2015. The study attributes this to economic and social factors, highlighting the need for rebalanced investment and devolved powers to tackle health inequalities.

Scientists improve forecast of increasing hazard on Ecuadorian volcano

Researchers from the University of Miami used Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to detect ground inflation along one flank of Cotopaxi volcano before its eruption in 2015. The study's results, supported by ground-based GPS instruments, show that similar or greater ground inflation is expected for future eruptions.

When you're blue, so are your Instagram photos

A new study has found a correlation between depressed people's Instagram photos and characteristics such as bluer tones, fewer faces, and a preference for filters that drain color. The algorithm's detection rate of 70% surpasses the success rate of general-practice doctors diagnosing depression in-person.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study examines social connections and impacts of financial fraud

A new study from UT Dallas found that the loss of trust in investment advisory services after the Madoff scandal led to changes in investors' behavior, with $363 billion pulled from advisors and many firms closing. The researchers also identified the spread of distrust through social networks and local media.

NASA tracking Tropical Storm Franklin

Tropical Storm Franklin formed in the Caribbean Sea on August 6 and is expected to make landfall in Mexico. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts, and it could reach hurricane strength before landfall.

A surprising new role for baker's yeast

Researchers used baker's yeast to test natural compounds from soil-based bacteria, discovering diverse agents affecting various cell processes. These compounds may be used to treat conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer.

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.

Media portrayals of pregnant women, new moms unrealistic, study says

A recent study found that media portrayals of pregnant women and new moms are often unrealistic, leading to negative emotions such as self-consciousness and depression. Women reported feeling pressure to lose weight quickly after childbirth and being influenced by social media, which can foster competition and guilt.

NCI study identifies essential genes for cancer immunotherapy

A new NCI study identifies more than 100 genes necessary for cancer cells to respond to T cell-mediated killing, shedding light on resistance to immunotherapies. The findings offer a blueprint for studying tumor resistance and developing new therapeutics.

Modern domestic dog has a single geographic origin

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that all contemporary dogs have a common origin and emerged through a single domestication process of wolves. The research team analyzed the DNA of two prehistoric dogs from Germany and found that their genomes were the probable ancestors of modern European dogs.

NASA tests autopilot sensors during simulations

NASA's Satellite Servicing Projects Division tested three rendezvous and proximity operations sensors in a simulated environment. The testing confirmed improved performance for light intensity and range measurements, and will help build flight cameras and Lidar systems for satellite servicing.

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.

Successful guide dogs have 'tough love' moms, study finds

Researchers found that puppies raised by doting mothers were less likely to succeed in a training program to become guide dogs. The study suggests that guide-dog-training organizations can better identify dogs who are more likely to succeed by understanding the impact of maternal style on offspring behavior.