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Science News Archive August 2017


Page 34 of 41

A new view for protein turnover in the brain

A team of scientists at UC San Diego has found that lysosomes can travel to distant parts of neurons' dendrites and branch-like areas, playing a key role in remodeling and plasticity. This discovery may provide new insights into the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Nanocrystalline LEDs: Red, green, yellow, blue ...

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München researchers have developed a method for producing semi-conducting nanocrystals with controlled size, enabling the creation of color-tuned LEDs. The new method uses perovskite-based nanocrystals and allows for high color fidelity and industrial-scale production.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Primary prevention could reduce heart disease among type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers emphasize the importance of primary prevention for Type 2 Diabetes patients to reduce heart disease risk, highlighting the need for evidence-based guidelines and lifestyle management strategies. Proven medical therapies and lifestyle interventions can significantly reduce cardiovascular burden among these patients.

Small streams have a big influence on our lives

Headwater streams, often overlooked due to their small size, have a significant impact on river ecosystems. Research highlights the importance of improved mapping, understanding resistance and resilience, and assessing impacts from human alterations to land use and climate.

Marine reserves a solution to bycatch problem in oceans

Using marine reserves can allow fishermen to catch more of the profitable fish they want while protecting weaker fish that can be caught inadvertently by fishing gear. This approach could also help sustainably manage global fisheries and rebuild depleted species.

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.

New look at archaic DNA rewrites human evolution story

A University of Utah-led team analyzed archaic DNA to reconstruct the early history of humans, revealing an evolutionary story that challenges traditional views. The study found that Neanderthals and Denisovans nearly went extinct after separating from modern humans, but later diverged and grew into tens of thousands of individuals.

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.

IBM's Watson can improve cancer treatment through better gene targeting

Researchers hope IBM's Watson will help people with cancer by providing detailed information on genetic mutations and targeted therapies. With Watson, pathologists can analyze multiple genes simultaneously, including those that are not currently tested, to provide more personalized care to patients.

New biomarker found for group of rare metabolic diseases

Researchers have discovered a new biomarker associated with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of rare genetic disorders. Elevated CSF spermine levels were linked to CNS symptoms in patients, providing a potential diagnostic tool and target for novel therapeutics.

Teen brains may not be as hard-wired for crime as previously thought

A study of age and crime statistics from Taiwan suggests that cultural factors, such as collectivist societies and parental supervision, may influence the age-crime relationship. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that biology drives teen criminal behavior, instead highlighting the importance of cultural influences.

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.

Neurobiology: Lessons by post

A dedicated transport system has been characterized that delivers specific mRNAs to active synapses, allowing for the modulation of synaptic junctions and enabling learning and memory. The key factor involved in this transport binds specifically to regions of its mRNA cargo lacking protein-coding information.

A hard bargain

Two studies led by Harvard Medical School researchers found that few people actually use price shopping tools to choose lower-cost healthcare options, despite growing interest in the idea. The research suggests that consumerism may not be as effective as believed in driving down healthcare costs.

Gold specks raise hopes for better cancer treatments

Researchers discovered gold nanoparticles can boost lung cancer treatment effects and reduce side effects by precisely targeting diseased cells. A tiny device containing these particles could potentially be used in humans to activate chemotherapy directly in tumors.

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.

Breakthrough device heals organs with a single touch

Researchers developed Tissue Nanotransfection (TNT) technology to generate any cell type for treatment within the patient's own body. The technology can repair injured tissue and restore organ function in aging tissues, including organs, blood vessels, and nerve cells.

Sunshield layers fully integrated on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope

The five sunshield layers of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have been fully installed, providing precise temperature control for the telescope's infrared sensors. The layers work together to reduce temperatures by approximately 570 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring optimal performance for observing distant objects in the universe.

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.

DNA from Viking cod bones suggests 1,000-year history of European fish trade

A new study suggests a European stockfish trade existed for 1,000 years, with cod bones from Haithabu providing evidence of fish caught in northern Norway being consumed on mainland Europe. The findings support the idea that traded fish played a significant role in knitting the European continent together economically.

Researchers set record for fastest light pulse

The team achieved an unprecedented wavelength and demonstrated the potential to capture slow-motion video of electrons in atoms and molecules with attosecond light pulses. This breakthrough has significant implications for improving the efficiency of solar panels by understanding photosynthesis.

Fat rats show why breast cancer may be more aggressive in patients with obesity

A study published in Hormones & Cancer found that obese rats with sensitive androgen receptors had more aggressive tumors, even after anti-estrogen treatment. Researchers identified inflammation and cytokine interleukin 6 as key factors contributing to this sensitivity, highlighting the potential for personalized therapeutic strategies.

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.

New AI algorithm monitors sleep with radio waves

A new AI algorithm developed by MIT researchers uses radio signals to monitor sleep stages without sensors attached to the body. The device analyzes reflections of radio waves off the person's body, eliminating irrelevant information using deep neural networks.

Molecule in human saliva has potential for wound healing

A study published in The FASEB Journal found that the salivary peptide histatin-1 promotes angiogenesis, a critical process for efficient wound healing. Histatin-1 was also shown to increase cell adhesion and migration, opening new avenues for understanding oral wound healing and potentially improving treatments for other types of wounds.

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.

Stress heightens fear of threats from the past

Researchers found that stress levels and time since an adverse event can lead to the misidentification of harmless cues as threats, exacerbating anxiety disorders. The study provides new insights into how the human mind generalizes fear and could inform better treatments for PTSD.

Bilingual babies listen to language

Researchers found that bilingual infants can differentiate between words in different languages, even at a young age. The study suggests that bilinguals have an efficient processing strategy to prioritize the currently heard language when switching between languages.

Machines just revealed the evolution of language

Machine learning scientists at Disney Research developed a dynamic word embeddings model that uncovers how the meanings of words change over time. The model, which integrates neural networks and statistics used in rocket control systems, detects semantic change throughout history by analyzing semantic vector spaces.

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.

Greater access to higher education could have reversed EU referendum result

New research from the University of Leicester suggests that greater access to higher education was a predominant factor in the 2016 EU referendum outcome. An increase of 3% in British adults accessing higher education could have reversed the result, while a decrease in turnout in England and Wales may also have changed the outcome.

New CubeSat propulsion system uses water as propellant

A new micropropulsion system for CubeSats uses an innovative design of tiny nozzles that release precise bursts of water vapor to maneuver the spacecraft. The FEMTA thruster technology demonstrates a thrust-to-power ratio of 230 micronewtons per watt, making it a viable method for attitude control of CubeSats.

Afforestation with non-native trees alters island soils

A recent study from Guam found that non-native Acacia trees alter the soil chemistry and root-zone nutrient budgets, causing collateral ecosystem deviations. The results contribute to ongoing global discussions about afforestation for revegetating tropical degraded habitats.

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.

MOF keeps humidity in the Goldilocks zone

Researchers have developed a metal-organic framework (MOF) material that can regulate humidity levels within a specific range. The material, Y-shp-MOF-5, takes up water in dry air but releases it when the relative humidity falls below 45%. This autonomous behavior maintains optimal humidity levels between 45-65%.

How to pave over our big butt problem

A team at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia has developed an asphalt mixture with encapsulated cigarette butts, reducing thermal conductivity and handling heavy traffic. The innovation could solve a huge waste problem while also mitigating the urban heat island effect common in cities.

Herbal medicine shows potential to treat cancer

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have identified three traditional Saudi plants with potent anticancer substances, including topoisomerase inhibitors. The study suggests these compounds could be used to develop novel cancer treatments, but more research is needed before they can be tested in humans.

So lonely I could die

Research suggests that loneliness and social isolation can significantly increase the risk of premature mortality, with effects comparable to those of obesity. The American Psychological Association reports that approximately 42.6 million adults in the US experience chronic loneliness, which can lead to a 50% reduced risk of early death.

Can discrimination contribute to feelings of radicalization?

Studies suggest that experiences of discrimination make feelings of insignificance worse, predicting an attraction to fundamentalist groups. Marginalization is also linked to lower levels of cultural integration, perpetuating a cycle of prejudice and extremism.

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.

Software lets designers exploit the extremely high resolution of 3-D printers

Researchers at MIT developed a new design system that catalogs physical properties of tiny cube clusters, enabling computationally efficient evaluation of macroscopic designs. The system explores the entire space of properties to determine printable clusters, which can be used to optimize object materials and properties.

Lightweight catalyst for artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Fuzhou University have created a macroscopic aerogel from carbonitride nanomaterials that catalyzes the water-splitting reaction under visible-light irradiation. The material offers excellent structural and electronic properties, making it suitable for artificial photosynthesis.

How do birds get their colors?

A study in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology reveals that 32% of bird species have complex plumage patterns produced by melanins, not carotenoids. Melanins control pigmentation on a cellular level, while carotenoids require dietary intake and specialized structures.

Cell aging in lung epithelial cells

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich found that cellular senescence in lung epithelial cells can contribute to the development and worsening of IPF. Senescent cells secrete mediators that promote fibrosis and impair lung function by preventing cell division.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists discover unknown virus in 'throwaway' DNA

Researchers used Next-Generation Sequencing to identify a new viral lineage distantly related to herpesviruses in fish genomes. The discovery could lead to the identification of viruses in other species, potentially preventing outbreaks before they happen.

Scientists reveal source of human heartbeat in 3-D

A team of scientists has developed a way to produce 3D data showing the cardiac conduction system, enabling more accurate computer models of the heartbeat. This breakthrough will improve our understanding of troublesome heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation and help surgeons design operations with less risk of damaging precious tissue.

Financial decisions influenced by intensity of light

A study of over 2,500 people found that higher light intensity leads to worse decisions and increased inconsistency in monetary gambles. Luminance also influences risk attitudes, with individuals more likely to avoid known risks on high-light days.

Sending the right signals

Dr. Warren Ruder is developing microparticles carrying engineered bacteria known as 'smart biomaterials' to reprogram mammalian cell signaling and influence disease outcomes. His goal is to use these hybrid biomaterials to better understand how cell signaling works and affect many diseases.

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.

Origin of human genus may have occurred by chance

A GW researcher argues that the human genus may have originated by chance, rather than in response to environmental changes. Computer simulations suggest that clusters of species originations could be caused by random fluctuations, rather than a single broad-scale event.

Materials governed by light

Hybrid materials combining organic and inorganic components show promise for various applications, including optics and biomedicine. The materials display enhanced photophysical properties, such as anisotropic response to polarized light and artificial antenna effects.