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Science News Archive August 2017


Page 5 of 41

A new estimate of biodiversity on Earth

Researchers estimate 2 billion species, with bacteria dominating the 'Pie of Life'. This new estimate incorporates DNA sequence data and parasite-host associations to arrive at a higher number than previous estimates.

Thorough analysis reveals immune system dynamics after immunotherapy

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a technique to monitor the maturation process of the immune system in leukaemia patients after stem cell transplantation. This study identifies patterns linked to clinical complications and provides new knowledge on the regulation and dysregulation of the immune system.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UConn chemist synthesizes pure graphene

UConn chemistry professor Doug Adamson has patented a process to exfoliate pure graphene, a substance that is 100 times stronger than steel. His technology uses a thermodynamically driven approach to un-stack graphite into its constituent graphene sheets.

New research strengthens link between mental health and retirement savings

Research from Medica Research Institute found that psychological distress significantly affects retirement savings, with up to a 62% lower probability of holding accounts. Married couples with psychological distress withdraw more from their accounts, while singles divert funds away from retirement savings.

Potential Tropical Cyclone 10 soaks Mid-Atlantic

A Potential Tropical Cyclone 10 is expected to bring heavy rains and tropical-storm-force winds to the North Carolina coast, particularly in areas such as Wilmington. The system's track will take it along the Mid-Atlantic region before moving out to sea, with a high chance of it becoming extratropical by Aug. 30.

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.

When it comes to antennas, size matters

Researchers have developed a new approach to designing antennas that can construct devices with antennas up to 1,000 times smaller than current ones. This technology enables the creation of miniaturized antennas for cell phones and other wireless communication devices, opening up new possibilities in the biomedical field.

Using DNA to predict schizophrenia and autism

Researchers discovered a single amino acid switch in the CX3CR1 receptor as a potential marker for predicting schizophrenia and autism. The variant affects microglia function and could lead to predictive diagnostics, offering new hope for asymptomatic patient screening.

High-tech electronics made from autumn leaves

A new method converts tree leaves into porous carbon materials for use in high-tech electronics. The resulting supercapacitors exhibit remarkable electrical properties and potential applications in computer technology and hybrid vehicles.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Expanding the reach of therapeutic antibodies

Researchers developed an efficient method to produce antibodies that can bind to two different target molecules simultaneously, enhancing cancer immunotherapy. The new approach uses a modified IgG antibody structure with only four key changes, allowing for more versatile formats and improved stability.

Designing novel biologic agents to target colorectal cancer

Researchers present a comprehensive overview of novel approaches to combating metastatic colorectal cancer, highlighting the potential of immunotherapies and targeted biological agents. The article discusses recent progress and future prospects for these treatments, including combination therapies and overcoming drug resistance.

Clamping down on causality by probing laser cavities

A collaboration between University of Central Florida and Yale has discovered novel optical behaviors in laser cavities, providing a unique window into fundamental physics. The research demonstrates the role of gain clamping in governing optical responses and reveals fundamental aspects of causality's limits.

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.

Lively tunes boost sales in crowded stores

Researchers found that fast-paced songs stimulate spending, while ballads have little effect, as social density increases. In crowded stores, up-tempo music boosts average spending by 8% and motivates customers to buy more low-priced items.

Sense of smell is key factor in bird navigation, new study shows

Researchers found that birds use olfaction to navigate over long distances, outperforming previous theories about the role of Earth's magnetic field. The study tracked Scopoli's shearwaters and showed that anosmic birds followed a different orientation pattern during their return journeys.

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.

Obese people lack cells with satiety hormones

Researchers found that obese people have fewer enteroendocrine cells in the gut, reducing satiety hormones and altering appetite. Surgical weight-loss procedures can repair this disorder by restoring cell numbers and normalizing hormone release.

Researchers validate UV light's use in improving semiconductors

A discovery by two scientists at NREL could aid the development of next-generation semiconductor devices. They used ultraviolet light to modify the interface between two dissimilar semiconductors, creating a flawless interface and enabling the integration of different classes of semiconductors.

Cell culture system could offer cancer breakthrough

A new microfluidic cell culture device allows researchers to study the development of drug resistance in cancer cells in real-time. The system, developed by Princeton University and Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, provides a tool for preclinical cancer drug development and screening.

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.

Scientists map genomic atlas of your inner fish gut

A team of researchers has discovered a network of genes and genetic regulatory elements in the lining of the intestines that remains remarkably consistent across 420 million years of evolution. This conserved genetic signature is linked to various human diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, and obesity.

Pinpointing the origins of autism

Scientists identified network inefficiencies in six-month-old infants who later developed autism, with these abnormalities linked to severity of symptoms at 24 months. This study brings us closer to understanding the pathology of autism and developing effective interventions.

Extreme exposure

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that mothers exposed to very high levels of pesticides during pregnancy experienced increased risk of adverse outcomes, including a 5-9% increase in birth weight and preterm births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 single births between 1997 and 2011.

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.

Love your beauty rest? You can thank these brain cells

A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified a type of neuron in the brains of mice that promotes sleep by turning off wake-promoting neurons. Lhx6-expressing cells play a central role in regulating both rapid eye movement and nonrapid eye movement sleep, with potential applications for treating various sleep disorders.

Lasers zap decontaminates from soil

A new method uses high-powered lasers to directly break down pollutants in contaminated soil, showing promise as a cheaper and more efficient decontamination technique. The process heats up the pollutant locally, fragmenting it into smaller, safer molecules.

No advantage of ambulance over hospital anti-clot therapy (SCAAR)

A new study analyzing data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry found no significant benefits of pre-hospital antiplatelet therapy in STEMI patients. The study suggests that pre-treatment may even pose a risk, particularly for patients with contraindications to antithrombotic therapy.

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.

Revisiting dietary fat guidelines? (PURE)

A large study found that high carbohydrate intake is linked to increased total mortality and non-cardiovascular mortality outcomes, while high fat intake is associated with lower risk. The study suggests that limiting total fat consumption may not improve health in populations.

Otters learn by copying each other

Research shows smooth-coated otters adopt a 'copy when young' strategy to solve puzzles, with young otters learning faster than parents. This social learning behavior may help improve reintroduction programs for endangered otter species.

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.

Bahamian songbirds disappeared during last glacial-interglacial transition

A study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that two Bahamian songbird species likely became extinct due to habitat loss caused by rising sea levels and a warmer climate. The birds' habitats were pine grasslands found in cooler regions, which were lost when the islands became more tropical.

Reassessing the benefits of plant-based eating (PURE)

A large-scale study of 135,335 individuals across 18 countries found that a moderate intake of fruit, vegetables, and legumes can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The study's findings indicate that consuming an average of 3-4 servings per day is as beneficial as higher amounts in reducing total mortality.

Bone-derived hormone reverses age-related memory loss in mice

A study led by Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that boosting blood levels of osteocalcin reverses age-related memory loss in mice. Osteocalcin binds to a receptor called Gpr158 in the brain's memory center, and restoring youthful levels of the hormone improves cognitive function.

New treatment options for type 2 diabetes

Researchers have found that bacterial cell wall constituents can cause abnormal clotting, leading to inflammation in Type 2 diabetes. A new treatment option involves using LPS-binding protein (LBP) to reverse this process, offering a new approach to treating the disease.

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.

Don't be salty -- tiny tubes desalinate water one molecule at a time

Researchers from Northeastern University have discovered that tiny carbon nanotubes can efficiently remove salt from seawater, offering a potential solution to global water scarcity. The novel system outperforms existing methods, with the potential to increase accessible drinking water from 0.007 percent to a higher percentage.

Cosmetic surgery may help patients quit smoking

A long-term follow-up study found that many patients who received instructions to stop smoking before cosmetic surgery were more likely to quit or reduce their cigarette use. The study suggests that targeted messaging with specific examples of the negative effects of smoking may be an effective way to encourage smokers to quit.

Autoimmune diseases increase cardiovascular and mortality risk

A six-year study of nearly 1 million people found that autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel diseases increase cardiovascular risk and mortality. The study's results highlight the need for better tools to predict cardiovascular events in these populations.

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma treatment

Researchers explored non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma treatment to improve natural dyeing of leather, reducing environmental impacts. The study successfully demonstrated the activation of functional groups on goat hide surfaces, leading to significant improvements in coloration with commercially available natural dyes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Why does rubbing a balloon on your hair make it stick?

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered that tiny holes and cracks in materials can control electric charge through friction. The findings could lead to better adhesion for agricultural pesticides, paints, and other applications, while also preventing damage from static electricity.

The eyes have it

Georgina Stooke-Vaughan is investigating the mechanical development of the eye in zebrafish using a novel fluid-based method. The study aims to understand how cells divide, move and position themselves to form the complex organ.

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.

Japanese study questions benefit of treat-to-target statin therapy (EMPATHY)

A Japanese study questioned the benefit of treat-to-target intensive statin therapy in patients with diabetic retinopathy, finding no significant reduction in cardiovascular events. However, subanalysis showed that reaching an LDL cholesterol target of less than 70 mg/dL significantly reduced primary endpoint incidence.

Dark chocolate with olive oil associated with improved cardiovascular risk profile

A study found that dark chocolate enriched with extra virgin olive oil is associated with increased endothelial progenitor cells and decreased carnitine levels, leading to improved cardiovascular health. The addition of natural polyphenols from olive oil also increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreased blood pressure.

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.