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Science News Archive August 2017 - Page 11


Page 11 of 41

Making better batteries via real-time TEM observation

A recent study has made a breakthrough in developing better batteries via real-time transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. The research team successfully hermetically encapsulated sulfur particles using two-dimensional materials like molybdenum disulfide, preventing leakage and sublimation. This innovation could lead to im...

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 24, 2017

DNA detectives crack the case on biothreat look-alikes

New research at Los Alamos National Laboratory develops a DNA detection method that can accurately distinguish virulent bacteria from harmless look-alikes. The study identifies specific plasmid features in environmental species that differentiate pathogenic Francisella tularensis strains from non-threat agents.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2017

The pancreas provides a potential drug candidate for brain disease

A study by Osaka University researchers found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) promotes remyelination in mice, suggesting a potential new treatment for demyelinating diseases. FGF21 was shown to increase remyelination and improve neurological function in mice with demyelinated lesions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 24, 2017
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.

FSU researchers find school board diversity reduces school suspensions

A more diverse school board can lead to more equitable school punishment among students of different races, according to a new study. The researchers found that schools with larger minority populations tend to suspend more black and Hispanic students, while white students in these schools are less likely to be suspended.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCrime & Delinquency·DateAug 24, 2017

HIIT releases endorphins in the brain

Researchers at the University of Turku found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) releases endorphins in the brain, alleviating physical and emotional stress. In contrast, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise does not induce significant endorphin release, but rather increases pleasurable feelings.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 24, 2017

Post-Tropical Cyclone Kenneth spinning down

Kenneth remains a well-organized gale-force tropical low pressure area with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is moving north-northwestward towards the north and weakening over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2017

Long, mysterious strips of RNA contribute to low sperm count

A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers has identified long non-coding RNAs that play a critical role in orchestrating sperm development. The lncRNAs help regulate various stages of sperm development and are found exclusively in the testes, suggesting they could be used to develop novel infertility drugs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateAug 24, 2017
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.

3-D scanning methods allow an inside look into fossilized feces

Researchers used synchrotron microtomography to analyze fossilized feces, providing clues on ancient food webs and ecosystems. The study reveals delicate remains of beetles and fish in coprolites from the Upper Triassic bone beds in Poland.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 24, 2017

Research reveals how estrogen regulates gene expression

Research reveals that estrogen hormones regulate gene expression through a multi-step process involving sequential recruitment of coactivators. The study, published in Molecular Cell, shows that the addition of specific coactivator CARM1 guides subsequent steps leading to gene activation.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 24, 2017

The first hard evidence for the 'outside-in' theory of the origin of teeth

Researchers studying a 400 million year old bony fish from Estonia believe they have found evidence for the origins of teeth using advanced synchrotron microtomography. This discovery may cast light on the possible origin of teeth from dermal odontodes, and evolutionary relationship between dentitions of all jawed animals.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 24, 2017

How the human brain detects the 'music' of speech

A study published by UC San Francisco researchers has identified specific groups of neurons in the brain's temporal cortex that distinguish speaker, phonetics, and intonation. These neurons respond to changes in vocal pitch and help convey meaning and emotion in spoken language.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateAug 24, 2017
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.

NASA finds heavy rainfall in intensifying Tropical Storm Harvey

Tropical Storm Harvey is intensifying with heavy rainfall, forecast to bring life-threatening flooding and strong winds to the middle Texas coast. The National Hurricane Center predicts rain accumulations of 12-20 inches in some areas, with totals exceeding 30 inches in isolated regions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2017

New virtual model reveals details of declining lung function in mice

A new virtual model of mouse lung function has been developed to better understand the relative importance of different factors contributing to lung changes in chronic inflammation. The study found that changes in lung recruitment and elastic fiber density were mainly responsible for declining lung function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 24, 2017

Young children's sense of self is similar to that of adults

Researchers found that young children can reason about their abilities and global self-worth, but failure can affect their motivation. The study suggests that parents and educators should foster a productive learning environment to prevent discouragement in young children.

SourceNew York University·JournalChild Development·DateAug 24, 2017

New imaging technique spots prostate tumors starved of oxygen

A new imaging technique has been developed to uncover oxygen levels in prostate tumours, potentially leading to a non-invasive way to determine which tumours are more difficult to treat. The technique uses light and sound to image the strength of blood vessels in tumours, helping doctors identify patients with harder-to-treat cancers.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalTheranostics·DateAug 24, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brown awarded $1.5M to establish data science research institute

Brown's Data Science Initiative aims to bring together experts from various fields to develop new tools for applying data to complex problems. The grant will support intensive research activity and workshops bringing top researchers to campus to work on improving predictive power of mathematical models.

SourceBrown University·DateAug 24, 2017

Reduced performance triggers turnover for nonprofit executives

A recent study reveals that declining expenditures in nonprofit organizations increase the likelihood of executive turnover. Nonprofits with annual expenditure decreases by 20% over three years are 50% more likely to replace their CEO. This finding highlights the accountability of nonprofit executives.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPublic Performance & Management Review·DateAug 24, 2017

Cancer drug may benefit patients with inherited form of kidney disease

A cancer drug called bosutinib showed promise in slowing cyst growth in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The study found a 66% reduction in kidney enlargement for those receiving bosutinib compared to placebo.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 24, 2017

Researchers report better way to create organic bioelectronics

A new fabrication method allows for precise control over electrical performance of neural probes, improving drug delivery and communication with the nervous system. Conducting polymers mimic biological tissue, promoting efficient signal transduction and biocompatibility.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 24, 2017
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.

Illinois researchers develop origami-inspired robot

Researchers at the University of Illinois created a crawling robot inspired by origami structures and biological systems, such as Venus Flytrap movement and uni-flagellated bacteria swimming. The robot uses origami building blocks to mimic earthworms' gait and setae design for forward and turning motions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateAug 24, 2017

More solar power thanks to titanium

Researchers developed a titanium dioxide interlayer to boost the performance of photoanodes, increasing photocurrent by more than four times. The design combines nanostructure with chemical doping, promising improvements for green photocatalytic systems.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 24, 2017
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.

Scientists develop novel 'dot' system to improve cancer detection

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have developed a proof-of-concept nanosystem that dramatically improves the visualization of tumors, achieving a five-fold increase over existing methods. The novel approach generates bright tumor signals by delivering quantum dots to cancer cells without toxic effects.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2017

New ambitious research program receives big grant for research into leukemia

The 'Programme for Translational Hematology' aims to strengthen cooperation between basic and clinical research to gain new knowledge on leukaemia. The programme will focus on identifying new treatment forms for AML and MDS, using DNA sequencing, pre-clinical models, and international research capacities.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·DateAug 24, 2017

Nearly 1 in 4 hospitalized patients has diabetes

A study by researchers from the German Center for Diabetes Research found that nearly 22% of hospitalized patients in Tübingen had diabetes or prediabetes. Patients with diabetes required longer hospital stays and were at a higher risk of complications, highlighting the need for early detection and treatment.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalExperimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes·DateAug 24, 2017

Mathematical tools improve theory and prediction in psychiatry

Advancements in mathematical tools are enhancing understanding of brain processes, including learning, emotion, dopamine signaling, and information processing. Studies using computational models are shedding light on the mechanisms underlying psychiatric diseases.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 24, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Chimpanzees learn rock-paper-scissors

Researchers found that chimpanzees can learn the game as well as children aged four years old, with difficulty in finalizing the circular pattern. The study also compared the learning process of chimpanzees with preschool children.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPrimates·DateAug 24, 2017

This is how belly fat could increase your cancer risk

A new Michigan State University study found that a protein released from visceral fat can cause non-cancerous cells to become cancerous. Abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, and body mass index may not be the best indicator of risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOncogene·DateAug 24, 2017

ILCregs play an important role in regulation of intestinal inflammation

Researchers discovered ILCregs, a regulatory subpopulation of innate lymphoid cells, that suppress intestinal inflammation by secreting IL-10 and TGF-β1. This unique population has a distinct genetic identity from other immune cells and may hold potential for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·DateAug 24, 2017

No batteries required: Energy-harvesting yarns generate electricity

Researchers have developed high-tech yarns that can generate electricity when stretched or twisted, opening up new possibilities for self-powered wearable devices and energy harvesting from ocean waves. The twistron yarns, constructed from carbon nanotubes, can convert mechanical energy into electrical power.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience·DateAug 24, 2017
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.

A new twist toward practical energy harvesting

Researchers have developed a twistron harvester that harnesses energy from ocean waves, achieving a voltage of 46 mV and average output power of 1.79 mW. The device also acts as a motion sensor, demonstrating its potential for self-powered devices and natural energy harvesting.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 24, 2017

Finding what fuels the 'runaway train' of autoimmune disease

A team of researchers has made a breakthrough discovery in understanding autoimmune diseases, revealing that rogue B cells can trigger an 'override' of the body's tolerance to its tissues. This finding sheds new light on epitope spreading, a hallmark aspect of autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks multiple organs and tissues.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateAug 24, 2017

Monitoring network traffic more efficiently

Researchers at MIT and Cisco Systems have developed a new approach to network monitoring called Marple, which allows routers to report on their own state without relying on external servers. By using a programming language and simple circuit design, Marple enables precise traffic analysis while reducing the need for additional hardware.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 24, 2017
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.

Study explains why patients with shingles feel pain

Researchers discovered the role of cytokine TNF in causing herpetic neuralgia, a common symptom of shingles. The study provides insights into novel therapeutic approaches to combat acute and chronic pain associated with the condition.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateAug 24, 2017

Outperforming nature's water filtration ability with nanotubes

Researchers discovered that carbon nanotubes with a width of 0.8 nanometers can filter water with better efficiency than biological proteins, known as aquaporins. The narrow nanotube porins (nCNTPs) maintain permeability even at high salt concentrations and can be tailored for specific ion selectivity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 24, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New dinosaur discovery suggests new species roosted together like modern birds

A newly discovered dinosaur fossil from Mongolia shows three juvenile oviraptors roosting together, suggesting a unique behavior among bird-line theropods. The specimen provides valuable insights into the origins of communal roosting in birds and sheds light on the social habits of ancient dinosaurs.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 24, 2017

Leprosy turns the immune system against itself, study finds

Researchers used zebrafish to study leprosy's impact on nerve cells, finding bacteria trigger a toxic response in macrophages that destroy myelin sheath. The disease may share characteristics with conditions like multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell·DateAug 24, 2017

Revolutionary approach brings 3-D sound into the living room

Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a new approach to deliver immersive audio experiences by utilizing all available devices in a living room, such as laptops and wireless mini-speakers. The 'Media Device Orchestration' concept enables users to enjoy spatial audio in a more immersive and multi-layered way.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·DateAug 24, 2017

PPPL physicist discovers that some plasma instabilities can extinguish themselves

Physicist Fatima Ebrahimi has used advanced models to simulate the cyclic behavior of edge-localized modes (ELMs), a type of plasma instability. She found that ELMs can form when a steep gradient of current exists at the plasma edge, and these instabilities can extinguish themselves by disrupting their own source.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateAug 24, 2017

Fossils reveal how bizarre mammal beat extinction

A new study found that Solenodon, a venomous shrew-like mammal, has survived human arrival in the Caribbean by adapting to a flexible diet. The research suggests that this flexibility allowed Solenodon to thrive despite human-induced climate change and invasive species on the islands.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 24, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Caffeine tempers taste, triggering temptation for sweets

Research at Cornell University found that caffeine tempers taste buds, making food seem less sweet. The study suggests a link between adenosine receptors and taste perception, demonstrating real-world effects of the stimulant on human taste.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateAug 24, 2017

Researchers discover cancer stem cell pathway in endometrial cancer

A team of Cleveland Clinic researchers have discovered a key pathway that leads to recurrence and treatment resistance in endometrial cancer. High levels of CD55 cause cancer stem cells to be more aggressive and resistant to cisplatin than non-stem cell cancer cells.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalExperimental Medicine·DateAug 24, 2017

Man-made fossil methane emission levels larger than previously believed

Researchers found natural geologic methane emissions were three to four times lower than previously estimated numbers, suggesting anthropogenic fossil methane emissions are higher. The study suggests reducing methane emissions from fossil fuels may be an even more important factor in reducing global warming.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2017

'Pop drop' study finds more ER visits & higher costs for older disabled patients

A new University of Michigan study found that tired family caregivers are associated with greater ER visits and higher overall health care costs for the person they care for. Patients with fatigued or sad caregivers had 23% higher emergency department visits and $1,900 more in Medicare costs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 24, 2017

Scientists from the MSU adjusted a microalgal technology for wastewater

Researchers from MSU and University of Turku developed an optimized method for removing organic compounds, nitrogen, and phosphorus from wastewater using Chlorella vulgaris UHCC0027 microalgae. The treatment also produces biofuel suitable for blending with fossil diesel fuel.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalAlgal Research·DateAug 24, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Reducing infant mortality in Nigeria

A Michigan State University doctor and professor teamed up to document high rates of Group B Streptococcus colonization in Nigeria. They identified new risk factors, allowing for effective treatment and significantly reducing infant mortality rates.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateAug 23, 2017

Major leap towards data storage at the molecular level

Researchers have made a breakthrough in storing data with single molecules, achieving magnetic hysteresis at -213 °C, which is close to the temperature of liquid nitrogen. This discovery could lead to more energy-efficient data storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2017

Journal of Applied Remote Sensing honors 3 as best papers

The Journal of Applied Remote Sensing has awarded three exceptional articles for their outstanding contributions to remote sensing research and applications. The winning articles focus on ice cloud measurement, a neural-network architecture for scene classification, and through-wall imaging.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·DateAug 23, 2017