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Science News Archive August 2017 - Page 38


Page 38 of 41

Deadly heat waves could hit South Asia this century

A new study predicts that South Asia, home to one-fifth of the world's population, will experience extreme heat waves with high humidity by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced. The region's poor and agricultural communities will be disproportionately affected.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 2, 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.

It's not just what you eat, it's what's eating you

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University discover that autophagy, a garbage disposal-like process, combined with food absorption and smell influences aging. Smelling food enhances lifespan by 20% in C. elegans worms on restricted diets.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 2, 2017

Food fight: Children's temperaments help predict dinnertime struggles

A study found that infants with inhibited temperaments are more likely to be hesitant when trying new foods, while those with exuberant temperaments tend to accept new foods. Researchers observed infant reactions to new toys and food throughout the first 18 months, finding a consistent relationship between temperament and eating behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalChild Development·DateAug 2, 2017

Quitting statins after stroke may raise risk of another stroke

Researchers found that stopping statin drugs after a first ischemic stroke increases the risk of having another stroke within a year and death. The study suggests that statins should be a lifelong therapy for ischemic stroke patients if needed to lower cholesterol levels.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 2, 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.

Alkaline soil, sensible sensor

Researchers developed a portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (PXRF) device to measure calcium levels in soils. The device provides accurate data on 20 elements in 60 seconds, improving field assessments for soil scientists.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 2, 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.

NASA set to launch Dellingr

Dellingr, a 6U CubeSat, is set to launch in August with NASA-quality data on the sun's influence on Earth's upper atmosphere. The spacecraft demonstrates a more reliable design and relatively inexpensive technology, addressing previous reliability issues.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 2, 2017
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.

An app for the perfect selfie

A smartphone app developed by computer scientists at the University of Waterloo uses an algorithm to direct users on camera positioning for optimal photos. The app, which has shown a 26% improvement in selfie quality, teaches users about composition principles and can be expanded to include additional factors.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateAug 2, 2017

Correction of a faulty gene in human embryos

Scientists successfully corrected a disease-causing mutation in human embryos using CRISPR-Cas9, increasing the probability of inheriting a healthy gene from 50% to 72.4%. The technique also revealed an alternative DNA repair system in human embryos.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·DateAug 2, 2017
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.

Physicians evaluate new device to test for cervical cancer

Physicians have evaluated a new fabric-based endocervical curettage device, which uses a hook to collect tissue samples. The device reduces discomfort and increases the number of adequate specimens, leading to better results and fewer repeat biopsies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Lower Genital Tract Disease·DateAug 2, 2017

Clarifiying complex chemical processes with quantum computers

Researchers from ETH Zurich and Microsoft Research demonstrate that quantum computers can evaluate complex chemical reactions scientifically relevant results. Quantum computers can potentially calculate the reaction mechanism of nitrogenase step by step, but they will serve as a supplement to classical computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2017

Solar glasses generate solar power

Researchers from KIT have developed sunglasses with colored, semitransparent solar cells that supply a microprocessor and two displays with electric power. The solar cell lenses are thin and lightweight, generating enough power to operate devices like hearing aids or step counters in indoor environments.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalEnergy Technology·DateAug 2, 2017

Cracking the code of megapests

Scientists have identified over 17,000 protein coding genes in the genomes of two closely related megapests, providing a detailed understanding of their genetics and potential weaknesses. This information could lead to the development of new pest management strategies and reduce control costs by billions of dollars annually.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateAug 2, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study reveals how to reprogram cells in our immune system

Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have discovered a method to reprogram specific T cells, turning pro-inflammatory cells into anti-inflammatory ones. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for autoimmune diseases and therapies using stem cells.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature·DateAug 2, 2017

Babies of kidnapped brides suffer, too

Babies born to kidnapped brides in Kyrgyzstan have lower birthweights due to maternal stress, according to a new study. Infants born to kidnapped brides weighed 80-190 grams less than those born in arranged marriages.

SourceDuke University·JournalDemography·DateAug 2, 2017

The truth about cats' and dogs' environmental impact

A UCLA researcher calculates that feeding pets contributes to climate change, with dogs and cats responsible for 25-30% of meat consumption's environmental impact in the US. The nation's 163 million dogs and cats eat about 19% as many calories as humans, with premium pet foods often containing more animal products.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 2, 2017
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.

Twenty-three ASTRO members awarded Fellows designation

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected 23 distinguished members to receive the ASTRO Fellow designation. These individuals have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology in research, education, patient care, or service and leadership.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateAug 2, 2017

Students at 2-year colleges and vocational schools more likely to be hungry

A recent study finds that nearly one in five two-year college students live in food-insecure households, with 21% experiencing food insecurity. The study suggests that extending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to these students could help alleviate hunger and improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateAug 2, 2017

Millions may face protein deficiency as a result of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that rising CO2 levels may lead to a decline in the nutritional value of staple crops, increasing the risk of dietary deficiencies among vulnerable populations. The study estimates that up to 150 million people may be at risk of protein deficiency due to elevated CO2 levels.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 2, 2017

Where there's fire, there's smoke -- and social media

A Colorado State University study shows a strong correlation between Facebook posts about visible smoke and commonly used datasets for estimating smoke exposure. The researchers found that Facebook was a better tool than satellite data in pinpointing smoke exposure, with daily maps of Facebook posts matching standard smoke monitoring s...

SourceColorado State University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 2, 2017
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.

Good cellular neighbors combat incipient cancers

Healthy skin cells have been found to actively correct tissue flaws created by cancerous cells, eliminating tumors in mouse models. The study highlights the importance of normal cells in maintaining tissue health and functionality.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateAug 2, 2017

CAREFOR calls on EU to safeguard independent academic research

Leading European organisations call on EU to increase funding and legislation for independent academic research in oncology. This approach aims to optimise knowledge development, accelerate commercial drug development, and improve access for patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalESMO Open·DateAug 2, 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.

NASA keeps an eye on Typhoon Noru

Typhoon Noru formed on July 21 and has been tracked by NASA's Aqua satellite since August 2. The storm is currently located near 25.9 degrees north latitude and 135.9 degrees east longitude, moving northwest at 6 knots with maximum sustained winds of 100 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 2, 2017

Condemned prisoners prefer formalwear at executions, UC study finds

A UC study analyzed newspaper accounts of executions from 1800 to 1965, finding that condemned prisoners often wore formal attire, including suits, shaven faces, and adorned clothing. This choice reflected a desire for dignity and respectability in their final moments, as well as resistance against the state's authority.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 2, 2017

A Braf kinase-inactive mutant induces lung adenocarcinoma

Researchers found that a kinase-inactive Braf mutant triggers lung adenocarcinoma in mice, and co-expression of oncogenic Kras enhances tumor initiation. Additionally, individual Braf inactivating mutations are also oncogenic events. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for lung cancer patients with hypoactive BRAF.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature·DateAug 2, 2017

Weighing the benefits of incidental habitat protection

Research suggests that land protected by regulation lacks adequate space for animals to roam, while land acquired for conservation provides better habitat. However, the study's findings indicate that incidental protection regulations can still have a positive impact on biodiversity.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2017

Marriage of microscopy techniques reveals 3-D structure of critical protein complex

Researchers at the Stowers Institute have solved the three-dimensional structure of the synaptonemal complex, a critical protein complex that ensures proper chromosome sorting during meiosis. The structure is composed of two railroad tracks stacked on top of each other, connecting homologous chromosomes and ensuring smooth cell division.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 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.

Tracking down allergy-causing T helper cells

Researchers have pinpointed a specific subset of immune cells, known as TH2 subset or type 2 "helper" T cells, which are central to allergies. The identified cells, dubbed TH2A, were found to produce multiple inflammatory signaling molecules and unique gene expression patterns that drive allergic responses.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 2, 2017

New method may help predict risk of bleeding after stroke

A new scoring method developed by researchers can help identify individuals at high risk of serious bleeding after a stroke. The score is based on ten factors, including age, sex, smoking, and prior strokes, and ranges from 2% for low-risk individuals to over 10% for those aged 75-85 with multiple risk factors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface·DateAug 2, 2017

Financial incentives could conserve tropical forest diversity

A study by University of Missouri researchers found that conservation payment programs in Ecuador's Amazon Basin forests reduced deforestation and maintained biodiversity. The protected areas had twice the number of species of commercial timber value and at risk of extinction compared to non-protected forests.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Economics·DateAug 2, 2017
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.

From a memory too strong to a memory too weak

Researchers at the University Medical Center Goettingen identified a molecular link between PTSD and Alzheimer's disease, specifically Formin 2. Formin 2 mutant mice show PTSD phenotypes at an early age and develop age-related memory decline.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateAug 2, 2017

$2.6 million to build versatile genetic toolkit for studying animal behavior

A team of researchers has developed a simplified genetic toolkit to test hypotheses about the neural underpinnings of behavior in animals. The toolbox allows scientists to easily tailor the approach for any purpose and any species, overcoming limitations in traditional model organisms like fruit flies and mice.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 2, 2017

Trapdoor spiders crossed Indian Ocean to get to Australia

A team of researchers found that the Kangaroo Island trapdoor spider belongs to a genus only found in South Africa, but migrated to Australia across the Indian Ocean. The study suggests that the spiders used land 'rafts' to cross the ocean, rewriting the history of arachnid dispersal.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 2, 2017

Heat-conducting plastic could lead to lighter electronics, cars

A new technique can change plastic's molecular structure to help it dissipate heat more efficiently, making it suitable for applications like vehicles, LEDs, and computers. The process is inexpensive and scalable, and preliminary tests show a polymer with thermally conductive properties similar to glass.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 2, 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.

'Perfect liquid' quark-gluon plasma is the most vortical fluid

Researchers have discovered that quark-gluon plasma has the highest vorticity ever recorded, surpassing even the fastest spinning fluids. The findings provide new insights into the properties of this primordial soup and may help scientists understand the strongest force in nature.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 2, 2017

The nitty-gritty behind how onions make you cry

Researchers determined the crystal structure of a key enzyme in onion cells and developed a chemical mechanism explaining LF synthesis. The discovery reveals why people tear up when chopping onions, shedding light on this common culinary conundrum.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateAug 2, 2017

Ebola detected in semen of survivors two years after infection

Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care found that Ebola virus RNA can persist in the semen of survivors for more than two years after infection. This persistence has important implications for transmission and may require an update to World Health Organization guidelines.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateAug 2, 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.

Risk to Europe's most dangerous pathogens revealed

Climate change may exacerbate epidemics and spread diseases within their natural range, according to a new study on European pathogens. Nearly two-thirds of the top 100 human and animal pathogens are found to be sensitive to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 2, 2017

Cockroach gardeners: Spreading plant seeds across the forest floor

Researchers discovered that cockroaches play a crucial role in seed dispersal for the azalea family plant Monotropastrum humile. The study found that adult cockroaches excrete viable seeds with minimal loss of viability, suggesting a legitimate seed disperser for the plant.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalBotanical Journal of the Linnean Society·DateAug 2, 2017