Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive December 2017


Page 15 of 33

Noise sens­it­iv­ity vis­ible in brain struc­tures

Researchers found greater grey matter volume in brain regions associated with auditory perception and emotional processing in individuals with high noise sensitivity. This suggests that noise sensitivity may require more neural resources to process sound, potentially related to self-awareness of noise-induced sensations.

Lizards of Oz take toll on turtle eggs

A University of Queensland study found that goanna raids on loggerhead turtle nests increased since feral fox control in the 1980s. Researchers observed up to 400 disturbed nests annually at Wreck Rock beach.

USDA's NIFA announces support for agricultural science education in insular areas

The US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced support for projects that strengthen food and agricultural science education in insular areas. The funding is made available through three programs: Resident Instruction Grants Program, Distance Education Grants, and Agriculture and Food ...

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.

A lithium-ion battery inspired by safety glass

Researchers have modified lithium-ion batteries to include slits along the electrodes, potentially mitigating battery failure during automobile accidents. The prototype improved energy density and reduced housing material costs, offering a safer alternative for electric vehicles.

Father's rejection may increase child's social anxiety, loneliness

Researchers found that father rejection predicted increases in social anxiety, which in turn led to more loneliness in adolescents. Forming good relationships with parents is essential for an adolescent's well-being, with thriving friendships associated with better psychological health and academic performance.

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.

Exposure to terror may increase risk of migraine, other headaches

A study found that teenage survivors of a terror attack were four times more likely to have migraines and three times more likely to have frequent tension headaches than non-survivors. The study suggests that highly stressful events may lead to ongoing suffering with debilitating headaches.

The fear of losing control and its role in anxiety disorders

A Concordia University study found that people who believe they're going to lose control exhibit checking behavior more frequently. The research suggests treating this fear may reduce symptoms of OCD, panic attacks, and other anxiety-related problems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Synchrony of waves

Endocytic waves initiated by clathrin emerge in some cell populations and are temporally related to downstream waves of F-BAR and other actin regulating proteins. This study reveals the link between endocytosis and generation of cortical actin waves, providing insight into how cells maintain plasma membrane composition.

Researchers induced a form of synesthesia with hypnosis

Researchers from University of Turku successfully induced a functional analogue of synaesthesia in the brain using hypnosis. The study confirms previous results and shows that hypnosis can rapidly trigger visual hallucinations and induce a form of synaesthesia, offering new insights into cognitive neuroscience.

Crowding in the skin

Researchers found that local stress induced by crowding leads to differentiation, triggering the movement of stem cells upwards in the tissue. This mechanism helps maintain balanced numbers of stem and differentiated cells, ensuring proper skin function.

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.

How do bacteria adapt?

Researchers developed a model that explains how bacteria adapt to environmental changes, such as temperature and nutrient availability. The study found that the adaptation mechanism is based on a global strategy for redistributing resources, which allows bacteria to survive in fluctuating environments.

Autism therapy: Social behavior restored via brain stimulation

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made a breakthrough in treating autistic children with neuromodulation, which restored social impairments. The study found that stimulating a specific part of the cerebellum improved social behaviors in both mice and humans, offering new hope for autism treatment.

At long last, a urine test for accurate tuberculosis detection

Scientists have developed a noninvasive tuberculosis test that can detect active infections in HIV-negative patients using urine samples. The test, which traps sugar molecules found on the TB bacterium's outer coat, has shown increased sensitivity and accuracy compared to previous methods.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Lactic acid bacteria can protect against Influenza A virus, study finds

A study found that lactic acid bacteria can protect against different subtypes of influenza A virus, resulting in reduced weight loss and lower amounts of virus replication in the lungs. The researchers used a heat-killed strain of Lactobacillus casei DK128 to pretreat mice before infecting them with the virus.

Residual strain despite mega earthquake

Researchers from GEOMAR and Universidad de Chile found that the 2016 earthquake released accumulated energy from a previous quake in 1960, with a slip of over 4.5 meters. This study suggests reevaluating seismic cycles for risk assessment and construction recommendations

Mars mission sheds light on habitability of distant planets

The MAVEN mission helps answer the question of how long a rocky planet might be habitable by orbiting a red dwarf star. Based on Mars' atmospheric loss data, researchers estimated that such a planet's atmosphere could lose charged particles and neutral particles at significantly higher rates.

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.

Does Chagas disease present a health risk to Canadians?

A new case study reveals the potential for Chagas disease transmission among individuals with family ties to Central and South American nations. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious long-term effects such as heart failure.

Defense at almost any price

In an evolutionary competition, bacteria and ciliates develop attack and defense mechanisms, with defense coming at a high cost for reproduction, reducing intraspecific diversity.

Laser-boron fusion now 'leading contender' for energy

Researchers at University of New South Wales claim laser-driven hydrogen-boron fusion is within reach, producing high energy output without radioactivity. The breakthrough could make it possible to harness fusion energy in the next decade.

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.

Does eclipse equal night in plant life?

During a total solar eclipse, plants responded differently to changes in light and temperature, challenging circadian rhythm theories. The research team observed varied reactions among four plant species, with some displaying internal clocks that were activated by temperature changes rather than light.

Researchers capture oldest ice core ever drilled outside the polar regions

The longest-ever record of Earth's climate history has been assembled from the oldest ice core ever drilled outside the polar regions, revealing more than half a million years of climate history. The ice core provides dramatic evidence of a recent and rapid temperature rise at some of the highest, coldest mountain peaks in the world.

Protein structure could unlock new treatments for cystic fibrosis

The structure of chloride channel TMEM16A has been determined, revealing a unique activation mechanism that could restore hydration of the mucus layer in cystic fibrosis patients. Researchers believe that activating this channel could compensate for the defect in chloride ion secretion, paving the way for novel therapies.

Anti-stress compound reduces obesity and diabetes

A stress protein found in muscle has been linked to diabetes promotion, but blocking it with inhibitors could prevent glucose intolerance. FKBP51-protein inhibitors are being developed for clinical trials to treat diabetes and metabolic diseases.

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.

Scientists develop new artificial ovary prototype

Belgian researchers have created a new artificial ovary prototype that resembles human ovarian tissue in terms of architecture and rigidity. The fibrin-based design could be used for ovary transplant, providing alternatives for women with infertility or cancer patients unable to conceive after treatment.

A transport association turns into a mobility provider

The RegioMOVE project aims to create a user-friendly, environmentally compatible and system-overlapping portfolio of mobility offers for the region of Karlsruhe. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) will contribute its know-how to the project.

Study: Lyme bacteria survive 28-day course of antibiotics months after infection

A recent study published in PLOS ONE and American Journal of Pathology suggests that Lyme bacteria can survive a 28-day course of antibiotics for months after infection. The study found living B. burgdorferi spirochetes in ticks and multiple organs of primates treated with doxycycline, as well as persistent infections in some subjects.

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.

One in 5 young colon cancer patients have genetic link

A study from Michigan Medicine found that 20% of young colon cancer patients have an inherited genetic abnormality, highlighting the need for broader genetic testing. The research suggests that even without family history, these alterations can impact care and family members.

What keeps stem cells in their undifferentiated state?

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) complex plays a crucial role in keeping stem cells in their immature state. The study suggests that rapid MCM loading rate is essential for maintaining stem cell identity.

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.

East Antarctic Ice Sheet has history of instability

Researchers found that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet has a history of expanding and shrinking, indicating it could contribute to global sea level rise. The study used geophysical and geological data to reconstruct how glaciers on the Sabrina Coast have advanced and retreated over 50 million years.

Engineers create plants that glow

Researchers at MIT have developed nanobionic plants that can produce dim light for nearly four hours using nanoparticles. This breakthrough technology aims to revolutionize indoor lighting and could one day transform trees into self-powered streetlights.

Vehicles could get 'nerves' that sense damage with new research

Researchers at Clemson University are developing a new type of smart material that can detect damage in vehicles, such as impacts and cracking. This technology has the potential to reduce maintenance costs and improve safety by enabling vehicles to perform self-diagnostic checks and avoid accidents.

Breathing exercises help asthma patients with quality of life

A study by the University of Southampton found that breathing exercises can significantly improve the quality of life for people with asthma. The interventions, which included DVD and face-to-face physiotherapy, reduced asthma attacks and lower NHS healthcare costs.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Monkey study shows a path to monitoring endangered species

A Brazilian-American research group has published a comprehensive study on monitoring the survival of muriquis, two critically endangered primate species. The study highlights key factors such as population trends, conservation priorities, and feasibility, providing a roadmap for preserving these unique animals.

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.

NASA sees developing system 96W affecting central Philippines

System 96W, a developing area of tropical low pressure, is expected to affect the central Philippines. The storm's western quadrant has moved over the east-central Philippines, with multiple satellite images showing its elongated shape and several areas of thunderstorms.

New model makes us wiser on cocktail effects

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a model to calculate the impact of synergistic chemicals on environmental damage, which can aid in EU environmental legislation. The model can predict the effects of certain synergistic antifungal agents and gain insight into how synergy arises.

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.

Sea-level rise projections made hazy by Antarctic instability

A Rutgers-led study finds that scientists won't be able to determine the exact sea-level rise scenario until the 2060s due to Antarctic instability. Meeting the Paris Agreement goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions could make lower sea-level rise outcomes more likely.

Microbes help turn Greek yogurt waste into fuel

Researchers use bacteria to convert leftover sugars and acids from Greek yogurt into molecules that can be used in biofuels or safe feedstock additives. The process produces valuable chemicals, including green antimicrobials and potential drop-in biofuels for jet fuel.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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