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Science News Archive December 2017


Page 28 of 33

New weakness found in most common childhood malignant brain tumor

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have identified a new weakness in medulloblastoma, the most common form of childhood brain tumour, which could lead to more targeted treatments. The study found that high levels of BMI1 and low levels of CHD7 are associated with poor prognosis in aggressive human medulloblastoma.

It's good to be rare, for some species

Researchers from UC Davis predict certain traits, such as internal fertilization and long-distance mating signals, can help rare species persist during crises. These traits may provide advantages for chronically rare species when compared to more common species that are likely to face extinction during great extinction events.

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.

In first, 3-D printed objects connect to WiFi without electronics

Researchers at the University of Washington have created a system that allows 3D-printed plastic objects to wirelessly communicate with other WiFi-connected devices using backscatter techniques. These objects can sense useful data and send information to other smart devices, enabling applications such as automated laundry ordering and ...

Blood test could help predict skin cancer's return

Researchers found that a blood test for tumour DNA can predict the likelihood of aggressive skin cancer returning, with 33% of patients who tested positive being alive after five years compared to 65% of those who didn't. The study also revealed that patients with faults in genes BRAF and NRAS are more likely to experience a return wit...

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.

Working in the cold

Scientists at Fudan University have designed a high-rate and long-life lithium-ion battery with improved low-temperature performance. The battery system features a cold-enduring hard-carbon anode and a powerful lithium-rich cathode, with the initial lithiation step integrated.

Parenting behaviors linked to suicide among adolescents

A study found that children aged 12-17 are more likely to contemplate, plan, and attempt suicide when parents do not engage in behaviors demonstrating care. Parents can mitigate this risk by expressing pride, helping with homework, and being emotionally engaged.

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.

Hearing different accents at home impacts language processing in infants

Researchers found that infants raised in homes with multiple accents recognize words differently than those exposed to single accents. The study suggests that children from diverse linguistic environments process language uniquely and highlights the importance of considering accent variation when studying speech development.

Early avian evolution: The Archaeopteryx that wasn't

A reevaluation of the Haarlem specimen reveals it to be a predator anchiornithid rather than Archaeopteryx, shedding new light on the evolutionary transition from reptiles to birds. The fossil's taxonomic analysis suggests that modern birds are direct descendants of carnivorous dinosaurs.

Augmented-reality technology could help treat 'lazy eye'

A new study suggests that augmented-reality technology can improve ocular balance in individuals with amblyopia, a condition where signals between the brain and one eye go awry. The technology, which delivers altered but complementary video to each eye in real time, forced participants to make use of both eyes cooperatively.

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.

New tool for the early detection of blue-green algae

Researchers developed a new approach to monitoring algae blooms near lake shores, combining satellite and drone imaging for early detection. The tool offers near-daily updates, fast water quality monitoring, and better chorophyll a distribution maps.

Conflicting views on social media balanced by an algorithm

Researchers developed an algorithm to balance information exposure on social media, allowing users to see both sides of controversial discussions. The algorithm identifies and selects influential users who can spread balanced viewpoints, helping to break echo chambers.

Penn researchers link binge eating and weight-loss challenges

A study published in Obesity found that individuals with Type 2 diabetes and obesity who continue to binge eat while trying to lose weight drop significantly less weight than those who don't or stop binge eating. Researchers recommend targeting treatment for this behavior, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Superior hydrogen catalyst just grows that way

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and University of California Merced developed a new catalyst that uses molybdenum disulfide to increase surface area and handle higher temperatures than platinum. The innovative design allows for more efficient hydrogen production, reducing the cost of fuel cells.

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 telescope studies quirky comet 45P

Researchers measured gas levels in comet 45P, revealing it doesn't match any studied before, with carbon monoxide and methane being detected. The team found a larger-than-average share of frozen methanol, raising questions about its origin.

'Jumping genes' solve swamp wallaby ancestry

Genetic research reveals swamp wallabies are part of the Macropus genus, which includes grey and red kangaroos. The study found shared retrotransposons with woodland wallabies, indicating a common ancestry around five to seven million years ago.

Controlling spin for memory storage

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a computational simulation that shows the potential of ultrafast laser pulses to switch electrons' spins in magnetic materials, enabling faster magnetic memory devices. The study suggests perovskite manganites and layered manganites as possible materials for testing their model.

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.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids linked to reduced allergy risk

High levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and arachidonic acid, are associated with a reduced risk of asthma and rhinitis in children. The study found that children with higher blood levels of these fatty acids at age 8 were less likely to develop the diseases by age 16.

Combination strategy could hold promise for ovarian cancer

A new treatment approach for ovarian cancer has shown promising results in a mouse model. Combining drugs that reactivate dormant genes with those that activate the immune system led to greater tumor reduction and longer survival rates compared to single-drug treatments.

Two Super-Earths around red dwarf K2-18

Researchers have discovered two super-Earths around the red dwarf star K2-18, one of which could be a scaled-up version of our own planet. The newly found planet, K2-18c, is likely too hot to support life, but its companion, K2-18b, has potential for liquid surface water and might harbor conditions suitable for life.

Scientists find potential weapons for the battle against antibiotic resistance

Researchers found that certain bacterial strains can produce factors that increase or decrease the susceptibility of another bacterium to antibiotics. The study identified three specific factors: LasA, rhamnolipids, and HQNO, which could be used to create new antibiotics or develop genetic tests to detect antibiotic resistance

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.

When contact sports cause concussion injuries, who comes out ahead?

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that female athletes experience a higher concussion injury rate than male athletes. Athletes with a prior concussion injury were three times more likely to suffer another contact sport-related concussion.

Hearing hybrid and electric vehicles while quieting noise pollution

The European Union is requiring hybrid and pure electric vehicles to be equipped with acoustic vehicle alerting systems, which could lead to increased noise pollution. René Weinandy, head of Noise Abatement in Transport for the German Environment Agency, expressed concerns about the potential harm of these systems.

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.

Seaweed could hold key to environmentally friendly sunscreen

Scientists at King's College London have discovered a seaweed compound that can protect human skin from UV radiation without harming marine ecosystems. The mycosporine-like amino acid, palythine, has been shown to absorb harmful rays and offer antioxidant protection against cellular damage.

Engineers 3-D print a 'living tattoo'

MIT engineers have devised a 3D printing technique that uses live bacteria cells to create interactive structures. The team printed a 'living tattoo' with branches that light up in response to different chemical stimuli, demonstrating the potential for wearable sensors and interactive displays.

Men with HPV are 20 times more likely to be reinfected after one year

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that men infected with one type of HPV are 20 times more likely to be reinfected within a year. Vaccination before sexual contact is crucial in preventing initial infection, while vaccinating previously infected men could also reduce reinfection risk.

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.

New process could be key to understanding complex rearrangements in genome

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a new approach to analyzing complex genomic rearrangements (CGRs), enabling rapid and precise identification of their causes and impact on DNA and cellular formation. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in diagnosing and treating genetic disorders and certain cancers.

Lemur study highlights role of diet in shaping gut microbiome

A recent study on lemurs found that a similar diet leads to identical gut microbiomes, highlighting the importance of diet in shaping microbial ecosystems. The researchers also discovered common metabolic pathways between lemurs and humans with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), raising questions about their role in human health.

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.

Researchers connect severity of 'kissing disease' to T-cell population

A study published in mBio reveals a strong connection between the onset and severity of acute infectious mononucleosis (mono or 'kissing disease') and the T-cell population, specifically those that react to both EBV and influenza A virus. Individuals with severe cases of mono have higher levels of cross-reactive T-cells, while those wi...

World's heaviest bony fish identified and correctly named

Researchers have clarified the scientific name of the world's heaviest bony fish, identifying it as a 2,300 kilogram Mola alexandrini bump-head sunfish. The species was previously misclassified as Mola mola, but new study reveals its distinct characteristics.

Link found between estrogens and changes in heart physiology

Researchers discovered a novel mechanism of estrogen action on heart physiology, revealing that xenoestrogens can influence cardiac function by regulating thyroid hormone production. This study highlights the potential risks of environmental estrogens on human health.

NASA gets a final look at Tropical Cyclone Ockhi's rainfall

Tropical Cyclone Ockhi was found to produce very heavy rainfall, with storms northwest of the eye dropping precipitation at rates over 60 mm/hour. The storm's vertical wind shear caused it to weaken, leading to a final landfall near the Gulf of Khambhat on Dec. 6.

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.

US transportation and water infrastructure not broken

A new RAND Corporation study finds that US transportation and water infrastructure funding is not broken, but a national consensus on priorities is needed. Targeted spending increases can largely eliminate maintenance backlogs by 2030, while federal capital funding can include resilience requirements for natural disasters and climate c...

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.

The bacterial community on the International Space Station resembles homes

A study published in PeerJ found that the microbial community on the International Space Station is diverse and closely resembles homes on Earth. The research team compared the bacteria found on the ISS to data from other projects, including the Human Microbiome Project and the Wildlife of Our Homes study.

Air pollution cancels positive health effects of exercise in older adults

A new study published in The Lancet found that short-term exposure to air pollution on city streets can cancel out the beneficial health effects of exercise in adults over 60. Researchers recommend stricter air quality limits and better traffic-control measures, as well as increasing access to green spaces for people to exercise.

Scientists create successful mass production system for bioengineered livers

Scientists have successfully developed a biologically accurate mass-production platform for bioengineering human liver tissues suitable for therapeutic transplant into people. The new process allows researchers to generate single batches of up to 20,000 genetically matched, three-dimensional and highly functional liver micro-buds.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hybrid electrolyte enhances supercapacitance in vertical graphene nanosheets

Researchers discovered a hybrid electrolyte that combines aqueous and organic characteristics to increase the performance of vertical graphene nanosheets in supercapacitors. The hybrid electrolyte and potassium hydroxide activation improved nanostructure and charge storage capacity, resulting in fivefold improvements in capacitance.