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Science News Archive December 2017


Page 31 of 33

Researchers generate electricity from low-cost biomaterial

Irish researchers have discovered that glycine, the simplest amino acid, can generate enough electricity to power electrical devices when tapped or squeezed. This discovery has significant implications for the development of environmentally sustainable and low-cost bio-piezoelectric devices.

When the nose doesn't know: Can loss of smell be repaired?

Tufts researchers have developed a method to regenerate adult stem cells in the nasal tissue, improving sense of smell in mice. The discovery uses Yamanaka factors and offers a more efficient alternative to existing induced pluripotent stem cell technology, with implications for treating various tissue degeneration associated with aging.

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.

Microscope using UV instead of visible light emerging as diagnostic tool

A new microscope technology using ultraviolet light enables fast and accurate imaging of fresh tissue samples, revolutionizing pathology and medical research. This approach eliminates the need for time-consuming slide preparation and preserving tissue, making it an essential tool for improving patient care and research nationwide.

Preemies' dads more stressed than moms after NICU

A Northwestern University study reveals that fathers of premature babies exhibit higher stress levels after being discharged from the hospital compared to their mothers. The cortisol levels in fathers' saliva increased steadily over 14 days at home, while those of mothers remained stable.

Submarine volcanoes add to ocean soundscape

Scientists studying submarine volcanoes have discovered distinct sound patterns emanating from two underwater eruptions, Ahyi and Bogoslof. These sounds can be detected by seismometers and hydrophone arrays, providing valuable insights into the monitoring of these volcanic events.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New system uses drones to monitor railroads

A new system uses drones to monitor railroad tracks, detecting good condition and possible incidents, allowing for automated data processing and reduction of human access to the track. This innovation improves safety for both users and workers, while also saving costs.

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Dec. 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a precision de-icing technology that uses high-resolution modeling to identify areas most vulnerable to drivers during hazardous weather conditions. The team also discovered a function of certain microbes that produces a new derivative of vitamin B12, which could enhance the e...

Computer simulations reveal roots of drug resistance

Researchers used computer simulations to study the dynamics of efflux pumps in bacteria, which create drug resistance. Understanding how these pumps work could lead to finding ways to deactivate them, potentially making antibiotics effective again against life-threatening diseases.

New test provides accurate measure of DNA damage from chemical compounds

A new biomarker test developed by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center can predict, with up to 90 percent certainty, which chemical compounds can cause DNA damage that could lead to cancer. The test, called TGx-DDI, is based on genes that are actively transcribed in a cell and can identify stress due to DNA damage.

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.

Intestinal worms may solve allergy puzzle

Researchers at the University of Bergen found that young people with intestinal worms have a 4 times higher risk of developing asthma and allergies than others. Interestingly, their parents are generally unaffected by the parasite.

A new spin to solving mystery of stellar companions

A study using the W. M. Keck Observatory measured the spin rates of three planetary-mass companions, finding rates similar to those of small free-floating brown dwarfs, suggesting two possibilities: the companions could be brown dwarfs or planets that formed with similar spins

Right-handed or left-handed?

A study published on Scientific Reports reveals that hand preference is already defined at the 18th week of gestation. Foetal kinematics analysis predicts manual dominance with an accuracy of 89-100% in boys and girls, which may lead to early recognition of pathologies like depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders.

$10.9 million grant supports research on traumatic stress, impulse control

Researchers at the University of Delaware and Delaware State University are studying the effects of traumatic stress in women and brain function to improve understanding of impulse control. The five-year grant will support non-invasive imaging techniques to explore brain function in living humans and laboratory animals.

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.

Researcher closes in on pathways involved in ALS disease

A University of Missouri researcher has identified a potential target for therapeutics in treating Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), which may also help recover patients from strokes and other disorders. The study found that an enzyme called NAMPT plays a crucial role in ALS pathogenesis.

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.

Does overlapping surgery increase complication risk after hip surgery?

A population-based study of patients with hip fracture surgery and elective total hip replacement found that overlapping surgery was associated with an increased risk for complications, especially in nonelective procedures. The duration of the surgical overlap appeared to increase the risk.

Neurons have the right shape for deep learning

A study published in eLife reveals that certain mammalian neurons have shapes and electrical properties well-suited for deep learning. The algorithm simulates how these neurons collaborate to achieve deep learning, offering a more biologically realistic approach.

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.

How the UK smoking ban increased wellbeing

A study by Lancaster University found that the UK public smoking ban had a statistically significant positive impact on the well-being of married individuals, especially married women with dependent children. The researchers also discovered increases in happiness among men who quit smoking and those who never smoked.

Virtual reality users must learn to use what they see

A study found that most VR users don't perceive a virtual world like the real one without training. When given visual feedback, success rates doubled, highlighting the importance of teaching users to use binocular cues and head movements. The results aim to improve VR uptake by encouraging interactive experiences.

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.

Zika vaccine induces robust immune responses in three phase 1 trials

A new Zika vaccine candidate has produced strong immune responses in healthy adults, with nearly all recipients mounting protective antibody responses against the virus. The vaccine was safe and caused only mild reactions, offering a promising step towards an effective Zika vaccine.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New nanowires are just a few atoms thick

Researchers at MIT, Cornell, and King Abdullah University developed a technique to create long, thin MoS2 channels in WSe2. The discovery could lead to more efficient solar cells and the assembly of atom-scale electronic components.

Medium-sized carnivores most at risk from environmental change

New research finds that medium-sized carnivores spend the most time looking for food, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes. The study reveals a mathematical model predicting vulnerability based on body size and prey availability, highlighting the impact of habitat loss and climate change on predators.

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.

Subtle cues can dictate the fate of stem cells

Researchers discovered that inhibiting two forms of GSK3 can promote stem cell self-renewal or trigger differentiation into neural cells. The findings have implications for developing targeted therapies for diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's, and could lead to the production of human stem cells with specific properties.

Worm genomes reveal a link between ourselves and our distant relatives

Researchers decoded two worm genomes and found genetic similarities with vertebrates, including humans. They share genes involved in multicellularity and head development with deuterostomes, despite being distantly related. This discovery highlights the dynamic nature of animal genome evolution and our connection to ancient ancestors.

Researchers use nanoparticles to target, kill endometrial cancer

A new treatment combines traditional chemotherapy with a relatively new cancer drug that targets chemo-resistant tumor cells, loaded into tiny nanoparticles. The treatment shows promise for improving survival rates for endometrial cancer patients and could be used to treat other cancers as well.

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.

Autism-linked gene stunts developing dendrites

A genetic variation linked to autism spectrum disorders stunts the growth of dendrites in rat cells and a mouse model of autism. This excessive pruning may contribute to differences in neuronal connectivity underlying social and communication deficits observed in autism.

A monkey and a virus: One million years together

Researchers analyzed vervet monkey genes to understand their interaction with SIV, a close relative of HIV. The study revealed the monkeys' ability to live with the virus has evolved over time, offering valuable data for humans to develop more effective treatments.

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.

Gene-based Zika vaccine is safe and immunogenic in healthy adults

A gene-based Zika vaccine developed by NIH scientists has been found to be safe and immunogenic in healthy adults, with 60-89% of participants generating a neutralizing antibody response. The vaccine, which includes a small piece of DNA called a plasmid, triggers the body to mount an immune response when injected into muscle.

Clear leads to fully transparent devices

KAUST researchers have devised a strategy to integrate transparent conducting metal-oxide contacts with 2D semiconductors into fully transparent devices. The team used aluminum-doped zinc oxide, a low-cost transparent and electrically conductive material, to generate series of devices and circuits.

Flying laboratory reveals crucial tropical forest conservation targets in Borneo

A new study using remote sensing and satellite mapping has identified 40% of northern Malaysian Borneo's carbon stocks in unprotected forests. The Carnegie Airborne Observatory mapped carbon stocks, guiding conservation efforts and suggesting that doubling carbon stocks could be achieved by allowing previously logged forests to regener...

How can humans keep the upper hand on artificial intelligence?

Researchers at EPFL have developed a method to prevent AI from learning to circumvent human commands, allowing for safe and controlled operation of autonomous systems. By introducing 'forgetting' mechanisms into the learning algorithms, they can ensure that interruptions do not affect the way machines learn.

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.

Online risks are routine for teens, most bounce back

A new study found that typical teens are resilient to negative online experiences, with effects vanishing within a week. Researchers believe coping skills may be learned through online interactions with friends or social media communities.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bronze Age artifacts used meteoric iron

Recent research reveals that all Bronze Age iron artifacts were made from meteoric iron, a rare and valuable source of the metal. This finding challenges previous theories on the origins of bronze and provides new insights into ancient metalworking practices.