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Science News Archive December 2017


Page 32 of 33

Effects of early life stress

Research on early life stress found that high childhood stress was associated with reduced brain activity and poorer risk-taking decisions in a decision-making task. The findings suggest that childhood stress exposure may influence adult decision-making patterns.

CEBAF begins operations following upgrade completion

The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) has completed a $338 million upgrade to triple its original energy design and is now ready to begin experiments. The accelerator will enable scientists to study the quark structure of matter with unprecedented precision.

Shining a light on plant growth and development

Researchers identified a crucial part of the photoreceptor responsible for light-dependent gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. This finding has significant implications for agriculture, enabling the development of crops that can thrive in diverse environments with increased crop density.

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.

Astronomer's map reveals location of mysterious fast-moving gas

Australian scientist Dr. Tobias Westmeier has created the most detailed map ever of high-velocity gas clouds in the Universe, revealing over 13% of the sky is covered by these mysterious clouds. The map shows gas clouds moving at speeds of up to a few hundred kilometers per second and provides new clues about their origin.

Two former ASCB presidents win Breakthrough Prizes

Don Cleveland and Peter Walter are recognized for their pioneering work in cell biology, with focus on protein synthesis and chromosome movement. The Breakthrough Prize acknowledges their contributions to advancing our understanding of cellular mechanisms.

Megagrant won by Kazan University

The new center aims to restore temperature regimes in sedimentary basins using geochronology and thermochronology. This approach is expected to be effective and economical for companies searching for petroleum.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Location, location, location: Immunization delivery site matters

Dendritic cells known as cDC2s are crucial for robust T cell induction and antibody production in vaccination. The study found that intradermal injections may be more efficient than traditional methods, expanding the number of people who can be vaccinated during a pandemic.

Kids and screen time: Signs your child might be addicted

A recent study found that how children use devices, not hours spent on them, is the strongest predictor of emotional or social problems. Warning signs include interfering with daily activities, conflict, and unhealthy media habits leading to relationship, conduct, and emotional issues.

Monopole current offers way to control magnets

Researchers from RIKEN in Japan have discovered a new method to control magnets by manipulating the properties of virtual monopoles. By applying a magnetic field, they can control the behavior of north and south poles in frustrated magnets, leading to a dissipationless current.

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.

Virtual reality for bacteria

Researchers have successfully interfaced individual bacteria with a computer to build a hybrid bio-digital circuit. This setup allows for the simulation of complex biological systems, enabling the 'debugging' of such systems like complex computer codes.

3-D-printed prosthetic implants could improve treatment for hearing loss

Researchers created customized prosthetic replacements for damaged middle ear parts using CT scans and 3-D printing. The technique has the potential to reduce high failure rates of surgical procedures. Custom-designed implants can improve hearing outcomes by providing a more exact fit, decreasing surgical time.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study links child abuse, high school dropout

A new study by Duke University researchers found that child abuse and violence are associated with higher high school dropout rates, particularly among girls who experienced childhood violence. The study suggests that policies aimed at reducing violence against children may also help lower the national dropout rate.

Gene regulation: Risk-free gene reactivation

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism to reactivate gene expression in mouse embryonic stem cells without causing DNA damage. The new pathway involves enzymatic oxidation of the methyl group attached to cytidine, converting it into 5-formylcytidine, which is then rapidly converted back into unmethylated cytidine.

Study sheds light on turbulence in astrophysical plasmas

Researchers have proposed a new model to explain turbulent processes in plasmas, which are estimated to make up 99% of the universe's visible matter. The findings suggest that magnetic reconnection plays a crucial role in plasma turbulence, providing a conceptual shift in understanding its dynamics and properties.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Teens get more sleep when school starts later

Research by Penn State found that high school start times after 8:30 a.m. increased the likelihood of teens obtaining eight hours of sleep, benefiting their overall health. Earlier school start times were associated with decreased time in bed and morning wake-up times.

70Gb/s optical intra-connects in data centers based on band-limited devices

A team from Peking University successfully experimentally demonstrated a 70Gb/s optical link using an 18GHz band-limited VCSEL and multimode fibers. This achievement showcases the potential for realizing high-speed data transmission in data centers using low-cost and band-limited devices. The study's results have important scientific s...

NASA sees Ockhi strengthening off southwestern coast of India

Tropical Storm Ockhi intensified into a typhoon with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of producing heavy rainfall. The storm was predicted to track northeastward and make landfall over northwest India, undergoing extratropical transition.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Robot learning improves student engagement

A study at Michigan State University found that online students using robot-learning technology feel more engaged and connected to instructors and fellow students in the classroom. The innovative system uses robots with video screens controlled by remote users, allowing for individualized interactions.

Stephanie Faubion, M.D., talks genitourinary syndrome of menopause

A new article reviews options for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause, including low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy. Despite the availability of effective treatments, lack of awareness among healthcare providers and patients hinders reaching women with this condition.

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.

When Listeria monocytogenes goes to sleep....

Researchers discovered Listeria monocytogenes can change its behavior when infecting liver and placenta cells, producing a dormant form that is more tolerant of antibiotics. This finding explains the long incubation period of listeriosis and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.

Model of galaxy and star cluster formation is rectified

A new study by Brazilian researchers resolves the 'fundamental paradox of stellar dynamics', describing galaxy clusters' violent relaxation as displaying unique behavior with entropy oscillation. Entropy increases at the end of the process, but fluctuates in the initial stage, contrary to conventional understanding.

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.

Women with Parkinson's disease less likely than men to have caregivers

A study by Penn Medicine found that women with Parkinson's disease are less likely to have caregivers compared to men, despite experiencing more psychological strain from caregiving. The disparity is attributed to women living longer than their potential caregivers and being more likely to be caregivers themselves.

Evolution: In the beginning there was the sponge

A new study by researchers at LMU Munich confirms that sponges are the oldest animal group, contradicting previous findings that suggested comb jellies were the first. The team used a refined method to analyze genetic data and found that sponges' simple multicellular structure is more primitive than initially thought.

Mosquitoes more likely to transmit dengue virus in hot weather

New research published in Frontiers in Microbiology finds that higher temperatures and temperature fluctuations accelerate the growth of the dengue virus in mosquitoes, making them more infectious. This could help prevent outbreaks during warm periods by reducing mosquito numbers or controlling exposure.

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.

Jawbone loss predates rheumatoid arthritis

Research from Umea University shows that jawbone loss caused by periodontitis precedes and correlates with rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated levels of RANKL in the blood also indicate a causal link between the two conditions.

Harmful effects of being overweight underestimated

A new study analyzed data from 60,000 parents and children to establish the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality risk. The research found that previous studies had underestimated the harmful effects of being overweight, with high BMI linked to increased mortality risk.

Researchers ID bacteria tied to esophageal cancer

A study of over 120,000 patients found that certain bacteria in the mouth are associated with an increased or decreased risk of developing esophageal cancer. The presence of Tannerella forsythia was linked to a 21% increased cancer risk, while Streptococcus and Neisseria were associated with a 24% decrease in risk.

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.

Placenta consumption offers few benefits for new moms

A recent study published in Women and Birth found that consuming placenta capsules has limited benefits for new moms, including no significant impact on postpartum mood or maternal bonding. However, the study did show detectable changes in hormone concentrations in mothers taking placenta capsules.

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.

New imaging study reveals how saturated fatty acids damage cells

Researchers at Columbia University developed a new microscopy technique to track fatty acids in living cells, revealing that saturated fats cause hardened membrane patches that can lead to cellular damage. In contrast, unsaturated fats can 'melt' these patches, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for lipid disorders.

NASA's Webb telescope emerges from Chamber A

After completing 100 days of cryogenic testing, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has emerged from Chamber A at the Johnson Space Center. The telescope is now set to be integrated with its spacecraft element in California, marking a crucial step towards its launch as the world's premier infrared space observatory.

The microbiological art of making a better sausage

A team of Italian investigators found that commercial starter culture produced sausages with higher acidity, but inferior taste, as compared to spontaneous fermentation. The study used Next Generation Sequencing techniques and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to analyze the microorganisms and metabolic pathways involved.

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.

Fighting myocardial infarction with nanoparticle tandems

Scientists show that transplanted muscle cells loaded with magnetic nanoparticles engraft better onto the existing tissue, leading to improved heart function. The technology could potentially be used to revitalize damaged heart tissue and has shown promising results in mice.

Ultrasound imaging needle to transform heart surgery

Researchers have developed an optical ultrasound needle that provides unprecedented real-time imaging of soft tissues during keyhole procedures, reducing the risk of complications and improving surgical outcomes. The technology uses a miniature optical fibre to deliver light pulses, generating ultrasonic waves for image guidance.

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.

From Alaska to Amazonia: First global maps of traits that drive vegetation growth

Researchers have created detailed global maps of key plant traits that significantly impact carbon cycle calculations. The maps show substantial local diversity, contradicting previous simplistic models that assumed identical trait values across regions. This advancement will lead to more accurate modeling of carbon cycle feedbacks.