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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 12


Page 12 of 33

Exposure to larger air particles linked to increased risk of asthma in children

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that exposure to coarse particulate matter increases the risk of asthma and hospitalizations in children. For each microgram/cubic meter increase in coarse particulate matter, asthma diagnosis increased by 1.3 percent, emergency room visits for asthma by 3.3 percent, and hospitalizations by...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 15, 2017

Higher blood sugar in early pregnancy raises baby's heart-defect risk

A study led by Stanford University School of Medicine found that higher blood sugar levels in early pregnancy are associated with a greater risk of congenital heart defects in babies. The researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 pregnancies and found a significant link between blood glucose levels and the risk of heart defects.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 15, 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.

UTA discovery could reduce cost, energy for high-speed Internet connections

Researchers at UTA and UVM have developed a novel group-delay-managed nonlinear-optical medium, enabling simultaneous all-optical regeneration of multiple WDM channels by a single device. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more energy-efficient high-speed internet communications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2017

Coarse particulate matter may increase asthma risk

New research found that coarse particulate matter increases the risk of asthma diagnosis, ER visits for asthma, and hospitalizations in children. The study analyzed records of over 7 million children in Medicaid and found a strong association between PM10-2.5 exposure and asthma-related outcomes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 15, 2017

Many women report not feeling completely informed about breast cancer treatment options

A recent study found that the majority of women with breast cancer report not feeling completely informed about their treatment options. The study suggests that patients often prioritize making a quick decision over thoroughly researching their options. To address this issue, researchers recommend providing consistent, reliable informa...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 15, 2017

The conversational intelligence challenge finals

The Conversational Intelligence Challenge Finals saw six teams compete, with two winning teams developing modules for processing different scenarios and a command module that decides which routine should step in. The competition aimed to work out approaches for chatbot evaluation and human-to-machine dialogue collection.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateDec 15, 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.

Extending food safety training to other countries could save live

A Penn State research group extended its food safety training program to Armenia, showing significant improvements in students' knowledge, behavior, and attitudes towards food safety. The project aims to replicate the program in Ukraine, Africa, and Latin America to combat global foodborne illness.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Food Science Education·DateDec 15, 2017

Complete design of a silicon quantum computer chip unveiled

The new chip design enables millions of qubits to be integrated and processed simultaneously, solving complex problems exponentially faster than conventional computers. The UNSW-led team's innovative approach incorporates error-correcting codes and sophisticated protocols to control the vast array of quantum bits.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2017

A shoe-box-sized chemical detector

A new optical-fiber-based laser enables detection of chemicals by analyzing reflected light patterns. The device uses a broadband infrared supercontinuum laser to identify substances based on their chemical signature.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalOptics Letters·DateDec 15, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Space station research explorer on NASA.gov launches phase one

Space Station Research Explorer on NASA.gov provides a tailored experience for scientists and enthusiasts, offering thousands of investigations, results summaries, and in-orbit photographs. The new tool features improved search capabilities, social media sharing, and bookmarking options.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateDec 15, 2017

Could a new app help cure loneliness?

Researchers from Lancaster University are developing an app to tackle social isolation and loneliness in older adults. The app will provide users with information on local social opportunities and real-time data on factors that discourage outdoor activity, such as weather and daylight levels.

SourceLancaster University·DateDec 15, 2017

Vitamin deficiency in later life

A study of 1,079 older adults found that 52% had vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L and 27% had low vitamin B12 levels. Regular intake of vitamin-containing supplements can improve levels, but a healthy diet is essential.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNutrients·DateDec 15, 2017

Amber-tinted glasses may provide relief for insomnia

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that wearing amber-tinted lenses before bed can improve sleep quality in individuals with insomnia. Participants wore wrap-around frames with amber or clear lenses for seven consecutive nights, resulting in an average of 30 minutes extra sleep and improved insomnia severity.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateDec 15, 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.

UTA leads Texas universities for NAI Fellows

Dereje Agonafer's election as an NAI Fellow marks the highest number of NAI Fellows at any university in Texas. He is a renowned expert in thermal engineering and has developed innovative cooling systems for high-power chip stacking.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 15, 2017

Research points to second chance for rejected antibiotic candidate

Scientists at the University of Leeds have found that an old antibiotic candidate, pentyl pantothenamide, can stop E. coli growth but not kill it, making it effective against a specific type of bacteria. The discovery opens up the possibility of designing new drugs using the same mechanism to attack other disease-causing bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBiochemistry·DateDec 15, 2017

New technique could make captured carbon more valuable

Scientists developed an efficient process to turn captured CO2 into syngas, a mixture of H2 and CO that can be used to make fuels and chemicals. The new process uses switchable polarity solvents to control what molecules dissolve in the solvent.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2017
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.

3-D nanoscale imaging made possible

A new imaging technique allows for true 3D imaging at the nanoscale with a resolution of 30nm. This breakthrough has potential applications in fields like materials science, physics, and medicine.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalNanophotonics·DateDec 15, 2017

Nanoparticles as a solution against antibiotic resistance?

Scientists from Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed nanoparticles that transport antibiotics more efficiently to their destination, killing off pathogens without problems. The particles are able to penetrate thick layers of mucus and biofilms, making them a promising solution against antibiotic resistance.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateDec 15, 2017

BIDMC researchers use artificial intelligence to identify bacteria quickly and accurately

Researchers at BIDMC used AI to develop an automated microscope system that can quickly and accurately identify images of bacteria, reducing the reliance on human clinical microbiologists. The system achieved nearly 95% accuracy in identifying three types of bacteria, paving the way for a future diagnostic platform.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateDec 15, 2017

Real-time observation of collective quantum modes

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has directly observed collective quantum modes in a quantum simulator, revealing the behavior of Goldstone and Higgs modes. This breakthrough sheds new light on fundamental phenomena like magnetism and superconductivity.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateDec 15, 2017
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.

Distinct human mutations can alter the effect of medicine

Researchers mapped genetic mutations in GPCRs and found that 3% of population have receptors with altered drug effects. The study estimates an economic burden of at least 14 million pounds annually on the UK National Health Service.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell·DateDec 15, 2017

Study prompts new ideas on cancers' origins

Researchers found that mature cells can revert to a stem cell-like state, carrying accumulated mutations that predispose them to developing into precancerous lesions. This new understanding could lead to the development of treatments targeting mature cells, potentially preventing cancer recurrence.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateDec 15, 2017

Error-free into the quantum computer age

Researchers developed trapped-ion quantum error correction protocols to detect and correct processing errors, enabling the creation of larger quantum computers. The study suggests that today's quantum computer prototypes can meet specific criteria with current ion-trap technologies.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 15, 2017
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.

Heavy-petroleum fuels raising vanadium emissions

Human emissions of vanadium have spiked since the start of the 21st century due to heavy oil use, surpassing natural sources combined. The health risks of airborne vanadium particles are not well documented but may impair respiratory functions and exacerbate conditions like asthma.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2017

Screening could catch a quarter of hip fractures before they happen

A large multicentre study found that community screening for osteoporosis using bone mineral density measurements and a questionnaire led to a 28% reduction in hip fractures among older women. The approach is estimated to prevent one hip fracture for every 111 women screened.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 15, 2017

A new theory to describe widely used material

Researchers have developed a theoretical model that explains the interaction between ions and electrons in PEDOT:PSS, a widely used conducting material. The model has implications for applications in printed electronics, energy storage, and bioelectronics.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 15, 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.

Insight into how infants learn to walk

Researchers at Lancaster University found that 10-week-old babies who practiced 'reflex walking' showed a stronger brain response when watching humans walk compared to those who didn't. The study suggests that experience can refine the perception of biological motion in early infancy.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateDec 14, 2017

Bioengineers imagine the future of vaccines and immunotherapy

Researchers explore the use of nanoparticles, microneedle patches, and polymer particles to enhance vaccine effectiveness and delivery. These innovative biomaterials may improve responses in HIV, cancer, and autoimmune disorders, reducing medical waste and expanding vaccine accessibility.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Immunology·DateDec 14, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Northeast farmers weigh warming climate, drenched fields

Farmers in the Northeast are adapting to longer growing seasons and warmer climate conditions, but may face financial losses due to delayed planting and increased disease problems. The region has seen a 71% increase in extreme precipitation events, which can lead to crop failures and reduced yields.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateDec 14, 2017

ESMO publishes new position paper on supportive and palliative care

The ESMO Position Paper emphasizes the need for patient-centered care in cancer treatment, addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. It calls for increased awareness, research, education, and resources for supportive and palliative care.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateDec 14, 2017

Frequent sun exposure may cue gene fusion found in skin cancer

Researchers found a specific fusion gene in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma lesions exposed to the sun, which may play a role in cancers caused by ultraviolet irradiation. The discovery could lead to improved diagnostics and therapies for this type of skin cancer.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 14, 2017

Clearing the air

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding the Criegee intermediate, a key chemical able to break down sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The research improves models for atmospheric chemistry and validates a major theory for predicting chemical reactivity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2017

Finding a lethal parasite's vulnerabilities

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has discovered a molecule that can suppress the lethal form of infection in a mouse model of Strongyloides stercoralis. By using this molecule, they were able to prevent the formation of larvae that trigger a persistent cycle of infection in the host.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Landmark paper on global oceans garners international award

A 1996 paper by Robert Howarth and John A. Downing quantified the relationship between human activities and nitrogen entering coastal oceans, identifying fertilizer and atmospheric deposition as key contributors. The study's findings have had long-lasting relevance, driving future research directions in nitrogen biogeochemical cycling.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateDec 14, 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.

Suicidal thoughts rapidly reduced with ketamine, finds study

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that ketamine was significantly more effective than a sedative in reducing suicidal thoughts in depressed patients, with improvements occurring within hours. The treatment showed promise as a rapidly acting treatment for reducing suicidal thoughts in patients with depression.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2017

Tracing a plant's steps: Following seed dispersal using chloroplast DNA

Researchers developed a new tool to sequence chloroplast DNA from hundreds of plants at once, allowing for accurate tracking of seed dispersal across landscapes. This method has significantly reduced the costs of genetic studies, enabling biologists to investigate plant populations and their movements.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateDec 14, 2017

Loose skin and 'slack volume' protect hagfish from shark bites

Researchers at Chapman University found that hagfish skin is not puncture-resistant due to its flaccid nature. The slime released after attack plays a crucial role in defending against shark bites, showcasing the unique defensive strategy of these ancient eel-like animals.

SourceChapman University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 14, 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.

Kent State researcher exposes MRSA risk at northeast Ohio beaches

A recent study by Tara C. Smith, Ph.D., found a higher-than-expected prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at beaches around Lake Erie. The study revealed that MRSA levels were more than 40% higher in the summer when beaches are most heavily used.

SourceKent State University·JournalGeoHealth·DateDec 14, 2017

HKBU scholars develop new generation of tumor-specific aptamer-drug conjugate

Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University developed a new generation of smart anti-cancer drug molecules by connecting a tumor-targeting aptamer with a plant-derived cytotoxic drug. The resulting aptamer-drug conjugate shows excellent antitumor activity and decreased toxicity in experiments using a mouse model.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 14, 2017

MIT scientists prove tailgating doesn't get you there faster

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL team show that keeping an equal distance between cars reduces traffic jams, enabling drivers to reach their destinations almost twice as quickly. The approach, known as bilateral control, could be achieved through software and hardware updates, without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateDec 14, 2017

Groundbreaking gene therapy trial set to cure hemophilia

A groundbreaking gene therapy trial has shown that over one year on from a single treatment, participants with haemophilia A are showing normal levels of the previously missing protein, effectively curing them. The results have particular significance as the first successful gene therapy trial for the haemophilia A.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 14, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Two groups that want to save elephants need to find common ground

The article discusses ways to reconcile differing views on elephant conservation policy between two groups with conflicting opinions. Stakeholder trust and agreement can be achieved through structured discussions and the evaluation of policy consequences in a way that minimizes bias.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2017

Johns Hopkins scientists chart how brain signals connect to neurons

Scientists at Johns Hopkins used supercomputers to create an atomic scale map of how glutamate binds to a neuron in the brain. The study reveals that glutamate molecules follow specific pathways on the surface of glutamate receptors, with positively charged atoms guiding its negatively charged atoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateDec 14, 2017

OSU scientist to study living versions of origins-of-life fossils

A team led by OSU professor Kerry McPhail will study stromatolites in South Africa's barrage pools, seeking insights into chemical signaling and metabolite production among ancient microbial communities. The research aims to advance our understanding of the origins of life and develop new medicines.

SourceOregon State University·DateDec 14, 2017