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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 23


Page 23 of 33

Paper heralds new science collaboration with Middle East

A new international collaboration between neuroscientists from the Middle East and West is being launched to advance basic and translational life science research. The Science Bridge project, led by Mazahir Hasan, aims to foster a partnership between Western and Middle Eastern neuroscience communities.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNeuron·DateDec 8, 2017

CU Boulder solar instruments, experiments headed for space

CU Boulder's Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS-1) instrument suite is set for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, aiming to monitor the planet's climate by measuring solar radiation. The mission will help distinguish between natural and human influences on climate, with implications for understanding Earth's processes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateDec 8, 2017

How individuals with schizophrenia view their experiences and confidence in judgments may influence treatment targets

Researchers at Penn Medicine found that individuals with schizophrenia's own perceptions of their experiences can influence treatment outcomes. Cognitive insight, measured by the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, is a significant predictor of neurocognition and not vice versa.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateDec 8, 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.

25 species revealed for 25 Genomes Project

The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute has sequenced 25 new genomes of UK species, including Grey Squirrels and European Robins. The project aims to understand the biodiversity of the UK and aid conservation efforts.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·DateDec 8, 2017

Industrial Revolution left a damaging psychological 'imprint' on today's populations

A new study found that people living in former industrial heartlands of England and Wales are more prone to negative emotions, anxiety, and depression. The researchers suggest this is due to selective migrations during mass industrialization compounded by social effects of severe work and living conditions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 8, 2017

Hot bodies are attractive

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that blackbody radiation from a warm object can attract cesium atoms, with an effect 20 times stronger than gravity. This discovery has implications for precise measurements of fundamental constants and tests of general relativity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 8, 2017
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

USC researchers develop method to ensure human rights in public health services

USC researchers have developed a new methodology to measure the success of public health work while considering human rights concerns. The approach identifies approximately 40 key indicators that can monitor human rights dimensions in public health services, helping ensure that services serve the people they intend to reach.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 8, 2017

Innovative system images photosynthesis to provide picture of plant health

Researchers have developed a new crop imaging system that detects chlorophyll fluorescence to monitor plant health and growth. The system can image larger areas than existing technology, providing more accurate assessments of crop health and potential applications for precision agriculture and high-throughput phenotyping.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateDec 7, 2017

New guidelines to tackle China's severe air pollution problem

A new study outlines five ways to better manage China's severe air pollution problem, including conducting research on the cause of pollution and creating more effective prevention and control methods. The strategies can be applied to other heavily polluted countries as well.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateDec 7, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Projected winter Arctic sea-ice decline coupled to Eurasian circulation

A new study explores how Arctic sea-ice decline affects Eurasian circulation, revealing a link between the two. The research uses SVD analysis to quantify model uncertainties and find that a larger pan-Arctic sea-ice decline weakens the polar cell, leading to anomalous sinking motion in Eurasia.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 7, 2017

The DFG funds 15 new collaborative research centers

The DFG is establishing 15 new Collaborative Research Centres to study ultra-fast spin dynamics, re-figuration of spaces, niche choice and construction, atmospheric pressure plasmas, and social-ecological transformation in rural Africa. The centres will receive €133 million in funding over four years.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateDec 7, 2017

Springer to co-publish the Journal of Flow Chemistry

The Journal of Flow Chemistry will be published by Springer and Akadémiai Kiadó, increasing its visibility and accessibility. The journal aims to promote international and Hungarian science, and provide a platform for organic chemistry laboratories.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Flow Chemistry·DateDec 7, 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.

New Stanford study analyzes recent research on causes of gun violence

A new Stanford study analyzes recent research on the causes of gun violence in the United States, finding a link between right-to-carry laws and higher violent crime rates. The study suggests that lifting restrictions on concealed carry guns increases violent crime, while laws restricting gun ownership for people convicted of domestic ...

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2017

Researchers establish long-sought source of ocean methane

Researchers have discovered a long-sought source of ocean methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. The enzyme methylphosphonate synthase (MPnS) is found in abundant marine microbes and may produce the compound that is converted to methane.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2017

Space program should focus on Mars, says editor of New Space

The US space exploration program should focus on robotic sample recovery and human missions to Mars, according to Scott Hubbard, Editor-in-Chief of New Space. He highlights the benefits of this strategy, including offsetting costs through international partnerships.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNew Space·DateDec 7, 2017

Number of genetic markers linked to lifespan triples

A large-scale international study has expanded the number of genetic markers associated with human longevity to 25, including genes involved in senescence and inflammation. The findings suggest that combining multiple genetic variants can influence human lifespan, highlighting potential targets for interventions.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateDec 7, 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.

Swansea research finds babies that feed themselves have no increased risk of choking

A recent study published by Swansea University found that babies who feed themselves solid foods have no increased risk of choking. The study analyzed 1151 mothers and their babies aged 4-12 months, concluding that baby-led weaning approaches do not pose a choking risk as long as high-risk foods are avoided.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·DateDec 7, 2017

Time matters: Does our biological clock keep cancer at bay?

Researchers found that the circadian clock regulates cell division and can act as a tumour suppressor. Disrupted clocks may contribute to cancer development. New findings suggest using chronotherapy to reset the biological clock for optimal therapeutic effects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 7, 2017

New mapping technique can help fight extreme poverty

Researchers developed a computational tool that combines cellphone records with satellite and geographic information systems to create timely and incredibly detailed poverty maps. The study focused on Senegal, creating maps detailing the poverty levels of 552 communities.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 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.

Novel harvesting method rapidly produces superior stem cells for transplantation

A new harvesting method has been developed by the Massachusetts General Hospital team, which rapidly produces superior stem cells for bone marrow transplantation. The procedure, which combines GRO-beta and AMD3100 injections, mobilizes stem cells in just 15 minutes, making it less painful and disruptive for donors.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·DateDec 7, 2017

Scientist's accidental exhale leads to improved DNA detector

A novel DNA detector was developed using ultrathin layers, including a nanoporous silicon nitride membrane that serves as a prefilter and a biosensor membrane with a single nanopore. The device creates a nanocavity filled with less than a femtoliter of fluid, improving the precision and reproducibility of DNA detection.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 7, 2017

Duration of sleep increases and sleeping difficulties decrease after retirement

After retiring from work life, people sleep approximately 20 minutes longer than before retirement and experience improved sleep quality. This is particularly true for individuals who had previously experienced sleep difficulties or were heavy alcohol users, with a notable decrease in early morning awakenings and nonrestorative sleep.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalSLEEP·DateDec 7, 2017

Venezuelan rock art mapped in unprecedented detail

Rock engravings in Western Venezuela, dating up to 2,000 years old, have been mapped in unprecedented detail. The largest panel contains 93 individual engravings, including depictions of animals, humans, and cultural rituals.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAntiquity·DateDec 7, 2017
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.

Black holes' magnetism surprisingly wimpy

Scientists have discovered black holes have significantly weaker magnetic fields than previously thought, with measurements about 400 times lower than estimated. This finding deepens our knowledge of how matter behaves under extreme conditions and could impact nuclear fusion power and GPS systems.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2017

Inhibiting TOR boosts regenerative potential of adult tissues

Researchers discovered that TOR signaling becomes activated in stem cells during regenerative responses, leading to the loss of stem cell status. Inhibiting TOR with rapamycin prevented this loss and reversed age-related decline in mouse trachea and muscle tissues.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 7, 2017

Rules for superconductivity mirrored in 'excitonic insulator'

Rice University physicists have successfully created a previously unseen state of matter, the excitonic insulator, which could be used to form component of topological quantum computer. The device uses braided qubits and has inherent topological signatures that could enable fault-tolerant qubits.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 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.

Electrical stimulation in brain bypasses senses, instructs movement

A new study shows that very low levels of electrical stimulation can instruct an appropriate response or action in the brain, bypassing damaged senses. The findings have significant implications for the development of neuro-prosthetics and brain-computer interfaces.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateDec 7, 2017

Bacteria activate their own killer

Researchers have developed a novel photothermal treatment that leverages the self-activation of certain bacteria to target and kill antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The innovative approach uses a supramolecular radical anion complex that absorbs near-infrared light, generating heat and denaturing proteins in targeted bacteria.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 7, 2017

Mutations in neurons accumulate as we age; may explain normal cognitive decline & neurodegeneration

A study by Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that brain mutations increase with age, especially in people with genetic premature aging disorders. The researchers detected 'clocklike' mutations that accumulated like clockwork in both brain areas, as well as those linked to oxidative damage and faulty DNA repair.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2017
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.

The molecular structure of a forest aroma deconstructed

Researchers have accurately determined the molecular structure of alpha-pinene in its gas phase. This breakthrough analysis can help scientists better detect and understand how alpha-pinene reacts with other gases in the atmosphere, producing pollutants and particles that affect health and climate.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 7, 2017

Physiochemical 'fingerprint' of parasitic 'American murderer' uncovered

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have uncovered the physiochemical 'fingerprint' profile of Necator americanus, a parasitic worm infecting hundreds of millions worldwide. This discovery enables the development of more effective treatments and earlier interventions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 7, 2017
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.

Suite of Monash papers shed light on decade-long stem cell mystery

A series of studies by Monash University researcher Jose Polo have unveiled new evidence in the decade-long mystery of cell reprogramming. The researchers found that the route to pluripotency depended on the original cell type, with different cell types requiring different approaches. This breakthrough has important implications for re...

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 7, 2017

Arctic influences Eurasian weather and climate

The Arctic's rapid warming and sea ice loss have significant impacts on Eurasian weather and climate, particularly in winter. The study finds that sea areas and western coasts of continents are relatively less affected, while continental regions, especially over Eurasia, experience the strongest influence.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 7, 2017
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.

McMaster researchers find genes may 'snowball' obesity

Researchers at McMaster University have identified nine genes that contribute to weight gain in individuals with a high body mass index. These genes can amplify weight gain by up to four times, making them a significant factor in the development of extreme forms of obesity.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 7, 2017

A glimpse of the magnetic field around a black hole

Astronomers measured the magnetic field of a black hole in a binary system using data from a sudden flare. The field was found to be substantially weaker than expected, providing new insights into how black holes consume material.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2017

Could death rates have swung the 2016 election?

A new study by Drexel University researcher Usama Bilal found a significant association between rising white, middle-class death rates and Republican voting in the 2016 US presidential election. The research suggests that counties with higher mortality rates among middle-aged whites were more likely to vote for Republican candidates.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 7, 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.

How malaria tricks the immune system

Researchers discovered Plasmodium falciparum uses nanovesicles to deliver misleading messages to the immune system, allowing it to multiply unhindered. The team identified a key molecular sensor called STING that plays a crucial role in this subversive strategy.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2017

Breath test could be possible for drugs and disease

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have identified a new method for detecting drug use and disease through analyzing compounds in exhaled breath. The study found that methadone was present in all samples using both methods, but with varying concentrations, highlighting the importance of device design and sampling technique.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateDec 7, 2017
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.

One wet winter can shake up San Francisco Bay's invasive species

A wet winter in San Francisco Bay has disrupted the balance of invasive species, allowing native species to thrive. The study found that freshwater years reset the system, creating an opportunity for management strategies to target non-native populations.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 7, 2017

UGR research calls current methods of studying photosynthesis into question

New research by Prof. Andrew Kowalski of the University of Granada calls into question current methods of studying photosynthesis, highlighting the importance of non-diffusive gas transport in the process. This discovery has significant implications for fields such as biology and micrometeorology.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateDec 7, 2017

CRISPR-Cas9 technique targeting epigenetics reverses disease in mice

Scientists develop modified CRISPR-Cas9 technique that alters gene activity without cutting DNA, reversing diseases in mice models. The technique uses adeno-associated viruses to introduce genetic manipulation machinery to cells, promoting expression of target genes without introducing mutations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 7, 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.