Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 7


Page 7 of 33

Will a salad a day keep memory problems away?

A study published in Neurology found that eating at least one serving of green, leafy vegetables a day was linked to a slower rate of decline on tests of memory and thinking skills. The difference was equivalent to being 11 years younger in age.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 20, 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.

Origins of photosynthesis in plants dated to 1.25 billion years ago

Scientists have discovered that the basis for photosynthesis in today's plants was set in place 1.25 billion years ago, according to a new study published in Geology. The research pinpoints the age of ancient algae fossils, which had previously been estimated between 720 million and 1.2 billion years.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGeology·DateDec 20, 2017

After obesity surgery, general practice should do more follow-up with patients on key areas such as nutrition and pregnancy advice

The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) recommends multidisciplinary long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery, with primary care playing a crucial role. Guidelines cover essential topics such as nutrition, co-morbidities, pregnancy, and mental health, aiming to provide appropriate first-level medical care.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalObesity Facts·DateDec 20, 2017

Entitled people don't follow instructions because they see them as 'unfair'

Research found that entitled individuals are more likely to disregard instructions because they view them as an unfair imposition. To improve compliance, organizations should frame instructions in a way that makes them seem fairer or more legitimate, according to the study's authors.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateDec 20, 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.

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder

A study published in Springer's Sex Roles journal found that men under the influence of alcohol are more likely to objectify women. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to analyze how men viewed images of attractive and unattractive women, revealing that intoxication increases the likelihood of viewing women as sexual objects.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateDec 20, 2017

Two studies find stress reprograms cells

Researchers have discovered how cells adapt to stressors by reprogramming their internal signaling networks, which could lead to therapeutics for multiple diseases. The studies focus on cellular mechanisms that protect against cell death and dysfunction, particularly in the context of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateDec 20, 2017

Killing it softly

UCSB mechanical engineer Daniel Gianola and colleagues use machine learning to predict material failure based on a new concept of softness. By analyzing disordered materials, they found that the size of correlated softness is identical to the number of particles in motion during failure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateDec 20, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hearing is believing in gene therapy's promise

A new study by Rice University professor Xue Gao outlines a strategy using gene editing to slow the progression of genetic hearing disease. The research found that delivering RNA protein complexes into hair cells significantly increased hair cell survival rates and preserved hearing in rodents.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2017

UGR studies effects of tramadol on cognitive and sports performance

A new UGR study found tramadol affects cycling performance and sustained attention, with divergent results between two experiments. The researchers agree that more research is needed to conclusively establish the substance's impact on sports and cognitive performance.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateDec 20, 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.

The biggest chemistry-related stories from 2017

The American Chemical Society reviews the most intriguing chemistry stories of 2017, including breakthroughs in computing and molecular machines. Chemists also demonstrated their support for science through marches and rallies, while environmental groups protested the Trump administration's TSCA implementation delays.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 20, 2017

Defending against environmental stressors may shorten lifespan

A new study by NIH researchers found a molecular basis for the theory of aging, suggesting that environmental stressors can shorten lifespan. The study identified a protein called Mthl10, which helps flies defend against inflammation but ultimately shortens their life.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2017

Study connects stocks, democracy, and the Arab Spring

The study found that protesters lowered the stock market valuations of politically connected firms by 13% relative to other firms. The researchers also discovered a connection between protest crowd size and valuation changes, with larger crowds leading to lower valuations for NDP-connected firms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateDec 20, 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.

New class of anti-cancer drug effective against kidney cancer

A new class of medicines called HIF-2a inhibitors, including PT2385, have shown promise in treating metastatic kidney cancer. The drug blocked tumor growth for at least 4 months in 40% of patients and stopped cancer growth for over a year in 25% of patients with minimal side effects.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 20, 2017

New technique allows rapid screening for new types of solar cells

A team at MIT has developed a rapid screening method for new solar cell materials, bypassing time-consuming lab tests and improving accuracy. The approach uses simple lab tests combined with computer modeling to predict material performance, accelerating the search for more efficient materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateDec 20, 2017

Unmarried heart patients face higher risk of death

A study of 6,051 patients with coronary artery disease found that being unmarried was associated with a 24% higher risk of death from any cause. Unmarried individuals were also at a higher risk of cardiovascular death/heart attack, with a 52% increased risk compared to married patients.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateDec 20, 2017
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.

Mars: Not as dry as it seems

Scientists propose that Martian surface reacted with water and then absorbed it, increasing rock oxidation. The planet's composition, temperature profile and iron content made the surface prone to reaction, dragging water down into the mantle.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2017

Nearly zero-energy buildings: A difficult challenge for Southern Europe

Researchers in Southern Europe face significant challenges in achieving nearly zero-energy buildings due to sociological and climatic factors. The study highlights the need for improved regulations, design, construction, and use of these buildings to address thermal comfort issues and minimize environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateDec 19, 2017

New catalyst meets challenge of cleaning exhaust from modern engines

Researchers at the University of New Mexico and Washington State University have created a catalyst capable of reducing pollutants at lower temperatures expected in advanced engines. The new catalyst uses smaller amounts of platinum, the most expensive component of emission-control catalysts, while maintaining high temperature stability.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 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.

Halogens can increase solar cell performance by 25 per cent

Researchers from UBC and UNC Chapel Hill discovered that halogens can increase conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells by 25%. The presence of halogens accelerates electron transfer, allowing for faster regeneration of the light-absorbing dye.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2017

Experimental drug interferes with different mechanisms associated to Alzheimer's disease

The compound anle138b was shown to close harmful openings in the membrane of nerve cells and induce conformational changes that modify pore conductivity. Treatment with anle138b normalized brain activity and improved learning ability in mice affected by Alzheimer's disease, regardless of when treatment started.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateDec 19, 2017

Key to immune system's memory revealed

Researchers at Monash University have identified a novel molecular 'blueprint' that enables the immune system to fight disease by 'remembering' past infections. This discovery potentially opens new avenues for improving vaccines and therapies, including those targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 19, 2017

Cervical device reduces rate of preterm birth

A cervical pessary significantly reduced the risk of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks. Pregnant women with a short cervix who used the device had a lower rate of preterm birth compared to those without the device.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 19, 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.

Friend or foe? How the unconscious mind picks out faces in a crowd

A new study by Hebrew University researcher Ran Hassin reveals that our unconscious mind quickly registers faces associated with power and potential threat, while ignoring those deemed trustworthy. The findings have implications for understanding mental disorders such as autism and PTSD.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateDec 19, 2017

The missing link between exploding stars, clouds, and climate on Earth

A new study in Nature Communications reveals the link between exploding stars, clouds, and climate on Earth. The research shows that atmospheric ions produced by cosmic rays accelerate the growth of aerosols into cloud condensation nuclei, influencing cloud formation and climate.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2017

Researchers isolate biting, non-biting genes in pitcher plant mosquitoes

Researchers isolated 1,380 genes related to biting and non-biting in the pitcher plant mosquito, identifying 902 biting and 478 non-biting genes. The study provides a starting point for discovering genetic pathways that can be manipulated to reduce transmission of vector-borne diseases.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 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.

Underactive thyroid within normal range may affect woman's ability to conceive

Research suggests that women with unexplained infertility have higher levels of a hormone stimulating the thyroid gland, negatively impacting their ability to conceive. The study found nearly twice as many women with unexplained infertility had elevated TSH levels compared to those with known infertility causes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 19, 2017

Grant to fund nutrition education for preschoolers

The American Heart Association funded a three-year study to investigate the effect of a low energy dense diet on preschoolers. The researchers provided nutrition education to over 230 children at seven local preschools, aiming to improve their dietary choices.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateDec 19, 2017

Genitourinary health problems worse for sexually abused girls

A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that sexually abused girls receive more medical diagnoses for urinary and genital health problems compared to their peers. Researchers also discovered no significant difference in the number of diagnoses for sexually transmitted infections between girls and boys.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 19, 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.

Pesticides and poor nutrition damage animal health

A new study by UC San Diego researchers reveals that combining pesticides and limited nutrient sources causes a synergistic effect on bee survival, increasing deaths by up to 50%. The scientists used honey bees as test subjects due to their role as agricultural pollinators and environmental bioindicators.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateDec 19, 2017

New study reveals reversibility of genetic nervous system disease

Researchers developed a mouse model where the FXN gene defect causing Friedreich’s ataxia can be turned on or off, revealing that many early symptoms are reversible. The study found that reducing frataxin levels led to symptoms similar to those seen in humans with the disease, which disappeared when frataxin levels returned to normal.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateDec 19, 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.

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.

Overlooked immune cells hold breakthrough for treating aggressive cancers

Researchers have discovered that T cells with a protein called CD26 on their surface are highly effective against aggressive solid tumors. These cells, previously overlooked in cancer immunotherapy, can resist apoptosis and repopulate after infusion, making them ideal for adoptive cell transfer therapy.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2017
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.

New findings clarify thyroid's role in mammalian seasonal changes

A review article reveals that thyroid hormones and biochemical pathways drive seasonal reproduction in some mammals. The study suggests that increased triiodothyronine (T3) levels regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion in a seasonal fashion.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThyroid·DateDec 19, 2017

DNA annotations predict patient outcomes in childhood leukemia

Researchers at UCSF have developed a test that can predict how patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia will respond to treatment, potentially identifying those who are likely to recover spontaneously. The test uses epigenetic annotations of the genome and has been validated in an additional group of patients treated in Germany.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2017

Cigarette smoking is increasing among Americans with drug problems

A new study found that cigarette smoking rates increased among individuals with substance use disorders, including hallucinogens and heroin, while decreasing among those with cannabis use disorders. More than half of individuals with a substance use disorder reported cigarette use in the past month, compared to 18% without a disorder.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·DateDec 19, 2017

More complex biological systems evolve more freely

Researchers found that mutations in two components interact with each other, increasing the system's freedom to change and evolve. The study provides a mechanistic understanding of how genetic structure determines patterns of epistasis.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateDec 19, 2017

Quantum trick blocks background 'chatter' in sensing devices

A University of Sydney team has developed quantum control techniques to enable ultra-sensitive quantum sensors that can identify tiny signals while rejecting background noise. The new protocols reduce spectral leakage by many orders of magnitude over conventional methods, with applications in medicine and defence.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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