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Science News for February 19, 2017


Bringing evidence to health screening debates

Constantine Gatsonis, a leading researcher on cancer screening studies, emphasizes the importance of rigorously produced evidence in health screenings. His work has shed light on the accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and impact of various screening methods, including digital mammography and tomosynthesis.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 19, 2017

Stanford researcher examines unsung hero of science: Assessment

Katharine Mach, a senior research scientist at Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, discussed the importance of assessment in climate science. She highlighted the challenges of navigating complex science policy territory and the need for tact and negotiation among experts and decision-makers.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·DateFeb 19, 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.

LIGO veteran to give talk about gravitational waves

Caltech's Stan Whitcomb, a key figure in LIGO's development, will share insights into the project's groundbreaking discovery. He'll discuss how the detection confirmed Einstein's general theory of relativity and opened up new avenues for astronomy. The talk also touches on the technical challenges faced by LIGO detectors.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 19, 2017

'Alternative facts' not just in politics and media

A Michigan State University scholar is warning about conflicts of interest in research, advising readers to apply everyday skepticism and check reputable scientific societies for guidance. Case studies show groups with financial interests have deliberately withheld or distorted information to achieve desired results.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 19, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mapping a path to better oral health

Researcher Brenda Heaton found that social networks play an overlooked role in oral health care, influencing behavior and disease prevention. She aims to use network maps to introduce health resources into communities, changing long-term behaviors and preventing tooth decay through prevention.

SourceBoston University·DateFeb 19, 2017

Bee decline threatens US crop production

The study reveals wild bees are disappearing in US farmlands, including California, the Midwest and Mississippi Valley, threatening crop production. The 'trouble zone' counties face a potential mismatch between rising demand for pollination and falling supply of wild bees, highlighting the need for habitat restoration efforts.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·DateFeb 19, 2017

Save the bees? There's an app for that

A new mobile app developed by University of Vermont researchers aims to help farmers protect endangered bees by calculating crop productivity and pollination benefits. The app allows users to explore land management scenarios and virtually test how bee-friendly decisions would improve their business.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·DateFeb 19, 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.

Researcher unveils tool for a cleaner long island sound

A new model pinpoints sources of nitrogen pollution in Long Island Sound, helping municipalities identify actions to alleviate it. The tool, developed by UConn ecologist Jamie Vaudrey, shows the impact of different actions on nitrogen runoff and provides a detailed analysis of 116 estuaries, rivers, and harbors.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateFeb 19, 2017

Gene sequences reveal secrets of symbiosis

Researchers sequenced three Symbiodinium gene sequences to show their genomes have features promoting a prosperous symbiosis with corals. The study reveals that Symbiodinium has evolved bicarbonate and ammonium transporters to harvest essential nutrients for photosynthesis and growth.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 19, 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.