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Science News Archive February 2017


Page 20 of 37

Many physicians choose insomnia meds based on habit

Research from Harvard Medical School found that physicians' past prescribing patterns are a stronger predictor of chosen medication than patient characteristics. Habits play a significant role in clinical decision-making, even among well-intentioned doctors.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Graphene from soybeans

Graphene, a carbon material one atom thick, has been made more commercially viable thanks to the humble soybean. The novel GraphAir technology eliminates the need for high-controlled environments and expensive equipment, reducing production time and cost.

Fractal edges shown to be key to imagery seen in Rorschach inkblots

Researchers have unlocked the mystery of why people see multiple images in Rorschach inkblots by analyzing fractal characteristics at the blots' edges. The team found that higher fractal dimension values produce more visual perceptions, with inkblots generating up to 300 differently perceived images.

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.

Delinquent youth have more high-risk sex HIV/AIDS behaviors as they age

A study by Northwestern University found that delinquent youth are more likely to have multiple sexual partners and engage in unprotected vaginal sex with high-risk partners as they age. This risk is particularly pronounced among African American males, who are over four times more likely to have multiple partners.

Seeing the world through fresh eyes

Researchers tracked lens epithelial cells in live zebrafish using genetically engineered fluorescent proteins to determine factors responsible for regulating eye development. The study reveals a complex interplay between E-cadherin and N-cadherin proteins controlling cell movement and adhesion.

Communicating health risks in a post-truth world

Research suggests that public officials must demonstrate they care and prioritize building trust to effectively communicate risk. This includes engaging directly with affected communities and the media to address concerns and reduce outrage.

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.

Variable Tdp-43 cryptic exons between cell types

A research team discovered that Tdp-43 cryptic exons are highly variable between cell types, potentially leading to early diagnosis and therapeutic agents for neurological diseases. This finding may elucidate the causes of Frontotemporal Dementia and Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Study: Long-term eelgrass loss due to joint effects of shade, heat

A new study links declining eelgrass beds to deteriorating water quality and rising temperatures, resulting in significant ecological and economic costs. The study estimates potential economic loss at $1-2 billion in Chesapeake Bay alone, primarily due to impacts on blue crab fisheries and silver perch populations.

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.

Potential new causes for the odor-producing disorder TMAU

Researchers have identified additional genes that may contribute to the metabolic disorder TMAU, suggesting that genetic testing may not be sufficient to identify all cases. This new insight provides reassurance to those who report fish-like odor symptoms without mutations in the FMO3 gene.

Kurt Gottfried receives 2016 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award

Dr. Kurt Gottfried was awarded the 2016 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for his long-standing career as a 'civic scientist,' advocating for arms control and human rights. He co-founded organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists and American Physical Society's Committee on International Freedom of Scientists.

Shock from heart device often triggers further health care needs

Researchers analyzed data from 10,266 patients with ICDs and found that nearly half experienced healthcare-related care after a shock, while one in seven was admitted to the hospital. The average cost of healthcare following an inappropriate shock was $4,470, highlighting the need for smarter ICD programming strategies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists reveal how the brain maintains useful memories

Scientists have identified specific groups of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex that develop codes to store relevant information from multiple experiences. Over time, these neurons lose less important details unique to each experience. The findings provide new insight into how the brain collects and stores useful knowledge.

Beach bashing

Researchers assess seasonal beach behavior for 29 beaches along the Pacific coast, finding 76% above normal erosion during the 2015-16 El Niño winter. The study highlights the increasing vulnerability of California's coastline to coastal hazards as climate events intensify.

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.

Cultivated scallops populations develop distinct genetic structure

Researchers at Bielefeld University found that cultivated scallops have a unique genetic structure compared to their natural counterparts. The study used RAD sequencing and microsatellites to analyze the genetic architecture of nine scallop populations, revealing differences in the artificially cultivated type.

Grant to help pave a big data highway to explore genome, enhance health

Researchers at Penn State have received a $6.1 million NIH grant to develop tools for using genomic data to advance medical treatments and pharmaceuticals. The project will focus on blood cell development as a model system for gene regulation in mammals, aiming to improve precision medicine.

Turning up the heat for perfect (nano)diamonds

Defective diamonds are transformed into highly perfect nanodiamonds using high-temperature conditions, enabling precision measurement of electromagnetic fields and other variables. This process improves the homogeneity of crystal lattices, paving the way for scalable methods in quantum sensing.

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.

Important to maintain a diversity of habitats in the sea

Researchers investigated habitat diversity's impact on coastal sediment ecosystems and found that more habitats scored better in functionality than single-habitat ecosystems. Human activities like habitat homogenization threaten both species and habitat diversity.

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.

Learning how to fine-tune nanofabrication

Researchers developed a computational method that allows for controlled fabrication of tiny electrical wires and other nanomaterials. By analyzing intermolecular interactions, the team was able to predict the outcome of molecular self-assembly with high accuracy, leading to potential breakthroughs in device manufacturing.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

High-res biomolecule imaging

Researchers at MIT developed a method to produce high-resolution images of individual biomolecules without requiring crystallization. The technique uses nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond crystals to detect tiny variations in magnetic fields, achieving resolutions up to 100 times higher than conventional methods.

Limited evidence that styrene causes cancer

A registry study of over 72,000 styrene-exposed employees found no increased incidence of common cancers such as oesophagus or lung cancer. However, a possible increased risk of myeloid leukaemia and nasal cancer was detected, highlighting the need for further investigation.

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.

Only a limited HIV subset moves from mother to child, study shows

A limited subset of HIV strains can be transmitted from mothers to children, but these viruses are generally shorter and have fewer sugars attached, making them less likely to be neutralized by the immune system. This study highlights the need for different strategies to prevent transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Sick and tired -- not just a figure of speech

A large-scale study found that genetics accounts for about eight percent of people's differences in self-reported tiredness/low energy. Most of these genetic contributions overlapped with mental and physical health conditions, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking and weight.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Graphene foam gets big and tough

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material called rebar graphene, which can be shaped and has exceptional conductivity. The material supports over 3,000 times its own weight without deforming, making it suitable for various applications.

'Tis better to give -- to your spouse

A study published in the journal Emotion found that husbands and wives who practiced compassionate acts reported higher emotional well-being, with benefits significantly stronger for the donors than recipients. The researchers discovered that recognition by the recipient is not necessary for the donor's benefit.

A better way to swallow

A Pittsburgh engineer has received a $549,139 NSF CAREER Award to create a new screening method for swallowing disorders. The technology uses high-resolution vibration and sound recordings to diagnose dysphagia, allowing doctors to identify silent aspirators more accurately.

Ventura fault could cause stronger shaking, new research finds

A recent study suggests the Ventura-Pitas Point fault in southern California has a 'ramp-flat geometry' with a flat section between two tilting sections, similar to a staircase. This structure would result in stronger shaking and more damage during an earthquake.

To please your friends, tell them what they already know

A series of studies published in Psychological Science found that listeners respond positively to familiar stories more than expected by speakers. The researchers attribute this to listeners' ability to fill in gaps in the speaker's story, making it more enjoyable to hear.

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.

The heart of a far-off star beats for its planet

Scientists have observed the first time a star pulsates in response to its orbiting planet, HAT-P-2b. The star's brightness oscillates ever so slightly every 87 minutes, suggesting that the massive exoplanet may periodically distort its star, causing it to flare or pulse.

Fossil discovery rewrites understanding of reproductive evolution

A remarkable 250 million-year-old fossil found in China shows an embryo inside the mother, providing clear evidence for live birth. The discovery rewrites the understanding of reproductive evolution in a wide group containing birds, crocodilians, dinosaurs, and pterosaurs.

Study finds that melatonin content of supplements varies widely

A recent study found that melatonin content in dietary supplements often differs significantly from the labeled amount, with some products containing up to 83% less or 478% more than declared. This variability raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of these products.

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.

A new technique for creation of entangled photon states developed

Physicists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have created a new technique for generating entangled photon states, exhibiting correlated pairs that can be used in quantum cryptography. The technique uses spatial entanglement creation and has shown improved efficiency compared to previous methods.