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Science News Archive February 2017


Page 24 of 37

A new open source dataset links human motion and language

A new KIT Motion-Language Dataset has been created to support the development of robot activities based on natural language input. The dataset, which includes over 4,000 motions and 6,200 annotations in natural language, aims to unify and standardize research linking human motion and natural language.

USU researchers develop genetic tool to improve arsenic studies

Researchers at Utah State University have developed a genetic tool that makes it easier to identify bacteria responsible for releasing toxic forms of arsenic in groundwater. The new primer allows for more accurate detection of arsenate-reducing microorganisms, which can help reduce the prevalence of arsenic contamination worldwide.

New data from NOAA GOES-16's Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS) instrument

The Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS) instrument on NOAA's GOES-16 satellite is successfully sending data back to Earth, providing insights into charged particle fluxes. This information will help the Space Weather Prediction Center issue early warnings of high-flux events, protecting lives and equipment from radiation hazards.

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.

OU receives Mellon Foundation grant for Native American arts initiative

The University of Oklahoma has received a four-year grant to increase cultural diversity and grow the representation of Native Americans in curatorial and academic positions. The program will include paid internships, pre-doctoral fellowships, and a teaching assistantship for graduate students.

Newfound effect of cancer drug may expand its use

Researchers found a previously unappreciated role for Abraxane in tumor immunology, suggesting ways to improve the drug and develop new combination treatments. Nab-paclitaxel enables macrophages to switch from immune-suppressing M2 cells back into M1 cells that amplify the body's effort to kill cancer cells.

Prebiotics may help to cope with stress

A recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience suggests that prebiotic fibers can promote beneficial gut bacteria and recovery of normal sleep patterns after a stressful event. Regular intake of prebiotics may provide a natural way to cope with stress and support overall health.

50+ year-old protein volume paradox resolved

Scientists accurately predict protein volume changes upon unfolding, resolving a long-standing paradox. The new method, developed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers, reveals that unfolded proteins gain and lose volume in intricate ways.

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.

Cold plates and hot melts

A global scientific team has uncovered significant information about the early stages of subduction in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Analysis of a drill core from 2014 provides evidence that volcanism began around 30-40 million years ago, with explosive stratovolcanoes forming later.

Scientists discover an unexpected influence on dividing stem cells' fate

Researchers at Rockefeller University found that peroxisome positioning plays a crucial role in controlling the balance between stem cell renewal and differentiation. Disrupted peroxisome distribution led to slower cell division, reduced skin cell differentiation, and tissue formation issues in mouse embryos.

Discovering what shapes language diversity

A team of international researchers used a form of simulation modeling to study the processes shaping language diversity patterns in Australia. They found strong evidence that rainfall and limits to group size shaped both the total number of languages and the geographic patterns of language diversity on the continent. This study provid...

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.

Laser-based camera improves view of the carotid artery

A new laser-based camera has been developed to improve the view of the carotid artery, allowing physicians to detect potential problem areas and monitor atherosclerosis. The technology uses high-resolution imaging to identify lesions and biological markers associated with increased stroke risk.

HSE experts investigate how order emerges from chaos

Researchers uncover link between vortices and statistical properties of hydrodynamic fluctuations, enabling prediction of pollutant advection and mixing. The study provides valuable insights into emergence of coherent structures like cyclones and anticyclones from chaotic conditions.

Bluebells may fail to flourish as warmer days speed start of spring

A study of 22 plant species found that warmer temperatures cause them to bloom earlier, with some struggling to adapt. The research suggests that plants like silver birch and beech will thrive in a changing climate, while others, such as bluebell and garlic mustard, may struggle.

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.

Quest to settle riddle over Einstein's theory may soon be over

A new study suggests that determining the speed of gravity in the cosmos from gravitational waves could resolve the puzzle. If gravitational waves are found to travel at the speed of light, it would rule out alternative gravity theories and support Einstein's Cosmological Constant.

Pre-eclampsia deaths are avoidable -- new comment in The Lancet

Scientists from King's College London report a significant reduction in maternal deaths due to pre-eclampsia, with less than 1 in 10,000 women dying in pregnancy. The study attributes this success to improved monitoring, diagnosis, and timely delivery, as well as the use of low-dose aspirin and antihypertensive medication.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Malaria vaccine target's invasion partner uncovered

Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have discovered how a promising malarial vaccine target, RH5, helps parasites invade human red blood cells. The study reveals that P113 anchors RH5 and provides a molecular bridge between the parasite and red blood cell, making it an attractive new target for malaria vaccines.

Increasing the sensitivity of next-generation gravitational wave detectors

Researchers have made significant progress in developing stable laser sources for third-generation gravitational wave detectors, enabling the detection of weaker signals from distant cosmic events. The development includes a new type of pre-mode cleaner that compensates for astigmatism, making designs like the Einstein Telescope possible.

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 warm relationship between corals and bacteria

A KAUST-led research team found that certain bacteria in corals' microbiomes can adapt to higher water temperatures and provide protection against bleaching. The study suggests that these symbiotic relationships could be vital for corals' survival in a rapidly warming ocean.

Monkey fights help explain tipping points in animal societies

Researchers analyzed conflicts within a captive community of macaque monkeys to understand how agitated individuals can trigger large-scale brawls. They found that a small number of agitated monkeys can destabilize the system, but individual differences among group members may allow for more controlled distance from criticality.

Gaining an edge in head-to-head competition

Researchers found that only early adopters benefit from switching to PPS, while MBG becomes a dominant strategy under competition, forcing all retailers to switch to MBGs regardless of their benefits. The study reveals how each retailer responds and reacts to its competitor's adoption of PPS or MBG.

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.

Ancient signals from the early universe

Theoretical physicists at the University of Basel have calculated the signal of specific gravitational wave sources that emerged fractions of a second after the Big Bang. These oscillons, predicted by Einstein, can be used to study the universe's early stages and provide information on major astrophysical events.

One step closer to personalized antibiotic treatment

A new method called poreFUME can rapidly detect resistance genes in gut bacteria, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The study found the method to be 97% accurate and significantly cheaper than current methods.

Scientists estimate solar nebula's lifetime

Researchers estimated the solar nebula's lifetime using ancient meteorites, finding it lasted around 3 to 4 million years. This discovery suggests gas giants Jupiter and Saturn formed within the first 4 million years of the solar system's formation.

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.

Children's National urologist receives NIH R01 grant

Children's National urologist Michael Hsieh is awarded a $1 million grant to generate mutant forms of IPSE, a parasite-derived protein that may alleviate bladder pain. The goal is to develop IPSE as an alternative to opioids for treating pain in general.

Taming complexity

Giuseppe Carleo and Matthias Troyer have found a way to overcome the mathematical complexity of many-particle systems using an artificial neural network. The researchers used reinforcement learning to identify important parameters in chaotic systems, enabling calculations with simplified equations for larger systems.

Protecting bulk power systems from hackers

Researchers from Michigan Technological University highlight the vulnerability of power grids to cyberattacks, citing a 'gap' between physical equipment and software. They propose using quantitative methods to prioritize cybersecurity protection and establishing metrics for grid 'health'.

New method reduces adverse effects of rectal cancer treatment

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that short-course preoperative radiotherapy combined with delayed surgery reduces the adverse side-effects of rectal cancer surgery. Patients with delayed surgery develop fewer complications while maintaining equally good oncological outcomes.

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.

Traffic light in the brain

A team of researchers has identified five subareas in the prefrontal cortex that play key roles in decision-making processes related to movement. By deactivating specific brain regions using optogenetics, the study found that inhibition and excitation areas work together to regulate movement. These findings have implications for unders...

Plasmas promote protein introduction in plants

Researchers developed a method to introduce proteins into plant cells using non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas. The technique successfully showed high protein uptake in tobacco, rice, and Arabidopsis leaves, offering potential applications in genome editing and analysis of protein function.

Chinese air pollution linked to respiratory and cardiovascular deaths

A nationwide study in China found that fine particulate air pollution is associated with a significant increase in mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study found that even low levels of air pollution can have serious health effects, particularly among older adults and those with lower education levels.

Developmental biology: Life support for precursor cells

Scientists have identified microRNAs as crucial regulators of apoptosis in C. elegans embryogenesis, preserving progenitor cells and ensuring proper nervous system development. By genetically blocking specific microRNAs, researchers observed significant increases in egl-1 mRNA levels, leading to premature cell death.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Noradrenaline enhances vision through β-adrenergic receptors

Research by Osaka University finds that noradrenaline modulates the primary visual cortex, reducing spontaneous neural activity and suppressing contrast sensitivity. This suggests a new therapeutic target for improving vision and machine learning in patients.

A new sensitive and stable self-powered photodetector

A novel, sensitive and stable photodetector has been created based on a semiconducting junction called GdNiO3/Nb-doped SrTiO3. The device eliminates the need for an external power source, allowing for efficient separation of photo-generated carriers.

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.

Sticky gels turn insect-sized drones into artificial pollinators

Scientists have developed artificial pollinators using tiny drones coated with a sticky gel, which can pick up pollen from one flower and deposit it onto another. The innovation uses horse hairs to mimic the fuzzy exterior of a bee, allowing the drones to effectively collect and transfer pollen.

Brain damage is not always damaging

A woman in Argentina endured multiple strokes, resulting in extensive brain damage, yet remained functional. Despite lesions in both hemispheres, her cognitive abilities and emotional recognition remained near-normal.

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.

NASA spacecraft prepares to fly to new heights

The MMS spacecraft flies in a highly elliptical orbit around Earth, mapped in three dimensions using a tetrahedral formation. The mission uses GPS signals to calculate location and design maneuvers for precise control.

ANU scientists make new high-tech liquid materials

Researchers at ANU have developed dynamic liquid materials that can be remotely controlled by changing wave patterns, enabling new techniques to manipulate micro-organisms. This breakthrough could lead to innovations in invisibility cloaking, superlenses and high-efficiency antennae.

Researchers cast into doubt a tenet of the dominant evolutionary biology model

A team of researchers from Universitêl Laval cast doubt on the idea that genetic redundancy makes organisms more resilient to genetic perturbations. They found that paralogous genes in bread yeast were more often necessary for cellular function than previously thought, highlighting a potential vulnerability to mutations.