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Science News Archive February 2017


Page 31 of 37

Barely educated humans impact bear behavior

Researchers found that education targeting border areas between residential communities and bear habitats can limit conflicts. The study suggests that reducing urban land use can also decrease human-bear interactions.

Older than the moon

Scientists have discovered a primordial soup in the Earth's mantle older than the moon, containing helium-3, a vestige of the Big Bang. Only the hottest and most buoyant mantle plumes draw from this reservoir, suggesting it may be preserved due to its density.

Study shows planet's atmospheric oxygen rose through glaciers

A new study has determined that the first Paleoproterozoic global glaciation and significant step change in atmospheric oxygenation occurred between 2,460 and 2,426 million years ago. The rise of atmospheric oxygen was characterized by significant oscillations before irreversible oxygenation of the atmosphere 2,250 million years ago.

Psychotherapy normalizes the brain in social phobia

A new study reveals that successful treatment of social anxiety disorder alters key brain structures involved in processing and regulating emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a central therapy for social anxiety disorder, has been shown to restore balance between cortical and subcortical brain areas.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Medicaid waivers help parents of children with autism stay in the workforce

Research from Penn State College of Medicine found that Medicaid waivers improving access to home and community-based services for children with autism also support parental employment. Waiver programs with increased cost limits and enrollment limits helped lower-income households, while those with higher limits benefited higher-income...

Scientists discover helium chemistry

Researchers predict two stable helium compounds, Na2He and Na2HeO, with unique properties. The discovery sheds light on extreme conditions inside gas giant planets and stars, where helium is a major component.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Curiosity' exposes low CO2 level in Mars' primitive atmosphere

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that Mars' primitive atmosphere had a low CO2 level, making it inhospitable for the formation of liquid water lakes. This finding contradicts previous assumptions and suggests that the planet's climate may have been colder than previously thought.

Stanford scientists develop 'lab on a chip' that costs 1 cent to make

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a cheap and reusable diagnostic 'lab on a chip' with the help of an ordinary inkjet printer. The technology has the potential to enhance diagnostic capabilities around the world, especially in developing countries where access to early diagnostics is limited.

How geospatial characteristics affect those most affected by HIV

A new study proposes strategies to intensify prevention efforts in communities heavily affected by HIV, highlighting structural factors that contribute to HIV disparities. Researchers found that demographic, physical and social contexts where individuals interact are associated with behavioral and biological HIV risk.

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.

E-cigarettes confirmed to be safer than smoking in long-term study

A long-term study found that e-cigarette users who stopped smoking cigarettes substantially reduced their intake of cancer-causing chemicals compared to those who continued to smoke. The study confirms that e-cigarettes are much safer than conventional cigarettes and may be a useful long-term quitting aid for patients.

Can sharks be fished sustainably? Yes (but it's going to take work)

A study found that 39 populations of sharks meet biological sustainability criteria, accounting for 9% of the global catch. The researchers offer five recommendations to achieve sustainable shark fisheries, including protection of low-productivity species and international cooperation.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Sentinels in the blood: A new diagnostic for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new diagnostic method for detecting pancreatic cancer early in its development by identifying extracellular vesicles with the surface protein EphA2. This technique shows promise for rapid and sensitive detection of various diseases based on unique EV signatures.

Cholera bacteria stab and poison enemies at predictable rates

Researchers used physics equations to track bacterial battles over sustenance and turf, gaining insights for new targeted therapies against infections. Cholera bacteria wield harpoon-like appendages covered in poison, with a correlation found between weaponry and cooperative social behavior.

Growing group of women take heart in pregnancy recommendations

Women born with complex congenital heart disease can now have successful pregnancies thanks to new guidance. The American Heart Association journal Circulation published a road map for healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for close monitoring and expert care.

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.

New genetic markers for COPD discovered

Researchers have identified 13 new genetic regions linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as overlap with asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. The study provides insight into the genetic basis of COPD and may lead to improved therapies for patients.

Towards new IT devices with stable and transformable solitons

Researchers at IBS demonstrate manipulation of solitons, leading to the development of quaternary mathematical systems and potentially more efficient information storage. This breakthrough paves the way for new IT devices that combine silicon and solitons.

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.

Smarter MRI diagnosis with nano MRI lamp

Researchers developed a new platform to switch MRI signals ON only in the presence of targeted diseases. The Nano MRI Lamp uses Magnetic Resonance Tuning (MRET) to control signal strength based on distance between magnetic materials.

Shifting monsoon altered early cultures in China, study says

Researchers found that the lake was six times larger and water levels were 60 meters higher than present during the early and middle Holocene period. The shifting monsoon likely altered the course of early human cultures in China, leading to changes in ecosystems and population dynamics.

Low-cost imaging system detects natural gas leaks in real time

Researchers have developed a low-cost, real-time imaging system that can detect methane gas leaks in pipelines and oil and gas facilities. The system uses active hyperspectral imaging technology and a single-pixel camera to acquire videos of gas leaking at a rate of 0.2 liters per minute.

For cops, exposure to stressful situations dysregulates cortisol pattern

A study of Buffalo police officers found that exposure to stressful situations can disrupt their cortisol patterns, leading to a blunted response and increased vulnerability to cardiovascular disease. The study identified the top five most intense stressors for police officers, including encounters with violent or traumatic events.

E-cigarettes safer than smoking says long-term study

A recent study has found that e-cigarette users have significantly lower levels of toxic chemicals and carcinogens in their body compared to smokers. The study also suggests that quitting smoking altogether is the best way to minimize exposure to toxins, rather than using e-cigarettes alongside traditional cigarettes.

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.

Radiotargeted therapy with SST2 antagonists could combat multiple human cancers

Researchers have found that somatostatin receptor sst2 antagonist tracers can target a greater number of sst2 sites in non-NET tumors than agonists. The study shows high binding of the antagonist in 12 breast cancers, all renal cell carcinomas, and 5 medullary thyroid cancers, while agonist binding was low or absent in these cases.

Uterine glands vital for embryo growth, successful pregnancies

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that uterine glands produce several key factors for pregnancies beyond Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), critical for embryo implantation. The study reveals uterine glands play additional roles in promoting pregnancy, including supporting embryo growth and development.

New technique slashes diagnosis time during brain surgery

A new approach to surgical pathology in brain tumor patients uses stimulated Raman histology, improving speed and diagnostic efficiency. The method, tested in an operating room, produces accurate results faster than conventional methods.

Building a better microbial fuel cell -- using paper

Scientists at the University of Rochester have created a new microbial fuel cell using a paper electrode coated with carbon paste, which outperforms traditional materials in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The innovation has significant implications for wastewater treatment and energy production.

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.

Brisk exercise linked to better arterial health already in childhood

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that high levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are associated with lower arterial stiffness in 6-8-year-old children. Children who engage in at least 68 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per day have better arterial health.

SNAP benefits increase household spending on food, study finds

A new Brown University study found that SNAP benefits increase a household's overall spending on food each month, with an equivalent cash benefit leading to much smaller increases in food spending. Households receiving $100 in SNAP benefits spend around $50 more on food each month.

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.

Researchers study care for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure

A new study found that states pay higher costs for care and patients face greater pain and psychological distress when they do not receive scheduled dialysis treatments. The research highlights the need to reconsider professional and societal approaches to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) for undocumented patients.

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.

LED lighting could have major impact on wildlife

New research suggests that LED street lighting can have a major impact on wildlife, but that adjusting the lighting schedule and dimming it by 50% can reduce its effects. The study found that changing the way we light at night could have profound consequences for species such as predatory spiders and beetles.

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.

Pride -- sin or incentive?

A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers suggests that humans accurately predict the qualities valued in their local population and generate pride based on those values. The 'advertisement-recalibration theory of pride' proposes that pride serves as a motivator to cultivate traits and behaviors that increase others' valuation.

Hard shell -- healthy kernel

Researchers from the University of Jena investigate the effects of five types of nuts on colon cancer cells, finding that they activate the body's defences to detoxify reactive oxygen species. Nuts stimulate the activity of protective enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, inducing programmed cell death in cancer cells.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Unearthing immune responses to common drugs

Australian researchers investigated how certain medications impact MAIT cell function, finding some prevent detection of infections while others activate the immune system. This discovery may lead to better understanding and control of immune reactions to drugs, as well as new therapies that manipulate MAIT cell behavior.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Gene therapy restores hearing in deaf mice...down to a whisper

Researchers have successfully restored a high level of hearing in deaf mice using an improved gene therapy vector, which also improves balance function. The technology has the potential to benefit patients with Usher syndrome, who suffer from profound hearing loss and balance problems.