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Science News Archive February 2017


Page 33 of 37

Sitting not linked to incident diabetes: New research

A long-term study of 4811 London-based office workers found no association between sitting and developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers suggest that the risks are linked to TV time and poor diet, rather than sitting itself.

Emoticons help gauge school happiness level in young children

A new emoticon-style questionnaire, developed by University of Exeter experts, helps teachers and others assess children's happiness levels as young as four. The questionnaire has been shown to be effective in engaging children on their wellbeing and happiness levels, with an average score around 11 or 12.

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.

Wired for sound: Enraging noises caused by brain connection overdrive

Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered abnormal changes in the brain's frontal lobe and emotional control mechanism in individuals with misophonia. The study found that trigger sounds evoked increased heart rate and sweating, and that patients had strikingly similar clinical features despite being undiagnosed by current me...

'Brute force' can overcome antibiotic resistance

A UCL-led study published in Scientific Reports discovered that certain antibiotics, such as oritavancin, can still kill drug-resistant bacteria by exerting strong mechanical forces on their cell surfaces. The findings open up a promising new way to overcome antibiotic resistance and could lead to the development of more effective drugs.

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.

Red 'color channel' may aid in screening for diabetic eye disease

Researchers found that using red-channel images improved the detection of diabetic macular edema, a complication of diabetes leading to blindness. The study suggests that this method could offer a clear-cut advantage in under-served groups with high rates of diabetic eye disease.

Protecting quantum computing networks against hacking threats

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have developed a high-dimensional quantum cloning machine that can intercept secure quantum messages. By analyzing the results, they discovered clues to protect quantum computing networks from potential hacking threats.

Thirdhand smoke affects weight, blood cell development in mice

A study led by Berkeley Lab researchers found that newborn mice exposed to thirdhand smoke weighed less and had altered blood cell counts, which persisted even after exposure ended. The findings suggest that the lingering residue of tobacco smoke could be harmful to human health, particularly for babies and toddlers.

Pilot study highlights role of grapes in preventing Alzheimer's disease

A pilot study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, has shown that consuming grapes twice a day for six months can prevent metabolic decline in Alzheimer-related areas of the brain. Participants who followed a grape-enriched diet demonstrated improved attention and memory performance compared to those on a placebo diet.

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.

Study traces black carbon sources in the Russian Arctic

A new study reveals that residential heating and transport are major sources of black carbon in the Russian Arctic, with an estimated 35% and 38% contribution respectively. This finding highlights the importance of reducing black carbon pollution in the region to mitigate climate change.

Flipping the switch on ammonia production

Researchers have created a novel method to produce ammonia at room temperature, utilizing enzymes derived from nature, which also generates a small electrical current. This process could potentially lead to a less energy-intensive source of ammonia used worldwide as a vital fertilizer.

Personality traits 'contagious' among children

A Michigan State University study reveals that children's personalities are contagious and influenced by their peers, with extroverted and hard-working play partners shaping younger kids' behavior. The research challenges traditional views on the role of genes in shaping personality, suggesting that environment plays a significant role.

Researchers investigate decline in South Africa's forest-birds

A new study found that 28 of South Africa's 57 forest-dwelling bird species are declining in range, while 22 species are increasing. The data from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project indicates a link between deforestation and habitat loss, with smaller bird species more vulnerable to extinction.

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.

A new study confirms: Pregnant women should avoid liquorice

A Finnish study found that pregnant women consuming large amounts of liquorice during pregnancy had children who performed less well in cognitive reasoning tests and had more ADHD-type problems. The study suggests that glycyrrhizin, a natural sweetener in liquorice, may have long-lasting effects on fetal development.

Quantum RAM: Modelling the big questions with the very small

Researchers develop quantum RAM that models complex problems with unprecedented amounts of data, using a 'quantum hard drive' smaller than conventional simulations require. This breakthrough achieves significant improvements in efficiency, paving the way for advancements in complex simulations and real-world applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research supports expanded use of cell free DNA prenatal testing

A new study published in Genetics in Medicine found that non-invasive cell-free DNA prenatal testing can be effectively and appropriately offered to all pregnant women through primary obstetrical care providers. The test has been shown to be highly effective in screening for Down syndrome and similar chromosome abnormalities.

Machine learning method accurately predicts metallic defects

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a machine learning algorithm to predict point defects in intermetallic compounds with high accuracy. This method accelerates research on new advanced alloys and lightweight materials for various industries.

Monoclonal antibody given to preterm babies may reduce wheeze later

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that preterm babies who received palivizumab had significantly lower incidence of physician-diagnosed wheeze by age six, compared to those who did not receive the drug. The researchers suggest that atopic asthma in children up to age six is pr...

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.

Cancer drug could promote regeneration of heart tissue

Researchers discovered that a cancer drug targeting Wnt signaling molecules improves heart function and reduces scarring in mice, potentially preventing heart failure. The treatment also only needs to be used for a short time, avoiding common side effects.

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.

Efforts to restore imperiled Pando show promise says USU ecologist

A USU ecologist has found evidence of Pando's recovery through the use of fencing to limit herbivore access, supporting a growing body of research suggesting this approach can help protect western aspen communities from decline. The study suggests that limiting herbivory can give Pando and other aspen clones a fighting chance at survival.

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.

Vegetation resilient to salvage logging after severe wildfire

The study found that salvage logging after a severe wildfire did not significantly affect the diversity and abundance of native plant species in the forest. However, some shrub communities were affected due to reproduction cycle timing and seed germination triggered by heat from fire. The research suggests that longer-term studies supp...

Salicylic acid promotes nasal mucosa colonization

Regular consumption of salicylic acid can promote and prolong bacterial colonization by depriving the body of iron, which is essential for bacterial growth. This study found that increased biofilm formation allows bacteria to survive longer under unfavorable conditions.

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.

New software automates brain imaging

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a new software to automate the process of observing and quantifying long-term structural plasticity in dendritic spines. The software allows for efficient imaging and stimulation of multiple dendritic spines simultaneously, increasing productivity and reducing costs.

Finding the needle in a genomic haystack

Researchers at TGen identified a novel mutation in brain protein CASK that causes physical abnormalities and developmental delays in children. The study found a nearly 40% diagnosis rate among 440 sequenced genomes, offering insights into rare medical disorders.

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.

Cytotoxins contribute to virulence of deadly epidemic bacterial infections

A new report in The American Journal of Pathology reveals that potent cytotoxins produced by group A streptococcus (GAS) contribute to the severity of 'flesh-eating disease'. Production of both NADase and streptolysin O is necessary for full virulence, and infections can be controlled better with toxin-deficient bacteria.

Zika virus blindfolds immune alarm cells

Researchers found that Zika virus disrupts interferon signaling in dendritic cells, a crucial step in the immune response. Another antiviral pathway called RIG-I-like receptor signaling remains intact and could be targeted for immunity-boosting therapies.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Mathematically optimizing traffic lights in road intersections

Researchers developed a method to compute optimal traffic light settings for urban intersections by applying traffic flow conservation laws on networks. The approach uses partial outer convexification, splitting the problem into two stages: nonlinear dynamic optimization and linear mixed-integer programming.

Three magnetic states for each hole

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed cobalt grids that can be reliably programmed at room temperature. Three distinct magnetic states, denoted as G, C, and Q, were found around each hole in the grid. This discovery could lead to more efficient computing using spin-waves instead of electric current.

One's ability to make money develops before birth

A study published in Economics & Human Biology found a negative correlation between income and 2D:4D ratios for both men and women, with higher salaries linked to lower ratios. The research used Russian data and analyzed over 1,600 participants to explore the connection between perinatal testosterone and earnings.

Research pushes concept of entropy out of kilter

New research at Brown University finds that a non-equilibrium phenomenon relies on entropy to emerge, surprising scientists who thought disorder would decrease as systems move away from equilibrium. The study's results have implications for our understanding of entropy and may lead to new practical applications.

Strategies for optimal governance of the deep sea

The United Nations seeks a new international policy for managing seabed resources in ABNJ areas, where laws are poorly specified. A new policy could address concerns by integrating inputs from research institutions, industries, and NGOs.

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.

Can't get to sleep? Pitch a tent for the weekend

Research found that exposure to natural light for as little as a weekend camping trip can shift the circadian rhythm and potentially deliver health benefits, including improved sleep and reduced seasonal depression. The study suggests that architectural design can incorporate tunable lighting to enhance performance and well-being.

New Zika vaccine candidate protects mice and monkeys with a single dose

A new Zika vaccine candidate has shown promising results in preclinical tests, protecting mice and monkeys with a single dose of mRNA-based vaccine. The innovative approach induces strong immune responses without adverse events, offering a potential solution to the global fight against Zika virus.

Quantum matter: Shaken, but not stirred

Scientists have experimentally realized a stable exotic quantum state that resists mixing due to disorder, defying predictions of conventional quantum mechanics. The discovery could have implications for the development of robust quantum computers.

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.

Growth factor shown to protect the retina in early stage diabetes

Researchers found that a slight increase in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) protects retinal blood vessels from damage in early diabetic eye disease. The study suggests that inhibiting TGF-β may accelerate the disease, while increasing its signaling could prevent or delay diabetic retinopathy.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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