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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 2


Page 2 of 37

New treatment target identified for aggressive lymphomas

Researchers at CNIC discovered that miR-28 regulates the terminal differentiation of B lymphocytes, blocking the growth of B cell lymphomas. This finding highlights the potential of synthetic miR-28 analogs to inhibit tumor growth in Burkitt lymphoma and diffuse large cell lymphoma.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalBlood·DateFeb 28, 2017

Mathematical theorem finds gerrymandering in Pennsylvania congressional district maps

A new mathematical theorem developed by Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh mathematicians proves that Pennsylvania's congressional district maps are likely the result of gerrymandering. The researchers used a Markov chain to analyze the characteristics of the current map, comparing it to randomly generated typical ...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2017
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.

Biofuel produced by microalgae

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have identified the key enzymes responsible for oil synthesis in microalgae. The research reveals that four lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases (LPATs) play a crucial role in the formation and growth of lipid droplets, where TAG biosynthesis occurs.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

Frogs have unique ability to see color in the dark

Researchers discovered frogs can distinguish color in extreme darkness, making it crucial for finding escape routes. Frogs use their color vision to select food in low-light conditions, unlike humans.

SourceLund University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 28, 2017
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.

NYU researchers coax colloidal spheres to self-assemble into photonic crystals

Researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering successfully assembled colloidal spheres into diamond and pyrochlore crystal structures, a breakthrough in creating efficient photonic crystals. The discovery has the potential to increase the efficiency of lasers and miniaturize optical components.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 28, 2017

WSU mathematician breaks down how to defend against quantum computing attacks

A new paper by Nathan Hamlin explains a code that could thwart hackers armed with next generation quantum computers. The Generalized Knapsack Code uses alternative number representations to block cyberattacks, providing a viable security method for defending against quantum computing hacks.

SourceWashington State University·JournalOpen Journal of Discrete Mathematics·DateFeb 28, 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.

Breakthrough research for testing and arranging vertical axis wind turbines

Researchers at Stanford University developed a lab model of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) arrangements that can help design and implementation in the future. The study found that closely spaced VAWTs can generate up to 10 times more power per unit of land area than widely spaced HAWTs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateFeb 28, 2017

Researchers coax particles to form vortices using magnetic fields

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory created tiny swirling vortices out of magnetic particles using magnetic fields. The discovery provides insight into the behavior that governs such systems and opens up new opportunities for materials and devices with new properties.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 28, 2017
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.

Do cells have exotic vibrational properties?

Scientists at New Jersey Institute of Technology propose that cell components store energy on their outer edges, a strategy used by various cells daily. This discovery could lead to the development of new materials with unique properties, including applications in energy-efficient solar cells and sound deadening.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2017

Racial, ethnic, gender bias occurs in pathway from teacher to principal

A new study by University of Texas at Arlington researcher Bradley Davis found that teachers from underrepresented groups face significant barriers to becoming principals. The study analyzed data on nearly 11,000 educators over 17 years and discovered that inequitable pathways to the principalship were constructed around race and sex.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

Calculating recharge of groundwater more precisely

A new study has found that large-scale hydrologic models can be improved to provide more realistic groundwater recharge estimates. The research team compared two models and showed that accounting for subsurface heterogeneity leads to greater estimates of groundwater recharge, which is essential for securing sustainable water supplies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2017

Risk of subsequent malignancies reduced among childhood cancer survivors

The risk of subsequent malignancies has decreased among childhood cancer survivors, particularly those treated with lower radiation doses. The study found that cumulative incidence rates of subsequent neoplasms and specific types of cancers, such as meningiomas and nonmelanoma skin cancers, were lower in recent treatment eras.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 28, 2017
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.

Super plants need super ROOTS

A new program, ROOTS, aims to develop drought-resistant crops with improved root function and plant health monitoring. Researchers are adapting miniaturized sensing technologies to monitor root productivity and detect stress signals in real-time.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateFeb 28, 2017

Study finds secret to diverse forests' super success

Research from the University of Minnesota reveals that diverse tree stands outperform monocultures due to species' adaptability in using available space. This adaptability maximizes combined productivity through enhanced light utilization and increased biomass production.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 28, 2017

Youth with type 2 diabetes develop complications more often than type 1 peers

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that teens and young adults with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing kidney, nerve, and eye diseases. This study, funded by NIH and CDC, compared over 1,700 youth with type 1 and 272 youth with type 2 diabetes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 28, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Male poison frogs become cannibals after taking over territories

In a study, male Allobates femoralis frogs became cannibals when they took over new territories, eating all clutches to ensure only their own offspring survived. This behavior was linked to territorial status, rather than sexual motivation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017

Could a ketogenic diet alleviate gout?

A recent study suggests that a ketogenic diet can protect against gout flares in rats by increasing levels of ketone bodies and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome. This could potentially improve treatment outcomes for humans with the disease.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017
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.

Cell 'stickiness' could indicate metastatic potential

Researchers discovered that weakly adherent cancer cells are more likely to migrate and invade other tissues compared to strongly adherent cells. This finding suggests that adhesion strength may serve as a general marker of metastatic cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

Women may be at higher risk for sports-related concussion than men

A new study found that women athletes are 50% more likely to suffer a sports-related concussion than their male counterparts. The research, which analyzed data from 1,203 college athletes over a four-year period, also revealed that women take longer to recover from the injury, with an average return-to-play time of 10 days.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 28, 2017

Inhaler users get about half as much medicine as they should from each puff

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine identified critical errors in inhaler use, leading to reduced medicine delivery. The most common mistakes include not shaking the device or holding breath for sufficient time, resulting in medication stuck in the mouth or throat.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery·DateFeb 28, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

See how Zika infection changes a human cell

Researchers found Zika virus alters host cell cytoskeletal architecture to build replication factories, potentially targeting with existing chemotherapy drugs. This study suggests a new approach to treating Zika-related disorders like microcephaly and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017

Road salt alternatives alter aquatic ecosystems

New research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology finds that organic additives in road salt alternatives act as fertilizers, boosting algae growth and increasing zooplankton populations. This can have both desirable and undesirable effects on aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the need for further study.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateFeb 28, 2017
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.

Using Google to map our ecosystem

Researchers used Google Street View to map street tree canopy coverage in Singapore, finding that increasing cover can reduce ground surface and air temperatures. The study's method could help urban planners prioritize tree planting and create greener environments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEcological Indicators·DateFeb 28, 2017

Lead dressed like gold

Using advanced computational theory, researchers developed a method called spectral dynamic mimicry that allows them to calculate the laser pulse shape to produce any desired spectral output. This ability could have implications for optical computing and molecular detection.

SourcePrinceton University·DateFeb 28, 2017

Study finds new link between childhood abuse and adolescent misbehavior

A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that childhood abuse impairs associative learning, contributing to misbehavior patterns later in life. Researchers discovered that abused children struggled with learning which stimuli were associated with rewards, leading to pessimism and poor decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateFeb 28, 2017

Sleepovers with stuffed animals help children learn to read

A new study reveals that stuffed animal sleepovers at libraries significantly increase children's interest in picture books and encourage them to read with their stuffed animals. The program's effectiveness in developing prosocial behavior is also demonstrated.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateFeb 28, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study shows stem cells fiercely abide by innate developmental timing

A recent study published in Developmental Biology reveals that stem cells adhere strictly to their unique species' developmental clocks. The research paves the way for accelerated stem cell differentiation and faster cell growth, potentially solving various diseases such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer's.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateFeb 27, 2017

Taking aim at a key malaria molecule

Scientists have created a way to measure the heme levels within malaria parasites, which could help develop more effective treatments. The discovery could provide insights into how the parasites control their own heme levels and may lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs that target these mechanisms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2017
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.

Sponge bacterium found to encapsulate arsenic drawn from environment

A Tel Aviv University study finds a unique biological model of arsenic detoxification in the Entotheonella bacterium, which inhabits Theonella swinhoei sponges. The bacterium accumulates and neutralizes toxic elements, transforming them into inert products within its cells.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2017

Autism risk genes linked to evolving brain

Researchers found that genetic variants linked to autism spectrum disorders are also associated with enhanced cognition and intellectual achievement, suggesting positive selection during human evolution. The study analyzed over 5,000 cases of ASD and identified common variants that contribute to both conditions.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 27, 2017
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.

Puzzle of the Maya pendant

A large carved jade pendant, once belonging to an ancient Maya king, was discovered in southern Belize. The pendant, inscribed with a historical text, is now believed to have been buried during a time of crisis due to climate change and the collapse of the Maya civilization.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 27, 2017

$2.5 million fund available for climate change adaptation projects

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has launched a $2.5 million fund to support projects that help wildlife adapt to climate change in wild landscapes and urban areas. The fund will focus on enhancing ecological processes and ecosystem functions, rather than just conserving or restoring historic conditions.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateFeb 27, 2017

Volcanic hydrogen spurs chances of finding exoplanet life

A new study suggests that volcanic hydrogen can warm planets, making them more likely to harbor life. With this discovery, distant stars could expand their habitable zones by 30-60%, adding many previously icy worlds to the list of potential candidates for hosting life.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 27, 2017

Triboelectric nanogenerators boost mass spectrometry performance

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed triboelectric nanogenerators to charge molecules in mass spectrometers, dramatically boosting sensitivity and allowing for smaller sample volumes. The technology enables controlled ionization and eliminates waste, opening new avenues for scientific applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 27, 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.

Chemoselective acetalization by a bifuncional cerium phosphate catalyst

A bifunctional CePO4 catalyst facilitates the non-dissociative activation of electrophiles and nucleophiles, allowing for chemoselective acetalization of biomass-derived HMF with alcohols. The reaction proceeds under extremely mild conditions, yielding a wide range of industrially important acetals including solketal.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 27, 2017

WSU research advances energy savings for oil, gas industries

A Washington State University research team has developed a more efficient catalytic reaction to convert methane into useful products, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy waste. The innovation could lead to significant energy savings in the oil and gas industry.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 27, 2017

Largest study of factors affecting African-Americans with cancer announced in Detroit

The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (Detroit ROCS) study aims to better understand the major factors affecting cancer progression, recurrence, mortality and quality of life in African American cancer survivors. The five-year, $9 million study will include 5,560 cancer survivors to identify key risk factors and develop intervention...

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateFeb 27, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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