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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 20


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.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 15, 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.

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.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 14, 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.

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceSax Institute·JournalPublic Health Research & Practice·DateFeb 14, 2017

Researchers develop 'living diode' using cardiac muscle cells

Scientists at the University of Notre Dame developed a 'living diode' using cardiac muscle cells, enabling directional signal processing. This innovation opens doors to functional biological structures for controlling mechanical devices in the body.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAdvanced Biosystems·DateFeb 14, 2017
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.

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.

SourceKorea Brain Research Institute·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalBMC Medical Genetics·DateFeb 14, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 14, 2017
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.

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.

SourceeLife·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

Traditional Chinese medicine in HIV cure issue of AIDS Research & Human Retroviruses

A small study of nine AIDS patients treated with traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over a decade resulted in undetectable or low viral loads, sparking potential interest in TCM as a functional cure. The findings suggest that these observations warrant further exploration by the HIV research community.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateFeb 14, 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.

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.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateFeb 14, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 14, 2017

CU Boulder researchers develop brain model to quantify pain beyond sensory input

Researchers at CU Boulder have developed a functional MRI-based model that identifies brain activity patterns involved in varied pain experiences. The model, called SIIPS1, maps positively correlated and negatively correlated brain sub-regions, including regions not traditionally considered important for pain assessment.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 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.

Canadian glaciers now major contributor to sea level change, UCI study shows

A new UCI study shows that Canadian glaciers are losing ice at an alarming rate, with surface melt accounting for 90% of the loss since 2005. The researchers found that the Queen Elizabeth Islands' ice cap has been melting by 900 percent annually, contributing to sea level change.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 14, 2017

Researchers identify cells linked to the development of the heart's ventricular chambers

A study published in Nature Communications identifies a population of cells expressing Foxa2 that gives rise to cardiovascular cells of both left and right ventricular chambers. The research sheds light on the formation of heart chambers and may lead to new protocols for generating ventricular cardiomyocytes in cell culture.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017
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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2017

Smoking cessation counseling successful when paired with lung cancer screening

Researchers found that telephone-based smoking cessation counseling given shortly after lung cancer screening can help people stop smoking. The study enrolled 92 participants and showed an 8-person increase in verified quitters, with 17% in the counseling group compared to 4% in the control group.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalLung Cancer·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEpidemiology·DateFeb 14, 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.

Level up and learn: Team teaches science through video game

A UT Dallas team created a modified version of Minecraft, Polycraft World, to teach chemistry to college students. The game allowed players to learn about chemical elements and compounds while building and processing natural resources.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalRetrovirology·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 14, 2017
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.

'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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalEmotion·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 14, 2017
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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2017

Ancient jars found in Judea reveal earth's magnetic field is fluctuating, not diminishing

New study from Tel Aviv University and Hebrew University finds evidence of a fluctuating geomagnetic field in ancient Judean jar handles, with peak strength in the 8th century BCE. The research suggests that the Earth's magnetic field has undulated for thousands of years and is not weakening.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 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.

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.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 14, 2017