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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 26


Page 26 of 37

Stanford researchers among those discussing the future of conservation

Conservationists from around the world gather to discuss a critical shift in thinking, recommending a more vigorous application of information from the fossil record. They suggest embracing novelty in ecosystems while preserving natural diversity, highlighting cases where conservation can benefit both humans and nature.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Life begets life: The diversity of species on Earth is generating itself

A new research hypothesis proposes that biodiversity is autocatalytic, with species enabling the existence of others and creating niches for coexistence. This view offers a possible answer to the fundamental question of why so many species can coexist in the same ecosystem.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalEcological Modelling·DateFeb 9, 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.

Fossil treasure-trove reveals post-extinction world ruled by sponges

A team of researchers has discovered a vast array of exceptionally preserved fossils, including delicate skeletons and soft tissues, from the immediate aftermath of the Ordovician mass extinction. The Anji Biota records an astonishing range of diverse sponge species, with many thriving in large and complex ecosystems.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

International team of researchers develop new model for earlier treatments for AMD

An international team of researchers has developed a cell culture model that can reproduce the major elements of drusen, the hallmark deposit of AMD. The model confirms that RPE cells in early AMD are functional and that Bruch's membrane conditions play a key role in disease progression.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateFeb 9, 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.

Gene variant identified for Kawasaki disease susceptibility

Researchers have identified plausible gene variants that predispose some children to developing Kawasaki disease, a common acquired heart disease in children. A variation of the toll-like receptor 6 gene and another variant in tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 were linked to the pro-inflammatory state during KD's acute stage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2017

Fossil record should help guide conservation in a changing world

Conservationists should focus on preserving diverse ecosystem structures and functions, rather than just saving species. This approach can help create more resilient environments that can adapt to climate change and habitat loss. By studying the fossil record, experts hope to guide conservation efforts towards a more sustainable future.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Subsea mining moves closer to shore

Researchers from GEOMAR suggest that subsea mining in coastal areas could be a promising alternative to deep-sea mining. The continental shelf, which has primarily been explored for oil and gas deposits, holds many mineral resources, including gold, nickel, and lead-zinc deposits.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 9, 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.

Dual-function nanorod LEDs could make multifunctional displays

Researchers developed dual-function nanorod LEDs that can emit, detect, and respond to light. These LEDs can be used in display arrays that adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions and recognize objects through touchless gestures or laser stylus input.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Older adults embracing 'living apart together'

Researchers at the University of Missouri are studying 'Living Apart Together' (LAT) relationships among older adults, who are increasingly forming new partnerships without shared residences. LAT couples face challenges such as family caregiving and decision-making, highlighting the need for open discussions with families and partners.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateFeb 9, 2017

New study links brain stem volume and aggression in autism

A new study published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders found an inverse correlation between brain stem volume and aggression in children with autism. The researchers discovered that a smaller brain stem is associated with greater aggression, suggesting a potential target for treatment.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateFeb 9, 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.

Digital photography could be a key factor in rural health care

A UBC Okanagan study used digital cameras to collect photos from older patients with atrial fibrillation, providing valuable insights into their daily care and environmental context. The images revealed nuances of living with a chronic condition in rural communities.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalChronic Illness·DateFeb 9, 2017

'Tolerant' bacteria drive resistance to antibiotics

A new study reveals that disease-causing bacteria become resistant to antibiotics by acquiring mutations that allow them to tolerate the antibiotic. The research found that strains with pre-existing tolerant mutations developed resistance more quickly than those without tolerance.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Los Alamos research on cancer's origins key part of huge grant

A global research team led by Professor Mike Stratton will study genetic samples from five continents to understand the causes of cancer. The project aims to identify unknown causes, determine environmental factors, and figure out how they lead to cancer.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·DateFeb 9, 2017

Broken pebbles offer clues to Paleolithic funeral rituals

A new study examines marine pebble tools from an Upper Paleolithic burial site in Italy and finds that flat, oblong pebbles were brought up from the beach, used as spatulas to apply ochre paste, then broken and discarded. The intent may have been to 'kill' the tools, thereby discharging their symbolic power.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCambridge Archaeological Journal·DateFeb 9, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate change responsible for the great diversity in horses

A new study by CSIC researchers reveals that environmental factors were the primary driver of horse diversification over 20 million years. The team found that newly evolved species were ecologically similar, with external factors such as ecosystem fragmentation and energy availability playing a key role.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 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.

Why malaria mosquitoes like people with malaria

Researchers discovered that malaria parasites produce HMBPP, which stimulates red blood cells to release carbon dioxide and volatile compounds attracting malaria mosquitoes. The parasite uses this system to transfer from one host to another, making it harder to control the spread of malaria.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Evidence points to fish oil to fight asthma

A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation--Insight found that omega-3 fatty acid products can reduce IgE production, a common allergen responsible for asthma symptoms. However, patients with severe asthma who rely on high-dose oral steroids may not benefit from fish oil supplementation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 9, 2017

Scientists identify aggressive pancreatic cancer cells and their vulnerability

Researchers identified a gatekeeper protein SMARCB1 that prevents aggressive pancreatic cancer cells from transitioning into a resistant type. Depletion of SMARCB1 leads to mesenchymal status, a mobile and invasive cell state, making these cells vulnerable to therapies targeting proteostasis.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 9, 2017

The firefly among fish

The flashlight fish uses its bioluminescent light organs to detect prey in the dark, adjusting flash frequency to the context. Researchers also found that the fish blink at a high rate during feeding and are regulated by lighting conditions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 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.

Recreational amphetamine use may hasten biological aging of the heart

Research suggests that recreational amphetamine use may hasten the biological ageing of the heart, with effects seen in both men and women. The study found that amphetamine users showed signs of premature ageing of the heart, even after accounting for other cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart Asia·DateFeb 9, 2017

Staying cool without an air conditioner

A new film developed by Yao Zhai and colleagues can dissipate the sun's thermal energy, resulting in a cooling effect. The material is lightweight, easily conforms to curved surfaces, and relatively easy to mass produce, making it a promising solution for passive radiative cooling.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

GW researcher finds genetic cause of new type of muscular dystrophy

Researchers from GW University and St. George's University of London discovered a mutation in the INPP5K gene linked to short stature, muscle weakness, intellectual disability, and cataracts. This finding suggests a new type of congenital muscular dystrophy, with potential for targeted therapies.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2017

Words can sound 'round' or 'sharp' without us realizing it

A new study found that people unconsciously map sounds to shapes, influencing awareness before conscious recognition. The 'bouba-kiki' effect, observed across cultures and age groups, shows that soft-sounding words pair with round shapes and sharp-sounding words with angular shapes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 9, 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.

Footballing success in the young can be measured in the brain

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that executive cognitive functions in children and young people can be quantified and linked to their performance on the football pitch. The study found strong results for simpler forms of executive function, such as working memory, to be associated with success.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2017

We like taking selfies but not looking at them

A study found that while 77% of participants take selfies regularly, 82% would prefer fewer selfies on social media. Participants perceived their own selfies as more self-ironic and authentic, while those taken by others were seen as less authentic.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Data on blue whales off California helps protect their distant relatives

Researchers used computer models of blue whale habitat off California and the eastern Pacific to identify similar regions in the Northern Indian Ocean where whales are likely to be found. This information will help reduce ship strikes and inform conservation efforts for endangered blue whales.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateFeb 8, 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.

Rethink needed to save critically endangered black rhinoceros

A new study reveals a massive decline in genetic diversity among living and extinct black rhinoceros populations. The research found that hunting and habitat loss have reduced the species' evolutionary potential dramatically over the last 200 years.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 2017

Study provides clues to the sex difference in dyslexia

Research suggests males are more likely to be diagnosed with dyslexia, possibly due to differences in reading performance and processing speed. Variability in processing speed may also contribute to co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateFeb 8, 2017

Poor and less educated suffer the most from chronic pain

A new study reveals that poorer and less-educated older Americans are more likely to experience severe chronic pain, even after accounting for age. The research also shows that people with lower levels of education and wealth are more likely to experience pain-related disability.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPain·DateFeb 8, 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.

Syracuse University geochemist breathes new life into 'Great Oxidation Event'

Researchers have found evidence of an interaction between nitrogen and oxygen in ancient rocks from South Africa, shedding light on the evolution of life alongside changes in the Earth's surface. The discovery fills a 400-million-year gap in geochemical records and provides new insights into the 'Great Oxidation Event.'

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2017

The origin of stem cells

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered how shoot stem cells form in plants, a process similar to animals. The transcription factor WOX2 regulates the balance between plant hormones cytokinin and auxin, allowing stem cells to maintain their unlimited potential for development.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 8, 2017
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.

Sex, drugs, and rock and roll chemistry in the brain

A McGill University study shows that the brain's opioid system is involved in experiencing musical pleasure. Researchers found that participants' favorite songs no longer elicited feelings of pleasure when their opioids were temporarily blocked.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 2017

An alternative theory on how aspirin may thwart cancer

Researchers propose that aspirin's anti-tumor effect is due to its ability to block platelet interaction with cancer cells. The study suggests that aspirin can curb tumor growth by reducing circulating platelets and their activity.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateFeb 8, 2017

Are antivirals a cost-effective therapy during severe flu seasons?

A new study shows that oseltamivir can reduce influenza infections and prevent deaths in a cost-saving manner. The antiviral drug is found to be effective and affordable under most pandemic scenarios, particularly in high transmissibility situations.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateFeb 8, 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.

IFT20 protein's role in helping cancer cells to invade

IFT20 protein plays a crucial role in the formation of invadopodia, structures that enable tumor cells to break through barriers and infiltrate surrounding tissues. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanism underlying cancer cell invasion.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 2017

New study finds that eating whole grains increases metabolism and calorie loss

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that substituting whole grains for refined grains increases calorie loss by reducing calories retained during digestion. Participants who ate a whole-grain diet lost close to an extra 100 calories per day due to increased resting metabolic rate and greater fecal ...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 8, 2017

PTSD symptoms may be prevented with ketamine

Researchers found that a single dose of ketamine administered one week before a stressful event can buffer against PTSD symptoms. The study suggests that prophylactic ketamine use might be beneficial for individuals highly likely to experience significant stressors.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Believe in the American dream?

A new study from the University at Buffalo School of Management found that materialistic consumers who believe they can improve their financial status through hard work are more likely to save money and regulate their spending. Conversely, those with pessimistic views on economic mobility are more prone to impulse purchases.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 8, 2017

NIH study reveals how melanoma spreads

A recent NIH study identified 40 new genes affected by HIF1α in melanoma, offering potential new targets for treatment. The research also found connections between gene expression and the spread of cancer cells, which could help predict tumor progression.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateFeb 8, 2017

Can parental education improve effectiveness of school-based BMI screening?

A study published in Childhood Obesity found that parents who received educational material along with BMI screening results were more likely to express a desire to change at least one obesity-related risk factor. This suggests that parental education can improve the acceptance and utility of BMI screening in school-age children.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateFeb 8, 2017

NICU study highlights need to reduce loud noises, boost beneficial sounds

A recent NICU study found that preemies are exposed to noise levels higher than recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, while also lacking essential language stimulation. The researchers recommend engaging parents in providing sensory exposures to promote healthy development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 8, 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.