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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 27


Page 27 of 37

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Carlos moving past La Reunion Island

Tropical Cyclone Carlos was tracked by NASA as it moved between Madagascar and La Reunion Island in the Southern Indian Ocean, revealing a concentrated storm with heavy rainfall rates up to 120 mm per hour. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 51.7 mph, with a predicted intensification due to decreasing vertical wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 8, 2017

Analysis uncovers racial bias in fatal shootings by police

A recent analysis found that Black civilians were over twice as likely to be unarmed when fatally shot by US police in 2015 compared to their white counterparts. The study also revealed that civilians from other minority groups were more likely not to pose a threat to officers or others.

SourceWiley·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateFeb 8, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Who needs a flu shot? -- not me'

A study by Hyunmin Lee found that individuals tend to think the media's coverage of flu epidemics influences others more than themselves. This perception counteracts the message's intended behavior, leading to decreased vaccination intentions.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateFeb 8, 2017

Orexin as a potential drug for treating septic shock

Researchers found that subcutaneous injection of orexin can improve survival rates in mice with endotoxin shock by restoring body temperature and increasing heart rate. Future studies aim to validate the effect of peripherally administered orexin in primates with septic shock.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·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.

Gold standard monitoring of HCC in patients with cirrhosis is cost-effective

Following screening guidelines for HCC in cirrhotic patients significantly increases life expectancy, with a 5-month average gain compared to 'real life' monitoring. Cost-effectiveness analysis reveals that standardized surveillance is cost-effective at $1754/yr per life year gained in French costs and $32,415/yr in US costs.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 8, 2017

Study provides new insight into different forms of heart failure

Researchers developed a novel noninvasive technique to measure leg oxygen consumption in heart failure patients, revealing differences between dilated and stiff hearts. This breakthrough could lead to targeted therapies aimed at increasing blood flow and improving exercise capacity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Chimpanzee feet allow scientists a new grasp on human foot evolution

A study using high-speed motion capture found that human feet are more mobile than expected, challenging long-held ideas about human-chimpanzee differences. This discovery may require rethinking assumptions about early human ancestor fossil feet.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateFeb 8, 2017

UMass Amherst boosts deep learning research with powerful new GPU cluster

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has unveiled a powerful new GPU cluster, housing 400 specialized graphics processing units, to accelerate deep learning research and attract top talent in the field. The cluster is expected to significantly boost the university's capabilities in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and natur...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateFeb 8, 2017

Carnivores more seriously threatened by roads than previously acknowledged

A global study found that carnivores are more seriously threatened by roads than previously acknowledged. The research highlights the need to update the protection status of species such as the puma, American black bear, and brown bear, which are severely affected by road habitats cut through their habitat.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateFeb 8, 2017

Snow leopard and Himalayan wolf diets are about one-quarter livestock

A study published in PLOS ONE found that around a quarter of snow leopard and Himalayan wolf diets consist of livestock, highlighting the challenges for conserving these endangered species. The research analyzed DNA and hairs in scats from 182 snow leopards and 57 wolves, revealing prey preferences and diet composition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2017

Deep groundwater aquifers respond rapidly to climate variability

Researchers found that responses to climate variations can be detected in deep groundwater aquifers within a year, suggesting an intermediate connection between precipitation and groundwater levels. Pumping of aquifers may drive this rapid response, controlled by crop water demand and agricultural industry activities.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 8, 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.

Collapsed chloroplasts are targeted in self-eating process

Scientists at Tohoku University have discovered a previously unknown type of autophagy that removes damaged chloroplasts in plants, shedding light on the aging process. This finding could lead to new methods for controlling plant aging and enhancing crop yields.

SourceTohoku University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateFeb 8, 2017

How can marijuana policy protect the adolescent brain?

Experts recommend that laws legalizing marijuana outline restrictions on age, frequency of use, potency, and advertising to prevent abuse. They also emphasize the need for additional research to guide informed policy decisions.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2017

Quinoa genome accelerates solutions for food security

Researchers at KAUST have sequenced quinoa's genome, providing insights into its traits and growth mechanisms. The high-quality sequence is expected to aid in breeding quinoa plants with desirable characteristics, such as seed taste and plant stability.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2017

Older adults who exercise regularly may lower chances for severe mobility problems

A study published by the American Geriatrics Society found that regular exercise can help prevent or delay disabilities that impact independent living. Researchers enrolled 1,635 adults aged 70-89 and compared two groups: one exercising regularly and the other receiving health workshops.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 8, 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.

Calcified plaque raises heart disease risk for young adults

A major report found that young adults with even a small amount of calcified coronary plaque are strongly associated with increased risk of developing clinical coronary heart disease over the ensuing decade. Those with the highest scores had a greater than 20 percent chance of dying of a heart event.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 8, 2017

Turning off the protein tap -- A new clue to neurodegenerative disease

A recent study found that disabling the Golgi apparatus, a protein regulation part in brain cells, causes developmental delay, severe ataxia, and postnatal death in mice. This suggests a potential link to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2017

Exposure to a newer flame retardant has been on the rise

Exposure to newer organophosphate flame retardants has significantly increased over the past decade, with a metabolite of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) found at levels 15 times higher in 2014-2015 samples than in 2002-2003.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateFeb 8, 2017

Is it time for a dedicated tax to fund the NHS?

The BMJ publishes a debate article on whether a dedicated tax is needed to fund the NHS, with proponents arguing it would reflect public wishes and provide welcome certainty. Critics, however, believe a hypothecated tax would not protect funding from economic uncertainty and that simpler solutions exist.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 8, 2017
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.

Flat lens opens a broad world of color

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed the first flat lens that works across a continuous bandwidth of colors, from blue to green. This breakthrough enables new applications in imaging, spectroscopy, and sensing.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 8, 2017

Blood test may help differentiate Parkinson's from similar diseases

A new study suggests a simple blood test can differentiate between Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonism disorders as accurately as a spinal fluid test. Researchers found that concentrations of neurofilament light chain protein in the blood can discriminate between these diseases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·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.

Pure iron grains are rare in the universe

New research suggests that pure iron grains are extremely rare in the universe, contrary to previously thought, and may be forming invisible metal particles. A study published in Science Advances used a rocket-based experiment to simulate the formation of pure iron grains in space, revealing grain formation is highly unlikely.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 2017

Hijacking bacteria to kill cancer

Modified bacteria successfully infiltrated tumors and activated the immune system to eliminate malignant cells. In a mouse model of human colon cancer, the combination of Salmonella and FlaB shrunk tumors and prolonged survival.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2017

Most stretchable elastomer for 3-D printing

Researchers have developed a highly stretchable and UV curable elastomer that can be stretched by up to 1100%, making it suitable for 3D printing techniques. The new material enables the direct creation of complex structures and devices, such as soft robotic grippers, with significantly reduced fabrication time.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 8, 2017

CWRU researcher finds fish uses sneaking behavior as stealth mating strategy

A Case Western Reserve University researcher discovered that the Cuatro Ciénegas cichlid, a rare fish species, employs a unique sneaking behavior to fertilize eggs, outpacing dominant males. This unusual strategy is found in only a few dozen of approximately 34,000 fish species worldwide.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalHydrobiologia·DateFeb 8, 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.

Measuring time without a clock

Researchers at EPFL have determined a delay of one billionth of one billionth of a second in photoemission by measuring the spin of photoemitted electrons. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the properties of electrons in solids and advancing spectroscopy techniques.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 2017

UChicago receives $2.4 million NIH grant to build visual prosthesis

A multidisciplinary team from UChicago is developing wireless brain implants that can convert camera input into electrical stimulations to produce useful visual perception in the brain. The technology could restore partial vision to people who have lost their sight, significantly improving their quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·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.

Record-breaking material that contracts when heated

Nagoya University researchers have developed a new class of composite materials with negative thermal expansion, offering potential solutions for industrial applications. The reduced ruthenate ceramic material shrinks by up to 6.7% when heated, making it more than double the current record-holding material.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2017

Commercial weight-loss drug could help treat opioid addiction

A recent study published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience found that the commercial weight-loss drug lorcaserin can help reduce opioid use and cravings in rats. The researchers administered lorcaserin to rats who had been self-administering oxycodone, resulting in decreased oxycodone use and drug-seeking behaviors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateFeb 8, 2017

Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation to bestow annual awards

The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation will bestow annual awards to recognize innovators and researchers in the field. Dr. Riad Salem will receive the Leaders in Innovation Award for his pioneering work on yttrium-90 radioembolization, while Terence Gade will receive the Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award for his p...

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Genetic profiling can guide stem cell transplantation for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome

Researchers discovered genetic mutations in TP53, RAS pathway genes, and JAK2 gene associated with shorter survival and increased relapse risk after stem cell transplant. The findings provide a guide for identifying patients most likely to benefit from a transplant, enabling personalized treatment strategies.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 8, 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.

Diesel trains may expose passengers to exhaust

A new study from the University of Toronto finds that diesel trains can emit nine times higher levels of black carbon and ultrafine particles in cars directly behind locomotives compared to busy city streets. Practical steps for passengers include avoiding front cars during peak emissions periods.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateFeb 8, 2017

Penn researchers are among the first to grow a versatile 2-dimensional material

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully grown a single layer of tungsten ditelluride, a unique two-dimensional material with predicted topological electronic states. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in quantum computing, as these materials may enable intrinsically error-tolerant forms of computation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·Journal2D Materials·DateFeb 8, 2017

Study finds naps may help preschoolers learn

A new study found that preschoolers who napped after learning new verbs had a better understanding of the words when tested 24 hours later. The study suggests that parents may want to consider maintaining regular naptimes for preschoolers, who are at an age where naps have a tendency to dwindle.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 8, 2017

CU Anschutz research investigates role of protein in obesity among Latin American women

A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that limited access to dietary protein is a potential driver of obesity among women of low socioeconomic status in Latin America. The researchers used the protein leverage hypothesis to understand differences in obesity among socioeconomic groups and discovered an ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·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.

Giving the messages from fat cells a positive spin to prevent diabetes

Researchers found that weight loss significantly reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes by resetting the chemical messages sent by fat cells. After gastric bypass surgery, volunteers showed improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic health, with reduced markers of disease risk.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalObesity·DateFeb 8, 2017

Hidden lakes drain below West Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier

Researchers at the University of Washington used CryoSat-2 data to identify four interconnected lakes draining beneath Thwaites Glacier in eight months. The glacier sped up by about 10 percent during this time, indicating that other factors, such as ocean warming, are driving its long-term movement.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateFeb 8, 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.

Students who enjoy or take pride in math have better long-term math achievement

A longitudinal study of 3,425 German students found that emotions influenced math achievement over time. Students with higher intelligence and those who enjoyed math had better grades and test scores. In contrast, students experiencing negative emotions like anxiety and shame suffered from lower achievement.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 8, 2017