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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 5


Page 5 of 37

Nano-sized hydrogen storage system increases efficiency

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed an efficient hydrogen storage system that can increase the energy carrier's viability. By incorporating nanoconfinement and analyzing internal 'nano-interfaces,' the team found a new paradigm for hydrogen storage, enabling faster performance and reversibility.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateFeb 24, 2017

Dietary prebiotics improve sleep, buffer impacts of stress, says study

Researchers found that dietary prebiotics improved non-REM sleep and REM sleep after stressful events in male rats. The prebiotic diet also maintained a healthy gut microbiota and normal body temperature fluctuations even after stress exposure.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateFeb 24, 2017

Never too late: Reaping the benefits of exercise in early postmenopause

Research suggests that physical activity can have improved effects on muscle and blood vessel function in women in early postmenopause. The study found that high-intensity cycling training improved physiological parameters in this age group, providing a potential benefit against negative estrogen loss and aging effects.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 24, 2017

In enemy garb

Researchers found that moths in the subfamily Arctiinae mimic wasps to evade birds and other predators. However, their nearly perfect resemblance is not due to learning from experience, as previously thought, but rather to deceive actual wasps into thinking they are part of the same species, thereby avoiding attack.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateFeb 24, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecular 'on switch' could point to treatments for pediatric brain tumor

A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified a mechanism controlling the growth of medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric brain tumor. The study found that OTX2 is a critical factor regulating gene expression programs in Group 3 medulloblastoma, and its suppression can reduce tumor growth and survival.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 24, 2017

In first, scientists forecast West Nile Virus outbreaks

Researchers developed a forecasting model to predict WNV outbreaks, generating accurate forecasts for mosquito infection rates and human cases up to nine weeks prior. This method could give public health officials more time to plan for mosquito control efforts, potentially reducing the number of cases and deaths.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2017

Decoding the genome's cryptic language

A new tool called MARGI identifies all RNA molecules interacting with a segment of DNA, as well as their locations. This breakthrough enables researchers to identify new gene functions and instructions encoded in the genome.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 24, 2017

Hammerhead shark migration gives new hope for conservation

A new study has provided critical information on the Great Hammerhead shark's migration patterns, enabling marine management and conservation officials to develop effective protection strategies. The research found that the sharks return to specific areas after migrations, making them vulnerable to fisheries, and revealed complex movem...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateFeb 24, 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.

Men with higher cognitive ability better at taking heart medication

A new study has found that men with higher cognitive ability are more likely to take statins prescribed after a heart attack, reducing the risk of another heart attack or premature death. The study used data from over 2,500 patients and found an association between low general cognitive ability and non-compliance with medication.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateFeb 24, 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.

New pop-up strategy inspired by cuts, not folds

Researchers at Harvard SEAS use kirigami cuts to create 3D structures from flat sheets by stretching and buckling material. The pop-up pattern and mechanical properties can be controlled by varying the cut orientation.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2017

Getting rid of the last bits of sulfur in fuel

Scientists have developed a new method to remove nearly all sulfur compounds from gas and diesel fuel, potentially reducing air pollution. The technique uses a potassium salt to induce chemical reactions that eliminate sulfur, outperforming traditional methods in industrial-scale applications.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 24, 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.

What effect does prenatal and postpartum maternal depression have on children?

A large study of Norwegian families found that prenatal and postpartum maternal depression have varying effects on children's psychological development. Concurrent maternal depressive symptoms during preschool years are particularly detrimental to emotional and behavioral problems in young children.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2017

New York schools help Cornell monitor local waterways for invasive species

Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine is partnering with New York schools to monitor invasive aquatic species in state waters. The program utilizes genetic tests and citizen scientist teams to detect early signs of invasion, educating students about the importance of environmental management and bio-informatics.

SourceCornell University·DateFeb 24, 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.

Antibiotic resistance: A burgeoning problem for kids too

A new national study found a 700-percent surge in antibiotic-resistant infections among children in the US, with more than 75 percent already present when admitted to hospital. The study also shows that infected children stayed 20% longer in hospital and faced greater risk of death.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateFeb 24, 2017

The dawn of a new era for Supernova 1987a

The supernova has continued to fascinate astronomers with its spectacular light show, located in the nearby Large Magellanic Cloud. Recent studies using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory have provided unique insight into the early stages of gas dispersal after a star's death.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 24, 2017

Many genetic changes can occur early in human development

Researchers analyzed over 60,000 individuals and found five with extreme numbers of genetic changes that couldn't be explained by random events. These copy number variants were predominantly gains in genes and present in all cells, suggesting they occurred early in embryonic development.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateFeb 24, 2017

New risk factors for anxiety disorders

Researchers from the University of Würzburg discovered four variants of the GLRB gene associated with anxiety and panic disorders, triggering an

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2017
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 offers guidance on how to protect olive trees from being ravaged by deadly pathogen

A UK-based Centre for Ecology & Hydrology study has devised a scientific model to help predict the spread of Xylella fastidiosa, a deadly pathogen threatening Europe's olive trees. The model suggests that wider buffer zones can reduce infection risk but may not stop the spread completely due to disease-spreading insects.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalBiological Invasions·DateFeb 24, 2017

Study examines ways to use demand information to adjust capacity

A new UT Dallas study derived optimal policies and data-driven techniques for firms to learn about demand and adjust capacity. The study's main finding is that production managers need to maintain a careful balance between observing the demand and changing the capacity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalOperations Research·DateFeb 24, 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.

The potential consequences for cancer care and cancer research of Brexit

The editorial warns of significant consequences for cancer care and research in a post-Brexit world. The authors highlight uncertainties regarding research funding, patient data handling, and regulatory frameworks, which could disadvantage UK cancer patients and research if not addressed.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateFeb 24, 2017

Study catalogs the complex flavors of American-made goat cheese

Researchers at Kansas State University developed a comprehensive flavor lexicon for American-made goat cheese, identifying five unique characteristics including goaty and soapy flavors. The study analyzed 47 artisan cheeses from across the US, revealing distinct flavor profiles for each style, from cheddar to mold-ripened varieties.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Sensory Studies·DateFeb 24, 2017

More Earth-like than moon-like

Researchers at LSU have found evidence of a complex mantle beneath the Elysium volcanic province on Mars, with geochemical changes suggesting primary magmatic processes. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding Mars' geological history and potential hazards for future human missions.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 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.

NSF Law and Social Sciences program issues new awards

The NSF Law and Social Sciences program has awarded over $5 million to fund 23 projects and four workshops. The program focuses on scientific exploration of law and legal systems, supporting research on topics such as litigation, legal decision-making, governance, crime, and violence.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateFeb 24, 2017

Teach yourself everyday happiness with imagery training

Researchers found that self-guided emotional imagery training can improve emotional wellbeing in healthy individuals by reducing depressive symptoms and increasing satisfaction with life. The technique was also associated with changes in brain activity, including increased connectivity between image processing networks.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateFeb 24, 2017

Alzheimer's drug prescribed off-label could pose risk for some

Researchers at UCLA School of Nursing found that donepezil, a medication approved for Alzheimer's disease, can accelerate cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment who carry the K-variant of butyrylcholinesterase. Genetic testing is advised to determine if the drug is safe for these patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateFeb 24, 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.

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.

How proteins reshape cell membranes

EHD proteins assemble on the surface of cells to create vesicles, which are used to transport molecules and transmit neural signals. The molecular machines reorganize membrane structure through ring-like formations.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2017

Foot pain often occurs in clusters

A new study analyzed 558 individuals with foot pain and identified five clusters with unique patterns based on age, sex, and comorbidities. The findings provide insights into foot pain patterns in the community and highlight opportunities for targeted interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 23, 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.

Executive indiscretions can hurt the bottom line

A new study by Adam Yore found that executive indiscretions can result in significant losses for companies, with dishonesty being the most damaging, causing a 4.1% loss in shareholder value.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateFeb 23, 2017

Researchers ponder the shape of birds' eggs

Research suggests that the unique shape of birds' eggs serves to protect against impacts and contamination rather than rolling off cliff ledges. The study challenges previous explanations for the Common Guillemot's elongated egg shape.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateFeb 23, 2017

New gene for atrazine resistance identified in waterhemp

Researchers have discovered a unique gene responsible for metabolic atrazine resistance in waterhemp, which can evolve resistance to multiple herbicides. The gene is associated with GST enzymes and has been found to make plants more resistant to herbicides.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateFeb 23, 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.

New link found between sex and viruses

Researchers have found a common protein involved in both sexual reproduction and viral infections, which could lead to breakthroughs in controlling parasites like malaria. The discovery reveals that the protein acts as a biochemical 'key' enabling cell fusion, and its structure is similar to that of viruses.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCell·DateFeb 23, 2017

CU researchers develop model for studying rare polio-like illness

Scientists at CU School of Medicine developed an animal model for studying paralysis caused by EV-D68 virus, a rare cause of polio-like illness. The model replicates the human disease, offering hope for therapeutics and understanding its development.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 23, 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.

Three layers of graphene reveals a new kind of magnet

Researchers discovered a new type of magnet in three layers of graphene, allowing for the observation of electronic interactions. By reducing imperfections, they enabled the development of coordinated electronic interactions, which is essential for creating electronic devices using graphene.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

A new methodology quickly reveals metabolic fluxes in cells

A new tool using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measures hydrogen atoms to study metabolism and determine metabolic fluxes. This technique has been validated on human cancer cells and holds potential for understanding the mechanisms behind diseases like diabetes.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 23, 2017