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Science News Archive January 2017


Page 1 of 35

UTA aerospace engineering professor named AIAA Fellow

Frank Lu, a UTA aerospace engineering professor, has been named an AIAA Fellow for his sustained contributions to gasdynamics and detonation-based technologies. He is the first UTA faculty member to earn this honor, which recognizes his novel experimental facility and measurement techniques.

Paracetamol study could open door for way to treat liver damage

Researchers discovered that paracetamol damages liver cells by disrupting tight junctions, leading to cell death and organ dysfunction. The study aims to develop alternative methods for testing paracetamol toxicity and identify potential targets for new drugs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research journey to the center of the Earth

Scientists have identified three potential light elements - hydrogen, silicon, and sulfur - that could make up the remaining 5% of the Earth's core. These findings are based on experiments simulating the core's extreme conditions and matching them with seismological observations.

Land-use change possibly produces more carbon dioxide than assumed so far

A new study suggests that land-use change may be responsible for higher CO2 emissions than previously thought, emphasizing the need for reforestation efforts to combat climate change. The research highlights the crucial role of forests, grasslands, and croplands in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Habitat features and social behavior impact how baboons move as a group

A study published in eLife found that individual baboons tend to follow the path taken by their group mates, while also being constrained by environmental factors such as vegetation density. The research used GPS tracking and drone-based imaging technology to understand how habitat and social features impact animal movement.

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.

Optimized compiler yields more-efficient parallel programs

Researchers at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory have developed a new variation of a popular open-source compiler that optimizes before adding code necessary for parallel execution. This approach results in more-efficient parallel programs, surpassing existing compilers.

Climate change scientists should think more about sex

Research by University of Exeter scientists reveals that less than 4% of climate-change studies have tested the impact of ocean acidification on males and females separately. This could lead to major changes in sustainable supplies of fish and shellfish, as different sexes respond differently to stress.

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.

Link between sleep and cognitive impairment in the elderly

Researchers found association between sleep-disordered breathing and cognitive impairment in older adults, emphasizing need for clinicians to screen for both conditions. Treatment of sleep apnea may improve quality of life but does not delay or prevent cognitive decline.

UTA materials scientist invents breath monitor to detect flu

Perena Gouma's invention uses semiconductor sensors to detect the flu virus in a patient's breath, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The handheld device has far-reaching implications for public health and may help prevent flu epidemics from spreading.

Females no longer neglected in obesity research

A recent review in Frontiers in Nutrition highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to obesity research, as traditional male rat models are found to be insufficient in predicting long-term obesity in females. The study also sheds light on the phenomenon of weight regain after weight loss and its impact on females.

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.

NASA's new shape-shifting radiator inspired by origami

A NASA team has created a smart radiator that folds and unfolds like origami, allowing it to change its shape to shed or conserve heat. The radiator uses temperature-sensitive materials and a vanadium-oxide-based coating to achieve this effect.

Autism may begin early in brain development

Recent research from the University of Maryland found that autism-related neural defects begin early in mammalian development, when key neurons form their first circuits. This study could lead to a stronger understanding of autism and possible early intervention strategies.

Reversible saliva allows frogs to hang on to next meal

A new study reveals that frogs' tongues are covered in a unique reversible saliva that changes viscosity during capture and retraction. The combination of this saliva with a super soft tongue allows for an incredible 50 times greater work of adhesion, making it a key factor in the frog's ability to hang onto its next meal.

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.

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.

Researchers confirm the existence of a 'lost continent' under Mauritius

Scientists have discovered ancient zircons on the island of Mauritius, dating back 3 billion years, suggesting a long-lost continent named Mauritia existed beneath the island. This finding supports the theory that the break-up of supercontinent Gondwana led to the formation of the Indian Ocean.

Big data brings breast cancer research forwards by 'decades'

Scientists have created a 'map' linking cell shape to genes turned on and off, matching it to real disease outcomes. The map revealed key areas controlling gene activity, including a protein called NF-kappaB that drives cancer cell growth and spread.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

African lake provides new clues about ancient marine life

African Lake Kivu's unique chemistry suggests more nitrogen in ancient oceans, enabling marine organisms to thrive during multi-cellularity emergence. This finding implies phosphorous limitations shaped early ocean life, paving the way for Eukaryote evolution.

Infrared links could simplify data center communications

Researchers propose eliminating most wires in data centers by using infrared free-space optics to transmit information. This technology enables fast data transfer rates with minimal interference and can accommodate thousands of servers on a single rack.

Large marine protected areas effectively protect reef shark populations

Researchers at Stanford University found that large MPAs in the U.S. Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge effectively protected grey reef sharks, with more sharks inside the reserve and fewer fishing vessels outside. The study suggests that expanded MPAs can have a significant impact on shark populations and ecosystem health.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Drug shows promise for treating alcoholism

Researchers found that ibudilast significantly reduced craving for alcohol and improved mood in participants. The medication also showed promise in reducing the pleasurable effects of alcohol.

Air pollution may lead to dementia in older women

USC-led study finds that older women living in areas with high PM2.5 levels are 81% more at risk for global cognitive decline and 92% more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to air pollution particles may accelerate brain aging and promote Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Paper spotlights key flaw in widely used radioisotope dating technique

Researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered a key flaw in the widely used radioisotope dating technique, which may lead to overestimated ages of geological samples. The technique's accuracy depends on accounting for differential mass diffusion, a process that was previously overlooked.

Tracking fishing vessels and sharks reveals protection for large mobile animals

Researchers used Global Fishing Watch data to track fishing activity around the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, a large MPA. Most satellite-tracked reef sharks remained within the MPA, while virtually all fishing vessels stayed outside, suggesting that MPAs can benefit declining mobile species like grey reef sharks.

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.

Scientists show how cells communicate

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have made significant progress in understanding how primary cilia receive and transmit signals, shedding light on their role in regulating cellular behaviors and preventing diseases such as ciliopathies.

Chimps' behavior following death disturbing to ISU anthropologist

Researchers observed chimps abusing and cannibalizing Foudouko's body for nearly four hours after his death, contradicting traditional notions of grief. The study suggests competition for mates, power struggles, and isolation may contribute to such deadly behavior in chimpanzees.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

OSU marine ecologist receives top National Academy of Sciences honor

Jane Lubchenco, OSU marine ecologist and advocate for science-based policies, is honored with the Public Welfare Medal for her efforts to bring together research communities and policymakers to address global environmental issues. She has dedicated her career to promoting public service and inspiring future researchers.

Physically active children are less depressed

A new study has found that children who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity have fewer symptoms of depression. Researchers followed over 700 children for four years and found a significant correlation between physical activity and reduced depressive symptoms.

Brain-computer interface allows completely locked-in people to communicate

A new brain-computer interface (BCI) enables people with complete locked-in syndrome to communicate by detecting their brain activity. The study found that participants reported being 'happy' and could respond correctly to personal questions, overturning previous theories on the capabilities of individuals with this condition.

Study to examine the relationship between grasslands and soil biodiversity

Researchers examine how native grass management can enhance soil health and agricultural productivity in the eastern US. They focus on optimizing fertility and cover crop strategies for nutrient-efficient species like switchgrass and big bluestem, which produce extensive root systems that support micro-invertebrate communities.

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.

Mount Sinai researchers generate rat model of autism

Researchers created a genetically modified rat model of autism and intellectual disability to study Phelan-McDermid syndrome. The study found that oxytocin improved social memory, attention, and nerve cell activity in the rat model.

Scientists aim to reduce animals killed in drug testing

Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a technique to assess anti-inflammatory properties of fortified health foods and medications using bioluminescence imaging. This method reduces the number of lab mice sacrificed and could revolutionize medicinal drug testing, particularly for obesity-related metabolic disorders.

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.

Substance in crude oil harms fish hearts, could affect humans as well

Research from Stanford University identified phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, as the culprit behind cardiotoxicity in fish exposed to crude oil spills. The study found that phenanthrene disrupts heart function in both marine and terrestrial species, including mammals and birds.

Non-severe infections can cause serious mental disorders

A new study reveals that non-severe infections can significantly increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and depression. The research found a dose-response correlation between the number of infections and the risk of mental disorders, suggesting that even minor infections can have severe consequences.