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Science News Archive January 2017


Page 13 of 35

We need to talk about school start times

A study by McGill University researchers found that students from schools starting earlier slept less and were more likely to be tired in the morning. Delaying school start times could help Canadian teenagers sleep better and give them a better chance for success.

Melting solid below the freezing point

Scientists discover a new phenomenon of metastability in liquids, creating a metastable liquid directly by decompression below the melting point. The results could be important for developing new materials and understanding planetary interiors.

Positive outcomes after obesity surgery in adolescents

A new study reveals that obesity surgery has been shown to be as effective for teenagers as for adults, resulting in significant weight loss. However, the study also highlights potential complications, including bowel obstruction and gallstones, which require further monitoring and support.

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.

Novel radiotracer measures olfactory neurons in animal models

Researchers have developed a novel PET radiatracer called Neuroflux to quantify olfactory sensory neurons, improving measurements of olfactory health. The study found decreased signals in young animal models before cognitive symptoms onset, demonstrating the vulnerability of olfactory neurons.

Mapping the migration of house shrews

Researchers analyzed DNA sequences from 169 house shrews to uncover their genetic origins and migration routes. The study suggests that people traded on a larger scale than previously thought, with species from Asia and Africa showing similar genetic traits despite geographical distance.

New tools developed to help clinicians predict risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study provides powerful new tools for clinicians to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk globally, especially in resource-poor settings. The researchers developed two models: one using lab-based blood measurements and another that can be used without bloodwork, improving CVD risk prediction in low- and middle-income countries.

Synthetic nanoparticles achieve the complexity of protein molecules

Carnegie Mellon scientists develop synthetic gold nanoparticles with hierarchical structures similar to proteins, revealing mechanisms of self-assembly and potential applications in drug delivery and electronics. The study achieves the complexity of protein molecules through atomic-level understanding.

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.

Monash awarded grant to lead global slum revitalization research

Monash University has been awarded a USD 9.7 million grant to lead a five-year research project on transforming water infrastructure and sanitation practices in urban slums globally. The project aims to improve human health and well-being in informal settlements, with potential applications for new water management policies worldwide.

Medical assistance in dying will not increase health care costs in Canada

A new study found that providing medical assistance in dying in Canada may not increase healthcare costs and could even reduce spending by up to $138.8 million. The researchers used data from the Netherlands and Belgium, where medically assisted dying is legal, to estimate the impact on Canadian healthcare spending.

NYC toddlers exposed to potentially harmful flame retardants

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that all NYC toddlers studied had flame retardants on their hands, with mothers having lower levels. The researchers detected a higher concentration of flame retardants in toddler hand wipes compared to their mothers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trees supplement income for rural farmers in Africa

A University of Illinois study found that about one-third of rural farmers across five African countries have trees on their farms, contributing 17% to their annual household income. Trees can act as biodiversity corridors, linking forests and providing wildlife habitat, while also offering income potential to poor farmers.

E-cigarettes are expanding tobacco product use among youth

A new study finds that e-cigarettes are expanding tobacco product use among youth, particularly those at low risk of starting with cigarettes. The researchers analyzed survey data from over 140,000 middle and high school students and found no evidence that e-cigarettes have caused a decline in youth smoking

FSU scientist's findings on carbon cycle feed climate research

A Florida State University researcher investigated how carbon moves from the ocean surface to greater depths and remains there for hundreds of years. The study found that certain areas of the sea, particularly fronts where temperature or salinity changes, act as giant conduits moving carbon to deeper depths.

Breast cancer drugs stop working when tumors 'make their own fuel'

Researchers found that breast cancer tumors evolve to produce their own estrogen supply, making treatments like aromatase inhibitors ineffective. The study, published in Nature Genetics, aims to increase treatment options for patients whose cancer has returned and spread.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study reveals new genetic mechanism driving breast cancer

Researchers found 33 places in breast cancer genomes where tandem duplications were most often found, leading to further cancerous changes. These 'hotspots' may create new driver mutations, making tumours more aggressive and potentially responsive to different treatments.

Evaluation of recombinant antithrombin vs. placebo in preterm preeclampsia

A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial investigated the effects of recombinant antithrombin on gestation duration and neonatal morbidity in expectantly managed patients with early onset preeclampsia. No improvement was found in outcomes, with no reported safety events related to Recombinant Antithrombin.

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.

MacKinnon lab charts the anatomy of three molecular channels

The MacKinnon lab has reconstructed the three-dimensional architecture of three molecular channels using cryo-electron microscopy. The findings reveal intricate details about how these channels function, with implications for understanding muscle contraction, heart rhythm, and other physiological processes.

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.

Evaluation of the effects of laser tissue welding for spina bifida repair

Researchers evaluated the effects of laser tissue welding on simulated spina bifida repair in rabbits, finding that it did not cause damage to spinal cord or skin tissue. The study suggests a potential breakthrough in fetal surgical repair procedures, offering a possible solution for reducing complications and improving outcomes.

Use of fetal genetic sequencing increases the detection rate of genetic findings

Researchers found that fetal genomic sequencing increased the detection rate of genetic findings by 10-30% in women with pregnancies complicated by major fetal congenital anomalies. The study also revealed new associations with genes and intolerant OMIM disease-associated mutations, improving patient counseling and neonatal treatment.

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.

One of the world largest digital herbaria launched

The Lomonosov Moscow State University has launched the world's largest digital herbarium, featuring over 786,000 scanned images of plant samples. The database is part of the 'Noah's Ark' project and provides a valuable resource for studying and conserving biological diversity.

Bioinvasion is jeopardizing Mediterranean marine communities

A Tel Aviv University study finds that the influx of non-indigenous species through the Suez Canal is causing irreversible damage to Mediterranean marine ecosystems, including the decline of native species and habitats. The researchers call for effective management measures to prevent further degradation and loss of ecosystem services.

How do people choose what plants to use?

Researchers found that people prefer large, widespread species for basic needs like food and medicine due to their ability to produce large quantities. In contrast, smaller palm species are often used for psychological and self-actualization needs with less dependency on biological traits.

Autism symptoms improve after fecal transplant, small study finds

A small group of children with autism and moderate to severe gastrointestinal problems showed significant improvements in behavioral and gastrointestinal symptoms after receiving a fecal transplant. Parents reported positive changes that lasted at least eight weeks after treatment, while doctor-reported symptoms decreased by 22-24%.

ASU gut microbe study shows promise as a potential treatment for autism

A study published in the journal Microbiome shows that fecal microbial transplants can improve gastrointestinal symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders by 80%, while also improving social skills and sleep habits by 20-25%. The treatment, which involves transferring live gut bacteria from a healthy donor to a recipient, has s...

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.

Online media use shows strong genetic influence

A new study found that genetic differences significantly affect engagement with online media, including games for entertainment and education, and social networking. Heritability estimates suggest that genetics account for up to 39% of time spent on online gaming.

Cookware made with scrap metal contaminates food

A study across 10 countries found that aluminum cookware made from scrap metal contaminates food with high levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The investigation reveals a significant risk to public health, particularly for children, who may experience IQ reduction, brain damage, and cardiovascular disease.

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.

Special issue on the forecast and evaluation of meteorological disasters

The frequency of meteorological disasters has increased due to global warming, causing severe social and economic losses in China and globally. The Collaborative Innovation Center on the Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters aims to resolve key issues related to these phenomena through joint research.

For health and happiness, share good news

Research by Sarah Arpin found that supportive partners provide a buffer to loneliness and sleep deficits in military couples. Sharing good news with partners can improve overall health and workplace success.

Discovered one of the brightest distant galaxies so far known

Astronomers have discovered one of the brightest non-active galaxies in the early universe, BG1429+1202, located 11.4 billion light-years away. The galaxy's high luminosity was made possible by a gravitational lensing effect caused by a massive elliptical galaxy along the line of sight.

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.

Finding a needle in the ocean

Xia emphasizes that big data is about more than just numbers and requires new mathematical methods to analyze. Researchers in mathematics, signal processing, and computer science must develop these new tools to unlock the full potential of big data.

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.

Oceanographic analysis offers potential crash site of MH370

Researchers used buoys' trajectories to simulate debris motion, finding areas with high probability for MH370 crash. The analysis is consistent with recently confirmed aircraft debris finds, highlighting the importance of sustained ocean observations.

MicroRNAs shown to improve hyperglycemia

Researchers at Tohoku University identified two new types of microRNA that improved hyperglycemia in a mouse model of diabetes. These miRNAs were shown to promote insulin-producing cell proliferation and regeneration, offering potential for therapeutic beta-cell regenerative therapies.

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.

Provocative prions may protect yeast cells from stress

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Tech found that the yeast protein Lsb2 forms a 'metastable' prion in response to elevated temperatures as a protective mechanism against stress. This discovery suggests that prions may play an adaptive role in cell survival.

Snap, digest, respire

The Venus flytrap captures insects to extract nutrients and energy. Researchers found that the plant produces additional energy by oxidizing amino acids from its prey.

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.

Can the comorbidity of depression and psychopathy be the devil's work?

A survey of over 1,000 participants found strong evidence that individuals with depression and psychopathy are attracted to satanic practices for magical power. This correlation yields new perspectives on early-onset depression and highlights the need for verification in psychiatric hospitals.