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Science News Archive January 2017


Page 2 of 35

NASA's IMERG calculated rainfall of Tropical Cyclone 03S

Rainfall totals of close to 300 mm were estimated along Australia's northwest coast using NASA's IMERG product. The analysis was conducted on the remnant low pressure area that formed from Tropical Cyclone 03S, which moved into the Indian Ocean on January 27, 2017.

The world's first heat-driven transistor

Researchers at Linköping University developed the world's first heat-driven transistor, opening up new possibilities for temperature detection and medical applications. The transistor converts a 100 times greater temperature gradient to electric voltage than traditional thermoelectric materials.

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 making of Antarctica

Researchers at McGill University suggest that a link between global climate change and dramatic changes in ocean circulation can explain the formation of Antarctica's ice sheets. This new theory highlights the complexity of climate change and the impact of ocean circulation patterns on global temperatures.

MIT study: Online retail prices often match those in stores

A recent MIT study reveals that online retail prices often match those in stores, with prices converging at around 72% of the time. The study examines data from 10 major countries and suggests that companies aim to appear 'fair' by maintaining consistent prices.

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.

Yeast mutants unlock the secrets of aging

Researchers have identified genetic mechanisms that limit yeast lifespan, which can be manipulated by natural molecules to delay aging and improve health. The study confirms programmed aging theories and provides evidence for the existence of active mechanisms limiting longevity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Making the switch to polarization diversity

Researchers develop integrated optical switch using polarization diversity, reducing size and cost of traditional switches. The new device features a single 8x8 grid with unique port assignments, allowing simultaneous management of both polarizations of light.

Acid trip makes clumsy cone snails miss their prey

Researchers found that cone snails, crucial for the ocean food chain, struggle to catch their prey when exposed to rising CO2 levels. This study suggests that ocean acidification may have far-reaching impacts on marine ecosystems and potentially affect commercially important seafood species.

How a bacterial protein's structure aids biomedical studies

A light-sensing protein from a microbe has enabled new technologies for biomedical applications, including drug discovery and understanding human vision. The protein's dynamic structure is crucial for bacterial response to stimuli and also necessary for other proteins, such as rhodopsin pigment.

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.

The role of the tunnel

A team of scientists has identified a crucial step in the protein-sorting process, revealing that the signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes membrane proteins before they are fully synthesized. This discovery highlights the importance of ribosomal tunnels in coordinating protein transport and sorting.

Scat sniffer dogs tell York U researchers a lot about endangered lizards

Scat detection dogs helped biology PhD student Alex Filazzola discover the importance of shrubs in preserving lizard populations in the face of climate change. Shrubs proved instrumental in providing critical micro-environments, such as shady places to regulate body temperature and refuge from predators.

Spider silk demonstrates Spider Man-like abilities

Researchers have discovered a unique type of spider silk that can lift weights with high efficiency and speed. The silk fibers are actuated by water droplets, exhibiting shrink-stretch behavior similar to muscle performance.

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.

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

A new brain-computer interface technology has successfully enabled communication in four patients with complete paralysis, including those with ALS. The non-invasive system detected responses by measuring changes in blood oxygen levels and electrical activity in the brain, with seventy percent accuracy.

Mechanism for photosynthesis already existed in primeval microbe

Researchers at Kobe University have found a primitive pathway that resembles photosynthesis in Methanospirillum hungatei, a non-photosynthesizing microbe. The team used metabolome analysis to locate trapped CO2 and proved the microbe uses this pathway to synthesize glucose.

Reservoir divers: Select antiviral cells can access HIV's hideouts

Scientists have identified antiviral T cells that can access HIV's germinal center hideouts using the CXCR5 molecule. These cells have stem cell-like properties and can infiltrate sites of ongoing viral replication, providing a potential target for therapeutic vaccines and HIV suppression.

Re-assessing 'at risk' cutoffs for birth weight

Researchers found that using the 25th and 85th centile ranges instead of the traditional 10th and 90th percentiles could prevent one fatal event by offering delivery to women outside these ranges. This expansion may require an additional 1143 deliveries to be made.

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.

Recent upsurge of A(H7N9) cases in China, updated ECDC rapid risk assessment

A recent surge of human A(H7N9) cases in China has raised concerns among EU citizens, particularly those living or visiting affected areas. People traveling to China are advised to avoid direct exposure to poultry and live markets, while those presenting with respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

UT student wins competition at Beltwide Cotton Conference

A UT doctoral candidate won a competition presenting research on the impact of droplet size and orifice number on fungus control in cotton. The study found no significant difference in disease control or yield between treated and untreated cotton.

Plant regulatory proteins 'tagged' with sugar

A new study from Carnegie Institution reveals that plant proteins undergo extensive modification by sugars, similar to animals, but also unique to plants. This process impacts various cellular functions and developmental tasks, such as flower development and responses to specific plant hormones.

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.

Radio devices to save rare species from poachers

A joint project between conservationists and electronics experts has developed miniature radio devices using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to protect endangered cycad plants from poachers. The technology can detect missing plants up to 10 meters away, providing immediate alerts to ranger stations.

New study shows how plants fight off disease

A University of Queensland-led study has highlighted the minute details of how plant immune systems lead to resistance against diseases. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the interactions between immune receptors and their signals, which are crucial for plant resistance.

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.

Carol Anelli to deliver 2017 ESA Founders' Memorial lecture

Carol M. Anelli will deliver the Founders' Memorial Lecture at Entomology 2017, recognizing Anna Botsford Comstock's contributions to entomology and education. Dr. Anelli is a renowned researcher and educator with multiple awards for her teaching.

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.

NASA's Fermi sees gamma rays from 'hidden' solar flares

The Fermi telescope has observed high-energy light from solar eruptions on the far side of the sun, which should block direct light. This allows scientists to study how charged particles are accelerated to nearly the speed of light during solar flares.

Researchers identify drug that alleviates opioid withdrawal

Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target for managing opioid withdrawal by discovering that an existing anti-gout medication can alleviate withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent rodents. The study's findings suggest that this treatment could provide relief for individuals struggling with opioid addiction, and the res...

Understanding breakups

Researchers developed a new theory describing the deformation and breakup of nanosized droplets when they strike a surface, enabling improved nanoscale printing and spraying. The model is ready for use in applications but has limitations, such as only applying to nanoscale droplets and Newtonian fluids.

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.

Fluorescence dyes from the pressure cooker

Scientists at TU Wien create a novel method for synthesizing perylene bisimide dyes without toxic solvents, enabling easy access to these materials. The hydrothermal synthesis is highly efficient and environmentally friendly, overcoming the challenges of working with apolar compounds.

New TSRI study shows early brain changes in Fragile X syndrome

A new study led by TSRI researchers discovered early brain changes in patients with Fragile X syndrome, a disorder affecting brain development. The study found that the mutation on the X chromosome triggers genome-wide DNA methylation changes, which may help explain similarities with autism spectrum disorder.

Micro-bubbles and frequency combs

Researchers create a frequency comb in the visible spectrum using a micro-bubble resonator, enabling precise optical measurements with low power consumption. The device has potential applications in medical science and optics research.

New research may pave the way for peripheral nerve damage repair

Researchers have discovered that Merlin plays a vital role in nerve repair after injury, opening up new potential therapies for trauma and diabetes-related damage. The study found that deficient Merlin levels contribute to poor nerve repair, but also identified a crucial pathway for repair using Schwann cells.

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.

Origami of the cell

Blocking IRE1 with a small molecule prevents progression of atherosclerosis in mice, according to UC Santa Barbara cell biologist Diego Acosta-Alvear. Sustained UPR activation has been implicated in various diseases, and this research aims to understand how diseased cells adapt stress response networks to survive.

Why the bar needs to be raised for human clinical trials

Researchers argue that lax standards in human clinical trials lead to ineffective therapies and wasted resources, causing financial burdens on society. The researchers propose measures to strengthen standards, including requiring negative results from animal studies and independent expert vetting.

Action is needed to make stagnant CO2 emissions fall

Global carbon dioxide emissions have remained steady for three years, but a new study urges accelerated deployment of carbon capture technologies and increased renewables to meet the Paris Agreement's goals. The researchers predict that the rollout of carbon capture and storage will be crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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.

Scientists illuminate the neurons of social attraction

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found a cluster of sex-hormone-sensitive neurons in the mouse hypothalamus that induce attraction to the opposite sex. The study's findings may also be relevant to certain psychiatric illnesses.

Cosmic dust that formed our planets traced to giant stars

Researchers solved a long-standing puzzle about the source of key stardust grains, which formed before our Solar System and can be recovered from meteorites. The study identifies Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars as the producers of these grains, shedding light on nuclear processes inside stars that led to their formation.

Researchers develop wearable, low-cost sensor to measure skin hydration

Researchers developed a wearable sensor to monitor skin hydration in real-time, tracking health risks and improving safety for military personnel, athletes, and older adults. The low-cost sensor uses conductive silver nanowires to detect changes in skin electric properties based on hydration levels.

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.

Model shows female beauty isn't just sex appeal

A mathematical modeling study suggests that female beauty in animals may be driven by factors beyond romantic attraction. In some species, traits like red-tipped claws or feathery fringes on legs help females compete for resources such as social status or protection.

What primary care providers should know about diabetic neuropathy

The American Diabetes Association and Michigan Medicine have released updated guidelines for the prevention, treatment, and management of diabetic neuropathy. The guidelines provide recommendations for primary care physicians on preventing this complication and suggest guidelines to manage and treat each form of diabetic neuropathy. Th...

Shootings in US schools are linked to increased unemployment

A Northwestern University study of 25 years of data reveals a persistent connection between economic insecurity and the rate of gun violence at US schools. The researchers found that periods of heightened unemployment are associated with an increased risk of school shootings.

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.