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Science News Archive January 2017


Page 21 of 35

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Light source discovery 'challenges basic assumption' of physics

Scientists at the University of Strathclyde discovered a way to create narrowband radiation with high efficiency, challenging a fundamental understanding of electromagnetic radiation. This breakthrough has significant implications for materials science and medical treatments.

Metastatic pancreatic cancer 'reprogrammed' for malignancy

A Vanderbilt-led study identifies a compound that can reverse the malignant reprogramming of metastatic pancreatic cancer cells. The research found that distant metastases undergo massive epigenetic changes that enable tumor formation, but these changes can be reversed with the inhibition of phosphogluconate dehydrogenase enzyme.

Maternal micronutrients, nurturing environment boost child development

A new study published in Lancet Global Health found that maternal micronutrient supplements during pregnancy significantly boost child development and cognitive ability. The research also highlights the importance of a strong nurturing environment, home conditions, and parental education in shaping a child's intellectual abilities.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Common crop chemical leaves bees susceptible to deadly viruses

A widely used crop chemical, Sylgard 309, increases the susceptibility of honey bee larvae to a deadly virus, Black Queen Cell Virus. This finding suggests that exposure to organosilicone adjuvants negatively influences immunity in honey bee larvae, resulting in enhanced pathogenicity and mortality.

Study applies game theory to genomic privacy

A new study from Vanderbilt University uses game theory to simulate re-identification risks and strikes an optimal balance between data sharing and privacy. The approach compares various data sharing policies in terms of risk and scientific utility, providing a more realistic estimate of the risk.

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.

Retail therapy for jealous partners

Researchers found that feelings of jealousy increase the desire for products that will attract someone's attention. Participants who were experiencing jealousy opted to buy eye-catching products even in public, indicating a strong motivation to regain their partner's focus.

Protein research: The computer as microscope

Using infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations, researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum discovered a magnesium atom contributes significantly to switching G-proteins on and off. This finding has implications for understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted drugs.

Frankly, do we give a damn...?

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that people who frequently curse are less likely to be associated with lying and deception. The research also showed that those who use more profanity tend to use language patterns related to honesty, such as using pronouns like 'I' and 'me'.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Key cardiovascular risk factors for Chinese Australians uncovered

Diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity are identified as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Chinese Australians. The study found a 25% higher prevalence of diabetes, a 22% higher prevalence of smoking, and a 45% higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to non-Chinese Australians.

Seeing the quantum future... literally

Researchers from the University of Sydney have demonstrated a technique to predict and prevent the randomization of quantum systems, or decoherence, which destroys their useful quantum character. This achievement could help bring powerful quantum technology closer to reality.

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.

Diversification key to resilient fishing communities

Researchers found that well-diversified fishing communities in Alaska experienced little change in revenue despite fluctuations in fish abundance and market prices. Communities with high diversity were able to shift to different fisheries, increasing their revenue streams.

A chemical-biological strategy for microRNA target identification

Researchers have developed a chemical-biological strategy for microRNA target identification using photo-clickable miRNAs. This approach enables the identification of target genes associated with miRNAs without disrupting their function, revealing new insights into miRNA-involved cellular regulation pathways.

Thinking of changing your behavior in 2017? Try moving first

Researchers found that people who recently moved were more likely to make changes to their behaviors, such as reducing energy and water use, commuting choices, and waste management. This study suggests that changing one aspect of life, like moving, can lead to broader positive changes.

Adaptive management of soil conservation is essential to improving water quality

A new study found that increased levels of soluble phosphorus in rivers entering Lake Erie may be linked to conservation measures, despite their success in reducing soil erosion and nutrient losses. The research highlights the need for adaptive management approaches to tackle both soluble and particulate phosphorus losses from farmland.

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.

3-D scans for the automotive industry

The automotive industry is shifting towards more frequent model changes and smaller volumes, requiring increased flexibility in production. Researchers are using 3D scans to generate virtual three-dimensional images of production facilities, simulating how to convert lines for new models.

MIA transport protein no longer missing in action

Researchers at John Innes Centre identify CrNPF2.9 as key transporter of strictosidine, a central intermediate in monoterpene indole alkaloid biosynthesis; this discovery sheds light on the pathway of MIA compounds produced in the plant.

Teens unlikely to be harmed by moderate digital screen use

A new study of over 120,000 UK teens found that moderate digital screen use is not linked to negative effects on well-being. The researchers suggest a 'digital sweet spot' where screen time benefits teens by providing opportunities for social connections and skills. However, excessive engagement may displace important activities.

Sensory stimuli control dopamine in the brain

A study by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Driever and his team discovered that specific tactile and visual stimuli activate dopaminergic nerve cells in the forebrain, affecting brain function and basic behaviour. This finding could lead to new treatments for conditions like restless leg syndrome.

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.

Hubble gazes into a black hole of puzzling lightness

The galaxy RX J1140.1+0307 has a supermassive black hole with one of the lowest known masses, yet its emission spectrum cannot be explained by current models. Scientists believe other mechanisms are at play in the interactions between the inner and outer parts of the accretion disk surrounding the black hole.

Exeter research helps protect loggerhead turtles

Researchers from the University of Exeter have tagged and tracked hundreds of loggerhead turtles in Greece to study their migration patterns. The results show most turtles come from nesting populations within 125 miles, but one female traveled over 1,000 miles to breed in Turkey and Syria.

How the darkness and the cold killed the dinosaurs

The study reveals that sulfuric acid droplets formed after the asteroid impact caused long-lasting cooling, which likely contributed to the death of land-living dinosaurs. Marine ecosystems were also severely affected by the ocean circulation disturbances caused by surface cooling.

Nigeria: Clean-burning stoves improve health for new mothers

A clinical trial in Nigeria replaced biomass and kerosene cookstoves with ethanol stoves, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in pregnant women. The study found a significant decrease in high blood pressure among women who cooked with ethanol, with risks reduced by 97% compared to those using traditional...

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.

Children gain more weight when parents see them as 'overweight'

A study found that children perceived as 'overweight' by parents tend to gain more weight over time, possibly due to negative self-image and attempts to lose weight. The association was seen in both Australian and Irish families, with the link not explained by other factors.

Researchers develop environmentally friendly soy air filter

The new soy-based filter can capture nearly all pollutants, including small particles and hazardous gaseous molecules. The biodegradable material is cost-effective and has the potential to improve indoor air quality, particularly in regions with poor air quality.

Reducing the radioresistance of cancer

Researchers at Kumamoto University find that interleukin-6 (IL-6) helps cancer cells survive radiation therapy by suppressing oxidative stress through the Nrf2-antioxidant pathway. This discovery offers new potential therapies targeting IL-6 to combat radioresistant cancers.

Biofuel matchmaker: Finding the perfect algae for renewable energy

A new collaborative project is using a unique climate-simulating laboratory system to quickly identify promising algae strains for renewable fuels. The Algae DISCOVR Project aims to reduce the cost and time needed to move promising algal strains from the laboratory to production.

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.

How to be a winner in the game of evolution

Researchers found that the most successful phyla have a skeleton, live on land, and are parasites. This suggests that traits like having eyes or complex organs may not be primary drivers of species diversification. The study sheds light on why some groups have branched into many species while others remain relatively few.

Pig gene advance could boost sperm stocks from prized animals

Scientists have created male pigs that can produce sperm with the genetic blueprint of sought-after pigs by transplanting stem cells into surrogate animals. This breakthrough could dramatically improve pig farming efficiency and quality, as well as enhance desirable traits like disease resilience.

What makes erionite carcinogenic?

New research suggests that erionite's carcinogenic effect may be caused by its fibrous structure, rather than iron present in accompanying minerals. The mineralogists' findings raise questions about the role of ferrous particles in erionite's toxicity.

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.

The global toll of fetal alcohol syndrome

A study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health estimates that nearly 10% of women drink alcohol during pregnancy worldwide, leading to an estimated 119,000 cases of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome annually. The study also found that nearly 15 people per 10,000 have FAS globally.

Improving the view on the genetic causes of retinitis pigmentosa

Researchers discover mutations in the REEP6 gene as a significant contributor to retinitis pigmentosa, a leading inherited eye disorder. The study identifies seven new cases of patients with tunnel vision and vision loss, shedding light on the genetic basis of this devastating disease.

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.

Common epilepsies share genetic overlap with rare types

Researchers found a significant excess of mutations in five genes previously implicated only in rare forms of epilepsy in individuals with common forms of the disorder. The study identified these genes as contributing to epilepsy risk in approximately 8 percent of people with familial non-acquired focal epilepsy.

Depression as hard on the heart as obesity and cholesterol

A study published in Atherosclerosis journal reveals that depression poses a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases, comparable to high cholesterol levels and obesity. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,400 male patients, finding that depression accounts for roughly 15% of cardiovascular deaths.

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.

Scientists develop new wheat-wheatgrass hybrid

Researchers at Washington State University have created a perennial grain species, Salish Blue, which combines wheat and wheatgrass. This new crop has the potential to improve soil health, reduce waste, and provide sustainable food options for the Pacific Northwest.

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.

Workouts with fewer reps could yield better results

A University of Stirling analysis found that doing fewer repetitions of high-intensity cycle sprints on a bike can lead to greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. The optimal number of repetitions appears to be just two, allowing for shorter workouts without compromising results.

Older, fitter adults experience greater brain activity while learning

Researchers found that older, fitter adults outperformed younger counterparts in memory tasks, with increased brain activity observed in regions typically declining with age. This suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness may contribute to brain maintenance and serve a compensatory role in age-related memory decline.

Sensory stimuli control dopamine in the brain

Researchers at the University of Freiburg discovered that dopamine release is triggered by tactile and visual stimuli in the forebrain, affecting brain function. This finding may lead to new treatments for restless leg syndrome, a condition causing unpleasant sensations during sleep.