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Science News Archive January 2017


Page 31 of 35

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.

High-tech mooring will measure beneath Antarctic ice

A VIMS research team has deployed a high-tech mooring beneath the Antarctic ice to monitor CO2 levels in the Southern Ocean year-round. The study aims to improve understanding of global climate change and its impacts on marine life.

One part of the brain unexpectedly continues to grow in adulthood

A new study reveals that the brain region responsible for face recognition continues to grow in adulthood, contradicting the prevailing view of synaptic pruning as a key factor in brain development. The growth is linked to an increase in cell bodies, dendritic structures, and myelin sheath.

Chemotherapy effectiveness and initiation time after lung cancer surgery

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that chemotherapy can still benefit patients with non-small-cell lung cancer who recover slowly from surgery. The study found that delaying chemotherapy by up to four months did not increase the risk of death and may even lower it compared to earlier treatment.

Ignition interlock laws reduce alcohol-involved fatal crashes

Mandatory ignition interlock laws are effective in reducing alcohol-involved fatal crashes, preventing approximately 1,250 fatalities. States with such laws have seen a seven percent decrease in the rate of fatal crashes with at least one driver having a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.

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.

Measuring trees with the speed of sound

A team of researchers developed a non-invasive method to detect and quantify wood decay in living trees, which can help understand global carbon pools and tree health. The sonic tomography technology uses sound waves to image the trunk, allowing for the creation of color-coded images of decaying wood.

Physical activity reduces heart disease deaths for older adults

A recent study found that moderate and high levels of physical activity are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and death from all causes among older adults. Exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight, lowers blood pressure, and improves the ratio of unhealthy to healthy cholesterol in the body.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Deepest X-ray image ever reveals black hole treasure trove

A team of astronomers led by Penn State's Niel Brandt has captured the deepest X-ray image ever obtained, revealing a treasure trove of supermassive black holes. The image, taken with Chandra observing time of about 11 weeks, shows that these massive objects grow in bursts rather than slowly accumulating matter.

Arctic sea ice loss impacts beluga whale migration

A new study finds that beluga whales in Alaska are mirroring changes in Arctic sea ice timing, delaying their migration south by up to one month. However, another population remains unaffected by these changes, suggesting variability in response across populations and time.

Genetics play a significant role in immunity, new research finds

A study published in Nature Communications found that nearly three quarters of immune traits are genetically determined, with adaptive responses being more influenced by genetics than previously thought. The research also highlights the importance of environmental factors such as diet on shaping innate immunity in adult life.

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.

Hong Kong hosts more than a quarter of all marine species recorded in China

A comprehensive study on Hong Kong's marine biodiversity reveals the territory is home to over 26% of China's recorded marine species, comparable to regions like the Caribbean Sea and East Africa. The research highlights the importance of conserving marine habitats in Hong Kong, with only 2% currently protected.

Cancer death rate has dropped 25 percent since 1991 peak

The cancer death rate has decreased by 25% since its peak in 1991, resulting in 2.1 million fewer cancer deaths between 1991 and 2014. The decline is largely driven by reductions in smoking and improvements in early detection and treatment.

Salk scientists crack the structure of HIV machinery

Researchers have solved the atomic structure of HIV's intasome, a key piece of machinery that integrates virus into human DNA. The discovery provides structural clues informing the development of new HIV drugs and sheds light on mechanisms of viral resistance.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mathematical papers and service honored at Joint Mathematics Meetings

The Mathematical Association of America honored Martha J. Siegel, Mark F. Schilling, and Robert D. Hough with prestigious awards for distinguished service and exemplary writing at the Joint Mathematics Meeting. The MAA recognized their contributions to advancing mathematical research and strengthening the community.

Mouse model points to potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the 12/15-lipoxygenase enzyme, which is elevated in patients with the condition. The study found that this inhibitor reverses cognitive decline and neuropathology in an AD mouse model, even after symptoms have already developed.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Alarming levels of hypertension found in the general public

A new study reveals that 50% of Canadians are unaware they have high blood pressure, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education on managing the condition. Researchers also found a significant number of participants experienced hypertensive urgency or emergency, emphasizing the importance of proper management.

TSRI researchers discover surprising process behind sense of touch

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that lipid rafts on cell surfaces act as compartments to keep enzymes from mixing with their binding partners. Disrupting these rafts through touch triggers a signal that communicates the touch to responsive proteins in the cell.

Off-grid power in remote areas will require special business model to succeed

A new study suggests that off-grid solar energy can have significant economic benefits for people living in remote areas, but requires a special business model to succeed. Successful business models include community interaction, partnerships, local capacity building and addressing barriers unique to the off-grid market.

Hot weather not to blame for Salmonella on egg farms

Researchers found no direct association between hot weather and increased Salmonella prevalence at free range egg production farms. The study emphasizes the critical role of hand hygiene in reducing food poisoning from eggs.

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.

Authors of year's best books in mathematics honored

Ian Stewart won the MAA Euler Book Prize for his book In Pursuit of the Unknown, a journey through equations that shaped history. Tim Chartier received the Beckenbach Book Prize for his book When Life is Linear, which brings linear algebra alive in everyday life.

Anemia protects African children against malaria

Researchers found that iron deficiency anemia reduces the risk of malaria by 16% in African children, compared to sickle-cell trait, which only reduces it by 4%. Iron supplementation reverses this protection, increasing the risk of P. falciparum malaria.

Density functional theory took a wrong turn recently

Recent studies in density functional theory (DFT) have raised concerns about the accuracy of approximations used in computational chemistry. Researchers found that even with improved energy calculations, the quality of electron density simulations worsened over time. This contradiction highlights a fundamental flaw in DFT's approach.

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.

Immune cell therapy shows promising results for lymphoma patients

The phase I trial of CAR-T therapy with axicabtagene ciloleucel resulted in a durable complete remission rate of 43% among highly refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients. The treatment showed promising clinical activity, with an overall response rate of 71%, and manageable toxicity.

Are tiny grazers the new hope for Caribbean reefs?

Researchers found small algae-grazing sea urchins and parrotfish may take the place of larger grazers to prevent algae from overgrowing reefs. These tiny organisms, comprising up to 95% of grazing biomass, can preempt shifts from coral to algae on degraded reefs.

Harmonization needed!

A review in Angewandte Chemie emphasizes the importance of standardized analytic protocols to accurately assess microplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems. The authors propose a list of nine arguments for harmonized methods, including improved sampling and processing techniques, to ensure reliable data and inform risk assessments.

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.

Stanford study shows development of face recognition entails brain tissue growth

A Stanford study suggests that the development of face recognition entails brain tissue growth, particularly in regions that distinguish faces from other objects. The research found microscopic tissue growth in these regions, which continues into adulthood and contributes to the differences between face and place recognition areas.

Research sheds new light on high-altitude settlement in Tibet

New research published in Science suggests that humans established permanent settlements on the Tibetan Plateau around 7,400 years ago. The findings contradict previous estimates of 5,200 years ago, and are consistent with genetic adaptations to high-altitude environments dating back at least 8,000 years.

Animal study shows harmful effects of secondhand smoke even before pregnancy

Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke even before conception appears to impair fetal brain development throughout pregnancy, damaging regions involved in learning and memory. The impact was most severe with exposures occurring in late gestation, but adverse effects also occurred when mothers were exposed prior to conception.

Foods rich in resistant starch may benefit health

A new review examines the potential health benefits of resistant starch, a form of starch not digested in the small intestine. It has been linked to improved blood sugar control and enhanced gut health through increased production of short-chain fatty acids.

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.

Women as decorative accessories: Keep silent or take a stance?

A recent study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that awareness campaigns targeting women can be a powerful tool to encourage collective action against female sexual objectification. The research revealed that watching a critique video clip increased women's willingness to support protests, whereas men showed no such effect.

More frequent hurricanes not necessarily stronger on Atlantic coast

A new study published in Nature finds that hurricanes approaching the US coast are more likely to intensify during less active Atlantic periods, contradicting previous assumptions about hurricane behavior. This discovery suggests that coastal regions may be better protected by quieter periods in the basin.

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.

Who gets most distracted by cell phones?

Researchers found that cell phones distract individuals with lower internet usage, impairing attention and judgment. Heavy internet users, however, use mobile phones as spatial cues to enhance visual search.

Precise location, distance provide breakthrough in study of fast radio bursts

Researchers have pinpointed the location in the sky of a Fast Radio Burst (FRB), allowing them to determine the distance and home galaxy of one of these mysterious pulses of radio waves. The precise location enables observations using multiple telescopes, which revealed a faint dwarf galaxy at the location of the bursts.