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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 2


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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 31, 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.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2017

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 31, 2017
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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJan 31, 2017

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateJan 31, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

European experts highlight the potential of xenografts in personalized oncology

The EurOPDX consortium develops patient-derived xenografts to replicate tumor behavior in mice, enabling personalized medicine and drug assessment. Researchers aim to validate multicentric preclinical studies using these models, increasing the efficiency of cancer research and treatment.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateJan 31, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceOptica·DateJan 31, 2017

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.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 31, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalStructural Dynamics·DateJan 31, 2017
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 31, 2017

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.

SourceYork University·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·DateJan 31, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 31, 2017
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.

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.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2017

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.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2017

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 31, 2017
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.

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.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Kent·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

Very low levels of bad cholesterol well-tolerated in heart disease patients

Researchers found that very low levels of LDL cholesterol did not lead to adverse events like memory impairment or nervous system disorders in heart disease patients taking PCSK9 inhibitors. However, there was an increased incidence of cataracts in patients with LDL levels below 25mg/dL.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 30, 2017
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.

Colorado's wildfire-stricken forests showing limited recovery

A new study found that Colorado's wildfire-stricken forests are not regenerating as expected, with only 2-38% of plots showing abundant regeneration. Climate change is expected to hinder further recovery, particularly in hotter and drier areas.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEcosphere·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateJan 30, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 30, 2017

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...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 30, 2017
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.

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.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalBrain·DateJan 30, 2017

Smoke-free policy cuts nicotine detected in Philadelphia public housing in half: Study

A study led by Drexel University found that Philadelphia's smoke-free policy reduced nicotine levels in the air by nearly half, benefiting all residents including children and chronically ill individuals. The policy change has significant implications for public housing communities where secondhand smoke exposure is a major concern.

SourceDrexel University·JournalTobacco Regulatory Science·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 30, 2017
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 30, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Genomic tools for species discovery inflate estimates of species numbers, U-Michigan biologists contend

A new study from University of Michigan biologists found that genomic tools can lead to inflated diversity estimates by misidentifying normal genetic variation as species boundaries. The multispecies coalescent model, widely used for quick species determination, overestimates species numbers five to 13 times higher than true numbers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateJan 30, 2017

Silencing cancer cell communication may reduce the growth of tumors

A study found that inhibiting CCR4 in a mouse model of renal cell carcinoma reduced tumor proliferation and changed the composition of immune cells. The results suggest anti-CCR4 antibodies as a potential therapeutic for multiple cancers linked to abnormal CCR4 expression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 30, 2017
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.

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalEvolution·DateJan 30, 2017

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...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJan 30, 2017

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 30, 2017

Penn/CHOP study helps inform interventions for global road traffic injury crisis

A Penn/CHOP study investigates employee perceptions of road risks and strategies to reduce road traffic injuries in India. The research highlights the need for balancing local prevention efforts with an overarching, evidence-based corporate approach to protect employees.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalInternational Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion·DateJan 30, 2017
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.