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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 25


Page 25 of 35

Stock market fails to predict product performance

A study by Michigan State University found that investors can only accurately predict product performance 48-55% of the time after a preannouncement. Researchers discovered certain conditions, such as detailed and truthful preannouncements in less competitive industries, can improve stock market reactions to preannouncements.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJan 11, 2017

How your cozy fleece could be polluting the ocean

Synthetic microfibers from clothing shed during washing, ending up in surface waters and affecting fish and wildlife. Researchers are working on solutions to reduce microfiber pollution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 11, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Recreating conditions inside stars with compact lasers

Researchers at Colorado State University have successfully recreated the extreme conditions found in stars using compact lasers and ultra-short pulses irradiating nanowires. The experiment achieved pressures surpassing those in the center of our sun, opening a path to studying high-energy density physics.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2017

Pumping iron is good for the heart, UBC researchers show

A UBC study finds that one session of interval weight-training can improve blood vessel function and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes complications. The study demonstrates that simple leg exercises involving weights can be an effective tool to manage disease, especially for those with Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·DateJan 11, 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.

Antidepressant use increases hip fracture risk among elderly

Antidepressant use nearly doubles hip fracture risk among community-dwelling elderly with Alzheimer's, highest risk seen at the start of treatment. The association remains elevated even after adjusting for other fall and fracture risks.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJan 11, 2017

Many insured under the Affordable Care Act miss opportunities for financial assistance

A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that almost one-third of Californians enrolling in individual insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) potentially missed opportunities to receive financial assistance. Enrollees who received certified enrollment counselor assistance were less likely to choose ineligible plans.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 11, 2017

Catching CRISPR in action

University of North Texas researchers used Maverick supercomputer to perform the first all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of Cas9-catalyzed DNA cleavage. The simulations provided insight into the Cas9 enzyme's active state and resolving controversies about its cutting process.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 11, 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.

Researchers find a potential target for anti-Alzheimer's treatments

USP9 gene may provide new starting point for developing active ingredients to treat Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that USP9 has an indirect influence on tau protein, which is believed to play a significant role in the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateJan 11, 2017

Important bio-chemical produced on a large scale by E. coli

Researchers from DTU Biosustain have engineered E. coli cells to produce large amounts of serine, a compound used in detergents and pharmaceuticals. The cells can tolerate high concentrations of serine and produce up to 250-300 grams per kg of sugar added.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateJan 11, 2017

Tumor-seeking salmonella treats brain tumors

Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a new treatment approach using Salmonella bacteria to target glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. The modified bacteria produce anti-tumor compounds that kill cancer cells only in low-oxygen environments, showing promising results in rat models.

SourceDuke University·DateJan 11, 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.

Contrary to decades of hype, curcumin alone is unlikely to boost health

A new review of scientific literature on curcumin finds limited evidence to support its therapeutic benefits for cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The compound is unstable under physiological conditions and not readily absorbed by the body, making it a poor therapeutic candidate.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 11, 2017

New guideline on how to map brain prior to epilepsy surgery

The American Academy of Neurology published a guideline suggesting the use of brain imaging to locate language and memory functions before epilepsy surgery. The guideline found weak evidence for the effectiveness of functional MRI (fMRI) in evaluating language abilities, but moderate evidence for its potential in predicting verbal memo...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 11, 2017

Online dating booming but how much does education matter?

A study by QUT researchers found that online daters tend to contact people with similar education levels, especially as they get older. The research analyzed over 41,000 Australian online dating interactions and revealed that younger men are more likely to choose less-educated partners.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJan 11, 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.

New study examines the health benefits of blue corn

A new study published in Journal of Medicinal Food found that blue maize extract improved systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in rats with metabolic syndrome. The natural antioxidants present in blue maize may help protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateJan 11, 2017

Release of water shakes Pacific Plate at depth

Scientists discovered a seismic belt in the downgoing slab of the Pacific Plate, triggered by the sudden release of water due to temperature changes. The findings suggest that earthquakes occur when the mantle releases its water, which is correlated with the subduction rate and slab temperature.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2017

Should biomedical graduate schools ignore the GRE?

A UNC research team found that GRE scores don't forecast productivity or success in graduate programs within the experimental sciences. The study recommends devaluing or eliminating the GRE from applications for biomedical PhD candidates, citing a stronger correlation between graduation rates and first-author publications.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 11, 2017
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.

NIH scientists repair gene defect in stem cells from patients with rare immunodeficiency

Researchers successfully repaired a defective gene in blood-forming stem cells from patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, suggesting a potential treatment approach. The study used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to correct a specific mutation in the CYBB gene, restoring normal functioning of white blood cells.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 11, 2017

'Gene-silencing' technique is a game-changer for crop protection

Researchers have developed a revolutionary new crop protection technique using gene-silencing technology and nanotechnology to protect plants against pests and diseases. The BioClay spray has been shown to give plants virus protection for at least 20 days following a single application.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 11, 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.

Northeast US temperatures are decades ahead of global average

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst predict that Northeast US temperatures will increase much faster than the global average, reaching a 2-degrees Celsius warming target about 20 years earlier. The study finds regional variations in climate change impacts, including wetter winters and drier summers.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 11, 2017
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.

Using E. coli to detect hormone disruptors in the environment

Researchers developed a portable sensor using engineered E. coli bacteria to detect environmentally relevant concentrations of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The device can determine concentrations of known EDCs individually and overall mixtures in minutes, offering a cost-effective solution for detecting hormone disruptors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 11, 2017

The moon is older than scientists thought, UCLA-led research team reports

A UCLA-led research team has reported the moon's age to be at least 4.51 billion years old, with a range of 40 million to 140 million years older than previously believed. The findings were made using mineral analysis of zircons brought back by the Apollo 14 mission in 1971.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2017
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.

First look inside nanoscale catalysts shows 'defects' are useful

Researchers directly observed how metallic nanoparticles activate catalytic processes by identifying defect sites on the surface of single particles. These findings validate a longstanding hypothesis and provide insights into controlling catalyst reactivity.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·DateJan 11, 2017

Incentive pay schemes can affect employee well-being

A new study found that only performance-related pay had a positive impact on employee attitudes such as job satisfaction and commitment. However, profit-related pay and employee share-ownership had mixed effects, with negative impacts on job satisfaction and no significant effects on commitment and trust in management.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalHuman Resource Management·DateJan 11, 2017

'Weak measurement' with strong results

A research team at TU Wien developed a new method that combines strong measurements with weak measurements to reconstruct quantum states. This approach allows for higher precision and accuracy in determining the quantum state, reducing the need for post-processing.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 11, 2017

Hubble's front row seat when galaxies collide

Astronomers observe IRAS 14348-1447, a gas-rich spiral galaxy merger, showcasing intense gravitational interactions. The galaxy's extreme infrared emission is fueled by massive molecular gas reserves.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2017

Landmark study defines normal ranges for testosterone levels

A large study of over 9,000 men has established harmonized reference ranges for total testosterone, enabling clinicians to diagnose hypogonadism correctly. The normal range for testosterone in non-obese European and American men between 19-39 years is 264-916 ng/dL.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 10, 2017
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.

First study to show parents' concerns about neighborhood restrict kids' outdoor play

A new study by LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health shows that parents' concerns about their neighborhood restrict their children's outdoor play. Parents who do not trust their neighbors or feel they have no control over neighborhood problems are more likely to limit their child's physical activity.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 10, 2017

New technology will cut plug-in hybrid fuel consumption by one third

Researchers at UC Riverside developed an innovative energy management system for plug-in hybrids, cutting fuel consumption by over 30% through real-time data analysis. The system combines connected vehicle technology and evolutionary algorithms to optimize power split between engine and battery, achieving greater efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateJan 10, 2017

Zeroing in on the true nature of fluids within nanocapillaries

A group of researchers at the French National Center for Scientific Research discovered a peculiar state of miscible fluids contained within nanochannels. This phenomenon, known as 'microphase separation,' reveals that binary fluids can form unique homogenous liquid phases only at the microscopic scale.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 10, 2017
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.

More individual therapy for blood cancer patients

Researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt discovered a novel biomarker, SAMHD1, that enables accurate prediction of therapy responders and non-responders in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. This biomarker can guide cytarabine-based chemotherapies to only those patients likely to respond, sparing others from toxic side effects.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 10, 2017

Nothing fishy about better nutrition for mums and babies

A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that adding thiamin to fish sauce improves blood markers of thiamin status, making it a potential means of preventing thiamin deficiency in Cambodia. Thiamin deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including beriberi, which is often fatal in infants if left untreated.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 10, 2017

No silver bullet to beating obesity, study finds

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology finds that poverty is a major contributor to obesity, particularly for individuals with a high genetic risk. The research used data from 120,000 individuals and suggests that targeting specific behaviors or environments may not be an effective solution to reducing obesity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJan 10, 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.

UMD researchers share optimistic vision for Paris Climate Agreement

Scientists at UMD developed an empirical model of global climate to analyze the Paris Agreement, suggesting countries can limit warming if they achieve pledged greenhouse gas reductions. The book, Paris Climate Agreement: Beacon of Hope, recommends a transition to renewable energy by 2060 to meet the RCP 4.5 scenario.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateJan 10, 2017

Pretty in pink: Some algae like it cold

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati studied pink snow algae growing on volcanic terrains in the Pacific Northwest, finding it can lower albedo and increase surface melting. The study suggests atmospheric sources of ammonia and nitrate may be driving the growth and survival of these algae.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalGeobiology·DateJan 10, 2017

The importance of making friends fast -- when you're an immigrant

A Concordia University research team found that immigrants' positive orientation toward their new culture is key to forming friendships and social engagement. The study suggests that investing resources in supporting newcomers at the beginning of their integration journey can improve their chances of successful integration.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJan 10, 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.

Bacterial Pac Man molecule snaps at sugar

Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that uses a Pac Man-like chewing motion to grab and hold onto sugar molecules, allowing pathogens to evade the immune system. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapeutics targeting this protein.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 10, 2017

Antioxidant may protect offspring of obese mothers from fatty liver disease

New research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) may prevent the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in offspring. PQQ, a naturally occurring antioxidant found in soil and foods, was shown to protect against liver damage and inflammation in mice fed high-fat diets.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 10, 2017

Dual-purpose biofuel crops could extend production, increase profits

Recent research suggests that dual-purpose biofuel crops like sugarcane and sweet sorghum can produce both ethanol and biodiesel for nine months of the year, increasing profits. This technology has the potential to decrease capital utilization costs and increase annual biofuel production by 20-30%.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalIndustrial Biotechnology·DateJan 10, 2017
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.