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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 31


Page 31 of 35

NIH-sponsored expert panel issues clinical guidelines to prevent peanut allergy

A new set of clinical guidelines aims to prevent the development of peanut allergy in infants by introducing peanut-containing foods early. The recommendations focus on high-risk infants, suggesting introduction between 4-6 months, and those with mild eczema, around 6 months.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateJan 5, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2017

Radar reveals meltwater's year-round life under Greenland ice

A new study uses airborne ice-penetrating radar to observe meltwater's year-round life under the Greenland ice. The research reveals extensive winter water storage beneath the ice, which affects glaciers' response to melting.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 5, 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.

Changing Antarctic waters could trigger steep rise in sea levels

Researchers found that Antarctic ocean temperatures became more layered, leading to coastal melting of ice sheets. This stratification is now happening again due to global warming, potentially triggering a three-meter rise in global sea levels.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 2017
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.

New research predicts the future of coral reefs under climate change

Coral reefs face severe bleaching every year on 99% of the world's reefs within this century if current trends continue. However, more ambitious emissions reductions may extend their survival by an average of 11 years.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 2017

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Gastric bypass helps severely obese teenagers maintain weight loss over long term

Severely obese teenagers who undergo gastric bypass surgery experience significant weight loss and improved health outcomes, including reduced diabetes and high cholesterol risks. However, some patients may need additional surgery or develop vitamin deficiencies, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up and support.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 5, 2017

Pollutants in the Arctic environment are threatening polar bear health

A new analysis reveals that polar bears are at risk from Arctic pollutants, with the risk being 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than safety thresholds. International control measures have reduced risks for bear cubs, but new contaminants pose a growing threat to the ecosystem.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJan 5, 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.

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.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2017

Lung cancer patients may benefit from delayed chemotherapy after surgery

A new Yale study suggests that delaying chemotherapy after lung cancer surgery can lead to similar outcomes and lower risk of death. The research found that initiation between 57-127 days post-surgery had a similar impact as traditional timing, indicating a potential benefit for patients.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 5, 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.

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.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateJan 5, 2017

New apps designed to reduce depression and anxiety as easily as checking your phone

A new Northwestern University study found that 13 speedy mini-apps, IntelliCare, significantly reduced depression and anxiety in participants who used them up to four times a day. The apps offer various exercises and strategies to improve mental well-being, resulting in a 50% decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 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.

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.

SourceMathematical Association of America·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateJan 5, 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.

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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceMathematical Association of America·DateJan 5, 2017
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJan 5, 2017

New model shows companies how to tailor call center service to different customer types

A new study provides an integrated marketing-operations framework to help companies design more effective service policies for their call centers. The framework considers the flow of customers through the call center and their subsequent behavior, allowing companies to design different service levels for various customer types.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceNesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 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.

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.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 5, 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.

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.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateJan 5, 2017

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.

SourceWiley·JournalNutrition Bulletin·DateJan 5, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

HKU biologist reveals important role cities play in conservation of threatened species

A recent study finds that urban centers like Hong Kong can play a crucial role in conserving globally threatened species. Introduced populations of these species have been thriving outside their native habitats, providing an opportunity to augment declining populations in their native ranges and mitigate threats to local ecosystems.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJan 4, 2017

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 4, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2017

Innovative technique to examine blood vessels in 3-D help unlock secrets of the brain

Scientists have developed a new technique to examine blood vessels in the brain using 3D Image Analysis, allowing for greater understanding of how diseases like dementia, brain cancer, and stroke affect veins and capillaries. This innovative method could help identify early warning signs of these illnesses, potentially saving lives.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateJan 4, 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.

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJapanese Psychological Research·DateJan 4, 2017

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.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2017