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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 5


Page 5 of 35

New techniques allow greater control of smartwatches

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed new ways to interact with smartwatches, including scrolling through apps with finger gestures on the watch band and rejecting phone calls by blowing on the screen. These techniques use existing technology such as gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, making them more accessible an...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 27, 2017

Bacteria in the cervix may be key to understanding premature birth

A new study reveals that certain bacteria in the cervix and vagina may increase or decrease the risk of premature birth. Researchers found that some species, such as bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, lower the risk, while others, like anaerobic bacteria, significantly increase it.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJan 27, 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.

Diverse natural fatty acids follow 'Golden Mean'

Researchers at the University of Jena discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids have a predictable number of structural formulas based on their chain length, following the Fibonacci sequence. This discovery enables accurate analytical processes in lipidomics, the study of all fats in cells and organisms.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 27, 2017

Researchers develop label-free technique to image microtubules

The study uses label-free spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM) to image single microtubule dynamics without added dyes or stains. This allows for long-term imaging of cells, enabling the monitoring of protein movement and consumption of ATP.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 27, 2017

The link between growth of retail-based clinics & nurse practitioner scope-of-practice reform

A University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing study finds that retail-based clinic growth is linked to scope-of-practice reform for nurse practitioners in states like Pennsylvania. The reform led to increased accessibility and convenience for patients, as nurse practitioners were able to provide a wider range of services

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNursing Outlook·DateJan 27, 2017

Absorbing electromagnetic energy while avoiding the heat

Electrical engineers at Duke University have created a metal-free metamaterial that can absorb electromagnetic energy, opening doors for applications in imaging, sensing, and lighting. The device's ability to absorb energy without heating up has direct implications for thermal imaging devices and efficient lighting systems.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA studies cosmic radiation to protect high-altitude travelers

NASA's Radiation Dosimetry Experiment reveals steady increase in cosmic radiation rate higher in the atmosphere, contrary to particle concentration. The findings will improve space weather models and develop real-time instruments for safe flight operations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalSpace Weather·DateJan 27, 2017

Clue to how cancer cells spread

A Yale-led research team found that a melanoma cell and a white blood cell can fuse to form a hybrid with the ability to metastasize, providing insight into how cancer spreads from solid tumors.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 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.

A way out of the junk-food eating cycle

Researchers used lab rats to demonstrate how environments shape eating habits, finding that pairing junk food with specific sound cues can reverse habitual behavior. Simple interventions like reminders or interrupting automatic processing of junk-food cues may also be effective in stymieing unhealthy food consumption.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateJan 27, 2017

Finding credibility clues on Twitter

Researchers found that booster words like 'undeniable' and positive emotion terms are viewed as highly credible, while hedge words and mocking terms are seen as less credible. The study also showed a correlation between longer message lengths and higher credibility scores.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 27, 2017

Rebalancing gut microbiome lengthens survival in mouse model of ALS

Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine found that butyrate corrected a gut microbiome imbalance and reduced gut leakiness in mice with ALS. The treated mice lived longer than control mice and showed improved neuromuscular function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalClinical Therapeutics·DateJan 27, 2017

Oral devices reduce sleep apnea but may not affect heart disease risk factors

A randomized controlled trial found that oral appliances significantly improved sleep quality and symptoms in patients with severe sleep apnea, but had no effect on endothelial function or blood pressure. The study suggests further research is needed to determine the impact of oral devices on cardiovascular health.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 27, 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.

Where the wild things are

Researchers at Colorado State University challenged traditional theories by showing that evolutionary changes influence organism movement during range expansion. Using flour beetles, they found shuffled populations moved more slowly and predictably than structured ones.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2017

Unexpected result: Ocean acidification can also promote shell formation

Foraminifera, tiny unicellular organisms, produce better shells in acidic water due to a self-regulating biochemical mechanism. This discovery challenges the prevailing theory and could lead to increased CO2 levels in oceans, resulting in more rapid global warming.

SourceNIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2017

Rapid trait evolution crucial to species growth, CU Boulder study finds

A CU Boulder-led study found that rapid evolution at species habitat edges can drive population expansions, providing insight into climate change and invasive species encroachment. The study used red flour beetles and demonstrated that populations allowed to evolve independently at the edge spread 6% faster on average.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 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.

TSRI scientists find brain hormone that triggers fat burning

Researchers at TSRI identified a brain hormone called FLP-7 that stimulates fat metabolism without affecting food intake. By studying roundworms and visualizing the hormone in living animals, they found a direct link between serotonin levels in the brain and FLP-7 production, which triggers fat burning in the gut.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2017

Nordic countries are bringing about an energy transition worth copying

The Nordic countries' energy transition, driven by cities and municipalities, has achieved significant success with 83% of electricity generation coming from low-carbon sources. The study highlights the importance of trade and interconnection with Europe to reach energy targets, as well as the need for coordinated grid development and ...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEnergy Policy·DateJan 27, 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.

New 'needle-pulse' beam pattern packs a punch

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new beam pattern, dubbed the 'needle-pulse' beam, which can create incredibly thin and intense beams that expand outward again after a mere nanosecond. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize fields such as ultrasound, radar, and microscopy.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 27, 2017

PPPL scientist uncovers physics behind plasma-etching process

Physicist Igor Kaganovich and collaborators discovered the physics driving plasma etching, a technique powering electronic devices. The research found that electrically charged gas plasma enhances etching efficiency by creating strong plasma waves.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJan 27, 2017

Toxic mercury in aquatic life could spike with greater land runoff

A new study by Rutgers University and others found that climate change could lead to a 300-600% increase in toxic mercury levels in zooplankton, tiny animals at the base of the marine food chain. This would have significant implications for fish consumption advisories aimed at protecting human health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 27, 2017

Research suggests way to improve stroke treatments

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered a potential way to reduce complications from blood clot removal during stroke treatment. By targeting the plasma kallikrein protein, they aim to increase the efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy while minimizing bleeding and swelling.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalBlood·DateJan 27, 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.

Novel risk genes for bipolar disorder

Researchers have discovered two novel genetic risk factors for bipolar disorder, FADS1 and FADS2, which play a crucial role in lipid metabolism. These findings support the notion that lipid abnormalities may contribute to the development of BD.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 26, 2017

New peptide could improve treatment for vision-threatening disease

Researchers develop a new peptide that suppresses abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye, causing regression of established vessels. The peptide lasts longer than current treatments, potentially requiring only annual injections instead of monthly ones.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 26, 2017

Sexson receives top educator award from American Psychiatric Association

Dr. Sandra B. Sexson, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist, has received the Vestermark Psychiatry Educator Award for her leadership and creativity in psychiatric education. She is recognized for her 40-year dedication to advancing the field of psychiatry through various academic and professional roles.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 26, 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.

Researchers list reasons not to lick a toad

A comprehensive review of Bufonidae family compounds reveals their largely unexplored potential for new drug discovery. The study highlights the critical need for conservation efforts due to declining amphibian populations.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Ethnopharmacology·DateJan 26, 2017

US deaths from diabetes significantly underestimated, analysis shows

A new analysis published in PLOS ONE found that the proportion of US deaths attributable to diabetes is as high as 12%, three times higher than estimates based on death certificates. Diabetes was estimated to be the third leading cause of death in the US in 2010, after heart disease and malignant neoplasms.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 26, 2017

Earth's orbital variations and sea ice synch glacial periods

A new study by Brown University researchers shows that the 100,000-year orbital cycle and the 21,000-year precession cycle work together to drive the glacial cycle. The team found that sea ice in the Southern Hemisphere plays a crucial role in modulating the effects of precession on global temperature, leading to an expansion of sea ic...

SourceBrown University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 26, 2017

Sound waves create whirlpools to round up tiny signs of disease

Researchers at Duke University have developed a tiny device that uses sound waves to create whirlpools to gather proteins and other biomarkers from blood, urine or saliva samples. This innovative technology has the potential to form the basis of a small, inexpensive point-of-care device for early disease diagnosis.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 26, 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.

New gene-delivery therapy restores partial hearing, balance in deaf mice

Scientists at Harvard Medical School have developed a new gene-delivery therapy that successfully restores partial hearing and balance in mice born with genetic hearing loss. The treatment uses a modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) wrapped in protective bubbles to penetrate hair cells, which are notoriously difficult to treat.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 26, 2017

Professors Ateshian and Myers win ASME honors for bioengineering research

Professors Ateshian and Myers have made significant contributions to the fields of cartilage mechanics and soft tissue biomechanics. Ateshian's work focuses on developing better modalities for osteoarthritis treatment, while Myers studies the mechanics of the uterus and cervix to prevent premature births.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 26, 2017

LSD alters perception via serotonin receptors

Researchers discovered LSD alters perception by stimulating serotonin 2A receptors in the brain. This finding may lead to new courses of treatment for psychiatric disorders like depression, addictions, and phobias by enhancing personal relevance.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 26, 2017

Make tomatoes flavorful again

Genetic analysis reveals dozens of chemical compounds associated with tomato flavor that have been lost in modern varieties. Selection for size and firmness has led to a reduction in sweetness and flavor content, highlighting the need to reintroduce flavor-infusing genes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 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.

Antioxidants get small

Researchers at Rice University have created single-molecule compounds that quench damaging reactive oxygen species, offering a new basis for antioxidant therapies. The molecules, called PEG-PDI, are true mimics of superoxide dismutase enzymes and show promise for treating cancer, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 26, 2017

'Field research and a sharper focus on the young could help combat terrorism'

A new research paper published in Science argues that the US government's national security systems have not adapted sufficiently to the threats posed by groups like Al Qaeda and Islamic State. The paper calls for more field research on young people to inform machine learning and big data analysis to combat terrorism.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2017

Data suggests modest physical activity associated with improvement in markers

Researchers found that even modest levels of physical activity decreased insulin resistance and biomarkers of inflammation, while sedentary time increased levels of satiety-related chemicals in the blood. The study suggests that physical activity and inactivity may operate through different pathways to modulate disease risk.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalClinical Obesity·DateJan 26, 2017

Mapping biodiversity and conservation hotspots of the Amazon

Researchers used remote sensing data to identify functional diversity hotspots in the Peruvian Andes and Amazon basin, revealing 36 forest functional classes. Up to 46% of these areas are currently protected, with government control over two-thirds and indigenous lands holding one-third.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 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.

This is LSD attached to a brain cell serotonin receptor

For the first time, researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered precisely what LSD looks like in its active state when attached to a human serotonin receptor. This breakthrough reveals that the psychoactive effects of LSD last for so long because part of the receptor folds over the drug molecule, locking it in place.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell·DateJan 26, 2017

Cosmic lenses support finding on faster than expected expansion of the universe

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have made an independent measurement of the universe's expansion rate, consistent with earlier findings but in disagreement with measurements from the early Universe. The study uses galaxies as giant gravitational lenses to determine the Hubble constant to a high precision.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 26, 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.

How the border guards fail in HIV infection

Researchers found abnormal antibody levels in HIV-1-infected individuals, suggesting an important factor contributing to the failure of the gut to prevent microbial invasion. The study revealed a significant elevation of immunoglobulin M levels and decreased ratios of IgG/IgM and IgA/IgM in HIV-1-infected patients.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 26, 2017

By age 6, gender stereotypes can affect girls' choices

A new study found that by age 6, girls are already absorbing societal stereotypes about intellectual ability and choosing activities based on these notions. The researchers used experiments to evaluate the beliefs of 5-, 6- and 7-year-old boys and girls about gender and brilliance.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Twice-daily radiation therapy cuts deaths from head and neck cancer

A new study found that twice-daily radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy reduces head and neck cancer deaths by 20% and slows disease progression. The treatment, known as hyperfractionated radiotherapy, has shown promise in treating advanced stage patients who face lower survival rates.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateJan 26, 2017

CU Boulder team to track methane leaks using lasers

A CU Boulder team, in collaboration with NIST and UC Davis, will track methane leaks from natural gas storage facilities using a novel laser system. The ground-based system measures changes in methane concentrations down to one part-per-billion, while light aircraft flights provide estimates of total emissions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJan 26, 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.

Researchers find improved preventive care from Obamacare Medicaid expansion

Researchers found improved preventive care and health behaviors among low-income childless adults due to Obamacare Medicaid expansion, with increased access to healthcare services and reduced barriers to care. They also reported better self-assessed health and fewer days of poor health or restricted activities.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateJan 26, 2017