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Science News Archive July 2017


Page 2 of 37

Beware doping athletes! This sensor may be your downfall

Researchers developed a new light-trapping sensor that improves spectroscopy's detection capabilities for drugs, bomb-making materials, diseases and other molecules. The device uses SEIRA spectroscopy to absorb up to 81% of infrared light, outperforming previous technologies.

Taboo around vaginal bleeding endangering women's health

The authors emphasize the need for a life course approach to address vaginal bleeding needs of girls and women across their lives. The lack of open discussion and access to clean water, sanitation, and factual information hinder effective management of bleeding, leading to anaemia and other health issues.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

One-nanometer trimetallic alloy particles created

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a method to synthesize microscopic alloy nanoparticles using dendrimers, achieving 24 times greater oxidization activity than commercially available catalysts. The discovery opens up new possibilities for creating high-performance materials in various fields.

Alcohol intake may increase risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers

A recent analysis of published studies found that higher alcohol intake increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma by 7% and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by 11% for every 10 gram increase per day. The study suggests that limiting alcohol consumption may help reduce skin cancer risk.

Study opens new drug therapy targets in a range of diseases

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the immune system's molecular mechanisms, providing new foundations for treating various diseases. The study reveals that 'toll-like receptors' play a key role in both protecting against infection and triggering pathological inflammatory responses.

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.

Energy storage solution combines polymers and nanosheets

A new composite material made from a combination of polymers and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets has been developed by Penn State researchers. This material can store energy at operating temperatures above 176 degrees Fahrenheit, outperforming current commercial polymers.

Projected precipitation increases are bad news for water quality

A new study predicts that US water quality will worsen due to climate-driven changes in precipitation, leading to increased nitrogen pollution and the formation of harmful algae blooms and dead zones. The Midwest and Northeast are expected to be particularly affected.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Gulf of Mexico before the spill

The Gulf of Mexico's unique flora and fauna are detailed in two open-access books compiled by editor C.H. Ward, covering topics such as water quality, oil seepage, and commercial fisheries. These studies provide an extensive baseline assessment of the Gulf's state and health before the devastating 2010 spill.

Bacterial biofilms, begone

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new biomaterial that effectively prevents the formation of biofilms by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a virulent superbug. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of antibacterial surfaces for wound dressings and other medical applications.

Researchers develop technology to make aged cells younger

Scientists at Houston Methodist have developed a technology that can rejuvenate human cells by lengthening telomeres, the timekeepers of chromosomes. This breakthrough has the potential to improve cell function and extend lifespan in individuals with progeria, a rare condition marked by rapid aging.

Coral disease outbreaks fluctuate with El Niño years, new research finds

A study analyzing 18 years of coral-disease data found that three common diseases spike during El Niño years, mirroring the cyclical patterns of these climate events. This alarming association may indicate an increase in disease intensity due to climate change, with potential consequences for coral reefs.

Bubbles help new catalysts self-optimize

Scientists at Rice University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed new two-dimensional electrocatalysts that extract hydrogen from water with high efficiency and low cost. The catalysts were created by forming bubbles between layers, which breaks them apart and increases the number of active sites.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New research could make dew droplets so small, they're invisible

Researchers at Virginia Tech have made breakthrough discovery on optimizing dew droplet size to improve efficiency of removing condensation. By fine-tuning surface nanoscopic topography, they found that droplets can be made small enough to jump off surfaces as early as 2 micrometers.

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.

Biofeedback technology helping improve balance in Parkinson's patients

Researchers developed a smartphone-based biofeedback rehabilitation system to guide patients through balance exercises, showing noticeable improvements in postural stability and reducing the risk of falls. The custom wearable belt uses vibrating actuators to provide personalized guidance, mapped in real-time on a smartphone application.

Netflix drama '13 Reasons Why' linked to suicidal thoughts

A new study found that Netflix's '13 Reasons Why' corresponded with a substantial increase in internet searches for suicide, including phrases like 'how to commit suicide' and 'suicide prevention'. The study suggests that the show may have inspired some viewers to act on their suicidal thoughts.

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.

Supreme Court rulings can signal a shift in societal norms

A study published in Psychological Science found that Supreme Court rulings can alter public perceptions of social norms around issues like gay marriage. Researchers observed a significant jump in participants' belief that Americans support same-sex marriage after the 2015 ruling, which persisted weeks later.

LSUHealthNO research finds home-based kit would increase HIV testing

A study by LSUHealthNO found that 86% of high-risk heterosexuals in New Orleans would use a home-based test kit, leading to increased HIV testing and treatment rates. The study suggests that this self-administered alternative may reach individuals who are under-recognized as at risk, promoting timely treatment.

Leaf beetles: Even a tiny dose of pesticide will impair reproduction

Researchers found that even a tiny dose of pesticide can impair leaf beetles' ability to reproduce, with females developing malformations and offspring laying fewer eggs. The study's results may also be transferred to other insects, highlighting the need for long-term consideration in herbicide authorization.

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.

Successful prediction of multi-year US droughts and wildfire risk

A new model developed by international scientists predicts multi-year US droughts and wildfire risks, enabling improved agricultural planning and water management. The model's success is attributed to the analysis of tropical climate variability, global climate change, and soil filtering effects.

Formation of porous crystals observed for the first time

Researchers at University of Bristol observed the formation of a crystal gel and discovered new mechanisms for creating sponge-like nanoporous crystals. The process resembles ice crystal growth in clouds and can lead to materials for catalytic, optical, sensing, and filtration applications.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Irwin moving in post-Tropical Storm Hilary's wake

Tropical Storm Irwin is moving north-northwestward in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with its structure remaining well-organized despite declining deep convection. The storm is expected to continue weakening and eventually degenerate into a remnant low, with forecasters predicting this will occur by Tuesday, August 1.

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.

Rice University chemists make laser-induced graphene from wood

Researchers at Rice University have successfully turned wood into an electrical conductor by creating laser-induced graphene, a form of the atom-thin carbon material. The process involves heating a thin film pattern onto a block of pine using a standard industrial laser, producing high-quality graphene foam bound to the wood surface.

Bringing a 'trust but verify' model to journal peer review

Researchers suggest revising Transparency and Openness (TOP) Guidelines to facilitate meta-research on peer review effectiveness. Journals can choose tier levels of transparency, with higher risk involved. This would legitimize and advertise relative quality of peer review processes, improving scientific literature.

Women show cognitive advantage in gender-equal countries

Research from Association for Psychological Science reveals that women living in gender-equal societies outperform men on cognitive tests later in life. The study also found that changes in gender-role attitudes within a country over time are associated with improvements in women's cognitive performance.

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.

WSU study shows muted stress response linked to long-term cannabis use

Researchers found chronic cannabis users showed no difference in cortisol levels during stressful situations compared to non-users, hinting at potential therapeutic benefits but also raising concerns about resilience and health. The study provides an important first step in investigating the effects of long-term cannabis use.

New system could remove two water pollutants from ag fields

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new system that can remove both nitrate and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, potentially improving water quality. The system uses woodchip bioreactors and P-filters to trap pollutants, with one type of filter showing significantly higher effectiveness in removing phosphorus.

NASA tests the Webb telescope's communication skills

The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully completed its Ground Segment Test Number 1, confirming end-to-end communication between the telescope and its mission operations center. The test, which took place on June 20, tested all communications systems required for launch, commissioning, and normal operations.

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.

New and novel technologies successfully demonstrated in soilborne disease study

Researchers have successfully developed a new method to analyze soil microbial communities and their role in the development of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) disease in soybean. By profiling microbes, scientists found significant differences between healthy and diseased areas, suggesting that biological factors play a key role in determi...

Substantial number of US adults report misusing prescription opioids

A substantial number of US adults reported misusing prescription opioids, with 11.5 million admitting to misuse and 1.9 million having a use disorder. The majority of these individuals had low income or behavioral health problems, while relief from physical pain was the most common motivation for misuse.

Public trust in science spiked after media coverage of Zika vaccine trial

A survey found that public trust in science increased after the launch of the first human trial of a Zika vaccine, with people showing greater trust in science and paying more attention to news about the Zika virus. The study suggests that regularized communication about scientific advances could bolster confidence in science.

Scientists challenge next-generation sequencing dogma

A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that shotgun sequencing, a favored method for measuring microbial biodiversity, is not as accurate as once thought. Amplicon sequencing, on the other hand, revealed more than twice the number of phyla and 27% more families in water samples from Brazil's major river floodplain systems.

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.

Study links violence exposure, obesity in teens

A new study by Duke researchers found that teenagers who were exposed to violence consumed more unhealthy foods and beverages, including increased soda consumption, which is a strong predictor of weight gain. The study also revealed that adolescents took more steps on days they were exposed to violence, contrary to expectations.

Refuting the idea that mutations cause cancer

A new evolutionary theory of cancer suggests that cells with dangerous mutations exist all the time but are commonly outcompeted by healthy cells in healthy tissues. However, when the tissue microenvironment is damaged, these pre-cancer cells can thrive and establish themselves in the body.

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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Nesat landfall in China

Tropical Storm Nesat made its second and final landfall on July 30 at Su'ao in northeastern Taiwan, causing evacuations. The storm then crossed the island nation and landed in southeastern China's Fujian Province, prompting over 3,100 evacuees.

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.