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Science News Archive July 2017


Page 25 of 37

Babies born big more likely to become obese as children, study finds

Researchers found that infants born with high birthweight were at risk of obesity from an early age, highlighting the importance of early attention and lifestyle changes. The study suggests that pediatricians may counsel parents of high birthweight babies to prevent weight gain and related health problems.

Multi-antioxidant nanoparticles to treat sepsis

Researchers developed ceria-zirconia nanoparticles to treat sepsis by removing harmful oxygen radicals and reducing inflammatory responses. The nanoparticles improved survival rates by 2.5 fold in mice with sepsis, offering a new therapeutic strategy for this deadly disease.

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.

Early squirrel gets the real estate, U of G study finds

A University of Guelph study reveals that early-born squirrels have a better chance at survival, as they can find vacant spots to store their food for the winter. The researchers found that birth date is a key factor in survival, with earlier births being more advantageous in densely populated neighborhoods.

Quantum mechanics inside Earth's core

Researchers found that nickel exhibits a distinct anomaly at high temperatures, which may explain the origin of Earth's magnetic field. This discovery challenges conventional theories and provides new insights into the planet's core.

Taking cells out to the movies with new CRISPR technology

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-based approach to store digital information in living cells, which can be used to record complex biological events and propagate information over time. The system encodes complex data, such as images and videos, into the genomes of bacteria, allowing for reconstruction of the original information.

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.

Synapses in the brain mirror the structure of the visual world

Neurons in the brain receive information from large parts of the visual field to form a coherent perceptual image. The study found that neurons are most likely connected if they react to edges on a common axis, mirroring the structure of the visual world.

Everyday chemicals linked to chronic disease in men

A study found that phthalates, widely used in consumer products, are linked to cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and high blood pressure in men. Higher phthalate levels were also associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers.

Clinical trial looks at tramadol for opioid withdrawal

A randomized clinical trial found tramadol extended-release to suppress opioid withdrawal more effectively than clonidine, and similarly to buprenorphine. The study suggests tramadol ER as a promising medication for opioid use disorder treatment, but notes the need for further research.

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.

Carbon displays quantum effects

Researchers have observed carbon atoms exhibiting quantum effects, including wave-particle duality and tunneling behavior, in a reaction called the Cope rearrangement. At extremely low temperatures, the molecules can transition from one form to another without overcoming an energy barrier, a phenomenon known as tunneling.

Effective protection against hip fracture during cortisone treatment

A recent study published in JAMA found that patients taking cortisone for inflammation conditions have a 65% reduced risk of hip fractures when receiving the osteoporosis medication alendronate. The study analyzed over 400,000 elderly patients and found that only one in four patients received this protective treatment.

Football boosts bone development in boys

Playing football improves bone development compared to swimming and cycling, particularly after a year of training. The study found that adolescents who played football had better bones than those who engaged in non-weight-bearing sports.

Giant charge reversal observed for the first time

Researchers have observed giant charge reversal for the first time, where excess counter ions adsorb to oppositely charged surfaces. The study suggests that dielectric response of the solvent enhances correlation of multivalent ions with surface groups, leading to the formation of Bjerrum pairs.

Insufficient levels of Vitamin D in pregnancy detrimental to child development

A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that pregnant women with insufficient vitamin D levels had children with lower scores in pre-school development tests. Vitamin D insufficiency was also associated with impaired social development at age 3½ years, while no associations were found at older ages.

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.

Drug delivered during CPR may improve survival for heart attack

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are investigating a new biological agent that mimics the effects of cooling when given during and after CPR. The agent, TAT-PTEN9c, has shown promising results in reducing cellular stress and improving survival rates for heart attack patients.

Experts call for a ban on children rugby tackling

Newcastle University experts warn of the dangers of rugby tackling in school sport, highlighting a 67% reduction in concussion risk from removing body checks in youth ice-hockey. The study calls for governments to protect children under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child by removing avoidable harm.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Predicting heart events after liver transplant

A new risk score app, CAR-OLT, has been developed to predict cardiovascular complications in liver transplant patients. The app uses a unique blood flow model and is intended for use in those ages 18 to 75 with liver disease undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation.

Antibody against carcinogenic substance deciphered

A team led by Prof. Arne Skerra has identified an antibody that tightly binds benzopyrene, a widespread environmental toxin linked to cancer. This breakthrough could lead to the development of antibodies to separate aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated drinking water.

Detecting long-term concussion in athletes

Researchers developed an AI signature to detect long-term concussion effects using artificial intelligence, detecting up to 90% accuracy. The tool could aid in diagnosing and treating concussion-related symptoms, which often persist for years after the injury.

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.

Spread of breast cancer reduced by targeting acid metabolite

Researchers have discovered that inhibiting 20-HETE, an acid metabolite overexpressed in cancer cells, reduces breast cancer tumor size and ability to spread. The study found that the drug HET0016 blocks key pathways that enable cancer cells to create a distant microenvironment.

Paleontologists solve pterosaur pelvis puzzle

Researchers have identified a rare pterosaur pelvis in Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park, showing that these ancient reptiles were well adapted for walking on land. The study provides evidence that azhdarchids likely used their powerful hindlimbs to transport themselves on the ground.

Researchers study factors predicting school corporal punishment

New Penn State research reveals that Southern natives and average education level are key predictors of school corporal punishment use. The study found a correlation between parental corporal punishment and SCP, highlighting the potential negative impacts on children's social and behavioral well-being.

House dust spurs growth of fat cells in lab tests

Research found that small amounts of house dust containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals can spur fat cells to accumulate triglycerides and divide, promoting weight gain. The study suggests that indoor dust is a likely exposure source of chemicals disrupting metabolic health, particularly in children.

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.

Scientists replay movie encoded in DNA

Researchers encoded and played back a primitive movie in DNA using CRISPR technology, enabling the potential to record changing internal states of neurons. The 'molecular recorder' could one day allow for non-intrusive tracking of events over time, revolutionizing brain development studies.

Does a candidate's religion matter to voters?

A new analysis by University of Houston political scientists found that party labels, not religious affiliation, are the most powerful predictors of how voters perceive candidates. Party brand matters more than a candidate's religious views when it comes to shaping voter beliefs about ideology.

NASA finds rainfall diminishing in a weakening Tropical Storm Eugene

Tropical Storm Eugene is weakening due to cooler sea surface temperatures, with decreasing rainfall rates measured by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission. The storm is expected to degenerate into a remnant low later in July, generating life-threatening surf and rip currents along the US west coast.

Improving diet quality over time linked with reduced risk of premature death

A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that improving diet quality over time is associated with lower total and cardiovascular mortality. The study analyzed data from nearly 74,000 adults over a 12-year period and found that even modest changes in diet quality can significantly reduce the risk of death.

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.

In autism, genes drive eye gaze abnormalities

A twin study found that genetics play a major role in how children look at the world and their preference for gazing at people's eyes and faces. The study suggests that genes can modify a child's life experience, influencing visual behavior.

Big-data analysis points toward new drug discovery method

Researchers at UCSF developed a computational method to analyze open-access data and identify new treatments for cancer. The method, called Reverse Gene Expression Score (RGES), predicts drug efficacy by analyzing molecular characteristics of real tumors. Four drugs were identified with potential to treat liver cancer and other diseases.

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.

Soft and stretchy fabric-based sensors for wearable robots

A team of researchers created a highly sensitive soft capacitive sensor made of silicone and fabric that moves with the human body to detect movement. The sensor, which combines the qualities of both materials, improves sensitivity to movement by limiting deformation while stretching.

Miniature human hearts created from rat hearts

Researchers have developed a new technique to create miniature human hearts by introducing human cells into the matrix of a whole rat heart, preserving the lining and circulation. This method allows for the confirmation of basic science findings and testing of potential new heart drugs with improved accuracy.

Microwaves reveal detailed structure of molecular motor

Researchers used microwave spectroscopy to analyze the structure of a single molecular motor, revealing its stator, rotor, and axle. The study provides insight into the motor's dynamics and opens up possibilities for studying nano-machines in action.

Chronic liver inflammation linked to Western diet

A Western diet high in fat and sugar has been shown to cause hepatic inflammation in mice, especially in males, with FXR-deficient mice being more susceptible. The study found that probiotics and bile acid receptor agonists may hold promise for preventing and treating hepatic inflammation and progression into advanced liver diseases.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Metal-free MRI contrast agent could be safer for some patients

Researchers developed a metal-free contrast agent containing organic molecules called nitroxides, which can accumulate at tumor sites for extended periods without causing harm. The new agent has improved MRI relaxivity and stability, making it suitable for long-term imaging of tumors in cancer patients.

Study finds toxic mercury is accumulating in the Arctic tundra

A new study by UMass Lowell researchers has identified gaseous mercury as the major source of pollution in the Arctic tundra. The findings reveal that airborne mercury is gathering in the region's soil and ultimately running off into waters, posing a significant threat to human health and wildlife.

Blood test for early detection of pancreatic cancer headed to clinic

A newly identified biomarker panel correctly detects early pancreatic cancer in human cells, improving the ability to diagnose patients at different stages of their disease. The panel combines plasma thrombospondin-2 with CA19-9 levels for reliable detection of pancreatic cancer, potentially altering treatment outcomes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Low oxygen in Chesapeake Bay

Low oxygen levels in Chesapeake Bay have significant effects on fish and ecosystem balance, driven by human-induced and natural factors. Forecasting efforts are being made to better understand and plan for the bay's future.

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.

Female fish prefer averagely active lovers

In a study on eastern mosquitofish, researchers found that females prefer males with average sexual activity, rather than high or low drives. This is due to the cost-benefit ratio, as high-activity males can be hazardous to their safety and feeding opportunities.

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.

WikiLeaks gave Trump edge in campaign race, Twitter study finds

A study of viral tweets during the final two months of the 2016 election race found that Clinton was heavily criticised on social media compared to Trump. The study, which analysed almost 3,500 posts, revealed a wide disparity between traditional media and social media, where Clinton was worse off.