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Science News Archive July 2017


Page 3 of 37

Into a competitive world, guppies are born not just bigger, but more mature

In a new study published in Scientific Reports, researchers at Brown University found that guppy moms in low-predation areas (LP) produce larger offspring with more mature internal anatomy, including wider mouth joints and harder heads. This adaptation enables LP guppies to better compete for food and survive in their environment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The undertaker's census

Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute used carrion flies to survey tropical forest mammals, detecting 20 species that were not found by traditional methods. The method was more effective than camera traps and transect counts, but had limitations, such as failing to detect certain species that produce small droppings.

New in the Hastings Center Report, July-August 2017

The Precision Medicine Initiative raises concerns about protecting participant data and balancing health needs across sociocultural groups. Research on life extension also sparks debates over its necessity and potential economic and social impacts.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Advancing public engagement at the Ecological Society of America

The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is launching efforts to train ecologists in effective public engagement. The annual meeting will feature workshops, sessions, and a social event to promote knowledge sharing and networking among scientists who prioritize public engagement.

Quasars may answer how starburst galaxies were extinguished

Astronomers at the University of Iowa suggest quasars could be responsible for the extinction of dusty starburst galaxies. The study found four galaxies with visible quasars, which could indicate that every dusty starburst galaxy hosts a quasar.

More rain for the Red Sea if El Niño breezes in

Researchers from King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have modeled the impact of El Niño on rainfall in the Red Sea region. The study found that El Niño strengthens the Red Sea Convergence Zone (RSCZ), leading to increased rainfall and storms along the coast.

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.

Nature provides a key to repelling liquids

Researchers at KAUST have developed a method to create omniphobic surfaces, repelling liquids, using doubly reentrant microcavities. This technique has the potential to reduce hydrodynamic drag and antifouling in industries such as oil-water separation and membrane distillation.

'Hidden' experiences of men forced to have sex with women revealed

A survey of UK male participants found that blackmail and threats were the most frequent strategies used by women forcing men to engage in non-consensual sex. The study also highlights the need for greater awareness and support for male victims of sexual violence, who often feel ashamed or isolated.

An evolutionary breakpoint in cell division

Researchers from Osaka University have found that the interaction between M18BP1/KNL2 and CENP-A proteins is crucial for cell division in various species except mammals, including humans. This essential protein interaction allows new CENP-A deposition into centromeres to maintain genome information equally during mitosis.

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.

Scientists discover new magnet with nearly massless charge carriers

Researchers at Louisiana State University and Tulane University have observed topological behavior in a magnet, Sr1-yMn1-zSb2, which displays nearly massless electronic charge carriers. This discovery holds promise for novel device concepts with reduced power consumption and heat production.

To pick a great gift, it's better to give AND receive

Research shows that gift recipients are happier with a present when the giver also received the same present. This phenomenon is called companionizing, where the act of sharing the gift creates togetherness and increases liking for the gift.

Sleep or sex? How the fruit fly decides

Researchers found that fruit fly males prioritize courtship over sleep when aroused, while females can't afford to pass up an eligible suitor even if they're tired. The study revealed underlying connections between neural centers mediating sex and sleep in both males and females.

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.

Engineering on a blue streak

University of Delaware researchers have developed a novel method for creating interpenetrating polymeric networks using blue light, offering a more efficient and sustainable approach. This one-step process enables the formation of complex shapes without solvents or additives, resulting in enhanced toughness and reduced brittleness.

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.

Computer models provide new understanding of sickle cell disease

Researchers developed computer models that simulate the assembly of polymer fibers in sickle red blood cells, revealing new details about how different fiber structures produce abnormal cell shapes. The models can also be used to test new approaches to stopping the disease.

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.

Broadband light sources with liquid core

Researchers from Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology in Jena generate broadband light spectrum with solitons in the near-infrared range, exhibiting unique nonlinear optical effects and high transmission. The use of liquid core fibers enables a more stable alternative to traditional broadband light sources.

On-chip pumps achieve high-speed sorting of large cells

Researchers at Nagoya University have created a high-speed cell sorting method that can sort large cells with high viability, purity and success rates. The technique uses microfluidic chip-based dual on-chip pumps to control flow, enabling rapid sorting of both small and large cells.

'Missing lead' in Flint water pipes confirms cause of crisis

Researchers at the University of Michigan found a Swiss cheese pattern in Flint's damaged drinking water pipes, revealing a significant amount of missing lead. The team estimated that each lead service line released 18 grams of lead during the 17 months the city received Flint River water.

Hunger-controlling brain cells may offer path for new obesity drugs

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered two brain cell populations that regulate appetite and may offer a new path to treating obesity. The study found that activating specific neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus can suppress hunger and promote weight loss, opening up new avenues for developing effective obesity drugs.

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's Aqua satellite finds a Tropical Cyclone sandwich

Tropical Depression 12W forms near Philippines as Typhoon Noru moves north; storm to make landfall in southeastern China on July 30. NASA's Aqua satellite captures visible image of powerful thunderstorms surrounding the center of circulation.

Making animated characters jump just got easier

A new tool from Disney Research enables novices and experts alike to create high-quality motion cycles in a matter of minutes, enhancing the creative process and expanding artist contributions. The tool uses an algorithm to extract the motion cycle from a performance, allowing for editing and customization.

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.

Faster-acting antidepressants may finally be within reach

A team of Rockefeller scientists has identified a specific type of nerve cell, called cholecystokinin (CCK)-expressing neurons, as the site where selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) initiate their action. This discovery may pave the way for new antidepressants that act more quickly and produce fewer side effects.

A molecule for proper neural wiring in the cerebellum

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that the GLAST molecule facilitates functional wiring of brain cells involved in motor coordination. Glutamate transporters, like GLAST, enable high-fidelity signal transmission between nerve cells.

New light-activated catalyst grabs CO2 to make ingredients for fuel

Scientists have developed a light-activated material that can chemically convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide without generating unwanted byproducts. The material, a nickel organic crystalline structure, showed near 100% selectivity for CO production and no detection of competing gas products.

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.

Researchers discover how human cells maintain the correct number of chromosomes

A team of researchers at Queen Mary University of London has identified two proteins that enable the correct attachment between chromosomes and microtubules, which are crucial for maintaining a normal number of chromosomes in human cells. This discovery could help in treating diseases such as cancer and fertility problems.

Cancer cells put the brakes on immune system

Cancer cells use exosomes and semiochemicals to suppress the immune response, allowing them to multiply unopposed. Researchers have identified multiple new therapy approaches, including inhibiting PD-L1 receptors and blocking the recognition of Y RNA messages.

NASA finds moon of Saturn has chemical that could form 'membranes'

NASA scientists have definitively detected acrylonitrile, a chemical thought to form stable structures similar to cell membranes, in Titan's atmosphere. This finding suggests the possibility of membrane-like structures forming on Titan, which could be an important step towards life discovery.

Design method helps animated characters gain physical form

Disney Research's method enables artists to design articulated, physical versions of animated characters with desired motions and poses. The team demonstrated their approach by designing a 2D puppet-like character and a gripper that can pick up light objects.

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.

Stampede2 storms out of the corral in support of US scientists

The Texas Advanced Computing Center has launched Stampede2, the largest supercomputer at any US university, supporting thousands of nation's scientists and engineers. The system will enable researchers to tackle complex challenges with high-performance computing power.

ALMA confirms complex chemistry in Titan's atmosphere

Scientists confirm the presence of vinyl cyanide on Saturn's moon Titan, suggesting chemical processes analogous to those important for life on Earth. The findings provide insights into Titan's unique environment and potential prebiotic chemistry.

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.

NASA sees Hilary weaken to Tropical Storm status

Tropical Storm Hilary weakened to 70mph after passing over cooler waters, according to NASA's infrared imagery from the Aqua satellite. The storm's deep convection and thunderstorms decreased late on July 27, indicating dry air has wrapped into its circulation.

Tropical Storm Irwin's eastern side builds on satellite imagery

Tropical Storm Irwin's eastern half has a larger concentration of thunderstorms than the rest of the storm, according to NOAA's GOES-West satellite imagery. The National Hurricane Center forecasts little change in intensity before Irwin merges with Tropical Storm Hilary.

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.

Understanding the impact of childhood cancer rates across sub-Saharan Africa

A new study published in ecancermedicalscience brings together data from 16 localised registers to present a critical new insight into the impact of paediatric cancer across sub-Saharan Africa. The study highlights important trends, such as high incidence rates of rare blood cancers like Burkitt's Lymphoma in cities like Blantyre, Malawi.

Dulled taste may prompt more calories on path to obesity

Research at Cornell University found that people with dulled taste buds prefer sweeter, high-calorie foods. Participants who had their taste receptors temporarily blocked consumed more sugar than those with unaltered taste response.

Rice U. scientists reel in structure of salmon virus

The Rice lab has produced the first full-length structure of a salmon virus protein, shedding light on its role in viral assembly and potentially informing strategies to treat human influenza viruses. The discovery could lead to new antiviral treatments by targeting the protein's interaction with other viral components.

New surgical strategy offers hope for repairing spinal injuries

Researchers have developed a new surgical technique to reconnect sensory neurons to the spinal cord, offering hope for treating traumatic spinal injuries. The technique involves implanting neural offshoots into the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to form a functional neural circuit.

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.