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Science News Archive July 2017


Page 5 of 37

Algorithms identify the dynamics of prehistoric social networks in the Balkans

The study reveals that communities with strong co-operation largely belonged to the same archaeological culture, providing a novel method for independent evaluation of the archaeological record. The researchers used modularity analysis on a comprehensive database of copper artefacts from the Balkans, dated from 6200 BC to 3200 BC.

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.

Fundamental breakthrough in the future of designing materials

A team of researchers has discovered that copper and other metals can never form perfectly flat nanoscale films due to grain rotation. This discovery has significant implications for designing materials with improved electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties.

Max Planck research kicked off in Würzburg

The new Max Planck Research Group for System Immunology aims to study the immune system as a whole, its interactions with the organism, and its impact on diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatism. The group will collaborate with non-university research institutes to promote holistic approaches in immunology.

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.

Biochar could clear the air in more ways than one

A study by Rice University researchers found that biochar can reduce health care costs, especially in urban areas close to farmland. The use of biochar in agriculture may also lower the need for fertilizer and reduce pollutants by storing nitrogen in the soil.

Salk scientists solve longstanding biological mystery of DNA organization

Researchers at Salk Institute have visualized chromatin structure in living human cells using a novel DNA dye and advanced microscopy. They found that chromatin forms a semi-flexible chain with varying packing density, suggesting that gene activity is determined by compaction rather than higher-order structures.

UBC research unearths Canadian sapphires fit for a queen

Researchers at UBC have discovered a unique sequence of pressure and temperature events required to form high-quality Canadian sapphires. This discovery will facilitate gemstone exploration in southern Baffin Island and potentially unlock new sources worldwide.

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.

In mice, fine motor control is actively suppressed

In a new study, researchers identified the mechanism that suppresses development of connections between corticospinal neurons and motor neurons in mice shortly after birth. By selectively deleting receptors, they found that one particular receptor, PlexA1, is responsible for suppressing these connections.

Biochemists link synthetic compound to hunger-hormone production

Researchers have identified a synthetic triterpenoid as a potential disruptor of the hunger-signaling pathway by blocking an enzyme involved in ghrelin production. The study's findings suggest that this compound could be developed into a treatment for conditions like diabetes and obesity.

Malaria already endemic in the Mediterranean by the Roman period

Researchers at the University of Zurich discovered that malaria was already widespread on Sardinia in the Roman period, contradicting previous assumptions. Genetic adaptations, such as thalassemias, played a crucial role in protecting against malaria, with some individuals leading healthy lives while being immune to infections.

Large gaps remain in colorectal cancer screening rates, study finds

A study found that wealthier, long-term residents in Ontario are more likely to get screened for colorectal cancer through colonoscopies rather than non-invasive tests. This gap is driven by the higher number of advantaged residents who prefer colonoscopies over fecal occult blood tests.

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.

Scientists block evolution's molecular nerve pruning in rodents

Researchers found that blocking molecular nerve pruning in mice enhanced manual dexterity and allowed them to grab and eat food faster than wild-type mice. The study identified a protein called PlexA1, which controls the formation of long nerves and fine motor skills.

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.

Scientists embark on expedition to submerged continent Zealandia

Researchers will drill into the seafloor of Zealandia, examining a shift in plate movement that occurred 50 million years ago. The expedition aims to understand the timing and causes of this change, which led to the development of new volcanoes and changes in ocean circulation patterns.

New method promises easier nanoscale manufacturing

Scientists at the University of Chicago have discovered a new way to precisely pattern nanomaterials, enabling the creation of complex structures and paving the way for next-generation electronics. The DOLFIN technology makes it possible to mass-produce nanomaterials directly into usable devices.

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.

Who were the Canaanites? Ancient human DNA evidence yields answers

Researchers sequenced ancient Canaanite genomes, finding that the people living in modern-day Lebanon are likely direct descendants of the Canaanites. The study also suggests substantial genetic continuity in the region since the Bronze Age, agreeing with archaeological records.

DREAMers at greater risk for mental health distress

A study from Rice University found that Mexican immigrants living in the US without proper documentation are at high risk of psychological distress. The survey revealed that respondents aged 18-25 were most likely to exhibit distress, citing loss of home, social status, and family as reasons for their mental health issues.

Should we be worried about hepatitis E?

Scientists are noticing a shift from hepatitis E as only a disease of the poor to one that can also affect affluent people in developed world settings. The virus is re-emerging as zoonotic, with transmission linked to pork products and environmental contamination.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Navy awards UA aerospace engineers nearly $2 million for hypersonic research

The University of Arizona has received a nearly $2 million award from the Office of Naval Research to study problems of instability and materials failure for aircraft and missiles flying at hypersonic speeds. Researchers will build two additional wind tunnels to explore laminar-turbulent transition, aerothermodynamic heating, and other...

DNA links male, female butterfly thought to be distinct species

A recent DNA study by international researchers found that the female sunburst cerulean-satyr and its male counterpart belong to the same species. The discovery corrects a classification error made in 1911 and sheds light on true species diversity of Neotropical butterflies.

Could insufficient sleep be adding centimeters to your waistline?

A new study by the University of Leeds found that insufficient sleep can lead to weight gain and poorer metabolic health in UK adults. The research, which looked at over 1,600 participants, showed a significant association between short sleep duration and increased waist circumference.

Which type of cell to become: Decision through indecision

Researchers found that cell fate decision is not a unique programmed event, but rather the outcome of a dynamic process where cells explore different molecular possibilities before reaching a stable state. This process is reminiscent of trial-and-error learning and highlights the complexity of human hematopoietic cell fate commitment.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

BTI receives DARPA 'Insect Allies' Award

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have received a four-year DARPA award to develop insect-vectored viruses for disease-resistant maize. The project, titled Viruses and Insects as Plant Enhancement Resources (VIPER), aims to engineer genes into maize that can help combat disease, drought, and other yield-reducing stresses.

Cancer-death button gets jammed by gut bacterium

Researchers found that Fusobacterium nucleatum in the gut can stop chemotherapy from causing apoptosis, a type of cancer cell death. The bacterium activates autophagy, a cell-survival mechanism that protects cancer cells from destroying themselves.

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.

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.

Even babies can tell who's the boss, UW research says

Researchers at the University of Washington found that toddlers as young as 17 months old can recognize dominant individuals and anticipate them receiving more rewards. The study used puppets to test toddlers' reactions to different social scenarios, revealing their expectation that dominant individuals receive more resources.

Seeing more with PET scans: New chemistry for medical imaging

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have developed a new mechanism to attach radioactive fluorine atoms to chemical compounds, expanding medical imaging capabilities. This breakthrough enables the creation of new 'radiotracers' for PET scans, which can aid in detecting cancers and understanding biological pathways.

Food banks respond to hunger needs in rural America

A recent study by the University of Illinois reveals that food insecurity exists in rural areas, and Feeding America's food banks are effectively reaching these communities. Despite the presence of food assistance programs, the social and economic conditions in rural areas have not improved significantly.

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.

Using tweets to decrypt the personality of Donald Trump and other powerful people

A QUT-led study analyzing the tweets of influential business leaders, including President Trump, reveals a unique 'emotionally unstable innovator' personality. The researchers found that Trump's personality profile is distinct from other superstar entrepreneurs and CEOs, with traits such as high neuroticism and low agreeableness.

Drug improves brain performance in Rett syndrome mice

Researchers found a small-molecule drug improves synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and object location memory in Rett syndrome mice. The treatment also restored general locomotor activity to normal levels, offering hope for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Ultracold molecules hold promise for quantum computing

Researchers at MIT have successfully created a platform to store and process quantum information using ultracold molecules, which can retain their information for hundreds of times longer than previously achieved. The breakthrough could enable thousands of quantum computations in sequence within a second of coherence.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Child abuse and neglect linked to gender inequality

Researchers found a significant association between gender inequity and increased child physical abuse and neglect. The study analyzed data from 57 countries and found that higher scores on measures of discrimination against women were linked to higher rates of child maltreatment.

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.

Simulations signal early success for fractal-based retinal implants

Researchers at the University of Oregon have made significant progress in developing fractal-based retinal implants that could potentially restore vision to people with macular degeneration. The implants use fractal geometry to stimulate retinal neurons, achieving a 90% increase in neuron stimulation while using less voltage.

Heavy metals in water meet their match

Developed by Swansea University and Rice University, the filter removes toxic heavy metals from water using carbon nanotubes immobilized in quartz fiber. The filters can be reused after washing with vinegar and are capable of treating large amounts of contaminated water.

Hostage situation or harmony? Researchers rethink symbiosis

A new study reveals that certain microorganisms in symbiotic relationships are constantly being replaced and discarded by their hosts. The researchers found that the genome of these microorganisms undergoes significant changes, losing genes over time and ceasing to be useful to the host.

Community bias predicts police use of lethal force

A study found that racial biases in communities predict police use of lethal force, with implicit biases toward Blacks being a primary predictor. The research analyzed data from over 2 million residents across the US and found Black people were more likely to be killed by police in areas with stronger regional biases.

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.

The Danish reference genome

The Danish Reference genome is a groundbreaking achievement in genomics, allowing for the analysis of previously untractable regions and mapping non-simple variation among individuals. This breakthrough increases understanding of genetic differences affecting health and disease, paving the way for precision medicine.