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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 15


Page 15 of 37

Pulses of electrons manipulate nanomagnets and store information

Scientists use electron pulses to create and manipulate nanoscale magnetic excitations that can store data, confirming dynamic understandings provided by theory. Tailored electron pulses can swiftly write, erase or switch topologically protected magnetic textures such as skyrmions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 20, 2017

Strengthening 3-D printed parts for real-world use

A Texas A&M University doctoral student has pioneered a method to strengthen 3-D printed parts, making them suitable for real-world applications. The technology uses microwave energy to weld layers together, creating more durable parts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 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.

In frogs, preventing early-life gut microbiome disruptions leads to better health

Biologists found that disrupting the gut and skin bacterial communities of tadpoles later affects adult frogs' ability to fight parasitic gut worms. Preventing early-life disruptions might confer protection against diseases in adulthood, with potential applicability to understanding immune systems in mammals and humans.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2017

The unexpected source of tuna's fin finesse

A new study reveals that tuna's precise control over their fins is enabled by the hydraulic activity of their lymphatic system. This specialization is also observed in other scombrid species, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to high-performance swimming needs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

Why sugary drinks and protein-rich meals don't go well together

A study published in BMC Nutrition found that consuming sugar-sweetened drinks with high-protein meals reduced fat oxidation, leading to increased fat storage. The researchers also discovered that the combination of a sugary drink and a protein-rich meal increased cravings for savory and salty foods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Nutrition·DateJul 20, 2017

High levels of antibiotic-resistance in Indian poultry farming raises concerns

A new study from India reveals high levels of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in chickens raised for both meat and eggs on farms in Punjab state. The study found that nearly 60% of E. coli isolates contained enzymes conferring drug resistance to key medications, raising concerns about the consequences to human health.

SourceBurness·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 20, 2017

Is mental health associated with perception of nasal function?

A study of preoperative patients for rhinoplasty found that poor mental well-being and low self-esteem are associated with poorer perceptions of nasal function. Patients with good mental health reported better nasal function, regardless of body dysmorphic concerns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJul 20, 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.

Parents have critical role in preventing teen drinking

A recent study found that parents have a significant impact on their teenagers' decisions regarding alcohol, with parental behavior and attitudes being key factors in preventing or delaying underage drinking. The study suggests that parents should discuss alcohol use with their children, set clear expectations, and avoid binge drinking.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 20, 2017

Could sharks help save shipping industry billions?

Researchers are investigating the secrets of sharks' ability to shed slime and biofilms, which could lead to sustainable anti-fouling coatings for ships. The study aims to develop new technologies inspired by nature to mitigate hull fouling and its impact on the environment.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·DateJul 20, 2017

Want to win at sports? Take a cue from these mighty mice

A recent study on California mice found that surges of testosterone before and after aggressive encounters lead to future wins. Winning experiences change the brain's response to testosterone, fueling competitiveness and confidence.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateJul 20, 2017

Native leech preys on invasive slug?

Invasive giant slug <i>Limax maximus</i> has spread to Hokkaido, Japan, where it is preyed upon by microphagous leech <i>Orobdella kawakatsuorum</i>. The study reveals that the invasive species feeds on various crops including cucumber and sweet potato.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateJul 20, 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's Hubble sees martian moon orbiting the Red Planet

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured images of Phobos, the smallest moon in our solar system, as it orbits Mars. Phobos is just 16.5 miles across and completes an orbit in just 7 hours and 39 minutes, faster than Mars' rotation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 20, 2017

Researchers improve method to identify aquatic species using environmental DNA

Scientists have improved their ability to track species by analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) found in water samples. This new method uses polymerase chain reaction technology to amplify long, intact pieces of DNA, allowing for more accurate species identifications and genetic variation detection within species.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJul 20, 2017

Cucumbers in space provide insights on root growth

Scientists have grown cucumbers in space to study the effects of water and gravity on plant roots. In their experiments, they found that water has a greater influence on controlling root growth than gravity, which will help inform future space farming strategies.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 20, 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.

Scientists seek to engineer chatter among cells

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Houston are developing mathematical models to understand how cells in large colonies of bacteria communicate with each other. Their goal is to design colonies that can perform computations and make sophisticated decisions, mimicking the ability of tissues to maintain homeostasis.

SourceRice University·DateJul 20, 2017

Researchers discover how CRISPR proteins find their target

Researchers discovered how Cas1-Cas2 proteins insert viral DNA into CRISPR region by relying on flexible Cas1 protein, IHF binding, and DNA bending, allowing proper storage of 'memories' of prior viral infections. This finding opens doors for modification of the proteins to redirect them to other sequences.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

3-D imaging of surface chemistry in confinement

Researchers at EPFL's Laboratory for Fundamental BioPhotonics have developed a microscope that can track three-dimensional spatial changes in molecular structure and chemistry of confined systems. The study reveals a remarkable spread in surface reactivity, even on small portions of a capillary, shedding light on the chemical reactivit...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study finds gene variant increases risk for depression

A University of Central Florida study found that individuals with the Apolipoprotein-E4 gene variant have a 20% greater chance of developing clinically significant depressive symptoms. The research suggests that both ApoE4 and poor vascular health independently increase depression risk, not a compounded effect.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJul 20, 2017

Our brains synchronise during a conversation

Researchers found that brainwaves between conversational partners match each other in a study published in Scientific Reports. This interbrain synchrony may be key to understanding language and social interactions.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 20, 2017

Lorenz Studer awarded the 2017 Ogawa-Yamanaka Stem Cell Prize

Lorenz Studer, a renowned stem cell biologist, has been awarded the prestigious Ogawa-Yamanaka Stem Cell Prize for his groundbreaking research on cellular reprogramming and human induced pluripotent stem cells. His work has advanced the therapeutic potential of stem cell-based therapies in Parkinson's disease.

SourceGladstone Institutes·DateJul 20, 2017

Team traces masculinization in mice to estrogen receptor in inhibitory neurons

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified the specific hormone receptors and brain regions responsible for masculinization in mice. The study found that estrogen receptor alpha is essential in inhibitory neurons for male sexual and aggressive behaviors to emerge, while deleting it had no impact on excitatory neurons.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateJul 19, 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.

Holograms taken to new dimension

Researchers have developed a new technology to create inexpensive full-color 2-D and 3-D holograms that are far more realistic, brighter and can be viewed at wider angles than current holograms. The applications for this technology could be wide-ranging, from currency and identification badges to amusement rides and advertisements.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 19, 2017

Many men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is common in men with diabetes, affecting over half of cases, according to a review of 145 studies involving 88,577 men. Clinicians should routinely screen for ED in diabetic men, as both conditions increase cardiovascular risks.

SourceWiley·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateJul 19, 2017

Kakadu find confirms earliest Australian occupation

A team of archaeologists has confirmed the existence of Aboriginal people in Australia for at least 65,000 years, significantly earlier than previously believed. The discovery reveals a sophisticated toolkit and evidence of ochre processing techniques, shedding new light on local customs and lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateJul 19, 2017

Are magnets the secret to Elastigirl's powers?

Nebraska physicist Christian Binek discovered a formula that links magnetism to elasticity and temperature. This finding may enable engineers to design materials with tailored elasticity by manipulating magnetic properties or applying external fields.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateJul 19, 2017

Shark scavenging helps reveal clues about human remains

Researchers analyzed shark scavenging behavior to identify marks on human bones, distinguishing them from terrestrial carnivore marks. The study found that shark teeth leave striations, while terrestrial carnivores leave puncture-like marks, providing valuable clues for forensic anthropologists.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateJul 19, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

High-tech sensing illuminates concrete stress testing

University of Leeds scientists have discovered a way to measure the strength of modern concrete forms using light-refracting coatings. The birefringent coating displays stress positions, allowing researchers to assess concrete toughness against fractures with high precision.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 19, 2017

Engineered liver tissue expands after transplant

Researchers have developed a way to engineer liver tissue by organizing tiny subunits that contain three types of cells embedded into a biodegradable scaffold. The engineered livers expanded 50-fold after implantation in mice with damaged livers and performed normal liver functions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 19, 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.

Study: Supreme Court decision complicates prosecuting child abusers

A recent national survey of over 200 prosecutors found that the Supreme Court's 2004 decision in Crawford v. Washington has had a limited impact on prosecuting child abuse cases. Nearly 42% of prosecutors reported that the need for child testimony and prosecutions decreased, while insufficient physical evidence was the primary reason f...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateJul 19, 2017

Scientists shed light on carbon's descent into the deep Earth

Researchers studied iron carbonate under extreme conditions to understand the deep Earth's carbon cycle and its role in global warming. They found unprecedented structural stability of a tetracarbonate phase at high pressures, suggesting self-oxidation-reduction reactions can preserve carbonates in the lower mantle.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2017
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 harmless radiopaque glue to seal bleeding and guide surgery

Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based adhesive that exhibits imaging contrast effect in CT and ultrasound, is biocompatible, and ensures accurate target localization during movement. The new glue has shown less toxicity than FDA-approved options and was successfully tested in animal models for various surgical procedures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2017

Major communication gaps between doctors and home health care nurses revealed

A study by CU Anschutz researchers found serious communication challenges between HHC agencies and physicians following hospital discharge, citing medication list discrepancies, confusion over who wrote patient care orders, and inaccessible hospital records. Improvements in accountability and communication could address these issues an...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 19, 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.

UK Biobank partners with the EGA

The UK Biobank is distributing its 500,000-person dataset via the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA), a resource developed by EMBL-EBI and CRG in Barcelona. This move aims to enable researchers to study human disease causes with maximum efficiency.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·DateJul 19, 2017

UBC researchers test 3-D-printed water quality sensor

Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus have designed a tiny device that can monitor drinking water quality in real-time, helping protect against waterborne illness. The miniaturized sensors are cheap to make, operate continuously, and can be deployed anywhere in the water distribution system.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalSensors·DateJul 19, 2017
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.

How poverty may affect children's behavior

Research found that high-quality parenting reduces disruptive behavior and improves teacher-child relationships in children experiencing homelessness. However, severe poverty may overwhelm parenting's benefits, highlighting the need for interventions targeting both poverty-related risk and child resilience.

SourceWiley·JournalChild Development·DateJul 19, 2017

New treatment guidelines for pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS/PANDAS)

A comprehensive treatment framework is presented to guide the management of children with PANS/PANDAS, focusing on psychiatric interventions, infection prevention, and immunomodulatory therapies. The guidelines aim to improve symptom relief, functioning, and adherence to therapeutic interventions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 19, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles can exacerbate colitis

Researchers found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles can increase inflammation and damage to the intestinal mucosa in mice with colitis. Patients with colitis are recommended to avoid foods containing E171, a food additive made from titanium dioxide.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalGut·DateJul 19, 2017

Evidence of the Higgs particle's decay in quarks

The study confirms the predicted decay of the Higgs particle into quarks, with a probability of 60% and a signal rate exceeding statistical significance. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the particle's properties and potential deviations from Standard Model predictions.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·DateJul 19, 2017

Sea temperature changes contributing to droughts

A study analyzing sea surface temperatures from 1957-2002 found that fluctuations contributed to persistent droughts in North America and the Mediterranean. The researchers showed that increased variability in ocean temperatures correlated with more extreme land temperature anomalies, leading to prolonged droughts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 19, 2017

Treated hydraulic fracturing wastewater may pollute area water sources for years

Researchers found high concentrations of contaminants, including endocrine disrupting chemicals and carcinogens, in sediments and pore water. The discharge of oil and gas wastewater impacted water quality on a larger scale than previously thought, with contamination detected as far away as 12 miles downstream from treatment plants.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 19, 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.