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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 23


Page 23 of 37

Water makes the proton shake

Researchers have elucidated the ultrafast motions and structural characteristics of protons in water under ambient conditions, identifying the Zundel cation as a predominant species. The proton explores all locations between two water molecules within less than 100 fs, losing memory quickly due to strong electric field fluctuations.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

Diet rich in tomatoes cuts skin cancer in half in mice

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that daily tomato consumption reduced skin cancer tumors by 50% in male mice, while female mice showed no significant differences. The researchers suggest that dietary carotenoids, particularly lycopene, may protect skin against UV light damage.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2017

Research takes on radical rethink of UK digital infrastructure

A new £5 million research partnership aims to create super-resilient, data-driven networks that can adapt to changing demands. The partnership will develop an 'autonomic' network with minimal human intervention, leading to improved customer experiences and greater agility for businesses.

SourceLancaster University·DateJul 13, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ga-ga, goo-goo, why a baby likes you

Researchers found that by one year old, infants prefer speakers of their native tongue but not unfamiliar languages. Infants also form positive biases toward prosocial behavior from familiar language speakers, suggesting an innate preference for similar groups.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJul 13, 2017

MIT Bitcoin study shows value of exclusive access for early adopters

A study by MIT researchers found that delaying access to new technologies can stifle their spread, as seen in the case of cryptocurrency Bitcoin among incoming freshmen. The study showed that early adopters who received their allotment late cashed out at nearly twice the rate as those who received it earlier.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

On the way to a biological alternative

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have made a significant step towards understanding nitrogenase's function by analyzing its spatial structure. The team discovered that a vanadium ion replaces molybdenum in the enzyme, leading to distinct effects on its geometric and electronic structure.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 13, 2017
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.

A neural switch for becoming alpha male

Researchers discovered a neural circuit in mice that enhances social dominance, boosting chances of becoming an alpha male during aggressive encounters. Stimulating this circuit increased the mouse's winning rate to 90% without affecting motor performance or anxiety levels.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

BASF unveils new class of insecticide for malaria prevention

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended BASF's Interceptor(R) G2, a long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito net containing chlorfenapyr, for malaria prevention. The new product is the first to be approved from a new chemical class since the 1980s and offers a promising solution to combat malaria resistance.

SourceBASF SE·JournalMalaria Journal·DateJul 13, 2017

Bacterium actively drives colorectal cancer tumor cell growth

A subspecies of the bacterium Streptococcus gallolyticus actively promotes the development of colorectal cancer by driving CRC cell proliferation through β-catenin cell signaling. The study found that infected mice developed more tumors and greater β-catenin production than control mice.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 13, 2017

Yes, the sun is an ordinary, solar-type star after all

A new study resolves the ongoing debate about the Sun's cyclic behavior by showing it follows the same pattern as other nearby solar-type stars. The research suggests that the Sun's magnetic cycle depends on its rotation rate and luminosity, advancing scientists' understanding of stellar magnetic fields.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017
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.

How neurons sense our everyday life

Researchers at King's College London have discovered a molecular mechanism that enables neurons to adapt to their environment, shaping learning and memory formation. The study reveals that Brevican protein plays a critical role in regulating experience-dependent plasticity, influencing the intrinsic properties of PV+ interneurons and s...

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuron·DateJul 13, 2017

Cancer cells force normal cells to mimic viruses to help tumors spread, resist treatment

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified a process where cancer cells instruct normal cells to act like viruses, enabling tumors to spread and resist treatment. This 'virus mimic' is detected in the blood of cancer patients and could explain why some breast cancers are more aggressive than others.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 2017

New material resembling a metal nanosponge could reduce computer energy consumption

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a new nanoporous material that can increase magnetic domain orientation efficiency, reducing the energy needed to process data. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve computer energy efficiency and increase mobile device autonomy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 13, 2017

Chillier winters, smaller beaks

Researchers found a clear correlation between winter temperatures and beak size, with the coldest winters associated with the smallest beaks. This study challenges previous theories on the driving forces behind beak evolution and provides new insights into the relationship between climate and morphological traits.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEvolution·DateJul 13, 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.

Research makes robots better at following spoken instructions

Researchers at Brown University developed a new system that enables robots to follow spoken instructions, regardless of their level of abstraction. The system uses language grounding and hierarchical planning algorithms to analyze the specificity of commands, resulting in dramatic speed-ups in performance.

SourceBrown University·DateJul 13, 2017

Satellite sees Tropical Storm Fernanda heading west

Tropical Storm Fernanda is strengthening as it moves west through the Eastern Pacific Ocean, nearing hurricane strength. The National Hurricane Center predicts significant strengthening over the next 48 hours, with Fernanda expected to become a hurricane later today.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 13, 2017

Machine learning technique offers insight into plasma behavior

A new machine learning technique can help identify plasma behavior that precedes disruptions in tokamaks, allowing scientists to steer the plasma towards stability. By analyzing past experiments and predicting disruption precursors, researchers can implement a system to monitor the plasma for signs of instability.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPlasma Physics and Controlled Fusion·DateJul 13, 2017
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.

Researchers overcome suppression of immune response against bacterial pathogens

Researchers developed a human lung tissue model to study pneumonia and found that viral pathogens inhibit the immune system's ability to fight bacterial infections. A new drug-based treatment was tested, which inhibits tyrosine kinase-2, restoring the immune system's ability to combat bacterial pathogens.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 13, 2017

Mountain gorillas have herpes virus similar to that found in humans

A study by UC Davis researchers found that mountain gorillas harbor a strain of lymphocryptovirus 1, similar to the Epstein-Barr virus in humans. The virus is widespread among infant gorillas, infecting 52% of those studied, with no symptoms reported in live gorillas.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2017

Laser-cooled ions contribute to better understanding of friction

Scientists from PTB create a model system using laser-cooled ytterbium ions to study friction phenomena at the atomic scale. They observe transitions between phases caused by structural defects, revealing dynamics comparable to DNA molecule chains.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2017
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.

Ancient plankton-like microfossils span 2 continents

Researchers discovered ancient plankton-like microfossils in South African and Australian rocks, dating back 3.4 billion years. The fossils' unique morphology and carbon isotope values suggest they had planktonic stages in their life cycles.

SourcePenn State·JournalPrecambrian Research·DateJul 13, 2017

Nickel is crucial for the Earth's magnetic field

Researchers found that nickel is essential for creating the geodynamo effect that generates the Earth's magnetic field. Without nickel, convection currents cannot form, leading to a magnetic field. The study used advanced computer simulations to analyze the behavior of metals in the Earth's core.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2017

Study suggests route to improving rechargeable lithium batteries

Scientists discovered that smooth surfaces are key to preventing dendrites from forming in solid electrolyte lithium batteries, a breakthrough that could enable safer and more efficient battery technology. By eliminating the need for liquid electrolytes, researchers aim to double a battery's energy capacity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 13, 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.

Largest study of malaria gene function reveals many potential drug targets

A recent study analyzing over half of the malaria parasite's genes found that two thirds are essential for survival, opening up new avenues for antimalarial drug development. The researchers developed a method to decipher gene function by switching off and counting the growth of genetically modified parasites.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 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.

Time to rise and shine

The copepod Calanus finmarchicus uses a genetic clock to regulate its daily vertical migration, which is likely the largest daily movement of biomass worldwide. This internal rhythm influences the entire food web in the North Atlantic and has significant implications for marine ecosystems.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 13, 2017

Tiny cellular antennae key to fat formation in muscle

Scientists at UCSF discover primary cilia, found on fat-forming cells in muscle, regulate fat formation and tissue renewal. The study provides new insights into muscle aging and disease, potentially leading to improved muscle regeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 2017

Low doses of radiation could harm cardiovascular health, study suggests

A recent study published in the International Journal of Radiation Biology found that low doses of radiation can cause permanent alterations in coronary artery endothelial cells, leading to reduced nitric oxide production and increased oxidative stress. This damage can result in long-term premature dysfunction and an increased risk of ...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Biology·DateJul 13, 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.

Early adopters prefer earliest access

When natural early adopters (NEAs) are prevented from accessing a new technology, it can lead to a cascading negative effect on adoption across the population. The experiment found that among self-proclaimed NEAs, cash-out rates increased significantly when access was delayed, indicating they were more likely to abandon the technology.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

Elderly yoginis have greater cortical thickness

Scientists found greater cortical thickness in elderly female yoga practitioners' brains, associated with improved cognitive functions like attention and memory. Long-term yoga practice appears to shape the brain structure and could offset age-related cognitive decline.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 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.

Testing a soft artificial heart

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a soft artificial heart made from silicone that mimics the human heart's form and function. The device lasts only 3,000 beats but paves the way for future improvements in artificial hearts.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalArtificial Organs·DateJul 13, 2017

Surging heat may limit aircraft takeoffs globally

A new study finds that rising temperatures will make it harder for many aircraft to take off, with some planes needing to dump weight or wait for cooler hours. The study projects widespread effects on aviation, particularly in hotter parts of the world.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalClimatic Change·DateJul 13, 2017

The earliest stages of life might be simpler than we thought

Researchers have discovered that mammalian cells can build an embryo by making four simple decisions, including counting their neighboring cells. This simplified understanding of embryonic development challenges traditional theories and offers new insights into evolution.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 13, 2017
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.

ASHG honors John Mulvihill with Mentorship Award

John J. Mulvihill, MD, receives the ASHG Mentorship Award for his sustained pattern of exemplary mentorship at various academic ranks. He has founded successful genetics training programs and mentored trainees across fields and career stages.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 13, 2017

A hit love song for toads

Researchers at James Cook University found that a specific sound frequency and pulse rate attract more reproductive female cane toads, making it easier to control the population. This technique may be used for large-scale eradication of island populations but not mainland Australia.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPest Management Science·DateJul 13, 2017

Why Japan's coastal zones might be disappearing due to climate change

Climate change projections indicate that Japan's coastal zones will experience significant beach erosion due to rising sea levels and increased wave heights. The study suggests that beach-loss rates may reach as high as 83% by 2100, posing a significant threat to coastal management.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalCoastal Engineering Journal·DateJul 13, 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.

Could calcium hold the key to fighting a dangerous hospital infection?

Excess gut calcium plays a crucial role in triggering the germination of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores, according to new research published in PLoS Pathogens. This discovery may lead to better treatment for vulnerable patients and help slow or stop the transmission cycle of C. diff infections.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 13, 2017

Newly discovered elovanoids called a 'transformative new concept of biology'

Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered a new class of biochemical triggers called elovanoids, which are derived from omega-3 fatty acids. These molecules play a significant role in protecting retinal pigment epithelial and photoreceptor cells from damage.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2017

Scientists develop imaging method for measuring glutathione in real time

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a fluorescent probe, RealThiol, to measure real-time changes of glutathione concentration in living cells. The new tool offers insights into the roles of glutathione in aging, health and diseases such as cancer and Parkinson's.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 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.

A big step? Trial will test improvisational dance as dementia therapy

A new clinical trial will assess the effectiveness of improvisational dance in improving gait and balance problems associated with cognitive impairment and memory loss, as well as reducing apathy and depression. The 12-week program will be divided into four groups, including dance with social engagement and dance only.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateJul 13, 2017

NASA infrared image shows Eugene now a remnant

Former Hurricane Eugene has diminished to a small area of convection in the northeastern quadrant. The storm's remnant circulation is expected to continue moving northwest and dissipate over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 13, 2017

New research uses satellites to predict end of volcanic eruptions

Using infrared satellite data, researchers have successfully predicted the end of lava flow-forming eruptions. The system detects heat emissions from erupting volcanoes and analyzes them to determine when the eruption will end. This approach has significant implications for reducing disturbance caused by volcanic eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalBulletin of Volcanology·DateJul 13, 2017