Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 31


Page 31 of 37

Drinking alcohol while pregnant could have transgenerational effects

A new study by UCR psychology professor Kelly Huffman found that prenatal ethanol exposure causes abnormalities in the brain and behavior that may be passed on for many generations. The research shows that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes in future grand- and even great-grandchildren, including reduced bod...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJul 7, 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.

Teaching old drugs new tricks in the fight against infectious diseases

Currently available drugs may be used alone or in combination to treat infectious diseases, addressing a pressing need due to slow development of new therapies. Non-profit entities and private industry collaboration is crucial for discovering novel interventions to combat drug-resistant pathogens.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJul 7, 2017

NASA sees weakening of Tropical Depression 4

NASA satellite imagery revealed Tropical Depression 4 is losing its punch, moving into a relatively dry environment. The National Hurricane Center expects the storm to degenerate into a remnant low pressure area tonight.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 7, 2017
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.

Some patients with dementia may experience delayed-onset PTSD

Researchers review three cases of delayed-onset PTSD in patients with dementia, highlighting the importance of recognizing early life trauma. Clinicians can differentiate between PTSD and BPSD by considering a patient's unique narrative and history of previous trauma.

SourceWiley·JournalProgress in Neurology and Psychiatry·DateJul 7, 2017

Strange silk: Why rappelling spiders don't spin out of control

Researchers have discovered that dragline silk from golden orb weaver spiders dissipates energy when twisted, preventing it from spinning uncontrollably. This property makes it an attractive material for biomimetic fibers with potential uses in violin strings, helicopter rescue ladders and parachute cords.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 7, 2017

Sucking up spilt oil

Scientists from India develop a simple strategy to recover spilt oil by tightly binding it to a porous matrix, allowing for easy scooping and recycling. The cellulose-based system effectively absorbs oil without sucking in water, making it an environmentally friendly solution.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 7, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New class of insulating crystals hosts quantized electric multipole moments

Researchers have theoretically predicted a new class of insulating phases, pinpointing potential locations in nature. These insulators generate quantized electric quadrupole or octupole moments, offering a significant theoretical breakthrough in condensed matter research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 2017

How universities are fostering innovation and entrepreneurship

Universities are employing innovative programs, makerspaces, and business accelerators to nurture future innovators. Researchers highlight the benefits of platform strategies in tech transfer, accelerating research and IP commercialization.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateJul 7, 2017

Fasting blood sugar and fasting insulin identified as new biomarkers for weight loss

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that fasting blood sugar and/or fasting insulin can be used to select optimal diets and predict weight loss, particularly for those with prediabetes. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and wholegrains may improve diabetes markers for most people with prediabetes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 7, 2017

Litter bugs may protect chocolate supply

A recent study found that exposing baby cacao plants to healthy adult plant microbes reduces the risk of disease. Microbes from mother trees strengthen the immune system of baby trees, making them less susceptible to pathogens. This discovery has significant implications for the global chocolate industry.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateJul 7, 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.

Iron secrets behind superconductors unlocked

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Cornell University have discovered why certain iron-based materials exhibit fine superconducting properties. The findings suggest that individual modes of operation facilitate superconductivity in these materials.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 2017

Extreme low-oxygen eddies in the Atlantic produce greenhouse gases

International research team discovers extremely low-oxygen regions in Atlantic Ocean, producing high levels of nitrous oxide. The phenomenon was previously unknown and had escaped research due to the small size and mobility of these eddies.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 2017

Nanoparticles coated with antibiotic eliminate drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed silver-silica nanoparticles with an ampicillin coating that target antibiotic-resistant bacteria while being inert to human cells. The nanoantibiotic showed efficacy against both resistant and non-resistant strains of E. coli, offering a promising strategy for combating drug-resistant infections.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 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.

Seeing street change

A study using computer vision algorithms examines millions of Google Street View images to measure urban change, finding that high density and education are key drivers of improvement. The research also supports three classical theories of urban change, highlighting the importance of human capital and education in shaping cities.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2017

When butterfly male sex-bias flaps its wings

Researchers found dosage compensation to be widespread in butterflies and moths, with consistent expression of Z-linked genes between sexes. However, gonads showed imbalance due to masculinization of the Z chromosome and loss of female-biased genes.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 6, 2017

Three Gorges Dam alters downstream schistosomiasis rates

The Three Gorges Dam has altered downstream schistosomiasis rates by changing snail distribution, with human infection rates decreasing from 3.38% to 0.44%. Low water levels due to the dam have made Dongting Lake an unsuitable environment for snails.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 6, 2017

New ways to create and deliver medications for immune-medicated neuropathies

Researchers at LSTM have created synthetic alternatives to IVIg therapy for conditions like CIDP and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The new treatments, enriched with sialic acids, can be produced at a fraction of the cost and may offer relief to millions of people globally.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 6, 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.

Antibodies halt placental transmission of CMV-like virus in monkeys

A recent study by Duke University researchers demonstrates a vaccine approach that appears to protect fetuses from congenital CMV infection. The findings, published in JCI Insight, suggest potent antibodies can prevent viral transmission and severe disease in developing fetuses.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateJul 6, 2017

Surveying sea floor animals for offshore renewable energy

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a method to analyze sediment and animal life on the ocean floor, reducing the need for time-intensive identification work. The study found relationships between sediment characteristics and marine animal life consistent across eight sites off the Pacific Northwest coast.

SourceOregon State University·JournalContinental Shelf Research·DateJul 6, 2017

Biopsy tests may lead to inappropriate discards of donated kidneys

A recent study found that biopsy tests had no impact on kidney function after transplantation from living donors, but did influence outcomes with deceased donor kidneys. Despite this, nearly 20% of organs are still being discarded in the US due to suboptimal biopsy results.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 6, 2017

Are we still jealous? Infidelity in the age of social media

Men feel more distressed by sexual infidelity, while women are upset by emotional messages, with women generally more upset than men regardless of message content. The study supports evolutionarily derived theories that suggest differences in what triggers jealousy among men and women.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateJul 6, 2017

Kent State researchers study link between Pokémon GO and a healthier lifestyle

A study by Kent State researchers found that playing Pokémon GO increased daily walking behavior by 102 percent among college students. The game also reduced sedentary behavior by 25 percent during the first week after downloading. These positive effects persisted weeks later, even with a decrease in game play frequency.

SourceKent State University·JournalGames for Health Journal·DateJul 6, 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.

Conversation cards© a useful tool in pediatric weight management

A new study found that Conversation Cards can help families prioritize key challenges regarding pediatric weight management and create treatment plans with health care providers. The most popular card choices reflected families' readiness to make healthy changes, preference for involving children and adolescents in clinical discussions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJul 6, 2017

Scientists awarded £1M to develop the catalysts of the future

Researchers at the University of Bath have been awarded £1M to develop new catalysts using iron, which could reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency. The project aims to create sustainable methods for producing molecules crucial for manufacturing pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJul 6, 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.

NASA sees Central Atlantic Ocean's forming Tropical Depression 4

Tropical Depression 4 formed over the central Atlantic Ocean on July 6, with heavy showers and rain rates exceeding 44mm/hour. The depression is moving west-northwest at 16mph and is expected to remain a depression for several days before potentially reaching tropical storm status.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 6, 2017

Scientists lay the groundwork for a reliable marijuana breathalyzer

Researchers at NIST have measured the vapor pressure of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a fundamental property for developing accurate marijuana breathalyzers. The study uses PLOT-cryo technology to capture and analyze THC molecules, providing crucial groundwork for manufacturers.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2017

QUT develops golden bananas high in pro-vitamin A

Researchers at QUT have developed a new, genetically modified banana rich in pro-vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for fighting vitamin A deficiency. The project aims to improve the nutritional content of bananas in Uganda, where they are a staple food and lack essential micronutrients.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateJul 6, 2017
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.

Novel PET tracer detects small blood clots

Researchers have developed a novel PET tracer that can detect small blood clots in veins and arteries, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment. The tracer binds to GPIIb/IIIa receptors, targeting the critical molecular components involved in platelet clumping.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 6, 2017

Psychological effect against pushing and shoving

The study reveals that participants in a corridor setup exhibited lower crowd density than in a semicircle setup. Psychological aspects, including social norms and fairness, are believed to play a role in shaping the behavior of crowds. The findings suggest that purely physical models are insufficient for understanding crowd dynamics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2017

Falling sea level caused volcanos to overflow

An international team of scientists discovered a possible cause for irregularities in climate evolution: enhanced volcanic activity induced by falling sea levels. This study found that reduced pressure on the seafloor led to increased lava and carbon dioxide emissions, stabilizing atmospheric CO2 concentrations during glacial periods.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2017
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.

First discovery of an exoplanet with SPHERE/VLT

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, HIP65426b, using the SPHERE/VLT instrument for the first time. The planet is located at three times the Earth-Neptune distance from its star and has a mass 6 to 12 times higher than Jupiter.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJul 6, 2017

How cats and cows protect farm children from asthma

A recent study by the University of Zurich found that exposure to sialic acid from farm animals can prevent asthma in children. This protective effect is due to an anti-inflammatory response triggered by regulatory T-cells, which dampen incorrect immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 6, 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.

Vitamin D may improve sunburn, according to new clinical trial

A new clinical trial found that high doses of vitamin D can reduce skin redness, swelling, and inflammation after a sunburn. Vitamin D at doses of 50,000-200,000 IU was shown to have long-lasting benefits in reducing skin inflammation and promoting skin barrier repair.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJul 6, 2017

Feel the heat, one touch a time

Scientists have developed a technique to map thermal conductivity at the nanoscale, enabling more efficient thermoelectric materials. This breakthrough uses scanning thermal microscopy to analyze three-phase thermoelectric materials and determine their local thermal conductivity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 6, 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.

A steady pulse

A multiyear global assessment by researchers from NCEAS found that the world's oceans have a health record with stable overall health but declining trends in various indicators such as water quality and food provision. Countries taking concrete actions to protect their oceans, like Indonesia and Mexico, are seeing notable improvements.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2017

Study offers clue to memory formation in the brain

A new study published in Neuron provides direct experimental evidence for the 'Memory-Synapse Specificity' Hypothesis, linking a specific type of synapse to a particular behavior and memory. The research reveals that synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) at a specific type of synapse encodes socially acquired olfactory memory.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNeuron·DateJul 6, 2017

Undersea life holds promise for killing tuberculosis

A team of researchers has identified 26 compounds from sponges and other marine organisms that are active against replicating tuberculosis bacteria, with 19 killing dormant bacteria. This is a novelty as existing drugs are better at killing replicating bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJul 6, 2017

Scientists find new method to fight malaria

Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute and The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine identified a key protein involved in malaria parasite escape. Disrupting this protein reduces the efficiency of parasite escape, slowing down infection rate.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 6, 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.

Scientists get first direct look at how electrons 'dance' with vibrating atoms

Researchers develop precise new way to study materials, revealing strong electron-phonon coupling that could lead to unprecedented superconductivity. The approach allows scientists to validate theories and computations describing complex materials' behavior, providing deep insights into their behavior.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2017