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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 34


Page 34 of 37

Remote Amazonian cities more vulnerable to climate change

Research by Lancaster University found that remote Amazonian cities are more vulnerable to environmental pollution, contaminated water, and health risks. Experts emphasize the need for 'adaptive capacity' through improved public services and disaster response planning to mitigate these effects.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateJul 5, 2017

Physicists read Maxwell's Demon's mind

An international research team has successfully brought Maxwell's Demon to life using superconducting circuits. The team observed the demon gain useful energy from a thermodynamic system, bypassing the second law of thermodynamics, and tracked how information is stored in its memory.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2017

Reconciled: Climate sensitivity estimates between models and historical data

Scientists developed a method to compare climate model sensitivities with historical data, showing good agreement. Accounting for slow mode feedback, the temperature range of climate sensitivity from historical data is consistent with climate models, implying a higher sensitivity to carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 5, 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.

Bowel cancer diagnosis delayed by other illness

A new study found that patients with pre-existing serious health conditions, such as heart disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), may experience a delay of up to 26 days in receiving a bowel cancer diagnosis. This can lead to more severe outcomes and poorer treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJul 5, 2017

Vegetable colouring agent may suppress inflammation

Researchers at Linkoping University discovered that lutein can suppress long-term inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease. The study found that higher levels of lutein were associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers and reduced inflammatory activity in immune cells.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateJul 5, 2017

ASHG honors Nicholas Katsanis with 2017 Curt Stern Award

Nicholas Katsanis, Director of the Center for Human Disease Modeling at Duke University, receives the 2017 Curt Stern Award for his groundbreaking research on ciliary disorders. The award recognizes his work on signaling roles of cilia and mechanisms behind rare genetic disorders.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 5, 2017

People with tic disorders at increased suicide risk

A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that people with Tourette's disorder and chronic tic disorder are over four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Persistent tics into adulthood were a strong predictor of suicide risk, with patients nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 5, 2017
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.

Transfer of atomic mass with a photon solves the momentum paradox of light

Aalto University researchers demonstrate that each photon is accompanied by an atomic mass density wave, transferring 92% of the total momentum of light in silicon. This resolves the long-standing momentum paradox of light, which had two different values due to neglecting atomic motion with the light pulse.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJul 5, 2017

Simple blood test predicts anemia risk after malaria treatment

Researchers have adapted a diagnostic test for malaria to predict post-treatment anemia risk with 89% sensitivity and 73% specificity. The BinaxNOW malaria kit measures HRP2 remnants on red blood cells, offering a potential alternative to mandatory monitoring for high-risk patients.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 5, 2017

Greener molecular intermediates may aid drug design

Rice University scientists simplify synthesis of precursor molecules for biologically active compounds, enabling cheaper and more sustainable drug design. The new method uses hydroxylamine O-sulfonic acid to produce aziridine molecules at room temperature in a few hours.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 5, 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.

Early-life pain may lead to obesity risk, especially in females, study finds

A Georgia State University study found that early-life inflammatory pain increases sucrose intake and decreases memory-related protein expression in adult rats, with female rats showing more pronounced effects. The study suggests that preventing pain in premature infants may reduce the risk of obesity.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJul 5, 2017

Gaze direction affects sensitivity to sounds

A new UCL study found that looking away from the sound source while focusing on another one can lead to slower reactions and increased listening effort. The researchers used EEG to monitor brain activity in participants, revealing an increase in oscillatory neural activity when gaze was misaligned with auditory attention.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Computing takes the prize

Nobuo Sato received a $10,000 grant to apply his knowledge of Quantum Chromodynamics to understand the protons and neutrons in everyday matter. His calculations involve parton distribution functions and transverse momentum distributions.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 5, 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.

Neutrons detect elusive Higgs amplitude mode in quantum material

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have observed the Higgs amplitude mode with an infinite lifetime, providing new insights into exotic materials. The discovery was made using sophisticated neutron scattering techniques in a two-dimensional material.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 5, 2017

Moms, kids and TV: A complicated relationship that's not all bad

A University of Michigan study finds that low-income mothers view television as a positive tool when watching parent-approved educational programming with their child. The study also highlights the importance of parental mediation and setting limits on screen time, especially for obesity prevention.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Children and Media·DateJul 5, 2017

From dry to wet: Rainfall might abruptly increase in Africa's Sahel

The Sahel region could receive significantly more rainfall, potentially transforming from a dry to a wet area, as temperatures rise beyond the Paris Climate Agreement's limit. This sudden change poses a huge adaptation challenge for an already troubled region with over 100 million people affected.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateJul 5, 2017

Kenan Charitable Trust awards $1.5 million to UNC Health Affairs schools

The UNC School of Medicine, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and other health professions schools will establish clinical experiences for students in rural areas of North Carolina, launching the UNC Rural Interprofessional Health Initiative (RIPHI). The program aims to improve health disparities and develop a health workforce prepared ...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJul 5, 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.

Genetic DJ: Growing cells remix their genes

A study by Babraham Institute and Weizmann Institute reveals genes are constantly rearranged in cells, changing their positions to fine-tune gene expression. Researchers collected data from over 4,000 individual cells using single-cell Hi-C technology, providing unique insights into genome organisation.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2017

Skin plays significant role in spread of leishmaniasis

Researchers at the University of York have found that parasites responsible for leishmaniasis are mainly acquired from the skin rather than through blood transfusions. This discovery challenges current treatment methods and highlights the importance of measuring parasite levels in the skin to assess treatment success.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2017

The big ecological roles of small natural features

A team of researchers explores the disproportionate ecological importance of small natural features, highlighting their significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. These elements, such as salt marshes and rocky outcrops, are often overlooked but can provide resources that limit key populations or support unusual diversity.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 5, 2017

Three-dimensional chip combines computing and data storage

Researchers at MIT and Stanford developed a 3D chip that integrates computing and data storage, overcoming communication bottlenecks. The chip uses carbon nanotubes and RRAM cells, enabling dense and fine-grained integration of computating and data storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global erosivity map shows differences between climatic regions

A new global erosivity map shows significant variations in rainfall erosivity across different climatic regions, highlighting the need for soil degradation mitigation and restoration strategies. The map provides critical data for assessing soil erosion by water, flood risk, and natural hazard prevention.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Marine parasites: Different strokes for different folks

A research team used micro-computer tomography to investigate the relationship between parasite and host masses, finding a positive correlation. This suggests that larger hosts support larger parasites. The study also sheds light on the life-cycle of parasitic barnacles, revealing two groups with different competitive strategies.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 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.

Don't let lower back injuries take you down for the count

Three common conditions affecting varsity and professional athletes include symptomatic lumbar disk degeneration, lumbar disk herniation, and spondylolysis. Nonsurgical therapy is recommended as the first-line treatment for lower back conditions in elite athletes, with successful recovery rates reported.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJul 5, 2017

Saving the paintbrush lily from extinction

A major conservation effort is underway to conserve the last remaining paintbrush lilies in Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden. The species, Haemanthus pumilio, has declined drastically due to habitat destruction and invasive species. The garden aims to increase the population through micropropagation and control burns.

SourceStellenbosch University·DateJul 5, 2017

Fish prefer to swim with sporty shoalmates

Research reveals minnows prefer energetic shoalmates due to increased visual stimulation and potential hydrodynamic benefits. Higher metabolic rates in shoal mates may reduce predation risks for following fish.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 5, 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.

In the egg, American bullfrogs learn how to avoid becoming lunch

A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that American bullfrog embryos can learn about predators while still in the egg, developing faster and hiding more when exposed to predator signals. This allows them to avoid becoming vulnerable prey, making it harder to control their spread.

SourceOregon State University·JournalOecologia·DateJul 5, 2017

Reconciling predictions of climate change

Researchers developed a mathematical model to reconcile temperature estimates from global climate models and paleoclimate records. They found that higher temperature ranges, up to 6 degrees Celsius, may be possible when long-term warming patterns are considered.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 5, 2017
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.

Training can improve athletes' stereo vision

Researchers found that repetitive training using stereoscopic stimuli can improve reaction speed and processing time in athletes. After six training sessions, the athletes' processing time decreased significantly, and this ability remained stable for six months after the training ended.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJul 5, 2017

How much does dementia risk increase after traumatic brain injury?

A retrospective cohort study of over 40,000 TBI patients found a significant increase in dementia risk after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Those with mild TBI had a 1.6% diagnosis rate, while those with moderate-to-severe TBI had a 3.5% diagnosis rate, highlighting the increased risk in middle-aged individuals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 5, 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.

Milky Way could have 100 billion brown dwarfs

An international team of astronomers suggests that the Milky Way contains a staggering number of brown dwarfs, with estimates ranging from 25 to 100 billion. The Substellar Objects in Nearby Young Clusters (SONYC) survey found that brown dwarfs are common in dense star clusters and have a small effect on their formation environment.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 5, 2017

Synthetic horns may save rhinos if they are not like the real thing

Research suggests that inferior synthetic horns can drive out wild horn suppliers through adverse selection, reducing poaching and driving down prices. Nonprofits could play a key role in producing these synthetic horns, promoting competition and increasing market supply.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalEcological Economics·DateJul 5, 2017

'Competency-based' service training for flight attendants improves passenger satisfaction

A study found that competency-based cabin service training for airline flight attendants improves customer satisfaction levels. The training, which focuses on four nationally recognized competency-focused units, resulted in statistically significant differences in customer satisfaction ratings among passengers.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalThe Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research·DateJul 5, 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 look at gravitational dance that drives stellar formation

Researchers observe intense gas motions at filament junctions, indicating strong acceleration gradients and massive core formation. The study reveals that interstellar filaments and hub systems are privileged locations for forming the most massive stars in the Galaxy.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·DateJul 5, 2017

What kind of Facebook user are you?

Researchers at Brigham Young University identify four categories of Facebook users: those who use the platform to build relationships, share information with others, self-promote, and simply observe social media activity. The study sheds light on why people engage with Facebook in different ways.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalInternational Journal of Virtual Communities and Social Networking·DateJul 5, 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.

Two out of three US adults have not completed an advance directive

A comprehensive review found that 63% of Americans have not completed an advance directive, with chronic illness and age being key factors. The study emphasizes the importance of completing these documents to ensure end-of-life care preferences are respected.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 5, 2017

Digital communication improves young patient engagement, according to new study

A new study from the University of Warwick and King's College London found that digital communication methods can improve the health care experience of younger patients. The research, which involved case studies from 20 NHS specialist clinical teams, suggests that this approach can engage those who are otherwise disengaged and enhance ...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJul 5, 2017

Study: No link seen between traumatic brain injury and cognitive decline

A new study examined the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and age-related cognitive change, finding no significant difference between participants with TBI and those without. The researchers suggest that future studies should collect more information on past TBIs to better understand their impact on cognitive decline.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJul 5, 2017
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.