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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 7


Page 7 of 37

Americans are quitting smoking in higher numbers; study suggests e-cigarettes help

A study published by the University of California - San Diego found that e-cigarette use increased among smokers attempting to quit, leading to a higher overall quitting rate. The study suggests that e-cigarettes play a role as a cessation tool and may have contributed to an increase in smoking cessation rates in the US.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 26, 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.

Identified the component that allows a lethal bacteria to spread resistance to antibiotics

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified histidine as a crucial component in the machinery that enables Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of molecules to prevent the spread of resistant strains, offering new hope in tackling hospital infections.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

NUS scientists identify optimal areas for conservation and agriculture in the tropics

The study identified the Atlantic Forest, Gulf of Guinea, and Thailand as regions where agricultural conversion provides higher benefits than environmental costs. In contrast, Latin America, insular Southeast Asia, and Madagascar are considered economically viable conservation targets due to low agricultural benefits and high environme...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 26, 2017

Is extended-release guanfacine effective in children with chronic tic disorders?

A study found that extended-release guanfacine only showed a small reduction in tic severity among children with chronic tic disorders, with no significant difference between the drug and placebo. The medication was associated with common side effects such as fatigue, dry mouth, and headache.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 26, 2017

Gamma-ray burst captured in unprecedented detail

A team led by University of Maryland astronomers has constructed one of the most detailed descriptions of a gamma-ray burst to date, shedding light on the initial 'prompt' phase and the evolution of large jets of matter and energy. The data suggest that both magnetic fields and matter play key roles in shaping the jets.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017

Living computers: RNA circuits transform cells into nanodevices

Researchers create RNA circuits that enable living cells to perform computations, producing complex logic capable of responding to multiple inputs. The technology has significant implications for fields like drug design, energy production, and cancer treatment.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Triple-layer catalyst does double duty

The researchers created a three-layer structure of nickel, graphene, and a compound of iron, manganese, and phosphorus that can produce both hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously. The material is scalable, stable in acidic and basic solutions, and requires less energy than traditional catalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Energy·DateJul 26, 2017

Understanding cell segregation mechanisms which help prevent cancer spread

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have worked out how major players in border formation between tissues keep cells in the right places. They found that ephrins and their Eph receptors trigger signalling inside both cells, stopping them from mixing, and that N-cadherin suppresses repulsion between like cells.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 26, 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.

Physicists gain new insights into nanosystems with spherical confinement

Researchers have gained new insights into the arrangement of stiff polymers in spherical cavities using computer simulations. The study reveals complex structures emerging on the sphere surface, including bipolar patterns and a tennis ball-like structure with four distinct poles.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 26, 2017

Differences in subtypes of gastric cancer may determine prognosis and response to treatment

Research found that four molecular subtypes of gastric cancer have different prognoses and responses to chemotherapy, with the EBV subtype associated with the best outcome and the GS subtype with no benefit. The study suggests that classifying gastric cancer cases by subtype could provide personalized treatment options.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 26, 2017

Identifying major transitions in human cultural evolution

Researchers identify major transitions in human cultural evolution using computational methods and large cross-cultural datasets. The study reveals the complex processes underlying our cultural histories, including changes from small kin-based groups to colossal nation states.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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.

Cultural flexibility was key for early humans to survive extreme dry periods in southern Africa

The Howiesons Poort tradition, dating back to 66,000-59,000 years ago, demonstrated that early humans could exploit new environments despite pronounced aridification. The development of cultural innovations such as the bow and arrow, engraving ostrich eggshells, and intensive hunting practices allowed HP populations to thrive.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

Large-mouthed fish was top predator after mass extinction

Researchers discovered a massive predatory fish species called Birgeria americana in Nevada's Early Triassic fossils, rewriting the history of apex predators. The find shows that marine ecosystems recovered faster than previously thought, and temperature conditions were suitable for life near the equator.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateJul 26, 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.

No longer lost in translation

Researchers developed a new approach to model human immune variation, identifying gene markers that correlate with human disease outcomes. The study found that accounting for immune diversity is critical for predicting disease outcomes.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2017

Study sheds light on how body may detect early signs of cancer

Scientists have identified a crucial mechanism by which cells detect and respond to DNA damage, shedding light on the body's natural surveillance systems. This discovery may help explain how the human body keeps disease in check and could lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancer prevention.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017

Do all people experience similar near-death-experiences?

A study of 154 individuals with near-death experiences found that while common phenomena like feeling peacefulness and seeing a bright light occur frequently, the order of appearance varies greatly between participants. The most commonly reported sequence was out-of-body experience followed by a tunnel, bright light, and finally peace.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 26, 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.

User research at BER II: Lupin roots observed in the act of drinking

Soil scientists have developed a new method to observe water transport in soil and plant roots, enabling the first-ever 3D mapping of this process in just 10 seconds. This breakthrough technology could also be applied to study fuel cells, batteries, and construction materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 2017

Group relocation preserves social connections among elderly Japanese Tsunami survivors

A study by Hirojuki Hikichi and colleagues found that group relocation increased informal socializing and social participation among older adults. Nearly three years after the disaster, respondents who relocated with their community showed increases in meeting with friends and participating in sports clubs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 26, 2017

Drug combination shows better tolerance and effectiveness in metastatic renal cell cancer

A new study found that the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy demonstrates manageable safety, notable antitumor activity, and durable responses with promising long-term overall survival in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer. The treatment shows enhanced antitumor activity compared to monotherapy in tumor types such...

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 26, 2017

Opting for weight-loss surgery at lower BMIs may be best for patients' health

A large new study shows that only one in three patients who have bariatric surgery succeed in getting their body-mass index below 30 in the first year. Patients with lower BMIs before surgery had higher odds of achieving this goal and better health outcomes, including stopping medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 26, 2017

Getting closer to porous, light-responsive materials

Researchers developed a light-responsive crystalline material that overcomes previous challenges in creating 'photoresponsive' materials. The material changes its porous nature when exposed to light, allowing for repeatable and reversible changes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 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.

Research at Lake Baikal -- for the protection of a unique ecosystem

Researchers investigate how climate change and environmental toxins affect the world's largest freshwater lake. Studies on amphipods found that temperature increases can be catastrophic for some species, while chemical pollution can have mass impacts on individual species and ecosystems.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 26, 2017

Soft robotic exosuits help patients walk after stroke

Soft robotic exosuits have been developed to assist stroke patients in walking with more efficiency and reduced asymmetry. The devices provide forward propulsion and correct problems with ankle dorsiflexion, a common issue affecting up to 20% of stroke survivors.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 26, 2017

Diffusion dynamics play an essential role in regulating stem cells and tissue development

New research highlights the importance of diffusion gradients in regulating stem cells and tissue development. The study explores how gas and nutrient concentrations influence stem cell potency, differentiation, and metabolism. It also introduces novel models for understanding diffusion processes in three-dimensional tissue constructs.

SourceInstitute of Neural Regeneration & Tissue Engineering·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 26, 2017

Somersaulting simulation for jumping bots

A pair of new computational methods developed by researchers from MIT, University of Toronto, and Adobe Research generate simulations that match real-world behaviors at rates 70-times faster than previously possible. These methods can automate the design process used to create dynamic mechanisms for controlled jumping.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 26, 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.

Milky Way's origins are not what they seem

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that up to half of the Milky Way's matter may have originated from distant galaxies through intergalactic transfer. This phenomenon, identified in simulations, shows that gas flows from smaller galaxies to larger ones, such as the Milky Way, forming stars.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 26, 2017

Nation's Top Mathematics educators honored for 2017

The Mathematical Association of America has honored top math educators for their effective teaching methods and impact on undergraduate education. The Henry L. Alder Awards recognized Steven Klee and Mary Beisiegel for their exceptional teaching and mentoring skills.

SourceMathematical Association of America·DateJul 26, 2017

Managers often fail to use or understand their own data on customer satisfaction

A recent study found that managers in various industries overestimate customer satisfaction, relying on unrealistic expectations for marketing decisions. This leads to underinvestment in quality improvements and a failure to address marketplace issues effectively. The study suggests that existing customer feedback systems are not perfo...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJul 26, 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.

A new bird which humans drove to extinction discovered in Azores

A new extinct bird species, Pyrrhula crassa, has been discovered on Graciosa Island in the Azores archipelago. The species went extinct due to human colonization and introduction of invasive species. Its unique beak morphology suggests it was a large bullfinch species.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalZootaxa·DateJul 26, 2017

NASA sees newly formed Tropical Storm Nesat near Philippines

Tropical Storm Nesat has formed east of the Philippines with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots (52 mph), strengthening at a rate of 4.6 mph per hour. The storm is expected to move past the Philippines without making landfall, intensifying to 85 knots before approaching Taiwan by July 30.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 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.

Shedding light deeper into the human brain

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new method for propagating light through human tissue, enabling deeper brain imaging and potential applications in medical imaging and driving safety. The technique involves making tiny holes to pass light through, increasing optical transmission by a factor of 100.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

A large-scale 'germ trap' solution for hospitals

Researchers developed a simple, cost-effective way for hospitals to increase their capacity to contain airborne illnesses. By sealing off a hospital wing and adjusting ventilation systems, hospitals can reduce the spread of diseases. The new solution enables small community hospitals to prepare for rapidly spreading airborne illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJul 26, 2017

New study recommends alternative pain relief for knee replacement patients

A new study has found that an alternative method of pain relief for knee replacement surgery reduces the need for powerful painkillers like morphine. The new approach involves injecting anaesthetic agents around the knee joint, administered by the surgeon without specialist equipment.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Bone & Joint Journal·DateJul 26, 2017

How bacteria maintain and recover their shape

Researchers have found that bacteria can use mechanical cues to maintain their shape and recover from deformation. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, shows that Escherichia coli uses mechanical strain to grow its cell wall and recover its shape after being twisted out of shape.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 26, 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.

Massive star's dying blast caught by rapid-response telescopes

A team of astronomers detected a massive star's titanic explosion and measured its development and decay in unprecedented detail. The findings provide strong evidence for one of two competing models for how gamma-ray bursts produce their energy, with the data showing powerful magnetic fields confining and directing the radiation.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 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.

Study calls for review into census capture of 'mixed' populations

The study analyzed three current methods of mixed population capture and found serious quality problems with all three approaches. It suggests continuing 'multi-ticking' in the US and Canada with clearer instructions for respondents as a potential alternative to 'exact combinations' method.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEthnic and Racial Studies·DateJul 26, 2017

Early dementia care improvement findings to be shared

A five-year research programme is improving care for patients living with dementia in hospitals. Distractions during drug rounds can hinder treatment, but the involvement of family or carers can be hugely beneficial. The study's findings aim to create and implement specific care pathways that acknowledge differences in dementia present...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateJul 26, 2017

NASA eyes compact Hurricane Hilary

NASA closely monitored Hurricane Hilary's development, noting its compact nature with winds extending 15 miles from the center. The storm was forecast to move westward at 13 mph, with some slowing down over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 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.