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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 8


Page 8 of 37

Post-stroke patients reach terra firma with Wyss Institute's exosuit technology

Researchers developed a lightweight, soft wearable ankle-assisting exosuit that can reinforce normal gait in people with hemiparesis after stroke. The device improved walking performance and reduced energy costs in patients post-stroke, showing promise as a rehabilitation tool.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·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.

Risk for bipolar disorder associated with faster aging

Research suggests that individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder may experience faster biological aging. The study found that patients treated with lithium had longer telomeres, which could help reverse age-related changes. This association may explain the higher rates of aging-related diseases among bipolar disorder patients.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 26, 2017

New 3-D technique uses water and robotics to reconstruct complex objects

Researchers developed a technique that uses robotic arms to immerse objects in water, measuring volume displacement for volumetric shape representation. This method achieves more accurate 3D scanning than current methods, particularly for complex objects with hidden parts.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 26, 2017

ACA reduced disparities in health care access, report shows

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped close gaps in healthcare access between poor and higher-income households. In states that expanded Medicaid, the gap fell by 46%, while in non-expansion states, it declined by 23%. Despite gains, many low- and middle-income residents still lack coverage or avoid care due to cost.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·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.

Dodder: A parasite involved in the plant alarm system

Scientists discover dodder parasite transmits insect feeding-induced signals among different hosts, triggering defense reactions in neighboring plants. The parasitic plant's vascular system connects with its hosts, enabling the transfer of warning signals.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2017

Molecular microscopy illuminates molecular motor motion

Scientists have developed a high-resolution microscope to directly observe kinesin motors moving along microtubules, revealing the coordination of attachment and release. This new understanding may help clarify defects in transport processes contributing to diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJul 25, 2017

Pattern of marijuana use during adolescence may impact psychosocial outcomes in adulthood

A study found that adolescents with an increasing pattern of marijuana use over their teens had the greatest dysfunction in brain reward circuitry, highest rates of depression, and lowest educational achievements. The findings highlight the importance of understanding marijuana use across adolescence to predict long-term impacts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAddiction·DateJul 25, 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.

Physical activity could combat fatigue, cognitive decline in cancer survivors

A new study found that higher levels of daily physical activity were associated with better performance on cognitive tasks, particularly attention, memory, and multitasking. Exercise was linked to reduced fatigue, which in turn improved cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateJul 25, 2017

Discovery of why emus are grounded takes flight

A team of researchers from Monash University has identified the Nkx2.5 gene as a key regulator of wing development in emus. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of limb reduction and may have implications for human limb development, particularly in individuals born with limb abnormalities.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2017

Plant parasite dodder transmits signals among different hosts

Research reveals that dodder plants transmit herbivory-induced signals among host plants, triggering defense responses and reducing insect growth. The discovery showcases the complex ecological interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 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.

Lutein may counter cognitive aging, study finds

Researchers found that middle-aged participants with higher levels of lutein had neural responses more similar to those of younger individuals. This suggests that lutein may have cognitive benefits for early life stages. The study aimed to understand how diet impacts cognition throughout the lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateJul 25, 2017

UNIST hits new world efficiency record with perovskite solar cells

Researchers at UNIST have achieved a new world record efficiency performance of 22.1% in small cells and 19.7 percent in 1-square-centimeter cells using perovskite solar cells. The breakthrough is made possible by careful control of growth conditions to fix defects that reduce photoelectric efficiency.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2017

Improved imaging of neonatal soft-tissue tumors can help radiologists improve patient care

Practical imaging evaluation of neonatal soft-tissue tumors is crucial for accurate diagnosis, and clear understanding of imaging techniques can improve patient outcomes. Characteristic clinical and imaging findings aid in diagnosing these neoplasms, which may require biopsy or excision for definitive diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJul 25, 2017

Global health lessons from Thailand's successful liver fluke elimination campaign

Researchers highlight the crucial role of outreach and education in disease elimination programs. In Thailand's successful liver fluke control model, educational efforts, including comics and songs, have led to significant reductions in human infection rates. The campaign's focus on community empowerment and addressing social factors h...

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateJul 25, 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.

Violent sleep patterns & stress hormones change after a violent crime in the neighborhood

A new study found that violent crime can disrupt sleep patterns and increase stress hormones in youth, leading to decreased academic performance. The study, conducted on 82 youth aged 11-18, showed that sleep and cortisol levels changed after a violent crime occurred nearby, with the largest effects seen for homicides.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 25, 2017

How gene silencing works in plants

Gene silencing is crucial for plant development and growth, and a recent study has shed light on its mechanisms. The researchers discovered that Polycomb-group proteins play a key role in this process, using histone modifications to silence genes.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 25, 2017

The microscopic origin of thermodynamics

Researchers at SISSA shed light on the microscopic origin of thermodynamics by showing that isolated systems exhibit increasing entropy due to entanglement with the rest of the system. This resolves the paradox between quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, providing new insights into the behavior of extended quantum systems.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2017

Research lacking when it comes to heart disease in prison populations

A recent study highlights the gaps in knowledge about cardiovascular disease among incarcerated and released populations, with limited research on factors contributing to heart disease. The report identifies areas for further study, including how prisoners receive care and treatment, and the relationship between stress and coping behav...

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 25, 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.

New chromium-based superconductor has an unusual electronic state

Researchers discovered a new chromium-based superconductor with an unusual electronic state, characterized by linear magnetic resistance at ultralow temperatures. This finding could contribute to the development of new superconductors and materials with unique properties.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2017

New strategy to design mechano-responsive luminescent materials

Hokkaido University researchers have designed a novel mechano-responsive luminescent material that changes color in response to mechanical stimuli. The material, composed of gold and isocyanide complex, transforms into chiral or achiral crystals under different conditions, altering its emission properties.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 25, 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 Tropical Storm Sonca making landfall in Vietnam

Tropical Storm Sonca made landfall in Vietnam, bringing maximum sustained winds near 40 knots and heavy rainfall to the region. Infrared data from NASA's Aqua satellite revealed an area of strong storms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 25, 2017

Elevated cholesterol's link with canine cancer includes a better prognosis

Researchers at Oregon State University found nearly half of dogs with osteosarcoma had elevated total serum cholesterol levels, leading to longer survival times. Dogs with high cholesterol had a median survival time of 455 days, compared to 345 days for those with normal cholesterol.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Small Animal Practice·DateJul 25, 2017

A bar magnet creates chaos in plasma

Researchers found a localized glow near the cathode surface due to enhanced ionization and electron confinement in the magnetic field. Increasing the magnetic field strength revealed a transition from order to chaos via a period-doubling route.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJul 25, 2017

Improving the employment rates of women through digital technology

A new project, PONToon, aims to improve the employment rates of socially excluded women by boosting their digital skills and knowledge. The project will develop a free digital toolkit with engaging tools such as virtual reality interviews, webinars, and bespoke computer game experiences.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·DateJul 25, 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.

Well-designed visual aids improve risk understanding

A University of Oklahoma professor finds that well-designed visual aids are beneficial for diverse people facing complex decisions, including physicians and patients. The study shows that visual aids increase the likelihood of deliberation and lead to more enduring changes in attitudes and behavioral intentions.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJul 25, 2017

A new optimization model could bring higher solar-power integration

Researchers developed an optimization model that improves solar power integration in residential photovoltaic systems through demand-response applications. The study found that DR applications with 100% PV penetration reduced energy consumption by 32%, network losses by 42%, and improved network utilization by 12%.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJul 25, 2017

Knee joint signals bones to grow

Researchers discovered a communication system between the knee joint and developing bones in mice, which controls bone growth during early development and after injury. The study suggests that bone growth is controlled not only from within the bone itself but also by neighboring cells situated in nearby joints.

SourceeLife·DateJul 25, 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.

Large single-crystal graphene is possible!

Researchers have successfully grown large sheets of monolayer single-crystal graphene, overcoming technical challenges to achieve a 5 x 50 cm2 sheet in just 20 minutes. The low-cost method has the potential to expand graphene's usability and enable its use in flexible circuits.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJul 25, 2017

UNIST professor featured as a highly prolific author in ACS Journal

Jaephil Cho, a leading expert on secondary batteries, has been listed among the most influential scientists in Materials Science & Engineering. With over 200 patents and 280 scientific publications, he was cited as one of the top authors in Nano Letters.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateJul 25, 2017

How texting can protect babies from sudden death

A new study found that a mobile health program using text messages and emails successfully encouraged mothers to follow safe sleep practices for their babies, resulting in improved compliance rates. The intervention significantly reduced the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SIDS) and infant mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJul 25, 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.

Making polymer chemistry 'click'

Researchers create faster and easier way to make sulfur-containing polymers using SuFEx reaction technique, combined with newly identified catalysts. The achievement reduces cost of large-scale production and produces far less hazardous waste.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2017

We have a quorum

Researchers at Pitt Engineering have created synthetic materials that mimic the behavior of living organisms, enabling self-recognition and self-regulation in devices. The findings were published in PNAS and demonstrate potential applications for mechano-responsive materials with tunable self-awareness.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2017

Large, distant comets more common than previously thought

A team of astronomers found that there are about seven times more long-period comets measuring at least 1 kilometer across than previously predicted. Long-period comets are nearly twice as large as Jupiter family comets, suggesting an evolutionary difference between the two types of comets.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateJul 25, 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.

Magnetic quantum objects in a 'nano egg-box'

Researchers have successfully produced a 'quantum egg-box' with hundreds of thousands of artificially arranged fluxons, enabling stable non-equilibrium states. This breakthrough paves the way for developing fast computer circuits based on fluxons with enhanced speed and reduced heat dissipation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 25, 2017

Study explains link between academic performance and violence

New research from Northwestern University suggests that children who live in neighborhoods with high rates of violent crime struggle more in school due to sleep disruption and increased stress hormone cortisol. The study found that violent crimes alter sleep patterns, leading to a negative impact on academic performance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChild Development·DateJul 25, 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.

Consuming walnuts may help keep the gut healthy, says new animal research

A new animal study suggests that walnuts can increase the diversity of good probiotic-type bacteria in the gut. The researchers found that a diet with walnuts led to an overall significant increase in beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Ruminococcaceae.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, Seattle·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateJul 25, 2017

New virus discovered in migratory bird in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Science Institute have discovered a new virus in a migratory bird species. The virus, type 15 avian paramyxovirus, was found to be closest to viruses previously identified in South America and does not pose a threat to humans or birds.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 25, 2017

New discovery could reverse tissue damage caused by heart attacks

Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to a new treatment for heart attacks. Pericytes, cells surrounding blood vessels, stimulate new blood vessel growth with the help of hormone leptin, which may help restore blood supply to damaged heart muscle after a heart attack.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 25, 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.

A secret to giving the perfect gift: Stop being afraid

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that gift givers tend to choose superficial gifts over sentimental ones, even when recipients prefer sentimentally valuable gifts. The study suggests that givers view sentimental gifts as uncertain in their impact, but view preference-matching gifts as a sure single.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 25, 2017

Noise pollution loudest in black neighborhoods, segregated cities

A new US study reveals that noise pollution is most prevalent in black neighborhoods and segregated cities, with a strong correlation between noise levels and race. The research found that neighborhoods with higher proportions of black residents had higher median night-time noise levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 25, 2017

Antibiotics come with 'environmental side effects,' experts say

Researchers warn of harm to beneficial microbes and ecosystems from antibiotic runoff into natural systems, calling for improved wastewater treatment and responsible use. The review article explores commonly used antibiotics' impact on microbes essential to a healthy environment.

SourceElsevier·JournalMicrochemical Journal·DateJul 25, 2017

Taking technology to the next level

The CUDOS research group has created compact, mass manufacturable optical circuits by integrating nonlinear glasses with silicon-based material. This breakthrough enables faster data processing and opens up opportunities for miniaturizing photonics devices, from laptops to smartphones.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Ultrahigh bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS)·JournalOptica·DateJul 25, 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.

Cognitive cross-training enhances learning, study finds

A comprehensive new study from University of Illinois researchers found that combining physical exercise and mild electric brain stimulation with computer-based cognitive training promotes skill learning significantly more than using cognitive training alone. The enhanced learning was skill-specific and did not translate to general int...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 25, 2017