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Science News Archive June 2017


Page 14 of 40

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Occupation may be a major factor in vitamin D deficiency

A systematic review of 71 studies found that occupation is a major factor in vitamin D deficiency, particularly among shift workers and healthcare professionals. Regular screening and education programs can help prevent adverse health outcomes linked to vitamin D insufficiency.

The (extra) eyes have it

A team of UCSB researchers found that aggregating individual responses from multiple observers improves visual search performance, especially when the object is hard to detect. This approach leverages the high confidence of individuals who directly gaze at the target.

Trash-picking seagulls poop tons of nutrients

A new study by Duke University estimates that seagulls feeding at landfills transport and deposit over 240 tons of nitrogen and 39 tons of phosphorus into nearby lakes or reservoirs each year. This nutrient overload contributes to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and ecological and economic impacts.

Scientists solve mystery of unexplained 'bright nights'

Researchers suggest that converging waves in the upper atmosphere amplify naturally occurring airglow, causing the unexplained glow seen in historical observations. Bright airglow can be a concern for astronomers, but its effects are still observable in remote areas.

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.

Bat biodiversity is in danger on islands worldwide

A new study reveals vast knowledge gaps in island-restricted bat species, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing conservation efforts for these vulnerable habitats. The research identifies areas with high levels of endemic bat species and underscores the urgent need to protect their islands and populations.

New IST research leverages big data to predict severe weather

Researchers from Penn State's IST have developed a method to identify bow echoes in radar images, a phenomenon associated with fierce winds. The algorithm can automatically detect bow echoes as they begin to form, providing instant notifications for severe weather alerts.

How did bird babysitting co-ops evolve?

Scientists discover that birds form family groups before helping at the nest, resolving long-standing puzzle of cooperative breeding's evolution. The two-step framework suggests that stable environments favor family living, while environmental variability promotes helping at the nest.

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.

Behavior study shows piglets prefer new toys

In a recent study, researchers found that piglets exhibit differential exploratory behavior when presented with new toys. Females and 4-week-old piglets demonstrated better object recognition skills compared to males and 3-week-olds. The study's results have implications for future research on animal behavior and cognition.

UV-sensing protein in the brain of a marine annelid zooplankton

A marine annelid zooplankton has been found to use its brain photoreceptor cells to detect UV signals. This helps the animal regulate its daily vertical migration behavior, known as DVM, and avoid damaging UV irradiation. The discovery sheds light on the molecular basis of this unique adaptation.

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.

An end to population aging in China, Germany, USA

A new study predicts population aging will peak before the end of the century in China and Germany, with the US experiencing little aging. Traditional projections underestimate the impact of increasing life expectancy on age structures.

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.

Fathers' involvement may help prevent childhood obesity

Increased fathers' participation in physical child care and outdoor activities was associated with a decreased likelihood of childhood obesity. The study suggests that encouraging fathers' involvement may help reduce obesity risk among young children.

New approach to teaching music improvisation enhances creativity

A process-oriented teaching approach to improvisation in music is proposed, focusing on developing cognitive processes that enhance creativity. This approach encourages students to think about their creative processes and self-assess their experiences, leading to improved improvisational skills.

Study settles debate over head position following stroke

A large trial involving over 11,000 patients reveals that sitting up or lying flat after a stroke makes no difference to their recovery. The study found that good nursing care is more important than head position in determining outcomes.

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.

Breast implants may impede ECG and lead to false heart attack diagnosis

Research suggests that breast implants can impede electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and result in false heart attack diagnoses. The study found that women with breast implants were more likely to have abnormal ECG readings due to the implant interfering with the electrical activity of the heart.

Plant inspiration could lead to flexible electronics

Scientists developed a graphene-based aerogel that meets the needs for flexible electronics by mimicking the structure of the powdery alligator-flag plant. The material is strong, resilient, and supports 6,000 times its own weight.

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.

Selfies: We love how we look and we're here to show you

Researchers analyzed 2.5 million selfies on Instagram to understand how people present themselves online. The study found that appearance-related selfies account for nearly half of all posts, followed by social selfies with friends and pets.

CPAP improves respiratory and survival rates in children in Ghana

A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that applying continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to children with respiratory distress significantly decreased mortality rates and improved respiratory rates. The treatment was safely and effectively administered by nurses in district-level hospitals, offering a lifesav...

Drowsy dormice doze into decline

The UK's hazel dormouse population has declined by 72% over the past two decades, with conservation efforts proving insufficient to stem the decline. The research team is now calling for an urgent review of dormouse conservation to protect this beloved woodland mammal.

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.

Predicting cognitive deficits in people with Parkinson's disease

A newly developed research tool may help predict a patient's risk for developing dementia in Parkinson's disease, enabling improved clinical trial design and treatment development. A computer-based risk calculator was built from data on 3,200 people with Parkinson's disease, evaluating seven known risk factors.

Researchers create a 'Rosetta Stone' to decode immune recognition

Researchers developed an algorithm that functions like a Rosetta Stone to decipher how the immune system recognizes and binds antigens. The algorithm correctly assigned 81% of human T cells to one of 10 different viral epitopes, showcasing its potential in personalized cancer immunotherapy.

Forgetting can make you smarter

Researchers propose that forgetting is crucial for efficient memory, allowing us to adapt to new situations and generalize past events. By controlling what information we retain and forget, our brains optimize decision-making and prioritize core knowledge.

Bitter or sweet? How taste cells decide what they want to be

A new study from the Monell Center has identified novel genes and molecular pathways involved in shaping a taste cell's function, potentially allowing for the treatment of taste disorders or fine-tuning of taste perception. The research also sheds light on how taste stem cells develop into different types of mature taste cells.

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.

Regional 'hot spot' of Borna disease discovered in upper Austria

Researchers have identified a novel endemic area for Borna disease in Upper Austria, with high concentrations of Bornaviruses found in shrews and horses. Genetic analysis reveals the strain is distinct from neighboring regions, shedding light on the virus's spread.

This week from AGU: Remarkable 2016 storms caused massive Antarctic sea ice loss

A new study in Geophysical Research Letters finds that a series of unprecedented storms over the Southern Ocean likely caused the most dramatic decline in Antarctic sea ice seen to date. The extreme weather event led to significant losses of sea ice, with researchers suggesting that the storms' impact was exacerbated by climate change.

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.

No mercury accumulation in fish after fire

A study by researchers from the USDA Forest Service and the University of Minnesota found that controlled burns did not lead to increased mercury levels in yellow perch, contradicting previous mixed results. The research also showed no significant disruption to watershed food webs.

Three ways neuroscience can advance the concussion debate

Neurologists and neurotraumatologists review the science of concussions and outline areas where neuroscience and clinical research can help create consensus. They emphasize the importance of diagnosis in treatment and suggest using animal models to discover better treatment plans.

Identified brain circuitry bridges neural and behavioral roles in PTSD

A comprehensive review of rapidly changing data identified four neural-behavioral models associated with PTSD, pinpointing specific circuits in the brain that mediate between chemical changes and behavioral expressions. The study provides detailed tables to help healthcare providers recognize signs and symptoms of PTSD for diagnosis.

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.

Enzyme catalyzed decomposition of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide

New research reveals the role of enzyme-catalyzed decomposition in the antitumor effect of oxazaphosphorines. Activated oxazphosphorines are decomposed into phosphoreamide mustard and 3-hydroxypropanal, causing DNA damage that can lead to apoptosis.

Fossil holds new insights into how fish evolved onto land

A new fossil discovery challenges our understanding of the early evolution of tetrapods, revealing a fish-like creature with a snake-like exterior. The Lethiscus stocki fossil shows immediate and dramatic evolutionary experimentation, dropping its position on the 'family tree' and impacting evolutionary biology.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Eating fish may reduce arthritis symptoms

A recent study found that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who consumed fish at least 2 times a week had lower disease activity compared to those who ate fish less than once a month. The study, which assessed 176 patients, suggests that fish consumption may lower inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis.

The world's largest canary

The São Tomé grosbeak is the world's largest canary, measuring 20 cm long and possessing a flat head and large beak. It is found only on the island of São Tomé in the West African Gulf of Guinea and is 50% larger than the runner-up species.

When estimating extinction risk, don't leave out the males

Research found that population growth in birds is sensitive to male-to-female ratio, affecting mating behavior and survival rates. A male-biased population can lead to increased aggression, while a female-biased population can result in lower parental investment.

Clear view on stem cell development

Researchers developed an algorithm to correct images and make hitherto hidden development steps visible, allowing for more accurate detection of regulatory proteins active during stem cell development. The 'BaSiC' software can correct changes in the background of time-lapse videos, making it a valuable tool for stem cell researchers.

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.

Researchers recommend specific diabetes medications to protect bone health

A comprehensive review highlights the most effective treatment options for co-managing type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. Researchers suggest using medications like Metformin and DPP-4 inhibitors to protect bone health. Meanwhile, insulin therapy is recommended for achieving glycemic control in patients with T2D and fractures.

Scientists shed new light on preventative measures for diabetes

Researchers discovered that physical activity offers health benefits against insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The study found that exercise's ability to remove damaged cellular materials and enhance mitochondrial quality is more effective in preventing insulin resistance than previously thought.