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Science News Archive June 2017


Page 16 of 40

Screening for obesity in children and adolescents recommended

The USPSTF recommends screening for obesity in children and adolescents 6 years old and older, offering comprehensive behavioral interventions to promote weight improvements. This recommendation is based on moderate certainty, as screening can lead to small harms but also improve weight status with moderate net benefits.

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.

How six cups of ground coffee can improve nose, throat surgery

A team of engineers at Vanderbilt University has designed a novel solution to improve the accuracy of navigation systems used in delicate nose and throat surgeries. By using a thin layer of coffee grounds inside a stretchy silicone headpiece, they aim to reduce targeting errors caused by skin movement and accidental bumps.

To work or not to work: Moms' well being rests on what she wants

Among well-educated mothers, those who pursued their desired lifestyle experienced overall positive adjustment, while those who were 'misaligned' faced considerable distress and unhappiness. Feeling emotionally supported, unconditional acceptance, and satisfying friendships are key to promoting life satisfaction and mitigating loneliness.

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.

Getting the biggest bang out of plasma jets

A new study by Huazhong University of Science and Technology finds that maximizing energy density within the capillary chamber yields the longest plasma jet. Varying capillary dimensions, cathode diameter, and cathode tip length are key factors in achieving optimal performance.

Fighting a destructive crop disease with mathematics

Researchers used mathematical modelling to understand new ways of combating maize lethal necrosis, an emerging disease affecting food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that a combination of crop rotation, clean seed, and insect control is the best way to prevent loss of maize crop.

Radiologists seek greater involvement in patient care

A survey of radiologists found that while they agree on the importance of patient-centered care, current practices are hindered by time and workload constraints. Social media and integrating reading rooms into clinics offer opportunities for better communication with patients.

No evidence of gender bias in philosophy

A recent study by Sean Allen-Hermanson found no significant evidence of gender bias against women in philosophy departments. Despite a male-dominated field, women secured tenure-track positions at rates comparable to men. Increasing diversity is crucial for the discipline.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

People who go to bed late have less control over OCD symptoms

Researchers at Binghamton University found that individuals who go to bed late have lower perceived control over obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Participants in a one-week sleep study completed daily ratings of their ability to control their symptoms, with those who went to bed later showing significant decrements in control.

Wave beams mix and stir the ocean to create climate

Researchers propose a new theory on how waves mix and stir the ocean, bringing cold water to the surface. The study explains how internal waves direct themselves based on topography, shedding light on climate-dependent ocean circulation patterns.

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.

Tennis cheats may be predicted by their moral standards

Researchers found a connection between certain moral values and the acceptance of cheating behavior in tennis matches. Players who prioritize ego and status over self-improvement tend to condone cheating. The study suggests that promoting personal success and achievement can help decrease the risk of antisocial behavior in sport.

Is more digital support needed for young cancer patients?

A survey of 102 young cancer patients aged 13-24 found that digital resources could enhance their experience and engagement. The study's lead author believes digital support resources can address unmet needs and improve patient outcomes.

Older dads have 'geekier' sons

A new study suggests that children of older fathers are more intelligent and focused on their interests, with better educational and career prospects. The researchers found that 'geekier' children tend to perform better in school exams, particularly in STEM subjects.

Star's birth may have triggered another star birth, astronomers say

Astronomers found new evidence suggesting that a jet of material ejected from one young star triggered the formation of another protostar. The younger star, HOPS 108, lies in the path of an outflow from the older star, HOPS 370. New measurements support the idea that the older star's outflow led to the younger's star formation process.

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.

First randomized controlled trial of DBS for chronic pain shows promise

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic conducted the first randomized controlled trial of DBS for neuropathic pain, targeting brain structures related to emotion and behavior. The study showed significant improvements in indices of depression, anxiety, and quality of life, suggesting a potential shift away from analgesia-based treatments.

Mathematical biology tackles destructive plant virus

Researchers used mathematical modeling to understand maize lethal necrosis, a devastating plant disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that rotating crops and controlling insects can provide effective disease control, but limited control is achievable by resource-poor farmers.

Predicting cognitive deficits in people with Parkinson's disease

A new research tool may predict a patient's risk for developing dementia in Parkinson's disease, enabling the design of 'smarter' trials that require fewer participating patients. The tool was built using data from 3,200 people with PD and evaluates seven known clinical and genetic risk factors.

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.

Wet and stormy weather lashed California coast... 8,200 years ago

A paleoclimate study found that California experienced exceptionally wet and stormy weather around 8,200 years ago, coinciding with a global climate anomaly. The researchers used stalagmite records to extract information about the prehistoric California atmosphere during this time.

Buyer beware: Antimicrobial products can do more harm than good

Over 200 scientists and medical professionals issue a warning on the dangers of antimicrobial products, citing no health benefits and environmental harm. Experts urge caution in using these chemicals in everyday products, calling for alternatives to prevent unneeded exposures.

Study finds most people aren't as happy as their friends on social media

A recent study by Indiana University found that people with the most connections on social media are also happier, but this does not translate to their own happiness. The study revealed that a majority of social media users have fewer friends on average than their friends and are less happy as well.

Task Force presents new ranking of colorectal cancer screening tests

The task force ranked tests into three tiers according to the strength of the recommendation for average-risk people. Colonoscopy is highly sensitive for cancer and precancerous lesions, while fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is non-invasive and lower-cost but must be repeated annually. The new guidelines also recommend starting scre...

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.

Lightweight steel production breakthrough: Brittle phases controlled

Researchers at WMG, University of Warwick have developed a new processing route to control brittle stages during steel production. This breakthrough allows for the creation of low-density steels with maximum strength and durability, making them suitable for safer, greener, more fuel-efficient cars.

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.

Positive engagement in preschool key to developmental gains

A new study found that children's individual engagement in preschool classrooms, including with teachers, peers, and tasks, is crucial to their learning and development. Positive engagement was linked to improved literacy skills, language, and self-regulatory skills, while negative engagement hindered school readiness.

How a girl is raised can influence her adult sporting success

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that female footballers raised with non-traditional values and role models exhibit greater fighting spirit and pleasure in the game, leading to improved performance. This suggests that upbringing plays a significant role in shaping the desire to succeed in sports.

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.

Selfish gene acts as both poison and antidote to eliminate competition

Researchers discovered a genetic survival strategy in fission yeast that uses a 'poison' to eliminate competition, but also keeps an 'antidote' for its own transmission. This mechanism, found in the wtf4 gene, can lead to infertility and has potential applications in eradicating pest populations or facilitating desirable traits.

Depressed patients more likely to be prescribed opioids

A new study reveals that individuals with low back pain who are also depressed are more likely to receive opioid prescriptions and higher doses. This finding sheds light on the current opioid epidemic and highlights the need for further research into prescribing patterns.

Hiding true self harms career and sense of belonging

A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that hiding one's true self at work can damage career prospects and reduce feelings of belonging. Concealing stigmatised characteristics such as LGBT identity or poverty history results in lower self-esteem, job satisfaction, and commitment.

Post-ICU glucose management may improve outcomes in critical patients

Research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that critically ill patients with dysglycemia have higher mortality rates, and that a target glucose level of 80-140 mg/dL is associated with best prospects for survival. The study suggests that broader glucose control protocols from admission to discharge may improve survivability.

Mountain lions fear humans, fleeing when they hear our voices, new study reveals

A new study reveals that mountain lions are afraid of humans and flee when they hear our voices. The findings show that pumas take longer to return to their kills after hearing people, reducing their feeding time by about half. This is significant as it can have implications for their well-being in human-dominated landscapes.

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.

Steaming fish eliminates more cyanotoxins than boiling it

A study published in Food Control found that steaming freshwater fish for over two minutes significantly reduces the presence of cylindrospermopsin, a harmful cyanotoxin. Boiling, on the other hand, results in a smaller reduction, posing an increased risk to consumers.

Exhausted immune cells linked to irritable bowel syndrome

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that T-cells in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) are exhausted, leading to reduced responsiveness and secretion of mediators. This finding may help distinguish between different types of IBS and improve diagnosis and treatment options.

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.

Ancient skulls shed light on migration in the Roman empire

Researchers analyzed ancient Roman skulls using state-of-the-art forensic techniques to identify significant cranial differences between coastal communities. The findings suggest that the area around Velia had a large Greek population, influencing local physical characteristics.

Bacterial superantigens turn our immune cells to the dark side

Researchers found that mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells can mount a rapid and robust inflammatory response to bacterial superantigens, contributing to severe organ damage or death. The overzealous response leads to exhaustion of MAIT cells, resulting in immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to secondary infections.

Finding the perfect match: A new approach to battle drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have developed a rapid screening method to identify beneficial pairs of existing FDA-approved drugs to combat multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The approach identified 14 drugs that could be paired synergistically, with the most promising pairing combining azidothymidine and floxuridine.

Simple tactic results in dramatic water conservation, study shows

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University developed a simple, low-cost tactic to conserve water by providing people with more information about lawn watering. The 'Rain-watered Lawn' pilot program involved 627 households and showed a 61% decrease in lawn watering during rainy summer weeks.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Grape-based compounds kill colon cancer stem cells in mice

Researchers found that grape-based compounds resveratrol and grape seed extract effectively killed colon cancer cells and suppressed tumors in mice. The combination of these compounds was found to be non-toxic to healthy cells, making them a promising approach for colon cancer prevention and treatment.

Brain stimulation protocol reduces spasticity in spinal cord injury patients

Researchers developed a new brain stimulation protocol using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and excitatory intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), which showed significant benefits in reducing spasticity in spinal cord injury patients. The study found that improvements persisted even after the treatment ended.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Unusual soybean coloration sheds a light on gene silencing

Researchers found that yellow soybeans result from naturally occurring gene silencing involving two genes, which blocks production of darker pigment's precursors. The study also identified the Argonaute5 gene responsible for saddle-patterned beans, shedding light on epistatic interactions in soybean genetics.

Wildebeest feast: Mass drownings fuel the Mara River ecosystem

A new study reveals how mass wildebeest drownings impact the ecology of the Mara River. The research found that wildebeest carcasses provide a rich source of nutrients to the river's food web, supporting fish and scavenger populations. This subsidy delivers terrestrial nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon to the river.

Mathematical modeling uncovers mysteries of HIV infection in the brain

A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Alberta predicts HIV growth and progression in the brain, revealing a viral reservoir. The model enables scientists to backtrack the development of HIV infection, informing treatment strategies and potential nasal spray therapies.

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.

Understanding HIV's persistence

A new study found that HIV-1 infected cells can persist in the body for decades by exploiting normal cell proliferation. The research identified a single infected CD4 T cell that can amplify the number of virally infected cells through clonal proliferation, leading to a million-fold increase.