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Science News Archive June 2017


Page 26 of 40

Acting and thinking -- are they the same for our brain?

Researchers propose that a single neural network, the fronto-parietal network, relies on 'emulation' to perform various cognitive tasks. This process creates an abstract dynamic image of movements, enabling the brain to strengthen motor skills and construct precise representations.

Rattling DNA hustles transcribers to targets

New simulations reveal DNA's constant motion enables rapid transcription factor diffusion, contradicting the long-held assumption of rigid DNA. The findings have significant implications for understanding cell processes and potentially boost speed and accuracy in biological and medical research.

OSU researcher part of $14 million NSF program for improved genomic tools

A $1.875 million EDGE program award will help Virginia Weis study the microscale mechanisms behind coral-algal symbiosis, a key component of coral reef ecosystems threatened by environmental stress and climate change. The project aims to develop new genomic tools and techniques for understanding coral health and stress.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Iqaluit could start running out of fresh water by 2024

Climate change and increased demand will outstrip freshwater supply in Iqaluit, even with stagnant population growth. Researchers predict the city may run out of fresh water by 2024 unless alternative sources are found to extend the water supply.

Study: New approach to destroying deadly brain tumors

A new strategy for treating glioblastoma, a difficult-to-treat brain tumor, has shown promising results in mice by combining medications that disable two proteins. This approach could potentially extend or save the lives of patients diagnosed with this lethal form of cancer.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP sees a disorganized Tropical Depression 3E

Tropical Depression 3E is a disorganized storm system approaching southwestern Mexico, with periodic bursts of thunderstorm development near its center. The National Hurricane Center forecasts locally heavy rainfall and dangerous mudslides, with total rainfall accumulations expected to reach 5-10 inches in some areas.

HbA1C overestimates mean glucose in black persons compared with whites

Researchers found that HbA1C levels are higher in blacks compared with whites for a given mean glucose level, suggesting racial differences in glycation of hemoglobin. This discrepancy highlights the need for clinicians to individualize care based on blood glucose levels rather than relying solely on HbA1C levels.

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.

Vegetarian diets almost twice as effective in reducing body weight, study finds

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that vegetarian diets are more effective than conventional low-calorie diets in reducing body weight. Vegetarian diets also improve glucose and lipid metabolism, which is particularly important for people with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Regenerating damaged nerves with 'Pac-Man' cells

Macrophages, known as the Pac-Man of the immune system, promote healing by regrowing severed nerves in rats, offering a promising alternative to current treatments like autografts. The approach uses biological signals to recruit younger, undifferentiated cells destined to become pro-healing macrophages.

Major study heralds new era in treatment of type 2 diabetes

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that canagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of both cardiovascular disease and kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The drug was shown to lower blood sugar levels and also provide protection against heart failure and renal decline.

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.

Low levels of vitamin A may fuel TB risk

Research found that individuals with low vitamin A levels are 10 times more likely to develop tuberculosis than those with high levels. Vitamin A supplementation may be an effective way to prevent TB in people at high risk of disease.

Lab on a chip could monitor health, germs and pollutants

The new technology uses electronically barcoded microparticles to test for biomarkers, bacteria, viruses, air contaminants and more. It aims to enable true labs on chips, smaller than a USB flash drive or an Apple Watch, for real-time health monitoring and diagnosis.

Islands and coastal regions are threatened the most

The study found that the highest number of alien species can be found on islands and in coastal regions, with Hawaii leading the way. The researchers also discovered that densely populated areas and economically developed countries are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of new species.

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.

Uncovered: 1,000 new microbial genomes

The U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has released 1,003 phylogenetically diverse bacterial and archaeal reference genomes, which will aid in understanding the functions of genes, enzymes, and metabolic pathways with wide applications in bioenergy, biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental sciences.

A way to objectively measure residents' surgical skills? No sweat

A recent study at the University of Missouri School of Medicine found that electrodermal activity, measured through skin perspiration, can provide an objective evaluation of resident physicians' surgical skills. As training progressed, resident responses to stress during surgery decreased in relation to their experience level.

Global hotspots of established alien plants and animals revealed

Researchers found high numbers of invasive species in island and coastal regions, particularly in the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand's North Island, and Indonesia. The study highlights the need for effective measures to prevent further introductions of alien plants and animals into vulnerable ecosystems.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Blue Brain team discovers a multi-dimensional universe in brain networks

Researchers from the Blue Brain Project used algebraic topology to discover structures in the brain with up to eleven dimensions. These high-dimensional structures and spaces arise when a group of neurons forms a clique, generating precise geometric objects that can never be produced by chance.

Smeal research helps assess humanitarian response capacity in disasters

A new study led by Penn State Smeal College of Business researchers assesses the capacity of humanitarian response systems following disasters. The research proposes new metrics based on optimization models to guide individual decisions toward system improvement and aid in real-time assessment of stockpile capacity.

Artificial cartilage under tension as strong as natural material

Researchers at UC Davis have successfully grown lab-grown tissue similar to natural cartilage, demonstrating its potential to treat joint disease. The new material exhibits similar composition and mechanical properties as native cartilage, showing great promise for implantation into damaged joints.

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.

Study identifies potential biomarker for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered anthranilic acid as a circulating compound associated with the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study identified promising findings in new biological pathways and potential drug targets for prevention.

Concentration spans drop when online ads pop up

Researchers found that online ads decrease brain activity in frontal/prefrontal cortical areas, indicating a drop in concentration levels. The presence of ads also affects the frontal/prefrontal asymmetry index, with some subjects experiencing increased and others decreased activity.

Learning with light: New system allows optical 'deep learning'

A team of MIT researchers has developed a new approach to deep learning computations using light instead of electricity, potentially improving speed and efficiency for certain applications. The new programmable nanophotonic processor uses multiple light beams to carry out complex calculations with zero energy and near-instant results.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ontarians still skeptical of flu shot

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that half of those who avoid flu shots do so due to concerns over vaccine effectiveness and personal immune systems. The study also revealed that moral and religious reasons, as well as past poor vaccine experiences, contribute to avoidance.

Winning climate strategy demands details

Scientists at Michigan State University found that examining daily climate minutia provides a better understanding of variable land climates, crucial for policy-making. The study reveals dramatic swings in northern China's climate, affecting agriculture and economic development.

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.

E-cigarettes less addictive than cigarettes, PATH study shows

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that e-cigarette users are relatively less dependent on their product compared to traditional cigarette smokers. The PATH study analyzed responses from over 30,000 young people and adults, showing that e-cigarettes cause less nicotine dependence than cigarettes.

Healthy diet? That depends on your genes

A Cornell University study reveals genetic adaptations to plant-heavy diets led to increased frequency of FADS1 gene variants, crucial for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid production. This discovery has implications for personalized dietary recommendations based on individual genetic backgrounds.

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.

Technology unlocks mold genomes for new drugs

Scientists have developed a systematic approach to screen for molecules produced by molds, finding 17 new natural products in three species. The technology, called FAC-MS, uses genomics and data analytics to identify gene clusters that produce valuable chemicals.

New study finds more than 2 billion people overweight or obese

A new study reveals that 30% of the world's population is affected by weight problems, resulting in over 4 million deaths attributed to excess body weight. The study found that nearly 40% of these deaths occurred among people with a BMI below the threshold for obesity, highlighting the risks associated with being overweight or obese.

Study: Floodplain farm fields benefit juvenile salmon

A new study reveals that Central Valley farm fields can create environmental benefits for California's salmon populations. Researchers transplanted small hatchery-reared salmon to a 5-acre field, where the fish grew at an exceptionally high rate due to the availability of abundant zooplankton and nutrients.

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.

Researchers find cellular sweet spot in skin-cancer battle

A team of NYU researchers has pinpointed a sugar modification in cells that spurs the spread of skin cancer, specifically melanoma. The study reveals that silencing FUT8 enzyme suppresses cancer onset and tumor dissemination in laboratory mice.

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.

Zig-zagging device focuses high-energy radiation emissions

Physicists have developed a way to control high-energy particle emissions in an undulator device, which could potentially be used as a source of radiation for cancer treatment or nuclear waste processing. The new device produces a much higher level of radiation than traditional ones.

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.

Evaluating greenhouse gas emissions in an irrigated cropping system

Researchers found that a new type of nitrogen fertilizer, SuperU, can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions from irrigated crops by up to 53% compared to traditional granular urea. However, the effect depends on crop rotation, with yields remaining unaffected when used in corn production.

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.

AI that can shoot down fighter planes helps treat bipolar disorder

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a genetic fuzzy logic AI that predicted treatment outcomes for bipolar patients with 100% accuracy, surpassing conventional models. The AI, called LITHIA, can analyze vast amounts of data to identify the best treatment options, offering new hope for those affected by bipolar disorder.

UH geochemist searches for answers on the sea floor

Researchers are still unsure how organic compounds form in hydrothermal vents on the sea floor, a key area of study as it may hold clues to the origin of life. A new NSF-funded project aims to bridge this gap by simulating conditions and generating compounds from inorganic components.