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Science News for June 30, 2017


No pain, no gain?

A recent study by University of Freiburg researchers found that an individual's expectations and self-perception play a significant role in determining the level of strenuousness experienced during physical exercise. The study, which involved 78 test subjects, showed that those who believed they were more athletic or had faith in sport...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2017

New study reveals new drug target for gout and other inflammatory diseases

A new study reveals that particle-induced cell death depends on multiple redundant cathepsins, which can be blocked by inhibiting or silencing these enzymes in macrophages. The researchers found that several key proinflammatory events induced by sterile particles are blocked, including cell death.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 30, 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.

Singapore scientists uncover how the liver unclogs itself

Researchers have found that liver cells can eliminate excess bile from blocked ducts through a mechanism involving the internal structure of the cell, which allows bile to be packaged inside vesicles for transport. This discovery could potentially improve the prognosis for infants with rare liver disease.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJun 30, 2017

Zoning in on specifics of Mediterranean diet for colorectal health

A new study suggests that adhering to a Mediterranean diet with high levels of fish and fruit consumption can significantly reduce the risk of advanced colorectal polyps. The researchers found that even minimal consumption of two to three components of the diet was associated with half the odds of advanced polyps.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateJun 30, 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.

Power to the people

A UCSB political science professor suggests that public support for renewable energy is strong in the US, with states having abundant resources at the top of the list. However, public opinion can sometimes fail to translate into state legislation, and framing context and local benefits as key factors can increase support. A study found...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 30, 2017

Most reproductive-age women using opioids also use another substance

Most reproductive-age and pregnant women who use opioids for non-medical purposes also use at least one other substance, including nicotine, alcohol, or cocaine. This finding suggests that public health efforts addressing the opioid epidemic should include interventions targeting concurrent use of multiple substances among these women.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 30, 2017

To buzz or to scrabble? To foraging bees, that's the question

Researchers discovered that bumblebees use two distinct behaviors to collect pollen from flowers: scrabbling when pollen is abundant and sonication when it's scarce. By analyzing chemical and mechanical cues, the team found that bees switch between these motor regimes depending on their environment.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJun 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Illegal activities threaten natural World Heritage -- IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that two-thirds of monitored World Heritage sites face threats from illegal fishing, logging, and poaching. IUCN calls for strengthened international cooperation to protect these unique ecosystems and species at risk.

SourceInternational Union for Conservation of Nature·DateJun 30, 2017

New measurement will help redefine international unit of mass

Researchers at NIST have made the most precise determination yet of Planck's constant, a fundamental value that will help redefine the kilogram. The new measurement has an uncertainty of just 13 parts per billion, exceeding international requirements for redefining the unit.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetrologia·DateJun 30, 2017

Method elucidates inner workings of neural networks

Researchers develop fully automated method to analyze neural networks trained on visual data, shedding light on node firing patterns and emphasis on different visual properties. The approach provides specific insights into the organization of human brain and computer vision algorithms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 30, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New method of measurement could lead to cheaper, more accurate sensors

Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed a new sensor technology that can measure tiny objects with high accuracy, potentially leading to breakthroughs in medical diagnosis and gas detection. The sensor uses electromagnetism to determine mass, reducing interference and enabling wireless transmission of results.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMeasurement·DateJun 30, 2017

Hubble eyes a powerful galaxy with a password name

The Hubble Space Telescope has imaged a powerful Seyfert galaxy, 2XMM J143450.5+033843, emitting huge amounts of radiation due to its supermassive black hole. The galaxy is nearly 400 million light-years away and is one of the unlucky ones with a unique X-ray name.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 2017

Tiny 'motors' are driven by light

A team at MIT has created a system that can manipulate particles ranging from molecules to bacteria-sized objects using ordinary light. The researchers engineered asymmetrical particles, called Janus particles, which respond to the orientation of the beam and create forces that set them spinning uniformly.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 2017

Researchers find out how bromine fits into Venusian chemistry

Astrophysicists from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology discovered that hydrogen bromide could play an important part in the photochemistry of Venus' lower atmosphere. The study found low abundance of HBr, but thermodynamic calculations suggest it dominates at lower altitudes.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalIcarus·DateJun 30, 2017

Table top plasma gets wind of solar turbulence

A team of scientists recreated turbulent magnetic field dynamics in a lab setting, mirroring the evolution of stars and plasma behavior. The study's findings have an uncanny resemblance to satellite data on the solar wind and magnetosheath.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 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.

Andalusian experts indicate new elements responsible for instability in chromosomes

Researchers from the University of Seville and Cabimer have identified a new element responsible for chromosome instability. Chromatin structure changes cause DNA breaks, leading to mutations and replication stress. The findings suggest that chromatin plays a key role in certain DNA mutations, particularly those controlled by RNA.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 30, 2017

Pipetting in space

Astronauts are exposed to DNA damage due to zero gravity and cosmic radiation; an automated diagnostic procedure is being adapted for use in space, promising constant conditions for each sample. The device could also be used to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateJun 30, 2017

Genes may cause tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance in African-American prostate cancer

Research found that genes responsible for differential RNA splicing contribute to tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance in African American men with prostate cancer. The study suggests these genetic variations lead to the production of protein isoforms that make tumors more aggressive, while also causing drug resistance.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2017

Inhibition of tau protein aggregation by rhodanine-based compounds

Researchers developed peptide-polymer conjugates to enhance water solubility of poorly soluble anti-Alzheimer drugs. The conjugates showed inhibitory activity against Tau protein aggregation, improving cell viability and reducing apoptosis in AD models.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateJun 30, 2017
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.

Colon cancer nuclear pore dynamics are captured by HS-AFM

Researchers at Kanazawa University have successfully imaged the dynamics of nuclear pores in colon cancer cells, revealing a new 'nano dying code' that could lead to novel treatments. The study uses high-speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM) to visualize the structure and dynamics of nuclear membrane pores at the nanoscale.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 30, 2017

Japanese children learn to write through rhythm

Researchers found that Japanese children's handwriting development involves distinct temporal patterns of movement, which differentiate subtle features of each symbol. This process is linked to an air writing phenomenon in Chinese character-based cultures, suggesting a unique approach to learning the hiragana script.

SourceKobe University·JournalDevelopmental Psychobiology·DateJun 30, 2017

Uniting lost voices

Bioarchaeology International is a new journal that aims to unify perspectives in the field of bioarchaeology by providing a space for peer-reviewed articles and encouraging global discussion. The journal will release its inaugural issue on June 30, 2017, and will focus on integrating material and biological evidence left behind in graves.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBioarchaeology International·DateJun 30, 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.

New clues found to common respiratory virus

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered clues to how respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes disease. The study reveals that a specific protein, NS1, interferes with the body's ability to fight off RSV, potentially leading to new targets for vaccine or treatment development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 30, 2017

Fixation of powder catalysts on electrodes

Researchers developed a new method to tightly fix powder catalysts on electrode surfaces, addressing the challenge of high physical stress induced by gas evolving reactions. The technique involves applying an organic polymer that transforms into carbon at high temperatures, providing a stable and conductive surface for catalysis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2017

Miniature technology, big hope for disease detection

Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University developed a new printing method to create effective disease detection tools using microfluidic bioassay devices. The device is about the size of a postage stamp and can detect multiple biomarkers for complex diseases like cancer.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateJun 30, 2017
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.

The Black Forest and climate change

Scientists discovered silver fir and Douglas fir are more tolerant to extreme droughts than Norway spruce in the Black Forest. Replacing spruce forests with mixed-species forests of these conifers could have a greater positive effect on biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 30, 2017

Negative density dependence explains tropical biodiversity

A global study reveals that tropical forests' unique self-suppression mechanism favors rare tree species, contributing to their diversity. In temperate forests, this effect is weaker, allowing common species to dominate.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 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.

How do impurities move in tungsten?

A research group at National Institutes of Natural Sciences has developed a high-speed automatic search method for the migration path of impurity atoms in materials with polycrystalline structures, enabling the investigation of collective migration and its impact on plasma confinement. This method uses molecular dynamics and parallel c...

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNuclear Materials and Energy·DateJun 30, 2017

Liquid biopsies: A non-invasive look at treatment response

A new study shows that liquid biopsies can provide more information than traditional tissue biopsies, helping doctors tailor care based on individual disease biology. The tests detected genetic mutations that made cancer resistant to treatment, allowing for better patient care.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateJun 30, 2017

Self-powered system makes smart windows smarter

Researchers at Princeton University developed a self-powered smart window system using transparent solar cells that selectively absorb near-UV light. The system reduces energy costs by up to 40% and can be applied to existing windows via lamination.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 30, 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.

How Alzheimer's-causing plaques become trapped in the brain

Researchers at USC found that stiff brain vessels and decreased blood flow are associated with the build-up of harmful plaque and cognitive decline. The study used patient data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative to explore cerebrovascular resistance, a new way to calculate it, and its link to dementia.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBrain·DateJun 30, 2017

Birds become immune to influenza

Researchers found that water birds, particularly mallards, develop significant immunity and resistance to other variants of the low-pathogenic influenza A virus after infection. This means they can partially protect themselves against future infections, including virulent strains like H5N1 or H5N8.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 30, 2017

Size not important for fish in the largest mass extinction of all time

Despite massive climate change and volcanic eruptions, larger fish were no more likely to go extinct than small fish during the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. The study used a detailed analysis of fossil records to conclude that body size played no role in determining which species survived or went extinct.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPalaeontology·DateJun 30, 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.

Picture overload hinders children's word learning from storybooks

A recent study published in Infant and Child Development found that pre-schoolers learn twice as many words from storybooks with only one illustration at a time compared to those with two or more illustrations. Guiding children's attention to the correct page can also help them focus on new words.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalInfant and Child Development·DateJun 30, 2017

In urban Baltimore, poor neighborhoods have more mosquitoes

A study reveals that tiger mosquitoes thrive in low-income urban areas of Baltimore due to vacant lots, abandoned buildings, and inadequate waste management. This research underscores the need for targeted mosquito control strategies and urban greening initiatives to mitigate environmental injustices and protect public health.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJun 30, 2017

Bizarro comet challenging researchers

Comet 174P/Echeclus, part of the centaur population, exhibits unusual emission activity despite low temperatures, suggesting it may be more fragile than other comets. The study provides insights into comet composition and formation, potentially shedding light on the origins of life.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateJun 30, 2017

SmartPractice donates $50,000 toward TGen liquid biopsy research

TGen is developing 'liquid biopsies' that can help clinicians accurately treat patients with high-risk breast cancer. These non-invasive blood tests could enable continuous monitoring of a patient's progress, reducing the need for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateJun 30, 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.

Spinning electrons open the door to future hybrid electronics

Scientists at Linköping University demonstrate a method to combine semiconductor and topological insulator materials, generating directional electric currents. This breakthrough enables efficient conversion of light energy to electricity, promising advancements in spintronics and opto-spintronics.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2017

Mistaken identity of East Asian vine species resolved after 100 years

After 100 years of misidentification, researchers have confirmed the existence of Kadsura matsudae, a distinct East Asian vine species. The discovery was made by collaborating experts from Japan and Taiwan, who utilized molecular analysis to distinguish it from previously thought to be Kadsura japonica.

SourceKobe University·JournalPhytotaxa·DateJun 30, 2017

Black carbon varies, but stubbornly persists, in snow and ice around the world

Researchers have found that significant amounts of black carbon can persist in both pristine and non-pristine areas of snow, impacting climate change predictions. The study used molecular analysis to track the origins of black carbon, finding evidence of wildfires burning thousands of miles away in remote areas.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 30, 2017