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Science News Archive June 2017


Page 30 of 40

Human brain tunes into visual rhythms in sign language

A new study reveals that humans can entrain to the temporal structure of sign language, regardless of whether they are fluent or non-fluent signers. The researchers developed a novel metric to measure visual rhythms in sign language and found that brain waves locked into specific frequencies of sign language.

ALMA finds ingredient of life around infant Sun-like stars

Astronomers using ALMA have found the complex organic molecule methyl isocyanate in the disk of a young Sun-like star, providing new insights into the formation of life. The discovery suggests that these protostars are well-suited for Earth-sized planets to form and may hold clues to understanding how life emerged on our planet.

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.

Study finds delayed food introduction increases risk of sensitization

A new study by McMaster University has found that delaying the introduction of potentially allergenic foods until after a baby's first year may increase the likelihood of a food allergy later on. Infants who avoided cow's milk products, egg, and peanut during their first year were more likely to be sensitized to these foods at age one.

Pet dogs could help older owners be more active

Dog ownership has been found to encourage older adults to be more physically active, with an average of 22 minutes spent walking per day compared to non-owners. The study, published in BMC Public Health, also showed that dog owners had fewer sedentary events than non-dog owners.

Study of sisters helps explain dad's influence on risky sexual behavior

A new study by University of Utah researchers suggests a causal relationship between a father's behavior and his daughter's experiences, leading to changes in social environments that impact their sexual behavior. The quality of fathering has implications for parental monitoring and peer affiliation.

Scientists develop molecular code for melanin-like materials

Researchers at CUNY's ASRC developed a new approach to produce materials that mimic melanin's properties, providing unprecedented control over expressing specific properties of the biopolymer. This discovery could enable the development of innovative cosmetic and biomedical products.

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.

Making vessels leaky on demand could aid drug delivery

Rice University scientists have discovered a way to selectively open gaps in blood vessel barriers, allowing large molecule drugs to reach targeted tissues. The technique uses magnets to manipulate nanoparticles and alter the endothelial cell's structure, creating temporary 'leakiness' that can be controlled.

Genetic mutations predict patient response to immunotherapy

A new clinical study found that genetic defects in mismatch repair (MMR) pathway tumors can indicate successful response to PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. The trial showed pembrolizumab controlled disease in 66 patients and caused complete tumor disappearance in 18, with no recurrence for an average of 8.3 months.

Bee health is topic of new pollen research at UMass Amherst

Bee health expert Lynn Adler is studying the impact of sunflower pollen on honeybees and bumblebees. Her research aims to explore whether sunflower pollen can help bees fight off a common pathogen, potentially leading to new commercial products to support bee health.

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.

New approach in T-cell therapy to treat cancer

Researchers have developed a new surface molecule that makes immune cells more aggressive against cancer cells. The approach could enhance adoptive T-cell therapy, allowing for more effective treatments and personalized medicine.

Scientific advances in thoracic oncology in 2016 highlighted by the IASLC

The IASLC published a comprehensive summary of the year's key developments in thoracic oncology, covering prevention, early detection, pathology, staging, surgery, adjuvant therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. The publication highlights significant progress in small cell lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma.

Cost-effectiveness of HIV/AIDS interventions in South Africa

A statistical analysis of HIV/AIDS interventions in South Africa reveals significant disparities between rural and urban areas. The study found that earlier access to interventions is crucial in rural areas due to cultural factors such as stigmatization.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nature: Optical communication at record-high speed

Researchers from KIT and EPFL demonstrated a novel method for generating frequency combs in optical microresonators, enabling data transmission rates of over 50 terabits per second. This breakthrough uses soliton frequency combs to increase the performance of wavelength division multiplexing techniques in optical communications.

Self-learning robot hands

The Famula project has created a system that learns to recognize everyday objects through trial and error, mimicking human learning. The robot's language capabilities are also being developed to improve its interactions with humans.

Moving towards better global foodborne disease surveillance

A global standard method for whole genome sequencing will facilitate real-time data sharing among public health laboratory networks, increasing efficiency in detecting and responding to foodborne illnesses. The adoption of this method is expected to save lives and reduce economic burdens.

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.

Where climate change is most likely to induce food violence

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that capable governments are crucial in preventing food-related violence induced by climate change. The researchers found that weak political institutions, poverty, and dependence on agriculture make countries more vulnerable to such uprisings.

LA BioMed researcher honored for contributions to medicine

Dr. Jack Edwards, a leading researcher at LA BioMed, has been recognized with the Rhoda Benham Award for his continuous outstanding contributions to medical mycology. His work focuses on understanding fungal diseases, aiming to develop new anti-fungal agents and immunotherapies to prevent life-threatening infections.

New study shows setting stretch goals can undermine organizational performance

A new study published in Organization Science found that setting stretch goals can lead to lower risk-adjusted performance and higher variation in performance across organizations. The researchers discovered that about 80% of participants failed to reach their assigned stretch goals, often abandoning them for more manageable targets.

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.

Synthetic nanochannels for iodide transport

Scientists at IBS create nanostructures that function as channels for iodide transport in cell membranes, offering a new approach to diagnose and treat iodide transport disorders. The newly developed synthetic ion channels, called porphyrin boxes 1A (PB-1A), selectively allow the passage of negatively-charged ions, such as iodides.

Mind changing can be risky

Researchers found that leaders who change their moral minds are perceived as hypocritical and less effective, but framing the change as a result of a transformative experience can mitigate this perception. The study suggests that taking a moral stance without underlying beliefs can backfire if a leader needs to change their mind later.

Brain imaging reveals neural roots of caring

A study using brain scans found that feelings of empathy involve distinct brain activity patterns, with empathic care overlapping with value and reward systems and empathic distress linked to mirroring systems. The researchers discovered consistent patterns across individuals, predicting emotions based on brain activity.

Growth mechanism of fungi decoded

Researchers at KIT discovered how fungi grow by extending tubular cells, contrary to conventional cell division. The growth process is controlled by calcium concentration and involves the transport of construction materials on rails.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Wayne State receives $3.05 million NIH award to improve diabetes care in youth

A Wayne State University research team will conduct a five-year trial to test an intervention on tablet computers that helps parents engage in effective parenting to assist their diabetic adolescents complete daily care. The study aims to improve health outcomes and metabolic control among African American youth with Type 1 diabetes.

Competitive football players have superior vision, study suggests

Researchers compared visual functions in elite and intermediate footballers to healthy non-athletes, finding that elite players had better visual clarity, contrast sensitivity, and near-far quickness. Defensive players showed faster near-far quickness than offensive players, suggesting this may be an advantage for defenders.

Tiny glow sticks

Chinese researchers create microscale optical waveguides using lanthanide metal-organic frameworks, offering potential for low-loss light conduction and polarized emissions. The novel structures emit luminescence in different colors depending on the used lanthanide, making them suitable for color-tunable optical applications.

Miniaturizing America's tallest dam

A Utah State University team constructed a scale model of the Oroville Dam spillway, replicating its current state and terrain conditions. The model will help engineers make better-informed decisions about repair and replacement.

NASA looks at extreme Florida rainfall by satellite

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected intense rainfall in southeastern Florida, with rates exceeding 7.5 inches per hour. The GPM core satellite captured detailed images of the storms' vertical structure, showing thunderstorm tops reaching altitudes of over 9 miles.

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.

Imaging technique could be game changer for pharma

Researchers are using imaging mass spectrometry to improve drug development by visualizing how drugs interact with tissues and animals. This technique has been shown to help identify potential off-target effects and inform safety guidelines for children's treatments.

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.

Researchers shed light on how our eyes process visual cues

Scientists at The University of Queensland discovered that dendrites in the retina's nerve cells play a critical role in decoding images. The study reveals that dendritic processing enables the retina to convert and refine visual cues into electrical signals.

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.

Scientists discover a 2-D magnet

Researchers have discovered intrinsic magnetism in isolated 2-D materials, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of more efficient and compact magnetic devices. The discovery was made using Scotch tape to exfoliate monolayers from larger crystals, revealing unique properties not seen in their 3-D forms.

How to reduce shockwaves in quantum beam experiments

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a method to overcome the fundamental limit on particle density in atomic and molecular-beam experiments. By cooling skimmers to lower temperatures, they significantly reduced shockwaves and increased beam density, enabling more interesting chemical reactions.

Fake online profiles easier to fish out with new software tool

Researchers developed a computer model to spot social media users who make up information about themselves, estimating age and gender with high accuracy. The study found that nearly 40% of adult website users lie about their age and one-quarter lie about their gender.

Red onions pack a cancer-fighting punch, study reveals

University of Guelph researchers discover Ruby Ring onion variety has highest levels of quercetin and anthocyanin, compounds known for their anti-cancer properties. The study reveals red onions can activate pathways that encourage cancer cell death and disrupt communication between cells.

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.

Offshore wind turbines vulnerable to Category 5 hurricane gusts

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that offshore wind turbines may not withstand Category 5 hurricane gusts, which could pose a risk in hurricane-prone areas. The study highlights the limitations of current turbine design and suggests that manufacturers and engineers need to improve hurricane-resilient turbines.

Metabolism: Beta cells under fire

Fatty acid esters disrupt insulin synthesis and lead to beta cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. High-resolution mass spectrometry imaging reveals an imbalance in insulin production and secretion, affecting the function of pancreatic islets.

Coal waste fuel may reduce anthropogenic emissions, TPU study reveals

Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a technology to obtain liquid fuel from coal wastes for thermal power stations, reducing anthropogenic emissions and disposing of waste efficiently. The new fuel composition shows lower sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions when burned compared to traditional coals.

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.

High-pressure experiments solve meteorite mystery

Researchers have solved a long-standing riddle in the analysis of meteorites from Moon and Mars using high-pressure experiments at DESY's X-ray light source PETRA III. The study reveals that cristobalite can transform into seifertite under non-hydrostatic conditions, challenging previous assessments of meteorite formation conditions.

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.

Scientists find world's oldest fossil mushroom

Researchers at University of Illinois find ancient fungal specimen with gills under cap, revealing insights into fungal evolution and adaptation to terrestrial environments. The oldest known fungus fossil, Gondwanagaricites magnificus, pushes the timeline for fungi's existence by millions of years.

Review of appendix cancer cases finds over diagnosis

Researchers found that pathologists outside of academic centers were more likely to misdiagnose appendix tumors as invasive cancer. A significant number of patients had their diagnoses changed after a second evaluation, emphasizing the importance of expertise in appendix cancer diagnosis.

Altruism changing Western society

Researchers found that emancipative values, including freedom, autonomy and self-expression, are linked to prosocial behavior. Studies showed that people with these values are more likely to engage in charity work, volunteer and defend others' rights.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.