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Science News Archive June 2017


Page 4 of 40

'Bulges' in volcanoes could be used to predict eruptions

Researchers developed a new technique combining seismic noise interferometry with geophysical measurements to predict volcanic eruptions. By analyzing the speed of energy traveling through a volcano and correlating it with rock deformation, they found a strong correlation between bulging, shrinking, and impending eruptions.

Weighty matters

Adolescent weight gain has been linked to a long-term increased risk of stroke in adulthood, according to new research. Children who returned to a normal BMI by age 20 had no such increased risk.

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.

Barrier proteins in tumors are possible key to immunotherapy success

Researchers found that distinct variations in protein expression levels, rather than genetic alterations, are linked to response or resistance to immunotherapy drugs. The study identified specific genes and proteins associated with tumor growth and immune evasion, paving the way for new therapeutic targets.

Study raises concern over accuracy of melanoma diagnoses

A study of US pathologists reveals that melanoma diagnoses can be inaccurate and non-reproducible, particularly in the middle of the disease spectrum. The results suggest that only cases at the polar ends of the spectrum are accurately diagnosed.

NASA looks at rainfall from Tropical Storm Dora

Heavy rain showers were observed in southwestern Mexico as Tropical Storm Dora passed along the coast. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission analyzed rainfall rates, finding intense storms with cloud tops reaching altitudes higher than 9.9 miles.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Health insurance expansion linked to fewer sudden cardiac arrests

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that health insurance expansion through the Affordable Care Act significantly reduced the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest among middle-aged adults who were previously uninsured. The study analyzed emergency medical services data from an urban Oregon coun...

Higher IQ in childhood is linked to a longer life

A large study found that higher childhood intelligence is associated with a lower lifetime risk of death from various causes, including respiratory disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. The study of over 65,000 individuals suggests that lifestyle factors like tobacco smoking play a significant role in this relationship.

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.

Palm cockatoos beat drum like Ringo Starr

Researchers have captured footage of palm cockatoos playing the drums with almost perfect spacing between taps, mimicking human drummers. The bird's individual styles were distinct and may allow others to recognize their drumming signatures.

How are long strands of DNA packed into tiny cells?

Scientists describe the first step of DNA packing in a cell, revealing how protein H1 helps compact and shield DNA. The discovery sheds light on genetic processes critical to understanding diseases like cancer and muscular dystrophy.

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.

EASL releases editorial response to Cochrane Review of DAAs in HCV

The EASL Editorial raises concerns about the Cochrane Review's conclusions on Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) for Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV), citing a lack of understanding of the disease and its long natural history. Recent studies have shown improvement in quality of life with DAA therapy, highlighting the need for more comprehensive ...

Why using antibiotic eye drops for pinkeye is the wrong way to go

A new study by Michigan Medicine finds that 60% of patients with acute conjunctivitis are prescribed antibiotic eye drops despite antibiotics rarely being necessary. The study also highlights the socioeconomic factors driving this trend and the potential negative consequences of overprescription.

Genomic copy number variants contribute to cognitive impairment in the UK

A new study found that people carrying certain genetic alterations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders may experience impaired cognition, despite not developing a disorder. The research provides valuable insights into the effects of these genetic abnormalities on cognition in adults from the general population.

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.

New technique unveils 'matrix' inside tissues and tumors

Researchers have developed a new technique to image the inner structure of organs and tumors, revealing the extracellular matrix in unprecedented detail. This breakthrough has significant implications for cancer research, organ regeneration, and tissue engineering.

Does religion protect against suicide?

New research by Michigan State University scholar Ning Hsieh finds that religious participation is related to higher suicide rates in Southern Europe, Western Europe, and East Asia. In contrast, countries in the English-speaking region, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Northern Europe have seen protective effects of religious partici...

It's kind of a drag

Researchers have identified a key reason why super hydrophobic surfaces are unreliable: tiny trace amounts of surfactants can cause an imbalance in water flow, resulting in increased drag. The scientists propose changing the patterning of SHS to accumulate surfactant buildup farther down the interface, reducing drag.

Improving Chinese air pollution leads to business opportunities

Air quality in China is improving due to better monitoring and regulation, leading to increased demand for electric cars and pollution-fighting technologies. The government's efforts have made China a major market for these devices, with suppliers experiencing a boon as the country transitions to cleaner energy sources.

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.

UM tesearch: Slow-growing ponderosas survive mountain pine beetle outbreaks

A new study by University of Montana scientists found that slow-growing ponderosa pines have a greater chance of survival during mountain pine beetle outbreaks, contradicting previous findings. The research suggests that fast growth may be costly and is often detrimental to tree survival in such scenarios.

Tweaking muscle metabolism prevents obesity and diabetes in mice

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that mildly stressing muscle metabolism boosts levels of fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21), a beneficial hormone that prevents obesity and diabetes in mice. FGF21 production reversed conditions and returned mice to normal weight and blood sugar levels.

Artists and architects think differently compared to other people

A new study by UCL and Bangor University researchers found that artists and architects think differently compared to other people and even among themselves. The study used Cognitive Discourse Analysis to categorize responses from participants describing spaces in different ways, revealing patterns related to their profession.

New antibody appears to re-activate immune system in cancer therapy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new antibody that can restore the effectiveness of chemotherapy rituximab in leukemia patients with natural resistance. The study found that adding the antibody to rituximab increased cancer cell death by 45% in five out of 11 patients.

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.

Aspirin reduces risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women

A new trial by University of Exeter researchers found that taking low-dose aspirin before bed can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition causing premature birth and maternal and foetal death. The study showed a 62% reduction in pre-term preeclampsia rates.

Study finds long-term sustained effect of biological psoriasis treatment

A Swedish study found that biological treatments for psoriasis have a long-lasting positive impact on skin clearance and quality of life, even after switching between different medications. The study followed 583 individuals for up to 10 years and analyzed the effectiveness of treatments using three different measurements.

Adolescent obesity linked to early mortality from cardiovascular diseases

A new Israeli study found that higher BMI and even normal-weight adolescents are at increased risk of death from non-coronary cardiovascular diseases. Researchers analyzed data from over 2 million adolescents, showing a significant association between adolescent obesity and mid-life cardiovascular mortality.

Calculating 'old' and 'new' water runoff

A team of researchers led by Cody Ross measured water flow in the vadose zone, a critical region under the soil surface. They found that in the southeastern Canadian Prairies, old water accounted for a significant portion of streams, contradicting previous research.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cheap, energy-efficient and clean reaction to make chemical feedstock

Scientists have discovered a cheap and efficient way to produce olefins, the chemical feedstock for many products, using a titanium-based catalyst. The reaction can be performed at low temperature and has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and costs associated with traditional fossil fuel-based methods.

Trials show unique stem cells a potential asthma treatment

A new therapy developed through stem cell technology has shown promise in treating chronic asthma by reducing inflammation and reversing airway remodeling. The study, led by Monash University scientists, found that induced pluripotent stem cells could effectively treat fibrosis and lung dysfunction associated with asthma.

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.

Hacking the human brain -- lab-made synapses for artificial intelligence

Researchers created an artificial synapse that can simulate inhibitory and stimulatory signals, expanding the capabilities of artificial intelligence systems. The new device is flexible and versatile, enabling it to switch between excitatory and inhibitory signals based on voltages applied at the input terminal.

A new weapon for the war on cancer

Researchers developed an engineered opsonin protein to capture CTCs in the bloodstream, reducing detection time and increasing efficiency. The technology shows promise for improving cancer diagnostics by targeting specific carbohydrate molecules on CTCs.

Engineers examine chemo-mechanics of heart defect

Scientists discovered that changes in mechanical behavior and gene signaling play a crucial role in the development of heart defects, with LOX-deficient mice exhibiting protection against aneurysms. The research provides new insights into the chemo-mechanics of heart defects and its potential applications for disease prevention.

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.

World first: New polymer goes for a walk when illuminated

Scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology developed a new material that can undulate and propel itself forward under the influence of light. The device, the size of a paperclip, is the world's first machine to convert light directly into walking using one fixed light source.

Facial models suggest less may be more for a successful smile

A study published in PLOS ONE found that a successful smile may contradict the 'more is always better' principle, with a bigger smile showing more teeth being perceived less well. The researchers also discovered that smiles developed symmetrically are rated as more successful.

Inflammatory bowel disease: Scientists zoom in on genetic culprits

Researchers from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and their collaborators have created a high-resolution map of the disease, pinpointing 18 genetic variants with over 95% certainty. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new treatments and personalized medicine for IBD.

Concurrent hot and dry summers more common in future

Researchers calculate that compound climate extremes, such as heatwaves and droughts, are more frequent than expected. This can lead to increased health risks, agricultural losses, and economic threats due to the interconnectedness of modern societies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ruthenium rules for new fuel cells

Researchers at Rice University have created a new catalyst for fuel cells that is as effective as platinum but cheaper. The catalyst uses single ruthenium atoms attached to graphene and has shown excellent performance in tests.

More precise diagnostics for improved cancer outcomes

Scientists are working on more precise diagnostics for cancer using advanced imaging techniques and nano-sensors that can detect biomarkers within the body. These tools have the potential to significantly increase early detection of breast cancer with minimal risk and cost.

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.

Designed proteins to treat muscular dystrophy

Researchers have designed two proteins that stabilize the cell scaffolding, restoring muscle structure and function in animal models of congenital muscular dystrophy. The study demonstrates significant improvements in muscle force, body weight, and lifespan, providing a potential gene therapy treatment for this rare disease.

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.

Mitochondrial disease has a disproportionate healthcare burden in US

A recent study highlights the significant healthcare burden of mitochondrial disease in the US, with high medical costs and mortality rates among patients. The study found that hospitalizations for these disorders result in disproportionately higher costs and mortality rates compared to patients without mitochondrial disease.

Combating chronic kidney disease with exercise

A specially designed exercise program improved blood vessel health and exercise capacity in chronic kidney disease patients. Patients also reported improvements in their everyday quality of life as a result of becoming more active.