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Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 14


Page 14 of 40

What are trends in emergency department utilization, costs for shingles?

Researchers analyzed over 1.3 million HZ-related ED visits from 2006 to 2013, finding a significant increase in utilization and costs, especially among younger adults. Vaccination was linked to reduced ED utilization, but further research is needed to understand the drivers of increased costs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJun 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Occupation may be a major factor in vitamin D deficiency

A systematic review of 71 studies found that occupation is a major factor in vitamin D deficiency, particularly among shift workers and healthcare professionals. Regular screening and education programs can help prevent adverse health outcomes linked to vitamin D insufficiency.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJun 21, 2017

The (extra) eyes have it

A team of UCSB researchers found that aggregating individual responses from multiple observers improves visual search performance, especially when the object is hard to detect. This approach leverages the high confidence of individuals who directly gaze at the target.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

Trash-picking seagulls poop tons of nutrients

A new study by Duke University estimates that seagulls feeding at landfills transport and deposit over 240 tons of nitrogen and 39 tons of phosphorus into nearby lakes or reservoirs each year. This nutrient overload contributes to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and ecological and economic impacts.

SourceDuke University·JournalWater Research·DateJun 21, 2017

Scientists solve mystery of unexplained 'bright nights'

Researchers suggest that converging waves in the upper atmosphere amplify naturally occurring airglow, causing the unexplained glow seen in historical observations. Bright airglow can be a concern for astronomers, but its effects are still observable in remote areas.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 21, 2017
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.

Bat biodiversity is in danger on islands worldwide

A new study reveals vast knowledge gaps in island-restricted bat species, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing conservation efforts for these vulnerable habitats. The research identifies areas with high levels of endemic bat species and underscores the urgent need to protect their islands and populations.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalMammal Review·DateJun 21, 2017

New IST research leverages big data to predict severe weather

Researchers from Penn State's IST have developed a method to identify bow echoes in radar images, a phenomenon associated with fierce winds. The algorithm can automatically detect bow echoes as they begin to form, providing instant notifications for severe weather alerts.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Soft Computing·DateJun 21, 2017

How did bird babysitting co-ops evolve?

Scientists discover that birds form family groups before helping at the nest, resolving long-standing puzzle of cooperative breeding's evolution. The two-step framework suggests that stable environments favor family living, while environmental variability promotes helping at the nest.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 21, 2017
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.

Behavior study shows piglets prefer new toys

In a recent study, researchers found that piglets exhibit differential exploratory behavior when presented with new toys. Females and 4-week-old piglets demonstrated better object recognition skills compared to males and 3-week-olds. The study's results have implications for future research on animal behavior and cognition.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

UV-sensing protein in the brain of a marine annelid zooplankton

A marine annelid zooplankton has been found to use its brain photoreceptor cells to detect UV signals. This helps the animal regulate its daily vertical migration behavior, known as DVM, and avoid damaging UV irradiation. The discovery sheds light on the molecular basis of this unique adaptation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 21, 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.

An end to population aging in China, Germany, USA

A new study predicts population aging will peak before the end of the century in China and Germany, with the US experiencing little aging. Traditional projections underestimate the impact of increasing life expectancy on age structures.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 21, 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.

New sensors could enable more affordable detection of pollution and diseases

A new detection system based on pressure changes offers a simpler, more affordable alternative for detecting cancer biomarkers, environmental pollutants, and food contaminants. The system uses smartphone software to provide immediate results, enabling real-time monitoring of disease outbreaks and pollution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateJun 21, 2017

Fathers' involvement may help prevent childhood obesity

Increased fathers' participation in physical child care and outdoor activities was associated with a decreased likelihood of childhood obesity. The study suggests that encouraging fathers' involvement may help reduce obesity risk among young children.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateJun 21, 2017

New approach to teaching music improvisation enhances creativity

A process-oriented teaching approach to improvisation in music is proposed, focusing on developing cognitive processes that enhance creativity. This approach encourages students to think about their creative processes and self-assess their experiences, leading to improved improvisational skills.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 21, 2017

Study settles debate over head position following stroke

A large trial involving over 11,000 patients reveals that sitting up or lying flat after a stroke makes no difference to their recovery. The study found that good nursing care is more important than head position in determining outcomes.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 21, 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.

Breast implants may impede ECG and lead to false heart attack diagnosis

Research suggests that breast implants can impede electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and result in false heart attack diagnoses. The study found that women with breast implants were more likely to have abnormal ECG readings due to the implant interfering with the electrical activity of the heart.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateJun 21, 2017

Plant inspiration could lead to flexible electronics

Scientists developed a graphene-based aerogel that meets the needs for flexible electronics by mimicking the structure of the powdery alligator-flag plant. The material is strong, resilient, and supports 6,000 times its own weight.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 21, 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.

Study answers why ketamine helps depression, offers target for safer therapy

A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center has identified the key protein responsible for ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in the brain. The study reveals that ketamine blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, creating an initial antidepressant reaction and extending its duration.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2017

Selfies: We love how we look and we're here to show you

Researchers analyzed 2.5 million selfies on Instagram to understand how people present themselves online. The study found that appearance-related selfies account for nearly half of all posts, followed by social selfies with friends and pets.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJun 21, 2017

CPAP improves respiratory and survival rates in children in Ghana

A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that applying continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to children with respiratory distress significantly decreased mortality rates and improved respiratory rates. The treatment was safely and effectively administered by nurses in district-level hospitals, offering a lifesav...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 21, 2017

Drowsy dormice doze into decline

The UK's hazel dormouse population has declined by 72% over the past two decades, with conservation efforts proving insufficient to stem the decline. The research team is now calling for an urgent review of dormouse conservation to protect this beloved woodland mammal.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMammal Review·DateJun 21, 2017
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.

Predicting cognitive deficits in people with Parkinson's disease

A newly developed research tool may help predict a patient's risk for developing dementia in Parkinson's disease, enabling improved clinical trial design and treatment development. A computer-based risk calculator was built from data on 3,200 people with Parkinson's disease, evaluating seven known risk factors.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 21, 2017

Researchers create a 'Rosetta Stone' to decode immune recognition

Researchers developed an algorithm that functions like a Rosetta Stone to decipher how the immune system recognizes and binds antigens. The algorithm correctly assigned 81% of human T cells to one of 10 different viral epitopes, showcasing its potential in personalized cancer immunotherapy.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2017

Forgetting can make you smarter

Researchers propose that forgetting is crucial for efficient memory, allowing us to adapt to new situations and generalize past events. By controlling what information we retain and forget, our brains optimize decision-making and prioritize core knowledge.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017

Bitter or sweet? How taste cells decide what they want to be

A new study from the Monell Center has identified novel genes and molecular pathways involved in shaping a taste cell's function, potentially allowing for the treatment of taste disorders or fine-tuning of taste perception. The research also sheds light on how taste stem cells develop into different types of mature taste cells.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 21, 2017

Regional 'hot spot' of Borna disease discovered in upper Austria

Researchers have identified a novel endemic area for Borna disease in Upper Austria, with high concentrations of Bornaviruses found in shrews and horses. Genetic analysis reveals the strain is distinct from neighboring regions, shedding light on the virus's spread.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·DateJun 21, 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.

This week from AGU: Remarkable 2016 storms caused massive Antarctic sea ice loss

A new study in Geophysical Research Letters finds that a series of unprecedented storms over the Southern Ocean likely caused the most dramatic decline in Antarctic sea ice seen to date. The extreme weather event led to significant losses of sea ice, with researchers suggesting that the storms' impact was exacerbated by climate change.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 21, 2017

No mercury accumulation in fish after fire

A study by researchers from the USDA Forest Service and the University of Minnesota found that controlled burns did not lead to increased mercury levels in yellow perch, contradicting previous mixed results. The research also showed no significant disruption to watershed food webs.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 21, 2017
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.

Three ways neuroscience can advance the concussion debate

Neurologists and neurotraumatologists review the science of concussions and outline areas where neuroscience and clinical research can help create consensus. They emphasize the importance of diagnosis in treatment and suggest using animal models to discover better treatment plans.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017

Identified brain circuitry bridges neural and behavioral roles in PTSD

A comprehensive review of rapidly changing data identified four neural-behavioral models associated with PTSD, pinpointing specific circuits in the brain that mediate between chemical changes and behavioral expressions. The study provides detailed tables to help healthcare providers recognize signs and symptoms of PTSD for diagnosis.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 21, 2017

Enzyme catalyzed decomposition of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide

New research reveals the role of enzyme-catalyzed decomposition in the antitumor effect of oxazaphosphorines. Activated oxazphosphorines are decomposed into phosphoreamide mustard and 3-hydroxypropanal, causing DNA damage that can lead to apoptosis.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Conference Proceedings Journal·DateJun 21, 2017
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.

Fossil holds new insights into how fish evolved onto land

A new fossil discovery challenges our understanding of the early evolution of tetrapods, revealing a fish-like creature with a snake-like exterior. The Lethiscus stocki fossil shows immediate and dramatic evolutionary experimentation, dropping its position on the 'family tree' and impacting evolutionary biology.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2017

Parasite strain-specific factors determine malaria disease severity

Three distinct parasite strains show varying ability to infect human liver cells, with some causing more severe symptoms. Future antimalarial vaccine trials should use multiple strains to accurately predict efficacy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 21, 2017

Eating fish may reduce arthritis symptoms

A recent study found that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who consumed fish at least 2 times a week had lower disease activity compared to those who ate fish less than once a month. The study, which assessed 176 patients, suggests that fish consumption may lower inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJun 21, 2017
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.

The world's largest canary

The São Tomé grosbeak is the world's largest canary, measuring 20 cm long and possessing a flat head and large beak. It is found only on the island of São Tomé in the West African Gulf of Guinea and is 50% larger than the runner-up species.

SourceLund University·JournalIbis·DateJun 21, 2017

When estimating extinction risk, don't leave out the males

Research found that population growth in birds is sensitive to male-to-female ratio, affecting mating behavior and survival rates. A male-biased population can lead to increased aggression, while a female-biased population can result in lower parental investment.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

Clear view on stem cell development

Researchers developed an algorithm to correct images and make hitherto hidden development steps visible, allowing for more accurate detection of regulatory proteins active during stem cell development. The 'BaSiC' software can correct changes in the background of time-lapse videos, making it a valuable tool for stem cell researchers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2017

Researchers recommend specific diabetes medications to protect bone health

A comprehensive review highlights the most effective treatment options for co-managing type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. Researchers suggest using medications like Metformin and DPP-4 inhibitors to protect bone health. Meanwhile, insulin therapy is recommended for achieving glycemic control in patients with T2D and fractures.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 21, 2017
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.

CWRU researchers find a chemical solution to shrink digital data storage

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found a way to store digital data in half the space required by current systems. They developed an optical storage system using polymer films containing two dyes, which can represent information using a quaternary code.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateJun 21, 2017

Scientists shed new light on preventative measures for diabetes

Researchers discovered that physical activity offers health benefits against insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The study found that exercise's ability to remove damaged cellular materials and enhance mitochondrial quality is more effective in preventing insulin resistance than previously thought.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateJun 21, 2017