Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 17


Page 17 of 40

Sound waves direct particles to self-assemble, self-heal

Scientists at Berkeley Lab demonstrated how particles synchronize in response to acoustic waves, exhibiting a phononic bandgap that emerged only when collectively organized. The study provides a simple platform to study non-equilibrium systems and could lead to the development of intelligent networks with sentient-like decision making.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 19, 2017

Wheat coproducts vary in protein digestibility when fed to pigs

Researchers have found that wheat middlings and red dog, two coproducts of the wheat milling process, have varying levels of protein digestibility when fed to pigs. The study suggests that red dog contains more easily digested amino acids due to its lower fiber content.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJun 19, 2017
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.

Poor adolescent diet may influence brain and behavior in adulthood

A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that adolescent mice fed a poor diet lacking omega-3 fatty acids showed increased anxiety-like behavior and poorer memory performance as adults. The study suggests that adequate nutrition during adolescence is crucial for brain refinement and function.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 19, 2017

The Asian summer monsoon -- a smokestack to the Northern Hemisphere stratosphere

A recent study reveals that the Asian summer monsoon significantly contributes to aerosol formation in the Northern Hemisphere's lower stratosphere, with a 15% annual contribution. The anticyclonic Asian monsoon serves as an efficient smokestack venting aerosols to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Fighting global warming and climate change requires a broad energy portfolio

A new study published in PNAS argues that achieving net-zero carbon emissions requires a diverse portfolio of clean energy technologies beyond wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Experts emphasize the importance of a broader approach to decarbonization, citing technical challenges and infrastructure realities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

How ticks get a proper foothold

Ticks use specialized pads on their feet to adhere to surfaces, allowing them to walk and search for prey on humans and animals. Their attachment mechanism is reversible and can be folded and unfolded like an accordion.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 19, 2017

Yoga is an effective alternative to physical therapy for easing low back pain

A study of 320 predominantly low-income, racially diverse adults with chronic low back pain found that yoga was as safe and effective as physical therapy in restoring function and relieving pain. Yoga and physical therapy groups showed similar improvements at 1 year, suggesting a reasonable alternative for patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Study shows how an opportunistic microbe kills cancer cells

Researchers discovered how dying cells alert neighbors to replace them, a process called compensatory proliferation signaling (CPS). Specialized vesicles containing the CrkI protein travel to neighboring cells and cause them to create new cells.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 19, 2017

Scientists step closer to drug treatment for hepatitis B

Researchers at the University of York and Leeds have made a major discovery in Hepatitis B Virus assembly, paving the way for new drug treatments. The team identified an 'assembly code' in the genetic material that allows the virus to create a protective casing.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 19, 2017

Deaths of migrating wildebeests key to Serengeti's vibrant ecosystem

The study found that wildebeest carcasses play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing food for various animals and supporting fish populations. The nutrient-rich carcasses also decompose over time, releasing phosphorus that supports algae, insects, and fish.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 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.

Acetaminophen: A viable alternative for preventing acute mountain sickness

A study found that acetaminophen is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness, with no significant difference in incidence and severity compared to ibuprofen. The study suggests that acetaminophen may be an alternative prophylactic treatment for AMS, potentially offering fewer side effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

Unearned fun tastes just as sweet

New research suggests that people over-worry about waiting for a 'right time' to enjoy themselves, continually postponing fun. In contrast, studies found that leisure activities tend to be enjoyable regardless of when experienced, with some tasks even enhancing enjoyment when completed before work.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 19, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

How to stop the nasty lurking toxoplasmosis parasite? Target its 'stomach,' study suggests

Researchers at U-M Medical School discovered that a molecule called cathepsin protease L is crucial to the parasite's ability to survive the cyst phase and cause disease. Interfering with this protein can stop the parasite, offering new hope for treatments. The study suggests that targeting the 'stomach' of the parasite may be key to p...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 19, 2017

Electron caught in the act

Griffith University researchers used Australia's fastest camera to measure the time it takes for molecules to break apart, achieving a record-breaking 15 millionth of a billionth of a second. This breakthrough could help design new molecules for materials science and drug discovery.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2017

Bacterial classification may be more elusive than previously thought

Scientists have found that random diversification and extinction of cells can organize bacteria into taxonomic units as effectively as traditional ecological forces. This discovery challenges current models of microbial classification, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of the task.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Monitoring soil structure changes after compaction

Researchers developed a long-term field experiment to monitor post-compaction evolution of soil structure, revealing projected recovery rates of years to decades. Initial results indicate different recovery rates for various properties and decreasing recovery rates with soil depth.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateJun 19, 2017

BUSM's Orly Leiva selected to Minority Medical Student Award Program

Orly Leiva, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been named to the 2017 Minority Medical Student Award Program. The program supports underrepresented minority students pursuing hematology research projects with $7,000 funding and mentorship.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJun 19, 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.

Financial incentives improve viral suppression among people living with HIV

The HPTN 065 study found that financial incentives can motivate some people living with HIV to take their medication regularly and maintain viral load suppression. This increase in viral suppression was observed at care sites offering financial incentives, with an overall increase of 5% at the peak of the intervention.

SourceFHI360·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

Freshwater from salt water using only solar energy

A new desalination system uses solar energy to turn salt water into freshwater, promising a cost-effective and sustainable solution for global water scarcity. The technology combines membrane distillation with light-harvesting nanophotonics to efficiently generate steam from sunlight.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 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 study from KKI shows feasibility of acupuncture in young children with ASD

A new study from the Kennedy Krieger Institute found that acupuncture interventions can lead to improved behavior, attention span, sleep quality, and reduced parenting stress in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Most parents reported a positive relationship with their child after participating in the intervention.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

We are much more unique than assumed

Computational biologists discover that protein variations have a significant impact on cell functions, even in healthy individuals. The study's findings could lead to advances in personalized medicine and better understanding of individual responses to environmental influences.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 19, 2017

CCNY researchers produce molecules with potential against HIV

City College of New York scientists discover a rapid method to produce new molecules inhibiting the HIV virus, focusing on modifying nucleosides and their impact on biological activity. The research yields diverse compounds that can be tested for structural effects against the virus.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateJun 19, 2017

Keeping California's natural gas system safe

Berkeley Lab awards $4.6 million for two projects to mitigate risks in California's natural gas system, focusing on risk management and ground deformation monitoring. The projects will help facility operators detect leaks early and prevent catastrophic events.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJun 19, 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.

New branch in family tree of exoplanets discovered

A new study has classified nearly 3,500 confirmed exoplanets into two distinct size groups: rocky Earth-like planets and larger mini-Neptunes. The researchers used data from NASA's Kepler mission and the W.M. Keck Observatory to make this discovery.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJun 19, 2017

Implant infections could be banished thanks to scaffold breakthrough

A team from Ireland developed a collagen scaffold loaded with an antibiotic to prevent bacterial biofilm formation, successfully targeting Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The discovery marks a significant step forward in combating implant infections, which can cause long hospitalization periods and additional surgeries.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiomedical Materials·DateJun 19, 2017

Researchers sample a DC swamp to study a spineless creature

Researchers at the University of Illinois used a new technique called eDNA to detect and monitor the Hay's Spring amphipod, an endangered species found in seepage springs in Rock Creek Park. The method successfully detected the creature's DNA in water samples from three sites where it had been previously seen.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalConservation Genetics Resources·DateJun 19, 2017

Chemistry of sea spray particles linked for first time to formation process

Researchers have identified the driving force behind differences in sea spray particles' chemical make-up, enabling better understanding of ocean chemistry and physics' influence on cloud formation. The study's findings could improve climate models by providing a more accurate representation of clouds' impact on precipitation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 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.

Figuring out the 3-D shape of molecules with a push of a button

A team of researchers led by Carnegie Mellon University chemist Roberto R. Gil and Universidade Federal de Pernambuco chemist Armando Navarro-Vázquez has developed a program that automates the process of figuring out a molecule's three-dimensional structure, reducing human error and shortening the pipeline of drug discovery.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 19, 2017

How cells combat chromosome imbalance

MIT biologists identified a mechanism for eliminating genetically imbalanced cells using natural killer cells. Aneuploidy, or uneven chromosome distribution, harms most cells but can help cancer cells grow uncontrollably.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 19, 2017

X-ray eyes in the sky: Drones and WiFi for 3-D through-wall imaging

UCSB researchers have developed a method for 3D through-wall imaging using drones and WiFi, enabling objects to be imaged in real-time with high resolution. The technology has potential applications in emergency search-and-rescue, archaeological discovery, and structural monitoring.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJun 19, 2017

Family of patients with NAFLD and cirrhosis are at increased risk of liver fibrosis

Family members of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis are at a significantly higher risk of developing advanced liver fibrosis. A clinical trial found that immediate relatives had 12 times higher prevalence of liver fibrosis than healthy controls, indicating the need for screenings in family members.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 19, 2017

Deadly heatwaves will continue to rise, according to study

A study published in Nature Climate Change warns that 74% of the world's population will face deadly heatwaves by 2100 if current emissions continue. Researchers found a common threshold beyond which temperatures and humidities become lethal, with tropical areas projected to bear the greatest risk.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 19, 2017
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.

Vaccine that lowers cholesterol offers hope of immunizing against cardiovascular disease

A study published in the European Heart Journal shows a vaccine that lowers cholesterol may be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. The AT04A vaccine, administered to genetically modified mice, reduced cholesterol levels by 53% and induced long-lasting antibodies against PCSK9, an enzyme contributing to high cholesterol.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 19, 2017

Tiny fossils reveal backstory of the most mysterious amphibian alive

Researchers discovered two ancient fossils from the Triassic Period that connect Kermit the Frog's relatives to wormlike creatures with sharp teeth. These findings expand the history of modern amphibians by 15 million years, closing a major gap in early caecilian evolution.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 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.

Mapping how words leap from brain to tongue

Researchers led by SDSU neuroscientist Stephanie Ries discovered that wide swaths of the brain work in parallel to retrieve correct words from memory, challenging previous assumptions about localized language processing. The study's findings could help speech-language pathologists develop strategies for treating disorders like anomia.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

New research points to potential for more targeted treatments of neuroblastoma tumors

Research at the University of Chicago Medical Center identified genetic variations that pre-dispose children to severe forms of neuroblastoma, paving the way for more targeted treatments. Children with MYCN-amplified tumors have a lower survival rate, but understanding their genetic predispositions could lead to more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 19, 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.

Close failing banks before they cost US billions of dollars, says study

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University researchers proposes a new capital ratio that would allow regulators to close insolvent banks earlier, potentially saving $18.5 billion in closure costs. The proposed ratio, called the nonperforming asset coverage ratio, could prevent regulators from granting forbearance to insolvent banks.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Banking & Finance·DateJun 19, 2017

Inexpensive organic material gives safe batteries a longer life

Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered a new class of material that addresses many battery concerns, including fire risk, cold weather performance, and lifespan. The quinones-based anode is inexpensive, chemically stable, and allows batteries to work across temperature ranges.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 19, 2017

Riding a romantic roller coaster? Relationship anxiety may be to blame

A recent study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships explores how high levels of relationship anxiety impact partner experiences. Researchers found that individuals experiencing anxiety about their partner's commitment tend to experience increased volatility in their feelings about the relationship.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJun 19, 2017

Sugar-coated nanomaterial excels at promoting bone growth

Researchers at Northwestern University have designed a sugar-coated nanomaterial that promotes bone regeneration by binding to growth factor BMP-2, reducing its need by 100 times. The biodegradable material functions as an artificial extracellular matrix, mimicking natural cell interactions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 19, 2017

A diagnostic test for ALS

Researchers have developed a diagnostic test for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using neurofilaments, which can confirm the presence of the disease. The test has shown promising results in accurately diagnosing ALS patients, with a good correlation between neurofilament levels and motor neuron loss.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNeurology·DateJun 19, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Is it sometimes ok to cheat?

Research at Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that fig wasps that cheat by not collecting pollen can still flourish in populations where they have a time and energy advantage. This suggests that cheaters may become more common when punishment is too severe, allowing them to reproduce and pass on their non-cooperative behavior.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 19, 2017