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Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 20


Page 20 of 40

An alternative hypothesis on the faunal colonization of the Himalayas?

Researchers found that Himalayan species arose earlier in southern Tibet and then migrated to the region after mountain formation. The discovery challenges current biogeographical opinions and highlights the importance of molecular-genetic methods in testing old hypotheses.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 15, 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.

Giving children a voice in clinical trials

Children as young as 8 years old can reliably assess experimental therapy effects on symptoms and quality of life. Self-reported patient outcomes could be a new endpoint in clinical trials, enabling clinicians to better manage side effects.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalCancer·DateJun 15, 2017
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.

More brain activity is not always better when it comes to memory and attention

Recent studies suggest that excessive neural activity in specific brain regions can impair memory and attention. Inhibitory neurotransmission, mediated by GABA, plays a crucial role in regulating neural activity. The review highlights the importance of balancing aberrant neural activity to restore cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJun 15, 2017

Entomologist at UC Riverside named a Pew scholar

Naoki Yamanaka, the first researcher at UC Riverside to receive a Pew scholarship, will pursue foundational research using state-of-the-art techniques. His research focuses on identifying chemicals that interrupt steroid hormone entry into cells, which could lead to novel means of manipulating steroid-related processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 15, 2017

Newly discovered cellular pathway may lead to cancer therapies

Researchers have identified a crucial pathway in regulating cellular metabolism, which they believe could be targeted to control tumor growth. The study found that blocking this pathway reduced tumor growth in melanoma mice and holds promise for developing new cancer treatments.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Grant focuses on 'hydrogen sponge' for use in fuel-cell vehicles

A Penn State researcher has been awarded a grant to develop a 'hydrogen sponge' technology that could efficiently store hydrogen fuel for use in fuel cell vehicles. The technology uses supercritical liquid form to condense the gas, allowing for storage at ambient temperature and low-pressure conditions.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 15, 2017

Raucous crystals

Scientists have discovered that organic crystals send out acoustic signals when their crystal structure changes, providing insight into the phenomenon. The crystals' rapid transformation of heat into movement is potentially useful for developing artificial muscles or microscale robotic arms.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 15, 2017

Marine predators: Bigger in size with an appetite to match

A new study reveals that marine invertebrate predators have increased in size over the past 500 million years, while their prey has remained relatively constant. The 'escalation hypothesis' is supported by the findings, which show a significant increase in predator-prey size ratio driven by changes in marine ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

Global diet and farming methods 'must change for environment's sake'

A new study found that reducing meat consumption and adopting organic farming methods can help mitigate environmental degradation, but not at the expense of land use and energy efficiency. The researchers suggest combining different production systems to create a more sustainable agricultural system.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 15, 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.

New genetic technique could help identify potential drug targets for malaria

A new genetic technique developed by Upeksha Rathnapala and colleagues at the University of Melbourne could enhance research into potential drug targets for malaria treatment. By using a novel approach involving fluorescent markers, scientists can identify metabolic processes essential for Plasmodium development in host animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 15, 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.

College attendance drops after widespread job loss

Research from Duke University finds that college attendance rates for poor students decline by 20% after a 7% job loss, even when financial aid increases. Job losses also trigger increased stress, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among poor African-American youths.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Holes drilled in shells point to bigger predators picking on small prey

The study found a strong correlation between predator size and the diameter of drill holes, suggesting that larger predators have hunted smaller prey in the past. The researchers believe that growing bigger predators may not need to switch to larger targets due to more nutritious small prey.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Biological DMARD guidelines associated with a reduced need for knee and hip replacements in RA

A Danish study found a clear downward trend in knee and hip replacements in RA patients since the introduction of biological DMARDs to treatment protocols. The incidence of total knee replacements decreased by 0.20 per year after 2003, while the incidence of total hip replacements also showed a downward trend.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2017

The newly discovered Russian dinosaur named after Mongolian spirit

Researchers have identified a new genus and species of ancient marine reptile called Luskhan itilensis, discovered in the Volga River region. The discovery sheds light on the ecomorphological diversity of pliosaurs, suggesting that their evolutionary history was more complex than previously thought.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 15, 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.

VHA initiative significantly reduces MRSA in veterans living centers

The VHA initiative significantly reduced MRSA infections in a Veterans community living center by implementing active surveillance and decolonization with strict environmental control. The program resulted in substantial monetary savings of $2.2 million and improved patient safety.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 15, 2017

*Ring, Ring* 'Earth? It's space calling, on the quantum line'

Researchers used a satellite-based system to transmit entangled photons across vast distances, overcoming previous transmission limitations of 100 km. The successful transmission holds implications for quantum teleportation and communication networks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

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.

Close-up view of DNA replication yields surprises

Researchers watched individual DNA strands replicate and found that polymerases on the leading and lagging strands are completely autonomous, with no coordination. The study reveals a new stochastic view of DNA replication, challenging conventional wisdom and providing insights into this essential biological process.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 2017

A rusty and sweet side of sepsis

Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência found that controlling iron levels is crucial for maintaining vital organs' function during infection. They discovered ferritin's role in regulating glucose production, which prevents lethal sepsis outcomes.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 2017

19-year-olds as sedentary as 60-year-olds, study suggests

A study published in Preventive Medicine found that physical activity among children and teens is lower than previously thought, with young adults over 20 showing the only increases in activity levels. The study also identified patterns of highest and lowest activity throughout the day across age groups and genders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJun 15, 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.

New flu test: One drop of blood could save your life

Australian researchers have developed a world-first test to identify patients at risk of developing serious secondary infections. The High-risk Influenza Screen Test measures an early warning signal released by the patient's body, predicting potential complications with high accuracy.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJun 15, 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.

'Magic' alloy could spur next generation of solar cells

Researchers at University of Michigan develop cost-effective material to capture near-infrared light in solar cells, making concentrator photovoltaics more efficient and practical for large-scale electricity generation. The new alloy is significantly less expensive than previous formulations and enables easier manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 15, 2017

5 promising cancer researchers selected as Pew-Stewart Scholars

The Pew Charitable Trusts has announced the 2017 class of Pew-Stewart Scholars for Cancer Research, five early-career scientists conducting groundbreaking research on finding cures for cancer. The scholars will receive flexible funding to invest in their work and investigate promising avenues to slow or stop cancer development.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts·DateJun 15, 2017

Widespread snowmelt in West Antarctica during unusually warm summer

Researchers found that a large area of West Antarctica partially melted due to warm air caused by an especially strong El Nino, with satellite data revealing a mix of melted snow and ice over most of the Ross Ice Shelf. The study suggests that this warming event could be more frequent in the future with a warming climate.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 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.

Cardiac stem cells from heart disease patients may be harmful

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a molecular pathway involved in the toxic interaction between host cells and the immune system when using cardiac stem cells from patients with heart disease. The study suggests that these cells can develop inflammatory properties and exacerbate damage to the already diseased heart muscle.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCirculation·DateJun 15, 2017

8 in 10 Indonesian children has been infected with dengue

A new study reveals that nearly all Indonesian children in urban areas are infected with the dengue virus by childhood. The researchers found that 69.4% of children tested positive for dengue antibodies, with infection rates increasing from 33.8% of 1-4 year olds to 89.0% of 15-18 year olds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 15, 2017

Egocentric hearing: Study clarifies how we can tell where a sound is coming from

A new UCL and University of Nottingham study found that most neurons in the brain's auditory cortex detect sound location relative to the head, but some track the actual position in the world. The researchers monitored ferrets while they moved around a small arena surrounded by speakers, using electrodes and LEDs to track movement.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2017

Bee antennae offer links between the evolution of social behavior and communication

A study published in PNAS found that halictid bees have more sensory machinery on their antennae compared to solitary species, suggesting a link between social behavior evolution and communication. The research suggests that sensilla density may be an important precursor to the evolution of social behavior.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2017
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.

Water management interventions push scarcity downstream

A new study assesses the global impact of human interventions on water scarcity, finding that large-scale water management actions can aggravate water scarcity downstream. The research highlights the importance of considering upstream-downstream linkages in water policy decisions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2017

A mechanical trigger for toxic tumor therapy

Researchers developed a new drug delivery platform that uses ultrasound waves to trigger the dispersal of chemotherapy-containing nanoparticles precisely at tumor sites. The platform resulted in a two-fold increase in targeting efficacy and a dramatic reduction in both tumor size and drug-related toxicity.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalBiomaterials·DateJun 15, 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.

Massachusetts General researchers explore why those with autism avoid eye contact

A team of investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience overactivation in subcortical brain structures when viewing eye contact, leading to an aversion to direct gaze. This finding supports the hypothesis of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling n...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 15, 2017