Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 36


Page 36 of 40
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.

What caused the most toxic algal bloom ever observed in Monterey Bay?

Researchers found that a low silicate-to-nitrate ratio in the bay's waters led to extremely high concentrations of domoic acid, causing the bloom. This unique combination resulted in dense populations of toxic diatoms, affecting wildlife and commercial fisheries.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 5, 2017

Adding a second HER2 blocker may lower chance of invasive breast cancer for some women

A phase III clinical trial suggests that adding pertuzumab to standard trastuzumab treatment after surgery may help reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer by 19% in patients with HER2-positive disease. The benefit is most pronounced in women with node-positive and hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 5, 2017

HUD housing assistance linked to improved health care access

A new study by University of Maryland School of Public Health researcher Dr. Andrew Fenelon found that people receiving subsidized housing assistance were more likely to have medical insurance and less likely to have unmet medical need compared to those on HUD waitlist.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 5, 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.

Newly identified gene helps time spring flowering in vital grass crops

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a gene called RVR1 that represses VRN1 prior to winter, allowing grasses to wait for the right conditions to flower. This discovery may help improve yields in important food and energy crops such as corn, wheat, and oats.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2017

Cell phone use and distracted driving begins in the mind

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that even simple conversations on a cell phone can affect drivers' brain ability to focus on the roadway. The delay is about 40 milliseconds, which compounds and contributes to impaired driving.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJun 5, 2017

Decomposing leaves are surprising source of greenhouse gases

Researchers have discovered that decomposing leaves in soil are a significant source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. The study, led by Michigan State University, found that leaf particles create micro-habitats perfect for bacteria that produce nitrous oxide.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 5, 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.

Breeding pairs of birds cooperate to resist climate change

A team of scientists found that male and female plovers shift incubation more frequently in response to rising temperatures, increasing cooperation between the sexes. This flexibility in parental care helps birds adapt to changing climates and extreme conditions.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJun 5, 2017

Injectable solution may provide weeks of glucose control

Researchers at Duke University have created a technology that fuses GLP1 with a heat-sensitive elastin-like polypeptide, providing glucose control up to three times longer than current treatments. The new biopolymer injection lasts more than two weeks in primates and has the potential to replace daily or weekly insulin shots.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 5, 2017

Increased number of female engineers in managerial roles brings unintended consequences

Research by M. Teresa Cardador found that women in managerial roles in engineering firms experience mixed identification with the profession, feeling they don't belong in technical roles. This can lead to stereotypes about women's suitability for technical work and increased work-life balance tensions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOrganization Science·DateJun 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fixing the role of nitrogen in coral bleaching

Excess nitrogen in oceans disrupts coral-algae symbiosis, triggering bleaching even without heat and light stress. Microbial processes like nitrogen fixation can exacerbate bleaching events.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 5, 2017

Staphylococcus ribosome structure researched by KFU Structural Biology Lab

Researchers at KFU's Structural Biology Lab have made significant breakthroughs in understanding Staphylococcus ribosomes using cryo-electron microscopy. This discovery holds great promise for developing new treatments against deadly infections, such as pneumonia and septicemia.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 5, 2017

Pictorial warning labels on tobacco products could help improve communication of risks to smokers

A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that pictorial warning labels (PWLs) with images convey similar risk information as text-only labels, holding smokers' attention more effectively. The researchers observed that congruent PWLs where the image and text express similar messages or themes may be an optimal design strategy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalTobacco Control·DateJun 5, 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.

Seeing the invisible with a graphene-CMOS integrated device

Researchers from Graphene Flagship have successfully integrated graphene into a CMOS circuit, enabling the creation of high-resolution image sensors that can detect UV, visible, and infrared light. This technology has vast applications in fields such as safety, security, and medical imaging.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 5, 2017

Earliest human impact on geological processes took place 11,500 years ago

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered basin-wide erosion rates incompatible with known tectonic and climatic regimes of the period. The findings indicate that human impact on the environment began significantly affecting the Earth's geology around 11,500 years ago.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalGlobal and Planetary Change·DateJun 5, 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.

Citizen scientists help infectious bacteria researchers

Researchers used citizen scientists wearing boot socks on walks to find that slightly less than half of the socks were positive for Campylobacter, a common cause of diarrheal disease. The study suggests seasonal patterns and links to environmental factors, which could lead to interventions to reduce disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 5, 2017

Study evaluates overall geriatric health during androgen deprivation therapy

A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy experience significant changes in physical function and skills of daily living. After treatment, most patients show improvement in overall geriatric health, with some even experiencing increases in daily function.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 5, 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.

Dasatinib excels in worldwide phase II trial against pediatric CML

Dasatinib demonstrated significant benefits in a phase II clinical trial for pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), with 75% of patients experiencing progression-free survival after treatment. The study also showed minimal toxicities and improved quality of life for patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateJun 5, 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.

A planet hotter than most stars

KELT-9b orbits a star more than twice as large and nearly twice as hot as our sun, causing its atmosphere to puff up like a balloon. The planet's day side is perpetually bombarded by stellar radiation, making it inhospitable for life.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2017

Memory loss and other cognitive decline linked to blood vessel disease in the brain

Researchers found strong association between cognitive decline and small blood vessel disease in the brain, with 61% of older adults having at least one component of the condition. The study, part of the Atahualpa Project, suggests that vascular neurology may be an important factor in stroke and neurological disorders in Latin America.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJun 5, 2017

Artificial fluorescent membrane lipid shows active role in living cells

Researchers at Osaka University developed artificial fluorescent membrane lipids that mimic sphingomyelin and interact with proteins, enabling the study of complex cellular processes. The findings reveal dynamic behavior of SMs associated with CD59 and plasma membranes, offering insights into modifying molecular interactions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 5, 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.

Diabetes drug prevents stiffening of heart muscle in obese mouse model

Researchers found that a diabetes medication, linagliptin, can protect against stiffening of the left ventricle of the heart in overweight female mice fed a Western diet. The treatment suppressed oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCardiovascular Diabetology·DateJun 5, 2017

Splitting carbon dioxide using low-cost catalyst materials

EPFL scientists have developed an Earth-abundant catalyst to split carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbon monoxide, producing liquid fuels from renewable sources. The catalyst achieved a high efficiency of 13.4% in converting CO2 to CO using solar energy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 5, 2017

Research aims to make artificial intelligence explain itself

Researchers aim to develop a system that can explain AI decisions to humans, making autonomous vehicles and robots more trustworthy. The project will utilize real-time strategy games like StarCraft to train AI players that can provide natural language explanations.

SourceOregon State University·DateJun 5, 2017

Small intracranial aneurysms may have little risk for rupture

Researchers found that small and very small unruptured intracranial aneurysms have low growth rates, ranging from less than 3% per year. The annual rupture rate for aneurysms smaller than 7mm was 0-1%. These findings may inform patient management and treatment decisions for patients with UIAs.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 5, 2017

Chronic pain linked to increased risk of dementia in study of older adults

Researchers at UCSF found a significant association between chronic pain and faster declines in memory function and increased risk of dementia in older adults. The study suggests that chronic pain could be related to changes in the brain contributing to cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 5, 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.

Savvy sports audiences care about team sponsorship deals

Researchers found that sponsorships involving high fees and distant international sponsors are perceived as reflecting calculative motives, while close geographic proximity is associated with affective motivations. Teams need to communicate the relevance of a sponsor to their market and area.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 5, 2017

Attacking metastatic tumors in the brain

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism behind treatment resistance in brain metastatic breast cancers, and a potential treatment strategy that may overcome this resistance. Targeting the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 (HER3) protein has been shown to significantly slow tumor growth and improve survival.

SourceNational Foundation for Cancer Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 5, 2017

Electrocatalyst nanostructures key to improved fuel cells, electrolyzers

Purdue University scientists have identified a new type of electrocatalyst that is both active and stable, which could solve a significant problem in fuel cells and electrolyzers. The nanoscale nickel islands on platinum substrate exhibit unexpected properties that make it an ideal candidate for promoting chemical reactions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 5, 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.

Evidence shows increased risk of ozone loss over the United States in summer

Researchers found that stratospheric ozone concentrations in the US are vulnerable to water vapor and temperature variations from storm systems, posing a risk to human health and crops. The study calls for increased meteorological and chemical observations to forecast short-term and long-term ozone loss.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 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.

Is cirrhosis associated with increased risk of stroke?

A study of over 1.6 million Medicare beneficiaries found that cirrhosis significantly increases the risk of stroke, particularly hemorrhagic stroke. The authors suggest that mixed coagulopathy and underlying vascular risk factors may contribute to this association.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 5, 2017

Study addresses misconceptions about electroconvulsive therapy

A new study has found that patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for psychiatric disorders have a positive experience, with 80% viewing the treatment as useful and 70% finding it more efficacious than drug therapy. The study aims to validate ECT as a less frightening option by improving its administration standards.

SourceWiley·JournalProgress in Neurology and Psychiatry·DateJun 5, 2017

Discovery reveals planet almost as hot as the Sun

The newly discovered planet KELT-9b has a unique orbit, atmospheric features, and a daytime temperature hotter than most stars. Its surface reaches 7,800 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, just 2,000 degrees cooler than the Sun.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 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.

Emergency medicine in space: Normal rules don't apply

Experts discuss emergency medicine in space, where severe medical events and loss of crew life are significant risks during long-duration flights. Alternative CPR methods have been tested in microgravity experiments, showing a 'hand-stand' technique as the most effective method.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 4, 2017

Steady decrease in severe health problems for childhood cancer survivors

A study of 23,600 childhood cancer survivors found a decline in severe health problems occurring five or more years after diagnosis, with the largest decreases seen in Wilms' tumor and Hodgkin lymphoma. Advances in treatment have improved five-year survival rates from 58% to 84% today.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 4, 2017

New drug shows durable efficacy across diverse pediatric and adult cancers

A new cancer medicine, larotrectinib, has demonstrated compelling evidence for treating a range of advanced cancers. The therapy, which targets TRK fusion proteins, resulted in responses in 76% of patients across 17 different types of cancer. After 12 months of treatment, 79% of responding patients remained progression-free.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 4, 2017

Bio-based p-xylene oxidation into terephthalic acid by engineered E. coli

Researchers developed a biocatalytic system to produce terephthalic acid from p-xylene using metabolically engineered E. coli, offering a greener alternative to traditional chemical methods. The resulting yield of 97 mol% demonstrates the feasibility of this bio-based technology for large-scale production.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 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.

Nothing to fear for 'good Samaritan' doctors who assist medical emergencies

Experts at Euroanaesthesia congress discuss good Samaritan laws in Europe and their implications for doctors. They emphasize the importance of a doctor's duty to help, even if they're not able to assist fully, and note that successful claims against doctors are practically unheard of.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 4, 2017