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Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 5


Page 5 of 40

No detectable limit to how long people can live

A new study by McGill University biologists Bryan G. Hughes and Siegfried Hekimi found no evidence for a limit to human lifespan, challenging previous research that suggested an upper age limit of around 115 years. The study analyzed the lifespan of centenarians from various countries since 1968 and extended trend lines to predict pote...

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2017

Bacteria-coated nanofiber electrodes clean pollutants in wastewater

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel electrode material that uses bacteria to clean pollutants from wastewater. The bacteria grow on the surface of the nanofibers, producing electricity and breaking down contaminants, making it a promising technology for improving wastewater treatment.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateJun 28, 2017

Johns Hopkins scientists develop super-strong metal for next tech frontier

Researchers have successfully developed a new material that promises to improve the strength and durability of microscopic sensors. The alloy, made from nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten, exhibits extraordinary properties, including high tensile strength three times greater than high-strength steel.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 28, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Injectable plant-based nanoparticles delay tumor progression

A recent study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University has discovered that injecting potato virus particles into melanoma tumors activates an anti-tumor immune response, halting tumor progression. Co-administering the nanoparticles with chemotherapy drugs yields the most potent benefit.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJun 28, 2017

In Turkey, carved skulls provide the first evidence of a neolithic 'skull cult'

Modified human crania from Göbekli Tepe provide the first evidence for a new form of Neolithic skull cult, featuring intentional deep incisions and drilled holes. These findings suggest that ancient individuals may have venerated ancestors or displayed recently dispatched enemies on display.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 28, 2017

Potentially lethal parasite rat lungworm found throughout Florida

Researchers have discovered rat lungworm in five Florida counties, with nearly 23% of rats testing positive for the parasitic nematode. The parasite can cause meningitis in humans and animals if ingested, highlighting concerns over climate change's impact on its spread.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 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 illuminates serotonin contributions to cocaine's allure

Researchers have identified a key role for serotonin in cocaine's addictive effects, suggesting that the brain chemical may contribute to the development of tolerance and long-term changes in brain function. The study provides new avenues for understanding the complex actions of cocaine and developing effective treatment strategies.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJun 28, 2017

Improving nuclear sensor tech

The University of Pittsburgh has received a $1.275 million grant from the DOE to develop radiation-hard, multi-functional, distributed fiber sensors for improved nuclear reactor core safety and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJun 28, 2017

Hoarding symptoms moderately stable during adolescence

A study found that hoarding symptoms are heritable and moderately stable between 15-18 years old, suggesting genetic effects play a significant role. The findings could help inform treatments development for young people experiencing hoarding symptoms, preventing potential progression into Hoarding Disorder as adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 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.

Researchers develop yeast-based tool for worldwide pathogen detection

Researchers developed a yeast-based tool that can detect fungal pathogens responsible for major human disease, agricultural damage, and food spoilage. The one-component biosensor is extremely low-cost, easy to use, and doesn't require cold-storage facilities, making it a game-changer for global pathogen surveillance.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 28, 2017

Swimming microbots can remove pathogenic bacteria from water (video)

Researchers have developed tiny microbots that can remove up to 80% of pathogenic bacteria from contaminated water. The microbots use hydrogen bubbles propelled by magnesium and silver nanoparticles to kill bacteria, offering a potential solution to the global clean water crisis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 28, 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.

How 'The Gruffalo' helped academics boost youngsters' motor skills and language ability

A six-week study found that pre-school children who took part in a combination of movement and language activities showed significant improvements in their motor skills and vocabulary, outperforming other groups. The researchers believe physical activity can enhance academic performance by increasing oxygen circulation in the brain.

SourceCoventry University·JournalEuropean Physical Education Review·DateJun 28, 2017

Mildly obese fare better after major heart attack

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that mildly obese patients who survive a major heart attack tend to have better outcomes, including higher survival rates and shorter hospital stays. Patients considered mildly obese had a 30% increased likelihood of survival compared to those of normal weight.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 28, 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.

Climate change impacts Antarctic biodiversity habitat

A new study found that ice-free areas in Antarctica could increase by up to 25% by the end of this century, potentially creating new habitat for biodiversity. However, the warming climate may also facilitate invasive species to establish themselves.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2017

Turning the climate tide by 2020

A coalition of over 60 scientists, business leaders, and policymakers urge swift climate action by 2020 to avoid devastating consequences. The authors propose six milestones for a clean industrial revolution, including renewable energy targets and electric vehicle incentives.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2017

Teenage weight gain linked to increased stroke risk as an adult

A Swedish study published in Neurology found that teenage weight gain is associated with a higher risk of stroke in adulthood. The study followed 37,669 men and found that those who experienced a significant increase in BMI from childhood to age 20 were more likely to develop high blood pressure and stroke.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 28, 2017

Inequalities in malaria research funding in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study has found significant inequalities in malaria research funding in sub-Saharan Africa, with countries like Chad and Central African Republic receiving no investment. The study reveals that Tanzania and Kenya received the most research funding, while Nigeria received the most non-research funding.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 28, 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.

Vortex-antivortex pairs found in magnetic trilayers

A team of researchers has discovered magnetic vortex-antivortex pairs arising from correlated electron spins in a newly engineered trilayer material. The finding could advance memory cells and points to the potential development of 3-D magnetic logic circuits.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 28, 2017

Nanostructures taste the rainbow

Researchers created nanostructures with varying widths that absorb different wavelengths of light, generating an electric current corresponding to the absorbed wavelength. The new detectors operate faster and detect a wider range of electromagnetic spectrum than traditional devices.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 28, 2017

RIT hosts largest number of NSF undergraduate research programs in New York

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) boasts the largest number of federally funded summer research programs for undergraduate students in New York. The institution's College of Science has launched several innovative research experiences, including a new program in multimessenger astrophysics that combines gravitational wave detecti...

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJun 28, 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.

The value of nature

Researchers developed a modeling framework that quantifies the economic value of nature's ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, food, and paper. The framework helps determine how to protect biodiversity by managing ecosystem services, balancing current costs with future risks of losing critical species.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 28, 2017

Ancient antiviral defense system could revolutionize a new class of RNA-based medicine

Researchers discovered an ancient antiviral defense system in human cells that could be used to deliver targeted therapies using engineered viruses or simple self-replicating RNAs. This system, which dates back billions of years, was originally designed to defend against viral infection and may hold the key to new treatments for diseases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2017

Now or later: How taste and sound affect when you buy

New research finds that advertisements highlighting more proximal sensory experiences (touch/taste) lead to earlier purchases, while those emphasizing distal sensory experiences (sight/sound) delay them. This study, published in the Journal of Consumer Research, suggests new ways for marketers to differentiate their products and services.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 28, 2017

Antiviral inhibits epidemic SARS, MERS and animal coronaviruses

A new antiviral drug candidate, GS-5734, has been shown to inhibit a broad range of coronaviruses, including the SARS and MERS coronaviruses. The compound was effective against human and animal coronaviruses, reducing viral load in lung tissue and improving respiratory functions.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 28, 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.

The gene behind follicular lymphoma

Researchers discovered that the Sestrin1 gene is frequently missing or malfunctioning in follicular lymphoma patients, leading to tumor growth and poor prognosis. The study found that targeting this gene can suppress tumors and improve treatment efficacy, offering hope for new therapies.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 28, 2017

What's on your skin? Archaea, that's what

Researchers discovered that the skin microbiome contains archaea, a type of extreme-loving microbe, which vary in abundance with age. The study found that archaea were most abundant in subjects younger than 12 and older than 60, and people with dry skin have more archaea.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 28, 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.

Discovering, counting, cataloguing proteins

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have discovered over 900 mitochondrial proteins in baker's yeast using quantitative mass spectrometry and bioinformatics methods. This extensive dataset provides a foundation for understanding the biology of mitochondria in various organisms, from yeast to humans.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 28, 2017

E-cigarettes increase risk of cigarette smoking in youth

A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies found strong evidence that e-cigarette use increases the risk of subsequent cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults. E-cigarettes may mimic smoking behavior through similar hand-to-mouth movements and contain nicotine, potentially enhancing addiction.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 28, 2017

Paving the way for hydrogen fuel cells

Scientists have developed an electrocatalyst using less expensive ruthenium and nitrogen-doped graphene, promising better durability and reduced noble-metal usage than platinum-based alternatives.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 28, 2017

Protein data takes significant step forward in medicine

The National Cancer Institute's Proteogenomic Translational Research Centers aim to bring proteogenomics to cancer patients. By analyzing blood samples, researchers hope to identify proteins that indicate response to specific treatments.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJun 28, 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.

Type 2 inflammation might be good for the belly but bad for the liver

A new study suggests that genetic predisposition to type 1 inflammation protects against NAFLD, but type 2 inflammation actually worsens the condition. Targeted treatments for metabolic syndrome may need reevaluation due to this unexpected finding.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 28, 2017

Male infertility could be linked to noisy bedrooms, study suggests

A new study found that long-term exposure to noise above 55 dB, equivalent to a suburban street, is significantly linked to male infertility. The researchers analyzed data from 206,492 men and found that those exposed to higher levels of noise had a greater chance of being diagnosed with infertility.

SourceElsevier·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJun 28, 2017

An infallible hand-held probe to aid cancer surgery

A multimodal optical spectroscopy probe has been developed to detect brain, lung, colon, and skin cancer cells with nearly 100% sensitivity. The probe's high accuracy enables surgeons to minimize cancer cells during surgery, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of recurrence.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 28, 2017

More than half of all opioid prescriptions go to people with mental illness

A recent study from the University of Michigan and Dartmouth found that over half of opioid prescriptions are written for adults with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The research highlights the concerning trend of vulnerable patients with mental illness being prescribed opioids.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJun 27, 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.

Cotton candy capillaries lead to circuit boards that dissolve when cooled

Researchers have developed cotton candy-like fiber networks that dissolve in water below 32 degrees Celsius, enabling the creation of self-destructing circuit boards. These devices have potential applications in military and health fields, including implanted medical devices that can disintegrate with ice application.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 27, 2017

Study examines disciplinary segregation across state prisons

A study by Sam Houston State University found that prison officials use disciplinary segregation as a punishment reserved for inmates with a history of misconduct. Inmates who were young, male, previously incarcerated, and serving longer sentences were more likely to receive disciplinary segregation.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateJun 27, 2017

Remote sensing technologies key to the future of the oil palm industry

The use of remote sensing technologies has the potential to revolutionize the management of the oil palm industry, providing quick and accurate information on huge areas of oil palms. Key applications include identifying lands suitable for expansion and improving yield prediction accuracy.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalGeo-spatial Information Science·DateJun 27, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

3-D-printed jars in ball-milling experiments

Researchers used 3D printing to create optimized milling jars for X-ray powder diffraction experiments. The new design improves background and angular resolution, reducing scattering from jar walls and milling balls.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateJun 27, 2017

Adults with autism make more consistent choices

Adults with autism spectrum conditions show reduced sensitivity to contextual information but may actually lead to more consistent choices. Participants with ASC made fewer switches and consistently chose the same option, suggesting less susceptibility to cognitive biases.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 27, 2017

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy under real ambient pressure conditions

Researchers successfully improved an ambient-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy instrument using hard X-rays to measure samples under real atmospheric pressure for the first time. This achievement broadens the range of applications for photoelectron spectroscopy, enabling direct examination of reactions between solids and gases.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 27, 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.

Ahead of the curve

Researchers at IST Austria have developed a new method to create self-actuating, smooth, and free-form objects called CurveUps. These objects are made up of tiny tiles sandwiched between pre-stretched latex layers that transform into a continuous shell during the process.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateJun 27, 2017

Leaping lizards!

Researchers found that geckos are subjected to impact forces that approach the safety factor of a single foot, leading to the possibility of injury or failed landing attempts. The study provides insight into the evolution of adhesion and may help understand the phenomenal adhesive power exhibited by these lizards.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInterface·DateJun 27, 2017

Seeing the forest through the trees with a new LiDAR system

Researchers from the Naval Research Laboratory have created a new LiDAR system that can survey obscured ground using gated digital holography methods. This technology allows for 3D topography surveys through foliage or other obstacles, with potential applications in disaster relief and self-driving cars.

SourceOptica·DateJun 27, 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.