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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 1 of 41

Climate seesaw at the end of the last glacial phase

Scientists uncover regional warming in Europe causing cooling and increased snowfall in East Asia during the Younger Dryas period, highlighting the complex interplay of teleconnections. The study provides new insights into the climate changes of the northern hemisphere at the end of the last glacial phase.

New study: Aggressive breast cancer grows faster in obese environment

Researchers found that cancer cells grew faster in fatty, obese tissue, suggesting the microenvironment surrounding cancer cells plays a crucial role in disease progression. Weight loss reversed changes to this microenvironment, correcting tumor growth, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for obesity-related cancers.

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.

Shaping the future of health innovation

The National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory will apply Big Data analytics tools to explore trends in health innovation. The £10 million centre, based at Newcastle University, aims to provide better and more efficient healthcare for patients.

Exploring ocean waters to characterize atmospheric aerosols

Researchers from the University of Geneva linked marine biological aerosols to ocean water characteristics, enabling indirect study through water analysis. This discovery simplifies aerosol characterization and enhances climate models' accuracy.

When India collided with Asia to form the Himalayan mountains?

A recent study precisely dated the India-Asia continental collision at 59±1 million years ago, based on sedimentary record analysis. The collision resulted in the formation of the Himalayan Mountains and the rise of the Tibetan Plateau, with significant climatic and environmental changes.

Towards a mathematical theory of PID control

The study establishes conditions for globally stabilizing closed-loop systems and converging their position to setpoints. The selection of PID parameters has flexibility due to the availability of upper bounds for partial derivatives of nonlinear uncertain functions.

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.

Time delays in vending machines prompt healthier snack choices

Researchers developed a new vending machine system with a 'delay' bar and LED screen to display delay times for unhealthy snacks. The DISC system led to a 2-5% increase in healthy snack purchases without harming total sales volume or revenue, offering a viable option for vending machine owners.

Public funding research key to advancing biomedical innovation

A new study published in Science shows that public funding research is essential for commercial innovation, with 30% of NIH-funded grants generating articles cited by private-sector patents. This highlights the importance of continued investment in biomedical research and its potential economic returns.

1997 was 'tipping point' for ice caps around Greenland's edges

The study reveals that the ice caps around Greenland's edges have lost their capacity to contain and refreeze meltwater, causing massive ice mass loss. The researchers found that the highest ice caps are still relatively healthy, but the 'melting line' is moving towards them, posing a significant problem.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

University of Miami to begin phase 2 Zika vaccine trial

The University of Miami is conducting a multi-site study to evaluate the safety, effective dosage and prevention capabilities of the NIH's experimental DNA-based vaccine. Researchers will recruit individuals from Miami-Dade County and compare the rates of confirmed cases of Zika in vaccinated and placebo groups.

How best to stir a steel furnace, and beat corrosion

Swansea University has won two Royal Society awards for its innovative research on reducing corrosion in steel and improving furnace efficiency. The team developed a smart release coating that outperforms the current market leader in laboratory tests and can last up to 12 times longer in delaying corrosion.

Egg-sitting glassfrogs create safe exit for tadpoles

Researchers observed glassfrogs sitting on their eggs for up to five hours after laying them, absorbing water and hydrating the jelly-coated embryos. The study found that every species of glassfrog cares for its eggs, with mothers tending to theirs immediately after laying and fathers taking over later.

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.

Fish also need friends

A new study on zebrafish shows that social support can help individuals overcome adverse circumstances and triggers specific brain patterns similar to those in humans. The research suggests that zebrafish could be an ideal model organism for studying social support and its neural mechanisms.

Beyond genomics: Using proteomics to target tumors

Researchers develop new technologies to precisely measure protein levels serving as tumor markers for personalized cancer treatment. This approach aims to predict tumor response to cancer therapeutics and match patients with the right drug.

Risky alcohol consumption can increase at time of retirement

A study of 5,800 Finnish retirees found that 12% increased their risky drinking after retirement, while 81% maintained healthy levels. Depression, smoking, and changes in social networks were associated with the increase in risky drinking behavior.

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.

Insomnia associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke

A meta-analysis of 15 studies found significant associations between insomnia symptoms and the risk of heart disease and stroke. Insomnia symptoms such as difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, and non-restorative sleep were linked to increased risks of cardiovascular events.

NASA observations reshape basic plasma wave physics

NASA's MMS mission provides direct observation of kinetic Alfvén waves, revealing unexpected small-scale complexities and a higher rate of particle trapping than expected. The findings have implications for nuclear fusion technology and our understanding of the sun's solar wind.

Experimental small molecule shows potential in preventing meth relapse

A new study from Scripps Research Institute suggests that a synthetic small molecule called Isoxazole-9 can block the formation of new neurons in the brain, leading to reduced drug-seeking behavior and preventing relapse. The study found that Isoxazole-9 also repaired structural changes in neurons exposed to methamphetamine.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Discovery of a source of fast magnetic reconnection

Researchers at PPPL have discovered a source of fast magnetic reconnection in plasma, which could lead to more accurate predictions of damaging space weather and improved fusion experiments. The finding shows how electron pressure accelerates the process, balancing electric current and preventing halting the reconnection process.

Technology to screen embryos before implantation falls short

Pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) has mixed results in predicting embryo success, with uncertain impact on IVF outcomes. The technology's limitations stem from complex biology and ideology, hindering the development of new technologies to improve infertility care.

Phase 2 Zika vaccine trial begins in US, Central and South America

A Phase 2/2b clinical trial has begun testing an experimental DNA vaccine designed to protect against disease caused by Zika infection. The vaccine aims to gain more safety and immune response data and determine if it can effectively prevent disease caused by natural Zika infection.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Tyrannosaurs show their sensitive side

Scientists have found a new species of tyrannosaur dinosaur with a high degree of tactile sensitivity, similar to crocodiles. The discovery provides insight into the evolution and life appearance of tyrannosaurs, revealing that their faces were covered in scaly protective layers and highly touch-sensitive snouts.

Bio-inspired energy storage: A new light for solar power

Researchers from RMIT University have developed a groundbreaking graphene-based electrode prototype that can increase the capacity of existing integrable storage technologies by 3000%. This breakthrough design is inspired by the efficient vein structure of fern leaves, offering a solution to the storage challenge holding solar energy b...

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.

Photonics breakthough paving the way for improved wireless communication systems

Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a photonics breakthrough, achieving radio frequency signal control at sub-nanosecond time scales on a chip-scale optical device. This achievement could unlock the bandwidth bottleneck faced by wireless networks worldwide, enabling broader bandwidth instantaneously to more users.

Harms of nighttime light exposure passed to offspring

A new study found that nighttime light exposure can pass on immune and endocrine problems to hamster offspring. Researchers at Ohio State University exposed adult hamsters to dim light at night, then monitored their effects on the next generation.

Glassfrogs show surprising diversity of parental strategies

Biologists observed nighttime parental behavior in 40 species of glassfrogs, finding that mothers typically provide minimal care, while fathers take on more extensive roles. This surprising diversity challenges previous assumptions about sex role evolution.

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.

Bursting the bubble: Solution to the Kirchhoff-Plateau problem

Researchers at OIST Graduate University solved the Kirchhoff-Plateau problem, a centuries-old mathematical problem. The solution provides beautiful mathematical results that closely mimic the behavior of soap films in real-world situations, shedding light on energy-minimizing shapes and potential applications in biology.

The earliest stages of embryogenesis have been studied

Researchers developed a new technique to study three-dimensional genome organization in individual cells, revealing differences between maternal and paternal genomes. The study provides insights into the earliest stages of embryogenesis and may help understand totipotency and reprogramming of somatic cells.

More reliably predicting what will work

A more flexible approach to study design can significantly improve the efficiency of preclinical research, according to a recent study published in PLOS Biology. By using group sequential designs, researchers can enhance predictive ability and reduce waste in animal studies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

A badger can bury a cow by itself

A team of researchers observed an American badger burying a 50-pound calf carcass over five days, marking the first known instance of such behavior. The finding suggests that badgers may play a significant role in sequestering large carcasses, benefiting cattle ranchers by reducing disease vectors and attracting larger predators.

Antibody is effective against radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers have developed an effective antibody against radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis, a debilitating side effect of lung cancer treatment. The antibody targets connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), reversing fibrotic transformation and improving pulmonary function in mice.

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.

Annals publishes annual updates in internal medicine

The journal highlights several notable research findings, including the benefits of quitting smoking abruptly, low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prevention, and statins in rheumatoid arthritis. These updates aim to promote excellence in medicine and improve patient outcomes.

Methane emissions from trees

Researchers from the University of Delaware found that tree trunks in upland forests emit methane, while soils and coarse woody debris act as methane sinks. The study used state-of-the-art technology to measure fluxes of methane and carbon dioxide, revealing a previously unaccounted source of this potent greenhouse gas.

Baraniuk wins Defense Department's Vannevar Bush Fellowship

Compressive-sensing pioneer Richard Baraniuk has won a five-year, $3 million fellowship to explore new technologies using the field of signal processing. The grant will help broaden the applicability of compressive sensing and enable radically new sensing capabilities.

Industry and occupation affect flu vaccination coverage

A study found that healthcare workers have the highest rate of flu vaccination coverage, at 62.3%, while construction workers have the lowest rate, at 18.7%. Increasing vaccination efforts can reduce influenza spread in workplaces.

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.

An epigenetic lesion could be responsible for acute T-cell leukemia

A study published in Leukemia reveals an epigenetic lesion that correlates with the activation of a powerful oncogene capable of malignizing lymphocytes, leading to acute T-cell leukemia. The research suggests that targeting this gene may offer new treatment options for patients with this aggressive type of cancer.

Proteins that can take the heat

Researchers studied 15 thioredoxin proteins, including extinct sequences, to understand how they unfold at different temperatures. They found that proteins with similar structure but greater ability to tolerate heat unfold more slowly, making them useful for industrial processes.

Internet crystal ball can predict risk of heart disease, diabetes, study finds

A new online metabolic calculator developed by a University of Virginia doctor predicts patients' risk of developing heart disease and diabetes with higher accuracy than traditional methods. The tool takes into account multiple factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, and ethnicity, to provide a more comprehensive risk assessment.

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.