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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 12 of 41

Assembly of genetic sequences approaches 100 percent accuracy

Researchers developed a modified Hi-C technique to identify incorrect scaffold positions and anchor sequences, achieving 99% genome assembly accuracy for human genomes. The technique was applied to assemble the genomes of two mosquito species, revealing shared ancestry that could aid in controlling disease-carrying vectors.

Parallel computation provides deeper insight into brain function

Researchers developed high-speed computational software 'Parallel STEPS' to model neuronal interactions and functions. The new approach achieved significantly improved performance, enabling faster simulation of complex models and revealing new insights into individual neuron behavior.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers propose new diagnostic model for psychiatric disorders

A new diagnostic model, Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP), has been proposed to address fundamental flaws in the current DSM-5 model. HiTOP allows for a continuous, dimensional assessment of psychopathology, enabling more personalized treatment and recognition of significant problems.

Mosquito monitoring has limited utility in dengue control, study finds

Researchers found no association between mosquito abundance and dengue virus risk, but longitudinal indicators showed individuals living with mosquito evidence were more likely to contract dengue. Alternative surveillance frameworks incorporating human outcomes may be necessary for effective dengue control programs.

Rice U. refines filters for greener natural gas

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material that balances carbon dioxide sequestration and methane selectivity in natural gas production. The filter, made with a polymer-based sorbent, achieves optimal performance by adjusting the ratio of potassium, oxygen, and hydrogen activation reagents during processing.

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.

Preterm births more common in mothers who are cancer survivors

A study by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women diagnosed with cancer during their childbearing years are at a higher risk of delivering preterm and having babies with low birth weight. The study identified potential risks for mothers who are cancer survivors, including a greater risk of cesarean section deliveries.

Spiritual retreats change feel-good chemical systems in the brain

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found significant changes in dopamine and serotonin transporters after a seven-day spiritual retreat, leading to increased positive emotions and self-transcendence. The study suggests that such retreats could prime the brain for spiritual experiences.

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.

Surprising culprit in nerve cell damage identified

Scientists at WashU Medicine have implicated SARM1 in the self-destruction of axons, a process that leads to nerve cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests that blocking this pathway could slow or prevent disease progression and has implications for treating peripheral neuropathy.

A tale of 2 states

Human embryonic stem cells exist in two states: naïve and primed. Researchers have identified molecular flags on these cells, allowing them to track and investigate their transition. This approach has revealed new insights into the timing and coordination of gene activity changes during reprogramming.

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.

Isotopic makeup of atmospheric sulfate and nitrate

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology found that oxygen isotopic compositions of sulfate and nitrate fluctuate seasonally, reflecting sunlight-driven changes in oxidation pathways. The study suggests that these fluctuations are not influenced by ozone variations.

Protecting web users' privacy

Researchers at MIT and Stanford develop Splinter, a system that disguises database queries to protect user privacy. The system uses function secret sharing to split queries across multiple servers, making it impossible for anyone other than the user to determine what query was executed.

New tools to study the origin of embryonic stem cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new tool to distinguish between immature and mature embryonic stem cells. These cells hold great potential for replacing damaged tissue and understanding early embryonic development.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New study shows circular RNA can encode for proteins

A new study reveals that circular RNAs, previously thought to be non-coding, can encode for proteins. The discovery suggests an unexplored layer of gene activity and may have implications for understanding aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

Big-game jitters: Coyotes no match for wolves' hunting prowess

A new study led by University of Nebraska-Lincoln ecologist John Benson found that eastern coyotes hunt moose and other large prey far less frequently than does the eastern wolf. The findings suggest that eastern coyotes have not filled the ecological niche left vacant when the eastern wolf became threatened.

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.

Clot or bleeding?

The CLUE Working Group conducted two systematic reviews to address thrombosis and hemorrhage risks after urological cancer operations and other forms of urological surgery. The studies found that anticoagulant prophylaxis is justified in high-risk patients, but not necessarily in low-risk procedures.

Predatory lizard enters Brazil clandestinely

A new invasive species, Anolis porcatus from Cuba, has been identified in the São Paulo coast of Brazil near the Port of Santos. The species, a generalist predator, competes with native lizards for resources and could potentially harm local ecosystems.

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.

Study featuring genomic sequencing & international data shows random errors...

A recent study analyzing genome sequencing and epidemiologic data from 32 cancer types found that nearly two-thirds of mutations in these cancers are attributable to random errors. The researchers' approach offers a novel perspective on cancer development, highlighting the need for more research efforts focused on secondary prevention.

Most dengue infections transmitted in and around home

Research finds that dengue virus transmissions are often centered in and around homes, with a high percentage of cases related to individuals living within a short distance. The study's findings could aid in developing targeted mosquito control programs and reducing severe illness.

New era in precision medicine for pancreatic cancer

A network of clinical trials aims to find the right treatment for the right patient, using individual molecular profiles. The project will recruit 658 patients across the UK, with a focus on matching patients with suitable clinical trials already in progress.

How language helps people cope with negative experiences

A new study demonstrates that people use the word "you" in a general sense to distance themselves psychologically from negative experiences. Participants who used generic 'you' reported more psychological distance from their negative experiences, suggesting a coping mechanism.

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.

Inactive teens develop lazy bones, study finds

A new study by UBC researchers found that inactive teenagers have weaker bones than their active peers. The four-year study measured bone strength and found that kids who didn't meet daily physical activity recommendations had significantly weaker bones.

Effective one-shot vaccination of newborns moves closer to reality

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital report achieving strong vaccine responses in newborn animals and monkeys using a new adjuvant formulation. The study demonstrates the potential for a single-dose vaccine to protect against life-threatening infections, promising to reduce infant mortality globally.

Chemists ID catalytic 'key' for converting CO2 to methanol

Researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified the active site in a commonly used catalyst for making methanol from CO2. They found that copper zinc oxide should give the best results, with a synergy between copper and zinc oxide accelerating the chemical transformation.

Researcher wins prestigious NSF career award

Joe Feser's $500,000 NSF grant will focus on manipulating heat transfer by phonons using embedded nanoparticles. The research aims to engineer materials with improved thermal properties for applications such as nanostructured electronic and optical materials.

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.

Many adults have insufficient knowledge about heart failure

A German survey found that overall awareness of heart failure has not increased over the past decade, with many adults lacking knowledge on its causes, presentation, prognosis, and treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about heart failure to improve early recognition and treatment.

Minitablets help medicate picky cats

Researchers developed minitablets with synthetic flavourings and coatings to enhance palatability, making it easier for cats to take medication. The study found that amino acids and vitamin B-based flavours were promising options, but further research is needed.

Loss of smell linked to increased risk of early death

Poor smell was associated with an 8% lower risk of mortality, while those with complete olfactory loss had a 19% higher risk of death. Olfactory assessments may provide insights into the aging brain and future research aims to pinpoint underlying biological processes.

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.

Researchers create self-sustaining bacteria-fueled power cell

Binghamton University researchers developed a micro-scale self-sustaining bacterial fuel cell that generated power for 13 straight days through symbiotic interactions of two types of bacteria. The cell produced an electrical current about 70 times greater than phototrophic bacteria alone.

Google Street View cars are eyes on the ground for urban methane leaks

Researchers at Colorado State University are using Google Street View cars equipped with methane analyzers to create a comprehensive inventory of urban methane leak sources. The project aims to help utility companies prioritize leak repairs based on emissions, reducing pipeline methane emissions by 30% and accelerating crucial repairs.

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.

AAOS 2017: Why some ACL surgeries fail

A recent study by Asheesh Bedi at the AAOS Annual Meeting highlights that ACL reconstruction surgery can fail in up to 20% of cases, requiring repeat surgery. The surgeon is working on identifying correctable factors to reduce failure rates and improve outcomes for young active athletes.

Sea urchin spines could fix bones

Researchers have developed a degradable bone scaffold from sea urchin spines that promotes bone formation and easily degrades, overcoming limitations of current bioceramics. The study's findings could lead to the design of new bone repair materials with improved strength and properties.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

UMass Amherst polymer scientist wins international research award

Alfred Crosby, a UMass Amherst polymer scientist, has received a $1 million grant to explore the development of nanoscale wrinkles in plants and animals. He will collaborate with experts from the University of Cambridge and Switzerland to understand how these patterns relate to all living organisms.

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.

Sea ice extent sinks to record lows at both poles

Scientists at NASA and NSIDC report record low wintertime maximum extent of Arctic sea ice on March 7, reaching 5.57 million square miles. In Antarctica, sea ice minimum extent fell to 815,000 square miles in February, its lowest level since satellites began measuring in 1979.