Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2017


Page 13 of 41

Research evaluates treatment of thyroid disease in pregnancy

Researchers found that treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia did not improve cognitive outcomes in children through five years. The findings support current ACOG recommendations against universal thyroid screening during pregnancy.

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.

Making 'mulch' ado of ant hills

Research by Tongchuan Li found that ants create aggregate mulches in agricultural fields, which can retain water and improve soil health. The type of ant studied, Camponotus japonicus, is widespread in China and helps increase air and organic matter in soil.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biopesticide could defeat insecticide resistance in bedbugs

A fungal biopesticide called Aprehend has been shown to be effective against bedbug populations with insecticide resistance. The study found that Aprehend achieved mortality rates of 95.5-99% in 14 days, compared to 16-40% for resistant strains exposed to pyrethroid insecticides.

Scientific discovery may change treatment of Parkinsons

Researchers at the University of Turku found that SPECT imaging does not correlate with the number of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, a key area affected by Parkinson's disease. This discovery has significant implications for future treatment development and monitoring.

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.

Salmon with side effects

The study found that Chilean aquacultures release large quantities of readily biodegradable compounds into rivers, altering the ecosystem and depleting oxygen levels. The waste water also contains disinfectants and antibiotics, further harming aquatic life.

NASA taking first steps toward high-speed space 'internet'

NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) aims to establish a high-speed internet in space, enabling faster data rates and smaller communication systems. The technology has the potential to revolutionize space communications for missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

Does boosting 'good' cholesterol really improve your health?

A new review suggests that augmenting the function of HDL cholesterol rather than increasing its concentration is crucial for protecting against cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing adipose tissue-associated inflammation to support the atheroprotective role of HDL.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How physical activity and sedentary time affect adolescents' bones

A large study of 309 adolescent boys and girls found that moderate to intense physical activity during growth spurt years significantly increases bone mass and strength. The study suggests a balance between physical activity and recovery time is needed to enhance bone health.

Scientists evade the Heisenberg uncertainty principle

Researchers at ICFO have developed a new method to measure atomic spin angle and amplitude with unprecedented precision, evading the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This breakthrough allows for more accurate measurements of atomic spins, opening the door to the development of far more sensitive instruments.

Combating wear and tear

Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that collagen can get unraveled at a molecular level before complete failure of connective tissues, leading to common injuries such as ligament and tendon tears. This breakthrough allows for early detection and potential treatment using the CHP probe.

After the epigenome: The epitranscriptome

The epitranscriptome, a newly discovered regulatory layer of RNA, shows promise in understanding human diseases. Recent research reveals that RNA modifications play a crucial role in controlling its stability and function.

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.

Male hormone plays key role in ovarian development

Researchers discovered that male hormones, specifically androgens, play a crucial role in the development of female chicken ovaries. The study found disruptions in ovarian structure when androgen receptors were suppressed, potentially affecting egg-laying rates.

How do metals interact with DNA?

Researchers developed a protocol to detect high-precision how, where, and why drugs interact with DNA biomolecules. This method uses X-ray radiation and advanced simulations to rationalize drug preferences, revealing new insights into the mechanism of platinum-based drugs like Pt103.

Study identifies brain cells involved in Pavlovian response

A UCLA study has identified a small cluster of brain cells that malfunction in Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Tourette syndrome. These support cells play a crucial role in encoding Pavlovian response and may hold the key to diagnosing and treating these disorders.

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.

Under the Dead Sea, warnings of dire drought

Scientists have found evidence of severe droughts in the Mideast during past warm periods, with rainfall plummeting to a fifth of modern levels. The findings suggest that the region is already experiencing dire drought and may become even drier as climate warms.

Ultrafast measurements explain quantum dot voltage drop

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have made breakthrough discoveries on quantum dot materials using ultrafast electro-optical spectroscopy. The study reveals the cause of a significant voltage drop in quantum dots, allowing for potential improvements in device efficiency.

Charitable giving: How do power and beliefs about equality impact donations?

Wealthier individuals with a belief in social inequality are more likely to donate to charity, while less wealthy individuals who endorse greater equality make more donations. Charitable organizations can enhance their marketing efforts by understanding the relationship between power distance belief and charitable giving.

Using a smartphone to screen for male infertility

A new smartphone-based device can analyze sperm concentration and motility with high accuracy, making it a game-changer for fertility care. The device has been tested with 350 clinical semen specimens and shows promise in detecting abnormal semen samples.

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.

Visualizing nuclear radiation

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel imaging technique using gamma-ray spectroscopy to visualize and quantify ground-level radiation. This method enables the detection of previously unknown contamination hotspots around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, allowing for more effective decontamination efforts.

New study shakes the roots of the dinosaur family tree

A new study from the University of Cambridge and Natural History Museum proposes a major overhaul of the traditional dinosaur classification system. The researchers conclude that Ornithischia and Theropoda should be grouped together under the name Ornithoscelida, with dinosaurs potentially originating in the northern hemisphere.

Brain 'rewires' itself to enhance other senses in blind people

A new study led by Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers found that the brains of blind individuals make new connections to compensate for visual information, enhancing abilities like hearing, smell, touch, memory, and language. The findings could lead to more effective rehabilitation efforts for blind individuals.

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.

No relief in sight for those suffering from sciatica

A new study from The George Institute found that pregabalin treatment did not relieve pain but caused side effects like dizziness. Despite this, many patients reported being satisfied with the treatment, highlighting the need for alternative management options for sciatica.

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.

The social costs of smell loss in older women

A new study by Monell Center researchers found that older U.S. women with poor olfactory function tend to have fewer social connections and a poorer social life score. The study suggests that maintaining a vital social life can help improve mental and physical health in older adults.

Safety of autologous Schwann cell transplantation demonstrated following SCI

A Phase I clinical trial demonstrates the safety of transplanting autologous Schwann cells into a spinal cord lesion, showing no negative effects after 1 year. The study successfully determined safety and feasibility for performing peripheral nerve harvests within 5-30 days followed by intra-spinal transplantation within 4-7 weeks.

Weight-bearing exercises promote bone formation in men

A study published by Pamela Hinton at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that weight-bearing exercises decrease sclerostin, a protein made in the bone, and increase IGF-1, a hormone associated with bone growth, promoting bone formation and increasing bone density.

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.

Machine learning lets scientists reverse-engineer cellular control networks

Researchers have developed a machine learning model that can predict the outcome of cellular interactions and design new cancer treatments. The Stampede supercomputer enabled the team to run billions of simulations, allowing them to identify patterns in the data and create a system capable of predicting laboratory results.

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.

UC researchers help map future of precision medicine in Parkinson's disease

Researchers propose a new approach to treating Parkinson's disease by identifying specific symptoms and molecular features of individual patients. By developing biomarkers and tailoring therapies to distinct patient subtypes, scientists aim to improve treatment outcomes and potentially slow or cure the disease.

Scientists discover urinary biomarker that may help track ALS

Researchers have identified a protein in urine samples as a potential biomarker for ALS, allowing for monitoring disease progression and assessing therapy effectiveness. Studies found patients with higher levels of the protein survived longer, suggesting it could be used to predict disease outcome.

Surveiling the consumer for loyalty and profit

Researchers developed a framework to help retailers assess shopper-facing technology, considering factors like intrusiveness, value, and satisfaction. The study found that retailers should prioritize shopper perceptions before measuring potential cost savings and profit enhancements.

UTIA student fellows to tackle sustainable agriculture in the Rainforest

A new project led by UTIA faculty will recruit 14 undergraduate Research and Extension Fellows to explore agro-ecological farming in western Belize. The team will work with local partners to empower forest and wildlife stewardship while increasing the students' skills to become leaders in agricultural and conservation efforts globally.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Too much structured knowledge hurts creativity, shows Rotman study

A study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that giving structure to information can hinder creativity and cognitive flexibility. Participants in organized information groups displayed less creativity and spent less time on tasks compared to those working with unorganized information.

Surprising new role for lungs: Making blood

Researchers found that mouse lungs produce over half of the body's platelets and contain a pool of stem cells capable of restoring blood production. This discovery suggests the lungs may also play a key role in human blood formation, with implications for treating diseases like thrombocytopenia.

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.