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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 17 of 41

Adult subcortex processes numbers with the same skill as infants

A recent study published in PNAS found that adult humans' subcortex can process numbers at the same level as infants and other lower-order species. The researchers used a stereoscope to present visual stimuli to one eye or both eyes and observed that numerical judgments were better when the quantities differed greatly.

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.

How fullerite becomes harder than diamond

Scientists simulated the structure of fullerite and single crystal diamond to show how fullerite can become ultrahard. The results suggest that part of the fullerite turns into diamond under pressure, while the other part remains compressed within the diamond, increasing its bulk modulus.

Disrupting prostate cancer 'homing signal' could hold promise for new treatments

Scientists identify a molecular pathway that enables prostate cancer cells to escape the primary tumor and form secondary tumors. This discovery holds promise for developing new therapeutic strategies to stop cancer cells from spreading, offering hope for improved treatment options for patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Radiotherapy risks are much higher for smokers

A new study funded by Cancer Research UK finds that smokers treated for breast cancer have significantly higher risks of developing lung cancer or heart attacks due to radiotherapy. The long-term risk of death from these conditions is around 5% for smokers, compared to 0.5% for non-smokers.

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.

Single-cell analysis reveals subtypes of colorectal tumors

Researchers defined cell-type composition of cancerous cells from 11 colorectal tumors using single-cell genomics and computational techniques. The study identified two distinct subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts that contribute to a worse prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.

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.

Unexpected, star-spangled find may lead to advanced electronics

Scientists have found a material that undergoes an unexpected phase transition when heated to 450 degrees Celsius, transforming into one-dimensional nanowires with potential for next-generation electronic devices. The discovery could lead to powerful energy-efficient devices and smaller transistor sizes.

How protein modifications influence apoptosis

Researchers discovered molecular mechanisms of how post-translational protein modifications influence apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death. This process is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and preventing diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Research teaches machines to decipher the dawn chorus

A team led by Dr. Dan Stowell is developing a new approach to machine learning using the dawn chorus, enabling computers to analyze sounds and identify patterns. The research has potential applications in areas such as climate change analysis, historic birdsong recordings, and improving human language understanding.

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.

How plants can tell friend from foe

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that plants can recognize friendly RNAs by breaking down those without a nucleotide 'tail' using the immune system. This breakthrough paves the way for future biotechnological techniques to modify crops.

A 48-hour sexual 'afterglow' helps to bond partners over time

A study of newlywed couples found that partners experience a lingering sexual satisfaction after sex, linked with relationship quality over the long term. This association held even after controlling for various factors, suggesting that sex may play a crucial role in pair bonding.

Testing for Zika virus: There's an app for that

Researchers have developed a rapid-testing prototype that weighs under a pound, costs as little as $100 and can detect mosquito-borne illnesses within 30 minutes. The device uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) diagnostic method to test for Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Team nebulizes aphids to knock down gene expression

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to deliver RNA to soybean aphids using nebulization, which appears to block the function of specific genes. The technique has shown promise in improving the uptake of RNA through tiny breathing tubes and may aid in the development of new pest-control systems.

Penn researchers discover test for earlier detection of transplant rejection

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a method to detect organ transplant rejection earlier, using a blood-based approach that targets 'transplant exosomes.' This new strategy may enable doctors to intervene sooner and reduce the risk of long-term side effects from immunosuppressive drugs.

Winter sets up breeding success: Study

A University of Guelph study suggests that conditions in wintering grounds are key factors affecting songbird population numbers during spring and summer breeding seasons. Warmer wintering grounds improve overall survival, but predictions of climate change may lead to new threats.

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.

A pocket-sized retina camera, no dilating required

Researchers have created a pocket-sized retina camera that can take quality pictures without pupil dilation, enabling convenient and efficient retinal examinations. The camera is made from simple parts available online and costs around $185.

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.

Does Mars have rings? Not right now, but maybe one day

Researchers propose that debris from an asteroid impact could have formed Mars' rings, which would then break apart and re-form into moons. The model suggests that this cycle may repeat, potentially explaining sedimentary deposits found on Mars.

Tweeting in times of emergency

The study found that only half of Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies have adopted Twitter, highlighting the digital divide as a constraint. Despite this, high activity rates were observed in countries like Kenya, Indonesia, and the Philippines, suggesting potential for growth in developing economies.

Mars volcano, Earth's dinosaurs went extinct about the same time

New NASA research on Mars volcano Arsia Mons suggests its peak volcanic activity occurred around 150 million years ago, similar to the time of Earth's Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that led to the demise of dinosaurs. The study provides valuable insights into the Red Planet's history and interior structure.

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.

Aligning depression treatment to patient need leads to efficient care

University of Pennsylvania researchers created a predictive indexing tool that identifies patients most in need of intensive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression. The study found that those with worse prognoses saw the strongest results from CBT, while others saw no differences between CBT and less-intensive treatments.

Altering pH bumps prions out of danger zone

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that altering pH levels can prevent prion proteins from aggregating and forming deadly diseases. The study used a laser technique to measure the speed at which proteins rearrange before clumping, and found that an antihistamine called astemizole was effective in reducing prion ag...

Lust for power

Researchers discovered a new, eco-friendly thermoelectric material made from calcium, cobalt, and terbium that can generate electricity through temperature differences. The material has the potential to power implantable medical devices, charge mobile devices, and even reuse waste heat in power plants.

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.

People remain calm as the world ends, video game study suggests

A new study on ArcheAge players found that despite violent acts, most exhibited prosocial behavior, strengthening social relationships and forming new ones. The study provides insights for game designers on how to reduce player churners and offers a realistic view of end-of-world scenarios.

Trichomonosis: A conundrum in cats

Trichomonosis is a common infectious cause of large bowel diarrhea in cats, characterized by 'cow pie' consistency and mucus/blood in faeces. The infection is caused by the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus, which can be transmitted from cat to cat via the faecal-oral route.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Molecular motor-powered biocomputers

A recent research project aims to develop biocomputers that can overcome current computing obstacles, such as high energy consumption and processing speed limitations. The new approach uses biomolecular motors to solve problems by moving through a nanofabricated network of channels.

New in the Hastings Center Report

The Hastings Center Report explores how bioethics can address authoritarian populism and contribute to the rebuilding of civic foundations. A study on prisoners' participation in clinical research found unique influences that may leave them vulnerable to exploitation.

Unforeseen impacts of the fair trade movement

Research by Lindsay Naylor reveals fair trade certification has both positive and negative effects on coffee producers in Mexico. The program has assisted families but also limited their mobility, with many farmers making only $500-1,000 annually. Additionally, the power of coffee production is often used as a political weapon.

Piece of mind

University of Utah engineers develop 'computational cannula microscopy' to capture high-resolution images of animal brains using surgical needles and laser light. This non-invasive method shows promise for studying neurological disorders and could lead to a simpler, less expensive alternative to endoscopes for human patients.

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.

World Happiness Report ranks Canada 7th happiest country in the world

Canada dropped from sixth to seventh place in the 2017 World Happiness Report, but still ranked highly on key factors such as real GDP per capita and healthy life expectancy. The report highlights Canada's success in multiculturalism and integration, which helped build social trust and decrease economic and social segregation.

Critical Path Institute launches type 1 diabetes consortium

The Critical Path Institute has launched a consortium to qualify islet autoimmunity antibodies as prognostic biomarkers for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research. The goal is to identify individuals at risk of disease progression and develop interventions to prevent or delay the onset of symptomatic T1D.

New twist on sofa problem that stumped mathematicians and furniture movers

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have developed a new solution to the 'moving sofa problem', a challenge that has stumped mathematicians for over 50 years. The team used 3-D printing and mathematical techniques to find the largest area that can fit around a corner, with potential applications in complex mathematics.

Using virtual reality to catch a real ball

Disney Research scientists developed a method to catch a real flying ball using virtual reality, demonstrating enhanced user experience. Different visualization styles were tested, revealing that users caught balls in all three modes with varying strategies.

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.

International research team warns of mineral supply constraints

A global research team warns of severe mineral supply constraints due to lack of international coordination on exploration investment efforts and geological data sharing. The shortage could lead to rising prices and critical shortages of essential resources, including technology minerals and base metals.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Carnegie Mellon University launches carbon emissions index

The Carnegie Mellon Power Sector Carbon Index will provide a snapshot of critical data regarding energy production and environmental performance. The index will track U.S. power producers' carbon dioxide emissions and compare them to historical data, providing insights into progress made by the power sector in reducing emissions.

A new tool to predict the potential public health benefit of e-cigarettes

A new predictive model developed by British American Tobacco predicts that e-cigarettes will help reduce smoking prevalence in the UK to 9.7% by 2050. The model takes into account various scenarios and factors, including consumer behavior, demographics, and health effects, and suggests a significant reduction in smoking-related deaths.

Protein could prevent brain damage caused by stroke

Researchers have discovered a small protein, Hi1a, that protects the brain from stroke-induced injury. Administered up to eight hours after stroke, Hi1a blocks acid-sensing ion channels and improves neurological performance.