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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 25 of 41

New study links opioid epidemic to childhood emotional abuse

A University of Vermont study finds that childhood emotional abuse is strongly linked to adult opioid misuse, and suggests integrated treatment approaches for those struggling with addiction. The research also highlights the connection between PTSD and opioid use among individuals who experienced emotional abuse in childhood.

Scientists discover hydrothermal vents on deep ocean voyage

Researchers discovered five previously unknown active hydrothermal vents and a new vent site, featuring unique creatures thriving in extreme conditions. The vents emit hot water and particles, supporting life forms that rely on chemosynthetic bacteria for food.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Cold climates and ocean carbon sequestration

A new study finds that colder climates lead to lower atmospheric CO2 levels and increased carbon sequestration in the deep ocean. Deep-sea corals reveal that phytoplankton efficiency is higher during colder periods, reducing nutrients in the surface Southern Ocean, leading to more efficient carbon locking away.

For surgeons in the OR, a way to fight bad posture

A team of engineers and doctors is developing a tool to identify poor posture and correct awkward positions in the operating room. Early results show that the tool is effective at spotting pain-inducing positions, which could lead to improved surgical safety for surgeons.

New study identifies ancient shark ancestors

A new study confirms that sharks arose from a group of bony fishes called acanthodians, using an extraordinarily well-preserved fossil of an ancient sharklike fish. The research identifies the fossil as an important transitional species pointing to sharks as acanthodians' living descendants.

Why do people switch their language?

A study by Katharina Prochazka and Gero Vogl applied a physics-based approach to analyze language movement in Southern Carinthia, Austria. The research found that interaction with other speakers of the same language is the primary driver of language shift, with village-level demographics playing a crucial role.

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.

Greenhouse gases: First it was cows -- now it's larvae!

Researchers found that Chaoborus spp larvae absorb excess methane bubbles to inflate their air sacs, enabling them to reach the surface. This mechanism not only saves energy but also exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions. Improving water quality is crucial in mitigating this effect.

Researchers to develop 'wearable' robotic tools for surgery

A team of researchers is developing a wearable robotic system for minimally invasive surgery, which will offer surgeons natural movement and the ability to sense, see, control, and safely navigate through the surgical environment. The system will be equipped with exoskeletons that fit over the surgeon's hands, smart glasses with real-t...

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.

Benchmark database of lifespan-extending drugs announced

The DrugAge database, the largest such database in the world, has been announced by scientists from the Biogerontology Research Foundation and University of Liverpool. The database contains 418 compounds targeting various age-related pathways, revealing that most have yet to be targeted pharmacologically.

Ice age thermostat prevented extreme climate cooling

Researchers found that atmospheric CO2 concentrations remained stable around 190 ppm during ice ages, preventing extreme cooling. This suggests a 'thermostat' mechanism maintained habitable temperatures, with slower-growing organisms reducing carbon in soils and oceans.

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.

Ebola vaccines provide immune responses after 1 year

A new study found that Ebola vaccines provide durable immune responses at one year after vaccination, with 100% of recipients retaining Ebola virus glycoprotein-specific antibodies. The heterologous primary and booster vaccination schedule showed long-lasting immunity, exceeding eight months after primary immunization.

Streamlining the measurement of phonon dispersion

Researchers adapted an instrument for high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy to reduce the time required to measure phonon dispersion. The device uses a hemispherical electron analyzer and high energy-resolution electron source, allowing surface scientists to measure samples that were previously too cumbersome.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New platform for culturing stem cells

A new platform for culturing human pluripotent stem cells has been developed at Kyoto University, combining micro and nanotechnologies to precisely control the culture environment. The Multiplexed Artificial Cellular Microenvironment (MACME) array mimics extracellular environments with nanofibres in fluid-filled micro-chambers of preci...

March/April 2017 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that in-office automated blood pressure monitoring over 30 minutes significantly reduced the number of patients who met criteria for antihypertensive medication regimes. The technique, known as OBP30, yielded lower blood pressure readings than routine office blood pressure readings.

'Preventable' asthma attacks in Houston cost millions

A new study reveals that 'preventable' asthma attacks among schoolchildren in Houston result in significant healthcare costs. The researchers found a strong link between asthma incidents and schools on the city's east side, with African-American children comprising the largest percentage of cases.

Underwater vehicle design inspired by schools of fish

Researcher Keith Moored aims to understand the forces, energetics and flow physics of collective locomotion in schools of fish to develop optimized underwater vehicles. He will use a low-speed wind tunnel facility and particle image velocimetry system to characterize flow fields and forces acting on pitching wing models.

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.

One synthetic molecule, two doorways into cell

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a synthetic ion channel molecule with two distinct openings, allowing for different-shaped paths into a cell. The molecule's rotation and attachment to lipids control its conductance states, offering potential insights into the unique functioning of these channels in living organisms.

Discovery of surf breaks creates economic growth

Researchers found high-quality surf breaks increase local economic growth significantly, particularly after recent discoveries and during El Niño years. Destruction of surf breaks led to reduced economic growth in nearby areas.

Protein proves influential to healthy immune system

Researchers have discovered that the protein Myb plays a vital role in regulating the immune response, preventing overreaction and development of inflammatory diseases. The study found that Myb gives regulatory T cells the authority to control their function depending on the level of threat.

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.

Is higher health care spending by physicians associated with better outcomes?

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that higher healthcare spending by physicians was not associated with better patient outcomes for hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries. The study suggests that policies targeting individual physicians within hospitals may be more effective in reducing wasteful spending.

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.

The looming threat of Asian tobacco companies to global health

A study by SFU professor Kelley Lee found that Asian tobacco companies are shifting from a domestic focus to become transnational players, aiming to increase their share of the world market. The companies' business strategies include government-supported consolidation, product innovation and foreign direct investment.

Hold-up in ventures for technology transfer

Research explores how technology transfer is hindered by incomplete information, leading to 'hold-up' situations where entrepreneurs are exploited by investors. The study finds that institutional settings play a crucial role in mitigating this issue.

Parenthood linked to longer life

Research published in Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that parenthood is associated with lower risks of death in older age, particularly among men. The study tracked the lifespan of over 1.4 million people in Sweden and found a two-year difference in life expectancy between parents and childless individuals.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists work to lift the mystery of persistent haze

Researchers identified 49 persistent haze events in China's capital region, with a significant increase in events since the 2000s. The scientists found that specific circulation patterns can trap pollutants close to the Earth, leading to prolonged haze events.

Awesome still massively popular but say goodbye to tar-rah matey

New research from Lancaster University reveals significant changes in British language usage over the last two decades. The study has found that words like 'Awesome', 'Massively', and 'Yoga' have become popular, while expressions such as 'Tar-Rah Matey' and 'Boxer' have declined drastically.

Tackling depression by changing the way you think

Research suggests that metacognitive therapy (MCT) can help individuals with depressive symptoms reduce rumination and gain control over their thoughts. A recent study found that 80% of participants achieved full recovery after a ten-week treatment period.

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.

Vicious circle of drought and forest loss in the Amazon

A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds that human-caused climate change can trigger a vicious circle of drought and forest loss in the Amazon. The risk is heightened if there are fewer tree species in a forest patch, but diversity can help forests survive dry seasons.

How to fit in when you stand out: Don't try so hard

Researchers found that using honorifics incorrectly, but with a playful tone, can help foreigners connect with locals on a personal level. This approach challenges the idea that speaking correctly is always necessary for fitting in.

Never before seen images of early stage Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Lund University have produced images that predate beta-amyloid plaque formation, contradicting the 'popcorn plaques' theory. The discovery reveals structural changes in the brain and suggests stabilizing beta-amyloid could slow disease progression.

Where the few jaguars still alive are hiding

Only about 300 jaguars remain in Brazil, with fragmented habitats and frequent human contact posing major threats. GPS tracking data reveals jaguars' limited mobility, with males having larger home ranges than females.

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.

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.

New study shows red tides can be predicted

A Scripps-led study has identified patterns to predict red tides in coastal areas, offering opportunities for an early-warning system. The research used empirical dynamic modeling and a 30-year archive of field data to identify mechanisms causing red tides.

After Deepwater Horizon spill: Which animals weathered the disaster

A new study from Rutgers University reveals that killifish played a crucial role in the food web, while terns, gulls, and wading birds were highly sensitive to oil due to their extensive connections as prey and predator. The researchers identified blue crabs as key species for future research due to their importance in the ecosystem.

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.

Expensive taxi rides for business travelers

A recent study found that taxi drivers in Athens charge business travelers a 7% higher fare than locals, taking advantage of the fact that passengers are reimbursed by their employers. The researchers also discovered that women were more likely to be overcharged than men.

Star in closest orbit ever seen around black hole

Astronomers have found evidence of a star that whips around a likely black hole twice an hour, marking the tightest orbital dance ever seen by a black hole and a companion star in our own Milky Way galaxy. The stellar couple is located in the globular cluster 47 Tucanae, about 14,800 light years away from Earth.

MRI scans can help spot HIV in the brain

A new study reveals that 15% of patients with suppressed HIV infection still have active HIV in the brain. MRI scans identify high-risk individuals for further testing and potential treatment regime changes.

A multidrug efflux pump in motion

A multidrug efflux pump in motion: Researchers have mapped the conformational changes that occur in P-glycoprotein, a protein notorious for pumping chemotherapeutic drugs out of cancer cells. This study sheds light on how P-glycoprotein binds and transports molecules, with potential implications for developing new treatments.

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.

A virus lethal to amphibians is spreading across Portugal

A new strain of ranivirus is causing mass mortality in amphibian populations in Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal. The virus also affects fish and reptiles, complicating the situation and requiring urgent optimization of conservation strategies.