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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 35 of 41

Portuguese moth's mystery solved after 22 years

An unknown Portuguese moth was finally named and placed in the tree of life after a 22-year mystery. The species, Ekboarmia miniaria, is the smallest in its genus, with only three females found in 2009 providing key evidence for its classification.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers discover new variant on notorious resistance gene

Researchers have discovered a new variant of the mcr-1 gene in a healthy individual carrying Salmonella, highlighting the potential for spread of antimicrobial resistance. The finding raises concerns about food safety and the need for increased monitoring of this gene and its variants.

Easier diagnosis of esophageal cancer

The ESOTRAC device combines multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography and optical coherence tomography to visualize sub-surface tissue features, enabling early-stage detection of esophageal cancer. This technology aims to reduce unnecessary biopsies and improve treatment efficacy.

Statistics method shows networks differ in epileptic brains

A novel statistical approach has been developed to analyze brain activity data from patients with epilepsy, revealing distinct patterns of connectivity in the brains of those with temporal lobe epilepsy. The findings suggest that abnormal bidirectional interactions may play a role in the development of seizures.

Shadow-loving insect named after Tuomas Holopainen of Nightwish

A new species of fungus gnat has been discovered in Finland, with the scientific name Sciophila holopaineni honoring Tuomas Holopainen. The insect thrives in shadowy environments and is part of a larger group of insects that can indicate the state of natural biodiversity.

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.

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.

Collection of articles examines racial, gender issues in academic medicine

A study by Dowin Boatright found that white medical students were nearly six times more likely to be elected into Alpha Omega Alpha honor society than black students. In contrast, female emergency medicine residents received lower evaluations from faculty members of both sexes, leading to a wide gender gap in milestone attainment.

NUS study: Safer to ride in yellow taxis

A recent study by National University of Singapore researchers found that yellow taxis have significantly fewer accidents than blue taxis due to their higher visibility. This could lead to substantial cost savings for taxi operators, with an estimated annual savings of S$2 million.

Evaluation of emergency medicine residents points to gender bias

Emergency medicine residents are evaluated on 23 categories, but by the end of their third year, males receive higher scores and advance faster, while females trail behind. The study highlights the need for faculty physicians to be aware of gender bias in residency training.

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.

New study shines light on photosynthesis

A recent study published in PNAS has shed light on the long-standing problem of photosynthetic process in plants. Researchers identified the specific regions of Photosystem II protein complex where reactive oxygen species damage occurs, revealing a new paradigm for understanding this vital chemical process.

Cargo-carrying red blood cells alleviate autoimmune diseases in mice

Researchers have used modified red blood cells to deliver disease-specific antigens, preventing and alleviating multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes in early stage mouse models. The approach shows promise for inducing tolerance and could lead to new therapies for autoimmune diseases.

New materials could turn water into the fuel of the future

Researchers have discovered 12 new photoanodes that can split water using sunlight, a significant step towards creating practical solar fuels. The new materials discovery pipeline promises to speed up the development of commercially viable solar fuels.

Growing Australian agriculture through the Internet of Food

The Food Agility CRC will focus on developing digital solutions to simplify the jobs of growers, processors, and retailers. By integrating sensing, communications, and data analysis technologies, the CRC hopes to create simple, user-friendly tools that help businesses make quick decisions and tap into more data streams.

Bird spiders detectives: The solution to a 200-year-old hairy mystery

The Brazilian spider experts discovered three new species and one new genus in the study, bringing clarity to a long-standing taxonomic problem. The researchers analyzed specimens from around the world, including those deposited in museum collections, to conclude that there are only 12 species in the Avicularia genus.

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.

Proper movements in Muslim prayer ritual can reduce lower back pain

Researchers found that proper knee and back angles during the Islamic prayer ritual can reduce lower back pain. The angles are based on individual body shapes, and incorrect movements can increase pain. Further study is needed for physically handicapped individuals and women, especially pregnant women.

Study finds racial disparities in top medical society membership

A Yale-led study found racial disparities in Alpha Omega Alpha (AA) membership selection, with black and Asian medical school students less likely to be chosen than white students. The disparity suggests bias in the AA membership process, which could limit opportunities for minority medical students.

EU researchers aim to halve CO2 footprint of carbon fiber production

Researchers from the University of Limerick are leading a €4.9m project to produce carbon fiber from forestry by-products, aiming to halve its CO2 footprint. The LIBRE project expects to reduce production costs by 30% and bring down the environmental impact of carbon fiber manufacturing.

A new look at the nature of dark matter

A new study found that gravitational waves detected by LIGO likely originated from black holes formed during star collapse, rather than primordial black holes. The research used computer simulations to rule out the existence of intermediate-mass primordial black holes.

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.

The influence of stimulants on performance when playing chess

Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center found that high-performance chess players can enhance cognitive functions with stimulants without compromising creative thinking. The study revealed that methylphenidate and modafinil improve chess performance in short, timed matches but not in longer games.

What's the real extent of industry payments to doctors?

A recent survey found that 65 percent of respondents had visited a physician who accepted industry payments, while only 5 percent knew if their own doctor received such favors. The study highlights the need for greater transparency in medical practices.

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.

Break the two-hour marathon record? It could be done today

Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder have calculated that a sub-two-hour marathon time is theoretically possible. To achieve this, athletes would need to wear shoes around 100 grams lighter than the current world record holder's shoes.

Study finds knee surgery holds even in heavier patients

A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that body mass index (BMI) has no effect on meniscus repair surgery failure rates. The research found similar success rates for patients with average and higher BMI, challenging common assumptions about weight and joint pressure.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's -- a key discovery about human memory

Cognitive psychologists at Johns Hopkins University have made a key discovery about human memory, linking it to the ability to track an object's movement. They found that people's memories improve significantly with rich details about how an object's appearance changes as it moves through space and time.

Flashy first images arrive from NOAA's GOES-16 lightning mapper

The Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument on NOAA's GOES-16 satellite is transmitting data for the first time, giving forecasters richer information about lightning and improving severe weather alerts. The mapper detects in-cloud lightning, which can occur up to 10 minutes before potentially deadly cloud-to-ground strikes.

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.

The cold exterminated all of them

Researchers found that a 80,000-year ice age caused by volcanic eruptions led to the loss of 95% of marine species during the Permian-Triassic boundary. The study challenges previous theories attributing mass extinctions to warming temperatures.

World's largest autism genome database shines new light on many 'autisms'

The study identified 61 genetic variations that affect autism risk, including copy number variations and chromosomal abnormalities. Many of these variations were found in areas of the genome once considered 'junk DNA,' suggesting a crucial role in controlling gene activity during brain development.

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.

Computational method makes gene expression analyses more accurate

A new computational method called Salmon can improve the accuracy of gene expression analyses by correcting for technical biases. This is particularly important for applications such as cancer diagnosis and disease subtyping, where gene expression plays a critical role.

Women less likely to be academic grand rounds speakers than men

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women are underrepresented as speakers during grand rounds, despite making up 47% of medical students. The researchers analyzed data from over 200 grand rounds websites and found that women were 44% less likely to be invited as speakers in clinical specialties.

AGU's newest open access journal GeoHealth publishes first articles

The newly launched GeoHealth journal by AGU and Wiley focuses on the growing connection between Earth sciences and human health. Researchers are discussing impacts, risks, and opportunities associated with human health and disease. The journal publishes original research, reviews, and commentaries on environmental and health issues.

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.

Scientists show cognitive-enhancing drugs can improve chess play

A new study shows that cognitive-enhancing drugs like modafinil and methylphenidate can improve chess play by altering brain processing of complex information. The research found that players on these drugs showed an improvement in scores, even under less time pressure.

New blood test could help detect and locate cancer early on

Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect cancer and identify its location in the body, offering an alternative to invasive surgical procedures. The test works by analyzing DNA released by dying tumor cells and identifying specific methylation patterns unique to each tissue type.

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.

Bubble-recoil could be used to cool microchips, even in space

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago have developed a method using bubble-recoil to mix liquid coolant around high-power microelectronics. This technique is effective both on Earth and in space, where traditional pool-boiling methods fail due to the lack of gravity.

Evidence disproving tropical 'thermostat' theory

Research by Matthew Huber at Purdue University suggests that the tropics warmed significantly during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, which would have made it difficult for some organisms to survive. The findings provide new insights into the Earth's climate history and challenge long-held assumptions about tropical temperatures.

Imaging the inner workings of a sodium-metal sulfide battery for first time

Researchers used a full-field transmission x-ray microscope to capture the structural and chemical evolution of a sodium-metal sulfide battery during its electrochemical reactions. The study reveals significant fractures and cracks in the material after the first cycle, leading to irreversibility and degraded performance.

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.

Mizzou researchers receive $1 Million NSF career grant

Two paleobiologists at the University of Missouri will use their $500,000 CAREER grants to integrate research into education programs. Jim Schiffbauer's lab will also introduce elementary students to the Cambrian Period, while John Huntley's team explores biological responses to climate change in fossil records.

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.

Patients with OCD have difficulty learning when a stimulus is safe

Patients with OCD have difficulty learning which stimulus is safe and vice versa due to impaired brain activity, specifically in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This cognitive inflexibility affects how they perceive threats under updated circumstances, making current exposure therapies less effective.