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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 39 of 41

As reliable as your hard drive? Maximizing DNA storage

Researchers have developed a DNA storage method called DNA Fountain that approaches the theoretical maximum for DNA storage, storing 60% more data than previous efforts. The technique uses a coding approach to randomly package information and reassemble it in order, minimizing errors and allowing for reliable retrieval of stored data.

The lord of destruction

Professor Erik Bitzek aims to investigate the interactions between cracks and material defects to improve understanding of breaking processes in metals, intermetallic compounds, and semiconductors. He seeks realistic results through micromechanical models and fracture tests to develop novel, fail-safe materials.

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.

Reducing cancer-related fatigue

A meta-analysis of 113 randomized clinical trials found that exercise, psychological interventions, and their combination were effective in reducing cancer fatigue. Pharmaceutical interventions did not show the same magnitude of improvement.

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.

Boosting a cell-protecting protein may help slow Alzheimer's disease progression

Researchers found that blocking Keap1 can prevent amyloid-beta peptides damage in mouse nerve cells and shield brain cells from Alzheimer's symptoms. Boosting Nrf2 by blocking its inhibitor has the potential to develop new drugs with fewer side effects for preventing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Melting temperature of Earth's mantle depends on water

Researchers found the average temperature of Earth's mantle beneath ocean basins is about 60 degrees Celsius higher than previously thought, thanks to water in deep minerals. This discovery may change our understanding of tectonic plate movements and mantle viscosity.

To understand others' minds, 'being' them beats reading them

New research published in Psychological Science found that simulating someone else's experience leads to greater accuracy in understanding their emotional state, not just observing their behavior. This challenge highlights the importance of empathy and strategies for better understanding others.

Research finds a majority endorsing revenge porn

Research by University of Kent psychologists finds that most people (99%) approve of revenge porn being posted online, with a link to specific psychological characteristics. The study also found a positive correlation between revenge porn proclivity and the 'Dark Triad' of psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research shows exercise is a boon for cancer patients

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that exercise alone and psychological interventions significantly reduced cancer-related fatigue. The research analyzed 113 studies involving over 11,000 patients and concluded that exercise is the most effective approach to alleviate this debilitating side effect of cancer treatment.

Biochemical 'fossil' shows how life may have emerged without phosphate

Researchers used systems biology approaches to study the emergence of life and found that a few simple compounds could support a phosphate-free metabolism. This discovery challenges the current understanding of life's origin and suggests that an early self-sustaining metabolic network predated the emergence of nucleic acids.

Plant dominance in the Amazon is shaped by past civilizations

A new study reveals that plants domesticated by pre-Columbian peoples are more likely to dominate Amazonian forests, with 85 species showing significant impacts from past human influence. The research suggests a lasting impact of human activities on plant distribution and could aid in uncovering unidentified areas of past civilization.

Ancient peoples shaped the Amazon rainforest

A new study suggests that ancient peoples domesticated tree species thousands of years ago, which are now more common in mature upland forests. The research found that a quarter of these domesticated species dominate large expanses of forest and are vital for the livelihood and economy of Amazonian peoples.

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.

Cigarette smoke curbs lung's self-healing

Researchers discovered that cigarette smoke silences the lung's natural self-healing process by blocking key receptors. Increasing these receptors can restore repair and lead to increased production of vital proteins, offering new hope for developing therapies for COPD patients.

Ancient peoples shaped the Amazon rainforest

A new study reveals that pre-Colombian peoples played a significant role in shaping modern-day Amazonian biodiversity. The research found that 85 domesticated tree species, including cacao and Brazil nut, were five times more common in forests near ancient settlements.

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.

Ecological Society of America announces 2017 award recipients

The Ecological Society of America recognizes Diana Harrison Wall, Kathleen Weathers, and Debra Peters with the Eminent Ecologist Award, Eugene P. Odum Award for Excellence in Ecology Education, and Distinguished Service Citation, respectively, for their outstanding contributions to ecology.

Cause of killer cardiac disease identified by new method

Researchers have developed a new non-invasive method to identify the origin of atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke and other complications. The technique uses 64-lead electrocardiogram signals to pinpoint the location of the irregular heartbeat.

Most complex nanoparticle crystal ever made by design

Scientists at Northwestern University and University of Michigan report creating the most complex nanoparticle crystal ever made, with potential applications in controlling light, capturing pollutants, and delivering therapeutics. The crystal structure was achieved through a combination of DNA technology and controlled nanoparticle shape.

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.

Saving brain cells from stroke

Researchers discovered a neuroprotective compound that reduces brain cell loss and boosts newborn neurons after stroke. The P7C3-A20 compound improves physical balance, coordination, learning, and memory in rats.

Study finds not all women get appropriate care for cervical cancer

A study found that fewer than three out of five women with locally advanced cervical cancer received guideline-based care, with black and Hispanic women receiving lower rates. Despite an increase in guideline-based care over time, disparities persist, highlighting the need for further investigation into barriers to treatment.

Horse-riding can improve children's cognitive ability

Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that horseback riding enhances learning and problem-solving skills in children. The study, led by Professor Mitsuaki Ohta, suggests that the vibrations produced by horses during riding activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to improved cognitive performance.

Hand-picked specialty crops 'ripe' for precision agriculture techniques

Researchers have developed a mathematical model to determine the optimal time for transporting strawberry crops, reducing spoilage and increasing market value. The findings suggest that precision agriculture techniques can be applied to high-value fresh produce, motivating growers to explore new opportunities.

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.

Shape-shifting molecular robots respond to DNA signals

Researchers developed a molecular robot that changes shape in response to specific DNA signals, enabling biomimetic robotics and potential medical innovations. The tiny robot, about 1 millionth of a meter in size, consists of protein and DNA molecules.

Taking earth's inner temperature

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution suggest the mantle could be 60°C hotter than estimated, affecting tectonic plate movement and ocean basin formation. This finding may help explain the formation of the seafloor and the movement of rigid plates.

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.

Genome editing: Pressing the 'delete' button on DNA

A new software tool, CRISPETa, has been developed to efficiently delete non-coding DNA in living cells using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the genomic basis of disease and may lead to discovery of new disease-causing genes and potential new drugs.

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.

AI system beats humans at the poker table, in complex game

Researchers created an AI system called DeepStack that outperforms human players in heads-up no-limit poker by leveraging asymmetrical information about the game state. The system solves approximately 10^7 decision points in 5 seconds, enabling potential advances in real-world problems involving information asymmetry.

Woolly mammoths experienced a genomic meltdown just before extinction

Researchers compared the genomes of a 45,000-year-old mainland mammoth with one from Wrangel Island, which had only 300 animals. The analysis revealed an excess of genetic defects, including loss of olfactory receptors and urinary proteins. This study provides insights into the effects of small population sizes on genome deterioration.

Aging faces could increase security risks

Researchers found that 99% of face images can still be recognized up to six years later, but accuracy drops if images are taken more than six years apart. The study emphasizes the importance of capturing new images every four to five years to reduce false positives.

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.

Skulls inform biology of predecessors of modern humans in Eastern Eurasia

The discovery of two ancient skulls in central China provides a unique glimpse into the biology of early humans in the region. The skulls, dated to around 100,000 years ago, exhibit a mix of features from different human populations, suggesting regional interconnectedness and population continuity across Eastern Eurasia.

War less likely between nations that are 'friends of friends'

A new study found that nations with indirect alliances are less likely to engage in major conflicts. The probability of conflict between neighboring countries decreases as the degree of separation increases, reaching a low of 3-4% for those within three degrees of each other.

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.

Yale-led team puts dark matter on the map

A Yale-led team has created one of the highest-resolution maps of dark matter ever produced, providing a detailed case for its existence. The map, derived from Hubble Space Telescope Frontier Fields data, closely matches theoretical predictions and offers insights into the universe's structure and galaxy formation.

Intestinal bacteria alter gut and brain function: McMaster study

A McMaster University study found that intestinal bacteria impact both intestinal and behavioral symptoms in IBS patients, potentially leading to new microbiota-directed therapies. The study also suggests a possible link between gut bacteria and other brain disorders such as autism, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Exploring the cause of chronic lung transplant rejection, in a quest to stop it

A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that cells from lung transplant patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) can become activated and promote scarring. The team identified a chain of upstream signals starting with autotaxin, an enzyme that generates lysophosphatidic acid, which stimulates collagen production.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Rapid changes point to origin of ultra-fast black hole 'burps'

Scientists have observed rapid temperature changes in ultra-fast black hole winds, which are responding to X-ray emissions from the accretion disk. This discovery provides clues for locating the origin of these outflows and their connection to galaxy formation.

The shifting rationales for vaping

A new long-term study harnesses social media data to understand the reasons people vape, shifting away from cessation to social image. The study found that misinformation drives some vapers' rationales for using e-cigarettes.

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.

Are market bubbles caused by traders' testosterone levels?

Research by Ben-Gurion University finds that men's psychological momentum, driven by testosterone increases after success, leads to exaggerated risk-taking in financial markets. This can create price bubbles. The study suggests that increasing women in financial markets may help stabilize these markets.