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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 5 of 41

Atomic 're-packing' behind metallic glass mystery

Researchers have solved a decades-long puzzle about metallic glasses' atomic structure using a new method combining various techniques. The study revealed a hidden amorphous phase within a certain temperature range, linked to metals' ability to form glass and potentially enabling the development of stronger novel materials.

Eating peanuts may lead to supple arteries and healthy hearts

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that eating peanuts with a meal can help prevent arterial stiffening and keep blood vessels healthy. The researchers observed a 32% reduction in triglyceride levels after peanut consumption compared to a control group.

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.

Electronic health records improve weekend surgery outcomes

A Loyola Medicine study found that electronic health record (EHR) systems can mitigate the weekend effect in urgent general surgery patients. Patients at hospitals with high-speed EHR connectivity and electronic bed management systems experienced lower hospital stays and mortality rates, with reductions of up to 35%.

The last 'caimans' living in Spain

Researchers uncover 16 million-year-old fossils of a small crocodile, Diplocynodon ratelii, which is similar to modern-day caimans. The discovery provides new insights into the early Miocene ecosystem in Catalonia, Spain.

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.

Penn State study shows aphasia may not solely be a language disorder

A recent Penn State study suggests that aphasia may be a broader cognitive disorder affecting not just language, but also hearing, vision, motor processing, attention, and executive functions. The findings imply that treating aphasia requires a more holistic approach, considering these interconnected brain networks.

Wrong-way asteroid plays 'chicken' with Jupiter

Asteroid Bee-Zed, orbiting the wrong way around the sun, has been playing a cosmic game of chicken with Jupiter for a million years. The asteroid's retrograde motion allows it to maintain a stable orbit despite its unusual path, thanks to Jupiter's gravity deflection.

Every £1 spent on public health in UK saves average of £14

A systematic review found that UK public health interventions return an average ROI of £14.30 on every £1 spent, with national policies producing even higher returns. The study warns that recent cuts to public health budgets will cost the NHS and economy 'billions'.

How should the UK approach Brexit?

A study by Oxford University Press USA outlines strategies for the UK to adopt in future trade negotiations with the European Union. The authors propose four guidelines: giving something of value to trading partners, starting from a favorable position, using bargaining power effectively, and investing in negotiating capacity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Making bones stronger

A mathematical model shows that injections of peptide CK2.3 can increase bone formation and decrease bone degradation, potentially treating osteoporosis. The researchers used a combination of biological and mathematical models to calculate ideal dosages for humans and mice, aiming to develop a promising remedy for the condition.

Solving the mystery of the Arctic's green ice

Researchers from Harvard SEAS developed a mathematical model explaining the emergence of phytoplankton blooms under Arctic sea ice. The study found that thinning ice and increased melt ponds allow more sunlight to penetrate, creating conditions favorable for plankton growth.

Scientists predict reading ability from DNA alone

Researchers at King's College London used a genetic scoring technique to predict reading performance throughout school years from DNA alone. Genetic scores explained up to 5% of the differences in reading ability between children, with students having highest and lowest genetic scores differing by two years in reading performance.

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.

Testing effects of 'noise' on the decision-making abilities of slime mold

A mathematical model suggests that slime molds can find an optimal physical distribution through a maze when exposed to intermittent light, which mimics real-world changing conditions. This finding aligns with properties of self-organized systems and may influence adaptive abilities in biological systems.

Infant vitamin B1 deficiency leads to poor motor function and balance

A Tel Aviv University study found that infants fed thiamine-deficient formula suffered from severe motor function difficulties, with long-term consequences for their health. The researchers emphasize the critical role of vitamin B1 in child development and stress the need for regulatory control of breast milk substitutes.

Study reveals amount of premature deaths linked to international trade

A new study estimates that 12% of global premature deaths related to PM2.5 pollution are caused by emissions in a different region, while 22% are associated with goods produced for consumption in another region. The study highlights the need for international cooperation to reduce air pollution and its health impacts.

Legends of the lost reservoirs

Researchers uncover sophisticated irrigation and water-management techniques used by ancient Puebloans in the American Southwest, including the use of corn as a water-intensive crop. The team's findings shed light on how past societies managed their environment and survive in dry deserts, informing modern sustainability 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.

Surgery to remove unaffected breast in early breast cancer increases

A study found nearly half of young breast cancer patients in five states undergo preventive mastectomy to remove the unaffected breast. The proportion of women receiving this procedure increased significantly between 2004 and 2012, particularly among those under 45, with regional variations across states.

New research into light particles challenges understanding of quantum theory

Researchers at the University of East Anglia discovered a new mechanism for creating paired light particles, which could have significant implications for quantum physics. The findings suggest that photon pairs can be emitted from spatially separated points, introducing positional uncertainty of fundamental quantum origin.

Harnessing brain's internal reserves might help treat epilepsy

Researchers have discovered that activating the endocannabinoid system of the brain can reduce or completely suppress epileptic activity in test animals. This finding has significant implications for developing new treatments for temporal lobe epilepsy, a common form of the condition.

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.

NIH designates $42.7 million for food allergy research consortium

The National Institutes of Health has designated $42.7 million for the Consortium of Food Allergy Research (CoFAR) over seven years to continue evaluating new approaches to treat food allergy. CoFAR scientists are working on immunotherapy approaches to reduce immediate allergic symptoms and bring about long-term relief.

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.

Fred Hutch scientists to cover advances in immunotherapy, proteomics at AACR

Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are presenting new developments in immunotherapy and proteomics at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting. A new adoptive T-cell therapy for ovarian cancer has shown promising results, while a vaccine adjuvant has boosted immune responses to sarcomas.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Building trust, not hate

When anonymity is lifted, cooperation increases significantly due to mutual understanding. Participants who knew each other were more likely to cooperate rather than engage in retaliatory sentiments or punishment.

Impacts of school choice on segregation

Penn State researchers found that black and Latino students tend to move into charter schools with higher racial isolation, while white students move to more diverse schools. This study highlights the need for educational equity and raises questions about school-choice policy's effects on fostering racially diverse schools.

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.

Female menstrual cycle in a dish

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a miniature female reproductive tract that can test new drugs for safety and effectiveness in women. The EVATAR system, made with human tissue, mimics the body's dynamics and will help understand diseases such as endometriosis, fibroids, and cancer.

Legos and origami inspire next-generation materials

A team of researchers has designed a standard set of building-blocks to assemble complex structures and engineer arbitrary 3D metamaterials. The breakthrough aims to overcome the bottleneck in translating scientific progress to commercial applications.

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.

About time! Predicting midge seasonality key to reducing livestock diseases

Ecologists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have led a study that informs optimal strategies for controlling devastating midge-borne diseases like bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus. The model predicts that timing insecticide treatments over the Autumn midge peak has the greatest effect on population suppression.

$1 million grant to Yijun Ruan of JAX from Human Frontier Science Program

JAX Professor Yijun Ruan has received a $1.05 million grant from the Human Frontier Science Program to explore the fundamental mechanics of memory and learning, as well as epilepsy. The research team will investigate how genome topology contributes to changes in gene expression that underlie these conditions.

Cortisol excess hits natural DNA process and mental health hard

A study on patients with Cushing's Syndrome found that cortisol excess was associated with reduced DNA methylation, leading to persistent psychiatric problems. The researchers hope that targeting DNA methylation may lead to new treatment possibilities for stress-related conditions.

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.

Evidence insufficient to screen for celiac disease

The US Preventive Services Task Force found inadequate evidence on celiac disease screening accuracy, benefits and harms of screening, and treatment effects. Current evidence is insufficient to assess balance of benefits and harms of screening for asymptomatic individuals.

Study finds that elevating women's status lowers dependence on solid fuels

A recent study by Lehigh University sociologist Kelly Austin finds that countries with higher gender equality have lower rates of solid fuel use and female exposure to indoor air pollution. The research highlights the importance of female empowerment in reducing this global health issue, which claims 4.3 million premature deaths annually.

Cornering endangered species

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that as certain species decline in number, their geographic areas of occupation also shrink. This makes them easier targets for hunters and fishermen, increasing the risk of extinction. The study highlights the importance of well-managed harvests to prevent overharvesting.

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.

Asian dust providing key nutrients for California's giant sequoias

Researchers have found that dust from the Gobi Desert is providing more phosphorus than previously thought for plants in the Sierra Nevada mountains, including giant sequoias. The study suggests that dust may be shaping this iconic California ecosystem and could help predict forest response to climate change.

Why don't Americans have a name for the color 'light blue?'

Researchers found that Japan has unique color terms like 'mizu' and 'kon', while the US uses words like 'teal' and 'lavender'. The study reveals differences in color language between modern societies, highlighting the evolution of color terminology through interaction.

New type of sensor material developed

Researchers at Hokkaido University have created a nickel complex that changes color and magnetism when exposed to methanol vapor. The material exhibits vapochromic properties, making it suitable for chemical sensing applications.

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.

Igniting a solar flare in the corona with lower-atmosphere kindling

Researchers use new telescope images to reveal the emergence of small-scale magnetic fields in the corona, which may trigger solar flares. The study suggests that these magnetic field structures are linked to the onset of a main flare and could help predict flares with more precision.

Stop eating! You are full

Researchers have discovered a molecule sent by fat cells to the fly brain that signals when energy stores are sufficient, inhibiting feeding behavior. This finding suggests a potential appetite-suppression mechanism in humans and may lead to new weight management strategies.

The physics of wealth inequality

A Duke University professor proposes that wealth inequality is governed by a physical law, where systems evolve to increase access to flow. This natural tendency governs the distribution of wealth in economies, with hierarchical movement leading to greater disparities.

Seabird bones, fossils reveal broad food-web shift in North Pacific

Scientists analyzed seabird bones to find evidence of a significant change in the North Pacific's food web, likely caused by human activities such as industrial fishing. The study found that petrels' trophic level had declined over time, suggesting a shift in the structure of the ocean's ecosystem.

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.

Abuse accelerates puberty in children

New Penn State research reveals that childhood sexual abuse can accelerate physical growth and maturation in adolescents, increasing the risk of behavioral and mental health problems. The study found that young girls with a sexual abuse history were more likely to transition into higher puberty stages earlier than non-abused peers.