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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 34


Page 34 of 41

Synchrotron sheds (X-ray) light on carbon chemistry at ocean surfaces

Researchers have made discoveries about the behavior of carbonate species at saltwater surfaces, finding that the more highly charged carbonate ion was more abundant than expected. This raises questions about the global carbon cycle and potential applications in carbon sequestration and biology.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMar 7, 2017

Towards mastering terahertz waves?

Researchers have developed a technique to control terahertz waves using graphene, enabling potential applications in telecommunications and medical imaging. This discovery could lead to faster data transfer speeds and improved security in communications, as well as non-invasive detection of biological molecules for medical diagnosis.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2017

Copper mining with bioactive substances derived from bacteria

Researchers at Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology are exploring the use of bioactive substances derived from bacteria to extract copper and molybdenum from ores in a more environmentally sustainable way. The goal is to increase metal yield while reducing chemical usage and waste.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·DateMar 7, 2017
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.

Study supports increased funding for long-term ecological research

A new analysis published in BioScience found that long-term ecological studies are more frequently cited and important for informing policy decisions. The study suggests that funding agencies should prioritize long-term research to advance the science of ecology and support management and policy recommendations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalBioScience·DateMar 7, 2017

Argonne invents reusable sponge that soaks up oil

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have invented a new foam called Oleo Sponge that can absorb and reuse oil from water. The material has been shown to collect diesel and crude oil from both below and on the surface of the water.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMar 7, 2017
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.

Computer simulations first step toward designing more efficient amine chemical scrubbers

Researchers from North Carolina State University developed a series of computer models that can predict the CO2 absorption properties of amine solutions based on their chemical structure. The models utilize machine-learning techniques and have been found to reliably discriminate between amines with high absorption properties and those ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMolecular Informatics·DateMar 7, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Earth is bombarded at random

Researchers refuted the theory that asteroids hit Earth every 26 million years, as previously suggested by US researchers. Instead, they found that impact craters formed over a wide range of ages and were not clustered in time.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 7, 2017

Male infertility research reveals how a new life begins

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in the PLC-zeta protein that causes male infertility, but found that injecting more of this protein can restart fertilization. The study suggests that this form of infertility could be treated in the future.

SourceBiochemical Society·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateMar 7, 2017

Young people do not associate e-cigarettes with increased likelihood of smoking

A study published in Drugs Education Prevention and Policy found that young people perceive e-cigarettes as a substantially less harmful alternative to combustible tobacco, discouraging tobacco uptake. The majority of participants believed vaping is not increasing their likelihood of smoking.

SourceAspect Consulting·JournalDrugs Education Prevention and Policy·DateMar 7, 2017

Study tests the 'three-hit' theory of autism

A recent study found that a combination of genetic predisposition, early stress, and male sex increases the risk of social avoidance in individuals with autism. The researchers tested this theory using mice and found evidence supporting the idea that these three factors build on each other to produce the social avoidance characteristic...

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Fruit flies halt reproduction during infection

Researchers found that fruit fly infections trigger a reduction in egg-laying activity and affect the octopaminergic signalling pathway. The study reveals a protective mechanism allowing fruit flies to regulate their offspring's impact on the environment during bacterial infection.

SourceeLife·DateMar 7, 2017

Pain relief molecule featuring first artificial cellular communications receptor

Researchers successfully created a synthetic receptor that recognizes signals involved in pain relief and can be switched on and off using chemical messengers. The breakthrough could hold the key to altering the way cells respond to pain and other sensations by adding or bypassing natural communication pathways.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 7, 2017

Penn study parses influence of genes and environment in metabolic disease

A Penn study found that a high-fat diet causes epigenetic changes in fat cells, leading to obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research also identified a genetic defect in the Ucp1 gene that contributes to obesity, which can be overcome with treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 7, 2017

When less is essential to keep the brain going

Researchers discover that a small GTP-hydrolysis enzyme called Rab4 is essential for the assembly of synapses and corresponding brain functions. Reduced supply of Rab4 increases synapse formation in fruit fly neurons, which may have implications for treating Alzheimer's Disease.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 7, 2017
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.

Researchers map clonorchiasis risk across China

Researchers created high-resolution risk maps for clonorchiasis in China, highlighting provinces with the highest risk of infection and important predictors. The study found that elevation, distance to freshwater bodies, and land cover type were associated with infection risk, informing targeted control activities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 7, 2017

First public data released by hyper suprime-cam Subaru Strategic Program

The Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program has released its first public dataset, containing almost 100 million galaxies and stars. This dataset will enable scientists to explore the nature of dark matter and dark energy, as well as study the formation and evolution of galaxies.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateMar 7, 2017

A light rain can spread soil bacteria far and wide, study finds

Researchers found that light rain can disperse up to several thousand bacteria from the soil into the air, where they can travel long distances before settling back on the ground. Global precipitation may be responsible for releasing 1.6 to 25 percent of total bacteria emissions from land.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2017

Are mind-body therapies effective in autism?

Researchers found mindfulness therapy to be effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and rumination in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nei Yang Gong therapy also showed positive effects on self-control in children with ASD. The review of 16 studies highlights the potential for mind-body therapies in treating ASD symptoms.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMar 7, 2017
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.

Multilab replication project examines cooperation under time pressure

A new multilab replication project partially replicated a 2012 study on cooperation under time pressure. When noncompliant participants were included in the analysis, time pressure had little or no effect on cooperation. The findings raise concerns about the best approach to measuring this relationship.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMar 7, 2017
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.

New study shows Americans are having sex less often

According to the study, Americans had sex about nine fewer times per year in 2010-2014 compared to 1995-1999. The decline is attributed to birth cohort, with later-born generations having sex less often than those born earlier.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMar 7, 2017

Perceived weight discrimination linked to physical inactivity

A large population study found that people who experience weight discrimination are less likely to be physically active. This is due to feelings of self-consciousness and negative stereotypes, leading to a lack of confidence to exercise in public.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 7, 2017

'Black swan' events strike animal populations

A new analysis found drastic changes in animal populations occur in about 4% of cases, most commonly in birds, with extreme events driven by parasites, climate and predators. Developing management plans to withstand sudden swings could help buffer against black swan disasters and prevent extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017

Magnetic fields at the crossroads

Scientists investigate the motion of vortex domain walls in ferromagnetic nanowires driven by magnetic fields. The research aims to improve control and reliability for spintronic devices, enabling logic gates and data storage.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 7, 2017
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.

Urine-based biomarkers for early cancer screening test

A team of researchers has developed a new technique to identify cancer-causing substances in the urine or blood using an integrated centrifugal microfluidic platform. The device, called Exodisc, can isolate extracellular vesicles from urine within 30 minutes and detect biomarkers for bladder cancer.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 7, 2017

Group tolerance linked to perceptions of fairness and harm

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that group tolerance is linked to perceptions of fairness and harm. People are more willing to coexist with others from different groups if they believe in universal moral values like fairness and harm.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 7, 2017
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.

Where did the Scythians come from?

Researchers analyzed cranial traits to determine Scythian gene pool formation. Results suggest both hypotheses of Scythian ethnogenesis are partially correct, indicating a mix of Central Asian migrants and local Srubnaya culture populations.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateMar 7, 2017

US desert songbirds at risk in a warming climate

Researchers warn that rising temperatures in US deserts will put songbirds at greater risk of dehydration and mass die-offs. The study found that smaller species are particularly susceptible to lethal dehydration, with the lesser goldfinch facing a 25-day-per-year risk by the end of the century.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017
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.

Detailed chemical structure of P22 virus resolved

Scientists have completed a model of the P22 virus's chemical structure with unprecedented detail, revealing the building blocks of proteins and their interactions. This breakthrough allows for more information about biochemistry and provides detailed annotations for future experiments.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017

Cyberbullying rarely occurs in isolation, research finds

Research from the University of Warwick suggests that cyberbullying is mostly an extension of traditional playground bullying, rather than a standalone phenomenon. The study found that 29% of UK teenagers reported being bullied, with only 1% experiencing cyberbullying alone.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 2017

Lack of fruits and vegetables increases global heart disease burden

A study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions found that low intake of fruits and vegetables accounted for 57.3 million DALYs and 44.6 million DALYs, respectively. The burden of heart disease attributed to limited fruit and vegetable consumption varied across countries, with some experiencing a significant imp...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 7, 2017

Brain architecture alters to compensate for depression

A study by Ravi Bansal and Bradley S. Peterson found structural differences in the cerebral cortex of patients with depression, which normalize with medication. The cerebral cortex thickeness is a compensatory response that helps reduce depressive symptoms.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 2017
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.

Rangers fight loss of wildlife with fire

Native animals are declining on Melville Island due to reduced habitat and increased cat populations. Rangers are using fire management techniques to create more habitat for native wildlife by burning vegetation in the early season.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateMar 7, 2017

Researchers develop equation that helps to explain plant growth

A team of UCLA researchers has developed a mathematical equation that relates leaf mass per area to leaf structure, providing insights into how cells drive plant behaviors. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding plant productivity and tolerance to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 7, 2017

MRI-powered mini-robots could offer targeted treatment

Researchers are developing control algorithms and imaging technology to harness MRI power for millimeter-sized robots to navigate the body's venous system. The goal is to use large numbers of mini-robots to target specific lesions, delivering chemotherapy or interventions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 7, 2017
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.

Economic models behind EU-Canada free trade agreement questioned

The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is predicted to result in significant GDP gains but may also lead to net losses in terms of employment, personal incomes, and GDP. CETA's impact on workers would be substantial, with average annual earnings foregone of €1,776 in Canada and between €316 and €1,331 in the EU.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Political Economy·DateMar 7, 2017

Evidence lacking to support 'lead diet'

A University at Buffalo researcher says there is insufficient evidence to support dietary recommendations for children with elevated blood lead levels. The CDC's guidelines suggest eating iron-rich foods, calcium, and vitamin C, but the author argues that this approach lacks scientific backing.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 7, 2017

Moscow State University scientists reveal the secret of naked mole-rat longevity

Researchers propose that naked mole-rats' exceptional longevity is due to slowing individual development, resulting in a longer youth period and decelerated aging. Similarly, human data suggests a similar slowdown in the 'Master Biological Clock', leading to increased lifespan and prolonged youth.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPhysiological Reviews·DateMar 7, 2017

Understanding what's happening inside liquid droplets

Using toroidal droplets, scientists at Georgia Tech develop new understanding of shape changes in biological materials. The findings could improve fuel injectors and chemical processes dependent on droplet formation.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017

Species appears to evolve quickly enough to endure city temperatures

A new study found that acorn ants can evolve quickly enough to endure city temperatures, with some species adapting within 100 years. The ants' ability to adjust suggests they may be able to cope with other sources of warming, such as climate change.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateMar 7, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Caffeine boosts enzyme that could protect against dementia, finds IU study

A study by Indiana University researchers has identified 24 compounds with the potential to boost an enzyme in the brain that protects against dementia. Caffeine was found to increase production of this enzyme, which also shows promise in reducing the impact of harmful proteins in the brain.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 7, 2017