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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 35


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.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNota Lepidopterologica·DateMar 7, 2017

Researchers from Aarhus solve the mystery of the acid pump

Aarhus researchers identified the mechanism behind the acid pump, which pumps acid into the stomach. Replacing a key amino acid with arginine enables the pump to function like an electroneutral pump.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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 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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·DateMar 6, 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.

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.

SourceRice University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMar 6, 2017

Research survey evaluates attitudes toward microfluidics-based cell culture

A new survey investigates ideal qualities of microfluidics-based 3D cell culture systems, finding a positive attitude among the biomedical community. However, a gap remains between desired and available features, including complexity, user-friendliness, physiological relevance, and controllability.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalFuture Science OA·DateMar 6, 2017
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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMar 6, 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.

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.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInternational Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·DateMar 6, 2017
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.

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.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 6, 2017

A new approach to improving lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries show promise for high-energy storage, but rapid capacity fade hinders their use. A new approach using ferroelectric nanoparticles improves cycle stability by entrapping polysulfides.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 6, 2017

How molecular machines may drive the future of disease detection and drug delivery

Scientists at the University of Alberta have developed synthetic DNA motors that can be used for improved disease detection and drug delivery. The nanomachines demonstrate the potential for early diagnosis and targeted release of drugs within patients, resulting in fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 6, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalSports Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceMediaSource·JournalThe Journal of Knee Surgery·DateMar 6, 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.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2017
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.

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.

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 6, 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.

Available drug may protect ovaries and fertility from damage by chemotherapies

A study found that the drug everolimus protects ovaries from cyclophosphamide, a common chemotherapy used against breast cancer, which depletes egg cells needed to achieve pregnancy. Female mice treated with everolimus and chemotherapy had more than twice as many offspring as those treated with chemotherapy alone.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeoHealth·DateMar 6, 2017

Cancer 'hot spots' in Florida may be associated with hazardous waste sites

Researchers in Florida have identified a possible association between cancer incidence rates and Superfund sites. The study found that counties with Superfund sites had a 6% higher rate of adult cancer cases, suggesting a link between toxic environmental waste and adverse health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalStatistics and Public Policy·DateMar 6, 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.

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.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2017
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.

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.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 6, 2017

Cerebrospinal fluid shows promise as autism biomarker

Researchers found that altered CSF distribution in high-risk infants can predict ASD, with 70% accuracy. Increased subarachnoid CSF at six months is associated with more severe autism symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 6, 2017

Penn physician pioneers new reconstructive surgery for female genital mutilation

A new reconstructive procedure has been developed to help women with female genital mutilation (FGM) restore their physical and psychological well-being. The technique, which involves separating the labia majora and leaving the clitoris raw to promote regeneration, has shown promising results in three patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAesthetic Surgery Journal·DateMar 6, 2017
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.

Brain cells show teamwork in short-term memory: Western University study

Researchers discover that brain cells work together to store and retrieve short-term memory, contradicting previous assumptions about single neurons. This finding has implications for understanding cognitive function, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 6, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017