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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 38


Page 38 of 41

Frozen chemistry controls bacterial infections

Scientists at Umeå University discovered a protein interaction that slows down a key chemical reaction in the bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This finding opens up new avenues for studying the regulation of bacterial virulence, which can help develop new treatments for infections.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 3, 2017

Professor Shiho Kawashima wins NSF Career Award

Professor Shiho Kawashima has received a $500,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop concrete systems for 3D printing, which could revolutionize infrastructure construction and repair. Her research aims to improve the processing and rheology of concrete and cement.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMar 3, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Oxford University Press to publish Journal of Crustacean Biology

The Oxford University Press will publish the Journal of Crustacean Biology, a scientific journal covering crustacean biology and marine arthropods. The journal has undergone a facelift with a new format and style, expanding article types to include Research Notes and comprehensive reviews.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Crustacean Biology·DateMar 3, 2017

Chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate

Chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate in albino mice increased serum aldosterone and sodium ion levels, indicating possible steroid-related cardiovascular disorders. The study suggests a correlation between altered aldosterone concentrations and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2017

Skill trumps luck

DeepStack, a computer program developed by the University of Alberta's Computer Poker Research Group, has defeated professional poker players in heads-up no-limit Texas hold'em poker. The program uses a technique called continual re-solving to determine the correct strategy for each situation, allowing it to play at human speed.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 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.

'Super-deep' diamonds may hold new information about Earth's interior

Scientists at Tohoku University simulated the formation of super-deep diamonds using high-pressure and high-temperature experiments. The study suggests that these rare diamonds can form through the reaction of Mg-carbonate and silica minerals at extreme depths, offering new insights into Earth's interior conditions.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2017

More bang for the buck

Coral ecosystems in West Maui's northern reefs have declined by 20% due to sediment runoff, compromising corals' ability to photosynthesize. Researchers found that cooperation among landowners results in more cost-efficient and ecologically effective outcomes than individual actions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 2, 2017

Nanoengineers 3-D print biomimetic blood vessel networks

Researchers at UC San Diego have successfully printed a functional blood vessel network using 3D bioprinting, addressing a major challenge in tissue engineering. The technology enables the creation of complex microstructures with high resolution, using inexpensive and biocompatible materials.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 2, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UTHealth receives $2.4 million grant to drive action-oriented research on healthier cities

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has received a $2.4 million grant to create the Healthy Cities Research Hub, exploring drivers of diabetes and other chronic diseases in urban settings. The hub will facilitate knowledge exchange and evaluate community-based interventions aimed at improving public health in cities.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateMar 2, 2017

Trump's policy changes put women's sexual and reproductive health at risk, argues expert

The Trump administration's policy changes put women's access to effective contraception and abortion care at risk. Professor Daniel Grossman warns that the re-imposition of the Mexico City Policy and proposed legislation could severely limit access to reproductive healthcare services, particularly for low-income individuals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateMar 2, 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.

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, March 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed innovative methods for creating complex patterns, accelerating gas separation, and optimizing manufacturing processes. The lab's expertise in additive manufacturing has enabled the rapid prototyping of components, while membrane-based gas separation has shown promising results.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 2, 2017

CCNY-based team develops sustainable, high energy density battery

Researchers at CCNY Energy Institute developed a sustainable, high-energy-density battery using manganese dioxide and copper. The unique material allows for both high cycle life and high areal capacity, making it suitable for practical applications.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 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.

JILA team discovers many new twists in protein folding

Biophysicists at JILA measured protein folding with unprecedented detail, identifying 14 intermediate states in bacteriorhodopsin. The discovery reveals previously unknown dynamics, shedding light on the complex behavior of membrane proteins.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2017

Taking stock: Where does Europe stand in the elimination of hepatitis B and C?

Despite progress in implementing primary and secondary prevention measures, Europe still has a long way to go to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. The authors highlight the need for improved data collection and monitoring of interventions along the continuum of care to track progress and reduce mortality.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateMar 2, 2017

UKCRIC to deliver world-leading research on cities and infrastructure

UKCRIC will enable academia, industry, government and end users to collaborate on upgrading UK's infrastructure, reducing its cost and increasing resilience. The initiative will focus on developing new materials, techniques and technologies, as well as research into smart sensors and systems.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateMar 2, 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.

Hydraulic forces help to fill the heart

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology discovered hydraulic forces aid heart filling. The study suggests reducing atrium size can improve heart function in patients with heart failure.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2017

New autoimmune endocrine disease triggered by thymomas

A Japanese research group has identified a newly-identified autoimmune endocrine disease caused by thymomas, which leads to hypopituitarism. The study found that abnormal expression of PIT-1 in thymoma cells triggers immune tolerance breakdown, resulting in autoimmunity.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2017

The evolution of Japanese color vocabulary over the past 30 years

Researchers at Tohoku University found 19 common Japanese color categories, including 11 basic colors and eight additional named categories. The study also showed that traditional expressions from classic poetry have been retained despite modern linguistic changes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Vision·DateMar 2, 2017
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.

Study finds new mechanism to control information flow in the brain

A team of neuroscientists has found that somatostatin-expressing (Sst) interneurons play a key role in controlling the flow of information in the brain. The researchers discovered that these cells operate like a switchboard, selectively blocking or encouraging the flow of information to help animals make informed decisions and guide th...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2017

Horseback riding interventions have therapeutic benefits for people with disabilities

A systematic review and meta-analysis of horseback riding interventions found significant improvements in balance, motor function, and quality of life for children and adults with neuromotor disabilities. The studies also showed benefits for patients with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateMar 2, 2017

Researchers report first known case of CTE in patient with no known head trauma

Researchers at Toronto Western Hospital's Canadian Concussion Centre discovered CTE in a brain without head trauma or concussion history. The finding suggests that the cause of CTE might be more complex than previously thought, with Dr. Lili-Naz Hazrati stating that there are more questions than answers about the definitive causes of CTE.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalInternational Journal of Pathology and Clinical Research·DateMar 2, 2017
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.

New research could trigger revolution in computer electronics manufacturing

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a pioneering technique to engineer computer chips more easily and cheaper than conventional methods. The breakthrough could revolutionize the production of optoelectronic materials, enabling advancements in renewable energy, security, and defence technologies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2017

Cows may offer clues to improving fertility in women

Researchers at Michigan State University are studying the effect of hormones on ovulation and reproduction in cows to develop better fertility treatments for women. The study aims to improve fertility response rates by understanding how increased doses of fertility hormone impact ovarian function and egg quality.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 2, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study identifies how cancer cells may develop resistance to FGFR inhibitors

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a mechanism by which cancer cells develop resistance to FGFR inhibitors. By inhibiting the regulatory protein Akt, they found that cell proliferation, migration, and invasion could be slowed in lung and bladder cancer cells.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMar 2, 2017

Robo-journalism: Journalists on their robot pretenders

A recent study found that automated journalism lacks the context and complexity of traditional reporting, citing issues with programming news angles in advance. However, journalists believe robo-journalism can reduce costs and increase specificity in some reporting areas.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalDigital Journalism·DateMar 2, 2017

Exploring the world of the Madeleine McCann trolls

Researchers found that trolls form 'anti-social networks' that reinforce their behaviour and are attracted to attention from media reports, highlighting the need for social media platforms to take responsibility for negative content

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 2, 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.

A new way of assessing winter driving conditions and associated risks

A new study proposes a risk-based approach for classifying road surface conditions under winter weather events, aiming to improve current road classification systems. The approach estimates driving risk using a collision model calibrated with detailed hourly data of weather, road conditions, traffic, and accidents.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Civil Engineering·DateMar 2, 2017

Probing seven worlds with NASA's James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope will analyze atmospheric components in TRAPPIST-1 exoplanets for potential biosignatures. Three promising planets, e, f and g, orbit within the habitable zone, with conditions suitable for supporting liquid water.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 2, 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.

Researchers store computer operating system and short movie on DNA

A team of researchers at Columbia University has developed an algorithm that unlocks DNA's full storage potential, storing up to 215 petabytes of data in a single gram. They demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of their DNA Fountain technique, which packs more information into DNA molecules than previously published methods.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2017

New path suggested for nuclear fusion

Scientists at Rice University and Chile have proposed a new approach to nuclear fusion by simulating the use of shaped laser pulses to control atomic reactions. This method could potentially produce energy efficiently from deuterium and tritium, with the goal of creating a more sustainable and clean source of power.

SourceRice University·DateMar 2, 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.

A SOI wafer is a suitable substrate for gallium nitride crystals

Gallium nitride (GaN) layers grown on SOI wafers exhibit higher crystalline quality and improved breakdown characteristics than those grown on silicon substrates. This enables the use of clearly higher voltages in power electronics and reduces losses and crosstalk in high-frequency applications.

SourceAalto University·JournalSemiconductor Science and Technology·DateMar 2, 2017

Brake dust may cause more problems than blackened wheel covers

Researchers found that brake dust particles can form a toxic aerosol when mixed with acidic sulfate in the air. The interaction can cause oxidative stress and increase the risk of adverse health effects. While electric cars may reduce tailpipe emissions, brake dust will remain a persistent source of pollution.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 2, 2017

Sharing extra spots could ease West End parking woes

A new UBC study suggests that renting out vacant residential parking stalls in Vancouver's West End could provide enough space for all residents and visitors. The researchers found that 46 properties have over 3,700 unused stalls, which could be converted into short-term parking with minimal modifications.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateMar 2, 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.

'Red hair' gene variant may underlie association between melanoma and Parkinson's disease

A gene variant that produces red hair and fair skin in humans and mice has been found to contribute to the association between melanoma and Parkinson's disease. The study shows that mice carrying this variant have reduced dopamine production and increased sensitivity to toxins, making them more susceptible to neurodegeneration.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 2, 2017