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Science News Archive May 2017


Page 11 of 42

How X-rays helped to solve mystery of floating rocks

Researchers used X-ray studies to investigate the floating properties of pumice rocks, finding that surface tension plays a key role in trapping gases within the rock's pores. The study provides new insights into the longevity of these rocks, which can travel thousands of miles on ocean currents.

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.

Tracking cancer's signaling pathways

A new robot technology reveals that the ADAM10 signalling pathway is activated during melanoma transformation, enabling a better diagnosis and potential simplification of detection methods. The research suggests avoiding cosmetic products with aluminium, which can activate this pathway.

Comparison of antibiotic treatments for cellulitis

A recent study published in JAMA compared the effectiveness of antibiotics with and without MRSA activity for treating cellulitis. The results showed that while certain groups may benefit from these regimens, further research is needed to confirm the findings. The study also highlights limitations in the current trial design.

Mystery of butterfly research resolved

Researchers employed high-resolution microscopy techniques to study the formation mechanism of butterfly wing scales. The green butterfly features separated photonic crystal domains that increase in size from base to tip, suggesting time-frozen growth stages.

Follow-up imaging is less when radiologists read ED ultrasounds

A recent study found that follow-up imaging is significantly less when initial emergency department (ED) ultrasound examinations are interpreted by a radiologist rather than a nonradiologist. Radiologists interpret the vast majority of ED ultrasounds, with 81.6% of cases handled by them and 36,788 cases handled by nonradiologists.

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.

Friends help female vampire bats cope with loss

Researchers found that female vampire bats who invest in non-kin friendships cope better when a major food donor is removed from their social network. They score more food than those who only focus on close kin relationships.

A new tool for discovering nanoporous materials

EPFL scientists have developed a mathematical method using persistent homology to quantify similarity of pore structures in nanoporous materials. This allows searching databases for similar pore shapes and discovering new materials with optimal performance.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

School choice policies may impact segregation and diversity of public schools

A recent study by Erica Frankenberg found that student assignment policies in Jefferson County, Kentucky, are increasing diversity despite rising segregation. The new policies have resulted in steady enrollment growth with no evidence of flight by white or affluent students to private schools or neighboring districts.

Probing problems with bariatric surgery: Reoperations, variation are common

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 patients with lap-band surgery undergo multiple device-related reoperations, and complication rates range greatly. Accredited bariatric centers also vary significantly in their rates of serious complications, with a 17-fold difference between the highest and lowest rates.

You don't see what I see?

A recent study found that cultural differences in visual processing affect the ability to discern simple differences between geometric figures. North Americans took longer to identify a straight line among tilted ones compared to Japanese volunteers.

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.

Weather patterns' influence on frost timing

Researchers from the University of Utah and USGS analyzed 93 years of weather data to find that atmospheric circulation patterns account for 25-48% of variation in frost timing, while global warming contributes 3-5 days to the lengthening of the frost-free season.

Birds, bees and other critters have scruples, and for good reason

Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified conscientiousness in a range of animal species, from birds to insects. This trait, characterized by working hard, paying attention to detail, and striving to do the right thing, is linked to evolutionary benefits such as improved hunting success and mating advantages.

The high plains aquifer: Can we make it last?

The High Plains aquifer is a critical water source for US agriculture, but its long-term viability is threatened by diminishing groundwater levels. The authors argue that good management practices can extend the aquifer's lifespan, but require collective effort and cooperation across disciplines and political divides.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Using a genetic signature to overcome chemotherapy-resistant lung cancer

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a 35-gene signature that indicates higher genetic likelihood of chemotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. This biomarker can help predict relapse and provide a new pharmacologic approach to target chemo-resistant lung cancer.

Study: Street gangs, crime serve as deviant leisure activities for youths

A new study suggests that gang membership and criminal acts serve as deviant leisure activities for young people, filling their needs for excitement and a sense of belonging. The researchers found that many participants enjoyed the violence and experienced a rush during violent incidents, with some likening it to a drug addiction.

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.

American Sleep Medicine Foundation names research award recipients

The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has selected researchers Dr. Emerson Wickwire, Dr. Jessica Levenson, Dr. Benjamin Pliska, and Dr. Allen Firestone to receive research awards for their projects aimed at improving sleep health and advancing the field of sleep medicine.

UT study shows snakes, thought to be solitary eaters, coordinate hunts

Researchers observed Cuban boas in bat caves and found that coordinating their positions formed a wall across the entrance, making it difficult for bats to pass without getting within striking distance. This cooperative hunting strategy was always successful, with more snakes present leading to faster capture times.

South highest, Northeast lowest for child auto fatalities

A new review of child-related auto fatalities found that the South had the highest number of fatalities and the Northeast the lowest, with a national mortality rate of 16%. Improper restraints and crashes on rural roads were common causes of deaths.

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.

Tracking down the scent of recycled plastic

A young researcher at FAU has studied what causes recycled plastic to smell, identifying key contaminants such as mouldy, cheesy, or acidic-smelling molecules. The study's findings will help scientists develop strategies for reducing odours in recycled plastics.

Mortality rates lower at major teaching hospitals

A recent study analyzing over 21 million Medicare discharges found that admission to a major teaching hospital was linked to a lower overall 30-day risk of death compared to nonteaching hospitals. The study, published in JAMA, also revealed differences in mortality rates among smaller and larger teaching hospitals.

Exposure to particulate matter from traffic and residential heating

A study by Dr. Mihkel Pindus et al found exposure to traffic-related particulate matter (PM) was associated with cardiac diseases in Tartu, Estonia, whereas PM from residential heating had no link. The results confirm the health effects of low-level PM and highlight differences in associations depending on the PM source.

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.

Online pulmonary rehabilitation not inferior to face-to-face rehab

A randomized controlled trial found that online pulmonary rehabilitation was non-inferior to in-person classes in improving exercise capacity and symptom control among patients with moderate COPD. The study used the MyPR application, which is free for UK patients with advanced COPD.

Among all cancers, lung cancer appears to put patients at greatest suicide risk

A study analyzing 3,640,229 patients in the SEER database found that lung cancer diagnoses are associated with a nearly 420% higher suicide rate compared to the general population. The highest suicide risk was observed in lung cancer patients, particularly older individuals, widowed patients, and those with metastatic disease.

A review of denoising medical images using machine learning approaches

Machine learning techniques are successfully applied to image-based diagnosis, disease detection, and prognosis in medical imaging. The review focuses on denoising methods using machine learning approaches to develop a systematic decision for diagnosing and prediction of medical images.

First study shows tie between probiotic and improved symptoms of depression

A McMaster University study found that a specific probiotic improved both gut and psychological symptoms in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and mild to moderate anxiety or depression. The pilot study showed significant improvements in depression scores, associated with changes in brain areas involved in mood control.

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.

Immunotherapy target suppresses pain to mask cancer

Researchers discovered that a molecule called PD-L1 can mask pain by suppressing nociceptive neuron activity via PD-1. This finding could lead to the development of predictive tests and treatments for pain, as well as new ways to assess immunotherapy treatment efficacy.

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.

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.

Rethinking exercise: Replace punishing workouts with movement that makes you happy

A new study finds that both active and inactive women report similar ingredients for feeling happy and successful, including connecting with others, being relaxed during leisure time, and accomplishing goals. However, inactive women's negative expectations about exercise hinder their ability to adopt and sustain physically active lives.

Discovery of a key regulatory gene in cardiac valve formation

A research team has identified the HAND2 gene as a key regulator that triggers the formation of cardiac valves in mouse embryos. This discovery advances our molecular knowledge of cardiac valve development and may also help provide genetic diagnosis for patients with congenital heart malformations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Do consent decrees adequately address police misconduct?

A study on consent decrees and police misconduct found modest reductions in civil rights filings, suggesting increased public satisfaction with law enforcement agencies. Researchers argue that consent decrees may be a powerful tool for reforming problematic police departments.

Where body fat is carried can predict cancer risk

Research published in the British Journal of Cancer found that carrying excess body fat can increase cancer risk, with waistline and hip measurements being key indicators. The study combined data from over 43,000 participants and found that adding just 11cm to the waistline increased obesity-related cancer risk by 13%.

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.

Food is not just the sum of its nutrients

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen argue that the health effects of a food product cannot be determined solely on the basis of its nutrient content. The findings suggest that interactions between nutrients and bioactive substances can alter the nutritional and health properties of a particular food. This challenges current n...