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Science News Archive May 2017


Page 16 of 42

Brain fights West Nile Virus in unexpected way

Researchers found that RIPK3 acts as part of the brain's anti-viral inflammation response, placing an order for chemokines to attract infection-fighting white blood cells. This approach restricts viral pathogenesis without directly stopping virus reproduction within brain cells.

Nearly $8 million awarded to advance engineered metamaterials research

A Penn State researcher has been awarded nearly $8 million by DARPA, the US Navy, and Lockheed Martin to continue his work on engineered metamaterials. The project aims to develop new algorithms and simulation tools for designing optical materials, with potential applications in electromagnetic cloaking technology.

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.

Photocatalyst makes hydrogen production 10 times more efficient

Researchers at Kobe University have developed a new photocatalyst that increases hydrogen production tenfold. By deliberately creating a lack of uniformity in size and arrangement of crystals, the team was able to spatially separate electrons and holes, preventing recombination and increasing conversion efficiency.

There's more to attraction than what meets the eye

Research highlights the importance of non-visual factors like voice and scent in social perception, which can influence attractiveness. Studies have shown that people can accurately guess characteristics like gender, age, and body size from a voice or scent.

Camera-equipped drones preserve framing when shooting video

A team of MIT researchers created a system that allows directors to specify a shot's framing and generate control signals for a camera-equipped autonomous drone, preserving the framing as actors move. The system guarantees safe collision avoidance with obstacles.

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.

FSU study reports encouraging trend in infant mortality

A new study from FSU's College of Medicine projects that 18 states can eliminate racial disparities in infant mortality by 2050, saving over 4,000 lives annually. This encouraging trend is a rare bit of news on infant mortality, which persistently affects black babies more than white babies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Customized, frequent emails show promise in tobacco cessation

A study published in Tobacco Control found that smokers who received customized, frequent emails with quitting tips and social support had higher cessation rates than those who received non-tailored emails or no email support. The success rate was highest among those receiving daily or near-daily guidance.

How the injured brain tells the body it's hurt

In a breakthrough study, Johns Hopkins researchers identified a new way that the brain communicates with the immune system, using vesicles and small fat-like molecules to send signals. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for brain injuries by targeting the inflammatory response.

New algorithm tracks neurons in bendy brain of freely crawling worm

Scientists developed an automated approach to track neurons in the brain of freely crawling worms, enabling researchers to correlate neural activity with specific movements and behaviors. The new algorithm, dubbed Neuron Registration Vector Encoding, improves upon previous methods by assigning a unique identity to each neuron it detects.

Untangling the genetic legacy of tomato domestication

Researchers identified two genes that contribute to extreme branching in tomatoes, but found a way to use these genes to create improved plants with increased fruit yields. The study's findings could have implications for other crops in the same genus as tomatoes.

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.

Study suggests using a mindfulness approach helps weight loss

A new research study presented at the European Congress on Obesity suggests using a mindfulness approach is an effective way to aid weight loss. Participants who completed the online program 'Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less' lost more weight than those in the waitlist control group.

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.

A neural explanation for 'monkey see, monkey do'

A neural explanation for 'monkey see, monkey do' involves a specialized circuit in primates analyzing social interactions like grooming and fighting. The study found that brain networks associated with visual features are highly active when observing these interactions, similar to the human brain's social interaction systems.

Know thyself to understand others

A three-month contemplative training course improved participants' ability to identify and understand their own inner parts and those of others. The more negative inner parts identified, the better awareness of other people's frame of mind became.

Deciphering the fluid floorplan of a planet

Researchers analyzed drainage patterns on three planets, revealing that long-wavelength features dominate the layout of river networks. The study suggests that short-wavelength features like mountains can divert rivers, leading to poor correlation between river flow directions and large-scale landscape topography.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A recipe for concrete that can withstand road salt deterioration

A Drexel University team developed a new concrete mix using fly ash, slag, and silica fume to resist chemical erosion from road salt. The research found that these supplementary cement materials can be substituted into the mix with better results when exposed to calcium chloride deicing salt.

Eating more fruits and vegetables may lower risk of blockages in leg arteries

Research found that eating three or more servings of fruit and vegetables daily can reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) by 18 percent. The study, published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, also highlighted the importance of public health awareness and dietary assessments for PAD patients.

First-ever global study finds massive health care inequity

A global study reveals significant disparities in healthcare access and quality among countries, with the US scoring poorly due to preventable causes. The study uses a novel analysis of mortality rates from 32 amenable causes, providing insights into gaps in healthcare systems worldwide.

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.

NASA mission uncovers a dance of electrons in space

The MMS mission has discovered a hybrid motion exhibited by electrons in intermediate strength magnetic fields, characterized by spiraling and bouncing motions. This phenomenon plays a key role in magnetic reconnection, a process that can explosively release large amounts of stored magnetic energy.

Scientists to test Zika virus on brain tumors

Researchers aim to use Zika virus to target glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of brain tumour. The virus can cross the blood-brain barrier, sparing healthy tissue and opening a potential new way to attack the disease.

Graphene-nanotube hybrid boosts lithium metal batteries

Rice researchers develop a graphene-nanotube hybrid anode that stores 3,351 milliamp hours per gram of lithium, close to the theoretical maximum and 10 times that of lithium-ion batteries. The anode material suppresses dendrite growth, allowing for efficient lithium storage.

The Charlie Sheen effect on HIV testing

A new study published in Prevention Science found that Charlie Sheen's HIV-positive disclosure on November 17, 2015, corresponded with record levels of HIV testing, including a near-doubling in at-home rapid test sales. The study also suggests that public health leaders should consider embracing big media data for decision-making.

World's thinnest hologram paves path to new 3-D world

The RMIT team has developed a nano-hologram that is simple to make, can be seen without 3D goggles and is 1000 times thinner than a human hair. The discovery could transform industries such as medical diagnostics, education, data storage, defence and cyber security with the potential to display a wealth of data.

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.

Hubble spots moon around third largest dwarf planet

Astronomers have discovered a moon orbiting the third largest dwarf planet in our solar system using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The discovery provides key insights into how moons formed in the young solar system.

Insight into enzyme's 3-D structure could cut biofuel costs

A Los Alamos research team used neutron crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structure of a protein that breaks down cellulose, a key step in creating biofuels. The findings suggest that understanding the mechanism of this enzyme could lead to more efficient and cost-effective production of ethanol.

FDA-approved drug helps treat rare immunologic disease, study finds

A Phase 3 clinical trial found that adding mepolizumab to standard treatment for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) significantly improved remission rates, with 28% of participants achieving remission after one year. The disease was in remission at weeks 36 and 48 in 32% of participants who received mepolizumab.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fake caterpillar study reveals global pattern in predation

A new study reveals a global pattern of caterpillar predation driven by tiny arthropod predators like ants, contrary to expectations. The trends show that caterpillars near the Equator are eight times more likely to be eaten than those at the poles.

Deaths from Chagas disease under-reported

A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that Chagas disease significantly increases the risk of death, especially among those with cardiac complications. The study suggests that deaths from Chagas have been under-reported due to misdiagnosis and highlights the need for further research into new therapeutic options.

Tiny bite marks reveal a global pattern in predation

A global pattern in predation on insect herbivores has been discovered using 'dummy caterpillars', revealing that tiny arthropod predators like ants drive the increase in predation risk towards the Equator. The study found a significant decrease in predation risk near the poles, with a corresponding increase near the Equator.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Nanophysics: Saving energy with a spot of silver

Scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München demonstrate that tiny spots of silver can significantly reduce energy consumption in light-based computation. By exploiting the properties of plasmon oscillations, they achieve a balance between nanometer-scale dimensions and low energy loss.

Monash discovery may help unlock the key to infertility in older women

Researchers have identified a key process that contributes to chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriages in older women, offering new hope for improving fertility treatments. The discovery focuses on the regulation of securin levels in egg development, which can help prevent chromosomal abnormalities.

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.

Want to avoid predators? Head to the poles

A new study models herbivore arthropods across six continents and finds that predation rates decrease with increasing latitude and elevation. The research suggests that caterpillars may have evolved shorter development times to counteract increased predation at lower latitudes.

GIS -- a powerful tool to be used with caution

A recent study challenges GIS credibility in assessing shoreline erosion to archaeological sites, highlighting the need for more current imagery sources and semi-regular updates. The research suggests that while GIS can be useful in identifying areas at risk, its limitations due to volatile weather conditions must be acknowledged.

New comprehensive national database advances gun policy research

A comprehensive national database of state firearms laws has been developed to gauge the impact of laws intended to reduce firearm-related violence. The study found a significant increase in enacted state firearm provisions nationwide, but also identified disparities and inconsistencies between states.

Mechanisms behind sensory deficits in Parkinson's disease

Researchers identified neural circuits behind sensory deficits in Parkinson's disease by studying mice with dopamine-depleted brains. The study found that treating mice with L-DOPA restored their ability to distinguish between left and right whiskers, offering new avenues for earlier diagnosis.

New tools safeguard census data about where you live and work

Researchers at Duke University have developed new algorithms that enable analysis of sensitive data while guaranteeing individual privacy. The tools use a customized definition of privacy similar to differential privacy, injecting just enough noise to satisfy regulations and uphold the law.

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.

Obesity is in the eye of the beholder

A Cornell University study found that white women are penalized for being overweight, while white men face penalties for both underweight and overweight status. In contrast, African Americans have become more accepting of larger bodies.

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.

Engineering heart valves for the many

A Harvard-Wyss Institute and University of Zurich team developed a nanofiber fabrication technique to create regenerative heart valves with growth potential. The technology enables rapid manufacturing of customizable, scalable, and cost-effective prostheses that can be implanted minimally invasively.

Using graphene to create quantum bits

Graphene-based quantum capacitor offers advantages in fabrication and resistance to electromagnetic interference. The device has the potential to produce stable qubits and can be used for high-frequency circuits or other electro-optic applications.

Antarctica 'greening' due to climate change

Scientists discovered a sharp increase in moss growth on Antarctica's Antarctic Peninsula, indicating major changes in ecosystems. The study found clear evidence of 'changepoints' over the past half century, suggesting that plants and soils will alter substantially even with modest further warming.

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.

Love hormone is released during crises

When a partner shows less interest in the relationship, oxytocin levels increase to promote attention and motivation towards the partnership. However, this 'crisis hormone' may have limits to its effectiveness, particularly if the relationship is deemed lost.