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Science News Archive May 2017


Page 22 of 42

Atheism might be more common than assumed...but it's complicated

Researchers used an indirect measurement technique to estimate atheism prevalence in the US, finding that it may be as high as 20-35%, which challenges prevailing theories. The study's findings suggest that people may be reluctant to disclose their lack of belief due to stigma, leading to underreported rates.

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.

Why did hunter-gatherers first begin farming?

Researchers discovered strong evidence for a general enlargement of seeds due to domestication across seven vegetable species. Domesticated maize seeds are 15 times bigger than the wild form, while soybean seeds are seven times bigger.

Refining the ocean's thermometer

Foraminifera, single-celled plankton, build microscopic calcite shells that reflect environmental conditions. Recent experiments reveal magnesium levels vary in shells due to daily light/dark cycles, increasing confidence in plankton as climate records.

Weekly steroids strengthen and repair muscles

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that weekly glucocorticoid steroid doses, such as prednisone, promote muscle repair and recovery in muscle injuries. The study showed that daily doses cause muscle wasting, but weekly doses stimulate the production of annexins and KLF15 proteins, leading to improved muscle performance.

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.

Bathroom scales will inform about life threatening conditions

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology are developing multifunctional scales to monitor health and detect potentially life-threatening conditions. The scales can measure arterial stiffness and even recognize the development of hyperkalemia, a condition that requires dialysis.

3-D printed ovaries produce healthy offspring

Researchers at Northwestern University have created bioprosthetic mouse ovaries using 3D printing, which not only ovulate but also give birth to healthy pups. The study's findings suggest that scaffold architecture plays a crucial role in follicle survival, paving the way for potential human applications.

Frisky female fruit flies become more aggressive towards each other after sex

Research reveals that mating stimulates aggression in female fruit flies, making them more intolerant of others and changing their behavior, including increased ovulation and rejection of male advances. The study's findings have implications for understanding female competition and potentially controlling pest insect populations.

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.

New 'styrofoam' planet provides tools in search for habitable planets

Astronomers have discovered a new gas giant, KELT-11b, with an incredibly low density similar to styrofoam, offering opportunities to test atmospheres and assess habitability. The planet's large atmosphere will aid in developing techniques to identify chemicals and products of life.

Molecular dynamics, machine learning create 'hyper-predictive' computer models

Researchers from North Carolina State University have demonstrated that integrating molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning techniques can create more accurate computer prediction models. The new models, called 'hyper-predictive,' can quickly predict which new chemical compounds could be promising drug candidates. This is a...

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.

Ebola: Lives to be saved with new management approach

A new management approach developed by an international team of researchers, including the University of Warwick, helps to streamline outbreak decision-making. The approach identifies two effective strategies: reducing transmission rates at funerals and in communities, such as educating people about disease transmission.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ebola survivors have a 'unique' retinal scar

Researchers found that around 15% of Ebola survivors have distinctive retinal scars, which appear specific to the disease but spare vision. The study also suggests that aqueous fluid analysis can help diagnose Ebola eye disease and enable access to cataract surgery for affected survivors

New $2.7M federal grant awarded to JAX Alzheimer's researcher

JAX researcher Catherine Kaczorowski will receive a $2.7M federal grant to investigate the complex processes involved in both healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease through genomic studies. The goal is to identify genetic factors, mechanisms underlying normal aging, and potential targets for intervention against Alzheimer's.

Let there be tissue

UCSB researchers have developed a new method to control gene expression in embryonic stem cells using light, allowing for the precise engineering of tissues. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapeutic applications and insights into tissue development.

More than half of eligible US travelers skip their pre-trip measles vaccine

More than half of eligible US travelers fail to receive a pre-trip measles vaccine, despite clinical recommendations. This increases the risk of endemic measles outbreaks in the US. Researchers urge improved provider and traveler knowledge of measles as a travel-related illness and increased vaccination rates.

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.

Campi Flegrei volcano eruption possibly closer than thought

Researchers at UCL and the Vesuvius Observatory used a new model to investigate Campi Flegrei's unrest, finding a build-up of energy that makes the volcano more susceptible to eruption. The study suggests an increased possibility of eruption in the near future.

Code of conduct needed for ocean conservation, study says

A diverse group of experts is advocating for a marine code of conduct to address human rights violations and promote socially responsible decision-making in ocean conservation. The recommended principles include indigenous rights, food security, inclusivity, and transparency.

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.

Researchers uncover potential risks of common MS treatment

A comprehensive study by UBC researchers found an increased risk of stroke, migraine, depression, and abnormalities in the blood with beta interferon treatment. The study complements previous observations and highlights the need for further research on developing biomarkers to identify patients at greatest risk.

Skin cancer on the rise

Researchers found that squamous cell carcinoma diagnoses increased by 263% and basal cell carcinomas by 145% between 2000-2010. Women in specific age groups experienced the greatest increase in basal cell carcinoma diagnoses, while men's diagnosis trends varied across time periods.

What is survival among patients with Parkinson, Dementia with lewy bodies?

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that patients with Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies died approximately two years earlier than the general population. The highest risk of death was seen among those with multiple system atrophy with parkinsonism, highlighting the need for tailored care and management strategies.

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.

Unfolding the folding mechanism of ladybug wings

Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered how ladybugs fold their wings by transplanting a transparent artificial wing onto an insect. The study revealed that the ladybugs use a combination of origami-like creases and abdominal movements to achieve complex folding, which has significant implications for engineering science.

Hundreds of thousands of strokes may be preventable each year

A study found that 4 in 10 patients with elevated stroke risk are not prescribed necessary stroke-prevention medication, resulting in potentially hundreds of thousands of preventable strokes each year. The lack of prescribed medication is attributed to disparities in prescribing practices and patient socioeconomic factors.

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.

Personality may change when you drink, but less than you think

A study found that participants reported changes in all five major personality factors when intoxicated, but observers noted only reliable differences in extraversion. The discrepancy may be due to inherent differences in point of view, with participants experiencing internal changes that were imperceptible to observers.

Migratory birds bumped off schedule as climate change shifts spring

A growing shift in spring's onset is leaving nine songbird species unable to reach their breeding grounds, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Climate change is triggering plants to grow earlier or later than normal, disrupting biological cycles and putting the survival of many bird species at risk.

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.

Certain immune reactions to viruses cause learning problems

A study published in Nature Medicine found that immune reactions to viruses can disrupt brain connections, leading to learning problems. The research team identified CX3CR1highLY6Clow monocytes as the key players in this process, releasing inflammatory signaling protein TNFα which blocks nerve cell connection formation.

Varied increases in extreme rainfall with global warming

A new study reveals that extreme rainfall events will increase in intensity globally, with varying degrees of impact depending on region. Regions such as North America and Europe can expect a 25% increase in intense rainfall by 4°C warming, while the Asian monsoon region may see even greater increases.

Portland State researcher discovers new species of South American rabbit

A new species of South American rabbit has been discovered by Portland State University researcher Luis Ruedas, who found the creature to be larger and shaped differently from its cousins. The discovery is significant as it will require renaming other rabbit species in the region, potentially affecting conservation efforts.

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.

Grassy beginning for earliest Homo

Researchers discovered the oldest known evidence of Homo at Ledi-Geraru, dated to 2.8 million years ago, with early Homo associated with open and arid grassy environments. The diet of early Homo appears similar to that of Australopithecus, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of Homo.

Scientists study atmospheric waves radiating out of hurricanes

Researchers have discovered atmospheric gravity waves radiating from hurricanes, which could be used to monitor the storms' intensity and location from hundreds of miles away. These subtle waves can reveal processes occurring in the eyewall of a hurricane that are obscured by thick clouds, leading to better forecasts.

A path toward ending AIDS in the US by 2025

A new study models HIV incidence, prevalence, and mortality to determine feasible targets for ending the US AIDS epidemic. Achieving a reduction of 12,000 new infections by 2025 could mark an important turning point in the epidemic, with significant declines in HIV transmission rates and related deaths.

Heart attack risk increases 17-fold following respiratory infections

Researchers found a significant association between respiratory infections and increased heart attack risk, with a 17-fold increase in the seven days following an infection. The study suggests that even mild upper respiratory tract infections can elevate the risk of heart attacks.

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.

Virtual top hats allow swarming robots to fly in tight formation

Georgia Tech researchers have developed a team of free-flying robots that can maintain formation and avoid collisions. The robots use virtual top hats to maneuver in the air. Meanwhile, autonomous blimps with face-detecting capabilities are being built to recognize hand gestures and interact with humans.

Arctic warming to increase Eurasian extreme cold events

A recent study by Dr. YAO Yao and Prof. LUO Dehai found that Arctic warming strengthens Ural blocking, leading to more widespread Eurasian cold events. The study suggests that the large BKS warming since 2000 weakens the meridional temperature gradient, increasing persistence of the UB.

Parents support policies to limit teens' access to indoor tanning

A study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that 65% of parents supported age-based restrictions on indoor tanning for adolescents. Parents who perceived the harms of indoor tanning were more likely to support bans, highlighting the importance of public health efforts to reduce adolescents' use.

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.

Scientists light the way for immune system to attack cancer

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a practical way to use light to guide T cells towards tumors, overcoming the challenges of immunotherapy. The innovative method could lead to safer and more effective treatment options for cancer patients.