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Science News Archive May 2017


Page 26 of 42

Who swims where?

A global research team developed a new Web app to compare and align marine species occurrence maps from two extensive databases, improving the basis for ecological studies and policy decisions. The updated maps include 24,586 species, with some discrepancies found in the IUCN and AquaMaps datasets.

Cancer metastasis: The unexpected perils of hypoxia

Research reveals how hypoxia leads to inhibition of miR-34a, a key tumor suppressor, promoting metastasis and EMT. The findings suggest that targeting this process with drugs could be a therapeutic approach for treating metastasizing colon tumors.

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.

Who in Europe drinks the most?

Researchers in Europe have found that people from Britain, Ireland, and Portugal drink the most, with binge drinking common in these countries. The study also reveals a link between social status and alcohol consumption, with wealthier individuals drinking more.

World-first proton CT images create a new vision for cancer treatment

The world's first computerized tomography (CT) images of biological tissue using protons have been produced, revolutionizing Proton Therapy for cancer treatment. This breakthrough enables detailed three-dimensional images to be created, allowing for more accurate targeting of tumors and reduced radiation exposure.

Disentangling chloroplast genetics

Japanese researchers isolated a protein essential for chloroplast nucleoid segregation, improving understanding of chloroplast DNA dynamics. The moc1 gene functions as a 'Holliday junction resolvase', untangling DNA structures crucial for cell health.

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.

Ancient Mars impacts created tornado-like winds that scoured surface

Research by Brown University geologists reveals that ancient Mars impacts generated tornado-like wind vortices that scoured the surface, exposing blockier surfaces beneath. The winds, which reached speeds of up to 500 miles per hour, were responsible for creating bright streaks on the Martian surface.

Cutting smoking rates could save the NHS £67 million a year

Research predicts achieving a 'tobacco-free' UK by 2035 will save the NHS £67m in direct costs and £548m in economic costs. The study forecasts nearly 100,000 new cases of smoking-related disease will be avoided, including 35,900 cancers over 20 years.

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.

Researchers team up to create tech solutions for clean food and water

Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University are developing sustainable clean-tech solutions for global potable water and clean food production. The project aims to improve energy and water consumption, as well as environmental and carbon footprint in closed greenhouses.

Marijuana use tied to poorer school performance

A study by the University of Waterloo found that frequent marijuana use among high school students negatively impacts academic performance, with those who started using regularly being four times more likely to skip class and half as likely to achieve high grades.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Teleconnection between the tropical Pacific and Antarctica

A Hokkaido University researcher found a correlation between high tropical Pacific seawater temperatures and increased ice breakup in East Antarctica. The study suggests that warmer seawater triggers atmospheric waves, leading to large ice breakups at Syowa Station.

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.

Low heart rate linked to stalking behaviors in men in SHSU study

A recent study published in Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that males with low resting heart rates were at significantly greater risk of engaging in stalking behavior. Males with heart rates one standard deviation below the mean or lower had nearly three times the odds of having engaged in stalking compared to other participants.

'Molecular prosthetics' can replace missing proteins to treat disease

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a small molecule called hinokitiol that can transport iron in human cells and animals when proteins are missing. This breakthrough could potentially treat diseases such as anemia, cystic fibrosis, and certain types of heart disease.

Beware of parasites in raw/undercooked fish, warn doctors

A growing number of cases in Western countries have been linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked fish, specifically sushi. Anisakiasis is caused by eating infected fish and can lead to symptoms such as upper gut pain, vomiting, fever, bowel obstruction, and bleeding.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

More natural dust in the air improves air quality in eastern China

Reduced natural dust from the Gobi Desert leads to increased man-made pollution over eastern China due to reduced temperature differential between sea and land, resulting in weaker winds and air stagnation. This has a profound effect on climate and air quality, with cleaner air observed two to three days after wind-borne dust arrives.

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.

Compiling big data in a human-centric way

MARRVEL, a big data search engine, enables researchers to efficiently access human genome variants and phenotypes from multiple databases. The tool provides a concise summary of the most relevant information, facilitating analysis and discovery.

Movement of early humans into the Indian subcontinent

Researchers modeled prehistoric human migration using a diffusion equation, accounting for geological data and habitability factors. They found that groups merged in well-localized regions within the subcontinent, with genetic data agreeing with their predictions.

Can crab shells provide a 'green' solution to malaria?

A non-toxic mixture of chitin-rich crab shell powder and silver nanoparticles effectively inhibits the growth of mosquito larvae and prevents bacterial species from multiplying. The eco-friendly solution shows promise in controlling the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes, including those responsible for malaria.

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.

Interrupting inflammatory signals decreases repeat artery blockage

Researchers found that injecting an anti-inflammatory steroid directly into the tissue surrounding a leg artery reduced inflammatory biomarkers and prevented repeat blockages. The treatment showed promise for improving treatment outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease.

Warmer temperatures cause decline in key runoff measure

A new study found that warmer temperatures have deepened the decline in streamflow in the Upper Rio Grande watershed since the mid-1980s. The research suggests that incorporating temperature into water supply forecasts could improve their accuracy, especially in the face of climate change.

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.

Tamoxifen protects against obesity-related metabolic disorders

A new study finds that tamoxifen reduces food intake and prevents fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and fatty liver deposits in female mice fed a high-fat diet. Tamoxifen's protective effects are attributed to the activation of ER°-AF1, opening up possibilities for new therapies.

TV accentuates traditional women's roles at expense of their needs

Research reveals that TV accentuates traditional women's roles at the expense of their needs, leading to lower sexual assertiveness and increased shame. Women who reject these norms face backlash, making it difficult for them to challenge negative discourse and improve their confidence about sex.

Baleen whales' ancestors were toothy suction feeders

Researchers have discovered a 36.4-million-year-old whale fossil that suggests baleen whales' ancestors were toothy suction feeders, diverging from their hunting lifestyle to filter-feed tiny marine animals. The study also reveals that whales likely lost hind limbs more recently than previously estimated.

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.

Learning styles -- A once hot debate redshifts

A recent study of 114 academics in the UK found that while 58% believe Learning Styles is beneficial, only 33% use it. The study also revealed that most faculty consider the approach fundamentally flawed and prefer evidence-based techniques instead. Promoting these effective methods could be a more productive focus for education research.

Organ signal find raises hopes of immune disorder treatments

Scientists have discovered two molecules that enhance tissue repair in vital organs, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like asthma and fibrosis. The study found specific signals in the lungs and liver can regulate the immune response, aiding in damage repair.

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.

Cornell researches black bear boom in New York

A new study by Cornell University researchers estimates the densities of black bears in southern New York, finding an average density of about 13 bears per 38.6 square miles. The findings provide clues for how bears might continue to use landscapes farther north as their ranges expand.

Three new sub-species of snow leopard discovered

The study reveals three primary genetic clusters of snow leopards, each found in a distinct geographical region. The discovery sheds light on the species' evolution, ecology, and conservation, highlighting the need for transboundary initiatives to protect this majestic big cat.

Unexpectedly primitive atmosphere found around distant 'warm Neptune'

A new study reveals that HAT-P-26b, a Neptune-sized planet, has a hydrogen and helium-dominated atmosphere with a strong water signature. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that planets like Neptune formed in a region of icy debris, instead suggesting alternative formation mechanisms.

NASA caught Tropical Storm Adrian quickly losing steam

Tropical Storm Adrian formed on May 10, but quickly lost steam, weakening to a remnant low pressure area by May 11. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to near 30 mph (45 kph), with some further weakening forecast over the next 48 hours.

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.

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.

Compound corrects iron-delivery defects

Researchers discovered Hinokitiol's ability to transport iron across cell membranes, correcting anemia caused by genetic deficiencies. The compound also promotes iron gut absorption and hemoglobin creation, suggesting its potential for treating human diseases.

Beauty requires thought, neuroscientists find

A team of neuroscientists confirms Immanuel Kant's 18th-century claim that experiencing beauty requires thought. The study found that adding a distraction to the experience reduces feelings of pleasure and beauty in viewing beautiful images, but not those from non-beautiful things.

Biological activity found to affect aerosols produced from sea spray

Scientists discovered that biological activity in sea spray affects the chemical composition of aerosol particles, making them more complex and diverse. This finding could improve the accuracy of atmospheric and climate models, which play a crucial role in understanding the impact of sea spray on climate.