Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive May 2017


Page 32 of 42

Chemically tailored graphene

Scientists have developed a method to precisely control graphene's electronic transport properties using in-situ Raman spectroscopy. This technique allows for the creation of tailored graphene-based materials with controlled function, enabling their utilization in the semiconductor industry.

Lung study points to new therapies to treat critical illness

Researchers discovered a chemical signal linked to life-threatening lung inflammation, pointing towards new therapies. Blocking molecular signalling mechanisms in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) alleviated lung inflammation.

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.

Physical keyboards make virtual reality typing easier

Researchers at Michigan Technological University developed a virtual keyboard that syncs with a physical keyboard, allowing VR typists to see what keys they typed. The system, which uses a light-up virtual keyboard, improves typing performance and reduces errors, making it easier for people to use head-mounted displays for office work.

When electric vehicles crash, what happens to the battery?

Researchers investigate lithium-ion batteries under crash loads, including previous stress, charging status, and temperature. They develop tailor-made test rigs and simulations to understand battery behavior, aiming to contribute to improved range and vehicle design while ensuring safety.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Space weather model simulates solar storms from nowhere

A NASA model has simulated stealth solar storms from the sun, showing how slow and quiet processes can create massive magnetic field twists that speed out into space without warning. The models match space-based observations, revealing a complex process that generates energy over two weeks.

Underlying molecular mechanism of bipolar disorder revealed

A recent study has identified the molecular mechanism behind lithium's effectiveness in treating bipolar disorder, providing a clear path to developing new diagnostic tests and therapies. The research, led by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells to map lithium's response path...

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.

Copays don't reduce use of Medicare home health care, study shows

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that imposing copays on Medicare home health care does not reduce its usage, despite increased out-of-pocket costs for seniors. The researchers analyzed data from over 290,000 seniors and found no significant difference in home care usage between plans with and without copays.

Refrigerator for quantum computers discovered

A new quantum-circuit refrigerator has been invented by Mikko Möttönen and his team at Aalto University, which reduces errors in quantum computing. The device uses a nanoscale cooling mechanism to cool qubits, making them more reliable and powerful.

Geographic disparities in life expectancy among US counties

A study found large geographic disparities in life expectancy among US counties, with a 20.1 year gap between the lowest and highest life expectancies. Life expectancy increased overall, but masked massive variation at the county level, with some areas experiencing much larger increases than others.

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.

Finding a new major gene expression regulator in fungi

Researchers have identified a new major gene expression regulator in fungi, which is preferentially deposited based on gene function and conservation. The discovery was made using DNA sequencing data from 16 fungal genomes, revealing high levels of DNA base modifications, including the methyl group addition to adenine (6mA).

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Breast-feeding's role in 'seeding' infant microbiome

A new UCLA-led study found that breast milk contains nearly a third of the beneficial bacteria in a baby's intestinal tract, and that continued breastfeeding after solid food intake maintains this advantage. This research suggests that breast milk plays a crucial role in establishing a healthy gut microbiome.

Cannabis reverses aging processes in the brain

Researchers found that low-dose cannabis can reverse cognitive decline in older mice by increasing nerve cell connections and reversing molecular signatures. This breakthrough opens the door to potential human clinical trials for treating age-related dementia.

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.

Why some images trigger seizures

Researchers have identified a link between certain static images and gamma oscillations that occur when viewing black and white bar patterns, which can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. By adjusting image parameters, such as contrast and bar width, these images can be reduced to minimize the risk of seizures.

Organic electronics: Semiconductors as decal stickers

Researchers at LMU Munich develop mechanically stable pentacene nanosheets for flexible electronics and biosensors. The new method eliminates the need for solvents and allows for low contact resistance, enabling applications in vital data acquisition, displays, and solar cells

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.

Poor overall environmental quality linked to elevated cancer rates

A new study found that counties with poor environmental quality have higher cancer incidence rates, with air and built environment factors strongly associated. Breast and prostate cancer were most closely linked to poor air quality, highlighting the need for policy changes to reduce pollution.

Rice U. unveils dual-channel biological function generator

Researchers develop biofunction generator and bioscilloscope to analyze and manipulate two biological circuits simultaneously, enabling precise control over gene expression and protein production. The technology, based on mathematical modeling and optogenetics, offers new insights into complex synthetic biological systems.

Commuter marriage study finds surprising emphasis on interdependence

A new study of commuter marriages reveals a surprising emphasis on interdependence among married couples living apart due to their careers. The study found that many respondents described themselves as highly interconnected despite the distance, with communication technologies playing a key role in task sharing.

Paris 1.5°C target may be smashed by 2026

A positive phase of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation could accelerate global warming, potentially pushing temperatures above 1.5°C as early as 2026. According to new research, this natural climate driver would likely produce a sharp acceleration in global warming over the next decade.

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.

Poor environmental quality linked to elevated cancer rates

A new study reveals an association between cumulative exposure to harmful environmental factors and cancer incidence across the United States. Counties with poor environmental quality demonstrated a higher incidence of cancer cases, with prostate and breast cancer showing strong links.

Reversing pest resistance to biotech cotton: The secret is in the mix

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that interbreeding genetically engineered cotton with non-Bt cotton can delay and even reverse evolution of resistance by pests. This novel strategy involves planting a mix of Bt and non-Bt seeds, which generates a random mixture of plants within fields.

Fabrication technology in the fourth dimension

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a construction principle for controlling the deformation of 4D printed objects, which can support weight and change shape in response to external stimuli. The technology has potential applications in aerospace, medical devices, and more.

To improve chronic pain, get more sleep (coffee helps too)

Researchers found that chronic sleep loss significantly exacerbates pain sensitivity in mice, but using caffeine or wakefulness-promoting agents like modafinil can block this effect. These findings suggest a new approach to chronic pain management by addressing both sleep and daytime alertness.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Narrative journaling may help heart health post-divorce

A study of 109 separated or divorced individuals suggests that narrative expressive writing can lower heart rate and increase heart rate variability, both indicators of good cardiovascular health. By creating a structured story around their feelings, participants were able to process emotions in a more physiologically adaptive way.

A slingshot to shoot drugs onto the site of an infection

A team of chemists from Italy and Canada has developed a molecular slingshot made of DNA that can deliver drugs to precise locations in the human body. The device uses a synthetic DNA strand with anchoring moieties that bind to target antibodies, releasing a loaded drug upon recognition.

Scientists find skin cells at the root of balding, gray hair

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a protein called KROX20 is essential for hair pigmentation and a gene called SCF determines the color of hair. The study found that deleting these genes leads to gray or white hair in mice, providing potential insights into balding and aging.

Caution: Energy drinks put individuals with genetic heart condition at risk

A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology has found that energy drinks can trigger serious cardiac events, including arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, in individuals with congenital long QT syndrome. The researchers warn young patients with this genetic condition to exercise caution when consuming energy drinks.

Penn study identifies new target to fight prostate, lung cancer

A Penn study has identified a new molecular chain of events that highlights novel targets to treat prostate cancer, which also shows promise in treating lung cancer. The research found that PKCε overexpression can cause cancer progression and that blocking CXCL13-CXCR5 molecules may be a new cancer treatment.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Microscopic soil creatures could orchestrate massive tree migrations

Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, discovered that tiny soil organisms create 'soil highways' for young trees, influencing their migration patterns. The study suggests that these invisible biotic communities could be used to encourage tree migration and preserve heat-sensitive species.

Low oxygen reverses mitochondrial disease in mice

Researchers found that breathing low-oxygen air reversed brain damage caused by mitochondrial defects in mice. The study suggests that hypoxia therapy may be a potential treatment for mitochondrial diseases, including Leigh syndrome. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop a practical regimen.

The influence of zero-hours contracts on care workers' lives

A study found that UK care workers' understanding of their role and job control are significant workplace hazards. Despite this, zero-hours contracts did not significantly influence employee wellbeing, but employees with these contracts had greater levels of engagement in their jobs.

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.

Physician moms are often subject to workplace discrimination

A survey of 5,782 physician mothers found that 78% experienced discrimination, with forms ranging from disrespect and reduced pay to being overlooked for promotions. Employers can mitigate this by implementing policies like longer paid maternity leaves, backup child care, lactation support, and schedule flexibility.

Satinder Kaur Brar receives AAEES's Grand Prize for University Research

Dr. Satinder Kaur Brar's groundbreaking research has led to the development of a new hybrid technology that can effectively remove emerging trace contaminants from drinking water and wastewater using green chemistry principles. The technology, which combines different treatment technologies with enzymes, has been recognized for its pot...

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.

Gap growing between longest and shortest lifespans in the US

A new study found that the gap between the longest and shortest lifespans in the US has grown significantly since 1980, with some counties experiencing life expectancies as low as 66.8 years. Policies to reduce health inequalities are needed, including promoting healthy behaviors and addressing socioeconomic factors.

Examining breast milk bacterial communities, infant gut biome

A new study by researchers at UCLA found that breast milk contains distinct and diverse bacterial communities that transfer to the infant gut. The study suggests that breastfeeding plays a crucial role in shaping the infant's gut microbiome, with changes observed in a dose-dependent manner.

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.

Changes in Early Stone Age tool production have 'musical' ties

Researchers found that Acheulian tools required integration of visual working memory, auditory information, and complex action-planning - similar brain areas activated in modern piano playing. This suggests that language may not have played a crucial role in the evolution of early stone tool production.