Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 11


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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 23, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 23, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 23, 2017

Pope's encyclical boosted his credibility on climate change, especially among liberals

A study published in Cognition found that Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical on climate change increased perceptions of his credibility on the issue, particularly among liberals, but did not directly influence people's beliefs about its seriousness or effects on the poor. The study used a panel of 602 U.S. adults who completed surveys befo...

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalCognition·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCognitive Science·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

Enforcing a weekday bedtime could help your child get sufficient sleep

A new study published in BMC Public Health found that enforcing rules about bedtimes on weekdays significantly impacts children's sleep. Parents who enforce bedtime rules on weekdays are 59% more likely to have their child meeting sleep guidelines, according to the researchers.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 23, 2017

Optimization of hemp-ground tire rubber/high density polyethylene composites

Researchers developed hybrid composites using hemp fibers and ground tire rubber to improve interfacial adhesion and balance stiffness and strength. The quality-over-cost ratio was optimized by combining mechanical property data with raw material costs, making the methodology applicable to various systems.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Applied Polymer Science·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLeisure Sciences·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateMay 23, 2017

Parents' reasons for not vaccinating children influence public attitudes toward them

A new study found that mothers who refuse to vaccinate their children are viewed more negatively than those who delay vaccines due to safety concerns. Researchers used an online survey to examine attitudes toward under-vaccinated children and their parents, revealing stigmatization regardless of reason for non-compliance.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalAnimal Behavior and Cognition·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 23, 2017
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 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.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalJournal of Separation Science·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Respiratory Medicine Journal·DateMay 23, 2017

Declawing linked to aggression and other abnormal behaviors in cats

A study found declawed cats exhibit increased risk of pain, aggression, and behavioral issues such as inappropriate elimination. The research highlights the importance of considering long-term health effects and exploring alternative solutions to reduce welfare concerns.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medical Imaging Formerly Current Medical Imaging Reviews·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 23, 2017

Understanding stars: How tornado-shaped flow in a dynamo strengthens the magnetic field

A new simulation based on the von-Kármán-Sodium (VKS) dynamo experiment investigates the effects of fluid resistivity and turbulence on the collimation of the magnetic field. Researchers found that using magnetized ferromagnetic materials increases the magnetic field collimation, while conducting materials weaken it. This study contrib...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

Atomic structure of irradiated materials is more akin to liquid than glass

Researchers discover that irradiation-induced disordering in materials differs from vitrification, leading to a more disordered atomic network resembling liquids. This finding has significant implications for material selection in nuclear applications and raises safety concerns.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 23, 2017

Paper: DNA may have only modest impact on sexual assault arrests

A new study found that DNA testing has a modest impact on sexual assault arrest rates, with most arrests occurring before laboratory results are available. In 7.6% of cases, DNA matches were made to suspects in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System database.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

Fall calving season may yield higher returns for southeastern beef producers

A fall calving season in the southeastern United States can be more profitable due to higher calf prices at weaning and increased calves weaned per cow. This is attributed to longer growing seasons for forages, providing a competitive advantage in feed costs.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Applied Economics·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 23, 2017

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.

SourceWiley·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

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%.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMay 23, 2017

Scientists develop new concept of confined catalysis under 2-D materials

Researchers found that graphene covers weaken adsorption on Pt(111) surfaces, enabling modulation of surface reactions and promoting oxygen reduction reaction activity. This study demonstrates the potential of 2D materials in designing high-performance nanocatalysts.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2017

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...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 23, 2017
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.