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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 17


Page 17 of 42

Scientists perform first-principles simulation of transition of plasma edge to H-mode

Physicists at PPPL have simulated the spontaneous transition of turbulence at the plasma edge to H-mode using a first-principles-based model. The simulation reveals that both turbulence-generated and non-turbulent sheared flows contribute to the bifurcation, providing the physics-basis for successful tokamak operation.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 18, 2017

Towards more effective therapies to fight breast cancer

Researchers have identified the same access paths for two molecules to reach the active site of an enzyme involved in female hormone synthesis, leading to more selective and effective drug development. The study, published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, has implications for treating breast cancer.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 18, 2017

Study: Consumers see much greater risk than reward in online ads

A University of Illinois study reveals that college students perceive a stronger risk than benefit from online behavioral advertising, driving them to avoid ads. The research suggests the industry should educate consumers and make tracking processes more transparent to maintain trust.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Advertising·DateMay 18, 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.

Worse pain outcomes after knee replacement for patients who took opioids before surgery

A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that patients who previously took prescription opioids had a higher average pain score six months after knee replacement surgery. This suggests that preoperative opioid use may be problematic due to its negative effects on subsequent total knee arthroplasty outcomes.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 18, 2017

100-year-old fertility technique reduces need for IVF

A 100-year-old medical technique, hysterosalpingography (HSG), has been proven to increase fertility rates in infertile women. Using an iodised poppy seed oil solution significantly improves pregnancy rates within six months, with 40% of women achieving successful pregnancies compared to 29% with water-based solution.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 18, 2017

Even non-migratory birds use a magnetic compass

Researchers found that non-migratory birds like zebra finches utilize a built-in magnetic compass to orient themselves using the Earth's magnetic field. The study suggests that this mechanism is more general and not specific to migration.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 18, 2017
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.

Newly discovered brain network offers clues to social cognition

Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a brain network exclusively dedicated to analyzing social interactions in rhesus macaques. This network may represent an evolutionary precursor to the neural circuitry that supports theory of mind in humans, potentially blurring the lines between human and primate cognition.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2017

Low self-esteem partners create their own regret in relationship sacrifices

A study by social psychologists in the Netherlands found that low self-esteem partners regret sacrificing personal preferences for their relationships. They experience negative mood, stress, and lower life satisfaction due to feeling unsupported by their partner.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 18, 2017

This gene variant reduces the risk of severe malaria by 40 percent

Researchers identified a gene variant DUP4 that protects against severe malaria by altering receptors used by the malarial parasite. This variant was found to reduce the risk of severe malaria by 40% in certain African populations, particularly those of East African descent.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2017

Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables could cut obesity risk

A study of over 16,000 healthy adults found that those who followed a pro-vegetarian diet had a significantly lower risk of developing obesity. The researchers found that participants with the most vegetarian diet had a 43% reduced risk of obesity compared to those with the least vegetarian diet.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 18, 2017

Using seaweed to kill invasive ants

Researchers at UC Riverside developed an inexpensive, biodegradable seaweed-based ant bait that reduced Argentine ant populations by 40-68% after four weeks. The hydrogel baits are highly absorbent and retain water to remain attractive to ants for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPest Management Science·DateMay 18, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Flat Antarctica

A new study published in Earth System Dynamics finds that Antarctica's slower warming pace may be due to its high land height. The research suggests that if Antarctica were flat, it would warm more quickly due to changes in heat transport by the atmosphere and oceans.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateMay 18, 2017

The 'reality' of virtual reality pornography

Researchers found that VR pornography can create a sense of 'perfection' leading to addictive and extreme content. The team calls for greater responsibility in developing this technology, including alternative scenarios where participants assume different roles.

SourceNewcastle University·DateMay 18, 2017

Opioid use before knee replacement surgery results in worse pain outcomes for patients

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that preoperative opioid use is associated with less pain reduction after total knee replacement surgery. Patients who used opioids before their procedure experienced about 9 percent less pain relief at six months following surgery compared to those who did not.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 18, 2017

Molecular Lego for nanoelectronics

Researchers at FAU have successfully assembled and tested conductors and networks made of individual molecules. The 'Lego bricks' can fabricate the smallest nanostructures under precision-controlled conditions, opening up possibilities for optoelectronic applications.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2017
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.

Cancer prevention & early detection, 2017-2018

The report assesses current cancer risk factors and prevention measures, highlighting improvements in some areas but stagnation or decline in others. Cigarette smoking among adults has dropped to 15% but remains high in certain geographic areas, while obesity prevalence continues to rise, particularly among black women.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateMay 18, 2017

Studies link healthy brain aging to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the blood

Researchers found correlations between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and fluid intelligence in healthy elderly adults, suggesting a potential role for dietary intake of these nutrients. The studies also linked the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to memory preservation and brain structure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateMay 18, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Mouse study looks at safety of stem cell therapy for early menopause

Researchers in China have made a breakthrough in developing a new approach to treat premature ovarian failure using female germline stem cells. The study found that mice with transplanted egg-making stem cells produced healthy pups without genetic malfunctions, opening up avenues for investigating human oogenesis in vitro.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMay 18, 2017

How enzymes communicate

Researchers have discovered that enzymes can be activated by electrical stimulation, leading to ultrafast signal transfer within cells. This process allows for locally restricted signaling, preventing unwanted cellular processes such as cell death.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2017

MOFs provide a better way to remove water from gas

Researchers at KAUST developed a new fluorinated MOF that selectively adsorbs water to dry gas streams, achieving energy-efficient dehydration. The innovation requires half the energy input of conventional procedures, highlighting potential for huge efficiency savings in gas production and transport industry.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 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.

Study suggests using a mindfulness approach helps weight loss

A new study suggests using a mindfulness approach can aid in weight loss by increasing mindful eating and reducing energy intake, leading to significant weight loss results. The study found that participants who completed the Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less program lost more weight than those in the waitlist control group.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 18, 2017

UCI scientists find evolution in butterfly eye dependent on sex

Researchers found that Heliconius erato butterflies possess unique visual photoreceptors based on species sex, with females containing two types of ultraviolet opsin genes and males lacking one. This study sheds light on the evolution of eye structure in response to environmental pressures.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 18, 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.

Teacher racial bias matters more for students of color

A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School found that teacher racial bias affects students' grades and academic expectations, particularly for Black students, who face a significant gap in perceptions of class difficulty compared to White peers.

SourceNew York University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateMay 18, 2017

Life in the Precambrian may have been much livelier than previously thought

Researchers use computational fluid dynamics to analyze Parvancorina's shape and movement, finding evidence of rheotaxis and suggesting a more active lifestyle. The study challenges the conventional view of ancient ocean life and suggests that strong currents played a major role in shaping these enigmatic organisms.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 18, 2017

New coral reef fish species shows rare parental care behavior

A newly discovered damselfish species in the Philippines has been found to exhibit rare brood-guarding behavior, protecting its young until they can fend for themselves. This unusual parenting strategy significantly improves survival rates, with up to 35% of offspring surviving, compared to less than 1% for most coral reef fish.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalZooKeys·DateMay 18, 2017

Study estimates number of US women living with metastatic breast cancer

A new study estimates that more than 150,000 US women are currently living with distant metastatic breast cancer, a form of the disease that has spread to distant sites in the body. Despite poor prognosis, survival rates for women diagnosed with MBC at younger ages have been increasing significantly.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·DateMay 18, 2017

NIH researchers identify key regulator of fetal growth in mice

A study by NIH researchers reveals that ZFP568 regulates insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) in fetal growth, suggesting its role in balancing fetal and placental growth. The finding has implications for understanding developmental disorders such as Russell Silver syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 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.

New study helps solve a great mystery in the organization of our DNA

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered the key protein CTCF plays a crucial role in controlling DNA organization, reevaluating the cause of certain cancers and developmental defects. The study sheds new light on gene regulation and provides insights into fundamental genome organization processes.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateMay 18, 2017

3-D-printed polymer stents grow with pediatric patients and biodegrade over time

Researchers developed a novel approach to create self-expandable polymer stents that can grow with pediatric patients, are biodegradable, and require minimally-invasive procedures. The stents were created using computational design, simulation tools, and 3D printing technology.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateMay 18, 2017

Predators are real lowlifes

A recent study deployed green clay caterpillars across six continents to reveal that insects are responsible for the majority of predation observed. The findings suggest that predation pressure is stronger in the tropics due to the need for insects to innovate defense mechanisms against predators.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 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.

Sensors detect disease markers in breath

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a sensor that detects ammonia in breath, a sign of kidney failure. The device is sensitive enough to detect low levels, making it suitable for portable, disposable use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 18, 2017

Scientists describe origins of topographic relief on Titan

Researchers discovered that Titan's river networks, like Mars', formed topography without plate tectonics. This finding suggests a distinct geological history for the moons of Saturn and challenges our understanding of Earth's unique surface.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2017

Tooth truth

A new method in dentine analysis reveals permanent records of Vitamin D deficiency, shedding light on human adaptation and health conditions. The study offers a valuable resource for understanding rickets, affecting over 1 billion people worldwide.

SourceMcMaster University·DateMay 18, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A step towards understanding Zika

Researchers successfully synthesized Zika virus from a viral sequence detected in infected tissue, allowing them to induce microcephaly in pregnant mice and study its transmission by mosquitoes. This breakthrough helps advance research into the mysterious emergence of Zika virus, which causes devastating foetal brain infections.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalmSphere·DateMay 17, 2017

Penn study: Friendship group influences dating violence risk for early-maturing girls

A new Penn study found that early-maturing girls are more likely to experience physical or sexual violence in dating relationships if their friend group contains more boys. The research, published in Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 3,800 girls and confirmed that girls who developed earlier have a 14% increased risk of dating abuse.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 17, 2017
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.

Shared genetic heritage from Sicily to Cyprus

A new genomic study on southern Mediterranean populations from Sicily and Southern Italy reveals a shared genetic background extending to Cyprus, Crete, Anatolia, and the Aegean islands. This shared Mediterranean ancestry may have originated in prehistoric times as a result of multiple migration waves.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 17, 2017

Are we educating educators about academic integrity?

A study found that academic integrity is not a core concept taught to academics in UK Higher Education, despite its central importance. Researchers recommend including academic integrity as a core concept in learning and teaching to prevent it from being seen as a standalone disciplinary concept.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAssessment & Evaluation in Higher Education·DateMay 17, 2017

Unveiling nasty act of trans-fatty acids in blood

Trans-fatty acids directly activate ASK1 kinase by enhancing extracellular ATP, promoting cell death in a more direct manner than previously thought. The study identifies several trans-fatty acid types that stimulate cell death, but not their corresponding cis-fatty acids, which have health benefits.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 17, 2017

Tiny bubbles help heal broken bones, in pigs

Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy method that utilizes microbubbles and ultrasound to promote bone growth and healing in nonunion fractures. The technique, which involves injecting genetic material for a bone growth factor into the affected area, has been shown to completely heal broken bones in pigs within eight weeks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 17, 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.

First direct exploration of magnetic fields in the upper solar atmosphere

A team of researchers has directly observed the magnetic field in the upper solar atmosphere for the first time using ultraviolet spectropolarimetry. The study reveals more complex structures in the chromosphere and transition region than expected, with polarization varying on a spatial scale of 10-20 arcseconds.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 17, 2017

During heat waves, urban trees can increase ground-level ozone

During heat waves, urban trees can significantly increase air pollution levels and the formation of ozone. Researchers found that VOCs from plants contribute to about 6-20% of ozone formation in cities, but this contribution spikes to up to 60% during heat wave periods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 17, 2017

Mepolizumab helps patients with refractory Churg-Strauss syndrome

Researchers found that mepolizumab increased remission rates by 28% and cut exacerbations in half compared to placebo. The medication also reduced the need for corticosteroid therapy, with 12 patients able to discontinue steroid treatment completely.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 17, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How have European freshwater fish species changed over time?

Since 1840, European freshwater fish species have undergone significant changes, with non-native species outnumbering native ones. Human activities, such as habitat destruction and intentional introductions, have led to an increase in taxonomic homogenization across Europe.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMay 17, 2017