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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 22


Page 22 of 42

Swirling swarms of bacteria offer insights on turbulence

Researchers find a mathematical signature of disintegration from order to chaos in swirling bacterial patterns. This discovery links turbulence in biology and physics, shedding light on the dynamics of active fluids.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017

Young women's gradual weight gain lifts pregnancy blood pressure danger

Researchers found that years of gradual weight gain more than doubles the risk of hypertensive disorders, including high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, during pregnancy. Women who gained moderate to high annual weight gains had a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEvolution Letters·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 15, 2017

Study: Trying new marijuana products and edibles is associated with unexpected highs

A new study by RTI International found that using new marijuana products and edibles significantly increases the risk of experiencing an unexpected high. Most people who experience unexpected highs sleep it off or engage in protective behaviors, but some report unintended consequences such as having sex or ending up in hospital.

SourceRTI International·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMay 15, 2017

Mechanism that coordinates growth spurts in filamentous fungi revealed

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have uncovered a molecular mechanism that coordinates growth spurts in filamentous fungi. The team discovered that cellular calcium levels oscillate, triggering the assembly of actin chains that guide vesicles to the site of growth.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

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...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateMay 15, 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.

Nonprescription use of Ritalin linked to adverse side effects, UB study finds

A University at Buffalo study found that nonprescription use of Ritalin, a central nervous system stimulant, is associated with changes in brain chemistry linked to risk-taking behavior, sleep disruption, and weight loss. The study highlights the potential long-range risks of using Ritalin as a study enhancer.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Neural Transmission·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017
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.

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

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceJackson Laboratory·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 15, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 15, 2017

Leaving segregated neighborhoods reduces blood pressure for blacks

African-Americans experience a drop in systolic blood pressure when moving to less segregated neighborhoods, with reductions ranging from 1-5 points. The study suggests that less stress and better access to resources contribute to the decrease in blood pressure.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMarine Policy·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNeurology·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 15, 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.

Gladiator games: In the natural world, biodiversity can offer protection to weaker species

A new study by Yale researchers found that maintaining a diverse collection of species in fungal communities not only safeguards weaker species but also protects the genetic diversity of the larger community. This phenomenon, known as biodiversity begetting biodiversity, can help protect threatened ecosystems like coral reefs.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 15, 2017

Faster feeding may mean faster recovery in pancreatitis, study finds

A new study suggests that early solid or tube feeding can lead to fewer symptoms, shorter hospital stays, and similar risk outcomes for patients with mild pancreatitis. However, the evidence for patients with severe disease was weak, but still did not show harm.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 15, 2017
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.

Growing plants and scientists: Hydroponic gardening program wins over students

A new study by Boston College researchers found that an after-school hydroponic gardening program increased positive attitudes towards science, reduced anxiety, and boosted self-confidence among elementary-age students. The program showed promise in engaging youths from underrepresented groups in the sciences.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Science Education and Technology·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 15, 2017
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.

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.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 15, 2017

Lessons from Ebola: New approach improves disease outbreak management

A new method pinpoints critical information needed to improve management decisions during a disease outbreak. The approach provides two important pieces of information: the best course of action and highlighted gaps in knowledge that matter for intervention strategies.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateMay 15, 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.

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalInternal Medicine Journal·DateMay 15, 2017
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.

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMay 15, 2017

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.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·DateMay 15, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2017