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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 23


Page 23 of 42

Gas gives laser-induced graphene super properties

Rice University scientists discovered that laser-induced graphene can be made either superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic by adjusting the gas used in its formation. This property allows for applications such as separating water from oil and de-icing surfaces.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 15, 2017

Study examines racial residential segregation and blood pressure in black adults

A study of 2,280 black adults found that living in high-segregation neighborhoods was associated with small increases in systolic blood pressure. Reducing exposure to neighborhood segregation was linked to decreases in systolic blood pressure, suggesting social policies minimizing segregation may have health benefits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 15, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Outdoor air temperature linked to risk of gestational diabetes

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a direct link between outdoor air temperature and the risk of gestational diabetes. Women exposed to extremely cold temperatures had a 4.6% prevalence, increasing to 7.7% for hot temperatures

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 15, 2017

Corticosteroid treatment increases survival of preterm infants within hours

A new study suggests that corticosteroid treatments given to pregnant women just hours before delivery can significantly increase the survival rate of very preterm infants. The research found that antenatal corticosteroids reduced infant mortality and severe neonatal morbidity, particularly when administered shortly before birth.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·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.

Physicist Johannes Henn receives ERC Consolidator Grant

Johannes Henn, a leading theorist in scattering amplitudes, will develop new methods to calculate properties of the Higgs boson with greater precision. His work aims to simplify mathematical structures and improve calculations in quantum field theory.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateMay 15, 2017

Naomi Halas wins Weizmann Women and Science Award

Rice University's Naomi Halas has made significant contributions to the field of plasmonics, profoundly influencing modern optics. She is the first person in university history to be elected to both National Academy of Sciences and Engineering.

SourceRice University·DateMay 15, 2017

Spinal muscular atrophy: New clues to cause and treatment

A study in mice suggests that abnormalities in sensory synapses may contribute to the disease, and increasing their activity can alleviate symptoms. The findings also indicate that targeting these synapses could be a new approach for treating spinal muscular atrophy.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 15, 2017

New research links outdoor air temperature and risk of developing gestational diabetes

Research found that women exposed to colder temperatures during pregnancy had a lower rate of gestational diabetes compared to those exposed to hotter temperatures. The study also discovered that for every 10-degree Celsius rise in temperature, women were six to nine percent more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·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.

Tumor-trained T cells go on patrol

New study reveals that immune cells trained to recognize cancer can exit one tumor and move to another to attack cancerous cells. The research sheds light on how immune therapies for cancer might work and suggests new approaches to developing anti-cancer immune therapies.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

Cell changes drive breast cancer relapse

Researchers at EMBL found that residual breast cancer cells have specific traits that distinguish them from healthy cells and seem to cause relapse. The study suggests lipid metabolism as an exciting therapeutic target to reduce breast cancer recurrence.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 15, 2017

NUS-led research teams uncover extraordinary properties of strontium niobate

Researchers from the National University of Singapore have discovered novel properties of strontium niobate, a material that displays both metallic type conduction and photocatalytic activity. The material exhibits an intrinsic plasmonic absorption, allowing it to absorb visible photons, which is exceptional among metals.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2017

Where you live may impact how much you drink

A University of Washington study found that neighborhoods with high poverty and disorganization tend to have residents who drink twice as much and binge-drink four times as frequently. The researchers suggest that improving neighborhood quality of life can lead to benefits, including reduced problem drinking.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Urban Health·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.

Year-round flu vaccinations promote healthier infants in subtropics

Vaccinating pregnant mothers year-round against flu in Nepal reduced infant flu virus infection rates by an average of 30 percent, increasing birth weights by 15 percent. The study also found that expanding year-round flu vaccinations during pregnancy would benefit children in other tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 2017

Nano fiber feels forces and hears sounds made by cells

Engineers at UC San Diego developed a nano-sized optical fiber that can detect forces down to 160 femtonewtons and hear sounds down to -30 decibels, with applications in detecting bacteria, monitoring cellular behavior, and creating mini stethoscopes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 15, 2017

Invention produces cleaner water with less energy and no filter

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a low-cost water treatment system that uses carbon dioxide to remove particles from dirty water. The system splits the water stream and filters out suspended particles based on their electrical charge, making it an effective method for cleaning water from ponds or rivers.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2017

Mountains of waste could lead to new US manufacturing, jobs

A Texas A&M research team has discovered a way to produce good quality carbon fiber from lignin, a structural part of plants that piles up as waste. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of new products like tennis rackets and cars, generating jobs and rural economic growth.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMay 15, 2017

Wasted nutrients: The result of widespread food waste

A recent study found that discarded food in the US food supply chain contains large amounts of key nutrients like vitamin D, fiber, and potassium. The study estimates that around 1,217 calories per person per day are squandered, equivalent to 5.9g dietary fiber, which is 23% of the RDA for women.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMay 15, 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.

Study expands understanding of how the brain encodes fear memory

Researchers at UCR have discovered that a specific population of hippocampal neurons project to both the amygdala and mPFC, facilitating coordinated neural activity in these areas. This finding could lead to the development of new therapeutics for reducing pathological fear in PTSD.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMay 15, 2017

Rise of aggressive reef predator may impede sea urchin recovery, study finds

A recent study suggests that an aggressive reef competitor, the Threespot Damselfish, may be impeding the recovery of Caribbean long-spined sea urchin populations after a mysterious disease outbreak. The research reveals a link between the decline of staghorn coral and the increase in damselfish populations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEcography·DateMay 15, 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.

Wasted food means wasted nutrients

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that US food waste contains approximately 1,217 calories, 33 grams of protein, and other essential nutrients. These lost nutrients are important for maintaining healthy diets, particularly dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMay 15, 2017

More than half of eligible US travelers not receiving measles immunization

A study found that 53% of eligible US travelers not receiving the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine during pre-travel consultations. Lack of concern about disease risk was the most common reason for non-vaccination. The research team recommends ways to increase vaccination rates among travelers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 15, 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.

Quantum reservoir for microwaves

Scientists at EPFL develop a microwave resonator coupled to a metallic micro-drum, creating a quantum reservoir that can shape the states of microwaves. The findings enable novel phenomena in cavity optomechanical systems.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 15, 2017

Stretching the limits of elastic conductors

Researchers have developed a printable elastic conductor that retains high conductivity even after being stretched by five times its original length. The new material, made with silver nanoparticles, has potential applications in wearable devices and robots.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 15, 2017

Diesels pollute more than lab tests detect

A new study reveals that diesel vehicles worldwide exceed emissions standards by 4.6 million tons, resulting in 38,000 premature deaths each year. The findings emphasize the need for stricter emission certification tests and real-world compliance measures to improve air quality.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2017

Diverse rotations and poultry litter improves soybean yield

Research found that combining crop rotations with soil amendments like poultry litter can alleviate issues associated with continuous cropping. Incorporating corn once within a 4-year cycle resulted in 8% greater yields than continuous soybean.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 15, 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.

New finding affecting immune reconstitution related to B cells

Researchers discovered a disruption in B cell maturation preventing antibody production in children after bone marrow transplant, impairing their ability to fight infection. The study highlights the need for closer monitoring and targeted prophylaxis to address this critical immune issue.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateMay 15, 2017

BC's drug plan deductibles do not lower drug use for some seniors

A study published in CMAJ found that adding a modest 2% income-based deductible to British Columbia's public drug plan did not decrease prescription medication use among seniors. However, it reduced the number of people who qualified for public subsidy and decreased public drug spending.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 15, 2017

Exposure to psychological domestic abuse most damaging to children's wellbeing

New research from University of Limerick finds growing up in home with psychological abuse has longer-term effects on children's wellbeing than physical domestic violence. Exposure to psychological abuse, including name-calling and manipulation, has detrimental impact on young people's satisfaction with social support.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateMay 15, 2017

Two dose HPV vaccine effective in treating genital warts, study finds

A new study published in the STD Journal found that a two-dose HPV vaccine provides the same level of protection against genital warts as three doses. The study, which looked at nearly 400,000 girls, confirms the CDC's updated recommendations for a two-dose vaccine schedule.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateMay 15, 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.

Heat on for Australia's Great Barrier Reef when global temperatures hit 1.5C

Research suggests that a 1.5C temperature increase will lead to twice as many extreme ocean heat events like the 2016 Great Barrier Reef damage, while a 2C rise triples the odds of mass bleaching. The study models thousands of years under different scenarios and finds keeping temperatures below 1.5C reduces extreme events and costs.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 15, 2017

Diabetes drug may help symptoms of autism associated condition

A widely used diabetes medication, metformin, improves sociability and reduces symptomatic behaviors in adult mice with Fragile X syndrome. Researchers believe the drug could be repurposed as a therapy for this genetic disorder within a few years.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 15, 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.

No escaping ocean plastic: 37 million bits of litter on one of world's remotest islands

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that Henderson Island, a remote UK territory, is heavily polluted with an estimated 37.7 million pieces of plastic. The island's beaches have the highest density of plastic debris reported anywhere on the planet, posing significant threats to marine life.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania - Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

Prototype drug uses novel mechanism to treat lung cancers

Researchers developed a prototype drug that directly activates a tumor suppressor protein, preventing lung cancer tumors in mice. The study's findings suggest the potential for broad applicability to various human cancers, including breast, prostate, and childhood cancers.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 15, 2017

Pig model to help research on human knee growth, injury treatment

Researchers created a pig model to study human knee growth and changes in ligament orientation during maturity. The model enables researchers to better understand joint injuries in children and teens, potentially informing new surgical approaches and clinical practice.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateMay 15, 2017

Virus study targets infection linked to birth defects

Researchers discovered a key molecule VCP linked to Human Cytomegalovirus replication, which can be blocked by chemicals to stop the virus from multiplying. This approach could lead to more powerful therapies and reduce the risk of resistance.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 15, 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.

NASA's EPIC view spots flashes on Earth

Scientists have identified the source of unexpected flashes of light reflecting off Earth's surface captured by NASA's EPIC camera. High-altitude ice crystals are the cause of these glints, which were previously thought to be limited to water on land or oceans.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 15, 2017

WSU researchers deliver first 'nanotherapeutics' to tumor

Researchers have developed a new approach to deliver therapeutics into tumors using the white blood cells of our body. By attaching a nanoscale particle to an infection-fighting white blood cell, they can get a drug past the armor of blood vessels that typically shield a tumor.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 15, 2017

Decision aid, support strategy boosts colorectal testing for groups with low screening

A decision aid and support strategy increased screening completion among patients with historically lower screening rates, with 68% screened for colorectal cancer within six months. The intervention provided clear information about screening options and personalized support, facilitating shared decision-making with physicians.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 15, 2017

Path to end HIV could be within reach for United States in next decade

New research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that the US could see a significant decline in HIV infections and prevalence if critical milestones are met. By 2025, annual new infections could drop to 12,000, marking a turning point for the epidemic.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 15, 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.

More genes turned on when plants compete

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a gene that is turned on when plants compete for resources, including nitrogen fixing bacteria. This finding has potential implications for reducing manmade fertilizer use in agriculture.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateMay 15, 2017

Strategy significantly boosts colorectal screening for groups with low rates

Researchers found that a strategy combining personalized support and decision-making tools increased screening rates among patients at community health centers. 68% of participants were screened for colorectal cancer within 6 months, compared to 27% without the intervention.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 15, 2017

Folk contraceptives lead researchers to drugs that block fertilization

Researchers have discovered two chemicals found in anti-fertility folk medicines that can block fertilization, potentially providing an effective alternative to hormone-based contraceptives. The chemicals, pristimerin and lupeol, work by stopping sperm's power kick, allowing for a new type of emergency contraceptive.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

Timing of menopause onset may increase heart failure risk in women

Postmenopausal women with shorter reproductive duration, earlier age at menopause, or who never gave birth are at higher risk for heart failure. Women with diastolic heart failure, a type of heart failure affecting the left side of the heart, also face increased risk.

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

Making drug use a crime makes HIV prevention, treatment more difficult

A systematic review finds that criminalizing drug use has negative health effects, including increased HIV transmission and overdose rates. The study suggests that alternative strategies and policies are needed to address the harms associated with drug use.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateMay 15, 2017