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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 31


Page 31 of 42

Research reveals globe-trotting history of sika deer

A new study by University of Delaware researchers explores the history of sika deer in Dorchester County, Maryland, revealing a complex relationship with native white-tailed deer. The study suggests that sika deer may be outcompeting white-tails for resources, causing ecological concerns and challenging management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBiological Invasions·DateMay 9, 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.

Fentanyl can sicken first responders. Here's a possible solution.

NIST researchers have developed Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) and Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) technologies to detect fentanyl in unknown powders. These techniques can identify the lowest concentrations of fentanyl mixtures, allowing law enforcement officers to take extra precautions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateMay 9, 2017

Noise pollution from gas compressors changes abundance of insects, spiders

A study by Florida Museum of Natural History found that noise pollution from gas compressors significantly decreases the populations of certain insects and spiders, while increasing others. This shift in arthropod communities could have larger-scale ecological consequences.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMay 9, 2017

Personality factors are best defense against losing your job to a robot

A study published in the European Journal of Personality found that individuals with higher intelligence, maturity, extraversion, and interests in arts and sciences are less likely to lose their jobs to robots. The research suggests traditional education may not be enough to prepare people for future job changes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEuropean Journal of Personality·DateMay 9, 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.

Men and women show equal ability at recognizing faces

Researchers found no difference between men and women in facial recognition abilities, challenging conventional wisdom that women excel in this area. Facial recognition is a crucial skill for social interactions and decision-making.

SourcePenn State·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 9, 2017

Metabolic markers accurately diagnose typhoid fever

A metabolomics approach has identified a unique metabolic 'signature' that can accurately distinguish typhoid from other tropical diseases, providing a new approach for typhoid diagnostics. The study found excellent predictive power in distinguishing culture-positive typhoid patients from those with other diseases.

SourceeLife·DateMay 9, 2017

Stroke patients take the lead in their rehabilitation

Intento's device enables stroke patients to self-administer electrical stimulation, improving mobility and performing basic tasks. 70% of patients showed significant improvement in motor functions compared to conventional therapy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateMay 9, 2017

A large mineral sector can undermine other companies

A large mineral sector can lead to a 'resource curse,' where the finance sector prioritizes established firms over smaller companies, hindering national economic growth. This phenomenon, studied in 70 countries, suggests that the finance sector's focus on larger companies can exacerbate the resource curse.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEmerging Markets Review·DateMay 8, 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.

Study refutes findings behind challenge to Sierra Nevada forest restoration

A UC Berkeley study has found significant flaws in research used to challenge the US Forest Service's plan to restore Sierra Nevada forests. The study, published in Ecological Applications, uses historic field data to estimate forest density and finds two major methodological flaws.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 8, 2017

How cancer turns a good-guy protein into a double agent

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that CHD4, a protein that usually prevents mutation, can become a protector of cancer cells. The protein plays a key role in DNA damage repair and may be linked to cancer progression.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 8, 2017

Pasture management and riparian buffers reduce erosion

Researchers found that rotational grazing with a fenced riparian buffer or converting pastures to hayfields reduced soil erosion and runoff. These practices lowered sediment concentrations, volumes, and loads in watersheds compared to continuous grazing.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 8, 2017

Kicking the salt shaker habit may not be enough

A study found that restaurant foods and commercially processed foods contributed to 70% of dietary sodium intake, with an average daily consumption of over 3,500mg. Reducing sodium in these foods is crucial to lowering blood pressure and preventing heart disease.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 8, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Engineered bone marrow could make transplants safer

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed biomimetic bone tissues that provide a safe space for donor cells to grow without competition from host cells. This breakthrough technology has shown promising results in mice, with donor cells surviving for up to six months and supplying new blood cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

May/June 2017 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found that Canadian primary care practices scored an average of 5.36 out of 10 on the Patient Medical Home (PMH) model, with Ontario being the only province to score higher than the national average. Despite efforts to implement the PMH model, provinces showed little variation in achieving key objectives.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

The vicious circle of inequality

A study of 45,000 individuals across 27 nations found a clear association between societal inequality and increased social dominance orientation among dominant groups. This can lead to violent persecution of immigrants, racism, and sexism. The researchers also asked white Americans if they would participate in ethnic persecution, findi...

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 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.

UTHealth researchers identify genes in children linked to stress, bipolar disorder

A recent study by UTHealth researchers has identified genetic alterations in children at high risk for bipolar disorder, which can be modulated by stress. The findings suggest that these genetic markers may contribute to the increased risk of developing bipolar disorder in children chronically exposed to stressors.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 8, 2017

Studies reveal socioeconomic and racial disparities in lupus

Two studies found a link between poverty and worsening lupus disease outcomes, as well as higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes among Black and Hispanic women. Poverty status was also associated with increased end-organ damage over time.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateMay 8, 2017

New cell separator could revolutionize medical advances in cancer

A new cell separator developed by University of Surrey Biomedical Engineers uses dielectrophoresis to sort cells electrostatically, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This innovation has significant promise for stem-cell therapy and cancer research, offering a more affordable and effective solution.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 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.

Drivers are slower to respond to emergencies in semi-automated cars

Researchers found that drivers who were watching videos while the car was in autonomous mode responded more slowly and severely to an emergency. The study suggests that new ways of assessing driver safety will be needed as technology develops, including designing systems to improve driver response during system failures.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Safety Research·DateMay 8, 2017

The evolutionary story of birch, told through 80 genomes

A new study sequencing 80 silver birch genomes reveals genetic mutations influencing tree growth, wood production, and environmental adaptations. These findings hold potential for breeding trees better suited to various industries and climates.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 8, 2017

Discrimination reported in survey of online group of physician moms

A survey of physician moms found nearly 4 out of 5 respondents experienced discrimination, with gender and maternal discrimination prevalent. Women who reported maternal discrimination were more likely to value changes like longer paid maternity leave and breastfeeding support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

ACP strongly recommends generic bisphosphonates for osteoporosis

The American College of Physicians strongly recommends the use of generic bisphosphonates or denosumab to reduce fracture risk in women with osteoporosis. The guideline advises physicians to prescribe generics over brand-name drugs and discuss medication adherence with patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Dartmouth-led team develops smartwatch with all the moves

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a prototype smartwatch called Cito that can rotate, hinge, translate, rise, and orbit in five different directions. The innovative technology improves the user experience by addressing limitations of fixed-face watches.

SourceDartmouth College·DateMay 8, 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.

Tillage farming damaging earthworm populations, say scientists

Conventional tillage severely damages earthworm populations, but reduced tillage practices can increase their numbers. Farming with no-tillage, Conservation Agriculture, and shallow non-inversion tillage are shown to significantly boost earthworm populations.

SourceUniversity College Dublin·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 8, 2017

TGen distinguished professor honored by New York's Columbia University

Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, a world-renowned expert in cancer therapies, is honored by Columbia University with a gold medal for his outstanding accomplishments in clinical medicine. This recognition marks the 250th anniversary of P&S, one of the nation's most accomplished medical schools.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateMay 8, 2017

Bullying's lasting impact

A new study led by the University of Delaware found that kids who are bullied in fifth grade often suffer from depression and begin using alcohol and other substances a few years after the incidents. The study also shows that peer victimization has lasting effects on substance use five years later.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 8, 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.

Manufacturing technique can make proteins less effective

Researchers developed a device to study the effects of 'extensional flow' on proteins, which can lead to reduced effectiveness and aggregation. The device revealed that manufacturing processes can be optimized to reduce protein damage, improving the quality of biopharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

'Hot' electrons don't mind the gap

Researchers found that hot electrons can create a photovoltage about a thousand times larger than what is seen if there is no gap. The discovery shows the potential for nanoscale photodetectors to convert light into electricity and sensors or other sophisticated electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 8, 2017

Interactive website helps to reduce dizziness

A new interactive website, Balance Retraining, has been developed to help people with dizziness carry out vestibular rehabilitation exercises via the web. The site provides personalized feedback and advice, and has shown promising results in reducing dizziness symptoms amongst adults aged 50 and above.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 8, 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.

Drivers of insecticide use

A new study by UC Santa Barbara scientists has found that landscape characteristics, such as crop diversity and field size, affect insecticide use. Crop diversity was shown to reduce insecticide use by 8kg per hectare in table grapes, while larger fields use more insecticide.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

Space radiation reproduced in the lab for better, safer missions

A team of researchers at the University of Strathclyde has successfully created man-made space radiation in a laboratory setting using laser-plasma-based accelerators. This breakthrough could enable safer and more reliable space exploration by testing devices and equipment in controlled conditions on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2017

Study: Black and white kids faring equally in subsidized housing

A new study by Johns Hopkins University found that once-formidable disparities between black and white families living in subsidized housing have largely vanished. Black and white children who grew up in such housing fared similarly in education, employment, and earnings.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalHousing Policy Debate·DateMay 8, 2017

Archaeogeneticist pinpoints Indian population origins using today's populace

Researchers have identified the origins of Indian populations by analyzing genetic evidence from people alive in the Subcontinent today. The study reveals that hunter-gatherer groups arrived from Africa more than 50,000 years ago, while later waves of settlement came from Iran and Central Asia.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 8, 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.

Public skeptical of research if tied to a company

A new study at Michigan State University finds that people are skeptical of research linked to a company, even if the partner has a good reputation. The public's perception of science is affected by corporate involvement, with 77% of participants expressing negative views.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 8, 2017

New way to detect ecstasy discovered

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new technique to detect ecstasy that is extremely reliable and simple to use. The method can detect even small traces of the active compound in ecstasy with almost 100 percent certainty.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 8, 2017

Stanford team brings quantum computing closer to reality with new materials

A Stanford team has made significant advancements in developing new materials for quantum computing, enabling the creation of practical systems. By harnessing light and electron interactions, they have created structures that can trap spinning electrons, a crucial step towards making quantum computing a reality.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 8, 2017

Installing solar to combat national security risks in the power grid

The US military could bolster its energy independence by deploying solar-powered microgrids, reducing reliance on vulnerable backup systems and enhancing grid resiliency. The proposed systems would provide localized energy security, decreasing the chance of cascading failures.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMay 8, 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.

New research could transform how we filter water

A new process for water filtration using carbon dioxide reduces energy consumption by 1,000 times compared to conventional methods. The research, published in Nature Communications, suggests the technique could be applied in various industries and is easily scalable.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 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.

Hypoxia reverses mitochondrial disease in mouse model

Researchers found that breathing 11% oxygen can eliminate neurologic damage in a mouse model of Leigh syndrome, but treatment needs to be continuous. The study reveals promising results, with hypoxia therapy reversing brain lesions and symptoms in animals close to the end stages of the disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 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.