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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 4


Page 4 of 42

Researchers measure the coherence length in glasses using the supercomputer JANUS

Researchers from Spain and Italy used the JANUS supercomputer to reproduce an experimental protocol on spin glasses, connecting theoretical and experimental developments. The simulation revealed that microscopic and macroscopic correlation lengths are equal, providing a theoretical basis for studying physical systems.

SourceUniversity of Extremadura·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 30, 2017

Scientists to probe dolphin intelligence using an interactive touchpad

Researchers are using an underwater touchscreen to investigate dolphin communication, cognitive abilities and social behavior. The system provides dolphins with choice and control over activities, enabling scientists to decode their vocal communication and gain insights into their way of thinking.

SourceThe City University of New York·DateMay 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First step taken toward epigenetically modified cotton

Researchers have identified key genes that control epigenetic modifications in wild and domesticated cotton, opening the door to new breeding techniques. By targeting these genes, breeders may be able to create crops with improved traits such as increased fiber yield and drought resistance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGenome Biology·DateMay 30, 2017

Small molecule prevents blood clots without increasing bleeding risk

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown cell receptor interaction that can safely prevent blood clots. The new mechanism targets the Mac-1-GPIbα receptor duo, which is required for harmful clots, but blocking its interaction with a therapeutic small molecule has no effect on bleeding risk.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2017

Preventing software from causing injury

Researchers have developed a new tool called SEAT to measure software-induced ergonomic risks, which can help prevent debilitating hand and wrist problems in office workers. The tool uses self-reported surveys to identify stressors and strain, allowing developers to remove stressors from software and prevent injuries.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateMay 30, 2017

Violence against conflict-affected teenage girls in Africa is widespread

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that over half of conflict-affected girls aged 13-19 were victims of violence, with intimate partners and family members being perpetrators. The researchers identified context-specific predictors of violence, highlighting the need for prevention strategies that ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Global Health·DateMay 30, 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.

High-sensitivity assay gives more reassurance to chest pain patients

A large-scale registry study found that high-sensitivity troponin T assay is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with unspecified chest pain. The percentage of serious events dropped from 0.9% to 0.6% after introducing the new method.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 30, 2017

Causes of major birth defects still largely unknown

Researchers found that only 20.2% of major birth defects had a definite cause, highlighting the need for better research to prevent and care for these conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of population-based preventive interventions for known causes, such as smoking or diabetes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 30, 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.

Overhead signs on freeways: Are drivers being told too much?

A QUT study found that drivers can respond safely to emergency situations despite multiple road signs displayed at the same location. Drivers correctly chose their destination regardless of single or multiple signs, and reaction times were not significantly affected.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMay 30, 2017

NASA team takes on a new optical challenge -- the Lyman Alpha Limit

A NASA team led by Manuel Quijada is investigating techniques for creating highly reflective aluminum mirrors sensitive to the infrared, optical, and far-ultraviolet wavelength bands. They aim to develop a coating that improves reflectance in the far ultraviolet while allowing observations in other wavelength bands.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 30, 2017

The synchronized dance of skyrmion spins

Researchers in Singapore used computer simulations to study skyrmion particles, gaining insights into their internal behaviors. The study found that the three fundamental modes of skyrmions respond differently to external magnetic fields, potentially leading to new microwave nano-oscillators and ultra-compact devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateMay 30, 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.

Hunting can help European ecosystems

A study found that recreational hunting in Spain's Asturias region can help control wild boar populations. The research team analyzed hunting bag data and found a significant increase in population numbers after temporary bans were lifted, indicating hunters' ability to regulate wild boar numbers.

SourceSpringer·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·DateMay 30, 2017

Study: Ketamine doesn't affect delirium or pain after surgery

A recent study published in The Lancet found that ketamine does not prevent delirium and does not reduce post-surgical pain, contradicting widespread medical practices. However, higher doses of ketamine were associated with increased negative effects such as hallucinations and nightmares.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 30, 2017

Chemical coatings boss around bacteria, in the bugs' own language

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a way to control bacterial growth using chemical coatings that communicate with bacteria in their own language. The coatings can inhibit or promote bacterial growth as needed, making them useful for applications such as hospital surfaces and industrial equipment.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 30, 2017

A tough talk: How to improve cost transparency in cancer care

A new study at Penn Medicine identified several barriers to discussing cost transparency in cancer care, including patient fear of being 'profiled' based on socioeconomic status. Strong doctor-patient relationships, availability of financial expertise, and scalability are potential facilitators for improving cost transparency discussions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 30, 2017

Drug believed to reduce postoperative pain and delirium does neither

A new study published in The Lancet found that ketamine does not reduce postoperative pain or prevent delirium, but may cause hallucinations and nightmares in older patients. Researchers evaluated 672 surgery patients and found no significant effect of ketamine on postoperative pain or delirium.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 30, 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.

Must children attend obesity treatment with parents to be effective?

A randomized clinical trial found that parent-based weight loss treatment (PBT) with or without child attendance resulted in similar weight loss outcomes, including decreased BMI z scores and improved calorie intake and physical activity. The study suggests that child attendance at treatment is not necessary to achieve similar outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 30, 2017

Just how old are animals?

Researchers from the University of Bristol found that a recently developed molecular clock method called RelTime failed to relax the clock, sparking debate on the age of animals. The team's findings suggest that animals are unlikely to be older than approximately 850 million years, in agreement with previous studies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMay 30, 2017

PNG expedition discovers largest trees at extreme altitudes

Researchers found that forest biomass had a major peak at altitudes of 2400-3100m, where forests struggle to reach more than 15m tall. This discovery challenges the assumption that tall mountains make small trees and reveals unique climate conditions on mountain tops of PNG.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 30, 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.

Study documents opioid abuse following urologic surgery

A study by Loyola Medicine found that 0.09% of patients who underwent urologic surgery were diagnosed with opioid dependence or overdose (ODO) within a year. Patients at highest risk for ODO were younger, had longer hospital stays, and were on Medicaid or Medicare.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMay 30, 2017

Childhood obesity causes lasting damage to the body

A new study reveals that childhood obesity can cause lasting arterial damage and increase the likelihood of pre-diabetes, heightening the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 participants and found that obese children were more prone to these conditions, even 25 years later.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalObesity Reviews·DateMay 30, 2017

Household chemicals may impair thyroid in young girls

Early childhood exposure to specific phthalates was associated with depressed thyroid function in girls at age 3. Lower levels of active thyroid hormone free thyroxin (FT4) were linked to metabolites of certain phthalate chemicals.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironment International·DateMay 30, 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.

Common antioxidant could slow symptoms of aging in human skin

Researchers found that methylene blue slowed signs of aging in human skin cells, improving cellular health and reducing damage from reactive oxygen species. The antioxidant also increased cell division rates and reduced senescence markers in older donors.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2017

Breaking glass in infinite dimensions

A team of researchers, led by Sho Yaida, have found a phase transition in glasses using infinite-dimensional calculations. This discovery could significantly change the properties of glasses at low temperatures, affecting their response to heat, sound and stress.

SourceDuke University·DateMay 30, 2017

Fossil skeleton confirms earliest primates were tree dwellers

A new fossil discovery in New Mexico reveals that the earliest primates, known as plesiadapiforms, were adapted to living in trees. The 62-million-year-old skeleton shows flexible joints for climbing and clinging to branches, contradicting previous theories of terrestrial lifestyles.

SourceYale University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 30, 2017

New method allows real-time monitoring of irradiated materials

Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique that allows for continuous, high-precision monitoring of materials exposed to high-radiation environments. This method could significantly speed up the development of new materials for nuclear reactors, enabling real-time diagnostic systems to monitor damage over time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 30, 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.

The first genome data from ancient Egyptian mummies

A recent study has successfully recovered and analyzed ancient DNA from Egyptian mummies, providing new insights into the genetic history of ancient Egyptians. The research found that modern Egyptians share more ancestry with Sub-Saharan Africans than ancient Egyptians did, and were most closely related to ancient populations in the Ne...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2017

Do obese children need to attend treatment to lose weight?

Researchers found that obese children do not need to attend treatment to lose weight with parent-based therapy, which can be more cost-effective than traditional family-based treatment. The study showed similar outcomes in both groups for weight loss, nutrition, physical activity, and parent feeding behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 30, 2017

Evolution on the fast lane -- 1 flounder species became 2

Researchers found two groups of flounders became distinct species at an extraordinary pace of approximately 2400 generations, setting a new record for the fastest event of speciation. The study's findings have important implications for our understanding of ecological speciation and its role in marine biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2017

How the popularity of sea cucumbers is threatening coastal communities

A growing global demand for sea cucumbers is causing complex social and ecological impacts on coastal communities, leading to financial rewards that incentivize risky fishing practices and deplete local resources. The study highlights the need for rapid management of these impacts to sustainably manage fisheries with coastal communities.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMay 30, 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.

Women underrepresented in philosophy journals, data reveals

Research reveals women are underrepresented in philosophy journals, with female authors making up only 14-16% of publications. Journals without anonymous review tend to have higher percentages of women authors, highlighting the need for change in publishing practices.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPhilosophical Studies·DateMay 30, 2017

Prenatal stress predisposes female mice to binge eating

A study found that stressed mouse mothers gave birth to pups exhibiting binge-eating-like behavior, which was reversed by a balanced diet. The researchers identified an epigenetic signature in the embryo's brain and suggest non-invasive dietary interventions may prevent binge eating.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 30, 2017

NASA observes heavy monsoon rainfall in Sri Lanka

Heavy rainfall, over 434 mm, was measured over the Bay of Bengal to the northeast of Sri Lanka from May 23-26. The village of Bellana experienced a landslide killing 90 people and over 100 missing due to strong winds and rough seas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 30, 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.

Magnetoelectric memory cell increases energy efficiency for data storage

Researchers developed a magnetoelectric random access memory cell that can increase power efficiency and decrease heat waste by orders of magnitude for read operations at room temperature. This innovation has the potential to aid production of devices with lower energy consumption, such as instant-on laptops and data storage centers.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 30, 2017

Cost of a common ER visit? Study finds most health care providers don't know

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that only 38% of emergency medicine healthcare professionals can accurately estimate the costs for three common conditions. This lack of transparency has the potential to lower costs for patients and the overall healthcare system.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMay 30, 2017

Nitrogen fixation research could shed light on biological mystery

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new way of fixing nitrogen, inspired by how microbes do it, which could hold the potential for two major benefits: ease of production and understanding natural nitrogen fixation. The technology being developed is simpler and more efficient than previous methods, making it possible to study fixati...

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 30, 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.

Tactile feedback adds 'muscle sense' to prosthetic hand

Researchers at Rice University and the Italian Institute of Technology developed a skin-stretch device that provides tactile feedback to prosthetic hands. This 'muscle sense' allows blindfolded test subjects to more than double their ability to discern object sizes, opening up new possibilities for amputees.

SourceRice University·DateMay 30, 2017

Cigarette damage to unborn children revealed in stem cell study

Researchers used embryonic stem cells to study the effects of maternal smoking on liver tissue, revealing a potent cocktail of chemicals harms foetal organs. The study found that cigarette chemicals damage the liver differently in male and female foetuses.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateMay 30, 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.

The fascinating molecule linking hydration and health

Dr. Charles Bourque's research reveals vasopressin's role in regulating body hydration and its link to various health problems, including congestive heart failure and salt-dependent hypertension. The molecule is also involved in feed-forward mechanisms, producing anticipatory signals before sleep and dehydration.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateMay 30, 2017

NIH scientists find real-time imaging in mice a promising influenza study tool

Researchers use a live imaging system to track and monitor influenza virus infection in immunized mice, providing insights into the effectiveness of candidate vaccines and treatments. The study offers a promising alternative to traditional methods, enabling real-time monitoring of disease progression.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateMay 30, 2017

How circadian clocks communicate with each other

Researchers have discovered a key connection between circadian clocks in the brain and peripheral organs, revealing how they synchronize their rhythms. The study found that a specific neuropeptide pathway enables communication between the central clock in the brain and peripheral clocks in organs like the prothoracic gland.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2017

Frequency modulation accelerates the research of quantum technologies

Researchers at Aalto University and University of Oulu review the physics of frequency modulation in various quantum systems. The study highlights its importance in developing more accurate quantum devices and faster quantum gates for near-future small-scale quantum computers.

SourceAalto University·JournalReports on Progress in Physics·DateMay 30, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Nanosubmarine with self-destroying activity

A Dutch scientist has designed a nanomotor that can deliver and release drugs for cells, triggered by glutathione, a chemical signal inside cells. The nanomotor uses hydrogen peroxide to propel itself across the cellular membrane and releases its cargo upon encountering higher concentrations of glutathione.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 30, 2017