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Science News Archive November 2017


Page 19 of 42

Why do employees cheat? Too much pressure

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that high-performance pressure in the workplace leads to cheating behavior among employees. The study suggests that managers can help prevent this by coaching employees on viewing pressure as non-threatening and focusing on ethical performance standards.

To trim away a protein

Scientists have developed Trim-Away, a novel method that directly and quickly depletes proteins from any cell type. This technique utilizes a protein called Trim21 to recognize antibodies directed against specific cellular proteins, allowing researchers to study their function in natural environment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Springer launches new interdisciplinary psychology journal

Human Arenas will publish a mix of theoretical and empirical studies on higher psychological functions in human phenomena, focusing on analysis and critical discussion of crucial data. The journal encourages exploration of ideas and productive thinking through novel forms of scientific enquiry and writing.

Renaissance of the iron-air battery

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich observe deposits forming on iron electrodes during operation, revealing a key to improving battery performance. The findings enhance energy density and capacity, paving the way for widespread adoption in mobile applications.

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.

Employees want to sit down less and walk more during work days

Research published in BMC Research Notes found that desk-based workers spent 73% of their working day sitting down, but wanted to spend only 53.8% of it doing so. They also preferred spending more time walking and standing during work hours, with an additional 46 minutes per eight-hour day for walking and 26 minutes for standing.

A new window into electron behavior

Physicists at MIT and Princeton University have developed a new technique to map the energy and momentum of electrons beneath a material's surface. By using momentum and energy resolved tunneling spectroscopy, researchers can visualize the band structure of materials, which determines their electrical and optical properties.

Want safe travels? Find freeways with these features

A study by Brigham Young University researchers found that lower speed limits were linked to higher rates of accidents, contrary to expectations. Increasing shoulder width and using concrete barriers were also associated with a decrease in crash risk.

UT Dallas study tackles the divide over NFL players' protests

A UT Dallas study found a sharp racial divide in opinions on NFL players' protests, with 90% of black respondents supporting kneeling during the national anthem. The survey also showed that 100% of black respondents believe the NFL should not punish protesters, while only 25% of non-black respondents agree.

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.

Nearby pulsars shed light on the antimatter puzzle

Researchers used the HAWC Observatory to study two nearby pulsars, Geminga and PSR B0656+14, which produced high-energy positrons in cosmic rays. The analysis found that while pulsar radiation contributed some positrons, it was not enough to explain the excess.

An update on the road to better plastics for a sustainable future

Scientists have made progress in creating more sustainable plastics from plants, but developing recyclable materials remains a challenge. Degradable plastics face difficulties degrading in natural environments due to varying factors such as humidity and microorganisms.

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.

A new way to store thermal energy

Researchers at MIT have developed a new chemical composite that can store thermal energy during the day and release it when needed. The hybrid material uses molecular switches to change shape in response to light, allowing for controlled thermal energy storage.

Why are minorities underrepresented in genetic cancer studies?

A study published in Journal of Cancer Survivorship found that motivation to provide samples for genetic tests depends on oncologist engagement or religion, rather than race. Women with better access to healthcare and a greater sense of well-being were more likely to participate in genetic research.

Study raises possibility of naturally acquired immunity against Zika virus

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered that some women who develop symptom-free Zika infections may acquire immunity that protects them from future infections and their offspring. This finding suggests the possibility of developing diagnostic tests to identify naturally immune women, which could help pr...

Secrets of succulents' water-wise ways revealed

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered the molecular processes behind crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis in succulents. They found that the PPCK enzyme is essential for optimizing CO2 capture and storage, and that alterations in the circadian clock can affect CAM function.

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.

Can a common ingredient in laundry detergent help advance diabetes research?

Researchers from Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine discovered that sodium percarbonate and calcium peroxide improved insulin-producing cell function and viability in lab-built bioartificial pancreas. Oxygen-generating materials could potentially supplement cells' high oxygen needs, aiding in diabetes treatment.

Ceria nanoparticles: It is the surface that matters

Researchers studied ceria nanoparticles using probe molecules and a complex ultrahigh vacuum-infrared measurement system, gaining insights into their surface chemistry. The findings suggest that surface defects and oxygen vacancies enhance the high catalytic activity of these nanoparticles.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New physical model explains the origin of Earth's water

A new physical model proposes that most of Earth's water came from objects scattered into the inner Solar System by Jupiter's rapid growth. The model suggests that Jupiter's massive size and gravitational pull disturbed thousands of water-rich planetesimals, delivering them to the region currently occupied by Earth's orbit.

NASA detects solar flare pulses at sun and Earth

Scientists have discovered oscillations in solar flares that exhibit pulses or oscillations in the amount of energy being sent out. These findings offer new insights into the origins of massive solar flares and their effects on space weather.

UCLA Engineering develops 'internet of things' for the battlefield

A team of UCLA engineers is developing an Internet of Things (IoT) system tailored to the challenges of the battlefield, enabled by data-driven decision making and secure platforms. The system aims to increase mission success and reduce casualties in rapidly changing situations.

New talking therapy could help cancer survivors cope after treatment

A new project led by Queen Mary University of London aims to develop and test a talking-based therapy for cancer survivors, addressing issues such as fatigue, fear of recurrence, and concerns about returning to work. The therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), will be assessed in a full trial involving 344 participants.

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.

New research could predict La Niña drought years in advance

Scientists improve drought prediction for La Niña events with two new studies, predicting a second year of drought due to the current La Niña. The research found that La Niña's impact on atmospheric circulation and southern U.S. drought becomes stronger in the second year.

Newly found immune defence could pave way to treat allergies

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a previously unknown mechanism by which immune responses are regulated. The discovery found that Th2 cells express EGFR, releasing defense molecules only in response to parasites, preventing tissue damage.

Finding Majoranas

Researchers at UCSB have made a breakthrough in generating Majorana quasiparticles, which are essential for topological quantum computing. By using 'hashtag'-shaped nanowires, the team has successfully coaxed these exotic states into existence, paving the way for braiding and potentially revolutionizing quantum information processing.

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.

A new test to measure the effectiveness of CF drugs

A new lab model was developed to test new therapeutics for cystic fibrosis. The model uses primary bronchial epithelial cells from CF patients and infectious/inflammatory factors normally found in the CF airways.

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.

Chance discovery of forgotten 1960s 'preprint' experiment

Researchers have long used preprints to accelerate scientific discovery. A forgotten biology preprint experiment from the 1960s has been unearthed, revealing a long history of resistance to open knowledge sharing among publishers and learned societies.

Could this protein protect people against coronary artery disease?

A study published in the American Journal of Pathology found that higher levels of the protein CXCL5 are associated with clearer heart arteries and lower risk of coronary artery disease. Researchers believe that mimicking or increasing CXCL5 production could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for CAD.

Sight-saving imaging technology secures funding

The University of Liverpool's Ultra-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (Ultra-OCT) system is developing a state-of-the-art imaging technology to revolutionise the detection, diagnosis, and management of corneal eye conditions. The system boasts a resolution of 2 micrometres and can scan 1,000 times faster than existing OCT machines.

Molecular guardian defends cells, organs against excess cholesterol

Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered Nrf1 protein's role in maintaining cholesterol balance within cells. The protein senses and responds to excess cholesterol, promoting protective countermeasures and potentially treating diseases where cholesterol metabolism is disrupted.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New method analyzes corn kernel characteristics

A new imaging machine developed at the University of Illinois estimates the number of kernels per ear and provides detailed information about each kernel's shape, size, and location. The technology has the potential to revolutionize plant breeding and genetic research by enabling high-throughput phenotyping.

Spanking linked to increase in children's behavior problems

A new study published in Psychological Science found that spanking is associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems in children. Children who were spanked by their parents showed greater increases in behavior problems at ages 6 and 8 compared to those who were not spanked, according to the study.

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.

How the immune system identifies invading bacteria

The mouse immune system uses six different ways to identify invading bacteria, scanning the bacterial protein in detail. This effective immune response helps understand why certain bacteria can evade detection.

Species in the north are more vulnerable to climate change

New research challenges common perception that polar species are best at adapting to changing temperatures. Acclimation is most effective at temperate latitudes, with slow seasonal changes allowing for optimal adaptation. This could alter our understanding of which species are most vulnerable to climate change.

High-altitude observatory sheds light on origin of excess anti-matter

A new study using the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory found that two rapidly spinning stars are unlikely to be the source of excess anti-matter particles near Earth. The observations rule out a simple explanation involving nearby collapsed stars, leaving dark matter as a possible culprit.

Separating side effects could hold key for safer opioids

Researchers separate pain relief and breathing effects in opioids, revealing a 'biased signaling' mechanism with a 'therapeutic window' of safer alternatives. This finding could lead to new opioid medications without the risk of respiratory failure.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Andalusian experts discover new procedures for DNA stability

Researchers from the University of Seville have discovered that genes located near nuclear pores contribute to maintaining genome stability. The study found that anchoring DNA to the pore during transcription prevents DNA-RNA hybrids, a natural source of genome instability.

Pluto's hydrocarbon haze keeps dwarf planet colder than expected

A new analysis of Pluto's hydrocarbon haze reveals a novel cooling mechanism controlling the dwarf planet's frigid atmosphere. The study proposes that haze particles absorb heat and emit infrared radiation, resulting in an atmospheric temperature of about 70 Kelvin.