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Science News Archive November 2017


Page 34 of 42

Position statement opposing sex/porn addiction model

A group statement by three organizations opposes the addiction model in relation to frequent sexual behavior and pornography viewing. The statement cites a lack of scientific rigor and validity in current assessments for these concepts, as well as neglecting important cultural factors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How far did you fall from the tree?

Researchers at Kyoto University used a chimpanzee parent-offspring trio to estimate direct mutation rates, finding higher rates than in humans. The study also revealed a strong male-biased mutation spectrum and new structural alterations.

Sheep are able to recognize human faces from photographs

Researchers trained sheep to recognize celebrity faces and found they could identify their handler's face without prior training. The study suggests sheep have advanced face recognition abilities, comparable to those of humans and monkeys.

Researchers discover promising new anticancer strategy

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a compound that irreversibly stops the growth of certain aggressive, treatment-resistant tumor cells. The compound, FiVe1, blocks cell division by binding to a structural protein, vimentin, produced abundantly in mesenchymal-type cells.

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.

Climate change, sparse policies endanger right whale population

The study reveals that climate change and insufficient international protection are endangering the North Atlantic right whale population, which has made modest gains in recent years. The lack of adequate policies in northern waterways increases the risk of ship traffic and commercial fishing gear harming the whales.

UTSA professor to harvest clean energy from hot pavements

A new technology developed by UTSA professor Samer Dessouky converts heat from paved surfaces into electricity, generating power for rural areas and potential back-up lighting in airports. This innovation uses drones to map concentrated heat sources, enabling efficient energy harvesting from hot pavements.

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.

Take charge, wine lovers, and trust your palate

A Michigan State University study found that people fit into specific 'vinotypes' based on their food and beverage preferences. The researchers recommend that servers and sommeliers consider these preferences when suggesting a wine. By trusting their own palate, consumers can make informed choices about wine pairings.

How a 'flipped' gene helped butterflies evolve mimicry

A genetic inversion led to the development of mimicry in Asian swallowtail butterflies, with some species maintaining multiple forms of disguise to evade predators. The researchers found that the genetic change carried unrelated material, potentially introducing long-term disadvantages.

Do violent communities foster violent kids?

Researchers found that exposure to community violence is associated with increased antisocial behavior in children and adolescents, regardless of pre-existing conduct disorder. The study suggests that prevention programs can help break the cycle of violence.

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.

Diffused light shows clear structures

Researchers have successfully developed a method to analyze microscopic structures using incoherently scattered light, improving the analysis of small-scale biological systems. The technique has the potential to enhance imaging capabilities in fields like biology and medicine.

New drug shows potential as a different kind of antidepressant in mouse trials

A new drug compound, BU10119, has been developed by scientists at the University of Bath and shown significant potential as an antidepressant in mice. The compound works by blocking kappa opioid receptors, which have anti-depressant like effects in mice, offering a new potential treatment for those who don't respond to SSRIs.

Climate change likely to be more deadly in poor African settlements

A new study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that climate change will disproportionately affect people living in crowded urban settlements in Africa. The study found that temperatures in these areas can be up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the official weather station, leading to a significant increase in heat-related deaths.

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.

Has adolescent preventive care increased since the Affordable Care Act?

The study found that annual well-visit rates among adolescents increased from 41% to 48% after the ACA, with significant gains among minority and low-income adolescents. The ACA's requirement for coverage of preventive services without a copay led to increases in the receipt of recommended services up to age 21.

Scientists discover potential treatment to stop glaucoma in its tracks

Researchers at UC Berkeley and University of Toronto have discovered lipid mediators that may halt glaucoma progression. The study found that lipoxins A4 and B4 secreted by astrocytes can stop retinal ganglion cell degeneration, offering a potential treatment for this neurodegenerative disease.

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.

Forest of molecular signals in star forming galaxy

Using ALMA's unparalleled sensitivity and resolution, the team identified eight massive dusty clouds along the center of the galaxy, each with a unique chemical signature. The clouds are thought to be aggregates of dense, warm cocoons around young stars, driving complex chemical reactions and molecule formation.

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.

High protein diets point to new anti-obesity treatments

A new study found that phenylalanine reduces food intake by affecting the gut and brain, suggesting it may be used to treat or prevent obesity. The amino acid suppressed appetite by releasing hormones in the gut and activating areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation.

Trained T-cells to target toxic viruses in pediatric patients

A new T-cell therapy approach is being tested to help fight active viral infections in children with severe immune deficiencies. The therapy uses 'viral specific' T-cells that are engineered to target three common and potentially toxic viruses: EBV, CMV, and adenovirus.

Could a saliva test be next for lupus?

Pioneering UH researcher Chandra Mohan proposes a simpler salivary test to diagnose lupus, potentially replacing invasive blood tests. Saliva samples from people with SLE harbor antibodies and proteins that could be used as biomarkers for the disease.

Two INRS professors elected to OSA's 2018 class of fellows

INRS professors François Légaré and Federico Rosei have been elected OSA Fellows for their groundbreaking work in ultrafast molecular imaging and photonic materials development. The distinction reflects their leadership, publication record, and significant impact on optics and photonics research.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Breaking the chain: Catalyzing a green future for chemistry

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new catalyst to produce valuable chemicals from biomass, allowing for the creation of green raw materials for manufacturing. The catalyst enables the production of important chemicals like 2-butanol and cyclohexanol without emitting CO2.

Lightning-fast communications

University of Utah researchers create a new component for ultra-high-speed communications and computing using perovskite, a mineral discovered in Russia. The technology uses the terahertz spectrum to transmit data a thousand times faster than current systems.

Briny pool bacteria can clean up and power up

Researchers have discovered a novel way to detoxify salty wastewater using bacteria that can generate electricity, producing hydrogen gas. The bacteria, found in deep-water brine pools, thrive in extreme conditions and have the potential to convert waste products into valuable chemical products.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

The impact of the 'war on drugs' for female 'mules'

A University of Kent study has found that women working as drug 'mules' are not victimized by their sex but by the illicit trade and its illegal status. The research highlights a legal bias that distorts sentencing policies, drawing attention away from the negative effects of punitive drug laws.

Fish provide insight into the evolution of the immune system

A study on guppy fish reveals how their immune genes evolve to resist parasites while maintaining critical function over millions of years. The research sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics of the immune system and its ability to adapt to new threats.

How marketing decoys influence decision-making

Neuroeconomic research investigates the neural underpinnings of the decoy effect, a marketing strategy that influences decision-making. The study reveals greater value-related activity in the left ventral striatum when the chosen option is superior to the decoy, indicating its impact on choice.

Mechanosensation in the duck bill

Researchers discovered that duck embryos have a high density of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors, making them more sensitive to touch. This specialization is crucial for ducks' tactile foraging abilities, which differ from those of visual-dependent chickens.

Is anticoagulant warfarin associated with lower risk of cancer incidence?

Researchers observed a significant association between warfarin use and reduced risk of new cancers, particularly prostate, lung, breast, and colon cancers. The findings suggest that warfarin may be protective against certain types of cancer, which could have implications for anticoagulation treatment.

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.

Higher brain glucose levels may mean more severe Alzheimer's

Researchers found a connection between abnormal glucose breakdown in the brain and the severity of Alzheimer's symptoms, with lower glycolysis rates and higher brain glucose levels correlated to more severe pathology. The study suggests that targeting glycolysis defects could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Can cannabinoids be used to treat cancer?

A review of cannabinoids' therapeutic antitumor potential highlights their ability to stimulate apoptosis in cancer cells. While promising, the evidence is currently based on limited human studies and animal models, emphasizing the need for further research.

Language patterns and gene expression

Researchers analyzed audio clips from 143 adults to find individual language patterns related to gene expression and adversity; they discovered that these patterns better predicted adverse gene profiles than self-reported measures of anxiety and stress. This study provides a new link between spoken language and immune system regulation.

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.

Cool idea: Magma held in 'cold storage' before giant volcano eruption

A team of researchers has found that the magma body at Long Valley was much cooler before the eruption than previously thought. The discovery challenges the traditional view of a long period with a big tank of molten rock in the crust, instead suggesting that magma is stored for a short period in a cool, crystalline state.

Crime-scene technique used to track turtles

Green turtles breed in Cyprus and forage in Lake Bardawil, a new important feeding ground discovered using stable isotope ratios and satellite tracking. The study found that 82% of female turtles show high consistency in their isotope ratios, indicating they return to the same places.

Poor social skills may be harmful to health

A new study from the University of Arizona finds that people with poor social skills are at greater risk for mental and physical health issues due to increased stress and loneliness. Social skills training has shown to be effective in improving these skills.

Simple green synthesis is a breath of fresh air

Researchers at KAUST developed a solvent-free synthesis method for metal-sulfide nanoparticles using thiourea. The new method produces controllable composition and size of nanoparticles, with potential applications in electrical, optical, and chemical devices.

Breaking cell symmetry

Researchers discover that cortical tension plays a key role in clustering proteins and establishing cell polarity. This force-driven mechanism allows cells to establish polarity without wasting energy by actively transporting proteins or cellular components.

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.

Dental filling failure linked to smoking, drinking and genetics

A new study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that patients who drink alcohol or smoke are more likely to experience dental filling failure. Genetic differences were also discovered to be associated with increased filling failure rates, suggesting personalized treatments could lead to improved outcomes.

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.

Afterschool program environments linked to academic confidence and skills

A new study by NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that afterschool programs with positive, responsive, and organized environments can have significant academic benefits for students. The study examined the role of afterschool classroom environment in terms of academic outcomes for youth with and wi...