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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 32


Page 32 of 42

Deep-sea fish reveals twilight trick

Scientists have discovered a new type of cell in the eye of deep-sea fish that enables them to see in twilight conditions. This finding opens up new avenues of research into how animals adapt to extreme environments and challenges existing theories about photoreceptor cells.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 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.

A gel that does not break or dry out

Researchers at Kobe University created a double network within ionic liquid, combining inorganic silica particles with organic polymers, resulting in a gel that can withstand over 25 MPa of compressive strength. The gel's stability makes it suitable for applications in CO2 separation membranes and rechargeable batteries.

SourceKobe University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 8, 2017

Easing the soil's temperature

Research by Samuel Haruna found that cover crops and perennial biofuel crops can relieve soil compaction, reducing the impact of fluctuating temperatures. These crops slow down temperature changes and retain moisture, allowing soils to better regulate temperature fluctuations.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateNov 8, 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.

A waterway bounces back following the passage of the Clean Water Act

The Illinois Waterway has successfully recovered following the passage of the 1972 Clean Water Act, according to a study published in BioScience. The authors used a robust data set to demonstrate a strong linkage between water quality and the rebound of fish populations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateNov 8, 2017

Waste recycling by algae proposes a decentralized treatment system

Researchers in Brazil and the Netherlands explore using single-cell algae to remove pollutants from sewage waste, producing large amounts of biomass for composting. The decentralized system could enable small communities to treat their own black water, reducing the need for industrial-scale fertilizers.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateNov 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.

'Golden' potato delivers bounty of vitamins A and E

A golden potato engineered to be more nutritious than white potatoes has the potential to prevent disease and death in developing countries. The yellow-orange tuber provides up to 42% of a child's recommended daily intake of vitamin A and 34% of vitamin E.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2017

Parental sexual orientation and children's psychological well-being

A study of 21,103 children found no significant differences in emotional and mental health difficulties between those with lesbian or gay parents and those with heterosexual parents. However, children of bisexual parents experienced greater difficulties, which disappeared after accounting for minority stress among bisexual parents.

SourceWiley·JournalChild Development·DateNov 8, 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.

Star-shaped brain cells orchestrate neural connections

New research from Duke University reveals that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating the development and function of synapses in the brain. The study found that three proteins control the web-like structure of each astrocyte, which directly impacts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neural connections.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2017

New 'sugar-glass' film uses viruses to kill harmful bacteria in food

Scientists have developed an antibacterial coating that embeds viruses to destroy bacteria, with the coated films retaining their effectiveness for up to three months. The coating, made from a combination of pullulan and trehalose, has shown promise in preventing bacterial contamination of food.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateNov 8, 2017

Research reveals the true impact of diabetic foot ulcers

A recent study published by the University of Leeds reveals that diabetic foot ulcers have severe consequences, including limited mobility and increased risk of heart disease. The research found that more than half of patients with infected ulcers did not heal over a year, highlighting the need for close monitoring and timely treatment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateNov 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.

Novel nuclear medicine test can identify kidney transplant infection

A new nuclear medicine test can identify kidney transplant infection in non-invasive procedures, using positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI). The test has the potential to refine characterization of infectious and inflammatory kidney diseases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017

Tracking collars uncover the secrets of baboons' raiding tactics

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals how Cape Town's baboons use a sit-and-wait tactic before raiding homes and gardens in search of food. The research shows that only 10% of their foraging time is spent on raids, highlighting the extreme behavioral flexibility of these canny primates.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 8, 2017

Wound healing guided by cellular clock

Fibroblasts' circadian clocks affect wound healing, with slower healing times observed at night. Researchers found that resetting cellular clocks before surgery could help maximize healing outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017

Cooling in high and mid-latitudes led to aridification in Northern Africa

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that northern high-latitude cooling played a key role in triggering the rapid termination of the African Humid Period around 5500 years ago. This period was characterized by significant rainfall, but its sudden end led to aridification in the region.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 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.

Endurance training helpful in recovery from muscle inflammation, new study shows

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that endurance training can help alleviate muscle inflammation by targeting specific immune cells and promoting muscle repair. The research found that exercise alters microRNAs that downregulate immune processes and increase mitochondrial content, ultimately reducing muscle damage and inflamma...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2017

Has protecting marine species become a job for statisticians?

Researchers have created a new statistical model to study bycatch in commercial fishing, enabling more accurate predictions of incidental catches. The Random-Effects Hurdle Model can be applied to various fields with complex data structures, including health economics and medicine.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Annals of Applied Statistics·DateNov 8, 2017

UMD neuroscientists identify source of early brain activity

A new study led by University of Maryland neuroscientists found that subplate neurons, thought to have no role in transmitting sensory information, may conduct such signals after all. This discovery could enable early diagnosis of autism and other cognitive deficits.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 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.

Immigrants living in US near California-Mexico border have history of trauma

A new study from Rice University reveals that nearly 80% of undocumented Mexican immigrants living near the California-Mexico border have a lifetime history of traumatic events. Clinically significant psychological distress affects around 50% of these individuals, with many reporting domestic violence, poverty, and material deprivation.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateNov 7, 2017

How climate change may reshape subalpine wildflower communities

A recent study on Mount Rainier floral communities found that climate change can cause reassembly among wildflowers, leading to disrupted interactions. In 2015, an unusually warm summer resulted in new patterns of flowering times, with some species blooming earlier and others later.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcology·DateNov 7, 2017

New study explains why US health care spending increased $1 trillion

A new study measures the causes behind the US health care spending increase, attributing 50% to price and intensity of services. The analysis reveals that factors like population growth, age, disease prevalence, and utilization drive most of the spending increase.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalJAMA·DateNov 7, 2017

Need entangled atoms? Get 'Em FAST! with NIST's new patent-pending method

Physicists at NIST have created a new method to link atoms' properties quickly, potentially providing precise sensing and quantum computer tools. The approach uses dipolar interaction to enable fast entanglement propagation through groups of atoms.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 7, 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.

Dozens of new wildlife corridors identified for African mammals

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have identified 52 potential wildlife corridors in Tanzania, linking protected areas across the country. The study found that nearly a sixth of previously identified corridors may be separated by land conversion.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 7, 2017

How Helicobacter pylori causes gastric cancer

Researchers at FAU have identified two mechanisms by which H. pylori destroys the stomach's protective layer, allowing bacteria to access deeper tissue layers and inflict further damage. The team also discovered that the injected bacterial toxin reprograms host cells, making them potentially cancerous.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 7, 2017

Modeling social interactions to improve collective decision-making

Researchers analyzed social interactions in France and Japan, identifying five behaviors that influence group decisions. They developed a mathematical model that reproduces the results and predicts group performance based on information exchange, which can lead to improved cooperation and collaboration.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 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.

Inner ear stem cells may someday restore hearing

A Rutgers-led study has shown promise in using inner ear stem cells to reverse deafness, but also poses a risk of increased cell division, which could lead to cancer. The researchers discovered that controlling the chromatin state can reduce unwanted stem cell proliferation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 7, 2017

Improving sensor accuracy to prevent electrical grid overload

Researchers found that yokeless current sensors are prone to errors when measuring currents in iron conductors due to magnetic permeability. The study provides recommendations for designing more accurate sensors to improve the electrical grid's ability to respond to power surges and prevent catastrophic damage.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateNov 7, 2017

Stem cell and leukemia expert wins prestigious medal

Cristina Lo Celso, a rising star in biomedical research, has been awarded the Foulkes Foundation Medal for her groundbreaking work on leukemia. Her research focuses on understanding how leukaemia cells develop and relapse, with the ultimate goal of improving treatments and preventing disease recurrence.

SourceAcademy of Medical Sciences (UK)·DateNov 7, 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 quantum materials offer novel route to 3-D electronic devices

Researchers have discovered a new way to simulate Einstein's theory of general relativity in electronic systems, enabling the creation of 3D electron lenses and electronic invisibility devices. The discovery uses Weyl metamaterials, which combine ideas from solid-state physics, particle physics, and cosmology.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 7, 2017

It takes a microclimate to raise a pinyon tree

Pinyon pine trees rely on specific microclimates to recover from drought events. Cooler and wetter climates with high tree cover, abundant juvenile trees, and mature seed-producing trees are essential for regeneration. Microsites under shaded canopies also provide favorable conditions for young pinyon pine growth.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateNov 7, 2017

BU researcher leads team in 'cancer interception' project

A research team led by BU School of Medicine professor Avrum Spira is developing diagnostic tools to intercept lung cancer at its earliest stage using innovative approaches like nasal swabs and blood tests. The goal is to confirm whether lung abnormalities found on chest imaging are benign lung disease or signs of cancer.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateNov 7, 2017
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.

UC3M releases new research report

UC3M has secured over 7 million euros in contracts with companies, supporting its R&D efforts. The university is also active in European Horizon 2020 programs, with 50 projects approved and seven ERC projects funded.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateNov 7, 2017

Cities can cut greenhouse gas emissions far beyond their urban borders

A new study reveals that cities can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by addressing upstream activities such as housing and transportation. By choosing low-carbon construction materials and renewable energy sources, cities can drastically decrease their indirect CO2 emissions. This approach offers local policymakers m...

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 7, 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.

Targeting a microRNA shows potential to enhance effectiveness of diabetes drugs

Researchers found that inhibiting microRNA-204 could lead to better treatment of diabetes by regulating the cell surface receptor GLP1R. This could result in lower-drug doses and reduced dose-dependent side effects. The study suggests a novel approach to targeting beta-cell function and improving glucose control.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalDiabetes·DateNov 7, 2017

Lending late neurons a helping hand

University of Geneva researchers found that delayed neuronal migration in the fetus causes behavior disorders comparable to autism. They also discovered that correcting late neuron activity can restore interneuronal connections and prevent behavioral problems.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 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.

NASA tracking Atlantic's Tropical storm Rina

Tropical Storm Rina strengthened to tropical storm status on Nov. 6 with increased cloud coverage and deep convection near its center. The storm is forecasted to accelerate toward the north-northeast by Wednesday night.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 7, 2017