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Science News Archive October 2017


Page 1 of 43

'Tensor algebra' software speeds big-data analysis 100-fold

Researchers developed a system called Taco that generates optimized code for tensor algebra operations on sparse data, offering a 100-fold speedup over existing software. The system automatically optimizes code by tracking and discarding zero entries, reducing wasted computation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 31, 2017

Young bats learn bat 'dialects' from their nestmates

A new study shows that young bats adopt a specific 'dialect' spoken by their colonies, even when it differs from their mother tongue. Researchers used playback recordings to expose pups to different vocalizations and found they developed a dialect resembling the one they were exposed to.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 31, 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.

Air pollution is associated with cancer mortality beyond lung cancer

A large-scale epidemiological study has associated certain air pollutants with increased mortality from kidney, bladder, and colorectal cancers. The study followed over 600,000 adults in the US and found that exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone was linked to higher cancer death rates.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 31, 2017

Flour power to boost food security

Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified genes that control a cell protein holding wheat grain layers together, leading to improved milling efficiency and nutritional profiles. This breakthrough could increase flour yield by up to 10% and unlock new high-yielding field wheats.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 2017

NASA examines the powerful US Northeast storm

The NASA GPM satellite collected detailed data on the storm's distribution and intensity of precipitation, revealing intense rain rates over 2 inches per hour. The storm's freezing level and wind gusts were also mapped, indicating heights of up to 5.6 miles and winds greater than 70 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 31, 2017
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.

Orphaned elephants' social lives substantially altered by poaching

Research at Colorado State University found that orphaned female elephants have limited access to mature, dominant individuals, affecting their social integration. Social bonds with surviving adults may not compensate for lost relationships during early years following disruption.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 2017

A special issue to commemorate the centenary of Duzheng Ye's birth

The Institute of Atmospheric Physics published a special issue in AAS to commemorate Duzheng Ye's life's achievements. The collection focuses on Ye's theories and their impact on modern weather forecasting, climate change research, and Tibetan Plateau meteorology.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 31, 2017

Half of UK adults miss a quarter of their teeth when brushing

A new study found that half of UK adults (48%) admit to missing at least a quarter of their teeth while brushing. The survey also shows a lack of guidance on tooth brushing habits, with six in ten adults having never been shown how to brush correctly by a dentist or hygienist.

SourceThe PR Works Limited·DateOct 31, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How an interest in bipolar disorder drugs led to a better understanding of leukemia

A research project that began with an interest in bipolar disorder drugs has led to a better understanding of leukemia. The study found that the protein GSK-3 affects RNA splicing, which is linked to acute myeloid leukemia. This discovery could also explain why lithium causes increased white blood cell count.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 31, 2017

New toolkit reveals novel cancer genes

Researchers have identified 27 novel tumour suppressor genes that may prevent cancer formation, using a powerful statistical model on over 2000 tumours across 12 human cancer types. This discovery could pave the way for targeted cancer therapies and deepen our understanding of cancer genomics.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 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.

Prenatal exposure to BPA at low levels can affect gene expression in developing rat brain

Research from NC State University reveals that prenatal BPA exposure at levels below the current FDA safety threshold alters hormone receptor expression, synaptic transmission, and neurodevelopment in the developing rat brain. The study found sex-specific differences in sensitivity to BPA exposure, with females appearing more sensitive.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNeuroToxicology·DateOct 31, 2017

The Lancet Oncology: Major report sets out how to accelerate cancer research and care, delivering on US Cancer Moonshot initiative

The Lancet Oncology Commission recommends prioritizing key areas for US$2 billion funding to advance cancer research and treatment, focusing on prevention, targeted interventions, and patient-centered data sharing. The report aims to improve cancer care for underserved groups and reduce health disparities.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 31, 2017

Giving rookie dads the online info they really need

A Canadian study created a website tailored for men transitioning to parenthood, addressing their specific information needs. The site provides resources on parenting, relationships, work-life balance, stress management, and sleep improvement.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 31, 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.

Trends in kids' fitness not as bad as assumed

A study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics found that first-graders in one region of Germany have remained reasonably fit over the past decade. Aerobic fitness has declined only in boys, while speed and balance have improved in both sexes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateOct 31, 2017

Young bats learn bat 'dialects' from their nestmates

Researchers found that young bats pick up specific vocalizations from their colony members, developing a unique dialect. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of language skills and raises questions about how bats adapt to new colonies.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 31, 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.

Smoking may cause inflammatory bowel disease

A new study reveals that cigarette smoke triggers colitis, an inflammation of the colon, in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. The researchers identified CD4+ T cells and a pro-inflammatory protein as the immune cells responsible for this effect. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for Crohn's disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 31, 2017

Massage could be used to aid recovery of damaged limbs

Researchers found that massage increased muscle growth after loss and improved protein manufacture in cells, leading to faster regeneration. Additionally, non-massaged muscles showed accelerated growth, suggesting massage could benefit both injured and healthy limbs.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 31, 2017

Humans don't use as much brainpower as we like to think

A study published in the Journal of Human Evolution found that humans do not have uniquely expensive brains, challenging a major dogma in human evolution studies. Researchers measured the cross-sectional area of cranial arteries and brain glucose uptake to compare brain costs across 22 species.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateOct 31, 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.

Stay focused, if you can

A study by University of Miami researchers found that individuals with specific patterns of salience network dynamics were better able to resist tempting distractors and perform tasks. The study, published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, sheds new light on the neural mechanisms underlying self-control and temptation res...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 31, 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.

Dissecting effects of 1960s anti-poverty programs on present US

Research by Stanford scholar Claire Dunning shows that 1960s anti-poverty programs like New Careers created entry-level human services jobs, predominantly taken by African-American and Latina women. These jobs were low wage and lacked career advancement opportunities.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Urban History·DateOct 31, 2017

New blood test developed to diagnose ovarian cancer

A new blood test has been developed to detect ovarian cancer with high accuracy, using microRNA profiling to distinguish between cancerous and benign tumors. The test shows promise in accurately predicting ovarian cancer, even when other methods fail.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateOct 31, 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.

Experts call for virtual European cancer institute/infrastructure

A new article proposes a virtual European Cancer Institute to combine innovative prevention and treatment strategies, achieving high survival rates in countries with well-developed healthcare systems. The initiative aims to address economic and social inequalities in less developed systems

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Oncology·DateOct 31, 2017

Alzheimer's disease might be a 'whole body' problem

Research suggests that amyloid-beta, a toxic protein, can travel to the brain from other parts of the body, contributing to Alzheimer's disease. This discovery offers hope for new drug therapies that target the kidneys or liver to prevent the protein from reaching the brain.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 31, 2017

Spicy food may curb unhealthy cravings for salt

A new study found that Chinese adults who enjoyed spicy foods ate less salt and had lower blood pressure, suggesting a potential health benefit. The study linked spice preference to brain activity in regions involved in salty taste, supporting the idea that spices can reduce salt consumption.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 31, 2017

Right-handed baseball players more successful when batting left-handed

Researchers found that right-handed baseball players who bat left-handed have an advantage over those who bat and throw left-handed. This study, reanalyzing data from 1871 to 2016, suggests that throwing right-handed but batting left improves a player's likelihood of becoming a top hitter in Major League.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Only 9 countries on track to eliminate hepatitis C

Nine countries are making progress towards eliminating hepatitis C, thanks to innovative approaches and increased funding. Brazil, Egypt, Australia, and Georgia are leading the way with mass screenings, vaccination campaigns, and risk-sharing agreements.

SourceWorld Hepatitis Alliance·DateOct 31, 2017

Lens trick doubles odds for quantum interaction

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a super-resolution imaging technique that doubles the odds of successful photon interaction with atoms. This innovation has significant implications for quantum computing and metrology, as it enables stronger interactions between photons and atoms.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 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.

Mini-microscopes reveal brain circuitry behind social behavior

Researchers used tiny microscopes on mice's heads to visualize brain activity in living mice, showing how and where instincts are shaped by learning. The results found that social experiences can influence brain responses to other mice and even lead to long-lasting changes in the brain's activity patterns.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 31, 2017

Aging has distinct and opposite effects on tendon in males and females

Researchers analyzed gene expression changes in tendon tissue of male and female subjects aged 20-24 and 54-70. The study found opposite effects on genes expressed in males and females with age, highlighting the importance of considering gender differences in treating tendon disease.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 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.

Lemurs are weird because Madagascar's fruit is weird

A new study reveals that Madagascar's fruit is too low in protein for lemurs to sustain themselves, prompting them to adopt a leafy diet and develop unusual behaviors like hibernation. The research sheds light on the evolution of lemurs' dietary habits and highlights their unique characteristics.

SourceField Museum·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 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.

Results from the ABSORB IV trial reported at TCT 2017

The ABSORB IV trial found that biosorbable stents are non-inferior to traditional metal stents, but still require further advancements in device technology and technique. The study demonstrated a lower rate of device thrombosis with improved pre-dilatation and post-dilatation techniques.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateOct 31, 2017

Researchers map trends in drug development

A new mapping reveals trends in G protein-coupled receptor-targeted drugs, indicating more precise effects and reduced side effects. The study also identifies potential for further research into untargeted receptors related to genetic and immune disorders.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Drug Discovery·DateOct 31, 2017

Diagnostic revolution targets tuberculosis, other deadly diseases

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new methods for detecting tuberculosis (TB), a deadly disease that kills over a billion people in the last two centuries. The new tests use nanotechnology to detect TB proteins in patient blood samples, providing rapid and accurate results.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 31, 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.

MSU biologists discovered the pathways of groups of the lophophore

Scientists from Moscow State University have discovered the evolutionary pathways of groups of invertebrates with specific tentacular apparatus - the lophophore. The study reveals that lophophorates are the closest relatives, with a common ancestral morphology.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateOct 31, 2017

Religious affiliation at the end of life is changing globally

The study analyzed global data on religious affiliation at the time of death, projecting changes until 2060. Christianity is expected to remain the most common religion, while Islam will increase in prevalence. Regional trends also emerge, with Europe's secularization and Nigeria's Muslim majority

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health·DateOct 31, 2017