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Science News Archive October 2017


Page 18 of 43

The birth of a new protein

A team of scientists at the University of Arizona has discovered that a newly evolved yeast protein can fold into a compact three-dimensional structure, contrary to the long-held assumption that such proteins are incomplete and 'works-in-progress',

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Gene circuit switches on inside cancer cells, triggers immune attack

Researchers at MIT have developed a synthetic gene circuit that can trigger the immune system to target cancer cells. The circuit is designed to detect two specific cancer markers and only activates a therapeutic response when both are present, offering new pathways for cancer immunotherapy.

Solid or liquid? Researcher proposes a new definition of glass

A Brazilian scientist proposes a new definition of glass as a non-equilibrium, non-crystalline state of matter that appears solid on a short time scale but relaxes towards the liquid state. This definition challenges traditional views of glass as a solid and highlights its unique properties.

Gut bacteria from wild mice boost health in lab mice

Researchers found that introducing wild mouse gut bacteria to laboratory mice improved their survival rate against the flu virus and reduced tumor growth. The study suggests using natural microbiota in lab mice could improve disease modeling and lead to new therapeutic approaches.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Memory rides the ripples for long-term storage

Researchers observed coordination between high-frequency oscillations and parts of the association cortex, which helped explicit memories transition from hippocampus to association cortex for long-term storage. The coupling was strengthened during sleep after learning.

More teens than ever aren't getting enough sleep

A new study by San Diego State University finds that adolescents are sleeping fewer hours per night than older generations, with 40% of teenagers in 2015 sleeping less than 7 hours a night. Young people's increased smartphone use is linked to decreased sleep, with teens who spend more time online being more likely to not get enough sleep.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis linked to an increased risk of COPD

Research reveals that rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions are at a higher risk, emphasizing the need for controlled inflammation and early symptom monitoring.

Study: 3 million Americans carry loaded handguns daily

Researchers found that 80% of handgun owners who carried their guns had a concealed-carry permit and 66% always carried them concealed. State laws on handgun carrying have become less restrictive over the last 30 years, leading to an increase in concealed-carry permit holders

MSU scientist leads NOAA-funded effort to better predict droughts

A Michigan State University scientist is leading a NOAA-funded project to create a three-month, automated drought outlook that will be released weekly to the public. The system aims to provide more notice of potential droughts, including flash droughts, and help policymakers and stakeholders prepare for these events.

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.

Mathematically modeling HIV drug pharmacodynamics

Researchers propose a mathematical model to investigate the effects of drug parameters and dosing schedules on HIV latent reservoirs and viral load dynamics. The study suggests that drugs with proper pharmacodynamic properties can potentially prevent or postpone establishment of viral infection.

Ben-Gurion U. introduces Israel's first underwater robotic vehicle

The HydroCamel II autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) integrates state-of-the-art technologies for full autonomy and maneuverability. Developed by Ben-Gurion University, it will be commercially available for use in various sectors, including military, security and environmental applications.

BU: More permissive concealed-carry laws linked to higher homicide rates

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that permissive concealed-carry laws are associated with significantly higher rates of handgun-related homicide. The study suggests that current trends towards more lenient gun laws are inconsistent with promoting public safety.

Researchers 'drug the undruggable' through unique collaboration

A multidisciplinary research collaboration has found a way to target key cancer-linked proteins by exploiting a unique binding site in an enzyme. The approach could lead to the development of new drugs that control tumour growth and promote normal cell control mechanisms.

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.

Barrow researchers use novel imaging to predict spinal degeneration

Researchers developed a novel imaging technique to assess patients with lumbar spine degeneration, providing precise assessments of water content changes in the intervertebral disk. This technology aims to recognize and predict disease earlier, enabling better treatment choices.

Impact of Amazonian hydropower is 'significantly underestimated,' study finds

A new University of Stirling study suggests that the environmental impact of Amazonian hydropower generation may be greater than predicted. Forest fragmentation and liana growth can lead to biodiversity and carbon losses associated with tropical hydropower, highlighting the need for more accurate assessments in dam decision-making.

New tyrannosaur fossil is most complete found in southwestern US

A nearly complete skeleton of a 76-million-year-old tyrannosaur was discovered in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The fossil is believed to be an individual of the species Teratophoneus curriei, with a relatively short head and estimated length of 17-20 feet.

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.

When new players learn slot-machine tricks, they avoid gambling addiction

Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that a short educational video helps novice gamblers become more aware of losses disguised as wins and curb false perceptions. This increased awareness may lead to a more realistic view of their gambling experiences, potentially preventing problems down the road.

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.

NASA's MAVEN mission finds Mars has a twisted tail

The research found that Mars' magnetotail is unique, with a twist caused by magnetic reconnection between the solar wind and embedded surface fields. This process may also propel some of Mars' atmosphere into space.

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.

Cleaning up? Not without helpers

Researchers from the University of Freiburg successfully identified the molecular composition of calcium-ATPases, crucial for controlling various Ca2+-dependent processes in cells. The discovery highlights the essential role of novel subunits Neuroplastin and Basigin in regulating Ca2+ clearance.

Six degrees of separation: Why it is a small world after all

Researchers from University of Leicester and KU Leuven found that information flow accounts for emergence of small-world networks in complex systems. These structures arise spontaneously in neuronal and social networks, and are characterized by short-cuts and hierarchical organization.

Terahertz spectroscopy goes nano

Researchers at Brown University have improved the resolution of laser terahertz emission microscopy (LTEM) to 20 nanometers, enabling detailed imaging of individual nanostructures. This technique can be used to study a wide variety of materials, including semiconductors and perovskite solar cells.

'Y' a protein unicorn might matter in glaucoma

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have identified a rare Y-shape in a protein associated with hereditary glaucoma, which may revolutionize its treatment. The discovery reveals how the Y ties together major components of the protein and could help understand myocilin's role in the eye.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Changes in insurance coverage among patients with cancer under ACA

The study found that the uninsured rate for adults with new cancer diagnoses decreased from 5.73% to 3.81% in 2014, a gain of 1.92 percentage points across multiple cancers and demographic groups. Coverage gains were particularly significant for Hispanic individuals and those with early- or late-stage disease.

Brain takes seconds to switch modes during tasks

A UCL study in rats reveals that the brain rapidly switches between operational modes in response to tasks and replays. The researchers found that it only takes 10-15 seconds for the brain to switch from a mode supporting planning to one supporting memory consolidation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Lower brain glucose levels found in people with obesity, type 2 diabetes

A new Yale study reveals decreased brain glucose levels in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes compared to lean individuals. This finding might explain the underlying mechanisms of disordered eating behavior and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease among obese and diabetic individuals. The researchers suggest that impaired...

At tremendous precision, the proton and antiproton still seem identical

The RIKEN-led BASE collaboration has measured the magnetic moment of the antiproton at unprecedented precision, finding it remarkably close to that of the proton. This result imposes strict limits on the possibility of CPT asymmetry, a key factor in the imbalance between matter and antimatter.

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.

Rapid environmental change makes species more vulnerable to extinction

Researchers found that indirect effects of coevolution have a greater impact on complex biological communities than direct interactions. This is particularly concerning for species-rich networks, which are slow to adapt to rapid environmental changes and may face higher extinction risks.

UCI scientists see order in complex patterns of river deltas

Researchers find that deltas exhibit a high diversity of delivery pathways to the sea, adapting to maintain their existence. The study's findings suggest an 'optimality principle' governing the behavior of rivers deltas across different environments.

New analysis suggests that preserving rare species is vital to tropical forests

An international team developed a statistical approach to examine forest populations and predict biodiversity, highlighting the importance of rare species in maintaining ecosystem health. The new method provides accurate estimates of species numbers and abundances, enabling conservation efforts to focus on vulnerable species.

This nanoelectronics breakthrough could lead to more efficient quantum devices

A Concordia University study published in Nature Communications reveals the potential for ultra-smart transistors that harness the quantum nature of electrons. Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling electron behavior within nanoelectronics, showing new engineering possibilities for two-in-one quantum electronic devices.

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.

Healthy coral populations produce a surprising number of offspring

A new study reveals that healthy coral populations can produce significantly more offspring than degraded populations, with higher percentages of successful parents and increased reproductive output. This finding highlights the critical role of healthy coral reefs in supporting reef recovery and re-seeding other areas.

Mass killings happen randomly, yet rate has remained steady, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that mass killings in the US have remained steady over the past decade, with no significant increase in frequency or clustering. The study's authors suggest that a robust response system and resiliency in infrastructure are key to minimizing the impact of such events.

Dutch courage -- Alcohol improves foreign language skills

A new study found that consuming a low dose of alcohol can improve bilingual speakers' ability to speak a second language, particularly in terms of pronunciation. However, the study's results suggest that higher levels of alcohol consumption may not have similar benefits.

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.