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Science News for October 20, 2017


The perils of business ethics facing the UK's SME jewellery producers comes under scrutiny

A recent study by the University of Huddersfield reveals that UK SME jewellery producers are vulnerable to rogue traders due to their reliance on trust when sourcing materials. The research highlights the need for these businesses to develop policies on sustainability and sourcing to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateOct 20, 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.

Cool roofs have water saving benefits too

A new Berkeley Lab study finds that cool roofs can save up to 9% of outdoor water consumption in California counties. Widespread adoption could result in 83 million gallons of water savings daily in Los Angeles County.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 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.

Physical inactivity and restless sleep exacerbate genetic risk of obesity

A large-scale study found that low physical activity and inefficient sleep patterns intensify genetic risk factors for obesity, confirming previous findings with new, more objective measurements. The study also showed a gene-activity interaction between physical activity levels and genetic variants associated with obesity.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 20, 2017

Mountain glaciers shrinking across the West

A new satellite imaging tool has been used to track elevation changes for mountain glaciers in the US, confirming significant loss of ice over the past 60 years. The results show that cumulative ice loss at Mount Rainier is equivalent to removing a layer of ice about 25 feet thick.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateOct 20, 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.

Youth Enjoy Science (YES) grant brings diversity to cancer research

The Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Program at CWRU School of Medicine aims to interest and recruit underrepresented minorities in cancer research careers. The program provides a comprehensive approach to training middle school through college undergraduates, with the goal of increasing diversity in scientific research.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 20, 2017

Creation of coherent states in molecules by incoherent electrons

Researchers have demonstrated that incoherent electrons can induce coherence in molecular systems through attachment, leading to the ejection of ions in a preferred direction. This breakthrough has significant implications for controlling chemical reactions using photons and understanding the dynamics of excited molecular negative ions.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 20, 2017

Study reveals connection between microbiome and autoimmune disorders

A recent study published in Cell reveals a new mechanism in the gut microbiome that regulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cells, potentially preventing inflammatory bowel disease. The research also suggests that changes in the gut microbiome can increase the risk of other autoimmune disorders.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell·DateOct 20, 2017

Correcting position errors in spherical near to far-field transformation for long antennas

Researchers developed an efficient technique to compensate for position errors in a spherical near to far-field transformation for long antennas, using minimum near-field measurements. The method achieves accurate reconstructions of uniform samples from non-uniform ones, enabling the evaluation of input data needed for traditional NTFFT.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Electrical & Electronic Engineering Journal·DateOct 20, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why aren't more kids with sickle cell disease getting this test?

Researchers are launching a national study to understand why fewer than 30% of children with sickle cell disease receive transcranial Doppler screening, which can prevent strokes. The goal is to identify barriers and implement strategies to increase access to the life-saving test.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateOct 20, 2017

The skinny on lipid immunology

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Monash University uncover the basis for T cell receptor autoreactivity to self-phospholipids, with implications for psoriasis, contact hypersensitivities, and allergies. The study highlights the physical structures that enable lipid recognition by T cells.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 20, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Global CO2 emissions stalled for the third year in a row

Global CO2 emissions have stalled for the third consecutive year, with fossil carbon dioxide emissions slowing down since 2012. Meanwhile, methane and nitrous oxide emissions continue to rise, driven by agricultural activities and industrial production in key countries like China, US, and India.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateOct 20, 2017

How obesity promotes breast cancer

Research from Helmholtz Zentrum München reveals a new mechanism by which obesity fuels the growth of breast cancer. The enzyme ACC1 plays a central role in this process, and blocking its activity with an antibody treatment can halt this mechanism.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 20, 2017

The end of pneumonia? New vaccine offers hope

A new vaccine under development offers comprehensive coverage against up to 90 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, targeting deadly forms of the bacterium that cause pneumonia. The vaccine stimulates a strong immune response and may provide universal coverage against pneumococcal disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 20, 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.

Nicotinic receptor could be target for treatment of lung inflammation

Researchers found that an experimental drug stimulates alpha-7 nicotinic receptors, reducing inflammation and improving lung function in mice with chronic allergic conditions. The treatment also activated M2 macrophages, associated with tissue repair, and reduced pro-inflammatory molecules.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateOct 20, 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.

Microfluidics probe 'cholesterol' of the oil industry

Researchers at Rice University have developed microfluidic devices to study the interaction between asphaltene and dispersants, revealing that smaller particles are more likely to stick together. The study found that dispersants can break down deposits by increasing repulsion between aggregates, creating softer asphaltenes.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateOct 20, 2017

'Selfish brain' wins out when competing with muscle power, study finds

A new investigation reveals that human brains are less impaired than skeletal muscles when experiencing extreme physical and mental exertion. The 'selfish brain' hypothesis suggests that the brain prioritizes its own energy needs over peripheral organs, potentially contributing to human evolution's trade-offs.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 20, 2017

Exploring how herpes simplex virus changes when passed between family members

Researchers discover nearly perfect genetic transmission of the virus from a father to his son, suggesting that HSV-1 may not change much when transmitted between closely related individuals. However, transmission between unrelated hosts may provide an opportunity for greater genetic diversity and potential changes in virulence.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 20, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Metacognition training boosts gen chem exam scores

University of Utah researchers found that metacognition training improved general chemistry exam scores for lower-performing students. On average, these students raised their final exam scores by 4%, with the strongest improvement seen in the bottom quartile, who scored a full letter grade better.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·DateOct 20, 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.

To vape or not to vape? Probably: Not to vape

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that e-cigarettes trigger both unique and familiar immune responses in the lungs. Researchers compared sputum samples from e-cigarette users, cigarette smokers, and non-smokers, revealing significant increases in inflammatory biomarkers, oxida...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 20, 2017

'Antelope perfume' keeps flies away from cows

A team of scientists developed an innovative way to prevent sleeping sickness in cattle using the smell of antelopes. By mimicking the waterbuck's repellent scent, more than 80 percent of cows were spared from infection. The method is cheaper and more popular among Maasai herders than traditional treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 20, 2017

High field magnet at BER II: Insight into a hidden order

Researchers have discovered a new magnetic phase transition in a uranium-ruthenium crystal at extremely high magnetic fields. At around 21.6 Tesla, the magnetic moments of uranium atoms point alternatingly up-up-down in opposite directions, forming an uncompensated antiferromagnetic order.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 20, 2017

E-cigarettes may trigger unique and potentially damaging immune responses

New research suggests e-cigarettes can lead to lung disease, triggering increased neutrophil activation and altered mucin secretion. The study found similar biomarkers of oxidative stress and activation of innate defense mechanisms associated with lung disease in both e-cigarette and cigarette users.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 20, 2017

Fewer stillbirths at East African hospital following introduction of childbirth guidelines

A study introduced a simplified childbirth guide at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar, reducing stillbirths by 33% and improving newborn health. The PartoMa guidelines, developed with local doctors and midwives, have been widely adopted and are being used to inform healthcare policies in low-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateOct 20, 2017
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.

Chromosomes may be knotted

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that chromosomes are likely entangled, suggesting they may be knotted. The team used mathematical algorithms to examine 3D polymer models of chromosomes and extended the models to determine if they contain knots.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPolymers·DateOct 20, 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.

Dartmouth to debut wearables that warn and wow at UIST 2017

Dartmouth College introduces several cutting-edge technology projects, including RetroShape, a smart watch that provides tactile feedback, and Frictio, a smart ring with calendar alerts. Pyro, a thumb-tip recognition technique, also showcases improved finger gesture interaction with computing applications.

SourceDartmouth College·DateOct 20, 2017

Gamma rays will reach beyond the limits of light

Researchers produced high-energy photon beams using a new method, exceeding known limits and paving the way for deeper understanding of atomic nuclei. The discovery has potential applications in future large-scale laser facilities and could lead to new sources of energy.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 20, 2017

NASA sees a new depression form after another fizzled

A new tropical depression has formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, hours after a neighboring system dissipated. The storm is currently disorganized and moving northwest towards Guam, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 20, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New function in gene-regulatory protein discovered

A team of researchers has discovered a new function of the gene-regulatory protein CBP, which affects the recruitment and release of RNA polymerase from genes. This finding enhances our understanding of gene regulation and provides insights into why CBP is often affected in certain forms of cancer.

SourceUmea University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 20, 2017