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Science News Archive October 2017


Page 4 of 43

Examining potatoes' past could improve spuds of the future

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified key genes that helped domesticated potatoes adapt over thousands of years. By studying the ancestors of modern North American cultivated potatoes, scientists uncovered common genes and important pathways that enabled spuds to thrive in diverse environments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quantum dots visualize tiny vibrational resonances

Researchers have discovered a way to visualize tiny vibrational resonances using quantum dots, which could lead to the development of new sensing technologies. The technique uses light waves to drive the motion of a thin membrane, creating patterns that can be visualized through an array of quantum dots.

3-D 'scaffold' map to help the search for new cancer treatments

Researchers have produced a 3D map of SgK223, a molecular scaffold that plays a critical role in the development and spread of aggressive breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers. The map will enable targeting of specific regions critical for its function, potentially leading to novel strategies for cancer treatment.

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.

NASA sees extra-tropical storm Saola moving by Japan

Extra-Tropical Storm Saola transitioned from a tropical storm and tracked southeast of Japan, moving north of Hokkaido on October 30. The storm was east of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, with clouds stretching into the Sea of Okhotsk and northwest Pacific Ocean.

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.

Scientists penetrate mystery of raging black hole beams

A team of scientists has captured the time delay between X-ray flares and optical light flashes in a stellar-mass black hole, resolving controversy over jet plasma activation. This study uses precise multi-wavelength observations to demonstrate that relativistic jets are formed by gravity and magnetic fields.

E-cigarette use by high school students linked to cigarette smoking

A large Canadian study links e-cigarette use among high school students to later cigarette smoking. The study found that youth who used e-cigarettes were more likely to start and continue smoking cigarettes. However, the association may be due to common factors rather than a causal effect.

Helping smokers quit: Payments, personalized support can work

A new study found that smokers who received financial incentives, in addition to personalized support, were nearly 10 times more likely to quit smoking after six months compared to those in the control group. The intervention also showed significant reductions in smoking rates among older participants, women, and non-white smokers.

Minor merger kicks supermassive black hole into high gear

A team of researchers used the Subaru Telescope to study Messier 77, revealing evidence of a hidden minor merger billions of years ago. The discovery provides crucial evidence for the minor merger origin of active galactic nuclei and sheds light on the mysterious phenomenon.

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.

How flu shot manufacturing forces influenza to mutate

A new study from Scripps Research Institute reveals that egg-based production causes the virus to target bird cells, disrupting the major antibody target site on the surface. This mutation renders the flu vaccine less effective in humans, with recent vaccines proving only 33% effective against H3N2 viruses.

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.

Jupiter's X-ray auroras pulse independently

Research using ESA's XMM-Newton and NASA's Chandra X-ray observatories found that Jupiter's south pole X-ray emissions pulse every 11 minutes, while north pole emissions are erratic. This behavior is distinct from Earth's auroras, which mirror each other in activity.

Neanderthal and modern human noses

Researchers analyzed nasal morphologies to infer Neanderthal soft tissue, finding that cold-adapted nasal configurations evolved independently in both species. Computational fluid dynamics simulations showed faster air warming and humidification rates in Neanderthals compared to modern humans.

Spider silk could be used to power microphones in hearing aids, cell phones

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new type of microphone that uses spider silk to improve directional sensing across a wide range of frequencies. The study, led by Professor Ron Miles and graduate student Jian Zhou, found that the fine fibers are able to pick up velocity rather than pressure of air waves.

'Precision medicine' for cancer patients may not always be so precise

A new study found that precision medicine for oncology is less precise for people of Latin American, African, and Asian ancestry due to the lack of diverse genetic population data. A computational tool called LumosVar was created to help researchers sort out potentially inaccurate results and improve precision medicine.

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.

Under pressure

Climate change and human activities are putting North Atlantic right whales under immense pressure, with food scarcity and high mortality rates exacerbating their decline. The study predicts population growth will be hindered by climate-mediated food availability and policy-driven mortalities.

Making glass invisible: A nanoscience-based disappearing act

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a method to reduce surface reflections from glass surfaces to nearly zero by etching tiny nanoscale features into them. This achievement could enhance solar cell efficiency, improve electronic display use, and support high-power laser applications.

Wristband devices detect dangerous seizures in patients with epilepsy

New research published in Epilepsia indicates that wristband devices can improve the detection and characterization of seizures in patients with epilepsy. The devices detected 95% of seizures while keeping false alarm rates at a bearable level, providing real-time alerts to caregivers and improving patients' quality of life.

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

Research by Anglia Ruskin University shows that right-handed baseball players who bat left but throw right-handed have a surprising advantage in career success and hitting performance. This biomechanical advantage provides a longer lever to hit the ball, increasing their chances of becoming top hitters.

Combatting viruses: Code breakers turn code writers

Researchers have created artificial codes to regulate viral assembly, outperforming natural codes in efficiency. The new understanding of viral self-assembly codes could lead to breakthroughs in cancer therapy and immunization.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Genetic study uncovers evolutionary history of dingoes

A genetic study of dingoes found the species likely migrated to Australia in two separate waves via a former land bridge with Papua New Guinea. The study recommends treating genetically distinct populations as different groups for management and conservation purposes.

It's mathematically impossible to beat aging, scientists say

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that even with perfect natural selection, aging would still occur due to cancer cells cheating the system. Slowing down one type of cell can lead to an increase in another problematic cell type, making it mathematically impossible to halt aging.

UIC hopes to reduce LGBTQ youth homelessness

The University of Illinois Chicago has launched the 3/40 Blueprint website to address the lack of systematic research on LGBTQ youth homelessness. The site provides a user-friendly platform for professionals to access concise reports and original research, aiming to facilitate smooth transitions for these vulnerable youth.

Depression is on the rise in the US, especially among young teens

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant increase in depression among Americans aged 12 and older from 2005 to 2015. The prevalence of past-year depression rose from 6.6% to 7.3%, with the most rapid increases seen in young people and those with lower levels of income and education.

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.

Satellite shows Post-tropical Cyclone Selma dissipate

Post-tropical Cyclone Selma dissipated near the border of El Salvador and Honduras as its maximum sustained winds decreased to near 30 mph. The cyclone's estimated minimum central pressure was 1007 millibars, with weakening continuing until it dissipates over the Sierra Madre Mountains.

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.

UTSA researcher receives $1 million award to aid food security

Garry Sunter, a UTSA researcher, has received a $1 million award to develop an insect-based technology that delivers genetic therapies to improve the health of mature, vulnerable plants. The goal is to enable plants to thrive in challenging conditions such as drought and disease.

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.

Wave energy and rising sea levels

A study suggests that massive boulders in the Bahamas were transported by hurricanes during the Last Interglacial period, increasing risk of erosion with rising sea levels. The research highlights the potential impact of climate change on coastal environments.

Focused ultrasound shows promise for treating Parkinson's tremor

A small pilot study found that focused ultrasound treatment improved hand tremor by up to 62% in participants with Parkinson's disease, with minimal side effects. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and potential role of this scalpel-free surgery approach.

Building a sustainable future: Urgent action needed

A new report highlights the need for sustainable solutions to address growing energy demands from emerging middle classes. The study finds that adoption rates of energy-efficient materials and technologies vary greatly across countries due to differences in climate, economic power, and public perception on climate change.

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.

Research aims to help renewable jet fuel take flight

University of Delaware researchers have developed catalysts that transform lignocellulosic biomass into high-carbon molecules suitable for jet fuel, enabling cost-competitive and sustainable production. The process operates at low temperature and is scalable, addressing the need for non-petroleum-based fuels for aviation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New report proposes learning tech inequality solutions

A new report by digital learning experts recommends following promising strategies to address equity in learning technologies. These include unifying around shared purpose, aligning home, school, and community, connecting to minority youth interests, and targeting specific subgroup needs.

Research pinpoints powerful biomarker of ,ultiple sclerosis

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered unique micro-RNA molecules in the blood that can diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) and predict its progression. These findings hold promise for developing a definitive diagnostic test, which could lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes for people with MS.

Bears not bothered by diet high in saturated fats

A study found that captive bears fed a diet high in saturated fats and low in polyunsaturated fats did not develop insulin resistance or other diseases. However, mild inflammation and heart strain were observed, raising concerns about the long-term health of bears in the wild that feed on human refuse.

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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Philippe off Florida coast

Tropical Depression 18 strengthened into Tropical Storm Philippe, located off Florida's east coast on Oct. 29, according to NASA's Aqua satellite analysis. The storm's cold cloud tops indicate very heavy rainfall potential.

Researchers reveal the effect of nano-diamond on magnetorheological fluids

Chinese researchers found that nano-diamond significantly enhances the performance of magnetorheological fluids (MRFs), increasing their shear yield strength and settling stability. The results show a high potential for MRFs to be highly enhanced through the process, with improved settling stability under different magnetic fields.