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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 10


Page 10 of 43

Volkswagen Foundation funds project on model theory

The project aims to develop a literary model theory to review narratives in technical and scientific models. It will improve energy research models and promote 'hermeneutic change' in technology assessment.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateOct 25, 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.

Conservation spending predicts rise and fall of global biodiversity

Research finds that increased conservation spending is effective in reducing biodiversity loss, with countries like Brazil experiencing fewer threats and Chile facing more. A new measurement assigns percentage of responsibility to protect threatened species based on their range within a country.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2017

Invasive species jeopardize already threatened island animals

A study identified 1,189 highly threatened vertebrate species on 1,288 islands with invasive species, which may endanger their survival. Conservation efforts, including biosecurity and funding strategies, are crucial to protect native animals on islands with invasive species.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 25, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery of a new structure family of oxide-ion conductors 'SrYbInO4'

Scientists at Tokyo Tech have synthesized a new material, SrYbInO4, which exhibits high oxide-ion conductivity and is the first example of pure oxide-ion conductors with a CaFe2O4-type structure. The material has a lower activation energy for oxide-ion conductivity compared to CaFe2O4.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 25, 2017

A strong case for limiting climate change

BIOACID research reveals ocean acidification affects ecosystems and services, including climate regulation, food provision, and biodiversity. Reducing carbon emissions by mid-century is crucial to reach Paris climate targets and limit global warming.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateOct 25, 2017

Genome sleuthing tracks the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers tracked MRSA transmission through detailed genome sequencing and epidemiological data, finding clusters of closely related bacteria linked to specific individuals and hospital transfers. The study reveals MRSA strains thought to be strictly hospital-associated are spreading in the general community.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 25, 2017

Large declines seen in teen substance abuse, delinquency

Researchers found significant decreases in both substance-use disorders and delinquent behaviors among teens from 2003 to 2014. The study suggests that changes in adolescent behavior are driving these declines, rather than policies alone.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateOct 25, 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.

'Scars' left by icebergs record West Antarctic ice retreat

Thousand-year-old iceberg marks in Pine Island Bay show how West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated rapidly as it balanced on sloping ground. Researchers warn that similar instability may occur again due to global warming, triggering rapid ice retreat and sea-level rise.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 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.

Household with mother (-in-law) means fewer kids

Researchers analyzed records of over 2.5 million women from 14 countries, finding that living with a mother-in-law actually results in lower family sizes. Women who live with either their own or husband's mother have fewer children compared to those who only live with their spouse.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 25, 2017

Cerebral palsy survey in Uganda fills knowledge gap

A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that cerebral palsy is more common and has higher mortality in Uganda compared to high-income countries. The study, which analyzed data from over 30,000 children, suggests that cerebral malaria is a major cause of brain damage in infants.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateOct 25, 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.

Insights from a rare genetic disease may help treat multiple myeloma

Scientists have found that a rare genetic disease known as NGLY1 deficiency could hold the key to understanding resistance to cancer drugs. Dampening this enzyme may allow proteasome inhibitors to continue killing cancer cells, providing hope for new treatments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 25, 2017

China's out of control 'silent killer' affects one-third of adults

A recent study found that over one-third of Chinese adults have high blood pressure, with fewer than 1 in 20 having the condition under control. The study also revealed that many primary care pharmacies in China do not stock anti-hypertensive medications, and that higher-cost alternatives are often prescribed.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 25, 2017

Why arched backs are attractive

A study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science found that small changes in a woman's back angle influence attractiveness ratings. The results suggest an arching of the back signals female receptivity, which may explain why high heels are considered attractive.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateOct 25, 2017
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.

Taste, not appearance, drives corals to eat plastics

A new Duke University study suggests that corals are attracted to plastics due to their chemical composition, which makes them taste good. Corals in the experiment preferred unfouled microplastics over fouled ones by a threefold difference.

SourceDuke University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateOct 24, 2017

New way to prevent unfavorable intestinal microbiota

Researchers found that antimicrobial peptide R-Spondin1 stimulates intestinal stem cells to differentiate into Paneth cells, which secrete alpha-defensins with strong antimicrobial activity. Administration of R-Spondin1 restored gut microbiota in mice with graft-versus-host disease, preventing depletion of Paneth cells and dysbiosis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 24, 2017

Does stem cell therapy offer the best hope for neurodegenerative diseases?

Researchers review the effectiveness of stem cells and emerging agents in preventing and treating neurodegenerative pathologies. They discuss potential advantages and obstacles of using different types of stem cells and present evidence for further study of certain compounds.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalRejuvenation Research·DateOct 24, 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.

Nurses' depression tied to increased likelihood of medical errors

A new study by Ohio State University found that depression among nurses is tied to a higher likelihood of making medical errors. More than half of the 1,790 surveyed nurses reported sub-optimal physical and mental health, which significantly increased their risk of reporting medical errors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 24, 2017

Comparison of outcomes for robotic-assisted vs. laparoscopic surgical procedures

Two studies comparing robotic-assisted to laparoscopic surgical procedures found no significant differences in postoperative complications or quality of life for patients with renal mass or rectal cancer. Robotic-assisted surgery was associated with prolonged operating times and higher hospital costs, but not increased risk of major co...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 24, 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.

NASA Goddard announces Innovator of the Year

Mahmooda Sultana, a NASA research engineer, has been named IRAD Innovator of the Year for her groundbreaking work on nanomaterials and detectors. She is expanding her research to develop quantum-dot technology and 3-D printed sensor platforms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 24, 2017

Underwater sound waves help scientists locate ocean impacts

Scientists have developed a new method to locate the precise time and location that objects fall into our oceans using underwater microphones. The method relies on measuring acoustic gravity waves generated when an object hits the sea surface. Researchers validated their method by locating recent earthquakes in the Indian Ocean.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 24, 2017

New clinical care guidelines issued for patients with mitochondrial disease

The new guidelines address a broad range of medical specialties and special issues encountered by patients, including pregnancy and high-altitude travel. The recommendations compile a list of medications that must be used with caution or avoided in patients with mitochondrial disease.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateOct 24, 2017

Weak social ties a killer for male whales

New research found that male killer whales are three times more likely to die in years with scarce food and when they are not at the centre of their social group. The study highlights the importance of social bonds for male killer whales, particularly during times of scarcity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateOct 24, 2017

Genetics may put a person at risk of high triglycerides, but adopting a healthy diet can help

Researchers found that genetic predisposition increases risk of high triglycerides, but maintaining a healthy body weight or changing diet can help reverse the risk. A specific gene mutation was associated with higher circulating triglycerides, but the correlation was dependent on BMI and dietary intake.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics·DateOct 24, 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.

The problem with being pretty

Researchers found that attractive candidates are perceived as more entitled to good outcomes, leading decision makers to favor unattractive individuals for less desirable jobs. This challenges the common assumption that attractiveness is an advantage in job selection.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 24, 2017

Australian research highlights worldwide risk of HIV and Hepatitis C epidemics

A comprehensive review by Australian researchers found that 15.6 million people have recently injected drugs, with 18% living with HIV infection and 52% testing positive for hepatitis C antibody. The authors highlight the need to scale up interventions for people who inject drugs to prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateOct 24, 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.

Construction material-based methodology for contingency base selection

The study proposes a remote evaluation method to determine the feasibility of using local resources for contingency base construction. By analyzing available data and proximity factor analysis, planners can optimize CB site plans and locations to maximize indigenous resource utilization.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Construction and Building Technology Journal·DateOct 24, 2017

There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, new study shows

A new study published by Binghamton University found that even small amounts of alcohol exposure during pregnancy can cause anxiety in offspring, lasting through adolescence and adulthood. The research used low levels of alcohol exposure to reach this conclusion, differing from previous studies that used high levels.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateOct 24, 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.

Pollutant emitted by forest fire causes DNA damage and lung cell death

Researchers found that exposure to forest fire pollutants caused severe DNA damage and stopped lung cells from dividing. Retene, a chemical compound in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), was the main culprit, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and genetic damage.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 24, 2017

Energy firm branding, not deals, influences customer switching

A recent study by the University of East Anglia found that UK energy firms' branding approaches are more effective than product innovation in keeping customers. Brands with consistent brand personalities, such as EDF Energy, performed better in terms of customer loyalty.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Management Review·DateOct 24, 2017

When humidity benefits batteries

Researchers developed a postprocessing treatment for silicon-based electrodes that improves mechanical properties and storage capacity, leading to up to ten times increased electrode performance. The treatment involves placing electrodes in a humid environment for two to three days, resulting in greater stability and longer cycle life.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateOct 24, 2017

Daydreaming is good. It means you're smart

A recent study from Georgia Institute of Technology suggests that daydreaming during meetings or at work might not be as bad as thought. Participants with more efficient brains scored higher on intellectual and creative ability tests.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateOct 24, 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.

A quarter of problematic pot users have anxiety disorders, many since childhood

A quarter of adults with problematic marijuana use have anxiety disorders in childhood and late adolescence. The study also found that some teens who abuse pot outgrow habit in adulthood. Childhood maltreatment and peer bullying were linked to an increased risk of chronic marijuana abuse, but not necessarily earlier use.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 24, 2017

Cleaning marine litter in the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea

The CLAIM project focuses on developing new strategies for prevention and in-situ management of marine litter, particularly in the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea. The project will test innovative technologies such as automated cleaning devices, photocatalytic devices, and thermal treatment devices to reduce plastic debris in these areas.

SourcePensoft Publishers·DateOct 24, 2017

Studies support the reduced-risk potential of glo™

Scientists ranked glo™ and other next-generation products against conventional cigarettes, finding reduced toxicants in vapour and biological impact on cells. Glo™ produced a substantially reduced response compared to cigarette smoke.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalRegulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology·DateOct 24, 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.

Spots on supergiant star drive spirals in stellar wind

Researchers found that spots on the surface of Zeta Puppis, a supergiant star, create large-scale spiral structures in its stellar wind. The team observed periodic signals in the star's light and wind behavior, indicating a link between surface variations and wind clumping.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 24, 2017

Anticipating aftershocks

The new earthquake forecast, UCERF3, provides self-consistent rupture probabilities from short-term to long-term, including increased likelihood of powerful aftershocks and revised earthquake frequencies. The model also assesses short-term changes in seismic hazard based on earthquake clustering and aftershock excitations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateOct 24, 2017

'Gentle' dying -- or suicide?

A new study argues that voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED) is a form of suicide, requiring regulation by physicians. In many cases, patients would need substantial medical assistance to carry out their intention of fasting to death.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 24, 2017