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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 14


Page 14 of 43

Scientists warn that saline lakes in dire situation worldwide

Scientists warn that saline lakes globally are in peril due to excessive water withdrawals and climate change, threatening wildlife habitats, industries, and human health. The Great Salt Lake has declined by approximately 11 feet and lost nearly 50% of its area over the last 160 years.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 23, 2017

New York City flood risk from tropical cyclones

A new study estimates that future flood risk to New York City from tropical cyclones will be driven primarily by sea-level rise, with storm surges also playing a significant role. The researchers project mean overall flood heights to increase by 0.7-1.4 m by the end of the current century and 2.4-13 m by 2300.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Acute kidney failure with VTE proves difficult to treat

Researchers found that patients with acute kidney injury had higher VTE rates despite prophylaxis, highlighting the need for optimal heparin dosing in these cases. The study also showed that creatinine clearance was not associated with VTE rates when unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparins were given.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 23, 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.

Standardised data reporting of energy efficient mortgage assets

The Energy efficiency Data Portal & Protocol (EeDaPP) Initiative aims to create a standardized reporting template for loan-by-loan energy efficient mortgage assets. This will enable large-scale tracking of performance and facilitate earmarking for energy efficient bond issuance.

SourceUniversità Ca' Foscari Venezia·DateOct 23, 2017

Ames Laboratory, UConn discover superconductor with bounce

Researchers at Ames Laboratory and UConn have discovered a material with extraordinary 'bounce' or super-elastic shape-memory properties, exceeding 13% recoverable strain. This breakthrough could lead to innovative applications in outer space and other harsh environments.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2017

Protein regulates vitamin A metabolic pathways, prevents inflammation

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered a protein called ISX that helps balance vitamin A metabolism in the gut. Without this protein, mice develop severe inflammation and become immunocompromised, highlighting the link between diet and inflammatory diseases.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

IUPUI receives NSF grant to enhance geosciences education, expand community engagement

IUPUI has received a $428,000 NSF grant to develop a novel educational program that enhances geosciences education and inspires students to address community problems. The program will engage undergraduates from underrepresented groups and provide opportunities for them to explore environmental justice through a themed learning community.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateOct 23, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study shows how cells can be led down non-cancer path

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a critical step in how cancer cells shift their metabolism, leading them down a cancerous path. By inhibiting a specific protein modification, the study reveals a potential therapeutic target to reverse several hallmarks of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 23, 2017

Older Neandertal survived with a little help from his friends

Despite multiple injuries and deafness, Shanidar 1 lived into his 40s with the help of others. His sensory impairment made him vulnerable to predators, emphasizing the importance of social support for survival as a hunter-gatherer in the Pleistocene.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 23, 2017

Better sleep, less fear

A study by Itamar Lerner and colleagues found that higher quality sleep patterns are associated with reduced activity in brain regions involved in fear learning. The researchers suggest that baseline sleep quality may be a useful predictor of susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2017

Malaysia embraces Melanie's work on the illegal wildlife trade

Research by Melanie Flynn, a University of Huddersfield lecturer, has led to Malaysia setting up environmental courts to deal with wildlife crimes. In contrast, the UK has made slower progress in tackling the issue, with inconsistent sentencing and limited resources hindering efforts.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateOct 23, 2017

Mongolian microfossils point to the rise of animals on Earth

The discovery of exceptionally well-preserved microfossils in Mongolia's Khesen Formation may confirm the existence of animal ecosystems earlier than previously thought. The cache, comprising eight genera and 17 species, represents a critical transition in life's history.

SourceYale University·JournalGeology·DateOct 23, 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.

New asthma biomarkers identified from lung bacteria

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified two asthma phenotypes linked to distinct lung microbiomes, suggesting a potential for more precise treatments. The study found that targeting specific bacterial compositions may help control asthma severity and development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 23, 2017

Irregular heartbeat linked to higher thyroid hormone levels

Research finds individuals with higher thyroid hormone levels, even within normal range, are more likely to develop irregular heartbeat. The study analyzed data from 30,085 individuals and found a significant increase in risk associated with moderate increases in FT4 levels.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 23, 2017

NUS researchers discover pathway by which blood cells release a potent signalling factor

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have discovered a critical molecular target for sphingosine-1-phosphate production, paving the way for regulating its signalling in circulation. Low levels of S1P have been linked to various immune and vascular diseases, including multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular complications.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 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.

Variability in age-related memory impairment

Researchers found that variability in the medial temporal lobe's subfields is associated with differences in associative memory performance among older adults. The study's findings could help unravel age-related memory impairment by highlighting individual differences in brain structure and function.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Scientists: Expanding Brazilian sugarcane could dent global CO2 emissions

Scientists propose expanding sugarcane production in Brazil to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions. The idea involves converting hundreds of thousands of square miles into sugarcane fields while allowing for expansion of other agricultural crops and human needs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 23, 2017

A step closer to a cure for adult-onset diabetes

Exosomes secreted by cells in healthy individuals stop protein aggregation that leads to type 2 diabetes, but those in patients with the disease do not. This discovery provides new insights into the disease and may lead to the development of treatments.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Research revises our knowledge of how the brain learns to fear

Research in mice reveals that the central amygdala, not the lateral portion, is crucial for aversive learning and associating sensory stimuli with threat. This finding has implications for treating disorders like anxiety and PTSD by modifying fear memories.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 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.

So my brain amyloid level is 'elevated' -- What does that mean?

A study from the University of Pennsylvania sheds light on how seniors cope with results showing an elevated level of beta amyloid protein plaques, a biomarker of Alzheimer's-disease. Researchers found that many seniors are dissatisfied with the ambiguity of the message and desire more detailed information about their risk.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 23, 2017

A little myelin goes a long way to restore nervous system function

A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reports that in long-lived animals, renewed but thin myelin sheaths are enough to restore the impaired nervous system. The findings confirm that thin myelin sheaths support nerve fiber function and survival, providing a potential marker for remyelination.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Prebiotic biochemistry in microdroplets

Researchers report that sugar phosphorylation and uridine synthesis occur spontaneously in microdroplets without enzymes or ATP. This discovery suggests prebiotic formation of biologically relevant molecules could have occurred in these environments.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Researchers demonstrate 'mind-reading' brain-decoding tech

Researchers have developed an AI-powered technology that can decode what the human brain is seeing by analyzing fMRI scans from people watching videos. The breakthrough could lead to new insights into brain function and improve artificial intelligence.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 23, 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.

Cryo-EM imaging suggests how the double helix separates during replication

Researchers have gained insight into how the double helix unwinds in the earliest stages of DNA replication. The new cryo-EM images show that the twin helicase enzymes load head to head, forming a complex that positions one strand for extrusion and another as the leading strand.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

African-Americans live shorter lives due to heart disease and stroke

The average lifespan of African Americans is significantly shorter than white Americans, largely attributable to a higher rate of heart attacks, sudden cardiac arrest, heart failure, and strokes. Socio-economic factors such as education, income, and access to healthcare contribute to these disparities.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateOct 23, 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.

Lung cancer driver ALK-fusion found in melanoma

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study finds a genetic change called ALK-fusion in a patient sample of a melanoma subtype called mucosal melanoma. Treated with FDA-approved drugs, the tumor responded dramatically. The study suggests that these non-sun-exposed melanomas may be more susceptible to targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateOct 23, 2017

UH researchers join national effort to study recent storms

University of Houston researchers are part of a $5.3 million NSF-funded effort to better understand disasters like Hurricane Harvey. Steven Pennings will examine mangrove protection, while Hanadi Rifai will characterize chemical and microbiological contamination in Houston waterways.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 23, 2017

UTSA receives $5 million to support new cybersecurity education pipeline

The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $5 million grant to create a multidisciplinary center focusing on cybersecurity and cloud computing. The Center for Security and Privacy Enhanced Cloud Computing (C-SPECC) aims to develop well-trained professionals in the industry and strengthen San Antonio as a cybersecurity hub.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateOct 23, 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.

Gun deaths and injuries in California spike following Nevada gun shows

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that gun-related deaths and injuries in neighboring California spiked by nearly 70 percent after gun shows were held in Nevada. The findings suggest that lack of federal gun legislation reduces the impact of state laws intended to protect citizens from firearm injury and death.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017

A fresh look at fresh water: Researchers create a 50,000-lake database

A new database called LAGOS provides comprehensive information on water quality, physical, and ecological factors affecting thousands of lakes. The database, developed by 80 scientists across various disciplines, will enable researchers and policymakers to analyze trends over space and time.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGigaScience·DateOct 23, 2017

Experiment provides deeper look into the nature of neutrinos

The CUORE experiment has set the most precise limits yet on a theorized process to explain the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance. The detector, cooled to record-low temperatures, will collect nearly 100 times more data in the coming years.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 23, 2017

Scientists identify 'first responders' to bacterial invasion

Researchers at KU Leuven have identified specific ion channels in airway cells that recognize lipopolysaccharide molecules from bacteria, triggering a rapid response mechanism against infections. This early defence mechanism is essential for combating bacterial invasion and could lead to the development of more effective treatments.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 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.

A major study finds many planned roads in the tropics shouldn't be built

Researchers at James Cook University found that poorly planned roads can become costly money-losers for developing nations due to high maintenance costs. The study highlights the risks of corruption and substandard construction methods, which can lead to rapid collapse and further environmental damage.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 23, 2017

Novel technique explains herbicide's link to Parkinson's disease

Scientists used a novel gene editing technique to uncover the genetic basis of paraquat-induced Parkinson's disease. The study identified three genes - POR, ATP7A and SLC45A4 - that confer resistance to paraquat, suggesting these genes may be responsible for the toxicity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 23, 2017

Growth in the earliest trees

Fossilized tree trunks from China suggest early forest trees grew by building a hollow cylindrical skeleton that collapsed under its own weight. This controlled collapse allowed the tree to achieve great size and provide insights into the evolution of tree growth.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Taming 'wild' electrons in graphene

Researchers successfully controlled electrons in graphene using a high-tech microscope, paving the way for novel electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-fast transport of electrons with low energy loss in applications such as transistors and sensors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 23, 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.

FSU study finds Florida needs more pet-friendly shelters

A recent study from Florida State University found that Miami-Dade County is not fully equipped to handle pet sheltering during emergencies. The study highlights the need for pet-friendly hurricane evacuation shelters, particularly for older adults who represent 50-75% of disaster deaths.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateOct 23, 2017

Sources of Medieval and Renaissance alabaster

A study uses isotope fingerprinting to examine alabaster trade in Europe over five centuries, revealing previously unknown sources of alabaster in the French Alps that supplied eastern France. The results suggest an important alabaster industry in the French Alps during this time period.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017
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.

Neighborhoods can affect the need for urgent asthma care

A study found that asthma prevalence and emergency department visits vary widely among different NYC neighborhoods. Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and elemental carbon are associated with greater urgent asthma care in lower-prevalence areas, especially among children.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 23, 2017

Air pollution cuts solar energy potential in China

Severe air pollution in northern and eastern China blocks about 20% of sunlight from reaching solar panels, significantly reducing solar energy production. The study found that aerosol pollution reduces the potential for solar electricity generation by as much as one and a half kilowatt-hour per square meter per day.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 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.

Routes out of isolation for Yellowstone grizzlies

Researchers from Montana and Wyoming biologists projected routes for grizzly bears to pass through human-occupied territory around Helena, Butte, and Bozeman. The predicted routes matched well with verified sightings of grizzly bears outside their usual ranges, offering more continuous habitat.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcosphere·DateOct 23, 2017