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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 19


Page 19 of 43

Understanding the coevolving web of life as a network

A new study explores the coevolving web of life as a network, revealing counterintuitive results on direct and indirect effects within large webs of interacting species. The findings suggest that strong coevolutionary selection between partners increases the importance of indirect effects on overall evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 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.

Dolphin diets suggest extreme changes in the ocean may shorten food chains

A new study reveals that extreme marine conditions can significantly alter food chain dynamics in the California Current ecosystem. Dolphin diets suggest shorter food chains due to changes in prey availability and nitrogen cycling, potentially threatening ecosystem resilience.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 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.

Cocaine use during adolescence is even more harmful than during adulthood

Researchers found that early-onset cocaine users exhibited pronounced differences in sustained attention, working memory, and declarative memory compared to late-onset users. The study also revealed higher frequencies of cannabis and alcohol use among early-onset individuals.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateOct 18, 2017

First time mums with an epidural who lie down more likely to have a normal birth

A recent study published in The BMJ found that first-time mothers with an epidural who adopt a lying down position during the second stage of labor are more likely to deliver their baby without any medical intervention. The study involved 3,093 women and found a 5.9% increase in the chance of spontaneous birth in the lying down group.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 18, 2017

Nature or nurture? Innate social behaviors in the mouse brain

Research finds that social experience with a female mouse triggers separate neural populations and aggressive behavior in males, challenging the 'hardwired' hypothesis. The study reveals that even innate behaviors have a degree of plasticity and computation.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017

Is HPV vaccination safe for adult women?

A large-scale study involving over 3 million Danish and Swedish adult women found no association between HPV vaccination and serious chronic diseases. However, the vaccine may increase the risk of developing celiac disease, particularly in Denmark where the condition is underdiagnosed.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateOct 18, 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.

Physics boosts artificial intelligence methods

Researchers developed a method to extract Higgs boson signal from noise data using quantum-compatible machine learning techniques, outperforming standard counterparts even with small datasets. The new approach is expected to be useful for problems beyond high-energy physics.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017

Study finds epilepsy drug to be safe during pregnancy

A recent study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that using lamotrigine during pregnancy does not increase birth malformations or neurodevelopmental disorders. The research monitored 83 children born to epileptic mothers who took the medication between 2004 and 2014.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 18, 2017

From Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde of cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that neutrophils can inhibit T lymphocyte activity, weakening the effect of cancer immunotherapy. This mechanism, triggered by soluble mediators released by cancer tissues, can cause an 'evil alter ego' in neutrophils, making them less effective at fighting cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateOct 18, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Migraine drug commonly used in ER may not be best option

A study published in Neurology found that prochlorperazine was more effective than hydromorphone in treating acute migraine, with 60% of patients experiencing sustained headache relief. The study also found no significant difference in opioid addiction rates between the two groups.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 18, 2017

Screening for disease or toxins in a drop of blood

Newomics Inc.'s multinozzle emitter array (MEA) technology can screen for diseases or toxins in small volumes of biological samples, improving sensitivity and throughput. This technology is designed to work with mass spectrometers to measure the structure and concentration of molecules, enabling better medicines and diagnostics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateOct 18, 2017

UMN receives grant from Helmsley Charitable Trust to test 'super ambulances'

The University of Minnesota Medical School has received a $892,462 grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust's Rural Healthcare Program to develop a plan for equipping ambulances with mobile emergency departments. The goal is to improve emergency care for critical-need patients in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·DateOct 18, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Petals produce a 'blue halo' that helps bees find flowers

Researchers found that flower petals with nanoscale ridges on their surface produce a 'blue halo' effect, which helps bees locate flowers. The irregularities in these nanostructures appear to be harnessed by evolution to aid floral communication.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017

Police satisfaction in developing countries dependent on less corruption

A new study by researchers at the University of Kent and Utrecht found that reducing corruption is crucial to improving police satisfaction in developing countries. The study, which involved 559 residents in Accra, Ghana, showed that even fair treatment by police can be undermined by awareness of corruption and ineffectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPolicing & Society·DateOct 18, 2017

Stiff fibers spun from slime

Scientists discover that velvet worm slime consists of a mix of proteins and fatty acids, forming nanoglobules that harden into stiff filaments when exposed to shear forces. These fibers have tensile stiffness similar to Nylon and can be dissolved in water again within hours.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

Mouse studies shed light on how protein controls heart failure

A new study on mice sheds light on the role of protein modification in heart failure, suggesting new strategies for personalizing treatment by examining phosphorylation. Researchers found that abnormal addition of phosphate to a specific heart muscle protein may damage the heart's pumping ability.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateOct 18, 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.

First ESMO award for immuno-oncology goes to Laurence Zitvogel

Prof Laurence Zitvogel has been awarded the first ESMO Award for Immuno-Oncology for her pioneering work in advancing cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Her research focuses on understanding the gut microbiome's role in cancer immunosurveillance, with implications for predicting response to immunomodulators.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateOct 18, 2017

Teenage girls more likely to self-harm than boys

A recent study published in The BMJ found that teenage girls are more likely to self-harm than boys, with a sharp rise in self-harm rates among UK girls aged 13-16. The study analyzed data from 16,912 patients and found that girls were nine times more likely to die unnaturally than unaffected children.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 18, 2017

Gentle touch soothes the pain of social rejection

Researchers at University College London discovered that gentle touch can soothe the effects of social exclusion, one of the most emotionally painful human experiences. The study found that slow, affectionate touch reduced feelings of negativity and social exclusion induced by social rejection, even though general mood remained the same.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 18, 2017

Is 3-D printing living up to the hype?

Industry is utilizing 3-D printing technology to reduce production time and costs, with companies like Volkswagen saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, material flaws and limitations continue to hinder the widespread adoption of 3-D printed products for consumers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 18, 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.

Art advancing science at the nanoscale

Don Ingber and Charles Reilly created a film that accurately depicts the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, revealing new insights into molecular-scale processes. The film's animation pipeline integrated physics-based software with molecular dynamics simulation to create a model that worked across all size scales.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 18, 2017

Multiple sclerosis: Oligodendrocytes from stem cells

Researchers have found that interaction between mesenchymal and adult neural stem cells can strongly promote oligodendrogenesis, potentially leading to improved treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis. The study's results demonstrate conservation across species, offering hope for clinical translation.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalGlia·DateOct 18, 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.

Turning brain cells into skin cells

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Weizmann Institute successfully transformed mature cells from various parts of the body into melanocytes, responsible for producing skin pigment. This breakthrough enables the potential for curing deafness and developing novel transplants.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

New material for digital memories of the future

Scientists have created a novel ferroelectric material that can be switched on and off using polarization, enabling the development of small, flexible digital memories. The material has potential applications in solar cells and other emerging technologies.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 2017

Gene therapy can cure lameness in horses, research finds

A groundbreaking study has found that injecting DNA into injured horse tendons and ligaments can cure lameness within two to three weeks. The gene therapy technology also showed no adverse side effects, with the horses returning to full health after just two months.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateOct 18, 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.

MRI may predict neurological outcomes for cardiac arrest survivors

A study using advanced MRI techniques found that brain connectivity can predict long-term recovery in patients with cardiac arrest-related brain damage. Functional connectivity was stronger in those who achieved higher levels of independence, and the interaction between default mode and salience networks was a key predictor of outcomes.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 18, 2017

Individual receptors caught at work

Researchers used single-molecule microscopy to study receptor-G protein interactions, finding specialized sites called hot spots where they meet and interact. These hot spots play a crucial role in regulating intracellular processes and may enable more precise therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017

Separating methane and CO2 will become more efficient

Researchers at KU Leuven have created a new membrane that significantly enhances the separation of methane and CO2 in natural gas and biogas. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of renewable fuels and chemicals.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 18, 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.

Obesity may exacerbate asthma in children

A study of 38,679 hospitalized children with asthma found obesity to be a risk factor for repeated hospital admissions and longer stays. Those who were obese required more intensive care and had higher total hospitalization costs compared to normal-weight children.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateOct 18, 2017

Living mulch builds profits, soil

Scientists at the University of Georgia developed an efficient living mulch system that benefits both corn production and soil health. By removing portions of clover after each harvest, farmers can reap cost savings from reduced herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer usage.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateOct 18, 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.

New Amazon threat? Deforestation from mining

A comprehensive study found that mining operations in Brazil are destroying a significant portion of the Amazon forest, with 90% of deforestation occurring outside mine lease boundaries. The research suggests that mining is now a substantial cause of Amazon forest loss, warranting action.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 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.

Arsenic in domestic well water could affect 2 million people in the US

A new study estimates that about 2 million Americans may be exposed to high levels of naturally occurring arsenic in their private well water. The researchers developed a model incorporating tens of thousands of existing arsenic measurements and identified arsenic hotspots in regions with higher concentrations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 18, 2017

UC Riverside physicists win two awards at Science Hack Day

The University of California, Riverside team won the 'Best in Show' and 'Most Whimsical Hack' awards for their creative projects, including a hack that converted cat pictures into constellations. The team's work has the potential to educate and engage the community through interactive science experiences.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 18, 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.

Illinois sportfish recovery a result of 1972 Clean Water Act, scientists report

The Illinois River's dramatic recovery is attributed to the Clean Water Act, which reduced sewage effluent and improved water quality. As a result, populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and other sportfish have increased dramatically, with catches now exceeding 100-300 fish per hour.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBioScience·DateOct 18, 2017