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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 20


Page 20 of 43

Research demonstrates method to alter coherence of light

Brown University researchers have developed a method to manipulate the spatial coherence of light, transforming it from incoherent to coherent and vice versa. By controlling surface plasmon polaritons, they achieved strong modulation across a range of 0-80% coherence, breaking previous barriers.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 2017

New findings explain how UV rays trigger skin cancer

Melanocyte stem cells can become cancerous when accumulating sufficient genetic mutations, which are activated by UV radiation from the sun. Researchers at Cornell University discovered a key gene, Hgma2, that facilitates melanoma development.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Stem Cell·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.

How well-fed mosquitoes outwit victims at take-off

Researchers discover that well-fed mosquitoes use a softer take-off technique to evade detection, utilizing their long legs and high wingbeat frequency. This strategy allows them to minimize tactile detection without compromising on take-off speed.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 18, 2017

Global calcium consumption appears low, especially in Asia

Daily calcium intake among adults varies widely around the world, with many areas at risk of bone health due to low intakes. Regional patterns show Southern and Eastern Asia having the lowest average intakes, while Northern Europe registers higher intakes.

SourceBrown University·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateOct 18, 2017

Hardy corals make their moves to build new reefs from scratch

Scientists discovered that hardy corals, known as coralliths, can create stable habitats for other species to build upon. These mobile corals can survive harsh environments and may have played a key role in forming existing coral habitats.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 18, 2017

Solar eruptions could electrify martian moons

A NASA study reveals that powerful solar eruptions could charge areas of the Martian moon Phobos to hundreds of volts, potentially affecting sensitive electronics. The charging effects could also affect astronauts on potential human missions to Phobos.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalAdvances in Space Research·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.

Making big data a little smaller

Computer scientist Jelani Nelson finds Johnson-Lindenstrauss lemma best approach to reduce data dimensionality. The theorem helps speed up algorithms across various fields.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateOct 18, 2017

Death by a thousand cuts? Not for small populations

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a new concept called 'drift robustness', where small populations evolve to protect themselves from harmful mutations. This adaptation allows them to survive and thrive in environments where larger populations would struggle.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

One step closer toward a treatment for Alzheimer's disease?

Scientists have characterized a new class of drugs that precisely block the production of toxic forms of beta-amyloid, a primary driver of Alzheimer's disease. Treatment with these gamma-secretase modulators reduces levels of amyloid-beta 42 in animal models and cellular systems.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEBioMedicine·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.

Research sheds new light on early turquoise mining in Southwest

A team of University of Arizona researchers has discovered that a previously thought to be small turquoise mine was actually a significant source of the mineral, producing 25% more turquoise than previously estimated. The study uses both archaeology and geochemistry to gain a complete picture of operations at the mine.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateOct 18, 2017

Electrode materials from the microwave oven

Researchers have developed a novel microwave synthesis process that facilitates the production of high-voltage cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. The new process produces high-quality lithium cobalt phosphate in just 30 minutes with minimal energy consumption.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateOct 18, 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.

Newborns with trisomy 13 or 18 benefit from heart surgery, study finds

A recent study published in Pediatrics found that infants with trisomy 13 or 18 who underwent heart surgery had a significant decrease in in-hospital mortality and an increase in survival rates. This benefit lasted for up to two years, doubling the number of babies that survive more than one year after surgery.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 18, 2017

DNA tests on albatross poo reveal secret diet of top predator

A study analyzing 1460 scats from breeding sites found that jellyfish are a common prey of black-browed and Campbell albatrosses. Jellyfish were present at seven of the eight sites sampled and comprise 20% of the DNA sequences identified.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalMolecular Ecology·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.

Nice ice, maybe: Study finds water-repelling surfaces ease ice removal

Researchers discovered that water-repellent surfaces force ice to grow upward, making it easier to remove. The team's findings suggest applying water-repellent coatings or engineering surfaces with built-in repelling properties could enable breeze-assisted ice removal.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2017

New clues to treat Alagille Syndrome from zebrafish

A new study published in Nature Communications identifies the cells and genes necessary to make liver ducts in zebrafish, which could lead to the development of new treatments for Alagille syndrome. The research team discovered that Jagged signals come from an unexpected cell type, endoderm-derived cells within the liver itself, stimul...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·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.

Battling flames increases firefighters' exposure to carcinogens

Researchers measured firefighters' exposure to carcinogens and found post-fire levels of PAH metabolites in urine were 2.9-5.3 times higher than pre-fire levels. Skin decontamination may help reduce exposure, the study suggests.

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

SwRI scientists dig into the origin of organics on Ceres

Researchers found organics on Ceres are likely native, contradicting earlier theories of delivery via comets or asteroids. The discovery suggests a complex chemical evolution and important astrobiological implications for the solar system.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateOct 18, 2017

Are the policies of promoting bicycle use socially profitable?

A study by the University of Seville found that investing in cycling infrastructure yields a significant social return, with an average profitability rate of 130% on public investment. The research estimated a €550m profit for the city of Seville, outperforming traditional transport infrastructure investments.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalLand Use Policy·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.

New obesity treatment lowers body weight in mice, rats and primates

Researchers developed an engineered protein therapy based on the GDF15 molecule to treat obesity. The treatment successfully lowered body weights, insulin levels, and cholesterol in obese mice, rats, and primates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 18, 2017

Oral sex and smoking increase men's risk of head and neck cancer

A study published in Annals of Oncology found that men who smoke and have multiple oral sex partners are at higher risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer. Despite the risk, the likelihood is still relatively low, making screening a challenge.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 18, 2017

Competing forces: How molecules maintain their structure

Researchers discovered two primary forces at play: hydrogen bonds and phase segregation, which strengthen or weaken each other. The study improves understanding of polymer structure formation, enhancing knowledge about self-healing materials and protein structures.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 18, 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.

A mosquito's secret weapon: a light touch and strong wings

Researchers found mosquitoes make stealthy takeoffs with barely a push-off, instead relying on strong wing beats for lift. They can carry blood meals without issue, using sweeping wing movements to generate extra lift.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 18, 2017

Inflammation trains the skin to heal faster

Research reveals that wounds heal more than twice as fast in skin with prior inflammatory experience, thanks to sensitized stem cells. These cells remain active long after the initial inflammation has subsided and are better equipped to migrate into the wound.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

'Busybody' protein may get on your nerves, but that's a good thing

A new study from the Salk Institute discovered that the p75 protein plays a crucial role in pain signaling, supporting the survival of sensory neurons that transmit pain signals. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders and developing treatments for conditions such as spinal cord injury.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 17, 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.

The drop that's good to the very end

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a novel water droplet behavior that allows some droplets to form 'crowns' around particles, enabling efficient liquid deposition and coating. This breakthrough has implications for industrial spray drying methods used in detergent and instant coffee production.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 17, 2017

Wits team involved in international breakthrough in astronomical observation

Researchers witnessed electromagnetic signals associated with the gravitational wave emission from a neutron star merger, complementing observations from multiple telescopes. This breakthrough marks the beginning of Multi-Messenger astrophysics, allowing scientists to study single events using various techniques.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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.

Signaling pathway may be key to why autism is more common in boys

Researchers discovered a genetic cause of autism that affects male mice more severely than females, leading to abnormal reward-learning behavior. This study sheds light on the sex differences in autism and may lead to new treatments for the disorder.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 17, 2017

Worms learn to smell danger

Researchers found that roundworms can prime a defense mechanism when exposed to the scent of a lethal bacterium, increasing cell survival. This discovery could lead to a non-pharmaceutical treatment for neurodegenerative diseases by stimulating the same sensory trigger in humans.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience Signaling·DateOct 17, 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.

How we determine who's to blame

Researchers tracked eye movements to show how minds imagine possible outcomes, finding that counterfactual simulation is a pervasive cognitive process. The study used billiard ball collisions to demonstrate the concept, which can inform notions of causality in law and other fields.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 17, 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.

Machine learning identifies breast lesions likely to become cancer

A machine learning tool can accurately predict which high-risk breast lesions are at low risk of becoming cancerous, allowing for safer monitoring instead of surgery. The model correctly identified 97% of cases and avoided almost one-third of benign surgeries.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 17, 2017