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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 23


Page 23 of 43

Waves in lakes make waves in the Earth

Scientists have discovered that waves in lakes can generate microseismic signals that can reveal subsurface geology and track ice cover duration. By analyzing these signals, researchers can create a seismic 'CT scan' of the Earth, providing valuable insights into geological structures.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateOct 16, 2017

Physically active white men at high risk for plaque buildup in arteries

A new study suggests that physically active white men are at a higher risk of developing plaque buildup in their heart arteries by middle age. The study found that those who exercised the most were 27% more likely to develop this condition, compared to those who exercised less.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateOct 16, 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.

Harvey runoff menaces Texas' coral reefs

A recent expedition to the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary revealed a 10% drop in salinity levels due to Hurricane Harvey's floodwater plume. The team hopes to track the plume as it migrates through the Gulf, aiming to understand its impact on the reefs' health.

SourceRice University·DateOct 16, 2017

NIH awards $6.5 million to Berkeley Lab for augmenting structural biology research

The NIH has awarded a $6.5 million grant to Berkeley Lab to integrate existing synchrotron structural biology resources, establishing the ALS-ENABLE center to guide researchers in determining biological structures. The initiative will provide rapid response crystallography, high-quality small-angle X-ray scattering, and specialized cry...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateOct 16, 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.

Ocean atmosphere rife with microbes

Researchers found over 100 air samples from tropical and subtropical regions revealing an average of 67,000 prokaryotes per cubic meter of sampled air over the oceans compared to 190,000 bacteria per cubic meter of air over land.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2017

Cocktail tests on toxic waste called for

Scientists found that low concentrations of toxic chemicals can affect aquatic creature behavior, including feeding and swimming speed. The study calls for low dose and mixture toxicity testing to assess the impact of complex pollutant mixtures on aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateOct 16, 2017

Attending a middle vs. a K-8 school matters for student outcomes

A new study by NYU Steinhardt School found that attending a middle school compared to a K-8 school negatively impacts certain measures of students' beliefs about their academic abilities, particularly in reading skills. The researchers suggest strengthening middle schools by focusing on the instructional and social environment, teacher...

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateOct 16, 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.

The importance of asymmetry in bacteria

A team of researchers from Newcastle University discovered the MlaA protein, which removes lipids from the outer membrane to increase permeability for toxic compounds. This process could be exploited by drugs to decrease bacterial virulence and enhance antibiotic effectiveness.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 16, 2017

Osaka university researchers make the slipperiest surfaces adhesive

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method to make non-stick fluoropolymers adhesive by combining heat and plasma treatments. This approach improves the bonding strength of PTFE with other materials, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and increasing its industrial applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 16, 2017

Majority overestimates US gay population, could influence gay rights policies

A new study by University of Kansas researchers found that Americans tend to overestimate the size of the gay and lesbian population, which can influence support for equal rights policies. The study used nationally representative surveys from 1977 and 2013, finding consistent overestimations despite changes in social and political land...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·DateOct 16, 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.

Breaking: the first light from two neutron stars merging

The first-ever detection of light from a gravitational wave source has been made, shedding new light on the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. The event, caused by two neutron stars colliding and merging together, was observed using numerous telescopes around the world.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

SUTD researchers developed single cell level sorting technology using sound waves

A research team from SUTD developed a highly accurate single cell level sorting technology using sound waves, which enables the isolation of rare cell populations in complex biological samples. This technology has the potential to advance precision medicine for cancer treatment by examining DNA mutations at single cell level.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalLab on a Chip·DateOct 16, 2017

Nanoantenna arrays power a new generation of fluorescence-based sensors

Researchers designed and tested plasmonic nanoantenna arrays to enhance fluorescence emission from contaminants in water, leading to a six-fold increase. The arrays can be used to develop highly integrated multi-wavelength sensors for low-cost and portable water quality monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalApplied Optics·DateOct 16, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Gestational diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women with a history of gestational diabetes were at a modestly higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, adhering to a healthy lifestyle appeared to help mitigate this risk in younger women, particularly those who were predominantly white and followed healthy habits over time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 16, 2017

Predictions by GSI scientists now confirmed

Researchers detect electromagnetic waves from neutron star merger, confirming predictions of heavy element production. The event is a milestone in understanding astrophysical processes and requires precise nuclear data to be fully understood.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 16, 2017

An architect gene is involved in the assimilation of breast milk

A mutated Hoxd3 gene affects intestinal development and absorption, contributing to certain types of intestinal insufficiency in premature infants. The discovery provides a potential diagnostic tool for this disease, which remains unknown until now.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chemical treatment improves quantum dot lasers

Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers have developed a new method to create quantum dots that emit laser light more efficiently, using less power. The treatment involves adding extra electrons to the dots, allowing them to produce laser light without external stimulation.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 16, 2017

Nidoviruses redundantly express genes and encode more proteins than previously believed, study finds

Researchers discovered 96 transcription regulatory sequences (TRSs) used by arterivirus Simian hemorrhagic fever virus to produce subgenomic messenger RNAs, exceeding the previously reported nine TRSs. The study found that multiple TRSs are involved in producing structural proteins and alternative reading frames.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 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.

Invasive ladybird species threatens other ladybirds in England

A long-term study reveals a significant decrease in the numbers of the 2-spot ladybird on lime trees due to the invasion of harlequin ladybirds. The invasive species accounts for up to 70% of all recorded ladybirds and may drive population changes through predation.

SourceWiley·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateOct 16, 2017

Bolstering fat cells offers potential new leukemia treatment

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered that bolstering fat cells in the bone marrow can suppress leukemia cells while also regenerating healthy red blood cells. This innovative approach presents a new potential therapeutic strategy for treating acute myeloid leukemia, which often leads to anemia and infection.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 16, 2017

A new target for marijuana

A study published in JNeurosci found that chronic exposure to THC may alter inhibitory function in GABA neurons, increasing dopamine levels and promoting addictive qualities. This discovery could lead to a new target for treating cannabis use disorder.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 16, 2017
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.

Toward efficient high-pressure desalination

A recent study from MIT found that pressurization doesn't exacerbate membrane fouling in reverse osmosis (RO) systems. Researchers devised a method to isolate pressure's effects and discovered no impact on fouling rates or cleaning outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateOct 16, 2017

Healthy lifestyle reduces cardiovascular risk after gestational diabetes, NIH study shows

Researchers analyzed data from over 90,000 women and found that adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising moderately, and not smoking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease after gestational diabetes. Women who failed to adopt a healthy lifestyle had a 43-percent-higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateOct 16, 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.

Gravitational waves shed first light on mergers of neutron stars

The LIGO-Virgo Collaboration observed the merger of two neutron stars, producing gravitational waves and a gamma-ray burst, marking the birth of multi-messenger astronomy. This discovery confirms kilonova formation, providing insight into the universe's heaviest elements.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 2017

Rice's Laurence Yeung named 2017 Packard Fellow

Laurence Yeung, a geochemist at Rice University, has been awarded a 2017 Packard Fellowship to support his research on the atmospheric system. He plans to use the grant to take risks and explore new ideas in his field, including the development of a compact device for isotopic measurements.

SourceRice University·DateOct 16, 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.

New UTSA study describes how dopamine tells you it isn't worth the wait

A new study by Matthew Wanat found that more dopamine is released when waiting for a reward, highlighting the importance of timing in decision-making. The research could provide valuable insights into understanding drug addiction, which hijacks brain regions where dopamine is released.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 16, 2017

Skimping on sleep may contribute to gestational diabetes

A new study found that pregnant women who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Average sleep duration of less than 6 hours was associated with a 1.7 fold increase in the risk of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalSleep Medicine Reviews·DateOct 16, 2017

Rice U. study: Vibrating nanoparticles interact

Rice University researchers have found that placing gold nanodisks into groups can selectively alter their vibrational frequencies, a discovery that could lead to new ways of converting light energy into mechanical energy. The study's findings show promise for applications in secure communications, sensing, and other fields.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 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.

Spinning strands hint at folding dynamics

Researchers at Rice University have created a platform to study polymer folding dynamics using magnetic beads. The new method allows for the observation of complex behaviors, such as bending and coiling, in semiflexible fibers like actin and DNA.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateOct 16, 2017

First observations of merging neutron stars mark a new era in astronomy

Astronomers have made the first-ever observations of a merging neutron star, detecting both gravitational waves and a brilliant explosion of visible light. The discovery has opened a new window into understanding neutron star physics and could resolve a long-standing question about the origins of heavy elements.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

Integration of smoking cessation within CT lung cancer screenings shows life-saving results

A study integrating smoking cessation programs with low-dose CT lung cancer screenings found that this approach can decrease mortality rates while being relatively cost-effective. The research suggests that adding a robust smoking cessation intervention to an organized LDCT screening program could result in significantly fewer deaths, ...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 16, 2017

Marketing study examines what types of searches click for car buyers

Researchers analyzed survey data on automobile purchases between 2002 and 2012 to compare time spent on internet sources with time spent on offline sources. The study found that those who searched more online tend to spend more time at dealerships, while consumers older than 50 spend less time searching and are less likely to be satisf...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Interactive Marketing·DateOct 16, 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.

Insurance plays significant role in breast cancer disparities

A new study found that insurance disparities account for a substantial proportion of the excess risk of death from breast cancer faced by black women. Improving access to care could address much of the existing black/white disparity in breast cancer mortality.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 16, 2017

Biopsy specimen found to be reliable for evaluating DLL3 expression in small cell lung cancer

A study published at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) conference found that biopsy specimens are a reliable material for evaluating DLL3 expression in small cell lung cancer. High levels of DLL3 expression were correlated with poor survival trends, smoking history, and neuroendocrine differentiation.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 16, 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.

Sound and color

Researchers are developing a system to alert ships to the proximity of whales using acoustic monitoring, thermal imaging, and big data analytics. The goal is to reduce fatal collisions between ships and whales, particularly in the Santa Barbara Channel where important feeding grounds overlap with busy shipping lanes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateOct 16, 2017