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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 28


Page 28 of 43

Injecting electrons jolts 2-D structure into new atomic pattern

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have found a way to reversibly change the atomic structure of a 2-D material by injecting electrons, using far less energy than current methods. This process has potential for new electronic memory and low-power switching in ultra-thin devices.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 11, 2017

Some plants grow bigger -- and meaner -- when clipped, study finds

Researchers found that clipping plants can trigger an increase in defensive chemistry, leading to greater reproductive success. By manipulating a molecular pathway, the team was able to enhance seed production and defensive compound expression in plants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEcology·DateOct 11, 2017

Engineers identify key to albatross' marathon flight

Engineers at MIT developed a new model to simulate dynamic soaring in albatrosses, finding that shallow arcs help birds stay aloft with less effort. The research also sheds light on the optimal flight pattern for wind-propelled drones and gliders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInterface·DateOct 11, 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.

Omega-6 fats may help prevent type 2 diabetes

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests that a diet rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats may significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that individuals with higher levels of linoleic acid, the major omega-6 fat, had a lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 11, 2017

Researchers shift focus to adolescents struggling to read

The University of Houston-led Texas Center for Learning Disabilities will tackle the issue of adolescents struggling to read with an $8.4 million grant. The team, led by experts in psychology and education, aims to develop effective interventions to help English learners and students with reading difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 11, 2017

BU researchers question: Can an app reduce cardiac risks?

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine are developing an app to capture health data using mobile devices, with the goal of reducing cardiac risks. The project aims to test various approaches to getting people to use these technologies over long periods of time and compare mobile health data collected in the research center.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateOct 11, 2017

An engineer's guide to the embryo

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are studying the mechanics of morphogenesis in frog embryos to better understand human development, birth defects, and cancer. By applying structural analysis principles, they aim to develop a tool that provides bioengineers with greater control over tissue self-assembly.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 11, 2017

A portable bedside brain scanner for babies

A new, portable brain scanner has been developed to image infant brain activity in a clinical setting. The device weighs just 40 grams and can distinguish between quiet and active sleep states, as well as detect seizures with high resolution.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 11, 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.

Watching wildfires

A University of Missouri team created a Physical Chemical Fire Frequency Model to understand how climate influences wildfire frequency. The model uses temperature and precipitation variables to predict wildfire patterns across different regions. By analyzing global wildfire data, the researchers have identified predictable patterns in ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2017

TSRI chemists use modified DNA nucleotides to create new materials

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a method for creating modified DNA-based hydrogels with unique properties. These hydrogels can be dissolved, reformed, and retain their biochemical activity, making them suitable for various applications such as drug delivery and cell growth.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 11, 2017

A specific protein regulates the burning of body fat to generate heat

A study published in Nature Communications identifies MKK6 as a key protein controlling white-to-brown fat conversion. This process enables lipids to be burned for heat instead of stored, potentially reducing obesity. Mice lacking MKK6 exhibit reduced body weight and protection against obesity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 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.

The making of medieval bling

Researchers discovered medieval artisans used an ancient method to coat silver threads with gold, revealing a technique that endured for centuries. The study employed lab techniques to characterize the chemistry of the threads and strips, showing the gold coating was applied using heat and hammering.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 11, 2017

Our brain omits grammatical elements when it has limited resources

Researchers found that individuals with agrammatic aphasia omit grammatical pronouns due to cognitive resource limitations. The study suggests a new usage-based theory of grammar, prioritizing lexical elements over grammatical ones.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Humanities·JournalJournal of Neurolinguistics·DateOct 11, 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.

Scientists discover one of the most luminous 'new stars' ever

Astronomers have discovered the most luminous nova ever seen in a nearby galaxy, using data from the Swift satellite observatory. The study provides insights into white dwarf eruptions, including the possibility of a supernova explosion in the future.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 11, 2017

Once a lesbian always a lesbian, right? Or not?

New research highlights same-sex attraction as changing over time, with some women experiencing changes in sexual orientation later in life. Experts stress the importance of open dialogue between patients and healthcare providers about lifestyle changes.

SourceThe Menopause Society·DateOct 11, 2017

New guidelines published to improve diagnosis and treatment of lupus

A new guideline has been published by the British Society of Rheumatology to improve the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). The guideline aims to provide advice on how to diagnose and treat patients with mild, moderate, and severe lupus, reducing disease flares and improving survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalRheumatology·DateOct 11, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Springer Nature launches research solution for the life sciences

Springer Nature's new platform provides easy access to the largest collection of life sciences protocols and methods. Users can search and compare content using advanced knowledge models and AI-powered text mining technologies, with features like protocol landing pages that summarize key information.

SourceSpringer·DateOct 11, 2017

Hispanic children and exposure to adverse experiences

A study of 12,612 Hispanic children found that those in immigrant families reported fewer adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) than those in U.S.-native families. Children in immigrant families were more likely to have no ACE exposure, with a prevalence of 53%, compared to 44% for U.S.-native families.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 11, 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.

Grazing horses on better pastures

A new study by the University of Minnesota reveals that warm-season annual grasses have good potential for use in horse pastures. These grasses provide horses with more summer grazing options and offer improved nutritional profiles compared to cool-season grasses.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateOct 11, 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.

Cities taking narrow approach to start adapting to climate change see benefits

A new study by University of Kansas researchers found that cities starting with a narrower focus on connections to natural hazards appear to lay a stronger foundation for a more comprehensive approach. This approach includes addressing climate-related impacts beyond just hazards like flooding and severe storms.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Environmental Planning and Management·DateOct 11, 2017

How serious is postmenopausal bleeding?

A recent presentation highlights the need for individualized assessment based on patient characteristics and risk factors to diagnose postmenopausal bleeding. The standard diagnostic approach has changed over the past 25 years, but no single method is suitable for all patients.

SourceThe Menopause Society·DateOct 11, 2017

Remote sensing for cosmic dust and other celestial bodies

Polarimetry offers improved descriptions of small bodies by analyzing reflected radiation's intensity and polarization. Scientists can measure asteroids' size, reveal dust composition in comets or planetary atmospheres, and detect potential biomarkers.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateOct 11, 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.

Scientists eavesdrop on little-known beaked whales to learn how deeply they dive

Researchers from the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center used a towed linear hydrophone array to document dive depths for Gervais' and True's beaked whales, two of the least known species. The study provides new insights into their behavior, revealing that they dive as deep as 870 meters in search of food.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateOct 11, 2017

A fashionable chemical and biological threat detector-on-a-ring

Researchers have developed a portable and affordable wearable sensor, a ring that can detect chemical and biological threats, revolutionizing external threat detection. The device, designed with fashion in mind, offers a compact and non-invasive solution for widespread adoption.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 11, 2017

Ceramic pump moves molten metal at a record 1,400 degrees Celsius

A ceramic-based mechanical pump has been developed that can operate at record temperatures of over 1,400 degrees Celsius, allowing for efficient thermal storage and renewable energy conversion. The pump could facilitate high-efficiency, low-cost storage of renewable energy generated by wind and solar power.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 11, 2017

Study casts doubt on warming implications of brown carbon aerosol from wildfires

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that brown carbon aerosol from wildfires loses its ability to absorb sunlight the longer it remains in the atmosphere, leading to a significant reduction in warming effects. This finding challenges current climate models and could impact air quality management districts.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 11, 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.

Autism prevalence and socioeconomic status: What's the connection?

A new study found that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder due to limited access to healthcare providers. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million children across the US and suggests that advances in screening techniques may not be the primary reason for the ...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 11, 2017

New genetic clue to peanut allergy

Researchers have identified a new gene associated with peanut allergy, suggesting a role in general allergic predisposition. The study's findings suggest potential targets for predicting and managing food allergy treatments.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 11, 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.

Move over e-cigarettes, meet heat-not-burn tobacco

A new study found that heat-not-burn tobacco is gaining immense popularity in Japan, with a 1,426% increase in Google queries in the first year and a projected growth rate of 2,956% between 2015 and 2017. This suggests that as heat-not-burn tobacco is introduced in new markets, its popularity may even surpass e-cigarettes.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2017

Aging slows perception of falls

Seniors need twice as long as young adults to realize they are falling, increasing their risk for serious injury. The study's findings will help shape wearable fall prevention technology and aid clinicians in identifying at-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalGait & Posture·DateOct 11, 2017

World's 'better' countries have higher rates of cancer

The study found that the world's 'better' countries, with greater access to healthcare, experience much higher rates of cancer incidence than the world's 'worse off' countries. The rate of most cancers in the top 10 best countries was greater than in the 10 worst countries.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateOct 11, 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.

Acupuncture could ease women's vulvar pain

Researchers aim to discover whether acupuncture can treat vulvodynia, a women's chronic pain condition affecting up to 14 million Americans. Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing pain in various studies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 11, 2017

A new class of drugs aims to exploit cancer cells' weaknesses

Researchers have developed a new class of drugs called PARP inhibitors to treat ovarian cancer by targeting synthetic lethality. These drugs aim to kill cancer cells by exploiting their genetic vulnerabilities, offering new hope to those with limited treatment options.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 11, 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.

Women seen as younger when eyes, lips and eyebrows stand out

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that women's facial contrast, including eyes, lips, and eyebrows, decreases with age across different ethnic groups. Observers perceive women with increased facial contrast as younger, suggesting facial contrast is a cross-cultural cue to age perception.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 11, 2017

Resolving tension on the surface of polymer mixes

Physicists Pendar Mahmoudi and Mark Matsen found a simple mathematical formula to describe the interfacial tension between immiscible short- and long-chain polymers. The molecular weight affects segregation levels, leading to universal dependences on polymer distribution.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 11, 2017

Bycatch responsible for decline of New Zealand sea lion

A new study reveals that commercial fishing is a major cause of New Zealand sea lion decline, contrary to government assumptions. The research found that sea-lion exclusion devices have not effectively reduced bycatch, and instead may be hiding deaths or causing injury.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 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.

Experts express concerns over infant mental health assessment

A joint statement by world experts calls for caution in applying the Disorganised Infant Attachment classification to assess infant mental health and potential cases of abuse. The statement highlights the classification's limitations and suggests it should not be relied upon alone for child protection assessments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAttachment & Human Development·DateOct 11, 2017