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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 35


Page 35 of 43

Macho pursuits dominate assessments of risky behavior, reinforcing gender stereotypes

A new study by the University of Exeter found that assessments of heroism and daring often focus on traditionally masculine behavior. However, when less stereotypical criteria are used, women and men rate themselves as equally likely to take risks. The research also highlights the importance of considering gender differences in risk-ta...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 5, 2017

The Lord Howe Island stick insect lives: A story of survival

Researchers used genetic sequencing to confirm that Ball's Pyramid stick insects are the same species as Lord Howe Island's, making them officially resurrected. The discovery provides hope for reintroducing the insect into its native home on Lord Howe Island.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 5, 2017

Low serum calcium may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings has found that individuals with lower serum calcium levels are more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest. The research, which analyzed data from over 200 SCA cases and 445 control subjects, suggests that even normal-range serum calcium levels may pose a risk for SCA.

SourceElsevier·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateOct 5, 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.

Found in translation

Researchers found that reading stories triggers unique patterns of brain activation, regardless of language or cultural origin. This study suggests exposure to narrative storytelling can have a widespread effect on triggering better self-awareness and empathy for others.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateOct 5, 2017

Why can't mTOR inhibitors kill cancer? Study explains

New research explains why mTOR inhibitors can't fully eliminate cancer cells. The drugs target a cell regulator called mTOR, which controls mitochondrial structure and function, ultimately protecting cells from death.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 5, 2017

Novel PET tracer identifies most bacterial infections

A novel PET tracer, 6"-18F-fluoromaltotriose, has been developed to identify most bacterial infections. The agent is a derivative of maltose and targets the maltodextrin transporter in bacteria, allowing for non-invasive detection and monitoring of antibiotic therapy.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 5, 2017

Brain study reveals how insects make beeline for home

Scientists discovered a network of neurons in bees' brains that integrates direction and distance changes, enabling them to return home. A detailed computer model was developed based on this research, which could lead to new algorithms for autonomous robots.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Why lab researchers should talk with industry counterparts

A study reveals that lab researchers should engage with industry counterparts to better understand the needs and challenges of real-world applications. This approach helped researchers adjust their focus and develop a potentially more useful set of applications for their work. By bridging the gap between research and commercialization,...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateOct 5, 2017

Is your partner's hearing loss driving you mad?

Research by University of Nottingham academics reveals common areas causing concern for both individuals with hearing loss and their loved ones, including communication difficulties, emotional strain, and social isolation. The study emphasizes the importance of involving partners and family members in rehabilitation plans to ease the p...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalTrends in Hearing·DateOct 5, 2017

Sustainable financing of conservation just got a major boost

The Conservation Finance Alliance has received a major funding award of €701,114 (US$822,315) to support its work in promoting sustainable financing solutions for biodiversity conservation. The funding will be used to hire a full-time Executive Director and build the network's capacity for administration and fundraising.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateOct 5, 2017

UMass Lowell professor steers ethical debate on self-driving cars

A UMass Lowell professor is leading a research study on the ethical dilemmas posed by autonomous vehicles. The team aims to develop decision-making algorithms that balance individual rights with societal welfare. They will also investigate cybersecurity and privacy concerns related to self-driving cars.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateOct 5, 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.

Air pollution exposure on home-to-school routes reduces the growth of working memory

Exposure to fine particulate matter and black carbon during daily commutes to school impairs children's cognitive development, according to a new study. The study found an association between air pollution exposure and reduced growth of working memory, with boys being more sensitive than girls.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateOct 5, 2017

Nanopatch polio vaccine delivers

A recent study published in Scientific Reports has shown that the Nanopatch, a microscopic vaccine delivery platform, is more effective at combating poliovirus than traditional needles and syringes. This breakthrough has significant implications for the eradication of polio, a disease responsible for tens of millions of cases worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 5, 2017

Magma chambers have a sponge-like structure

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that supervolcano magma chambers contain a mixture of liquid and crystalline magma. The chambers may exhibit a sponge-like texture, with a mesh structure of crystallised rock and pores containing molten material.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 5, 2017

Honey samples worldwide test positive for neonicotinoids

A global sampling of honey found 75% contaminated with neonicotinoid pesticides, a key factor in the global decline of pollinators, particularly bees. The study's findings suggest that chronic exposure to these pesticides may have detrimental effects on bee populations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Coming a step closer to understanding how gastric bypass works

A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has made a technological advancement toward accelerating the discovery of drug targets for obesity, type II diabetes and other metabolic diseases. They utilized rodent gastric bypass models, state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and an array of bioinformatics tools to begin unravelin...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateOct 5, 2017

How yellow and blue make green in parrots

Researchers identified a mutated gene in budgies that synthesizes the bird's yellow pigments. The findings could be applied to many parrots around the world and shed light on the evolutionary change that led to their brilliant colors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 5, 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.

Planning for the future

A team of scientists explored links between climate effects and two health outcome indicators: malnutrition and low birth weights. Their models indicate that vulnerable areas may see more malnourished children and lower birth weights due to warming and drying, but positive development trends can mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateOct 5, 2017

Pushy or laid back? Economic factors influence parenting style

A new study by Yale economists Fabrizio Zilibotti and Matthias Doepke finds that economic conditions, especially inequality and return to education, shape parenting styles. Parents are driven by a combination of altruism and paternalism, influencing their children's choices through permissive, authoritative, or authoritarian approaches.

SourceYale University·JournalEconometrica·DateOct 5, 2017

Brain wiring affects how people perform specific tasks

High-modularity brains excel at simple tasks, while low-modularity brains outperform on complex tasks. The study's findings suggest that brain modularity impacts cognitive function and has implications for understanding the brain as a network.

SourceRice University·JournalCognitive Neuroscience·DateOct 5, 2017

New tool for oil and gas exploration beats all competition

The MIPT Center for Molecular Electronics developed a seismic station that can reveal underground reservoir structures at great depths. The device has a wider bandwidth than existing seismic stations, allowing it to pick up low-frequency waves and detect potential hydrocarbon reserves more effectively.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateOct 5, 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.

The high price of the nocebo effect

Scientists used fMRI to study the neurological causes of the nocebo effect, finding that brain regions can influence primal pain sensing. People who believed they were receiving an expensive cream reported greater sensitivity on a heat-tolerance test and experienced more pronounced nocebo effects over time.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2017

Climate solution in soil?

Stanford researchers found that managed soil can trap more carbon dioxide than previously estimated, potentially offsetting future emissions. Improving land management practices like reduced tillage and perennial crops could increase soil's carbon storage.

SourceStanford University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 5, 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.

Stealing from the body: How cancer recharges its batteries

Researchers found that cancer cells 'recharge' by transferring power-generating mitochondria from healthy bone marrow cells, supporting leukaemia growth. Inhibiting a specific enzyme reduced mitochondrial transfer and slowed cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBlood·DateOct 5, 2017

Old Faithful's geological heart revealed

Researchers used dense seismograph network to map near-surface geology around Old Faithful, discovering a reservoir of heated water that fuels the geyser. The study also reveals how ground shaking behaves between eruptions and finds an underground feature affecting seismic waves in a specific area.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 5, 2017

JILA's 3-D quantum gas atomic clock offers new dimensions in measurement

JILA physicists have created an entirely new design for an atomic clock, packing strontium atoms into a tiny 3-D cube at 1,000 times the density of previous clocks. This approach enables a globally interacting collection of atoms to constrain collisions and improve measurements, leading to higher precision.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 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.

Violent helium reaction on white dwarf surface triggers supernova explosion

A team of researchers found evidence that a Type Ia supernova explosion was triggered by a violent helium detonation on the surface of a white dwarf star. The study used the Hyper Suprime-Cam camera on the Subaru Telescope to discover and analyze a recent supernova, providing the first solid evidence supporting this theory.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2017

MTRAC awards spark biomedical innovation at Wayne State University

Three WSU research teams received $1.1 million in funding to develop innovative biomedical technologies, including a smart artificial urinary sphincter and zwitterionic hydrogel-based islet encapsulation technology. The award complements Wayne State's Technology Commercialization Office and MTRAC Program.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateOct 5, 2017

New Neandertal and archaic human genomes advance our understanding of human evolution

Two new studies on ancient genomes provide valuable insights into the lives of our ancestors and their cousins, the Neandertals. The new genome of a female Neandertal reveals new genetic contributions to modern-day humans, including variants related to plasma levels of LDL cholesterol and vitamin D. Additionally, early modern human gen...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 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.

More traits associated with your Neandertal DNA

Neandertal DNA has been linked to various human characteristics, including skin tone, hair color, and sleep patterns. The study suggests that sun exposure plays a crucial role in shaping these traits, with Neandertal genes contributing to lighter or darker skin tones.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 5, 2017

Smart bandage could promote better, faster healing

Researchers have designed a smart bandage that can deliver customized medication to promote better, faster healing of chronic wounds. The bandage uses electrically conductive fibers coated in a gel to release medications tailored to specific types of wounds.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 5, 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.

Did Teddy Evans fatally undermine Scott of the Antarctic?

A University of New South Wales researcher has uncovered documents that suggest Teddy Evans, Scott's second-in-command, may have been responsible for his leader's death and that of four others. Evans' actions, including stealing rations and failing to pass on orders, are believed to have contributed to the tragedy.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPolar Record·DateOct 5, 2017

Identifying ways to minimize the harm of energy drinks

Researchers found that young people's confusion about energy drinks suggests the need for educational campaigns. Participants suggested strategies to reduce consumption, including restrictions on sale, changing packaging, and increasing prices.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateOct 5, 2017

Paper-based supercapacitor uses metal nanoparticles to boost energy density

Researchers have developed a paper-based flexible supercapacitor using metallic nanoparticles to increase energy density. The device shows high power and energy densities, and can be folded without affecting conductivity, making it suitable for wearable devices and other applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 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.

Columbia researchers observe exotic quantum particle in bilayer graphene

Researchers at Columbia University have observed the even-denominator fractional quantum Hall state in bilayer graphene, surviving to much higher temperatures than previously thought. This discovery opens the door to new experimental tools and may finally solve the mystery of this phenomenon.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2017

Good-guy bacteria may help cancer immunotherapies do their job

Researchers found a strong association between certain beneficial gut bacteria and improved response to immunotherapies in patients with metastatic melanoma. The beneficial bacteria, including three specific species, were found to prime the immune system to attack cancer cells more effectively.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNeoplasia·DateOct 5, 2017

Delivering bad news? Don't beat around the bush

A study by BYU linguistics professor Alan Manning and the University of South Alabama's Nicole Amare found that most people value clarity and directness over extended buffers when delivering bad news. Participants ranked directness as a top characteristic they valued most in receiving bad news.

SourceBrigham Young University·DateOct 5, 2017

Fight against top killer atherosclerosis garners acclaimed NIH award

A team of researchers, led by Tony Kim, has developed an innovative lab chip called the human-coronary-artery-on-a-chip to explore new treatments for atherosclerosis. The study aims to improve understanding of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) interactions with proinflammatory proteins and vascular tissues.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 5, 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.

UQ study shines a light to understand the body's balance system

A University of Queensland team has made a breakthrough in understanding the vestibular system, which controls balance and movement. Using optical tweezers, they were able to activate the vestibular system without the animal moving, allowing for the study of neural circuits in the brain that mediate vestibular perception.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2017

Completing the drug design jigsaw

Researchers developed a new approach to analyze drug-protein interactions, revealing the specific amino acids involved in binding. This allows for more precise chemical requirements and stronger, selective drug candidates.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 5, 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.

Caution ahead: The growing challenge for drivers' attention

A new study by University of Utah researchers found that drivers using infotainment systems are taking their hands, eyes, and mind off the road for over 24 seconds to complete tasks. The study, led by Professor David L. Strayer, identified programming navigation as the most distracting task.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateOct 5, 2017

Women who get frequent UTIs may reduce risk by drinking plenty of water

A study published at IDWeek 2017 suggests that women with frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can reduce their risk by increasing their daily water intake. The research found that those who drank an additional three pints of water a day were nearly half as likely to get UTIs compared to those who didn't.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·DateOct 5, 2017