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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 8


Page 8 of 43

UNIST researchers develop highly stable perovskite solar cells

Researchers at UNIST have developed highly stable perovskite solar cells using fluorine-functionalized graphene nano-platelets, overcoming the material's notorious instability. This breakthrough could lead to next-generation solar cells with high efficiencies and low costs.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 25, 2017

Marine species threatened by deep-sea mining

A new study finds that deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules poses a significant threat to the Plenaster craigi sponge species. The removal of these metal-rich nodules disrupts the sponge's filtering habits, making it vulnerable to extinction.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSystematics and Biodiversity·DateOct 25, 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.

Mimicking biological process, hydrogel signals and releases proteins

Researchers at Penn State create artificial system using DNA-laced hydrogel that releases signaling protein in response to chemical signal. The system, which uses aptamers and double-stranded helical molecules of DNA, can repeat the sequence, releasing proteins until there are no more to release.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Science·DateOct 25, 2017

Some infant rice cereals contain elevated levels of methylmercury

Recent research reveals that some infant rice cereal samples tested for high amounts of methylmercury, posing health risks to babies who consume them. The study found rice-based cereals had significantly higher levels of the substance compared to products with no rice.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 25, 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.

New enzyme rewrites the genome

Researchers have developed a new enzyme called a base editor that can directly change DNA base pairs, enabling precise genome editing. This technology may one day enable the treatment of genetic diseases by erasing harmful mutations and writing in helpful ones.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2017

Stopping children getting unnecessary antibiotics for colds and sore throats

A project in rural China has successfully reduced the over-prescription of antibiotics for children's upper respiratory tract infections by half. The collaboration between UK, Canadian, and Chinese scientists introduced clinical guidelines to help doctors decide when antibiotics are necessary, resulting in a significant decrease in ant...

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateOct 25, 2017

How to turn damaged heart tissue back into healthy heart muscle: New details emerge

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular changes that occur during cell fate conversion from fibroblast to cardiomyocyte. They used single-cell RNA sequencing technology, mathematical modeling, and genetic approaches to identify key regulators and pathways involved in the process.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 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.

Investing in conservation pays off, study finds

A new study found that conservation spending from 1992 to 2003 reduced expected declines in global biodiversity by 29%. The $14.4 billion investment significantly impacted countries, with poorer nations experiencing greater gains.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2017

Feinstein Institute study looks at impact of a popular pre-heart transplant therapy on the kidney

A study published in The Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy can affect kidney function, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease. Researchers identified interventions to improve outcomes, including nephrologist involvement and enhanced dialysis tra...

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 25, 2017

Some people with cystic fibrosis might live longer because of genetic mutations

A recent study found that genetic variants in epithelial sodium channels may help rehydrate the airways of cystic fibrosis patients, reducing bacterial build-up and promoting stable lung function. This discovery brings ENaCs into the spotlight as a potential new therapeutic target.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateOct 25, 2017

Marine microbiology: Scavenging to survive below the seafloor

Researchers analyzed enzymes secreted by microorganisms living in ocean sediments and found that they break down organic matter to recycle carbon. The study reveals that these microbes scavenge nutrients from dead cells, enabling them to survive in the anoxic environment.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 25, 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.

Helicobacter pylori: Dodging the bullet

A recent study found that Helicobacter pylori's mutation rate is high from the beginning of infection, making it challenging to develop an effective vaccine. The bacterium's genetic diversity can also inhibit the production of antigens in a potential vaccine.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 25, 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.

Continuous EEG better at identifying oxygen-deprived newborns most at risk

A new study finds that continuously recording aEEG data provides more accurate predictions of outcomes for infants undergoing cooling therapy. Infants with persistent abnormal patterns are at increased risk of adverse outcomes, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Perinatology·DateOct 25, 2017

Hepatitis C care falling short for young opioid users in R.I.

A study finds that while HCV screening is common among young adults who use prescription opioids recreationally, the follow-up measures needed to stop the spread of the virus are significantly less so. Only a small percentage received confirmatory testing, specialty care, or education on how not to transmit the virus.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 25, 2017

The psychological toll of shame in military personnel

A study by Dr Katherine C Cunningham found that shame and guilt predicted PTSD severity, with trauma-related shame accounting for more variance. Shame can lead to social withdrawal, while guilt motivates prosocial behavior.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Psychology·DateOct 25, 2017

Blocking key pathways is a way to defeat cancer stem cells

Researchers have discovered a cocktail of drugs that effectively eliminate acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting key pathways. By simultaneously blocking two important pathways, the team was able to achieve complete elimination of AML in most cases tested.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 25, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New property found in unusual crystalline materials

Scientists have found a new mechanism of deformation at the boundaries of coherent twin crystal boundaries, which can increase material strength while preserving ductility. This discovery could lead to designing strong nanostructures and devices that respond to specific stress levels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2017

Development of a highly-accurate computational model of human metabolism

A Korean research team created a comprehensive computational model of human metabolism, enabling accurate prediction of personal metabolic features. The model incorporates alternative splicing information and was validated with over 11,000 Gene-Transcript-Protein-Reaction Associations.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2017

The male dominance in diplomacy is changing

A study by Ann Towns and Birgitta Niklasson reveals that the share of female diplomats has shown an upward trend since the late 1990s, including at ambassador level. The research found a clear gender pattern in diplomacy, with men dominating positions of power and prestige.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalForeign Policy Analysis·DateOct 25, 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 software lets your car tell you what it needs

Researchers at MIT developed a smartphone app that can analyze a car's sounds and vibrations to detect issues such as clogged air filters and worn-out spark plugs. The system uses machine-learning processes to extract subtle differences, achieving accuracy above 90% in tests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·DateOct 25, 2017

Printable battery, selected for top 100 National R&D Achievements

Professor Sang-Young Lee's 'all-inkjet-printed flexible batteries on paper' technique fabricates batteries directly on conventional A4 paper using a commercial desktop inkjet printer. This technology enables printing portable electronic devices on any surface, regardless of shape, holding promise for IoT and wearable electronics.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateOct 25, 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.

Preclinical study suggests path toward non-addictive painkillers

A preclinical study suggests a novel mechanism for treating pain without the addictive side effects of current opioid medications. The use of positive allosteric modulators enhances the effect of pain-relief chemicals naturally produced by the body, providing stronger and longer-lasting pain relief.

SourceIndiana University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 25, 2017

Living close to green spaces is associated with better attention in children

A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that children who live close to green spaces have improved attention skills. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 children and showed a positive correlation between residential exposure to greenness and better scores on attention tests.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 25, 2017

Targeting mitochondria in pulmonary hypertension

A new clinical trial has shown that the generic drug Dichloroacetate (DCA) can decrease blood pressure in lung vessels and improve walking ability in PAH patients, without significant side effects. DCA works by activating mitochondria, which are suppressed in PAH, leading to cell growth and overgrowth of cells narrowing vessel lumen.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 25, 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.

New frontiers for CRISPR: Editing RNA

Scientists have developed a new CRISPR RNA editing tool called REPAIR, which can target and edit RNA with high efficiency and specificity. This tool allows for the correction of mutations in different time windows, including during key developmental periods, and may have disease-modifying potential.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 25, 2017

Japanese earthquake zone strongly influenced by the effects of friction

Researchers at Kyushu University have identified a strong influence of pre-existing faults on earthquake location and behavior in the Nankai Trough offshore Japan. The study found that aftershocks only occurred in front of an ancient accretionary prism, where stress accumulation is greatest.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateOct 25, 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.

Osaka university roll the dice on perovskite interfaces

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method to model the structure of perovskite oxide interfaces using a Bayesian probability-based computer program. This approach provides fast and accurate results, allowing for easier analysis of complex structural data.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateOct 25, 2017

Method of accelerating the maturation of stem cells to form neurons discovered

A new technique has been developed to accelerate the maturation of stem cells into neurons, enabling faster brain tissue regeneration. The method uses a hydrogel scaffold that mimics the elasticity and adhesive properties of the human brain, promoting neurogenesis and neural cell differentiation.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 25, 2017

Can open and honest scientists win public trust?

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that fully disclosing personal beliefs can actually decrease people's trust in scientific research. The researchers used two scenarios focused on the additive Bisphenol A, a controversial substance often found in plastic water bottles, and found that when scientists made statements about their...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 2017

New RoboBee flies, dives, swims and explodes out the of water

The new RoboBee, 1,000 times lighter than previous robots, uses floating devices and an internal combustion system to stabilize on the water's surface before propelling itself back into the air. The robot can perform search-and-rescue operations, environmental monitoring, and biological studies.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 25, 2017

Women more likely to die in the first year after a heart attack

A new study published in PLOS ONE has found that women are at a significantly higher risk of dying in the first year after a heart attack compared to men. The researchers analyzed data from over 4,100 patients and found that women were 1.5 times more likely to die within this timeframe.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 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.

Study finds 3 million Americans carry a loaded handgun daily

A new study by Northeastern University found that approximately 9 million handgun owners in the US carry loaded firearms monthly, while 3 million report daily carrying. The study revealed that gun owners are more likely to be male, aged 18-29, conservative, and from the South.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 25, 2017

Can good design be cost-effective?

A massive database of mobile app designs has been created to help designers find cost-effective solutions, allowing for the automated exploration of less common screens and machine-learning models that can go beyond simple search interactions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateOct 25, 2017

Deforestation linked to palm oil production is making Indonesia warmer

A new study published in Biogeosciences found that deforestation linked to palm oil production in Indonesia has made the region warmer. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists, used satellite data and ground observations to determine the impact of land use changes on surface temperatures.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalBiogeosciences·DateOct 25, 2017

A better way to wash pesticides off apples

Researchers found that a baking soda solution was the most effective at removing pesticide residues from organic Gala apples. After 12 and 15 minutes of washing, 80% of thiabendazole and 96% of phosmet were removed. The study suggests that this simple method could be an effective strategy for cleaning pesticides off produce.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 25, 2017

Researchers unveil tool to debug 'black box' deep learning algorithms

A new approach brings transparency to self-driving cars and other self-taught systems by automatically error-checking neural networks. Researchers found thousands of bugs missed by previous techniques, activating up to 100% of network neurons and improving accuracy up to 99%.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateOct 25, 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.

Bacterial toxins made in the gut

Austrian scientists identify critical enterotoxin tilivalline and its potent metabolite tilimycin, produced by penicillin-resistant bacteria. The discovery provides insights into antibiotic side reactions and potential new approaches for producing anticancer drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 25, 2017

UNIST-Mando embark on developing self-charging electric bike

The UNIST-Mando team has developed a self-charging electric bike called Hybrid Module Mobility, which uses regenerative technology to recharge batteries while riding or pedaling. The bike can transform into different forms to suit users' needs, including cargo-carrying and family modes.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateOct 25, 2017

MIT students fortify concrete by adding recycled plastic

By exposing plastic flakes to gamma radiation, researchers can create stronger, more flexible concrete structures. This innovative approach could reduce cement industry's carbon footprint and divert plastic waste from landfills.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalWaste Management·DateOct 25, 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.