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Science News for September 22, 2017


NIST's quick test may speed antibiotic treatment and combat drug resistance

Researchers at NIST create a rapid test that senses mechanical fluctuations of bacterial cells and detects response to antibiotics, potentially hastening effective medical treatment and limiting drug-resistant bacteria. The new technique can quickly determine whether an antibiotic combats a given infection.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 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.

NASA tracking Hurricane Maria on Bahamas approach

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite provided a thermal image of Hurricane Maria, revealing the strongest sides of the storm. The National Weather Service reported heavy rain causing flooding in eastern Puerto Rico, with flood warnings issued until 5:45 p.m. EDT.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 22, 2017

Residents: Frontline defenders against antibiotic resistance?

A study published in Hospital Pediatrics found that many medical residents deviate from guidelines when prescribing antibiotics, highlighting the need for education and training. The research suggests that residents can be effective 'first line of defense' against antibiotic resistance if they follow best practices.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalHospital Pediatrics·DateSep 22, 2017

Stimuli fading away en route to consciousness

A recent study by the University of Bonn investigates how some signals dissipate along the processing path to conscious perception. The researchers found that the distinction between conscious and unconscious processing follows significantly further down the processing stream than many researchers have been suspecting.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 22, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Assembly of nanoparticles proceeds like a zipper

Researchers from Aalto University Finland have developed a method to assemble metal-protein superlattice wires using viruses and nanoparticles. The study demonstrates that combining native Tobacco Mosaic Virus with gold nanoparticles can lead to high-aspect-ratio superlattice wires with controlled optical properties.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2017

Chronic migraine cases are amplified by jawbone disorder, according to research

Researchers found that chronic migraine patients are three times as likely to suffer from severe temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which causes difficulty chewing and joint tension. The study suggests that TMD may increase the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, but it does not directly cause the condition.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics·DateSep 22, 2017

Party discipline for jumping genes

Researchers found that each transposon family interprets cell signals uniquely and uses distinct strategies to determine jumping timing. This study sheds light on the complex interactions between host cells and jumping genes.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateSep 22, 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.

700-year-old saint myth has been proven (almost) true

A Danish/Italian/Dutch team confirmed the age and content of old textile fragments from the Friary of Folloni near Montella in Italy. C-14 analysis revealed fragments dated to 1220-1295, aligning with a medieval myth about Saint Francis of Assisi.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalRadiocarbon·DateSep 22, 2017

Winter cold extremes linked to high-altitude polar vortex weakening

A new study finds that weak states of the high-altitude wind circling the Arctic have become more persistent, causing extreme winter chills in parts of the Northern hemisphere. The weakening of the polar vortex is linked to cold winters in regions like Russia and Europe.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateSep 22, 2017

The math of doughnuts: 'Moonshine' sheds light on elliptic curves

Elliptic curves are mathematically doughnut-shaped objects with specific configurations of rational points that determine their properties. Mathematicians have found a new form of moonshine that reveals deep information about these curves, including infinitely many and their general behavior.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2017

A sustainable future powered by sea

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) researchers have developed turbines to convert ocean wave energy into clean, renewable electricity. By harnessing the power of Kuroshio ocean currents and waves, they aim to generate 10 gigawatts of energy, equivalent to 10 nuclear power plants.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateSep 22, 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.

New technique spots warning signs of extreme events

Researchers have developed a framework to identify key patterns that precede extreme events in complex systems. The method combines equations and data analysis to predict precursors, achieving high accuracy rates in simulations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 22, 2017

NYU dentistry study pinpoints role of proteins that produce pearls

Researchers at NYU Dentistry have identified two proteins that regulate the formation of pearls, a process that could lead to the development of fracture-resistant materials. These materials could be used in dental implants, aerospace applications, or energy transmission.

SourceNew York University·JournalBiochemistry·DateSep 22, 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.

Antibiotics and biocidal cleaners may spread multidrug resistance in MRSA

Research finds that antibiotic use on people or pets, and biocidal cleaning products like bleach, contribute to MRSA multidrug resistance in the home environment. The presence of domestic pets and unwanted pests is also associated with multidrug-resistant strains.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 22, 2017

Rainbow colors reveal cell history

Researchers developed a method to trace the history of beta-cells in zebrafish, revealing dynamic sub-populations with different developmental histories. These findings have implications for understanding diabetes progression and developing effective strategies for beta-cell regeneration and protection.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2017

NASA's Terra satellite sees a very stubborn post-Tropical Cyclone Jose

Cyclone Jose, a large storm with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 220 miles from its center, continues to bring conditions to southern New England. The storm is expected to meander off the coast of New England for several days, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and gradual weakening forecasted.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 22, 2017

HSE scholars measure prestige of fashion models

HSE researchers Margarita Kuleva and Daria Maglevanaya studied the evolution of status groups in the fashion industry, analyzing 13,961 magazine covers from 1975 to 2017. They found a decline in collaboration between magazines and a diversification of beauty standards, with older, plus-size models gaining recognition.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·DateSep 22, 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.

Fires in Australia pop up in places already burned

Fires have broken out in areas previously burned by previous fires, highlighting the ongoing risk of wildfires in Australia. Heavy rainfall and overgrowth have created fire conditions that can spread quickly, putting new areas at risk.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 22, 2017

Observatory detects extragalactic cosmic rays hitting the Earth

A decade-long study by the Pierre Auger Collaboration has found six percent greater rate of extragalactic cosmic rays from one side of sky than other, suggesting acceleration sites are outside Milky Way. The observatory's detection provides compelling evidence for extragalactic origin of ultra-high energy cosmic particles.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 2017

Discovery of a new genetic syndrome which predisposes the body to cancer

Researchers identified a new genetic syndrome caused by biallelic mutations in the FANCM gene, leading to early cancer formations and chemotherapy toxicity. Patients with this syndrome did not develop Fanconi anaemia, but had a higher risk of breast cancer and chromosomal fragility.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 22, 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.

Highest-energy cosmic rays have extragalactic origin

Research detects 30,000 high-energy particles with energies a million times greater than the LHC, finding that flux from certain regions of the sky is approximately 6% higher than uniform, indicating an extragalactic origin. The Pierre Auger Observatory detects these particles and analyzes their arrival directions.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 2017

Multi-gene test predicts Alzheimer's better than APOE E4 alone

A new polygenic hazard score test combines 31 genetic variants and APOE E4 to predict Alzheimer's risk in cognitively normal older adults, outperforming traditional APOE E4 testing. The test identifies high-risk individuals with early cognitive decline and higher amyloid plaque levels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateSep 22, 2017

Enhancing the sensing capabilities of diamonds with quantum properties

Researchers have developed a simple method to create more nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds, enhancing their sensing capabilities for magnetic fields. This breakthrough could lead to more compact devices and improved sensitivity, enabling the creation of unique quantum states.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 22, 2017

Our weight tells how we assess food

A SISSA study finds that people of normal weight associate natural foods with their sensory characteristics, while overweight individuals link processed foods to context. The research also highlights differences in brain activity between underweight and overweight participants when consuming the same stimuli.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalBiological Psychology·DateSep 22, 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.

Why do people in new democracies stop voting?

A comprehensive study of legislative elections in 91 democracies found that half experienced substantial voter decline. Factors contributing to low turnout differ by country and regime change context. The study suggests exposure to democratic practice is not the main reason for decreased participation.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateSep 22, 2017

Yale announces collaboration with WBCSD to improve corporate reporting

The Yale Initiative on Sustainable Finance (YISF) will provide high-quality research on capital flows into sustainability-oriented projects. YISF aims to investigate challenges in sustainable finance by partnering with market participants, non-profit organizations and WBCSD. The project focuses on clarifying ESG materiality for companies.

SourceYale School of the Environment·DateSep 22, 2017

Illegal trade of orchids uncovered by genetic detective work

Researchers at the Natural History Museum used DNA barcoding to identify 80% of commercial orchid products as containing threatened species. The study highlights the need for increased regulation and monitoring in the global trade of orchids.

SourceNatural History Museum, University of Oslo·DateSep 22, 2017

Lehigh's Srinivas Rangarajan awarded ACS investigator grant

Srinivas Rangarajan, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Lehigh University, received a research grant from the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund to investigate olefin production. The study aims to develop more energy-efficient catalysts for producing olefins directly from shale gas.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 22, 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.

Usher syndrome: Gene therapy restores hearing and balance

Researchers at Institut Pasteur successfully restored hearing and balance in a mouse model of USH1G syndrome using gene therapy, offering new hope for the treatment of hereditary deafness. The study demonstrates that inner ear defects caused by mutations in the USH1G gene can be reversed even after birth with durable efficacy.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2017

QUT creates Australia's first lithium-ion battery

QUT researchers have developed Australia's first pilot facility to produce commercial grade lithium-ion batteries, utilizing processes that enable extremely safe and efficient batteries. The facility can rapidly prototype new battery formulations and cell types, potentially kick-starting an Australian battery manufacturing industry.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateSep 22, 2017

Families of survivors of ECMO for heart conditions report favorable quality of life

A large study found that families of children treated with ECMO for heart conditions report positive outcomes regarding health and physical limitations. However, a higher rate of medical and behavioral issues were revealed through more detailed questioning, including learning disabilities in over 50% of patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 22, 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.

Smartphone apps reduce depression

Researchers found that smartphone apps significantly reduced people's depressive symptoms, suggesting these new digital therapies can be useful for managing the condition. The studies involved over 3400 participants and found that standalone apps were more effective than others.

SourceNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University·JournalWorld Psychiatry·DateSep 22, 2017

Crowning the 'King of the Crops': Sequencing the white Guinea yam genome

A breakthrough in sequencing the white Guinea yam genome has opened up possibilities for improving the staple crop's yields, sustainability, and disease resistance. This achievement will help farmers increase productivity and transform yams from a neglected 'orphan' crop to a more domesticated and economically viable food source.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalBMC Biology·DateSep 22, 2017

From galaxies far far away!

The Pierre Auger Collaboration reports that cosmic rays with energies a million times greater than the protons accelerated in the Large Hadron Collider come from much further away. The study discovered an anisotropy in the arrival directions of over 30,000 cosmic particles, indicating an extragalactic origin.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 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.

Tackling air pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa

The University of Portsmouth's AIR Network aims to address the significant contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular disease in low-resource settings. By engaging with local communities through arts, theatre, and other methods, researchers will explore co-creating viable interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·DateSep 22, 2017

Are you happy you voted -- or didn't?

A study published in Party Politics found that 97% of voters were glad they participated, while 60% of non-voters regretted not voting. People who feel morally duty-bound to vote and those interested in politics are more likely to be satisfied with their decision.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalParty Politics·DateSep 22, 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.

Solidarity between good and justice keeps a society together

Researchers found that a norm of solo reciprocity is insufficient to maintain cooperation, but can work in solidarity with unconditional cooperators. A society with solidarity between norms is more cooperative than one with solo reciprocity, according to the study.

SourceSoka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2017