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Science News Archive September 2017


Page 37 of 39

Aeroices: Newly discovered ultralow-density ice

A team from Okayama University in Japan has discovered a new family of ice phases called aeroices, which have the lowest density of all known ice crystals. These ices can be more stable than zeolitic ice at certain thermodynamic conditions under negative pressure.

Association for Molecular Pathology announces 2017 award recipients

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has awarded prestigious honors to Drs. Andrew P. Feinberg, Gregory J. Tsongalis, and Alexis B. Carter for their outstanding contributions to the field of molecular diagnostics. AMP President Federico A. Monzon praised the award recipients for their decades of service to the society.

Sharp rise in common ownership

A recent analysis found that nearly half of hospitals have shared ownership with providers in post-acute care or hospice sectors, up from 25 percent in 2005. This trend has significant implications for antitrust, payment, and regulatory policies, as well as the quality and cost of care.

Could switchgrass help China's air quality?

Researchers propose switchgrass as a solution to China's poor air quality by reducing particulate emissions from soil erosion. The crop's ability to hold soil and produce biomass makes it an attractive alternative to coal, with potential for widespread adoption in the Loess Plateau region.

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.

Studies call for expansion and digitization of Arctic museum collections

A recent study calls for the expedited sampling and digitizing of Arctic specimens on an international scale to fill gaps in biological diversity. The goal is to develop a comprehensive and accessible collection that can be used by researchers, educators, and the public to tackle conservation problems and promote STEM education.

Outreach interventions improve colorectal cancer screening

Two studies published in JAMA Network found that outreach interventions improved colorectal cancer screening completion rates among patients who were not up-to-date or nonadherent with CRC screening. The studies showed that fecal immunochemical test and colonoscopy outreach programs led to higher screening process completion rates comp...

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.

'Extreme' telescopes find the second-fastest-spinning pulsar

Astronomers have identified a millisecond pulsar spinning at more than 42,000 revolutions per minute using the Netherlands-based Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) radio telescope. The discovery provides insights into the potential for finding ultra-fast pulsars and raises questions about the fastest-spinning pulsars in the universe.

Protein shown to be predictor of kidney damage in children

Researchers found that high levels of suPAR are a reliable predictor of kidney damage in children, similar to adults. The protein is associated with increased risk of kidney loss and progression in children with mild to moderate kidney disease.

Discrimination in the housing market is hindering successful integration

A Finnish study found that males with Arabic names face significant discrimination in the rental housing market, receiving responses only 16% of the time, compared to 42% for females with Finnish names. The study highlights the challenges faced by migrant communities in integrating into their host societies.

Mice on ketogenic diets live longer and healthier in old age

Two independent mouse studies found that ketogenic diets improved memory in older animals and increased their chances of living longer. The diets also preserved physical fitness and altered insulin signaling pathways in the mice. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of a ketogenic diet on human health and aging.

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.

Foundations: A remedy, with shortcomings, to the journalism crisis

A new study from NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development questions the adequacy of foundation-supported nonprofit news organizations as a solution to journalism's financial crisis. The study finds that these organizations often prioritize impact over sustainability and may be influenced by donors' agendas.

How receptors for medicines work inside cells

Researchers have discovered that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are active in the cell interior, influencing gene transcription and cell division. This finding has implications for developing innovative drugs targeting receptor function or uptake.

Contributions to veterans in the US criminal justice system identified

Research from the University of Missouri identifies themes that could help policymakers keep veterans out of jail, including alcohol and drug use, difficulty adjusting to civilian life, and economic disadvantages. The study found that trauma encountered in the military, relational stress, and struggles with civilian culture contribute ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists find new evidence about how to prevent worsening pneumonia

Researchers found that a synthetic peptide called TIP strengthens the barrier function of lung capillaries, preventing fluid accumulation and potential deadly complications. The study suggests a promising strategy for reducing dangerous fluid volume in lungs, particularly for vulnerable populations like children under five.

Building a morphogen gradient by simple diffusion in a growing plant leaf

A team of researchers has demonstrated that pure diffusion in a growing tissue is sufficient to explain the formation of a signaling gradient along the leaf proximal-to-distal axis. This finding provides evidence for the viability of the diffusion-based model of morphogen in developmental patterning of multicellular organisms.

Study shows transgender students are at significant risk for suicidal thoughts

A study published in JAACAP found that transgender youth in California are at significant risk for suicidal thoughts, with nearly 35% reporting suicidal ideation. The study used statewide representative data and highlights the need for school-based interventions to address victimization and provide access to gender-affirming healthcare.

NASA sees Irma strengthen to a category 5 hurricane

Hurricane Irma has strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 175 mph, posing an extremely dangerous threat to the northern Leeward Islands. NASA and NOAA satellites have been providing critical imagery and data to forecasters, indicating significant fluctuations in intensity over the next few days.

Side effects of antidepressants used for chronic pain relief

A recent study found that almost all antidepressants present significant side effects, but some individuals may better tolerate certain side effects. Personalized medicine is recommended to match chronic pain patients with suitable antidepressant medication, taking into account their individual health profiles and existing health issues.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Eat fat, live longer?

A recent mouse study at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine reveals that a high fat, ketogenic diet increases median life span by 13% and improves quality of health in later life. The study also shows improvements in memory and motor function, as well as prevention of age-related markers of inflammation.

Study suggests simple way to predict preterm births

A study from MIT suggests that cervical mucus analysis can predict preterm births, potentially allowing doctors to intervene earlier. Researchers found significant differences in mucus permeability and adhesiveness between women who delivered prematurely and those who did not.

Team finds way to measure key cell regulator's activity

Scientists have created genetically encoded fluorescent sensors to measure GTP levels in cells, which can help identify potential anti-cancer compounds. This breakthrough discovery may lead to new treatments for various diseases by regulating cell movement, growth, and differentiation.

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.

Scientists developed 'smart fertilizer'

Researchers created a new generation of fertilizers using bio-decomposable materials that break down into innocuous products. The smart fertilizers provide a gradual release of active nitrogen compounds, reducing leaching and increasing plant biomass.

Boosting a lipid fuel makes mice less sensitive to the cold

Researchers at University of Utah Health found that boosting levels of acylcarnitines, a new lipid source for brown fat, restores youthful ability to adapt to cold in older mice. This discovery could lead to a therapy for cold sensitivity and potentially aid in obesity prevention.

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.

The protein TAZ sends 'mixed signals' to stem cells

Researchers at USC found that TAZ can convey different signals to stem cells based on its location within the cell, affecting differentiation and self-renewal. This discovery provides a new tool for stimulating stem cells and has potential applications in regenerative medicine.

Split-brain fruit fly research gives new insight into autism

Neuroscientists at the University of Nevada, Reno identified a genetic mechanism in fruit flies that disrupts brain pathways connecting the left and right hemispheres, separately linked to autism. The study suggests that the human gene PRRG4 may play a role in regulating nerve fiber guidance and synapse formation.

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.

Longer, stronger summers in the Gulf of Maine

The Gulf of Maine is warming at a rate of 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade, with summer temperatures increasing by two months in the last three decades. This has significant implications for marine species such as lobster and herring, which are shifting their distribution patterns in response to the changing climate.

Heparin stimulates food intake and body weight gain in mice

Researchers found that heparin stimulates AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus, increasing production of a neuropeptide that stimulates food intake and contributing to increased body weight. The study suggests heparin may be a potential target for treating eating disorders and obesity.

Investigating the mechanisms of metastasis

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles are studying the role of extracellular vesicles, or exosomes, in cancer metastasis. Exosomes, released by cancer cells, can modify the behavior of surrounding cells, making them hospitable to cancer growth.

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.

Can height increase risk for blood clots in veins?

A study of over two million Swedish siblings found an association between height and risk of venous thromboembolism, with shorter participants experiencing a lower risk. The study suggests that gravity may play a role in the increased risk for taller individuals.

Was the primordial soup a hearty pre-protein stew?

Researchers at Georgia Tech formed hundreds of possible precursor molecules in the lab and found that depsipeptides formed quickly and abundantly under conditions common on prebiotic Earth. These molecules could have served as a chemical stepping stone, accelerating the birth of long peptides that make up proteins.

Letting programs manage their own processing resources

Researchers are working on a method to distribute processing power to programs based on their needs, enabling computers to cope with future requirements. This approach aims to prevent unpredictable delays and frequent interruptions by providing accurate information regarding application needs.

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.

Sweet success: Nanocapsule perfectly binds sucrose in water

A Japanese team of researchers has successfully developed a synthetic receptor nanocapsule that can selectively bind sucrose in water. The capsule's unique recognition system is based on CH-π interactions between sucrose and the inner walls of the nanocapsule, allowing it to capture sucrose with high yield and stability.

Adding commercial soy in developing countries brings unique challenges

Growing commercial soybean in developing countries requires changes to traditional agricultural practices, including weed and pest control, soil correction, and access to certified seed supply chains. This shift can lead to poverty reduction, nutrition improvement, and rural economic development, but also a tradeoff of higher chemical ...

Life expectancy varies by up to 18 years in King County, Washington

A new study finds that life expectancy varies by up to 18 years across King County, Washington, with residents in affluent areas living significantly longer than those in poorer neighborhoods. The study provides detailed estimates of death rates by cause, year, and sex among the county's nearly 400 census tracts.

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.

The STING of death in T cells

Researchers have discovered that STING triggers pro-apoptotic responses in T cells, which may lead to new treatments for T-cell lymphomas. The study also found that delivering a small molecule that activates the STING pathway can prevent the growth of T cell-derived tumors in live animals.

Longtime antidepressant could slow Parkinson's

Researchers found that an antidepressant drug, nortriptyline, slowed the growth of abnormal proteins associated with Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating the disease, which could be simpler and more effective than current therapies.

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.

'Waves' of neural activity give new clues about Alzheimer's

Researchers have discovered anomalies in the slow wave activity of mice with cognitive decline similar to Alzheimer's, which may provide new insights into the disease. The study suggests that restoring these waves could potentially be a therapeutic approach.

A revolution in lithium-ion batteries is becoming more realistic

Scientists have discovered a new class of materials that can replace liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries, potentially leading to smaller, lighter, and safer devices. The breakthrough material showed exceptional ionic conductivity, even at low temperatures, and its properties are comparable to those of liquid electrolytes.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Spotting risky behavior crucial in cutting road accidents

A recent study by University of the Basque Country researcher David Herrero found that risky behavior is a crucial predictor of accident-related events. The study, which analyzed data from over 400 drivers, also identified age and sex differences in aggressive driving behavior.

Man-made reefs: A compelling diving alternative -- Ben-Gurion U. study

Artificial coral reefs can be more attractive to divers than natural formations and help mitigate potential reef damage. A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that artificial reefs around the world can evaluate aesthetic, behavioral, and attitudinal aspects of diving experiences.