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Science News Archive September 2017 - Page 19


Page 19 of 39

NASA sees Maria intensify into a major hurricane

Hurricane Maria strengthened into a major hurricane with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 81.6 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating heavy rainfall potential. The storm is expected to move across the Leeward Islands and approach Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 18, 2017

RNA discovery could help boost plant heat, drought tolerance

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have discovered a long non-coding RNA that increases thale cress plants' resistance to drought and salt stress. Increasing the lncRNA's levels shows corresponding increases in drought and salt tolerance.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateSep 18, 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.

HIV-AIDS: Following your gut

Researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre have discovered a molecule that stimulates HIV replication in CD4 T cells located in the gut. By targeting this molecule, medications can significantly reduce HIV replication in undetectable patients, potentially leading to a functional cure.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 18, 2017

Asthma medication may have psychiatric side effects

A study found neuropsychiatric reactions like depression and aggression associated with montelukast in both children and adults. Clinicians should discuss potential adverse events, especially nightmares in kids, when prescribing this asthma medication.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateSep 18, 2017

Learning and unlearning to fear: The two faces of noradrenaline

Scientists at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered that emotional and flexible learning rely on noradrenaline's division of labor in the brain. Two types of learning - fear learning and extinction - require distinct populations of neurons, with different projections to the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 18, 2017

Researchers unlock potential pathway to treat flesh-eating bacteria

Researchers at Houston Methodist have discovered a critical target for developing a potential Group A Streptococcus vaccine or antibiotic. By blocking the production of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB), they hope to reduce disease severity and prevent necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 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.

'Smart meters need a rapid rethink,' say Bath researchers

Researchers developed an intelligent smart meter that creates significant energy and money savings for homeowners by providing personalized advice on how to reduce energy consumption. The device has been shown to significantly reduce household energy usage and bills through clear actionable information.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateSep 18, 2017

A simple additive to improve film quality

Glycol ethers added to thin film manufacturing boost perovskite crystal structure and efficiency, increasing solar cell performance.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateSep 18, 2017

Changes in nonextreme precipitation may have not-so-subtle consequences

Researchers analyzed over five decades of precipitation data from North America to find that changes in nonextreme precipitation are more significant than previously realized and larger than those in extreme precipitation. These changes can have a strong effect on ecosystems, agriculture, infrastructure design and resource management.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateSep 18, 2017

MAA announces $150,000 to increase diversity in math

The Mathematical Association of America has awarded funding to support projects increasing diversity in mathematics across all levels of education. The $150,000 grant will benefit women and underrepresented groups in mathematics through projects such as math camps, mentored research, and enrichment activities.

SourceMathematical Association of America·DateSep 18, 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.

Controlling movement like a dimmer switch

Researchers have identified a motor pathway in the sea lamprey that regulates swimming speed, which could be relevant to understanding movement disorders. The study suggests that dysfunction of this pathway may contribute to symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 18, 2017

Chemists make playdough/Lego-like hybrid to create tiny building blocks

A team of chemists has developed particles that can form endless architectures from a handful of basic pieces, self-assembling without human intervention. This technology enables the creation of microscopic building blocks with on-board instruction manuals, mimicking nature's manufacturing technology.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 2017

Analyzing the language of color

Research across over 100 languages reveals a consistent pattern of language divide towards warmer and cooler colors. The findings suggest that human languages prioritize labeling warm colors consistently due to their prevalence in foreground scenes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

Risk of lung cancer death by smoking status among patients with HIV

A new study projects increased lung cancer death risks among people living with HIV who smoke, with heavy smokers facing the highest mortality rates. The study suggests that tobacco use accelerates lung cancer development and should be prioritized in comprehensive care for HIV patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 18, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Relationship found between HIV risk and individual and community level educational status

A new study found a significant association between individual and community level educational status and transactional sex behavior, which is an HIV risk factor. The researchers suggest that undereducated neighborhoods may be more prone to informal economies, leading residents to engage in transactional sex.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateSep 18, 2017

Myth Debunked that OCD Is Associated With Superior Intelligence

Researchers found OCD is associated with normative IQ that is slightly lower than control samples, suggesting slowness rather than intellectual ability. The myth may decrease motivation for seeking help, as TV programs like Monk perpetuate the misconception of OCD being linked to superior intelligence.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNeuropsychology Review·DateSep 18, 2017

Secrets of bright, rapidly spinning star revealed

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have successfully detected polarised light from a rapidly spinning star for the first time. Using a highly sensitive piece of equipment, they measured Regulus' spin rate of 96.5% of its break-up velocity, equivalent to 320 km/s.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 18, 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.

How bacteria hinder chemotherapy

Researchers discover bacteria in pancreatic tumors that metabolize a common chemotherapy drug, rendering it ineffective. The study suggests that targeting these bacteria may offer a new approach to treating pancreatic cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2017

Budget cigarettes linked to higher infant mortality rates in EU countries

Researchers found an association between infant mortality rates and the differences in costs between higher and lower priced cigarettes in 23 EU countries from 2004 to 2014. Increasing cigarette prices reduced infant mortality, with a one Euro increase per pack associated with fewer deaths per 1,000 live births.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 18, 2017

Vaping doubles risk of smoking cigarettes for teens

Teenagers who try e-cigarettes are 2.16 times more likely to be susceptible to cigarette smoking, according to a study from the University of Waterloo and Wake Forest School of Medicine. The use of e-cigarettes among adolescents may lead to an increase in harmful cigarette use.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateSep 18, 2017

Physicists develop new recipes for design of fast single-photon gun

Researchers at MIPT and the University of Siegen have developed high-speed single-photon sources using diamond diodes, enabling efficient quantum communication and computing devices. The new design mechanism allows for precise photon emission times, crucial for applications such as quantum cryptography and quantum computing.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateSep 18, 2017

Video game boosts sex health IQ and attitudes in minority teens

A Yale-developed videogame improved sexual health knowledge and attitudes among minority youth, while also reducing risky behavior and STI transmission rates. The game, PlayForward: Elm City Stories, was designed with teen input and showed sustained positive changes in attitudes and knowledge over a year.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateSep 18, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New approach boosts performance in thermoelectric materials

Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered a new mechanism to boost performance in thermoelectric materials by increasing carrier mobility, enabling more efficient electricity generation from waste heat. The work expands the potential of magnesium-antimony materials for use in thermoelectric devices.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

Fueling a cleaner combustion

A new additive consisting of oxygenated organic compounds has been developed to reduce the release of pollutants during the combustion of fossil fuels. The researchers' study found that diethyl carbonate can facilitate clean combustion of diesel fuels, reducing soot production and environmental damage.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemical Physics Letters·DateSep 18, 2017

A new approach to high insulin levels

Congenital hyperinsulinism is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to permanent activation of the GDH protein, resulting in excessive insulin production. This triggers chronic hypoglycaemia, brain damage, and intellectual retardation. A new study may pave the way for novel therapies, including a drug that inhibits the GDH accelerator.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateSep 18, 2017

Genome editing and butterfly wing patterns

Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to study the optix gene's role in butterfly wing patterns. In four species, deleting optix resulted in black pigment replacing red and orange pigment, with changes in expression of genes involved in pigment production.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 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.

Reliance on 'gut feelings' linked to belief in fake news

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that people who rely on concrete evidence to form their beliefs are less likely to have misperceptions about high-profile scientific and political issues. On the other hand, those who trust their intuition over evidence are more likely to believe fake news.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 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.

Fuel from waste and electricity?

Researchers have developed a proof-of-concept for producing drop-in fuels from biomass and electric energy through combined microbial and electrochemical conversion. The process achieved a 50% yield using corn beer as feedstock, with potential to scale up and improve yields.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 18, 2017

When it comes to the threat of extinction, size matters

A global analysis of 27,000 vertebrate animal species found that those in the Goldilocks zone face a lower risk of extinction than larger or smaller species. The largest and smallest species are disproportionately threatened by human activities such as harvesting and habitat loss.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 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.

ADHD kids can be still -- If they're not straining their brains

Children with ADHD exhibit excessive movement only when engaging their executive functions, particularly working memory. Research shows that tasks requiring complex cognitive processing, such as math lessons, trigger fidgeting and restlessness in kids with ADHD, while more passive activities like watching movies do not.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateSep 18, 2017

MicroRNA helps cancer evade immune system

Researchers at Salk Institute discover two microRNAs that help cancer cells survive and subvert the immune response by lowering cGAS levels. Inhibiting these microRNAs in tumor cells slowed tumor growth, but their effect was diminished in immune-deficient mice.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 18, 2017

Wireless food stamp transactions tied to healthier shopping

New research from NYU Langone Health links wireless food stamp transactions to the buying of more healthy foods by people with low incomes. On average, SNAP beneficiaries purchased 5.4 more cups of fruits and vegetables when using EBT-equipped vendors compared to similar shoppers who paid with cash.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateSep 18, 2017

NASA sees Talim now extra-tropical

Tropical Storm Talim made landfall on Kyushu, Japan, weakening to an extra-tropical storm. The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured images of the storm after its transition, revealing a frontal system with clouds north and northeast of the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 18, 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.

ASTRO awards early-career research grants to physician-scientists

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded $275,000 in research grants to four early-career scientists to investigate the effects of radiation on breast cancer cells and tumor immune evasion. The awardees aim to develop innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes by modulating the immune response.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateSep 18, 2017

Eight children born after uterus transplants

Eight children have been born to mothers who received fertilized eggs after a uterus transplant, marking significant progress in the field. A new project focuses on robot-assisted operations, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·DateSep 18, 2017

Why bad sleep doesn't always lead to depression

A new study found that individuals with higher reward-related ventral striatum activity are less likely to experience depressive symptoms when they have poor quality sleep. This finding may help identify individuals for whom sleep hygiene is more effective or important.

SourceDuke University·DateSep 18, 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.

Study finds that most older adults are aware of medication risks

A recent study found that most older adults (88%) have used prescription medications in the past year, with 42% taking potentially inappropriate medications. Despite this, only 42% of participants had discussed stopping one or more prescribed medications with their healthcare provider.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 18, 2017

Copper catalyst yields high efficiency CO2-to-fuels conversion

A team of Berkeley Lab scientists has discovered a critical role of nanoparticle transformation in converting carbon dioxide into multicarbon fuels and alcohols. The copper-based electrocatalyst operates at high current density with a record low overpotential, making it more efficient than existing catalysts.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

New self-powered paper patch could help diabetics measure glucose during exercise

Researchers at Binghamton University have created a wearable, single-use biosensor that integrates a paper-based glucose/oxygen enzymatic fuel cell into a standard Band-Aid adhesive patch. This device allows for non-invasive monitoring of glucose in human sweat during exercise, providing an attractive alternative to conventional methods.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalMicromachines·DateSep 18, 2017

Beta blockers not needed after heart attack if other medications taken

A new UNC-Chapel Hill study found that beta blockers are not necessary after a heart attack if patients are already taking ACE inhibitors and statins. The study examined over 90,000 Medicare patients and found that those who took only ACE inhibitors and statins had a similar mortality rate to those taking all three drugs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 18, 2017

How eyes get clogged in glaucoma and how to free them

Researchers at IBS have identified a new mechanism involved in glaucoma development and progression, and found a potential therapeutic option to treat primary open-angle glaucoma. The study highlights the critical role of the angiopoietin-Tie2 system in Schlemm's canal functionality.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 18, 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.

Learning strategies to encourage girls to embrace STEM

The NJIT-led project, LiFE, aims to showcase STEM as a collaborative space that fosters real-world problem-solving skills in girls of all academic levels. The program leverages corporate and government partnerships to develop cost-effective templates for broad participation in STEM careers.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateSep 18, 2017

World first: 'Storing lightning inside thunder'

University of Sydney researchers have achieved a groundbreaking breakthrough in transferring digital information between light waves and sound waves on a microchip. The innovation enables faster processing and reduces energy consumption by slowing down data transfer velocity to five orders of magnitude, making it suitable for use in te...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2017

Teens also at risk for organ damage from high blood pressure

A study of 180 teenagers found evidence of organ damage in those with normal blood pressure and those in the mid-risk group. Researchers suggest that imaging of the heart may be useful to determine how aggressive therapy should be for youth in the high-normal range of blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 17, 2017

5,000 deaths annually from Dieselgate in Europe

A new study estimates that excess NOx emissions from diesel cars cause approximately 5,000 premature deaths annually in Europe. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of these deaths, accounting for around 90% of cases.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 17, 2017

Blood pressure better controlled with 'MAP' for doctors

A quality improvement program using MAP framework improved hypertension control in primary care practices by 9.2 percentage points over six months. The program's evidence-based strategies encourage accurate blood pressure measurement and medication adherence, leading to reduced systolic pressures.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 16, 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.