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Science News Archive September 2017 - Page 2


Page 2 of 39
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.

How molecular scissors cut in the right place

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered how CRISPR-Cas9 finds its target sequence in the genome, taking around six hours to search a bacterium's four million base pairs. To improve speed and reliability, they found that sacrificing Cas9's flexibility can lead to faster, but still versatile genetic scissors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 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.

Medication that treats parasite infection also has anti-cancer effect

Researchers at Osaka University discovered that ivermectin, a medication for parasitic infections, also has an anti-tumor effect on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells. The gene target KPNB1 was identified as having oncogenic properties, and its inhibition induced apoptosis in EOC cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2017

Generating terahertz radiation from water makes 'the impossible, possible'

Xi-Cheng Zhang and his team have successfully generated terahertz waves from liquid water, a fundamental breakthrough with significant applications in imaging and spectroscopy. The discovery paves the way for non-destructive inspection of objects and potential uses in security screening, medical imaging, and more.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 28, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Highly virulent bacterium causes rampant caries in some children

Researchers identify a novel connection between highly variant types of Streptococcus mutans and rampant caries in high-risk children. High-risk children carry more virulent variants of the bacteria with unique adhesive proteins that improve survival in the mouth.

SourceUmea University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 28, 2017

Did rapid sea-level rise drown fossil coral reefs around Hawaii?

Recent findings suggest that rapid sea-level rise of about 20m in less than 500 years occurred in the last deglaciation, causing the drowning of fossil coral reefs in Hawaii. The study provides new evidence of a meltwater pulse, associated with catastrophic ice-sheet collapse and the Earth's warming after the last ice age.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateSep 28, 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.

Uncovering why psoriasis recurs

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers identifies a population of tissue resident memory cells that may be driving recurrence in psoriasis. These cells, which live long-term in the skin, can cause misguided immune responses leading to red, inflamed patches on the skin.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 28, 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.

Hunt is over for one of the 'top 50 most-wanted fungi'

Researchers characterized a mysterious fungus found in North Carolina's pine forests and discovered its home in the fungal tree of life. The study highlights the potential value of environmental sequencing to guide taxonomic and ecological discovery.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalMycologia·DateSep 28, 2017

Fever during labor may present risk to mother

A Tel Aviv University study found that intrapartum fever, which occurs during labor, is associated with higher rates of operative vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections. Women with positive bacterial cultures had a increased risk of neonatal complications compared to those with negative cultures.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateSep 28, 2017

Small scale energy harvesters show large scale impact

Researchers from Shahid Charmran University of Ahvaz in Iran have modeled new piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) technology at the nano-scale level. Their study demonstrates how small-scale dimensions impact nonlinear vibrations and PEH voltage harvesting, revealing significant size effects on output.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateSep 28, 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.

End to circus in plastic surgery social media videos?

A new code of ethical behavior for sharing plastic surgery videos on social media aims to curb vulgar content and prioritize patient safety. The guidelines, proposed by Northwestern Medicine authors, are based on four guiding principles of medical ethics and will be presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateSep 28, 2017

Promising results for 2 genetic weapons against malaria

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discover two new strategies to combat malaria: genetically modified bacteria that spread rapidly in mosquito populations and boost the immune system of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. These innovative approaches aim to reduce the need for continuous malaria control measures, p...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

RUDN mathematicians have simulated the motion of incompressible liquid

Researchers from Russia and Italy have created a more accurate method to solve Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible plane motion. The new scheme allows for efficient numerical solutions and has been verified through computing experiments, outperforming existing methods in terms of precision and stability.

SourceRUDN University·JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation·DateSep 28, 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.

Study explores the biology of mending a broken heart

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that blocking a molecular pathway can stop or slow cardiac fibrosis, organ enlargement, and preserve heart function. The study provides new insights into what causes cardiac fibrosis and opens the potential for finding new therapeutic approaches.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 2017

Biodegradable microsensors for food monitoring

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created biocompatible microsensors made from magnesium wire and compostable polymer for temperature measurement in food products. The sensors are thin, flexible, and can function for up to 67 days before dissolving, making them suitable for monitoring fish shipments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 28, 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.

Fluorine-containing molecules from cell cultures

Researchers genetically engineered a microbial host to produce fluorinated metabolites and bioplastics, leveraging the potential of living systems to create complex chemical compounds. The breakthrough enables controlled incorporation of fluorine into polyhydroxyalkanoates, resulting in more durable and targeted bioplastics.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 28, 2017

Immeasurable hardiness of character

The Grit Scale questionnaire measures two independent constructs: perseverance of effort and consistency of interests, contradicting the idea that grit is a single personality trait. Researchers found no evidence to support the existence of grit as a single characteristic.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychological Assessment·DateSep 28, 2017

Students know about learning strategies -- but don't use them

A survey of university students found that many know about common learning strategies, but fewer actually use them. The reasons include lack of time, ineffective application, and difficulty in seeing the benefits. To improve this, universities should provide more self-regulated learning training, including hands-on practice to learn ho...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 28, 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.

Computer model showed an optimal anti-amyloid treatment

A computer model developed by InSysBio scientists suggests that activating beta-amyloid degradation is key to preventing protein plaques in the brain. The model found that starting treatment at age 60 can lead to relative normalization of indices, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

SourceInSysBio LLC·JournalCPT Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology·DateSep 28, 2017

Making surgical screws from bones

Researchers are developing surgical screws from donated human bone material, reducing the risk of complications and eliminating the need for second surgeries. The technology, developed by TU Graz's Institute of Biomechanics, is being used in 14 Austrian hospitals and aims to improve outcomes for foot and jaw surgery patients.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateSep 28, 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.

Conservationists should harness 'Hollywood effect' to help wildlife

Researchers from the University of Exeter suggest that conservation scientists work with filmmakers to raise awareness of endangered species and environmental issues, leveraging the 'Hollywood effect' to inspire action. The study highlights both positive and negative impacts of cinema on public perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 28, 2017

Exploring an ancient event in pumpkin, gourd and melon evolution

A recent study found evidence of an ancient whole genome duplication event in Cucurbitaceae plants, occurring 107-118 million years ago. This event is proposed to have driven the fast divergence and success of seed and flowering plants.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 28, 2017

Abusive bosses experience short-lived benefits

Researchers found that abusive supervisors experience a sense of recovery from their behavior, which helps replenish mental energy and resources. However, this benefit is short-lived, lasting only a week or less, after which they start to experience decreased trust, support, and productivity from employees.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 28, 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.

In people with OCD, actions are at odds with beliefs

Researchers develop mathematical model that uncovers link between OCD beliefs and actions. People with OCD develop accurate sense of how things work but disregard it when making decisions, leading to second-guessing themselves.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 28, 2017

UTA study says zinc can halt the growth of cancer cells

A new study by a University of Texas at Arlington researcher found that zinc supplements can significantly inhibit esophageal cancer cell growth without affecting normal cells. This discovery provides a potential pathway for better esophageal cancer prevention and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 28, 2017

Database of earthquakes triggered by human activity is growing -- with some surprises

The Human-Induced Earthquake Database has grown to over 730 entries, revealing that mining projects and water impounded behind dams are the most common causes of induced earthquakes. Unconventional oil and gas extraction using hydraulic fracturing is also a frequent contributor, according to geophysicist Miles Wilson.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateSep 28, 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.

Supersonic gas streams left over from the Big Bang drive massive black hole formation

Researchers used super-computer simulations to recreate the formation of a massive black hole from supersonic gas streams left over from the Big Bang. The study suggests these black holes could be the source of the largest and oldest super-massive black holes in the Universe, posing a challenge to existing theories.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

Indonesian prisoners with HIV getting aid from UIC researchers

Researchers are developing a medication adherence intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy coverage among released Indonesian prisoners. The intervention, adapted from an existing program, aims to increase treatment uptake and reduce HIV-related mortality in the country's prison population. With Indonesia's high HIV infection rat...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateSep 28, 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.

For boys at risk of psychopathy, laughter isn't so contagious

Research found that boys at risk of psychopathy have impaired ability to respond to laughter, with reduced brain activity in regions associated with social affiliation. This suggests they may not experience the world in the same way as peers, leading to different choices and behaviors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 28, 2017

Chimpanzees can learn how to use tools without observing others

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that chimpanzees can spontaneously learn to use sticks to scoop food from water surfaces. The study suggests that some tool-use behaviors are within their pre-existing behavioral repertoire, contradicting the assumption that apes must observe others to learn new behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 28, 2017

Perovskite solar cells reach record long-term stability, efficiency over 20 percent

Researchers have developed a new method to deposit CuSCN layers on perovskite films, resulting in stabilized power-conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. The introduction of a thin spacer layer of reduced graphene oxide allows the cells to achieve excellent operational stability, retaining over 95% of their initial efficiency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 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.