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Science News Archive September 2017 - Page 4


Page 4 of 39

Preservation of floodplains is flood protection

Rivers need more space, diversity, and freedom to protect species and prevent devastating floods. Floodplain landscapes are crucial for sediment retention and natural flood protection.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalLand Degradation and Development·DateSep 27, 2017

The Cherenkov Telescope Array releases its updated science case

The Cherenkov Telescope Array's (CTA) updated science case outlines the observatory's major science themes and potential discoveries in astrophysics and fundamental physics. CTA will explore extreme environments, probe cosmic voids, and search for dark matter, with the potential for unexpected breakthroughs.

SourceCherenkov Telescope Array·JournalInternational Journal of Modern Physics D·DateSep 27, 2017

Study shows minimally invasive valve replacements hold up well after five years

A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that biologic valves used in trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and open-heart surgery continue to perform well up to five years after implantation. The results provide reassurance for the long-term benefits of minimally invasive valve replacement.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateSep 27, 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.

Study allows establishing a timeline of obesity

Researchers found that a diet rich in saturated fats damages the brain's hunger control system within days, while gut bacteria changes occur weeks later. The study suggests that this sequence of events may contribute to weight gain and obesity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateSep 27, 2017

LIGO and Virgo observatories jointly detect black hole collision

The LIGO and Virgo observatories have jointly detected a black hole collision, emitting ripples in space and time. The event, located 1.8 billion light-years away, resulted in a spinning black hole with about 53 times the mass of our sun.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain disconnections may contribute to Parkinson's hallucinations

Research found disconnections in brain areas involved in attention and visual processing may contribute to visual hallucinations in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The study used fMRI to examine connectivity between brain areas, showing decreased synchronization in patients with visual hallucinations.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 27, 2017

Health and social care changes 'paving way for fewer services' warn experts

Experts predict reduced access to care, widening inequalities and increased private provision as the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and STPs lead to blurred distinctions between health and social care. The lack of consideration for different funding bases has led to concerns about equitable distribution of resources.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 27, 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.

Computer scientists address gap in messaging privacy

Researchers have developed a solution to a longstanding problem in end-to-end encryption, which ensures only sender and recipient can read a message. The new protocol, called DECIM, forces attackers to leave evidence of any such activity and alerts users to take action.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateSep 27, 2017

NIH announces centers for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome research

The National Institutes of Health has awarded four grants to establish a coordinated scientific research effort on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers will collaborate on projects, share data, and engage with the ME/CFS community to advance knowledge and potential treatments for this debilitating disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateSep 27, 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 satellites peer into a lop-sided Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria appears asymmetric due to vertical wind shear, with eastern clouds receiving more precipitation than the western side. GPM radar data shows light rain showers around the eye, but stronger storms are located northeast of the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 27, 2017

Removing nitrate for healthier ecosystems

A study has identified areas where nitrogen is removed from agricultural streams, revealing that buffer zones with fine soils and organic matter are effective at reducing nitrate levels. These findings suggest that conserving existing buffer zones and reconnecting streams to them can improve water quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateSep 27, 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.

Plant substance inhibits cancer stem cells

Researchers at Lund University have successfully isolated and studied the plant compound damsin, which inhibits the growth and spread of cancer stem cells. The study's findings suggest that damsin and its synthetic analogue ambrosin may contribute to the development of new drugs against cancer stem cells.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 27, 2017

Army refines recipe for quantum-enhanced technologies

Researchers at US Army Research Laboratory have made breakthroughs understanding entanglement structure in quantum systems with long-range interactions. Entanglement enables ultra-secure communication, precise measurement, and powerful computers.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2017

Earliest evidence for a native African cultigen discovered in Eastern Sudan

Archaeologists discovered ancient Egyptian-like plant impressions indicating that prehistoric peoples in the Butana Group were cultivating wild sorghum until it was genetically altered into a domesticated form. This finding pushes back the process for domesticating summer rainfall cereals by over a thousand years.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateSep 27, 2017
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.

Expectant mother's elevated blood pressure raises child's risk of obesity

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that expectant mothers with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop childhood obesity. Women with high blood pressure, even within the normal range, were associated with a higher risk of overweight or obese children.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 27, 2017

Opioid crisis in Staten Island affects all races and socioeconomic backgrounds

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the opioid epidemic on Staten Island disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The researchers identified areas with high overdose rates as underserved in treatment services, highlighting the need for expanded methadone clinics and detox capacity.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateSep 27, 2017

Interventions for alcohol and hypertension could save hundreds of lives across EU

A study published in BMC Medicine found that routine screening and interventions for hazardous and harmful alcohol use in people with hypertension in primary care could significantly lower blood pressure and reduce premature deaths. The authors estimate that these interventions would lead to substantial reductions in cardiovascular dis...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateSep 27, 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.

Researchers uncover the source of diabetic pain

A new study from King's College London reveals the molecular basis of chronic nerve pain in diabetes, identifying HCN2 as a key player. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could lead to effective treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy, a condition affecting up to one in four people with diabetes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 27, 2017

Purple plant is on the defensive

Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have identified molecules in lavender that create antimicrobial and insecticidal compounds, providing a potential solution for controlling fungal growth and pests. This discovery could lead to the development of more environmentally friendly pesticides.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPlant Molecular Biology·DateSep 27, 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.

Printed meds could reinvent pharmacies, drug research

A new technology can print pure, ultra-precise doses of drugs onto various surfaces, enabling on-site printing of custom-dosed medications. This technique accelerates drug development and makes life easier for patients taking multiple medications daily.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2017

The hormone that could be making your dog aggressive

A study led by the University of Arizona found that dogs with leash aggression had higher levels of total vasopressin, while those without exhibited higher oxytocin and oxytocin-to-vasopressin ratios. This supports the idea that oxytocin may help inhibit aggression in dogs.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 27, 2017

Monetising time savings makes toll roads financially stack up

A new study by QUT suggests that toll roads and tunnels can be made more cost-effective by putting a dollar value on the savings from traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution. The research found that governments should consider benefits beyond financial analysis when deciding on infrastructure investment.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Transportation Engineering·DateSep 27, 2017

Unexpected discovery leads to new theory of liquid streaming

Researchers at the University of Houston have made an unexpected discovery that leads to a new theory of liquid streaming. The researchers generated a liquid stream using a pulsed laser and found that gold nanoparticles played a crucial role in creating the phenomenon, which they called acoustic streaming.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 27, 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.

Back from the brink

Researchers discovered anastasis has two distinct stages and cells hold onto pro-survival molecules even when dying. The study's findings suggest this process may enable cancer cells to bounce back after treatment, raising questions about the long-term cellular effects of anastasis.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateSep 27, 2017

Research sheds new light on how Earth and Mars were created

Scientists from the University of Bristol have discovered evidence suggesting that massive collisions during planetary accretion resulted in significant mass loss, altering a planet's composition. This process, which occurred in the Earth and Mars formation, led to their distinctive volatile poor compositions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateSep 27, 2017

Virtual reality helps veterans prepare for new jobs

The Virtual Training Agent for Veterans (VITA4VETS) program uses virtual simulation practice to build job interviewing competence and confidence among veterans. With a high success rate of 93% in securing employment, VITA4VETS provides customizable training to address the challenges faced by transitioning service members.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateSep 27, 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.

Researchers from KAIST and NTU Singapore unlock Parkinson's disease

A KAIST research team has identified a new mechanism that causes the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors. The discovery presents a new perspective on three decades of conventional wisdom and opens up new avenues for alleviating motor problems.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNeuron·DateSep 27, 2017

Study examines characteristics of mobile mammography patients

Researchers found significant differences between mobile mammography patients and those at a cancer center, including higher recall rates and racial diversity. The study aims to develop targeted programs to increase screening rates among underserved populations.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 27, 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.

Unlocking the secrets of disease progression

Lina Cui, a UNM Assistant Professor, is leading a large-scale research project to understand the chemistry of disease progression and its role in cancer metastasis. The goal is to develop diagnostic tools that target specific enzymes involved in disease spread.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·DateSep 27, 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.

Defining optimal opioid pain medication prescription length following surgery

Researchers analyzed opioid prescription data from the Department of Defense Military Health System Data Repository to identify optimal opioid pain medication prescription length following surgery. The findings suggest that prescription lengths may need to be extended beyond seven days for certain procedures, recognizing that up to 40%...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 27, 2017

Early babies face lifelong fitness risks

Babies born between 37-38 weeks have a 57% higher risk of poor cardiorespiratory fitness, according to the study. Early term deliveries may lead to neurological, cognitive and respiratory issues in adolescence and early adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 27, 2017

Gravitational twists help theoretical physicists shed light on quantum complexity

Researchers found that certain physical phenomena, such as the thermal Hall conductance, cannot be simulated efficiently due to a negative sign or complex quantities involved in quantum Monte-Carlo methods. This limits the scalability of large-scale quantum simulations and provides reassurance for theoretical physicists.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 27, 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.

Anxious moms may give clues about how anxiety develops

Researchers found that anxious mothers' babies spend more time looking at angry faces before turning away, suggesting a genetic component to anxiety development. This study could help predict which children are at risk for anxiety and potentially prevent its development.

SourcePenn State·JournalEmotion·DateSep 27, 2017

Study reveals troubling disparities in prescribing opioids for patients with nonmalignant chronic pain

A recent study from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy found that social and cultural factors are playing a significant role in determining when patients receive opioid prescriptions. Patients with publicly funded insurance, those in the U.S. South, and Hispanic patients were more likely to be prescribed opioids.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalBehavior Modification·DateSep 27, 2017