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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 135


Page 135 of 423

Forest and watercourse interplay important for restorations

Researchers at Umeå University emphasize the importance of integrating forest and aquatic ecosystems in restorations to retain biodiversity and ecosystem services. Restoring riparian zones can increase production and diversity by facilitating nutrient cycling between land and water.

SourceUmea University·JournalBioScience·DateAug 24, 2016

Mutually helpful species become competitors in benign environments

In laboratory experiments, scientists found that normally mutualistic strains of yeast became competitive and even drove one strain to extinction when environmental conditions were benign and nutrients were plentiful. The researchers developed a model to predict the type of mutualistic relationship that would develop between species ba...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 24, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A mystery of form and structure

Researchers built a stream table experiment to test a theory about the erosion of the Tarim Basin's flat surfaces. They found that channel switching played a crucial role in beveling these areas due to rapid changes in sediment flux and water flow. The study provides insights into the geological history of the region.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 24, 2016

Median installed price of solar in the United States fell by 5-12 percent in 2015

The median installed price of solar in the US fell by 5-12% in 2015, with residential systems declining 5% and utility-scale projects falling 12%, according to two new studies from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The report attributes recent system price declines to reductions in hardware costs and 'solar soft' costs.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateAug 24, 2016

GPM sees Tropical Depression Kay fading into history

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured data on Tropical Depression Kay's remaining rainfall, which was limited to a small area. The storm had been devoid of deep convection and thunderstorms for about 12 hours when it faded from the record.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Breast cancer cells found to switch molecular characteristics

Researchers found a mixture of HER2-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer cells in patients' blood samples, which can lead to tumor progression and resistance to treatment. Combining therapies targeting both populations may be effective in eliminating these cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2016

Arctic gives clues on worst mass extinction of life

The Permian-Triassic extinction event saw 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial life die off due to explosive volcanic eruptions in Siberia. The Arctic region reveals clues about the delayed recovery, with evidence of a significant nutrient gap during this period.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalGeology·DateAug 24, 2016

New electrical energy storage material shows its power

A Northwestern University team has developed a nanomaterial that can store large amounts of electrical energy like a battery and charge rapidly like a supercapacitor, promising to improve electric car efficiency. The material's stability allows for 10,000 charge/discharge cycles, making it suitable for commercial applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 24, 2016

A brain circuit to push past nutritional stress

Scientists have identified a brain circuit in fruit flies that enables them to ignore protein deficiencies and transition into the pupal stage despite nutritional stress. This discovery has implications for understanding developmental regulation in insects and potential applications to mammalian physiology.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

A new path for killing pathogenic bacteria

Researchers found that mycobacteria use a 'volume control' mechanism to switch between two types of metabolism, adapting to survive in different environments. This discovery provides potential new treatments for diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2016

For teens, feeling safe at school means increased academic success

A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that students who feel safer at school are more attentive and have fewer symptoms of depression. The researchers suggest that factors such as bullying, poverty, and neighbourhood environment also impact feelings of safety and academic engagement.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 24, 2016

Progress in vaccination against vespid venom

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München have developed a new test to diagnose the specific venom causing an allergic reaction, enabling the creation of personalized vaccines. This breakthrough has the potential to improve treatment options for patients with allergies to wasp stings.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAllergy·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

The first autonomous, entirely soft robot

Researchers at Harvard University have created the first autonomous, entirely soft robot called the octobot. The small, 3D-printed robot is powered by a chemical reaction controlled by microfluidics, eliminating the need for electronics.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2016

UTSW research identifies protein that promotes the breakdown of fat

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a protein called Perilipin 5 that promotes the efficient breakdown of fat. This discovery could lead to new ways to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, as excess fat can accumulate in tissues not specialized for storage and cause dysfunction.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2016

'Reversible' blood thinner may cut bleeding risk

Developed by an antibody that blocks clot formation without triggering bleeding, the new blood thinner could be used to treat patients with heart and vascular diseases. Researchers also created a second antibody to rapidly reverse its effects, addressing safety concerns.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016

Excess weight linked to 8 more cancer types

An international team of researchers identified eight additional types of cancer linked to excess weight and obesity, including stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, ovary, meningioma, thyroid cancer, and multiple myeloma. Limiting weight gain may help reduce the risk of these cancers.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

How do antidepressants trigger fear and anxiety?

Scientists at UNC School of Medicine have mapped a serotonin-driven anxiety circuit that worsens fear and anxiety in SSRI patients. A new compound blocks this pathway, potentially eliminating the side effect.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2016

UI researcher gets $1 million grant to study MS diets

A clinical trial at the University of Iowa will compare the effects of two popular diets on multiple sclerosis-related fatigue. The 36-week trial will recruit 100 people with relapsing-remitting MS and follow their health for 24 weeks, monitoring their health and activities.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·DateAug 24, 2016

Can you hear me now? CSU research could help miners stay safe

A team led by CSU engineers aims to provide a low-cost, high-fidelity communications system for miners that eliminates the need for expensive equipment. The system will use standard smartphones and low-cost wireless sensing to improve miner safety in underground environments.

SourceColorado State University·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

How parents cope with stress of the NICU affects family dynamics

Researchers study how parents cope with NICU stress using secular and spiritual strategies, finding that negative religious coping can lead to lower levels of connection with family. Effective coping fosters bonding with the baby, while spiritual support provides a sense of meaning and connection.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateAug 24, 2016

HIV-infected adults with depression have increased risk for heart attack

A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology found that HIV-infected adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) were more likely to experience a heart attack than those without MDD. The study, which included over 26,000 HIV-infected veterans, revealed a 30% increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in those with MDD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateAug 24, 2016

Feeling the force between sand grains

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory developed a new technique to quantify force transmission through 3D granular materials. The findings suggest that forces move spatially through these materials in patterns consistent with theory and simulations.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 24, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Biomarkers may help better predict who will have a stroke

A recent study has found that four biomarkers in the blood are associated with an increased risk of stroke. These biomarkers include homocysteine, vascular endothelial growth factor, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2. Adding these biomarkers to existing methods of predicting stroke risk improved accuracy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 24, 2016

Smokers with newly discovered genetic markers have higher lung cancer risk

Researchers identified genetic markers associated with a fast rate of nicotine metabolism in smokers, leading them to smoke more cigarettes to maintain stable nicotine levels. This finding could identify smokers at greater risk for lung cancer, enabling doctors and public health leaders to improve prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 24, 2016

Lehigh engineer discovers a high-speed nano-avalanche

Researchers at Lehigh University have discovered a high-speed nano-avalanche in glass, which can lead to more energy-efficient manufacturing and applications. The phenomenon involves transformations in glass under intense electrical and thermal conditions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Asthma risk increases when child had bronchiolitis

Research suggests that genetic influences on asthma are more pronounced when exposed to early life environmental factors, such as viral respiratory infections. Children with a specific variant of the PAI-1 gene and a history of severe lower respiratory tract infections have an increased risk of developing asthma.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2016

NEJM study: MRI-guided focused ultrasound effective to treat essential tremor

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that MRI-guided focused ultrasound significantly improves tremors and quality of life for patients with essential tremor. The treatment was shown to achieve nearly 50% improvement in tremors after three months, while retaining a 40% improvement after a year.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016

New editorial, virtual journal issue commemorate research that shaped geriatrics

The American Geriatrics Society has released a virtual journal issue featuring 20 seminal articles that have shaped geriatric research since the new millennium. The studies focus on topics such as cognition, physical disabilities, frailty, and medication use, and have had significant impacts on eldercare expertise.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 24, 2016

Hay fever from ragweed pollen could double due to climate change

Climate change may cause ragweed pollen allergy to more than double in Europe, affecting 77 million people by 2050. The number of people suffering hay fever is already estimated at 40% of Europeans, and the severity of symptoms may increase due to higher pollen concentrations and longer seasons.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

You want shorter ER stays? Bring in the nurses

A nurse-initiated protocol to improve timeliness of care can significantly decrease ER stays for patients with certain conditions, including fever and hip fractures. The study found that average length of stay was reduced by almost 4 hours by implementing such a protocol.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016

UCLA scientists use ultrasound to jump-start a man's brain after coma

A 25-year-old man recovering from a coma made remarkable progress after receiving an ultrasound treatment at UCLA. The technique, called low-intensity focused ultrasound pulsation, targets the thalamus to excite brain tissue and improve consciousness. Researchers plan to test the procedure on additional patients this fall.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateAug 24, 2016

Whiskers help animals sense the direction of the wind

Researchers found that rats rely heavily on their whiskers to locate airflow sources, even when other sensory cues are available. The discovery could lead to the development of artificial flow sensors for robots.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Can 1 cosmic enigma help solve another?

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University suggest that fast radio bursts could provide clues to dark matter by detecting black holes of a specific mass. The team argues that the brief flashes of radio-frequency radiation can detect black holes with masses predicted for dark matter, offering a direct probe of this phenomenon.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 24, 2016

Calcium channel blockers caught in the act at atomic level

The study found that calcium channel blockers like verapamil and amlodipine work differently to treat heart arrhythmias and hypertension. Verapamil physically blocks pores to restore normal heart rhythm, while amlodipine indirectly prevents pore opening, relaxing blood vessels without affecting the heart.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2016

Humans have caused climate change for 180 years

A new study finds human activity has been causing global warming since the early stages of the Industrial Revolution. The research suggests that greenhouse gas levels rose in the atmosphere during the 1800s, leading to rapid and measurable warming in tropical oceans and the Arctic.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2016

Conflicts subverting improved health conditions in Eastern Mediterranean Region

A new scientific study finds that wars and civil unrest are subverting improved health conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Conflicts have destroyed infrastructures, displaced millions of people, and slowed immunization campaigns, posing major obstacles to public health efforts.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 24, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Climate change: Trade liberalization could buffer economic losses in agriculture

A new study finds that trade liberalization could buffer economic losses in agriculture due to climate change, with potential savings of up to 2.5 trillion US Dollars. The research highlights the importance of trade as a key measure to reduce climate change impacts on the agricultural sector.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Smith to Receive GSA's 2016 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award

The Gerontological Society of America has awarded Dr. Daniel L. Smith Jr the 2016 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award for his outstanding contributions to basic biological research on aging. He is exploring the impact of reduced carbohydrate exposure and calorie restriction on cellular lifespan in model organisms.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 24, 2016

Perls to receive GSA's 2016 Joseph T. Freeman Award

Perls is recognized for his research on exceptional longevity, which reveals strong family clustering, compressed disability, and a genetic influence on survival that increases with age. He has published extensively on the subject and is a vocal critic of the anti-aging industry.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 24, 2016

Research opens up new treatment route for inflammatory rheumatism

Macrophages have been shown to play a crucial role in enthesitis, inflammation of tendons. Researchers found that blocking JAK inhibitors can prevent the increase of STAT1 and successfully treat Achilles enthesitis. This discovery may offer new treatment options for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 23, 2016

Recommended blood pressure targets for diabetes are being challenged

A new study has questioned the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's recommendation to raise blood pressure targets for diabetes patients. The study found a linear relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, with lower blood pressure levels associated with fewer cases of stroke and myocardial infarction.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 23, 2016
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.

Melatonin boost a key to fighting breast cancer

Researchers at Michigan State University discovered melatonin suppresses breast cancer tumor growth, providing proof for the link between sleep deprivation and increased risk. The study showed that melatonin treatment significantly decreased mammosphere size when combined with estrogen or BPA.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGenes & Cancer·DateAug 23, 2016

Silicon nanoparticles trained to juggle light

Researchers have demonstrated silicon nanoparticles that can manipulate and switch light, enabling ultrafast all-optical signal processing in optical communication systems. The nanoantennas can transmit, reflect, or scatter incident light in a specified direction, showing potential for high-speed data transmission.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Photonics·DateAug 23, 2016

Analog DNA circuit does math in a test tube

A new study by Duke University researchers creates an analog DNA circuit that can add, subtract and multiply in a test tube, using concentrations of specific DNA strands as signals. The technology has the potential to be used in diagnosing and treating diseases, with applications including sensing vital signs and detecting molecular si...

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateAug 23, 2016
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.

Understanding nature's patterns with plasmas

A new experiment reproduces nature's patterns with a specially designed system called an H-shaped dielectric barrier discharge system. The system produces filaments of discharge plasma that can assume vast ranges of patterns in 3D, allowing scientists to explore complex mechanisms behind nature's diverse designs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateAug 23, 2016

Researchers image roots in the ground

Geophysicists at the University of Bonn have visualized plant root activity using electrical impedance tomography, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of nutrient uptake. The method provides insights into plant behavior under different conditions, such as drought or nutrient stress.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiogeosciences·DateAug 23, 2016