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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 148


Page 148 of 423

Much ado about nothing: Astronomers use empty space to study the universe

Researchers have developed a new strategy to probe the nature of gravity and dark energy by studying the empty spaces in between galaxies. The study found that analyzing cosmic voids improves measurements of how visible matter clusters together, bringing astronomers closer to testing Einstein's general theory of relativity.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2016

NASA climate modeling suggests Venus may have been habitable

Ancient Venus may have had a shallow liquid-water ocean and a habitable surface due to its slow spin, which exposed the dayside to sunlight for almost two months at a time. This warmed the surface and created rain, leading to a thick layer of clouds that shielded the surface from solar heating.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 11, 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.

Discovery of sunlight-driven organic chemistry on water surfaces

A new study has discovered that fatty acids on water droplets react with sunlight to form organic molecules, challenging conventional wisdom. This process could significantly impact local ozone and particle formation, affecting climate, air quality, and health.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2016

Crown gall disease: A tumor home to a varied bacterial community

Researchers found that crown gall tumors host a unique bacterial community with varying compositions compared to healthy vines. Some bacteria inhibit tumor growth while others provide protection and nutrients, helping control the disease.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 11, 2016

Structural images shed new light on a cancer-linked potassium channel

Researchers at Rockefeller University have determined the structure of Eag1, a cancer-linked potassium channel, using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals key differences between Eag1 and other potassium channels, shedding light on its molecular mechanisms and potential role in cancer.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Targeting the gut-brain connection can impact immunity

A study by Duke University researchers found that manipulating dopamine signaling can control inflammation in the gut, providing a proof of principle for using drugs originally designed to target the nervous system to treat immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disease.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 11, 2016

Research shows backup plans may keep you from achieving your goal

New research challenges conventional wisdom on backup plans, finding they can cause people to work less hard and achieve primary goals less successfully. Researchers suggest understanding potential costs, but also encourage strategic planning to mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateAug 11, 2016

RetroScope opens doors to the past in smart phone investigations

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technique called RetroScope, which can recover multiple previous screens of an Android app from the phone's memory image. The technique uses the device's graphical rendering code to obtain and bring up several previous screens shown by an app.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 11, 2016

Burnout is caused by mismatch between unconscious needs and job demands

Research finds that mismatch between unconscious needs and job demands can cause burnout. A new study reveals that employees with unmet affiliation or power motives are at risk of burnout. The study's findings suggest that interventions targeting these mismatches could increase well-being at work.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 11, 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.

Health behaviors and management critical for spinal cord injury patients

Two-part series of studies examines health behaviors and management challenges in spinal cord injury patients, highlighting strategies for overcoming obstacles and improving quality of life. Recent research findings emphasize the importance of proactive health management and resilience after a spinal cord injury.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalTopics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation·DateAug 11, 2016

Study: Paying terrorist kidnappers doesn't pay off for countries

A study published in the European Journal of Political Economy found that countries negotiating with terrorists faced up to 87% more kidnappings. Dr. Todd Sandler's research analyzed politically motivated kidnappings worldwide between 1978 and 2013, concluding that concessions lead to more abductions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Economy·DateAug 11, 2016
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.

Male and female cats respond differently to distressed kittens

Female domestic cats distinguish between kitten calls conveying different levels of urgency and react accordingly, researchers found. In contrast, male cats do not exhibit a similar response to kitten calls regardless of the level of urgency.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 11, 2016

Paraplegics regain some feeling, movement after using brain-machine interfaces

Eight people with spinal cord injuries regained partial sensation and muscle control in their lower limbs after training with brain-controlled robotics. The research, led by Miguel Nicolelis, offers promise for regaining strength, mobility, and independence for those with spinal cord injury, stroke, and other conditions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 11, 2016

In a race for Cheetos, magpies win, but crows steal

In a study, magpies won the race for Cheetos, completing tasks faster than crows. However, crows stole food more frequently, suggesting that the smaller birds may not compensate with increased foraging efforts. The findings highlight the complex relationship between competition and cooperation in urban ecosystems.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 11, 2016

Disrupting mitochondrial function could improve treatment of fungal infections

Researchers have identified a potential antifungal mechanism by targeting mitochondrial respiration in pathogenic fungi, which could enable combination therapy with fluconazole and prevent drug resistance. The approach has shown promise in treating severe invasive fungal infections, including those caused by Candida albicans.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateAug 11, 2016
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.

Study finds Hispanic men in California need more screening for colorectal cancer

A recent study by the University of California - Davis Health found that Hispanic men in California have lower rates of screening for colorectal cancer compared to white men. The study suggests that increased screening can help reduce the incidence and mortality rates of the disease among this population.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 11, 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.

Plant response to carbon dioxide emissions depends on their neighbors

A new study found that plants adapt differently to elevated CO2 levels depending on the diversity of surrounding plant species. The research tested Kentucky bluegrasses exposed to high and low CO2 levels in different communities, revealing that adaptation benefits disappear when experiencing a change in neighborhood diversity.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2016

Researchers restore drug sensitivity in breast cancer tumors

A study led by Case Western Reserve University researchers has identified a gene, S100P, that may help tumors evade trastuzumab, a common breast cancer treatment. By blocking S100P, tumor cells became sensitive to the drug again.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateAug 11, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Visualization of newly formed synapses with unprecedented resolution

Researchers from Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a spatiotemporally controlled method to induce and visualize synapse formation in cortical neurons. The study reveals that GABA is the common molecule setting the balance between inhibitory and excitatory synaptic contacts in early postnatal stages.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2016

Autophagy under the microscope as never before

Scientists have dissected the autophagy process in unprecedented molecular detail using live imaging and super resolution microscopy. The study reveals how the first autophagy structure forms and clarifies protein and membrane associations leading to its development into a fully-fledged autophagosome.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2016

Dietary compound linked to heart disease may be influenced by gut microbiome

A recent Cornell University study suggests that circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) may be a biomarker of differences in the gut microbiome rather than a cause of heart disease. Researchers found that healthy men with elevated TMAO levels after consuming eggs and beef also had high counts of firmicutes, a type of bacteria that co...

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateAug 11, 2016

Ecosystems in the southeastern US are vulnerable to climate change

Several southeastern US ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change, including Caribbean coastal mangrove, Edwards Plateau limestone shrubland, and southern Appalachian balds. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels pose significant threats to these ecosystems.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateAug 11, 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.

Caught in the act: First videos of a coral's bleaching behavior

Researchers from Queensland University of Technology have captured the first videos of a coral's bleaching behavior, showing how it employs pulsed inflation to expel Symbiodinium algae. The study suggests that this rapid expulsion may increase the coral's chance of survival during abnormally high sea temperatures.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalCoral Reefs·DateAug 11, 2016

Study sheds light on use and effectiveness of sexual assault hotlines

A recent study examined telephone calls received by a regional sexual assault hotline, revealing that 40.7% of callers were victims themselves, with most calls reporting sexual assault with physical contact. The study emphasizes the need for training in handling both immediate and long-term emotional impacts of sexual assault.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateAug 11, 2016

Your brain on Google Glass

Researchers at Drexel University used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure brain activity while participants navigated a college campus with Google Glass. They found that users had higher situation awareness and lower mental workload than those using an iPhone, but also experienced cognitive tunneling.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 11, 2016

Directly reprogramming a cell's identity with gene editing

Duke researchers have successfully converted mouse fibroblasts into neuronal cells using a modified CRISPR technique. This breakthrough could lead to improved models for neurological disorders and personalized medicine. The study's findings suggest that the newly generated neurons retain their properties even after the CRISPR activator...

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 11, 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.

High and low levels of 'good cholesterol' may cause premature death

A large-scale study found that both high and low levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of premature death. Intermediate levels, however, may increase longevity. The research used data from over 1.7 million male veterans and showed a U-shaped curve relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and mortality.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 11, 2016

The next frontier in facial plastic, reconstructive surgery

A review article explores regenerative medicine techniques in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including stem cells, growth factors, and synthetic scaffolds. The study suggests that these methods may improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness while minimizing risks.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateAug 11, 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.

Brain-machine interface triggers recovery for paraplegic patients

Researchers from the Walk Again Project have reported significant recovery of neurological function in paraplegic patients who trained with a brain-controlled system. Patients regained leg muscle movement, touch sensation, and bladder/bowel control, with some experiencing improved cardiovascular function.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 11, 2016

Extreme rainfall along gulf coast measured by NASA's IMERG

The IMERG data revealed the most extreme rainfall fell over the northern Gulf of Mexico, with estimates suggesting 20-35 inches of precipitation. Heavy rainfall and flooding have affected parts of Florida, Louisiana, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 11, 2016

Unearthed: The cannibal sharks of a forgotten age

Scientists have found fossil evidence of cannibalism among 300-million-year-old Orthacanthus sharks. The ancient predators used coastal swamps as nurseries for their babies before turning on them when resources became scarce.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPalaeontology·DateAug 11, 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.

Intermediate HDL cholesterol levels may be best for longevity

A large study found that maintaining intermediate levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may help people live longer. The study, which included 1.7 million US male veterans, discovered a U-shaped relationship between HDL-C and mortality risk, with low and high levels being associated with higher risks.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 11, 2016

How did primate brains get so big?

A new study reconstructs virtual brains from ancient primate skulls, showing that early primates developed larger brains after specialization in vision and neurological functions. The findings suggest that modern primates' large brains are a result of evolutionary adaptations rather than innate traits.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 11, 2016

Wildlife-friendly farming shown to benefit UK moths

Wildlife-friendly farming schemes have been shown to boost UK moth populations by 40% on wide grass margins and up to 40% for specialized chalk grassland moths when habitats are created close to existing chalk grasslands. These findings support the conservation benefits of agri-environment schemes.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 11, 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.

More gorilla than chimp

A recent study on the internal anatomy of a fossil human relative's heel bone reveals greater similarities with gorillas than chimpanzees. The researchers discovered that this fossil, from the StW 352 Australopithecus africanus, exhibited gorilla-like levels of joint mobility and structural reinforcement.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 11, 2016

Does marriage affect drinking? A new study provides insights

A University of Virginia study found that married individuals tend to drink less frequently and in fewer drinks than single or divorced people. In contrast, singles are more likely to drink more often and in larger quantities. The researchers suggest that intimate relationships may provide a protective effect against excessive drinking.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateAug 11, 2016