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Science News Archive 2016


Page 149 of 423

Disregarded plant molecule actually a treasure

Research by Salk Institute scientists reveals phaseic acid's unexpected role as a plant hormone crucial for drought resistance and survival traits. The study suggests that phaseic acid may inform the development of new, hardier crops to weather climate change-induced natural disasters.

Bilirubin contributes to immune suppression after islet transplants

Researchers found that bilirubin supplementation significantly decreased islet cell death after isolation and nutrient deprivation. The study also showed that bilirubin suppressed the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are foreign cell-fighting immune cells.

Treatment option for Alzheimer's disease possible

Researchers have successfully treated an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease with mefenamic acid, a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug. The study found complete reversal of memory loss and brain inflammation in mice, paving the way for human trials.

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.

Gaming using a stretchy touchpad

A team of researchers created a highly stretchable touchpad made of hydrogel, enabling users to write words and play electronic games. The device was tested with users placing it on their arms, demonstrating its potential applications in wearable technology.

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.

Austerity linked to rise of the 'spornosexual'

Young men in Britain are turning to gym culture as a way to feel valuable, as traditional routes to success have been eroded by austerity. This phenomenon, known as 'spornosexuality', is marked by the sharing of worked-out bodies on social media platforms.

The Aztec treasure unearthed: New earth snake species discovered in Mexico

Scientists have described a new species of earth snake from the mountains of Puebla and Veracruz in east-central Mexico. Genetic data and anatomical examination reveal that these snakes are remarkably similar to each other, but molecular analyses and rigorous specimen examination have come close to understanding their diversity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Five ways bioengineers want to use 3-D printing

Researchers are developing 3D printed tissues, including skin, bone, cartilage, and bladder models. Organs-on-a-chip systems mimic human tissue structure and function, allowing for the study of physiological differences and drug screening.

Bug collecting

Researchers analyzed thousands of insect species records to find areas of endemism, where unique animals and plants reside. The study highlights the importance of considering smaller organisms like insects when categorizing ecosystems.

Sequencing of fungal disease genomes may help prevent banana armageddon

Researchers have discovered the DNA of a fungus that causes black Sigatoka disease in bananas, which could lead to more effective disease control methods. The findings provide insights into the interaction between the fungus and banana plants, offering opportunities for developing resistant banana crops.

A new tool to determine cost-effective control of rheumatic heart disease

A new cost-effectiveness tool provides guidance on preventing and treating rheumatic heart disease, recommending prioritization of primary prevention services. The tool suggests that prevention is more cost-effective than treatment, with primary prevention being likely to be cost-saving in the long-term.

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.

Virus attracts bumblebees to infected plants by changing scent

Plant scientists found that the cucumber mosaic virus alters gene expression in tomato plants, changing their scent to attract bumblebees. This indirect manipulation may help the virus spread pollen of susceptible plants, benefiting both the plant and the virus.

Global warming's next surprise: Saltier beaches

A new study reveals that beach salinity is increasing due to evaporation, affecting invertebrates such as mussels and crabs. The findings suggest that temperature rise and relative humidity are the primary drivers of this change, with implications for animal migration and survival.

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.

Reducing the harms of alcohol through weaker beer

A new review suggests that reducing the alcohol content of beer or other drinks could lower blood alcohol levels in drinkers, leading to fewer injuries and chronic diseases. The researchers found no evidence that drinkers can distinguish between beers of different strengths, making weaker beer a viable alternative.

Study: Seawalls, coastal forests in Japan help reduce tsunami damage

Researchers found that seawalls higher than 5 meters reduce damage and death from tsunamis, while coastal forests also play a protective role. The analysis showed a significant decrease in destruction rates with increased seawall height and a reduced risk of death and destruction in areas with extensive coastal forest coverage.

Methane-filled canyons line Titan's surface, study finds

Researchers have discovered liquid methane-filled canyons hundreds of meters deep with walls as steep as ski slopes etched into Titan's surface. The findings provide the first direct evidence of these features and could give scientists insights into Titan's origins and similar geologic processes on Earth.

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.

Trajectory of functional recovery after postoperative delirium

A study published in Annals of Surgery found that postoperative delirium leads to lesser functional recovery in older adults. The study, which followed participants for 18 months, showed that those who developed delirium experienced more significant decline in physical function after surgery.

Climate change already accelerating sea level rise, study finds

A new study reveals that greenhouse gases are already accelerating sea level rise, but the impact was initially masked by the massive 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption. The study finds that removing the eruption's cooling effect from satellite records shows a clear acceleration in sea level rise over time.

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.

Partisan media can influence viewers to reject facts

A nationwide study suggests that heavy users of partisan media outlets are more likely to hold political misperceptions. The researchers found that the use of partisan media contributes to misperceptions above and beyond the influence of partisanship itself.

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.

Toward clothes that fix their own rips (video)

Researchers create a self-healing fabric coating using squid proteins, allowing damaged areas to repair themselves. The coating has potential applications for everyday clothing and as a protective barrier against chemical and biological warfare agents.

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.

Treating at the earliest sign of MS may offer long-term benefit

A long-term study found that starting medication for multiple sclerosis at the earliest sign of the disease can prolong the time before a definitive diagnosis is made. Participants who received early treatment had 33% fewer diagnoses of MS, more time between relapses, and lower yearly relapse rates compared to those on delayed treatment.

A spoonful of fat makes the medicine go down

Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science have developed a patented technology that allows orally administered drugs to by-pass the liver. This innovation utilizes a natural nano-scale lipid transport system to deliver drugs directly into the bloodstream, increasing absorption rates and efficacy.

Effects of chemotherapy on developing ovaries in female fetuses

A study published in BMC Cancer found that the chemotherapy drug etoposide can damage developing ovaries in female fetuses, potentially affecting their fertility. Researchers exposed mouse ovaries to etoposide before follicle formation and found significant damage, leading to reduced egg supply and early menopause.

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.

Many endangered species face long waits for protection

A new study found that many species face significantly longer wait times than initially thought, ranging from 6 months to 38 years. This delay can lead to extinction and reduced global biodiversity, contradicting the policies of the US Endangered Species Act.

US maternal mortality rates higher than reported, BU study finds

A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine found that US maternal mortality rates are significantly higher than previously reported, with an estimated rate of 23.8 per 100,000 live births in 2014. The study highlights the need to improve maternity care and prevent maternal deaths in the US.

Probing RNA function with 10,000 mutants

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have developed an efficient approach to study ribozyme mutants, revealing key findings about the structure and properties of these RNA molecules. The study found that ribozymes are highly robust against mutations, potentially explaining their widespread presence across different forms of life.

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.

Dr. Anthony T. Barker wins first International Brain Stimulation Award

Dr. Barker's groundbreaking research on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has revolutionized the field of neuroscience, enabling precise and pain-free brain stimulation. His invention has opened up new avenues for understanding brain function and treating neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Crude oil causes heart and skull deformities in haddock

Research reveals that brief exposures to low concentrations of crude oil can cause deadly deformities in developing haddock. The study found that haddock eggs are particularly vulnerable to oil compounds, leading to extreme craniofacial deformities and compromising their survival.

UBC research aims to help Canadian flax farmers

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified the genetic profile of the toughest part of the flax plant's stem, which is prone to causing damage to farm equipment. This breakthrough could lead to the development of tougher flax straw for use in paper and plastics production.

Case workers need more holistic approach to identifying chronic child neglect

A new study suggests that Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers may need to use a more all-encompassing approach to improve how they respond to cases of chronic neglect. The researchers found that families with chronic neglect often have multiple significant stressors, including extreme poverty and parental substance abuse. A mor...

Tailored probes for atomic force microscopes

Researchers at KIT developed tailored probes for atomic force microscopes using 3D laser lithography, enabling precise adaptation to various biological samples. The new probes can be produced in any shape and are perfectly suited for studying nanostructures in biology and engineering.

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.

Low risk of developing persistent opioid use after major surgery

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that major surgery patients are at a low risk of developing persistent opioid use. Out of 39,140 opioid-naive patients, only 168 continued to receive ongoing opioid prescriptions by 1 year after surgery, highlighting the low individual risk of long-term opioid use.