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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 149


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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 11, 2016

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.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2016

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.

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

The fourth state of matter, plasma: A technology to improve bone healing?

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that cold plasma can promote bone formation by enhancing cell/matrix attachments and increasing focal adhesion kinase activation. The study suggests that the technology could be used to improve bone healing in various medical applications.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine·DateAug 11, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Gender Studies·DateAug 11, 2016

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.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateAug 11, 2016
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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateAug 11, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCladistics·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.

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 11, 2016

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 11, 2016

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.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 11, 2016

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.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateAug 10, 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: 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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 10, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 10, 2016

New PET scan tracer allows first imaging of the epigenetics of the human brain

A novel PET radiotracer called Martinostat has been developed to image epigenetic activity in the human brain. The tracer reveals patterns of uptake consistent with histone deacetylase (HDAC) expression levels, providing insights into gene regulation and potential therapies for brain disorders.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 10, 2016

Quantum dots with impermeable shell: A powerful tool for nanoengineering

Scientists at IPC PAS have developed a new method to produce zinc oxide quantum dots with an impermeable shell, allowing them to retain their luminescence. This breakthrough enables the creation of stable and non-toxic quantum dots suitable for medical diagnosis and imaging.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Communications·DateAug 10, 2016
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.

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.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateAug 10, 2016

First report on efficient reprogramming of diabetic foot ulcer cells to create therapeutic stem cell

Scientists have developed a technique to convert diabetic foot ulcer cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can be used to study new therapeutic approaches and develop disease models. This breakthrough has significant implications for the treatment of non-healing chronic wounds.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCellular Reprogramming·DateAug 10, 2016

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.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 10, 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.

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateAug 10, 2016

Children can benefit when adoptive and biological parents share adoption stories

Researchers found that open adoption relationships with joint storytelling of adoption can benefit the child and their adoptive parents. Adoptive parents act as gatekeepers to their adopted child's relationship with birth parents, but can try to maintain a good relationship despite challenges.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateAug 10, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 10, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 10, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

SourceTania Ewing and Associates·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 10, 2016

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cancer·DateAug 10, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 10, 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.

New algorithm for optimized stability of planar-rod objects

Bernd Bickel's algorithm improves technical modelling of planar-rod structures for optimal stability and efficiency in manufacturing. The software has applications in art, wire sculptures, and rapid prototyping.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 10, 2016

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 10, 2016

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 10, 2016

NIH-funded study supports surgery as treatment for myasthenia gravis

Researchers found that surgical removal of the thymus reduced patients' muscle weakness and their need for immunosuppressive drugs. The study also showed that surgery reduced the occurrence of adverse events and allowed patients to receive lower doses of prednisone.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 10, 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.

NIST's rolling wireless net helps improve first-responder communications

NIST's Rapidly Deployable Public Safety Research Platform integrates commercial technologies to enhance emergency communication systems. The platform enables over 200 local users to communicate using voice, text, instant messages, video, and data, with a range of approximately 4 kilometers.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 10, 2016

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.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 10, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 10, 2016

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...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateAug 10, 2016

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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 10, 2016

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 10, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.