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Science News Archive 2016


Page 172 of 423

Watching the brain do math

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University reveals four distinct stages of problem solving: encoding, planning, solving, and responding. The research uses functional MRI to analyze brain activity patterns and provides insights into how students think when solving math problems.

Tide-triggered tremors give clues for earthquake prediction

Researchers found that small earthquakes along California's San Andreas Fault are triggered by tidal forces and provide insights into the fault's strength and behavior. The study's discovery may offer new warning signals for predicting major quakes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists release recommendations for building land in coastal Louisiana

A team of scientists released key recommendations to build and sustain land in coastal Louisiana using Mississippi River sediment diversions. The plan aims to mimic natural processes that originally built the land, taking advantage of winter flood peaks and spring sand, while minimizing socio-economic effects.

Trees' surprising role in the boreal water cycle quantified

Deciduous trees absorb a large amount of snowmelt water, equating to 17-20 billion cubic meters per year, with potential to create favorable conditions for thunderstorms. The study's findings have critical implications for understanding boreal forest hydrology and ecology.

Virtual development of real drugs

A team of scientists has created an online resource, systemsDock, to virtually check the effectiveness and specificity of potential drugs. The tool allows users to screen multiple drugs against multiple biological targets, providing a comprehensive understanding of drug interactions with the biological system.

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.

Distinct stages of thinking revealed by brain activity patterns

A new study reveals four stages of problem-solving: encoding, planning, solving, and responding, using functional MRI to analyze brain activity patterns. The method holds promise for designing more effective classroom instruction and broader applications in cognitive research.

Lack of sleep increases a child's risk for emotional disorders later

Children who experience inadequate or disrupted sleep are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders later in life. A study funded by the NIH found that poor sleep impacts children's emotional health by altering positive emotional experiences, leading to increased negative emotions and diminished impulse control.

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.

Helpful bacteria evolved alongside hominid hosts

A new study suggests that gut bacteria in modern humans and apes coevolved for millions of years to help shape their immune systems. Researchers found that bacterial species distinct to one host were rarely transferred to other hosts, indicating unique patterns of evolution along with their hosts.

Female smokers face greatest risk for brain bleeds

Smoking is a leading risk factor for subarachnoid hemorrhage in women, with those who smoke up to 30 cigarettes per day facing the greatest danger. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of this condition, making it an essential step in maintaining brain health.

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.

Scientists harness CO2 to consolidate biofuel production process

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have harnessed carbon dioxide to neutralize toxicity in ionic liquids, streamlining the biofuel production process and reducing costs. The process could significantly lower production expenses and make biofuels more sustainable.

Why Americans waste so much food

A recent study found that only 53% of Americans are aware of food waste being a problem, despite its negative environmental impacts. The study identified practical benefits such as reduced risk of foodborne illness, but also feelings of guilt and misconceptions about the importance of food waste.

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.

What hunter-gatherers can tell us about fundamental human social networks

Researchers studied two contemporary groups of hunter-gatherers, the Agta of Philippines and Mbendjele of Republic of Congo, revealing surprising similarities in their three-tiered social networks. This multilevel structure appears to buffer individuals against day-to-day shortfalls in foraging returns.

One-third of students report elevated psychological distress, CAMH survey shows

A recent survey by CAMH found that 328,000 Ontario students in grades 7-12 reported moderate-to-serious psychological distress, with girls twice as likely to experience it. The survey also highlighted concerns around screen time, social media use, and problem gaming, which are contributing to the rising levels of distress.

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.

An accelerated pipeline to open materials research

The Bellerophon Environment for Analysis of Materials (BEAM) platform unites imaging technologies with advanced data analytics and high-performance computing to accelerate materials discovery and design. This innovation enables near-real-time processing, analysis, and visualization of large experimental datasets.

Some bacteria have lived in the human gut since before we were human

A new study reveals that certain bacteria in the human gut have been passed down over millions of years, guiding early intestine development and influencing immune systems. The researchers found genetic evidence that these bacteria split into distinct strains at around the same time as their hosts diverged from a common ancestor.

How the brain improves motor control

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered that error signals in motor cortices drive adaptation in reaching, a key finding in motor neuroscience. The study used artificial electrical stimulation to induce trial-by-trial improvements in motor control, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying motor learning and adaptation.

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.

University of Montana research unveils new player in lichen symbiosis

Researchers at the University of Montana discovered a previously unknown second fungus that is part of the symbiotic relationship between an alga and a fungus in many common lichen species worldwide. The findings, published in Science, suggest that the definition of lichen should be revised to include multiple fungal partners.

HD monkeys display full spectrum of symptoms seen in humans

Transgenic Huntington's disease monkeys exhibit a range of symptoms, including motor problems, neurodegeneration, emotional dysregulation, and immune system changes. The study strengthens the use of HD monkeys as a model for evaluating emerging treatments before human clinical trials.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

IU-based startup Arrhythmotech awarded $1.47 million NIH grant

Arrhythmotech aims to detect nerve activity using its device capable of detecting the body's fight-or-flight response on the skin. The company will collaborate with researchers at the Mayo Clinic and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, with a goal of making its method widely available for research, education, and patient care.

Regenerative medicine improves strength and function in severe muscle injuries

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine showed significant improvement in strength and range of motion, as well as evidence for skeletal muscle regeneration in patients treated with bioscaffolds. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of regenerative medicine in i...

Sexual minority youth have higher rates of disordered eating behaviors

A new study found that sexual minority boys and girls are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating habits, with lesbian and bisexual girls facing a widening gap in rates. The study analyzed data from youth ages 12-18 and found disparities in disordered eating behaviors between sexual minority teens and their heterosexual peers.

Football concussion update: Player-on-player hits cause more serious head impacts

A new study published in Pediatrics analyzed nearly 7,000 head impacts during a high school football team's season and post-season, finding that player-vs.-player hits resulted in the most severe impacts. The study's findings support recent guidelines encouraging players to avoid leading with their heads when hitting another player.

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.

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.

New therapeutic targets for small cell lung cancer identified

Researchers identified ASCL1 as an essential protein in the development of small cell lung cancer, and deleting it in mice prevented cancer formation. The study highlights a new potential target for treatment, offering hope for improving survival rates for patients with this devastating disease.

Yeast emerges as hidden third partner in lichen symbiosis

Researchers have uncovered yeast as a hidden third partner in lichen symbiosis, producing chemicals that help ward off predators and repel microbes. This discovery explains the genetic similarities between genetically identical lichens with distinct physical features.

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.

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.

Six Canadian innovations scaling up to improve global health

Six Canadian innovations, including a low-cost drill system and an HIV self-test application, will receive $10 million in scale-up funding from Grand Challenges Canada. The projects aim to improve global health in developing countries by providing innovative solutions for diseases such as diarrhea, cervical cancer, and HIV.

Should I stay or should I go?

Researchers found that the direct and indirect pathways in the basal ganglia play a crucial role in controlling actions, with the direct pathway sustaining action and the indirect pathway allowing switching between actions. This new model could have therapeutic implications for treating diseases like OCD and ADHD.

Here's why run-down schools trigger low test scores

A Cornell University study found that run-down schools contribute significantly to low test scores and poor academic achievement, accounting for 70% of the issue. Students attending such schools are more likely to miss classes and exhibit high absenteeism, hindering their ability to learn.

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.

Artificial muscle for soft robotics: Low voltage, high hopes

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a dielectric elastomer with broad motion range that requires relatively low voltage and no rigid components. This innovation addresses key challenges in soft actuation and opens doors for various applications in soft robotics.

Large protein nanocages could improve drug design and delivery

Researchers designed and built large protein icosahedra with potential applications in targeted drug delivery and vaccine development. The structures were created using computational and biochemical approaches, allowing for the design of complex structures from scratch.

DNA-modulating drug attenuates lung inflammation in mice

A DNA-modulating drug, BET inhibitor, attenuates CF lung inflammation by suppressing Th17 cell response and inflammatory factor release. In a mouse model, BET inhibitor treatment decreases lung inflammation without promoting infection, suggesting potential therapeutic use for CF patients.

Why apnea patients are prone to suffer from glaucoma

Scientists at Hokkaido University measured eye pressure in sleeping patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome for the first time, discovering an unexpected correlation between the two conditions. This study sheds light on the potential mechanisms underlying glaucoma development in patients with OSAS.

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.

Background noise may hinder toddlers' ability to learn words

A new study found that background noise in homes and schools impairs toddlers' word learning skills. However, providing additional language cues can aid young children in overcoming this difficulty. The research suggests that reducing background noise or highlighting important information can help children learn effectively.

RMIT researchers make leap in measuring quantum states

A breakthrough in quantum tomography has been achieved by RMIT researchers, demonstrating a new technique that significantly reduces resources and improves robustness against noise. This innovation enables the characterisation of large quantum states, a critical bottleneck in quantum information science.