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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 172


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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 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.

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.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 21, 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.

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 21, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 21, 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.

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 21, 2016

Three-drug combinations could help counter antibiotic resistance, UCLA biologists report

Researchers found that combining three different antibiotics can often overcome bacterial resistance, with some combinations killing 100% of bacteria. The study's findings could be a major step toward combating drug-resistant infections, and the team plans to make open-access software available for other scientists and clinicians to use.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 21, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProcedia Computer Science·DateJul 21, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 21, 2016

Gene controls regeneration of injured muscle by adult stem cells

A key gene called AUF1 determines whether adult stem cells can regenerate muscle after injury and with age. The study found that mice engineered to lack the AUF1 gene showed reduced stem-cell-driven repair, leading to muscle breakdown.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 21, 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.

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.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceIndiana University·DateJul 21, 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.

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...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 21, 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.

New detector at South Pole shows early success at neutrino hunting

The new Askaryan Radio Array detector is making waves with its ability to penetrate through Antarctic ice and detect high-energy neutrinos. Scientists are optimistic about the potential for this technology to reveal secrets about the universe's origins and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 21, 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.

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2016

Autophagy: Cellular waste recycling systems converge into a single process

A recent study from the Neuromed Institute reveals that two previously separate processes converge into a single cell component, the autophagoproteasome. This discovery provides a new understanding of autophagy, a critical mechanism for cellular renewal and waste removal.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalFrontiers in Neuroanatomy·DateJul 21, 2016

Biologists home in on paleo gut for clues to our evolutionary history

A new study reveals that the evolution of gut bacteria in humans and hominids parallels ape evolution, suggesting a long-term co-evolution between hosts and microbes. The research sheds light on the importance of the human microbiome and its connection to our evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2016
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

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.

SourceGrand Challenges Canada·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalCell·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateJul 21, 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.

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateJul 21, 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.

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 21, 2016

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.

SourceRMIT University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 21, 2016