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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 178


Page 178 of 423
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.

Researchers identify a new genetic cause of Coats plus syndrome

Researchers identified STN1 gene mutations as the cause of Coats plus syndrome, a telomeropathy that affects multiple tissues. The study found that cells with dysfunctional telomeres and decreased capacity to divide were characteristic of patients with Coats plus syndrome.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 18, 2016

The pains and strains of a continental breakup

Researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Potsdam have uncovered a distinct two-phase separation process for continental breakup, involving gradual rifting and eventual rapid subsidence. The study highlights a phenomenon difficult to explain within conventional plate tectonics, shedding new light on the process.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 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.

Weight gain studied for second-generation antipsychotics for autism spectrum disorders

A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found that Zyprexa (olanzapine) is linked to the highest risk of weight gain, while Geodon (ziprasidone) and Seroquel (quetiapine) were not associated with an increase in body mass index. The study suggests balancing treatment risks and benefits for children and teens with ASD.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 18, 2016

Managing an endangered river across the US-Mexico border

The Rio Grande is a vital lifeline for the southwestern US and northern Mexico, but its water level is declining due to growing demand. A new study proposes four policy recommendations to strengthen water resources management, including reciprocal water re-distribution, expertise sharing, and small-scale sustainability strategies.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalWater·DateJul 18, 2016

HIV treatment keeps uninfected partner from contracting the virus

The HPTN 052 study found a significant reduction in HIV transmission when the infected person starts antiretroviral therapy at a higher CD4 cell count. Researchers also discovered that 93% of HIV transmission was prevented with early treatment initiation.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 18, 2016

'Jumping film' harnesses the power of humidity

Scientists create a film that curls up and straightens autonomously when exposed to tiny changes in humidity, using it to transform environmental fluctuations into mechanical energy. The film can jump high and repeatedly bend and straighten without deterioration.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 18, 2016

Columbia Engineering researchers use acoustic voxels to embed sound with data

Researchers have developed a method to control sound waves using acoustic voxels, small hollow cube-shaped chambers that can modify acoustic filtering properties. This enables the creation of unique acoustic signatures for objects, potentially replacing QR codes and RFID tags.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 18, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Cool, fun factor' motivates e-cigarette use in teens

A study found that the novelty factor is a key motivator for e-cigarette use among adolescents, with nearly 70% having heard about e-cigarettes and over 10% using them. E-cigarette use was more common among male respondents who were already using cigarettes and other tobacco products.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 18, 2016

Scientists delve into 'black box' of DNA research

Researchers reveal that unusual DNA repeat elements on inactive X chromosomes are crucial for maintaining the three-dimensional structure of this female-specific genetic phenomenon. The study uses genome engineering techniques to demonstrate the importance of these repeats, opening a new era of genomics research.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Dual antigen targeting may improve CAR T cell cancer therapy

Engineered CAR T cells targeting multiple tumor antigens show improved anti-tumor activity and survival rates in an animal model of glioblastoma. This approach could lead to more effective immunotherapies for certain types of cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2016

Better understanding post-earthquake fault movement

Researchers collected unique data set after 2014 South Napa earthquake, showing afterslip concentrated in loosely packed sediment. This helps address question: Can geology be used as proxy for fault behavior? The findings have significant implications for earthquake hazard models and planning response.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 18, 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.

Gas sensors 'see' through soil to analyze microbial interactions

Researchers have created gas biosensors that enable real-time monitoring of microbial gene expression in soil samples, allowing for the study of horizontal gene transfer and its impact on environmental processes. The technique has the potential to improve crop growth through more efficient watering and fertilizer use.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 18, 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.

Toxicological cross-check

Empa researchers develop new flame retardants with improved flame retardancy and no toxic effects, highlighting the importance of toxicological cross-checking before mass production. The newly developed EDA-DOPO is a good candidate for further development, showing better safety and effectiveness than previously available products.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateJul 18, 2016

Rise in avoidable diabetes hospital visits

Researchers at the University of Leicester found that hospital admissions for hypoglycemia have risen by 39% between 2005 and 2014, with almost 80,000 people admitted. The average cost per admission is estimated to be £1,000, with the total cost of treating severe episodes in the UK around £13 million.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 18, 2016

Grandpa's obesity affects the health of his grandchildren

A study has found that a father's metabolic health can be passed to his children and grandchildren, increasing their risk of developing metabolic disease. The research discovered that obese fathers are putting their sons at risk of developing fatty liver disease and pre-diabetic symptoms.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateJul 18, 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.

Study: Fracking industry wells associated with increased risk of asthma attacks

A new study found that people with asthma living near larger or bigger fracking industry wells in Pennsylvania are 1.5-4 times more likely to experience asthma attacks. The researchers identified a significant increase in asthma attacks among patients living closer to these wells, particularly during the production phase.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 18, 2016

Bariatric surgery associated with improved mobility, less walking pain

A new study found bariatric surgery significantly improved functional mobility and reduced musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Positive effects on walking speed, resting heart rate, and post-test heart rates were observed as early as six months after surgery and persisted for two years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 18, 2016
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.

Chronic fatigue syndrome flare-ups caused by straining muscles and nerves

A recent study by researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham found that imposing a mild to moderate strain on muscles and nerves can provoke symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants with CFS reported significantly increased body pain and concentration difficulties during the procedure, as well as greater symptom inten...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 18, 2016

Soft drink, soft price: Soda prices found to be significantly low

A Drexel University study reveals that sugary soft drinks are 160% more expensive per fluid ounce than healthier alternative milk. Taxing sugary beverages could help level the price difference and encourage healthier options, with a potential impact on lower-income consumers.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateJul 18, 2016

NASA sees a tightly wrapped Tropical Cyclone Abela

Tropical Cyclone Abela formed on July 16 in the Southern Indian Ocean, with NASA's RapidScat instrument measuring winds of up to 67 mph near its center. The cyclone is forecast to move west-southwest towards Madagascar and weaken due to adverse atmospheric conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 18, 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.

Multi-million dollar grant to support waste cleanup

Researchers will investigate chemical reactions causing nuclear waste to change over time. The goal is to predict these changes and design effective methods for remediation and safe disposal of highly radioactive materials.

SourceWashington State University·DateJul 18, 2016

Scientists glimpse inner workings of atomically thin transistors

Researchers have discovered that an essential function for computing may be possible within a space so small that it's effectively one-dimensional. The team found that with the new material, electric currents move in a more phased way, beginning first at the edges before appearing in the interior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Intranasal flu vaccine produces long-lasting immune response in mice

A new study found that an intranasal flu vaccine led to the production of T cells in the lungs that provided long-term protection against multiple flu strains, including those not present in the vaccine. This could provide universal protection against emerging viral strains.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateJul 18, 2016

Sexualizaton of female video game characters has diminished since the 1990s

Researchers analyzed 571 games from 1983-2014 and found that female character sexualization peaked in the 1990s and declined after 2007. The study provides a comprehensive look at female characters in video games over time, challenging previous assumptions about stereotypical portrayals.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateJul 18, 2016
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.

New venomous snake discovered in Costa Rica

A new species of venomous snake, Talamancan Palm-Pitviper, was discovered in Costa Rica after being mistaken for its close relative, the Black-Speckled Palm-Pitviper. The team used genetic analysis and museum collections to confirm the discovery.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalZootaxa·DateJul 18, 2016

Can robots recognize faces even under backlighting?

A novel technique adapts image contrast to eliminate lighting effects, improving face recognition accuracy. The method uses an extended reflectance model with Fuzzy Inference System and Genetic Algorithm for real-time implementation.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMachine Vision and Applications·DateJul 18, 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.

Satellite spots remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Celia

A satellite image captured by GOES-West showed an open circulation with clouds to the northeast of the remnant low center. The surface low, ex-Tropical Cyclone Celia, was centered about 300 miles northeast of Honolulu on July 18 and moving west at 10 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 18, 2016

Bugs' flair for foraging inspires quest for new smart therapies

Researchers studied ocean bacteria to understand how they find food and developed a mathematical model of their behavior. They found that fast-swimming bugs change direction frequently to target food, which could inspire the development of friendly bacteria engineered to diagnose and treat diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Continental tug-of-war -- until the rope snaps

New research reveals that continental breakup proceeds through a two-phase speed evolution, where initial slow extension is followed by rapid acceleration. This process can lead to the formation of rifted continental margins with enhanced faulting and volcanic activity.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 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.

'Dream Team' chosen to study basic science of nuclear waste

A team of researchers from top institutions, including PNNL and Washington State University, will study the chemistry of radioactive waste to accelerate cleanup efforts. The goal is to understand how radiation affects materials and constituents in waste tanks, ultimately reducing processing time and expense.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 18, 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.

Federal grant supports UTSA research in espionage prevention

Researchers aim to detect insider threats before they occur by analyzing digital forensic traces and identifying abnormal patterns in employee behavior. The new technology has the potential to prevent corporate espionage and widespread breaches like those committed by Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateJul 18, 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.

Genetic cause of 15 percent of colorectal cancer diagnoses identified

A study at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that genetic mutations in DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) are present in 15% of colorectal cancer cases. The study identified MSH2 and MSH6 as the most commonly affected genes, providing a new approach to diagnosis and treatment using precision medicine.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Oncology·DateJul 18, 2016

Vaginal ring may cut HIV infection risk if used consistently

Using a drug-infused vaginal ring most of the time significantly reduced HIV infection risk in women by at least 56 percent, according to an exploratory analysis of data from the ASPIRE study. High adherence was associated with a risk reduction of potentially 75 percent or more.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 18, 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.