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Science News Archive 2016


Page 190 of 423

Engineered human colon model could aid in cancer research

A new tissue-engineering method allows for forward genetics screening on human tissue, identifying 38 driver genes associated with colorectal cancer progression. The recellularized human colon model replicates key features of CRC and provides a controlled environment to study gene expression.

Familiar history is an important factor for prostate cancer

Researchers found that men with brothers who have had prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease, while those with both a father and brother have a threefold risk. Early screening for these men is recommended starting at age 40.

How do plants protect themselves against sunburn?

Researchers discovered a UV-B receptor that activates proteins to build defense mechanisms, allowing plants to tolerate harmful UV-B rays. Plants also use UV-B rays to influence growth and development, making them essential for survival.

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.

Thousands join diabetic eye disease trial

A new clinical trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) aims to transform early detection of diabetic eye disease by introducing a novel screening method. The trial will enable patients at lower risk to undergo tests only every two years, while those at higher risk can be checked up to twice a year.

Concussions on the rise for adolescents, researchers say

Researchers analyzing administrative health records of over 8.8 million individuals found a 32% incidence rate of concussions among 10-19 year olds between 2007 and 2014, with a 60% overall increase in concussion diagnoses during this period

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immunotherapy reduces cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers found that an extra-low dose combination of two anticytokines reduced rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and cardiovascular events. The study showed a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in patients treated with the combination, suggesting decreased cardiovascular risk.

Fruit and veg give you the feel-good factor

A study of over 12,000 Australians found that each extra daily portion of fruit and vegetables up to 8 portions per day increased life satisfaction. The researchers concluded that people who changed their diet experienced an increase in life satisfaction equivalent to moving from unemployment to employment.

Study explains why galaxies stop creating stars

A study of around 70,000 galaxies reveals that external mechanisms, such as infalling galaxy drag and gas stripping, are only relevant to quenching galaxies during the last eight billion years. Internal mechanisms, including black holes and stellar outflows, dominate star formation shutdown before this time.

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.

NASA sees Hurricane Blas closing its eye

The Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image showing Hurricane Blas' eye filled with high clouds, while infrared imagery revealed a pinhole eye. The storm was weakening rapidly, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 105 mph.

Exercise improves memory in breast cancer survivors

A new study by Northwestern University finds that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with improved subjective memory in breast cancer survivors. Higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower distress, less fatigue, and higher self-confidence, which in turn aids memory.

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.

Recreating ancient vertebrate's first step on dry land

Researchers used a custom-built robot, mathematical models and studies of amphibious fish to explore the critical evolutionary leap from water to land. They found that stabilizing the body with a tail provided substantial benefits for the first critical step out of an aqueous environment.

Four NYC medical centers receive new NIH precision medicine grant

Four NYC medical centers, including Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, will collaborate on a $46.5 million NIH grant to enroll 1 million+ US volunteers in the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to improve health outcomes by understanding individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and genetics.

Scientists simulate tiny bacteria-powered 'windfarm'

Researchers from Oxford University used computer simulations to demonstrate how chaotic bacterial swarming can be organized to power microscopic rotors and devices. The study found that densely packed bacteria can spontaneously assemble into a 'bacterial windfarm' capable of generating persistent mechanical power.

A 'time switch' in the brain improves sense of smell

Scientists have found that a time-dependent coding mechanism is essential for distinguishing between similar smells. By inhibiting signals to olfactory bulb output neurons, researchers showed that mice could no longer differentiate between odor mixtures with slightly different ratios or molecules with similar chemical structures.

NSF-supported graduate researchers lead exoplanet discoveries

Recent exoplanet discoveries by NSF-supported graduate researchers expand our understanding of how planets form and orbit stars. These breakthroughs include the detection of a unique planet in a triple-star system, one of the youngest fully formed exoplanets ever discovered.

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.

New record in microwave detection

Researchers achieved a 14-fold increase in energy resolution of thermal photodetection, opening doors for ultrasensitive cameras and quantum computing applications. The detector works at extremely low temperatures, detecting single zeptojoule energy packets.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Faking to finish -- women feign sexual pleasure to end 'bad' sex

A qualitative study found that women feign orgasm as a means to end unwanted and unpleasurable sex. Despite being asked about consensual sex, all participants discussed problematic experiences. The research highlights the need for better language to describe women's experiences of unwanted sex.

A mixed response

A recent study suggests that re-wetting dried riverbeds releases dissolved carbon and greenhouse gases, including methane and CO2. This process may also contribute to ocean acidification. However, restoration of wetlands is expected to outweigh the negative effects, supporting biodiversity and mitigating storm erosion.

Neuroscientists warn against self-administered brain stimulation

A group of researchers warns against DIY use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) due to its unpredictability and potential for unintended consequences. The study highlights the need for caution when applying tDCS outside a lab setting, as it can affect brain function in unforeseen ways.

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.

Why Clinton and Trump backers don't mix

A national study led by Michigan State University scholar William Chopik found that living among people with opposing political viewpoints can affect ability to form close relationships and accept perspectives. The study also suggests that segregating into 'red' and 'blue' states may stifle healthy political discourse.

Ecological context of mosquito-borne infectious disease

Research at the ESA Annual Meeting highlights the complex relationships between mosquitoes and their environments. Mosquito life cycles are connected to temperature and humidity, but warming climates may not always increase disease transmission. A study found that invasive mosquito species can even help break the spread of parasites.

Study finds no substantial harm from primary care melanoma screening

A new study of over 1,000 primary care melanoma screenings found no significant increase in surgical treatments or specialist referrals. The practice did result in a 79% increase in per-patient melanoma diagnoses among the most trained group, but this was not associated with an increase in dermatologist visits or surgeries.

A 'big data' approach to developing cancer drugs

Researchers created a comprehensive map of genetic and epigenetic lesions in human tumors, predicting responses to various cancer drugs. The study integrated 1,000 tumor cell lines with genetic, epigenetic, and expression alterations, validating results in 11,000 additional human samples.

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.

Massive open-access database on human cultures created

Researchers have created an expandable, open-access database to study human cultural diversity. The D-PLACE database brings together information on over 1,400 societies, allowing users to search and analyze data on language, geography, culture, and environment.

When red evokes mischief

A new study found that people with high sensation-seeking personalities are more likely to engage in prank behavior when encountering the color red. This contradicts previous research suggesting that red leads to compliant behavior. The findings have implications for health campaigns, such as anti-smoking and safe sex initiatives.

Atomic bits despite zero-point energy?

Researchers at Jülich have found a way to produce nanomagnets with low zero-point energy, leading to higher stability. They investigated the connection between atomic properties and magnetic fluctuations caused by zero-point energy.

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.

Scripps Florida scientists link bipolar disorder to unexpected brain region

Researchers from Scripps Florida have discovered a link between bipolar disorder and the striatum, a brain region involved in motor planning and reward perception. The study identified 14 genes differentially expressed in bipolar patients compared to non-bipolar controls, suggesting a causal role in the disorder.

Dawn maps Ceres craters where ice can accumulate

Scientists with NASA's Dawn mission have identified permanently shadowed regions on the dwarf planet Ceres, which are likely cold enough to trap water ice for a billion years. The regions, occupying about 695 square miles of the northern hemisphere, may be colder than those on Mercury or the moon.

Hamstring injuries in baseball may be preventable

A study found that using hamstring injury prevention programs can reduce hamstring injuries by 40% and lost playing time by up to 45.3% in minor league players, with a 65% reduction in major league players.

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.

Ultrashort cell-free DNA reveals health of organ transplants

A new diagnostic tool uses short-strand DNA library preparation to analyze cell-free DNA in plasma, enabling transplant recipients to get an idea of how their new organ is responding via a simple blood test. This method can help determine whether the transplanted organ is injured or being rejected.

Deadly bug strikes in a day

A deadly bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can travel to the brain and spinal cord within 24 hours, according to a new Griffith University study. The findings could lead to discoveries on how other common bacteria enter the spinal cord.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Agreeable personalities are more likely to help strangers

A study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that agreeableness is a key predictor of prosocial behavior, including helping others. People with high agreeableness are more likely to exhibit empathic concern and volunteer their time to help those in need.

Setting the gold standard

A team of University of Florida researchers has successfully used light to grow gold nanoprisms, enabling better control over the growth process. The discovery has significant implications for pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and solar panels.

Web-based data tool designed to enhance drug safety

A new web-based database, AERSMine, has been developed to analyze clinical responses of over 5 million patients to FDA-approved drugs. The tool identifies unexpected benefits and harm, as well as alternative treatment choices for individual patients.

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.

NIH awards $55 million to build million-person precision medicine study

The National Institutes of Health is launching a landmark longitudinal research effort, the Precision Medicine Cohort Program, with $55 million in funding. The program aims to engage 1 million or more U.S. participants to improve disease prevention and treatment based on individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and genetics.

Unfertilized cover crop may reduce nutrient losses from Tennessee fields

Researchers found that incorporating an unfertilized winter wheat cover crop into annual crop rotations can significantly reduce nitrogen and phosphorus lost from row crops, enhancing downstream water quality. The strategy may also help alleviate the Mississippi River's nutrient load contributing to the Gulf Dead Zone.

A recipe for friendship: Similar food

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that eating the same food as a companion increases sense of closeness and trust. This strategy can be applied to various social situations, such as first dates or business negotiations, and may even influence marketing effectiveness.

CuRE pursues development of new dental adhesive with STTR grant

CuRE's dental adhesive incorporates copper iodide particles to curb infections and promote healthy tooth bonding. The technology has the potential to reduce secondary caries formation under existing restorations, a major contributor to costly restoration failures.

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.

Going to 'Wars' against cancer and heart disease

A new gene called Wars2 has been identified as a key player in blood vessel formation, providing a potential target for new therapies against cancer and heart disease. The discovery was made by researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School who found that inhibiting Wars2 function impaired blood vessel formation in rats and zebrafish.