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Science News Archive 2016


Page 191 of 423

Dam good! Beavers may restore imperiled streams, fish populations

A seven-year experiment in Oregon's Bridge Creek Watershed demonstrates the positive impact of beaver dams on stream restoration and fish habitat. The study found significant increases in juvenile steelhead numbers, survival, and production in restored streams with beaver dam analogs.

Messaging by flow in the brain

Scientists have discovered that tiny cilia on specialized cells create complex networks of dynamic flows that transport molecular 'freight' to specific destinations in the brain. These flows, powered by synchronized beating movements, could play a crucial role in distributing essential messenger substances.

How plants sense electric fields

Scientists have discovered a molecular component in plant cells that senses electric voltage, enabling them to respond to threats. This finding has implications for understanding how plants defend against pathogens like Ebola viruses.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Results of first study assessing clinical impact of ESMO-MCBS

The first study assessing the clinical impact of ESMO-MCBS in a real-life context shows that the scale works reliably and reproducibly in advanced or metastatic disease. The study encourages its use in daily routine for novel treatments like immunotherapy.

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.

Preserving forest carbon sinks top of donors' climate mitigation agenda

A new study found that major green donors allocate most of their climate mitigation funding to developing countries with large carbon sinks and good governance. This funding often overlooks least-developed countries, diverting public finance from poor nations and exacerbating global inequality.

Cancer cell lines predict drug response

A recent study has combined data from patients, laboratory cancer cell lines, and drug sensitivity to predict how tumours are likely to respond to new drugs. The findings suggest that cancer cell lines can be used to identify the most effective treatment for individual patients, leading to improved success rates for developing personal...

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.

A new wave of antimalarial drugs in preparation

Researchers have identified potential new antimalarial drugs targeting the parasite's heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a key player in its survival and resistance to treatments. The study uses innovative modelling technology to isolate compounds that can destroy the pathogen without affecting human cells.

Researchers improve catalyst efficiency for clean industries

Researchers have developed a unique approach to trapping platinum atoms, reducing the need for expensive platinum in chemical reactions. The new method uses cerium oxide to create nano-scale traps that keep platinum atoms stable, improving catalyst efficiency and performance.

GW researchers create conceptual model for acute, unscheduled care

Researchers from GW University developed a conceptual model for acute, unscheduled care, identifying issues with current care delivery and proposing ways to improve it. The model incorporates social determinants and care-seeking decisions to optimize outcomes and reduce costs.

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.

NASA's Hubble captures the beating heart of the Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula is home to a spinning neutron star with a 'heartbeat' radiation signature, emitting clock-like pulses of energy. The neutron star is surrounded by expanding debris and glowing gas, revealing the intricate details of this cosmic object.

Frogs that can take the heat expected to fare better in a changing world

Two studies suggest that frogs' ability to withstand high temperatures can help them survive disease outbreaks, such as the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Climate change may outpace deforestation as a habitat threat in tropics, and species with high thermal tolerance are less susceptible to infection.

Mystery solved?

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have identified a new type of filament-forming protein in fruit flies that shares similarities with intermediate filaments in human cells. This discovery may provide insights into how insects survive without traditional IF proteins.

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.

The debut of a robotic stingray, powered by light-activated rat cells

Researchers have created a robotic mimic of a stingray that's powered and guided by light-sensitive rat heart cells, demonstrating a new method for building bio-inspired robots through tissue engineering. The robotic stingray can be controlled using pulses of light, with different frequencies used to control its speed.

Early antiretroviral therapy reduces gut inflammation in HIV+ individuals

Researchers found that early combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) blunts gastrointestinal inflammation and immune activation in acutely infected HIV patients. However, cART did not restore CD4+ T cell counts in the gut, suggesting that earlier therapy may be beneficial but with limited long-term benefits.

How the 'graying biomedical workforce' affects scientific funding in the US

A new government study suggests that the graying of the biomedical workforce is driving younger scientists away from academia, but found no evidence of a preference for older applicants in NIH grant funding. The study's authors conclude that other factors, such as changes in academic training and payment, are more likely to be contribu...

New neurons reveal clues about an individual's autism

A new study co-led by Salk Institute scientists found that some people with autism spectrum disorder have brains that grow faster than usual, often before diagnosis. The researchers used stem cell reprogramming technologies to model the earliest stages of complex disorders and evaluate potential therapeutic drugs.

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.

UChicago to support NIH million-person precision medicine study

The University of Chicago will support a nationwide precision medicine study enrolling 1 million participants, with the Illinois consortium aiming to recruit at least 35,000 additional participants annually. Participants will provide health and lifestyle information, genomic data, and access their clinical records for better disease pr...

UEA research reveals why males outnumber females in bird world

Researchers from UEA's School of Biological Sciences found that female birds are choosing busier breeding locations with more abundant males, leading to skewed sex ratios in small populations. These findings suggest that conservation efforts should focus on maintaining large populations with equal sex ratios.

The benefits of exercise during pregnancy

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that exercise during pregnancy does not increase the risk of preterm birth and may actually reduce it. Women who exercised were more likely to deliver vaginally and had lower rates of C-sections, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.

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.

A surprising planet with 3 suns

Researchers use SPHERE instrument to image first planet in wide orbit inside a triple-star system, suggesting such systems may be more common than thought. The planet, HD 131399Ab, has an unstable orbit and is estimated to be around 16 million years old, making it one of the youngest exoplanets discovered.

Brain inflammation linked to depression in multiple sclerosis

A new study in Biological Psychiatry reveals that inflammation of the hippocampus contributes to depressive symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients. Hippocampal immune activation was linked to more severe symptoms of depression and altered functional connections with other brain regions.

Nanodomains of reactive oxygen species control mitochondrial energy output

Scientists have created a tool to track reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the interface of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum organelles, revealing localized signaling loops that regulate mitochondrial energy production. ROS play a crucial role in normal biochemical processes, but their effects can be toxic if uncontrolled.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study identifies a developmental cause of cardiac hypertrophy

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a developmental cause of adult-onset cardiac hypertrophy, a leading cause of heart failure. The study reveals that genetic mutations affecting the Ras/MAPK cell signaling pathway can lead to the development of cardiac hypertrophy in adults.

Why architects should let the microbes in

Research suggests that certain microbes in the air can be beneficial for human health, reducing allergy rates and improving immune function. By designing buildings with ventilation systems that bring in fresh outdoor air, architects can facilitate exposure to these beneficial microbes.

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.

Acupressure reduced fatigue in breast cancer survivors

A new study found that acupressure reduced persistent fatigue in women treated for breast cancer, improving sleep quality and overall quality of life. Two-thirds of participants achieved normal fatigue levels after six weeks of relaxing acupressure.

NASA sees Tropical Depression 4E form

Tropical Depression 4E formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The depression is expected to become a tropical storm in three days and potentially reach hurricane status.

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.

The BMJ reports on disclosure UK

The BMJ has released a series of infographics revealing UK doctors' payments from pharmaceutical companies, showing that those with the highest earnings are less likely to disclose payments. The database is seen as a step towards greater transparency and public accountability, but critics argue it is insufficient.

New clues could help scientists harness the power of photosynthesis

Researchers discovered a gene that enables plants to harness energy from the far-red-light spectrum, potentially increasing plant productivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient crop plants and even artificial photosynthesis as an alternative energy source.

Unusual planet within a triple star system imaged

Researchers directly detected a gas giant planet with a wide orbit in the young triple star system HD 131399, challenging existing knowledge about exoplanet detection. The unusual arrangement of the three stars and the planet's size, containing water and methane, may have formed through interactions between planets or binary stars.

Missing link in epigenetics could explain conundrum of disease inheritance

A study led by Queen Mary University of London suggests that genetic variation in ribosomal DNA could be driving how a mother's diet during pregnancy affects her offspring's weight and attributes. This discovery may shed light on the conundrum of disease inheritance, particularly for conditions like type 2 diabetes.

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.

New clue to how lithium works in the brain

MIT biologists identify a key protein inhibited by lithium, leading to reduced worm activity, suggesting a mechanism for lithium's effects on the brain; the findings propose a new hypothesis linking BPNT1 inhibition to mood stabilization in humans

NASA sees Super Typhoon Nepartak approaching Taiwan

NASA satellites are gathering data on wind, temperature, rainfall, and cloud extent of Super Typhoon Nepartak as it approaches Taiwan. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 140 knots (161.1 mph/259.3 kph) with a weakening trend expected.

How fungi stage a deadly under-water attack on Aedes mosquito larvae

Researchers discovered that fungal blastospores can kill mosquito larvae rapidly, with specific characteristics contributing to their virulence. The study found that blastospore invasion can occur even in the presence of drugs inhibiting protease activity, making them a promising alternative to chemical pesticides.

Obscure virus found in women with unexplained infertility

A new study reveals that 43% of women with unexplained infertility are infected with the HHV-6A virus, which activates immune cells and produces cytokines making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant. The finding could lead to treatments improving outcomes for infertile women.

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.

Loss of a microRNA family, let-7, found key in neuroblastoma

A study led by Boston Children's Hospital researchers finds that the loss of let-7 microRNA family is central to neuroblastoma development. The study suggests strategies focused on restoring let-7 could provide a fresh, low-toxicity approach to treating this childhood cancer.

Researchers assess heatwave risks associated with climate change

A study analyzing climate and mortality data reveals that 64-506 deaths in London and Paris can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change, increasing the risk of heat-related mortality by 20% and 70%, respectively. The analysis will help agencies create more accurate emergency plans for extreme weather events.

Robot helps study how first land animals moved 360 million years ago

Researchers studied African mudskipper fish and a robot modeled on the animal to understand how early terrestrial animals moved 360 million years ago. The study suggests that tails may have played a key role in propelling these early land animals forward, especially on sloping granular surfaces.