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Science News Archive 2016


Page 200 of 423

WSU researchers develop shape-changing 'smart' material

Researchers at WSU have developed a multifunctional smart material with shape memory behavior, light-activated movement, and self-healing properties. The material can fold, unfold, remember its shape, and heal itself in response to heat or light.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Creating a sustainable 'circular economy' could be complex but rewarding

The article explores the concept of a circular economy, which aims to reduce pollution and waste by recycling resources instead of discarding them. Companies are implementing new manufacturing processes that use safer substances, and the European Union is grappling with regulation of chemicals in a closed-loop recycling system.

Crucial peatlands carbon-sink vulnerable to rising sea levels

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that peatland ecosystems' ability to absorb and store carbon is threatened by rising sea levels due to increased salt concentrations. The study highlights the vulnerability of blanket bogs in Northwest Scotland to sea-level rise, which could lead to a sharp decline in carbon storage.

Rate of decline of cardiovascular deaths slows in US

Recent national trends in US death rates show a deceleration of decline in cardiovascular deaths, with heart disease mortality rates slowing down between 2000-2014. Cancer mortality rates remained relatively stable during this period.

UC Riverside anthropologist awarded NSF grant to excavate Maya households

Researchers will study household sites in Coba and Yaxuna ruins to understand social interactions between residents of two ancient cities linked by a massive roadway during the Late Classic period (600-900 A.D.). The project aims to determine how life changed for tens of thousands of people living along the causeway.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Portable test rapidly detects Zika in saliva for $2

A new portable test has been developed to detect the Zika virus in saliva for just $2, making it a promising tool for managing outbreaks. The test can accurately detect low levels of the virus and distinguish it from similar viruses like dengue.

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.

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.

Wearable technology gets good ratings from plastic surgeons

A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that plastic surgeons gave high ratings to Google Glass for comfort and overall satisfaction, with average scores of nearly four out of five for photo and video quality. However, some limitations were noted, including difficulties with capturing images during surgery.

Deceptive sexual signals keep the peace in a bonobo society

Research found that female bonobos' unreliable sexual swellings make it difficult for males to time their mating efforts accurately. This may reduce aggressive mate competition and result in bonobo societies being more peaceful. The study advances understanding of the evolution of sexual signaling in our closest relatives.

Closer to reality: What can we really see when we look at a sample?

A new description of electron scattering in surface layers enables faster materials analysis and better understanding of sample properties. The theoretical tools used in spectroscopies can exhibit great 'malice', but a new analytical method simplifies calculations of the Chandrasekhar function, reducing errors.

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.

Country pledges overshoot Paris temperature limit

A new analysis published in Nature finds that country pledges under the Paris Agreement would lead to a global temperature rise of 2.6-3.1°C by 2100, exceeding the 2°C limit. The study suggests that additional measures are necessary after 2030 to limit warming to 2°C or even 1.5°C.

New research could lead to restoring vision for sufferers of retinal disorders

Researchers have demonstrated that retinal cells carry out key processing tasks, paving the way for improved retinal implants and potentially restoring vision to those with macular degeneration. This breakthrough could significantly improve artificial retinas and enhance the sight of thousands affected by age-related macular degeneration.

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.

Rio athletes may benefit from 'leaky gut' therapy

A study found that zinc carnosine can improve gut health and prevent leaky gut in athletes. The supplement, taken alone or with bovine colostrum, may help prevent heat stroke and other symptoms in active individuals.

Northern bird found to be more resilient to winter weather

A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that northern wren populations are more resilient to harsh winter weather due to local adaptation. The team discovered a correlation between regional climate and population resilience, with larger body mass observed in colder regions.

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.

Surprising qualities of insulator ring surfaces

Researchers have discovered that ring-shaped topological insulators display characteristics similar to those in spherical materials. The study reveals a zero-energy state on the surface of ring-shaped insulators and a coupling between charge carriers and curvature, leading to gauge fields and unique electron spin behavior.

Testosterone therapy improves sexual interest, function in older men

A large placebo-controlled study found that testosterone therapy significantly improved sexual interest and function in older men with low libido and low testosterone levels. The study, the largest of its kind, showed consistent improvement in most types of sexual activity among those who received testosterone therapy.

Plate tectonics without jerking

Researchers from AWI deploy ocean bottom seismometers to record earthquakes on Southwest Indian Ridge, revealing unique insights into ocean floor formation. Water circulation up to 15km deep leads to aseismic areas with soft soap-like rock that moves without jerking.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Protein in, ammonia out

A recent study analyzed data from 25 previous studies to identify factors influencing ammonia emissions in dairy barns. Researchers found that reducing crude protein in a dairy cow's diet can significantly lower nitrogen excretion, resulting in reduced ammonia emissions. The study provides key information for farmers and farm advisers ...

Motivation to bully is regulated by brain reward circuits

A study at Mount Sinai Hospital found that brain reward circuits, specifically the basal forebrain and lateral habenula, mediate motivation to engage in or avoid bullying. The research used a mouse model to demonstrate that activating this circuit makes bullying behavior pleasurable for some individuals.

UK wildlife calendar reshuffled by climate change

Climate change is altering the UK's wildlife calendar, with plants and animals responding differently to temperature changes throughout the year. By 2050, primary consumers are forecasted to shift their seasonal timing by more than twice as much as other species, potentially disrupting relationships between plants and animals.

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.

Your blood can reveal your risk for heart disease

Researchers found that measuring specific microRNAs in blood can improve risk prediction for myocardial infarction by 15-20% compared to traditional risk factors alone. The study, published in Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, identified five key microRNAs that can help identify individuals at high risk for heart disease.

Mountaineering ants use body heat to warm nests

Army ants create underground bivouacs that maintain a consistent temperature 13 degrees F warmer than surface temperatures. This allows the colony to stay mobile and raise their young offspring, which is critical for their survival at high elevations.

Men may face high lifetime risk of sudden cardiac death

A study published by the American Heart Association found that about one in every nine men will experience sudden cardiac death, most before age 70. The study also revealed that sudden cardiac death claims up to 450,000 American lives each year, with no prior symptoms of cardiovascular disease being a common cause.

Ovarian cancer study uncovers new biology

A recent study has identified over 200 proteins involved in cell movement and immune system function that are implicated in ovarian cancer progression. By analyzing the proteomes of 169 ovarian cancer patients, researchers have gained new insights into the biology of the disease and potential targets for treatment.

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.

As sea level rises, Hudson River wetlands may expand

Researchers predict that the Hudson River's wetlands will increase in area due to upland migration of existing marshes. This is despite concerns about infrastructure and population near the river, as the wetlands provide habitat for fish and wildlife and buffer against storms.

Tennessee 4-H awarded $10,000 sponsorship for summer camp STEM experience

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has been awarded a $10,000 sponsorship to implement a Summer Camp STEM Experience during Junior 4-H camp in Columbia, Crossville, and Greeneville. The program aims to spark youth interest in STEM education through hands-on activities, including zip-lining, wildlife ecology, and archery.

Both limited and excess sleep may raise diabetes risk in men

A new study found that both limited and excess sleep may raise diabetes risk in men, with those sleeping too much or too little having impaired glucose metabolism. In contrast, women who slept less or more than average were more responsive to insulin and had enhanced beta-cell function.

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.

Analysis of 1976 Ebola outbreak holds lessons relevant today

The 1976 Ebola outbreak highlighted the importance of rapid clinical recognition, international notification, and specimen provision. Researchers recommend strengthened preparation, detection, response, control mechanisms, and international cooperation to manage future outbreaks promptly.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Fire discovery sheds new light on 'hobbit' demise

Researchers at University of Wollongong have discovered physical evidence of fire use by modern humans at Liang Bua site on Flores Island, narrowing the time gap between hobbit species and modern human arrival. The findings suggest that modern humans likely arrived in Southeast Asia and Australia around 50,000 years ago.

Findings show gender, not race, a factor in college engineering dropouts

A five-year study found that men and women in engineering programs experience different expectations and outcomes, with women expecting negative experiences and this deterring them from staying. The research aims to develop methods to retain vulnerable populations in the engineering pipeline and provide evidence-based interventions.

Sexual arms race drives range expansion in UK diving beetle species

A new study found that UK diving beetle populations have shifted their ranges over the past three decades due to female choosiness, leading to the evolution of rough body surfaces in males. In some cases, 'rough' and 'smooth' females co-exist within the same species, with different geographical ranges. This shift is likely driven by th...

RIT professors create new method for identifying black holes

Researchers at RIT create a faster and more accurate way to assess gravitational wave signals, inferring the sources that made them. They use numerical simulations of binary black holes to extract information directly from the data, improving accuracy over previous approximations.

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.

Jasmonate-deficient tobacco plants attract herbivorous mammals

Genetically modified tobacco plants lacking jasmonates are more susceptible to insect and vertebrate attacks, with a significant impact on reproductive ability. Rabbits prefer to feed on these plants, peeling the stems and reducing flower production, highlighting the importance of nicotine in plant defense.

Aerobic exercise and CVD in women with fatty liver disease

In a 24-week study, aerobic exercise training improved cardiopulmonary functional capacity and reduced waist circumference in postmenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Exercise also increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but did not significantly affect body composition or glycemic profiles.

Radiation-guided nanoparticles zero in on metastatic cancer

Researchers developed nanoparticles that target and deliver chemotherapy drugs to metastatic cancer tumors using radiation guidance. The approach exploits overexpression of P-selectin molecules in human cancers, allowing for selective tumor penetration.

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.