Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2016 - Page 215


Page 215 of 423

Scientists discover mechanism of thalidomide

Researchers at TUM identified the molecular mechanism of thalidomide, revealing a common link between its teratogenic and anti-cancer effects. The study found that disrupting the protein complex CD147-MCT1 leads to both developmental defects and tumor cell death.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 17, 2016

New lizard found in Dominican Republic

A new lizard species, Anolis landestoyi, has been found in the Dominican Republic, revealing similar evolution on separate Caribbean islands. The discovery adds support to the concept of replicated adaptive radiation in anoles.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateJun 17, 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.

Animal hormone is involved in plant stress memory

Melatonin production in plants is involved in stress memory, particularly through its regulation of sub-cellular antioxidant systems. The study found that exogenous melatonin application enhances drought priming induced cold tolerance in barley, making it a promising approach to abiotic stress tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·DateJun 17, 2016

New surface makes oil contamination remove itself

Researchers at Aalto University have developed surfaces that can move liquid droplets by surface tension forces, enabling self-removal of oil contamination. The technology works for various liquids, including water, wine, and ethanol, with potential industrial applications in devices such as inkjet printing.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2016

Improving poor soil with burned up biomass

Adding torrefied biomass to poor soil from Botswana increased water retention and promoted plant growth. The treated soil showed higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur, as well as thicker stems, longer roots, and heavier plants.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 17, 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.

E-cigarettes: Gateway or roadblock to cigarette smoking?

E-cigarettes are playing an important role in reducing the likelihood of young people smoking, with most participants viewing them as having reduced the possibility of smoking. Many young people believe vaping will replace smoking and that e-cigarettes offer smokers an alternative to tobacco.

SourceAspect Consulting·DateJun 17, 2016

Astrophysicists release new study of one of the first stars

Researchers analyzed UV spectrum of BD+44 493, a second-generation star thought to have been enriched by one of the first stars. They found phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc, which reveal the star was likely massive and exploded as a supernova.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 17, 2016

Exercise may have therapeutic potential for expediting muscle repair in older populations

A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that regular exercise can improve muscle repair in older adults, allowing them to regain lost muscle mass and recover from injury more quickly. After just eight weeks of exercise, old mice experienced faster muscle repair and regrowth compared to non-exercised controls.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 17, 2016

Smoking can hamper common treatment for breast cancer

A new study from Lund University found that smoking affects the efficacy of aromatase inhibitor treatment for breast cancer, leading to a threefold higher risk of recurrence. Smoking also increases the risk of dying from breast cancer or other illnesses during treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJun 17, 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.

Racial disparities found in children's urologic surgery

Black children who undergo urologic surgery are more likely to experience postsurgical complications and hospital-acquired infections. The study analyzed data from nearly 12,000 patients and found that hospitals and policy makers should expand efforts to reduce postoperative adverse events and health disparities in children.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 17, 2016

Researchers open hairy new chapter in 3-D printing

The researchers designed arrays of hair-like structures with resolutions as low as 50 microns, printing coarse bristles to fine fur onto flat and curved surfaces. They demonstrated the technology's capabilities by creating Velcro-like bristle pads, sensing systems, and actuation devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 17, 2016

Major differences between women and men who commit deadly violence

A Swedish study examines homicide trends over time in Sweden, finding that female perpetrators are more likely to target children and use asphyxia, while male perpetrators tend to use knives. The research also highlights differences in classification of offenses and mental disorder assessments between genders.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Forensic Mental Health·DateJun 17, 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.

Breaking out: How black hole jets punch out of their galaxies

Astronomers discovered that magnetic instabilities in black hole jets determine their fate. Powerful jets can punch through surrounding gas into intergalactic space, while unstable ones fall apart and deposit energy within the galaxy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 17, 2016

Dewatering natural fiber suspensions via compression

The study discovered that microstructure has a significant effect on suspension behavior under compression, with cellulose fibers showing more uniform solid fraction than nylon fibers. The two-phase model predicts the evolution of solid fraction and its relation to fiber and fluid phases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 17, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Modeling the behavior of pro-ISIS groups online, to make predictions

Researchers developed a model to analyze online support for ISIS, identifying key behavioral patterns and predicting the onset of major violent events. The study found that pro-ISIS groups can adapt and regroup under different names, making them challenging to track.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2016

Gravitational waves caught again

The second detection of gravitational waves from merging black holes is a significant milestone in the development of physics. Scientists have found that the observed gravity waves were generated by two black holes with masses of 14 and 8 solar masses, which merged to form a single rotating black hole.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·DateJun 16, 2016

Pitch range produced by vocal cords

Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that vocal cords can be stretched and stiffened to predict an animal's pitch range, revealing evolutionary roots of voice. The study suggests that singers can increase their ranges by stretching their vocal cords or engaging in exercises that affect fiber spacing and cord stiffness.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 16, 2016
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.

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.

Let there be light

University of Utah researchers have developed a theory that adding light during the manufacturing process can reduce defects in semiconductors, leading to more efficient solar cells and brighter LED bulbs. This breakthrough could unlock the potential of materials previously deemed unusable, such as cadmium telluride and gallium nitride.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 2016
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.

Study underscores ongoing need for HIV safety net program

A Johns Hopkins study of 28,000 people with HIV concludes that the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program remains crucial despite the Affordable Care Act's availability. The program provides free medical care to hundreds of thousands of low-income individuals, and its cutbacks could leave many without access to essential services.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 16, 2016

Special education professor advocates for steps to combat replication crisis in research

A University of Kansas special education professor advocates for increased use of single-case experimental research design to complement group experiments and address the replication crisis. This approach can lead to effective interventions and make replication less cumbersome, providing clarity on individual responses to interventions.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalRemedial and Special Education·DateJun 16, 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.

Cancer-preventing protein finds its own way in our DNA

Geneticists at KU Leuven have discovered that tumour protein TP53 can autonomously locate and bind to specific DNA sequences, activating the right genes to repair damaged cells. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms controlling gene expression and holds promise for future cancer therapies.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 16, 2016

Dividing the spoils of cooperation

A new study by UC Santa Barbara psychologists found that men prioritize traits associated with productivity and material benefit in nonfamily members, rather than solely generosity and trustworthiness. In contrast, women place more emphasis on reciprocity and demand more from attractive partners.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateJun 16, 2016

China's environmental programs pass the test

A new study reveals that China's conservation programs have improved ecosystem services, with notable increases in food production and carbon sequestration. However, some areas experienced decreases in habitat provision and air and water quality remained a concern.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 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.

Genetic mutation causes ataxia in humans and dogs

A new genetic mutation in the CAPN1 gene has been identified as a cause of ataxia in humans and Parson Russell Terrier dogs. Calpain-1, an enzyme involved in brain development, is found to be neuroprotective, preventing excessive neuronal death.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 16, 2016

Summer session fruit fly data leads to promising new target in colorectal cancer

Researchers identified TIP60 as an enzyme required for HIF1A activity in human colorectal cancer cells, showing its potential as a target for cancer treatment. The study also revealed the molecular mechanisms by which TIP60 promotes HIF1A activity and highlights the importance of basic research in cancer discovery.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 16, 2016

Permafrost thawing below shallow Arctic lakes

Researchers found that permafrost beneath shallow Arctic lakes is warming due to warmer winters and increased snowfall, leading to sub-lake permafrost thaw. This phenomenon is similar to terrestrial permafrost thaw but occurs sooner due to lakebed temperatures rising above freezing.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 16, 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.

Need to remember something? Exercise 4 hours later!

A new study suggests that physical exercise after learning improves memory consolidation, particularly when done in a specific time window. The researchers found that exercising four hours after learning retained the information better two days later than those who exercised immediately or not at all.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 16, 2016

How fat becomes lethal -- even without weight gain

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the liver plays a vital role in balancing fats and sugars, even when its ability is impaired. The research suggests that other tissues can step in to compensate for the liver's limitations, but if the liver fails, it can lead to a lethal onslaught of fat.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 16, 2016

Dull and dirty: Your workplace could affect brain function

A new study by Florida State University researcher Joseph Grzywacz found that both a dirty working environment and a lack of stimulation in the workplace can have a long-term cognitive effect on employees. The study showed that men and women who had jobs that exposed them to a dirty working environment saw a cognitive decline.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 16, 2016
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.

Black holes and measuring gravitational waves

Researchers found that supermassive black holes at galaxy centers are likely to have weaker gravitational fields, making them harder to detect. This challenges previous assumptions about the detection of gravitational waves from merging galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 16, 2016

ALMA observes most distant oxygen ever

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) has observed oxygen in a galaxy 700 million years after the Big Bang, providing evidence for cosmic reionisation. The findings suggest that many brilliant stars have formed in the galaxy, emitting intense ultraviolet light to ionise gas.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2016

Innovative approach makes for a smoother ride

A team of engineers from Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory have developed an innovative approach to stabilize supercavitation bubbles, reducing the pulsation and noise that can occur during underwater vehicle movement. By applying a sinusoidal air flow variation, they were able to suppress pulsation states in many cases, allowin...

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Multiphase Flow·DateJun 16, 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.

The FBI must develop 21st-century investigative savvy

The FBI must develop 21st-century investigative skills to access encrypted data without compromising security. The organization should invest in a technical investigation center with agents familiar with modern telecommunications and computer science.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2016