Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2016 - Page 226


Page 226 of 423

Likely new planet may be in slow death spiral

Astronomers have found evidence for a tightly orbiting gas giant, PTFO8-8695 b, which is being torn away by its 2 million-year-old star. The planet's outer layers are likely to be destroyed, and its ultimate fate remains uncertain.

SourceRice University·DateJun 9, 2016

Stanford researchers calculate groundwater levels from satellite data

A new computer algorithm enables scientists to use satellite data to determine groundwater levels across larger areas than ever before. The technique, developed at Stanford University, could lead to better models of groundwater flow and monitoring in agricultural regions. The team was able to calculate surface deformations and groundwa...

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalWater Resources Research·DateJun 9, 2016

Study shows value of dynamic forecasting in intermodal management

A study by Ting Luo examines the value of dynamic forecasting in intermodal management, finding it reduces holding costs and ensures swift stock buildups for imminent shortages. Dynamic forecasting guides policy formulation, particularly when customer heterogeneity is high, inventory costs are low, and forecast accuracy is high.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJun 9, 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.

Biosimilar switching not suitable for all patients

A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that patients with antibodies to biological infliximab are less likely to benefit from infliximab biosimilar (CT-P13). The presence of these anti-infliximab antibodies can lead to a loss of response and increased risk of side effects. The findings suggest that antibody-positive patients should not ...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 9, 2016

Witnesses can catch criminals by smell

Research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people who witnessed a crime can identify criminals through their distinctive scent. Human nose-witnesses were able to correctly identify perpetrators in almost 70% of cases, showing promise for forensic applications.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 9, 2016

Proteome of an entire family

A large-scale proteomic study using SWATH-MS technique reveals specific proteins responsible for fat and energy metabolism in mice. The researchers found that COX7A2L protein plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function and its deficiency can lead to metabolic disorders.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJun 9, 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.

Pioneering early stage researchers selected for NIDA's 2016 Avenir awards

Seven pioneers in HIV/AIDS and epigenetics research receive NIDA's Avenir awards to support groundbreaking projects using genome editing, smartphones, and smart health technologies. These early-stage investigators will receive up to $300,000 per year for five years to advance addiction science.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateJun 9, 2016

Environmental and health impacts of US health-care system

The US healthcare system has significant environmental and health impacts, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. Researchers estimate 8% of national emissions come from the sector, while healthcare-related emissions linked to respiratory disease, cancer, and acid rain are substantial.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 9, 2016

What's driving the next generation of green products?

A study by UC Berkeley Haas School of Business reveals how social comparison preferences and conspicuous conservation shape product innovation, leading to eco-friendly developments. The research found that companies can tap into these consumer behaviors to enhance their products' desirability and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalMarketing Science·DateJun 9, 2016

Lung cancer patients who have surgery live longer

Researchers at University of California - Davis Health found that patients with late-stage lung cancer who undergo surgery have better survival rates than those who don't. However, only 11% of these patients receive surgery, highlighting a need for improved access to care.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateJun 9, 2016

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientist named Pew-Stewart Scholar

Paul A. Northcott, a researcher at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, has been selected as a Pew-Stewart Scholar to tackle medulloblastoma, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. The award includes four years of funding and aims to develop much-needed therapies for patients who relapse.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·DateJun 9, 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.

New role for glial energy metabolism in addiction

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that glial energy metabolism plays a critical role in addiction-related behaviors. Researchers found that altering glial lactate release and nerve cell uptake of lactate prevented long-lasting relapse in rodents.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 9, 2016

Diabetes more frequent in children with chronic rheumatic disease

A recent study found that children with Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis (JIA) have a significantly higher prevalence of Type 1 diabetes compared to the general population. The research, which included over 9,000 patients, suggests that understanding this link may lead to new treatments and preventative interventions for both diseases.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 9, 2016

Bacteria perfected protein complexes more than 3.5 billion years ago

Researchers reconstructed ancient bacterial enzymes and found that they were sophisticated and functional, contrary to the widely-held theory. This discovery suggests that biological evolution progressed rapidly in its early stages, with enzymes becoming fully developed within a 500-million-year period.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJun 9, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Jerry Franklin named 2016's 'Eminent Ecologist' by leading ecological group

Jerry Franklin, a professor at the University of Washington, has been named 2016's Eminent Ecologist by the Ecological Society of America. He is credited with pioneering research on old-growth forests and challenging clear-cutting practices to promote healthy forest ecosystems. His work has had a significant impact on forestry and fore...

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJun 9, 2016

Obesity and smoking reduces likelihood of treatment success in early rheumatoid arthritis

A recent study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are obese and smoke have a lower chance of achieving sustained remission after treatment. Encouraging patients to quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight could improve their symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of lifestyle factors in managing the disease.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 9, 2016

Greenland's 2015 melt records consistent with 'Arctic amplification'

A new study provides evidence linking melting in Greenland to Arctic amplification, with a northern swing of the jet stream reaching latitudes never before recorded. The study's findings fit the anticipated effects of Arctic amplification, which fuels a feedback loop of rising global temperatures and melting sea ice.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2016

Mathematical simulation of open-heart surgery lends clues to kidney failure

A mathematical model of open-heart surgery simulates oxygen levels in rat kidneys, revealing vulnerability to hypoxia during surgery. The study sheds light on the causes of kidney injury and suggests potential strategies for prevention.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalMathematical Medicine and Biology A Journal of the IMA·DateJun 8, 2016

Mesothelioma surgery improves quality of life, study finds

A study by Loyola Medicine found that mesothelioma surgery, specifically pleurectomy and decortication, improves quality of life in patients. The procedure can control fluid buildup, improve breathing, and reduce cancer pain, with benefits observed as early as one month after surgery.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016
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.

Antibodies triggered by avian influenza virus vaccine illuminate a new path toward a universal flu vaccine

A new study suggests that an avian influenza virus vaccine can trigger broad and durable protection against multiple flu strains, offering a promising path toward a universal flu vaccine. The research identifies unique epitopes on the virus and highlights the potential of non-neutralizing antibodies in providing protection.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 8, 2016

Centuries-old database reveals clues on human reproductive habits, trends

A centuries-old database was used to study reproductive patterns and parental investment, revealing that parents and offspring do not have similar lifespans or reproductive success. Siblings who share the same mother and father exhibit similar lifespans and reproductive success, suggesting a balance between investment and reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 8, 2016

Tiny diamonds could enable huge advances in nanotechnology

Researchers at UMD developed a method to build diamond-based hybrid nanoparticles in large quantities, enabling precise control of their properties. The technique uses nanoscale diamonds with nitrogen vacancies to create customizable semiconductors, magnets, and qubits.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2016

This black hole has an appetite for cold, cosmic rain

Researchers detected cold gas clouds traveling at 1 million km/h toward a black hole in the Abell 2597 Cluster. The discovery offers new understanding of how black holes ingest fuel, with implications for our knowledge of accretion processes.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016
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.

Pharmaceuticals in streams may come from multiple sources

A recent study reveals that pharmaceuticals in surface water can originate from various sources beyond just treated wastewater. Researchers found metformin, nicotine, and other compounds in streams across the Southeastern US, suggesting urban run-off and groundwater movement may also contribute to their presence.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJun 8, 2016

New patient focussed initiatives unveiled at EULAR 2016

A survey of over 3,600 adults with RA found that patients value patient participation in multidisciplinary team conferences, leading to better outcomes. Patients want more involvement in treatment planning, with 70% satisfied but desiring fewer medications and more choices.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 8, 2016

Chivalry is not dead when it comes to morality

A study by New York University found that women are more likely to be saved or not harmed in moral dilemmas compared to men. In experiments involving the trolley dilemma and financial rewards, women showed a stronger aversion to harming females than males, even when it came at their own expense.

SourceNew York University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 8, 2016

Challenges of custom-engineering living tissue to fix a heart

Researchers are developing a custom-engineered tissue patch using robotic 3-D printing and computer-assisted manufacturing. The patch aims to replace or protect damaged heart muscle after a heart attack, offering new hope for patients with post-infarction left ventricle remodeling and heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 8, 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.

New compound shows potential for triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers at Michigan Medicine identified a promising new compound for targeting triple-negative breast cancer. UM-164 blocks the kinase c-Src and inhibits another pathway, p38, involved in this subtype. The compound had very few side effects in mice.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 8, 2016

Novel energy inside a microcircuit chip

Researchers at VTT have created a hybrid nanomaterial-based supercapacitor that can store and generate electrical energy on a silicon chip, paving the way for zero-power autonomous devices in IoT. The new technology has impressive power generation of 2 watts on a one square centimetre silicon chip.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 8, 2016

Drug candidate shrinks tumor when delivered by plant virus nanoparticle

Researchers found that a plant-virus-based carrier successfully delivers the drug candidate phenanthriplatin, outperforming cisplatin in mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer. The nanoparticles target tumors, accumulating inside lysosomal compartments and releasing the drug to block transcription, leading to greater cell death.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 8, 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.

Cancer researchers take on an old foe

Researchers are cautiously optimistic that technological progress will help gain a better understanding of KRas. The protein's complex structure and limited binding sites have been major challenges in developing effective treatments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 8, 2016

What makes a small worm a popular model

Researchers created a comprehensive metabolic model of C. elegans, linking over 2,000 processes to identify genes contributing to lifespan extension. The 'ElegCyc' model enables analysis of large datasets and will aid in understanding human diseases and microbiome interactions.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCell Systems·DateJun 8, 2016

Black hole fed by cold intergalactic deluge

A new ALMA observation reveals that cold dense clouds can coalesce from hot intergalactic gas and feed a galaxy's central supermassive black hole. This challenges previous views of how supermassive black holes acquire mass, indicating a chaotic and dynamic feeding process.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

Potential new therapy could reduce dangerous post-heart-attack inflammation

A new study identified a mechanism behind cardiovascular inflammation after a heart attack and developed a potential strategy to suppress it. The therapy targets molecules that attract immune cells to atherosclerotic plaques, reducing the risk of another heart attack and improving heart function.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 8, 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.

Chemistry lessons from bacteria may improve biofuel production

A new analysis of a group of bacteria called Streptomyces reveals the way some strains developed advanced abilities to tear up cellulose and points out more efficient ways to make fuel from plant material. The study identifies important enzymes and new groups of enzymes produced when Streptomyces flex particular genes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 8, 2016

DNA 'scrunching' could be new target for antiviral drugs

Researchers propose that DNA shape changes can produce strong forces, a new target for antiviral drugs. The 'scrunched' DNA mechanism could help block viral replication by invading viral shells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJun 8, 2016

How 'super organisms' evolve in response to toxic environments

The Environmental Genomics course explores the relationship between genetics and environment, focusing on phenotypic plasticity in organisms like Daphnia pulex. The course aims to provide training in experimental approaches and computational models for studying the effects of environmental challenges on genetics.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·DateJun 8, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

An eco-friendly approach to reducing toxic arsenic in rice

University of Delaware researchers found that incorporating rice husk into soil can decrease toxic arsenic levels in rice grain by 25 to 50 percent. This eco-friendly approach has implications for developing countries relying on rice as a staple food and aims to improve soil quality without negatively affecting yield.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 8, 2016

Tunneling ionization helps scientists to track ultrafast changes in molecules

Researchers have developed a method to observe the structure of molecules and track changes within attosecond timescales. By using tunneling ionization and ultrashort laser pulses, scientists can measure electron interference patterns, providing insight into molecular configurations.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 8, 2016

Tropical Depression 1E dissipates

The remnants of Tropical Depression 1E dissipated over the southwestern coast of Mexico. The system's winds decreased from 25 mph to lower gusts, with minimum central pressure at 1008 millibars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 8, 2016

Helping satellites be right as rain

The SMAP satellite measures soil moisture by collecting signals related to ground characteristics, then estimating moisture levels using complex equations. On-ground measurements are being used to compare with satellite data and improve accuracy.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateJun 8, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Air pollution affects young people's psychiatric health

A new study from Umeå University in Sweden suggests that exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric diagnoses in children and adolescents. The research found a 9% increase in medication for at least one psychiatric diagnosis with a 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in nitrogen dioxide concentration.

SourceUmea University·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 8, 2016

Constipated? Study finds surprising cause

Researchers found that herpes virus infects neurons in colon wall, killing them and preventing food movement, leading to enlarged colon. The study provides a surprising cause for unexplained chronic constipation in some patients.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 8, 2016

Alberta funding focused on improving treatment of diabetes

The Alberta Diabetes Institute has awarded $600,000 in funding to support diabetes research projects with high commercialization potential. The funding will accelerate the development of healthcare technologies in Alberta, a province known for life-changing research on diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateJun 8, 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.

Study sheds light on uncategorized genetic mutations in cystic fibrosis

A recent study published by PLOS ONE sheds light on the impact of genetic mutations on cystic fibrosis. The research found that about 5% of children with varying clinical consequences and 11% of those with unknown liability developed CF, highlighting the need to identify specific mutations to provide targeted treatment.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 8, 2016

Pitt researchers find key to Parkinson's disease neurodegeneration

Pittsburgh researchers uncover a major reason why alpha-synuclein, a key protein in Parkinson's disease, is toxic to neurons. They found two ways to prevent the toxicity: gene therapy and a protein that blocks alpha-synuclein from sticking to mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 8, 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.