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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 227


Page 227 of 423

A conservative environment makes conservatives happier

A study by University of Cologne researchers found that conservatives are happier in a conservative social environment. Life satisfaction depends on time and country, with conservatives generally experiencing more happiness than non-conservatives.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJun 8, 2016

Immune system blood cell a potential marker for sinus polyp regrowth

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a link between rising eosinophil levels and regrowth of nasal polyps in chronic sinus disease patients. The study suggests that monitoring eosinophils could aid in detecting early growth and tracking treatment effectiveness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateJun 8, 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.

U-M study highlights multiple factors of ADHD medication use

A large-scale national study found that early use of stimulant medications for ADHD does not increase the risk of substance abuse in later adolescence, while short-term use during middle or high school may lead to higher risks. The research highlights the importance of monitoring teens who start using these medications later in life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 8, 2016

Female birds select sperm 'super swimmers'

Researchers found that 'super swimmers' with shorter heads and longer tails are better equipped to reach the egg due to their shape. These traits help sperm swim faster through the vagina, increasing the chances of fertilization. The study's findings may lead to new directions in human fertility research.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 8, 2016
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.

Tunable lasers to improve infrared spectroscopy

A new, broad-band tunable infrared laser from Northwestern University offers high-power rapid tuning and has implications for detecting drugs and explosives. The robust, all solid-state laser can be rapidly tuned to capture unique spectral fingerprints of gases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2016

Radical pair analysis overcomes hurdle in theory of how birds navigate

Researchers have used radical pair analysis to enhance the performance of cryptochrome-based magnetic compass sensors, finding that electron spin relaxation can improve sensitivity. The study's findings could lead to the development of low-cost and environmentally-friendly electronic devices capable of detecting weak magnetic fields.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJun 8, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists observe supermassive black hole feeding on cold gas

Researchers detected billowy clouds of cold, clumpy gas streaming toward a black hole, suggesting two dinner modes for black holes: slow grazing on diffuse hot gas and quick consumption of clumps of cold gas. The findings represent the first direct evidence to support the hypothesis that black holes feed on clouds of cold gas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

Study shows sleep disturbances common among military spouses

A new study found that 44% of military spouses reported sleeping 6 hours or less per night, with 54% experiencing daytime impairment due to sleep problems. The research highlights the importance of screening for sleep disturbances and providing evidence-based interventions to service members and their families.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016

At the LHC, charmed twins will soon be more common than singles

Researchers at the Institute of Nuclear Physics have observed a new mechanism creating particles in high-energy collisions, where charm mesons appear in pairs as often as singles. This effect plays a dominant role in producing charm particles and is expected to become more prominent in future accelerators.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateJun 8, 2016

Standard blood pressure target is sufficient for treating some strokes

A recent NIH-funded study found that standard and intensive blood pressure treatments were equally effective in the emergency treatment of acute intracerebral hemorrhage, a type of stroke caused by bleeding into the brain. After 90 days, the rate of death or severe disability was equal for both groups, at around 38 percent.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of 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.

Ancient ants leaving a modern trail

A recent study published in Journal of Biogeography reveals that ant communities across Asia are shaped by past land connections during the Last Glacial Maximum, rather than current geographical features. Temperature was found to be the dominant factor in determining ant community patterns.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJun 8, 2016

Modeling the correct doses for disease-fighting drugs

Colorado State University's Brad Reisfeld and colleagues create a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model to predict drug concentrations in the body. The model can account for individual differences and changes in metabolism, allowing for more effective treatment.

SourceColorado State University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 8, 2016

Massive trove of battery and molecule data released to public

The Materials Project has released a vast dataset of material properties, including 1,500 compounds and 21,000 organic molecules, to accelerate battery research. The data enables computationally driven design and discovery of new materials with improved performance and energy density.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 8, 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.

Study finds targeting 'ideal cardiovascular health' lowers diabetes risk, but with ethnic differences

A new study published in Diabetologia shows that significant racial/ethnic differences exist in the association between ideal cardiovascular health and diabetes risk. Achieving four or more of the American Heart Association's ideal cardiovascular health components resulted in lower rates of incident diabetes, with 34% and 75% reduction...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 8, 2016

Landscape ecology's role in policymaking

The field of landscape ecology offers a powerful tool for policymakers due to its ability to operate at multiple scales and across human and natural systems. This unique perspective can help address environmental transformation by informing policy and management decisions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateJun 8, 2016

Myocardial infarction: Rush-hour for neutrophils

Researchers found that circadian rhythms influence the influx of immune cells into damaged tissue, worsening heart attack outcomes. The study showed that neutrophil recruitment is correlated with CXCR2 expression and peaking in early morning hours, leading to increased inflammation and scar formation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016

Narrow wavelength of UV light safely kills drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that a narrow wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) light, known as far-UVC, safely kills drug-resistant MRSA bacteria. This finding offers a potential solution to reducing surgical site infections, a major public health concern.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 8, 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.

Study reveals how altered gut microbes cause obesity

A Yale-led team of researchers identified how altered gut microbiota causes obesity by stimulating insulin secretion through acetate production. The study suggests a causal link between changes in the diet, gut microbiota, and increased food intake, driving a positive feedback loop.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

Trauma in childhood linked to drug use in adolescence

A national sample of 10,000 US adolescents found that exposure to abuse and domestic violence before age 11 increased the likelihood of drug use in adolescence. Childhood trauma was particularly harmful, with a greater number of traumatic experiences associated with an increase in risk for marijuana and other drugs.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 8, 2016

A single strain of plague bacteria sparked multiple historical and modern pandemics

A single strain of plague bacteria caused the Black Death in Europe and later led to multiple outbreaks on the continent before spreading to China, triggering a global pandemic. The researchers sequenced ancient DNA from mass graves and compared them to modern strains to reveal a link between the Black Death and modern-day epidemics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 8, 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.

Our brain activity could be nudged to make healthier choices

Researchers tracked macaque monkeys' neural activity as they weighed options for juice rewards, predicting their choices based on brain patterns. The study sheds light on internal decision-making processes and could lead to implants to treat addiction, anxiety, and depression.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 8, 2016

Psoriasis: Light shed on new details

Scientists discover B lymphocytes play a crucial role in psoriasis by regulating IL-10 levels, which can lead to poorer inflammatory control. This finding provides potential targets for new therapies to combat the incurable disease.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2016

Pubertal timing strongly influences men's sexual and reproductive health

A new study reveals that pubertal timing has a significant impact on male reproductive health, with early or late onset associated with poorer semen quality and smaller testicles. The study also found links between pubertal timing and obesity, cardiovascular disease, and sexually transmitted diseases.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalHuman Reproduction·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.

Slime mold gives insight into the intelligence of neuron-less organisms

Researchers studied Physarum polycephalum's decision-making abilities using the two-armed bandit problem, finding it compares relative options to make adaptive decisions. The slime mold's algorithm exploits environments in proportion to their reward experienced through past sampling.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 8, 2016

Energy-saving devices work -- if you use them correctly

A new study by Michigan State University found that people living in green dwellings can lose up to half of their energy savings if they don't use their technologies correctly. The researchers surveyed over 320 certified green residential units to understand the impact of personal habits on energy consumption.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProcedia Engineering·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.

Opioids regulate spermatozoon formation

A recent study published in PLoS One has revealed that opioid receptors participate in spermatogenesis, a process crucial for male fertility. The researchers identified the activation of these receptors as regulating the formation of machinery responsible for correctly segregating genetic information during spermatozoa production.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJun 8, 2016

New chromosome origin element identified

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new essential sequence within bacterial genomes required for DNA replication, dubbed the DnaA-trio. This discovery sheds light on a fundamental biological process shared among all living organisms and opens doors to studying enigmatic replication origin elements in higher organisms.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

World-first pinpointing of atoms at work for quantum computers

Scientists can now track and see individual phosphorus atoms in a silicon crystal, confirming quantum computing capability. This discovery has potential use in nano detection devices and is a world-first in atomic-resolution imaging.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2016
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.

New study lays groundwork for potential new anti-cancer therapy

Researchers identified a lymphatic endothelium origin for angiomyolipoma and lymphangioleiomyomatosis, two related tumors with previously unknown cellular origins. The study suggests a potential novel origin for LAM mechanistically dependent upon TSC inactivation as well.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 8, 2016

New research counters claim that the 'Hobbit' had Down syndrome

A new study confirms Homo floresiensis as a distinct species, contradicting earlier claims of Down syndrome in the 'Hobbit' skeleton LB1. The research analyzed features across the skeleton and found that LB1's brain was smaller than those with Down syndrome, and its skull shape and limb proportions were more archaic.

SourceMidwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

New fossils shed light on the origin of 'hobbits'

Researchers discover fossils of hominins similar in size to 'hobbits' but at least ten times older, dating back 700,000 years. The findings suggest a striking similarity between the Mata Menge hominins and Liang Bua hobbits, hinting at a possible ancestral relationship.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

Black hole deluged by cold intergalactic 'rain'

A team of astronomers used ALMA to observe a cluster of towering intergalactic gas clouds raining in on the supermassive black hole at the center of an elliptical galaxy. The new findings reshape our understanding of how supermassive black holes feed, revealing a previously unknown process known as cold, chaotic accretion.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

Don't ignore the habit: A lesson in launching new products

A new USC study reveals that consumers are more likely to resist products that conflict with their habits, but adopting products into existing routines can increase usage. The researchers found that habit slips, or lapses in product use caused by falling back on old habits, can be a common barrier to new product adoption.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·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.

Rust under pressure could explain deep Earth anomalies

A team of Carnegie scientists has identified a form of iron oxide that resembles pyrite, which they believe could be responsible for seismic and geothermal signatures in the deep mantle. The discovery sheds new light on Earth's formation and evolution, and may even offer an alternative explanation for the Great Oxygenation Event.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

Suicide prevention strategies revisited: A 10-year systematic review

A major international review of suicide prevention has confirmed that restricting access to lethal means and providing Gatekeeper Training can be effective. The study also highlights the importance of follow-up care for individuals who have attempted suicide.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·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.

New antiviral drugs could come from DNA 'scrunching'

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine propose a new model for viral replication, suggesting that DNA 'scrunching' generates forces to drive DNA into a virus during replication. This understanding could lead to new ways to fight infectious pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJun 8, 2016

Replicating psychiatrists' expertise to prevent inpatient suicide

Researchers developed a tablet-based suicide risk assessment tool that performed at a high level, predicting expert psychiatric assessments at between 91-94 percent accuracy. The tool was found to be quick and easy for patients to complete, standardizing risk assessment and helping hospitals meet the Joint Commission mandate.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJun 8, 2016

Faster, better, cheaper tests for blood disease

Researchers developed a more effective, comprehensive and cheaper panel of genetic tests to detect bleeding or clotting disorders in patients. The new tests use genome sequencing technology to provide faster diagnoses and improve patient outcomes.

SourceDon Powell Associates Ltd·JournalBlood·DateJun 8, 2016
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.