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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 240


Page 240 of 423

Imaging study shows promising results for patients with schizophrenia

A recent imaging study found a subtle increase in brain tissue volume in certain regions of patients with schizophrenia, indicating the brain's ability to reorganize and fight the illness. The study suggests that despite severe damage, the brain may constantly attempt to rescue itself or limit the damage.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMay 27, 2016

Fast, stretchy circuits could yield new wave of wearable electronics

Engineers at University of Wisconsin-Madison created world's fastest stretchable, wearable integrated circuits, expanding Internet of Things capabilities. These powerful circuits can operate up to 40 GHz and are 25 micrometers thick, enabling biomedical applications like epidermal electronic systems.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 27, 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.

Skin cancer: A team synthesizes new drugs with surprising powers

Researchers have synthesized a new drug, HA15, that reduces melanoma cell viability without being toxic to normal cells. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for patients with skin cancer.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 27, 2016

Rethinking hospital alarms

Researchers aim to develop optimum alarm systems by analyzing alarm errors and predicting their occurrence. The new models will prioritize alarms that reflect urgent situations while balancing staff alertness with patient recovery concerns.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 27, 2016

Faster, more efficient CRISPR editing in mice

Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a faster and more efficient CRISPR-Cas9 editing method for mice, using electroporation instead of microinjection. The new technique resulted in higher success rates and reduced embryo damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 27, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Automating DNA origami opens door to many new uses

Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm that can build complex DNA nanoparticles automatically, allowing for a broader range of applications in fields such as vaccine development and gene editing. The algorithm, known as DAEDALUS, can build any type of 3D shape with a closed surface, including shapes with holes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2016

Music for the eyes

A study found that patients who listened to relaxing music before cataracts surgery experienced significantly reduced anxiety and required less sedation. Music-induced relaxation lasts for approximately 60 minutes after the music stops, making it a potential non-pharmacological method to reduce pre-operative anxiety.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateMay 27, 2016

How Zika infects the placenta

Scientists have discovered that Zika virus can infect and replicate in immune cells from the placenta without killing them. This finding may explain how the virus passes through the placenta of a pregnant woman to infect developing brain cells in her fetus.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 27, 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.

PNNL helps lead national microbiome initiative

Scientists at PNNL are part of a core group advising the White House on microbiome research. The National Microbiome Initiative aims to study microorganisms' impact on climate science, food production, and human health.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 27, 2016

Teenage brain on social media

A new UCLA study found that teenagers' brains activate the same reward circuitry when seeing high and low social media likes, influencing their behavior. The study suggests that social media can have a significant impact on teens' willingness to conform and engage in risk-taking behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 27, 2016

Telling irregularities

A clinical study confirmed a strong correlation between minor heart rate irregularities and the survival prospects of heart attack patients. The new method, measuring respiratory sinus arrhythmia, produces a specific picture of the body's functional condition.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 27, 2016

Guarding the gatekeepers

Researchers at NCBS discovered Septin 7 as a 'molecular brake' regulating Orai proteins and maintaining dopamine levels. This discovery could lead to therapies for neurodegenerative disorders and immune system dysregulations.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 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.

Appalachian coal ash richest in rare earth elements

A study by researchers at Duke University found that coal from the Appalachian Mountains contains the highest amounts of rare earth elements. The team identified ash from this region as a potential source for extracting these critical materials, which are essential for clean energy and emerging technologies.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 27, 2016

US military members who report poor sleep were less resilient in recent study

A new study published in the journal Sleep found that US military members who reported insomnia symptoms or short sleep durations were less resilient than those with healthy sleep hygiene. The study also showed that poor sleepers are more likely to leave the military early and are less likely to deploy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 27, 2016

Pharmacist prescribes education as key to curbing opioid abuse

A University of the Pacific professor argues that pharmacists must be part of the solution to curb opioid abuse, citing a grim diagnosis of increased misuse and alarming numbers of overdose deaths. The expert advocates for independent education and broader pain management training for prescribers and patients.

SourceUniversity of the Pacific·JournalCurrent Pain and Headache Reports·DateMay 27, 2016

The dying child: Room for improvement in end-of-life care

A new study found that pediatric end-of-life care requires improvement, with 62% of parents' wishes for their child's death location not being fulfilled. Siblings also need more support after a family member's death, and healthcare staff experience logistical barriers to providing adequate bereavement care.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 27, 2016

Spin glass physics with trapped ions

Researchers demonstrate how state-of-the-art quantum simulations with trapped ions can be used to solve complex problems like number-partitioning. By applying a strategy known as quantum annealing, they show a faster solution than other methods.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 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.

Vitamin nicotinamide riboside protects mice from diabetes complications

A new study found that vitamin nicotinamide riboside (NR) can protect mice from diabetes complications by lowering blood sugar levels, reducing fatty liver, and preventing peripheral nerve damage. NR is a precursor to NAD+, an important cellular metabolite required for energy conversion.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 27, 2016

Fungi -- a promising source of chemical diversity

Scientists discovered new natural products in the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which share similar biosynthesis pathways with plant isoquinoline alkaloids. The findings open up new roads for combinatorial biotechnology to develop novel active compounds and urgently needed new drugs.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 27, 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.

Zika virus infects human placental macrophages

Researchers found that Zika virus can infect human placental macrophages, known as Hofbauer cells, which have direct access to fetal blood vessels. This infection may allow the virus to cross the placental barrier and enter the fetal circulation, posing a risk to fetal development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 27, 2016

Arctic Ocean methane does not reach the atmosphere

Research from UiT The Arctic University of Norway suggests that methane emissions from the seabed in the Arctic Ocean do not significantly affect the atmosphere. Scientists performed measurements near the seabed, in the ocean and atmosphere, to determine if methane is being released into the air.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 27, 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.

Predicting the spread of the Zika virus

A new tool by Japanese researchers predicts the risk of Zika virus importation and local transmission for 189 countries, identifying subtropical and tropical nations as high-risk. Countries with a history of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases face the greatest risk of infection.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 27, 2016

A look beyond the horizon of events

A team of physicists has developed a new method to calculate the thermodynamics of black holes, leveraging quantum gravity and holographic principles. The study proposes that a 'condensate' of space quanta can describe homogeneous classical geometries, allowing for a more realistic and robust calculation of black hole entropy.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 26, 2016

RDA Data Share program announces fellowship awards

The RDA Data Share program has selected 14 fellows for its 2016 cohort, with a focus on strengthening careers in data science and data sharing. Fellows will work on their own projects and collaborate with RDA working groups over 12-18 month terms.

SourceResearch Data Alliance (RDA)·DateMay 26, 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.

New malaria drugs kill by promoting premature parasite division

Researchers discovered that new malaria drugs promote premature parasite division by increasing sodium ion concentration, altering membrane composition and killing the parasite. The study found that these changes occur without replicating the parasite's genome, indicating a potential new mechanism of action for antimalarial drugs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 26, 2016

UCSB receives Grand Challenges Explorations grant

David Low's innovative project targets enteric pathogen-specific T2 bacteriophage to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funded $100,000 GCE grant will support his research on a new approach using bacteriophage targeting essential outer membrane protein BamA.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateMay 26, 2016

Cuing environmental responses in fungi

Researchers analyzed genome sequences of fungi to understand their environmental response mechanisms. They found that whole-genome duplication led to the development of specialized genes enabling refined signal perception, which could aid in natural control of metabolic processes and biofuels production.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 26, 2016

Study dispels myth about millionaire migration in the US

A new study dispels the notion that millionaires are highly mobile, finding they are reluctant to move for tax benefits. The study reveals that only about 12,000 millionaires change states annually, and family responsibilities are a key factor limiting migration among top-income earners.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 26, 2016

Investigational drugs show promise for treating overactive bladder

A new investigational drug propiverine hydrochloride has shown promising results in treating overactive bladder, demonstrating better efficacy than an existing medication in reducing voiding frequency and incontinence episodes. Patients reported significant improvement in symptoms after treatment, with response rates increasing over time.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateMay 26, 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.

PETA science group publishes a review on pulmonary effects of nanomaterials

The review assesses the fibrotic potential of various nanomaterials, including multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and recommends in vitro approaches to predict lung fibrosis development. This scientific study aims to advance non-animal methods for studying nanomaterial effects on human health.

SourcePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateMay 26, 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.

How a huge landslide shaped Zion National Park

A new study from the University of Utah has dated the Sentinel rock avalanche to 4,800 years ago, estimating its size and dynamics. The landslide created a flat floor for 700 years, covering an area larger than New York City's Central Park with debris.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGSA Today·DateMay 26, 2016

Study explores why there is no Labor Party in the United States

A new study by McGill University sociologist Barry Eidlin challenges conventional wisdom on the US lack of a labor party. The research shows that differences in political culture and electoral systems did not affect labor party support as expected before the 1930s. Instead, it was a consequence of different ruling party responses to wo...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 26, 2016

Targeting metals to fight pathogenic bacteria

Scientists have identified a novel metal scavenger, staphylopine, produced by the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics targeting the bacteria's addiction to metals.

SourceUmea University·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2016

Gut bacteria may contribute to poor health in patients with kidney disease

A study found that gut bacterial metabolites can accumulate in patients with chronic kidney disease, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. The accumulation of phenylacetylglutamine was particularly associated with poor health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 26, 2016
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.

Why is there no Labor Party in the United States?

A McGill University sociologist uses historical data to challenge the conventional wisdom that the US lacks a labor or socialist party. The analysis of 142 years of electoral data shows that differences in political culture and electoral systems did not affect labor party support as expected.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 26, 2016

Harbour porpoises are skilled hunters and eat almost constantly

Researchers tracked harbour porpoises with tiny computers, revealing they hunt small fish nearly continuously at ultra-high rates, catching up to 550 fish per hour. This success rate of over 90% makes them vulnerable to disturbances, as there's no room for compensation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 26, 2016

Migration back to Africa took place during the Paleolithic

The study retrieved the complete sequence of a fossil's mitogenome, confirming its Eurasian origin and supporting a Palaeolithic back-migration to Africa. This migration suggests that some populations embarked on a journey from Eurasia to Africa around 40,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 2016

NIH study visualizes proteins involved in cancer cell metabolism

Scientists have made a breakthrough in visualizing proteins involved in cancer cell metabolism using cryo-EM. They were able to capture images of glutamate dehydrogenase at an atomic level, revealing new insights into potential drug targets. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize and accelerate the drug discovery process.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 2016

Bright lights, healthy choices

Research published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that diners in well-lit rooms are more likely to order healthier options, such as grilled fish or vegetables, compared to those in dimly lit spaces. The study also revealed that increased alertness leads to better food choices.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMay 26, 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.

Weight gain in children associated with low hormone levels

A Mayo Clinic-led study discovered that obese teenagers have lower levels of the hormone spexin, which may play a role in weight gain. The study suggests that spexin could be involved in childhood obesity and potentially used to treat or manage the condition.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 26, 2016

Top-down design brings new DNA structures to life

A new method for designing geometric forms built from DNA has been developed, allowing for the creation of tiny structures in 2 and 3 dimensions. The technique, known as DNA origami, relies on a top-down strategy and can produce virtually any polyhedral shape.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2016

The brain needs cleaning to stay healthy

Researchers found that microglia fail to remove dead neurons during epilepsy, leading to accumulation and inflammatory responses. The study's findings provide a new target for therapies aimed at boosting phagocytosis and alleviating brain diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 26, 2016

Can we extend healthspan by altering the perception of food?

Researchers at the Buck Institute discovered a small molecule that tricks C. elegans into a state of caloric restriction, extending its lifespan by 50%. This study suggests that primary sensory pathways represent new targets for human pharmacology to mimic the positive effects of a Spartan diet.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalAging Cell·DateMay 26, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

'Phage' fishing yields new weapon against antibiotic resistance

Researchers discovered a bacteriophage virus in Connecticut that targets multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, making it susceptible to existing antibiotics. This 'phage' therapy has the potential to treat life-threatening infections and preserve medical options against deadly bacteria.

SourceYale University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 2016