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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 245


Page 245 of 423

Acupuncture used in clinical settings reduced symptoms of menopause

A new study published in the journal Menopause found that acupuncture significantly reduced hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. The treatment resulted in a 36.7% decline in frequency of hot flashes after six months, with benefits persisting for another year.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalMenopause·DateMay 24, 2016

Sequencing analysis identifies genomic alterations in colorectal precancers

A study using whole-exome sequencing has identified genomic alterations in both colorectal adenomas and at-risk mucosa, shedding light on the evolution of normal mucosa to precancer. The research provides a catalog of genomic changes preceding colorectal cancer development in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateMay 24, 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.

Footprints of baby planets in a gas disk

Researchers found two gaps in the gas disk that overlap with dust gaps, suggesting infant planets carve out the gaps. The team estimates a planet mass 0.8 times Jupiter's at the inner gap, but the outer gap's origin remains unclear.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 24, 2016

Internet addiction and school burnout feed into each other

A longitudinal research project found a link between digital addiction and school burnout in Finnish adolescents, with excessive internet use contributing to school burnout and potentially leading to depression. The study suggests that promoting school engagement and motivation can prevent these issues.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateMay 24, 2016

Getting the most out of natural gas

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully upgraded methane into methyl bromide, a base material for fuels and chemicals, through oxybromination chemistry. The new catalyst, vanadium phosphate, enables closed-bromine recycling, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 24, 2016

Can't resist temptation? That may not be a bad thing

Children raised in poverty exhibit a unique behavioral adaptation: they tend to seize opportunities quickly, rather than delaying for rewards. This counterintuitive finding is linked to high vagal tone, which may facilitate rapid decision-making in uncertain contexts.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 24, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Do dressings prevent infection?

A recent Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to conclude that dressings reduce surgical site infection. However, dressings may provide a barrier to direct injury and reduce patient anxiety. The authors recommend using basic, low-absorbency dressings at a cost of a few pence per dressing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 24, 2016

Diamonds closer to becoming ideal semiconductors

Scientists have developed a new technique to dope single-crystal diamonds with boron at relatively low temperatures without degrading the crystal. This breakthrough enables selective doping, allowing for more control when making devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 24, 2016

Single-step hydrogen peroxide production could be cleaner, more efficient

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new way to synthesize hydrogen peroxide in a single step, which could make it an economically feasible oxidant for various chemical processes. The method uses a palladium-based catalyst and avoids the decomposition reaction that typically occurs during synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 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.

Study shows which new moms post the most on Facebook

A study by Ohio State University found that new mothers who feel societal pressure to be perfect parents and strongly identify with their motherhood role tend to post more frequently on Facebook. This behavior can lead to stronger emotional reactions to comments, including feelings of validation or disappointment. The study also found ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSex Roles·DateMay 24, 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.

Poverty marks a gene, predicting depression

A study by Duke University scientists reveals a biological pathway for depression in adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. The research shows that these individuals accumulate epigenetic tags on a gene linked to depression, leading to increased amygdala activity and higher risk of depression symptoms.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 24, 2016

Depression lowers women's chances of pregnancy, BU study finds

Women with severe depressive symptoms have a decreased chance of becoming pregnant, while psychotropic medication use does not appear to harm fertility. The study found a 38% decrease in the average probability of conception among women with severe depressive symptoms.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 24, 2016

Wildfire -- it's not spreading like wildfire

A new analysis of global data reveals that global area burned has seen an overall slight decline over past decades, with around 4% of the global land surface affected by vegetation fires each year. The researchers also found that there is increasing evidence that there is less fire in the global landscape today than centuries ago.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMay 24, 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.

Babies fed directly from breast may be at less risk for ear infections

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that breastfeeding for six months reduces the risk of ear infections by 30% and diarrhea by 25%. However, pumping breast milk from a bottle also provides some protection against ear infections and may reduce diarrhea risk compared to formula feeding.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 24, 2016

A warning system for tsunamis

Scientists at the Australian National University have created a new algorithm that can accurately predict tsunamis by analyzing real-time ocean sensor data. The Time Reverse Imaging Method takes data from sensors to recreate what the tsunami looked like when it was born, allowing for better predictions of its trajectory.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 24, 2016

Clinical trial demonstrates success of low FODMAP diet

A clinical trial conducted by Michigan Medicine demonstrated the effectiveness of a low FODMAP diet in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study found that over 50% of patients on the low FODMAP diet experienced major improvements in abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and stool urgency compared to the control group.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 24, 2016

Does discrimination contribute to lower rates of flu vaccination in racial/ethnic minorities?

A study found that racial/ethnic minorities are less likely to receive flu vaccinations, with those who report discrimination being about half as likely to be vaccinated. However, after adjusting for other factors, the difference becomes nonsignificant, suggesting that perceived discrimination may not be the primary cause of the dispar...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateMay 24, 2016
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Barium leaches directly from fracked rocks, Dartmouth team finds

Researchers found that chemical reactions between injected freshwater and fractured shale caused barium to leach directly from the rock. They also discovered a specific depth interval where barite grains were 'bitten' by pyrite, leading to barium mobilization in clay minerals.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateMay 24, 2016

Vitamin A may help improve pancreatic cancer chemotherapy

Researchers have found that a combination of vitamin A and chemotherapy can reduce cancer cell proliferation and invasion in pancreatic cancer. The approach targets both cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells, blocking multiple cell signalling pathways used by cancer cells to become aggressive.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateMay 24, 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.

Living near a landfill could damage your health

Research in Italy found a strong association between living near landfills and increased risk of lung cancer, as well as hospitalizations for respiratory diseases. Exposure to air pollutants from waste treatment plants was linked to higher rates of respiratory symptoms among residents.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 24, 2016

New way of growing blood vessels could boost regenerative medicine

Researchers have developed a new method to grow blood vessels in a 3D scaffold, reducing transplant rejection risks and increasing tissue integration. The technique uses human platelet lysate gel and endothelial progenitor cells, paving the way for fully vascularized tissues or organs.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 24, 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.

People power crucial for low-carbon future, new research shows

A new study by Johan Schot and colleagues emphasizes the crucial role of ordinary people in driving a transition to a low-carbon energy system. The research identifies five key types of users who interplay to create and change technology and society's application of it, including User-Producers, User-Legitimators, and User-Citizens.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Energy·DateMay 24, 2016

Mucus may play vital role in dolphin echolocation

Researchers develop model that suggests mucus plays crucial role in dolphin sonar click production. The model accurately reproduces two distinct parts of a dolphin click: an initial loud thump and extended ring.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 24, 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.

May repairs full of mistakes develop into cancer?

Researchers at Osaka University found that DNA damage response errors can lead to tumor formation when proteins are not removed correctly. Ku protein plays a key role in DNA repair, but its incorrect function can result in genetic information loss and cancer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 24, 2016

Colorectal cancer rate rising among younger people

Researchers found a significant increase in colorectal cancer cases under 50 years old, with advanced stages at diagnosis. The study suggests healthcare providers need to be more vigilant in detecting symptoms in younger patients.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 24, 2016

As more states legalize marijuana, adolescents' problems with pot decline

A study of over 216,000 adolescents found a 24% decline in marijuana-related problems and a 10% decrease in marijuana use between 2002 and 2013. Behavioral problems also decreased, suggesting a link between early treatment and reduced substance abuse.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 24, 2016

Revealing the nature of magnetic interactions in manganese oxide

Researchers confirmed the 'superexchange' model explaining MnO's long-range magnetic order by studying short-range magnetic interactions. The study used a new mathematical approach called mPDF analysis to measure correlations in fluctuating moments, providing crucial information about magnetic interactions and their role in superconduc...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 24, 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.

Why vocal fry?

Researchers are studying the lowest vocal register, called vocal fry, to better understand its emotional properties and how it affects listeners. The technique has become popular in pop and country music, with female singers' use of vocal fry rating them as more expressive.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 24, 2016

More than half of EU citizens questioned now think e-cigarettes are harmful

A recent EU survey found that over 50% of Europeans believe e-cigarettes pose a health risk, despite continued use surging across member states. The study also reveals that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to have tried e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for better understanding of their impact on public health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 24, 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.

Loss of Y chromosome in blood is associated with developing Alzheimer's disease

Research links loss of Y chromosome in blood cells to increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in men. A study of over 3,200 men found that those with an existing diagnosis of AD had a higher degree of lost Y chromosome, and LOY was also a marker for the likelihood of developing the disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 23, 2016

Making virus sensors cheap and simple: New method detects single viruses in urine

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new method to rapidly detect single viruses in urine, including Ebola, Zika, and HIV. The technique is highly selective and can be used with urine straight from a person or animal, unlike other methods that require higher concentrations or purification.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Northern invaders threaten Antarctic marine life

A new study reveals that marine life from the north can easily invade Antarctic waters due to the weakening of the Antarctic Polar Front. As a result, non-Antarctic species could soon colonize the region, leading to drastic ecosystem changes.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalEcography·DateMay 23, 2016

Attosecond physics: A switch for light-wave electronics

Scientists have developed a novel method to study the dynamics of electrons in solids when exposed to ultrafast light pulses. This breakthrough enables the precise optimization of energy transfer between light and matter, paving the way for faster electronic signal processing and potentially accelerating data processing to its limits.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 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.

Higher fluctuations in blood pressure linked to brain function decline

Higher blood pressure fluctuations are associated with faster declines in brain and cognitive function among older adults. Average blood pressure readings were not linked to changes in brain function, suggesting that controlling blood pressure instability may be key to preserving cognitive function.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 23, 2016

Nanoscale Trojan horses treat inflammation

Researchers at Houston Methodist created nanoparticles called leukosomes that target inflamed tissues using a patient's own immune cells. The treatment shows promise in resolving inflammation and reversing the immune response, suggesting potential applications beyond cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 23, 2016

Breast cancer drug discovery offers hope of new treatments

Researchers have identified a chemical compound eCF506 that effectively blocks breast cancer cell growth, targeting a specific molecule required for tumor progression. The findings suggest eCF506 may be more effective and have fewer side effects than existing drugs, with further studies needed to confirm its potential.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 23, 2016

Rice University lab simplifies total synthesis of anti-cancer agent

The Rice University lab has developed a streamlined total synthesis of delta12-prostaglandin J3, a molecule with potential as an anti-cancer agent. The new method requires only six steps from commercially available starting materials, making it more efficient and desirable for large-scale synthesis.

SourceRice University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 23, 2016

End of the road for aliskiren in heart failure

A subgroup analysis from the ATMOSPHERE trial found that aliskiren was not superior or non-inferior to standard treatment with an ACE inhibitor in heart failure patients with diabetes. In those with diabetes, aliskiren was associated with a lower risk of symptomatic hypotension but did not demonstrate better cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 23, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.