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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 247


Page 247 of 423

How our emotions affect store prices

Retailers can boost profits by 7-10% by using higher prices with occasional sales for fashionable goods, according to a new study. The approach works because high-value customers are willing to pay more to avoid regret over not buying now, while lower-priced items attract price-conscious customers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalManagement Science·DateMay 23, 2016

Supercrystals with new architecture can enhance drug synthesis

Researchers designed a helix-shaped supercrystal composed of quantum dots to separate organic molecules and enhance drug synthesis. The chirality of the supercrystal allows for accurate detection of chiral biomolecules, enabling precise identification of enantiomers in pharmaceuticals.

SourceITMO University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 23, 2016

In changing oceans, cephalopods are booming

A new study reveals that cephalopod populations have consistently increased over the past six decades, with diverse groups exhibiting remarkable long-term trends. The research suggests that cephalopods' rapid growth and adaptability may be key factors behind their proliferation in changing ocean environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 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.

Using cellphone data to study the spread of cholera

Researchers at EPFL used mobile phone records to reconstruct the spread of a cholera epidemic in Senegal in 2005, revealing critical roles of human mobility patterns and sanitation infrastructure. The study's findings highlight measures to improve sanitation at transmission hotspots as key to reducing future outbreak progression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Scientists find sustainable solutions for oysters in the future by looking into the past

Researchers found that Native Americans' method of selecting and hand-collecting oysters likely resulted in more consistent average sizes and fewer very small individual oysters. This approach may inform modern-day oyster restoration efforts, which face challenges such as disease, poor water quality, and overfishing.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Study reveals success of text messaging in helping smokers quit

A recent study published in mHealth and uHealth found that text messaging interventions significantly increased the chances of smokers abstaining from smoking. The intervention provided health education, reminders, and support through short messages, yielding promising results.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMay 23, 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.

Ivy's powerful grasp could lead to better medical adhesives, stronger battle armor

Researchers discovered that English ivy's adhesive is made of arabinogalactan proteins, which can be used to create strong bio-inspired adhesives for wound healing and surface-coating applications. The study also found that the glue has unique properties such as being resistant to moisture and environmental conditions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Yellow fever epidemic threatens to spread from Angola to China

The WHO has convened an emergency committee due to the risk of a YF outbreak in unvaccinated populations in Asia. The World Health Organization is concerned about the limited supply of vaccine, but experts warn that this poses a strong risk of epidemics.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMay 23, 2016

Hearing snap, crackle, pop may help heal your knee

Researchers at Georgia Tech are creating a knee band that transcribes crackling knee sounds into moving graphs, which could help doctors determine if the joint is healthy or needs therapy. The device aims to provide valuable patterns from injured knees, potentially benefiting athletes and elderly patients with musculoskeletal injuries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 23, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New technique controls autonomous vehicles on a dirt track

A novel technique called model predictive path integral control (MPPI) helps autonomous vehicles maintain stability at the edge of handling limits. By leveraging advanced algorithms and onboard computing, MPPI enables vehicles to optimize their trajectories in real-time, reducing the risk of accidents on hazardous roads.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 23, 2016

KIT brings outstanding experimental physicist back to Germany

Wolfgang Wernsdorfer, a leading expert in molecular spin electronics, will establish the first center for molecular quantum spintronics at KIT. He aims to integrate small molecular processors into microelectronic chip technology, enabling faster and energy-efficient quantum computers.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateMay 23, 2016

Trial and error in viral evolution: The difference between fading out, pandemic

A team of scientists analyzed multiple studies on three well-known viral families to understand how viruses evolve and increase their genetic diversity. They found that segmented RNA viruses can replicate with a single parental line, but reassortment between viruses is limited by physical and molecular constraints.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateMay 23, 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.

Listening to calls of the wild

A new study found that listening to human vocalizations helps infants form categories, while nonhuman primate vocalizations preserve their early link between signals and categorization. This research highlights the importance of language exposure in early development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCognition·DateMay 23, 2016

UMass Amherst researchers untangle disease-related protein misfolding

A UMass Amherst research team discovered the folding mechanism of serpin antithrombin III, a key protein in the blood coagulation pathway. They found that this protein folds to a higher-energy state, allowing it to function as a 'molecular mousetrap' and generate the work required for physiological functions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

CWRU leads effort to replace prostheses with engineered cartilage

Researchers aim to create non-destructive tools to monitor and assess implantable cartilage, improving the quality of tissue and reducing variability caused by human cells. The center will serve as a resource for academic and industrial labs, disseminating findings and providing training.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMay 23, 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.

Why fruit cracking differs among sweet cherry varieties

Research finds that sweet cherry varieties differ in their susceptibility to skin cracking due to variations in cell wall properties. The study suggests that cell wall physical properties account for the differences in cracking susceptibility among cultivars.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMay 23, 2016

Study shows disparities in treatment for children with traumatic brain injuries

A University of Washington study reveals significant barriers in accessing rehabilitation services for children with traumatic brain injuries from low-income households with limited English proficiency. The study found that less than 20% of providers accepted Medicaid and provided language interpretation, highlighting the need for incr...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateMay 23, 2016

Squids on the rise as oceans change

A University of Adelaide study reveals a global increase in cephalopod abundance since the 1950s, with rapid growth and adaptation traits allowing them to thrive in changing ocean environments.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2016

A history of snowfall on Greenland, hidden in ancient leaf waxes

Scientists reconstruct ancient precipitation patterns in Greenland using aquatic plant leaf waxes, finding evidence of increased snowfall from 6,000 to 4,000 years ago. This trend is consistent with the hypothesis that global warming could drive Arctic snowfall increases, slowing ice sheet shrinkage and sea level rise.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 23, 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.

Racial disparities found in liver cancer survival rates

A new study found significant racial disparities in liver cancer survival rates, with black patients facing a 33% increased risk of death and being transplanted less often. The disparity is attributed to factors such as larger tumor sizes at diagnosis, lower access to care, and higher prevalence of viral hepatitis.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 23, 2016

The dark side of the fluffiest galaxies

A team of astronomers has measured the mass of an ultra-diffuse galaxy using the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS, revealing it is composed primarily of dark matter with very few stars. The findings suggest that such galaxies could exist due to a large amount of dark matter protecting them from destruction.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 23, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

SwRI scientists discover fresh lunar craters

Scientists at SwRI discovered two geologically young craters, one 16 million and the other between 75-420 million years old, in the Moon's darkest regions. The discovery was made possible by a new technique using the Lyman-Alpha Mapping Project instrument aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalIcarus·DateMay 23, 2016

Using drones without disturbing wildlife

Researchers developed a code of best practices to reduce disturbance to wildlife from drone use. The guidelines emphasize the need for consultation with experts and adherence to relevant regulations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2016

New study captures ultrafast motion of proteins

A new study by UNIST researchers has observed structural changes in carbonic anhydrase for the first time. The enzyme catalyzes a reaction converting CO2 and water into protons and bicarbonate ions at a rate of 106 reactions per second, crucial for regulating chemical environments.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Cutting-edge findings in cannabis research

A growing body of evidence suggests that cannabinoids have therapeutic potential for treating various conditions, including Parkinson's disease and gastrointestinal illnesses. The development of new pain therapies is crucial due to demographic changes and increasing life expectancy, which will lead to more patients with chronic pain.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalJournal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology·DateMay 23, 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.

Why children confuse simple words

A study by MIT linguistics professors and Carleton University researchers found that children between 3-6 years old use a similar logical approach to adults when evaluating ambiguous sentences, but fail to consider the implications of substituting 'and' for 'or',

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNatural Language Semantics·DateMay 23, 2016

58 life science researchers elected as new EMBO Members

EMBO has elected 58 outstanding scientists as new members, including Adam Antebi and George Fu Gao, in recognition of their groundbreaking research. The organization aims to support talented researchers at all stages of their careers and promote international collaboration.

SourceEMBO·DateMay 23, 2016

A rallying call for microbiome science national data management

Researchers from the DOE JGI call for a National Microbiome Data Center to manage accumulated microbiome data and metadata, enabling larger-scale comparative analyses. The center would harness all available data to address global challenges in energy, environment, health, and agriculture.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateMay 23, 2016

UTHealth study finds e-cigarette marketing linked to teen e-cigarette use

A UTHealth study found that middle and high school students exposed to e-cigarette marketing messages were more likely to use e-cigarettes. The study reveals a trend that is not likely to change, with e-cigarette companies following the same marketing strategies as cigarette companies.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 23, 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.

Traveling wave drives magnetic particles

Scientists develop new method to control magnetic particles of two distinct sizes suspended in liquid, forming channels that drive small particles along, improving sorting and lab-on-a-chip device functionality.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 23, 2016

Use of video decision aids increases advance care planning in Hilo, Hawaii

A pilot program using video decision aids increased the documented incidence of advance care planning conversations and hospice discharges in Hilo, Hawaii. The program improved end-of-life care by allowing doctors to have critical conversations with patients about their individual preferences.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 23, 2016

Transplanting healthy stool might be an answer to ulcerative colitis

Researchers found that fecal microbiota transplantation effectively treated ulcerative colitis, with 27% of patients achieving symptom-free status. The study, which used a multi-donor approach, showed promise as an alternative treatment option for UC patients resistant to conventional therapies.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 23, 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.

Crucial interaction between fire and mankind explored in new research

A pioneering team of researchers has devised a 'manifesto for fire science' to examine the intricate relationship between fire and humanity on a global scale. The study reveals that factors such as invasive plants, landscape change, climate change, and population growth create tension between fire and human inhabitants.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMay 22, 2016

More migration data needed for better policy

Researchers urge governments to share more information about migration to track people moving between countries. Governments need to prioritize sharing data, training programs, and modeling to make better public policy decisions.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2016

One-third of heart failure patients do not return to work

A study of nearly 12,000 heart failure patients found that one year after hospitalization, 68% had returned to work, while 25% remained unemployed. Younger patients, those with higher education levels, and men were more likely to return to work.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 22, 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.

Japanese-language MyShake app crowdsources earthquake shaking

The MyShake app, released in Japanese, collects ground-shaking information from smartphones to analyze quakes and relay data to the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory. The system has recorded earthquakes worldwide, including induced earthquakes, and plans to provide life-saving early warnings.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateMay 21, 2016

Power up when the temperature is down

Researchers from Hiroshima University have developed a new re-chargeable battery that can operate at below-freezing temperatures, making it suitable for use in refrigerated factories or extreme winter environments. The eco battery has the potential to be cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting than current metal-based batteries.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalBulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan·DateMay 20, 2016

An integrated inertial microfluidic vortex sorter

Researchers developed an integrated inertial microfluidic vortex sorter for simultaneous double sorting of rare target cells and removal of background cells. The device achieved highly purified target cell products, even in complex samples containing orders of magnitude larger number of background cells.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateMay 20, 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.

Rapid rise of the Mesozoic sea dragons

Researchers from the University of Bristol found that marine reptiles in the Mesozoic era quickly developed diverse feeding habits and morphological adaptations, expanding their ecological niches. This study, published in Paleobiology, sheds light on the rapid evolution of these ancient predators.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPaleobiology·DateMay 20, 2016

EPSRC commits £15 million for formulation manufacturing research

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has committed £15 million to support seven research projects across the UK. These projects aim to improve the complex formulation processes used in various industries, including toothpaste, inhalers, pharmaceuticals, and 3D printing. By developing new libraries of materials...

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateMay 20, 2016