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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 26


Page 26 of 423

Put people at the center of conservation, new study advises

A new study calls for a shift in conservation approaches that consider humans' livelihoods, cultural traditions, and dependence on natural resources. This can lead to successful conservation projects when both natural and social scientists work together with local communities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 6, 2016

Researchers compare biodiversity trends with the stock market

Researchers compare biodiversity trends with the stock market to develop a framework for preventing species loss. The concept of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) can help document critical changes in biodiversity and inform policy decisions.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 6, 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.

Cancer's deadly toll grows in less developed countries as new cases increase globally

A new study found that cancer cases are growing at an alarming rate in less developed countries, with a 50% increase between 2005 and 2015. The global burden of disease is heaviest for countries with high development levels, but the most rapid escalation can be seen in low-income nations where health services are often lacking.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 6, 2016

Ice age vertebrates had mixed responses to climate change

A new study reveals that ice age vertebrate species in the eastern US responded to glacial cycles and global warming in different ways. The research found that about 75% of animals expanded their populations, while 25% contracted, suggesting additional complexity in climate change impacts.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 6, 2016

How to turn white fat brown

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a molecular trigger that can activate a 'browning program' in white adipocytes, making them more like energy-burning brown adipocytes. This discovery could lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 6, 2016

Higher death rates associated with routine handoffs of hospital patients

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus found a correlation between hospital handoffs and increased mortality rates. The study analyzed data from 2008 to 2014 and found an absolute increase of 1.5-1.9% in hospital mortality rates among patients exposed to end-of-rotation transitions in care.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA·DateDec 6, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study: Hospital nutrition program shortens patient stays and reduces readmissions

A new study found that optimizing hospital nutrition care can significantly reduce 30-day readmission rates and length of stay for malnourished patients. Implementing a validated nutrition screening tool and providing early treatment and education can lead to substantial improvements in patient outcomes.

SourceMSL Group - New York·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateDec 6, 2016

What happens in the cell nucleus after fertilization

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München found a mechanism controlling cell division after fertilization, allowing for diverse cellular development. The study reveals that the molecule Suv4-20h2 attaches methyl groups to histones, arresting cell progression and enabling totipotency.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 6, 2016

Blood-brain barrier on a chip sheds new light on 'silent killer'

Researchers developed a microfluidic device that overcomes previous models of the blood-brain barrier, allowing for study of brain inflammation and its link to neurodegenerative conditions. The device was successfully tested with flying colors, paving the way for use in testing new drugs and compounds.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·DateDec 6, 2016

Bacterial mechanism converts nitrogen to greenhouse gas

Researchers at Cornell University discovered a biological mechanism that converts nitrogen-based fertilizer into nitrous oxide, increasing atmospheric levels by 120%. The enzyme cytochrome P460 produced in ammonia-oxidizing bacteria leads to nitrous oxide production as a chemical coping strategy.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 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.

Do cannabis users think package warnings are needed?

A study found that cannabis users in Australia recommended package warnings that focused on driving ability, mental health, and addiction risk, mirroring some expert warnings. However, users also suggested unconventional warnings not typically recommended by experts, highlighting the need for caution in packaging cannabis products.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateDec 6, 2016

Unlocking a liver receptor puzzle

Researchers at Emory Health Sciences have made a breakthrough in understanding how diabetes drugs interact with LRH-1, a protein that regulates metabolism of fat and sugar. The study found that small changes to compounds can significantly impact their binding pocket interaction.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 6, 2016

Unique strain of lactic acid bacteria in Buryat milk is found

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have isolated a unique strain of lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis 194, from Buryat milk that possesses a wide range of antimicrobial action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The strain also shows antifungal properties, making it a promising candida...

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalJournal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology·DateDec 6, 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.

Speed data for the brain's navigation system

Researchers found that specific cells in the medial septum fire at higher rates when a mouse moves faster, influencing activity in the brain's navigation center. This 'speedometer cell' data bus relays speed information to the entorhinal cortex, essential for spatial orientation.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 6, 2016

An amino acid controls plants' breath

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science discovered that amino acid L-methionine activates calcium channels in plant guard cells, regulating stomatal opening and closing. This process is crucial for maintaining adequate intracellular calcium levels in plants, essential for growth and breathing.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 6, 2016

GeroScope -- a computer method to beat aging

The GeroScope algorithm identified 10 substances with potential geroprotector properties, including PD-98059 and NAC. The study suggests that computer modeling can significantly reduce the time and cost of developing new drugs.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateDec 6, 2016

New material could lead to erasable and rewriteable optical chips

A new material developed by Yuebing Zheng could lead to the creation of erasable and rewriteable optical chips. The material, which combines light-sensitive molecules with a plasmonic surface, allows for wireless erasure and rewriting of optical components.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 6, 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.

New application of existing drug offers personalized therapy for lung cancer

Researchers discovered a subset of lung tumors sensitive to MEK inhibitors, offering new hope for up to 10% of lung cancer patients with ATM mutant gene. The study's findings could pave the way for precision medicine and targeted treatment strategies.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2016

School shootings less likely in states with background checks on gun purchases

Research found that US school shootings were lower in states with mandatory background checks on gun purchases and higher spending on mental health services and public education. The study analyzed media coverage of school shootings between 2013-2015, finding a link between state-level factors and the frequency of these incidents.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateDec 6, 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.

Obesity: Tiny fat-burning molecule might help fight giant problem

A small molecule could provide a new therapeutic approach to fighting excessive weight gain in cases where diets or exercise have no effect. The research team found that blocking a specific protein promotes gene expression of the protein that burns calories and prevents fat gain.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateDec 6, 2016

NASA measures altitudes of Hawaii's rain, snow

NASA analyzed Hawaii's heavy snowfall using GPM satellite data, finding precipitation rates exceeding 9.3 inches per hour in intense storms. The average freezing level was determined to be around 14,127 feet, with slopes reaching as low as 12,795 feet.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 6, 2016

Hispanic adults with diabetes could benefit from peer support interventions

A MU study found that Hispanic adults with diabetes experienced significant improvements in blood sugar levels through peer support interventions. The meta-analysis of 17 randomized control trials suggests that these interventions can be an effective way to improve glycemic control and health education for minority patients.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateDec 6, 2016

Illinois researchers discover hot hydrogen atoms in Earth's upper atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered hot atomic hydrogen atoms in the thermosphere, a layer of the atmosphere above 250 kilometers. This finding contradicts previous assumptions and has significant implications for understanding atmospheric escape and the behavior of satellites in low Earth orbit.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 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.

Infrastructure data for everyone

Researchers at Technical University of Munich are collecting infrastructure data via an open source platform using crowdsourcing. The OpenGridMap app allows volunteers to map wind turbines, solar power plants, transformer sub-stations and power lines, generating a denser network of verified grids.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateDec 5, 2016

Martin Katz given the ACNP Paul Hoch Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Martin M. Katz has been recognized with the ACNP Paul Hoch Distinguished Service Award for his over 50 years of dedication to the organization and its mission. He made significant contributions to the theoretical understanding of antidepressant mechanisms, serving on key committees and editing notable publications.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 5, 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.

Combination immune therapy shows promise against Hodgkin lymphoma

A combination of brentuximab vedotin and nivolumab has been found to be safe and effective in treating recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma, with 64% of patients experiencing significant tumor reduction. The therapy has manageable side effects and shows promise as an alternative curative regimen for relapsed disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateDec 5, 2016

Fast evolution affects everyone, everywhere

Research highlights how humans impact the evolution of other species, leading to rapid changes in a few years to decades. Examples include commercial fishing, invasive species, and urbanization, which drive evolutionary adaptations.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 5, 2016

Prehistoric plant remains highlight diverse origins of cereal domestication

Researchers uncover regional diversity in plant species exploited during Pre-Pottery Neolithic A, challenging previous assumptions about the importance of cereals. The study suggests that legumes played a crucial role in eastern Fertile Crescent regions and contributed to chronological dissimilarities in cereal domestication.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Humanities·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 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.

David H. Yang to receive 2017 AMS-MAA-SIAM Morgan Prize

David H. Yang, an MIT undergraduate, has been awarded the 2017 AMS-MAA-SIAM Morgan Prize for his exceptional research in algebraic geometry and geometric representation theory. Yang's work has been recognized for its excellence, with three papers published or in preparation in prominent mathematical journals.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateDec 5, 2016

New telescope chip offers clear view of alien planets

A new optical chip enables astronomers to capture clear images of exoplanets near their host sun, overcoming the challenge of intense solar brightness. This breakthrough technology uses an interferometer to cancel out sunlight and detect fainter planet light, paving the way for discovering planets with conditions suitable for life.

SourceAustralian National University·DateDec 5, 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.

Designer switches of cell fate could streamline stem cell biology

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a novel approach to reprogram cells from one type to another using artificial transcription factors. This method enables efficient and unbiased conversion of cells, paving the way for faster research and potential therapeutic applications.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2016

Double whammy for triple negative breast cancer

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a promising new combination therapy for triple negative breast cancer, which inhibits tumor growth and survival while preventing drug resistance. The therapy targets EGFR and PYK2 molecules, leading to a more potent therapeutic effect than inhibiting either molecule alone.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 5, 2016

Past misdeeds haunt relationships when they feel recent, study finds

A new study finds that recalling past misdeeds during conflicts can be detrimental to relationships, even if no one mentions them. Those with high attachment anxiety are especially prone to thinking about past transgressions in the present, leading to more destructive reactions and poor relationship outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 5, 2016

Global public health advocates open new fronts in war on tobacco

Public health advocates from around the world are using various tactics to reduce tobacco company influence, including pension fund reform and smoke-free legislation. Efforts have shown positive impacts on public health, such as a 13% decrease in all-cause mortality in Ireland.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateDec 5, 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.

Neolithic Syrians were first to domesticate cereals

Researchers discovered evidence of cereal domestication at Tell Qarassa North archaeological site, revealing advanced farming communities and varying domestication rates across regions. The study provides crucial insights into the origins of agriculture and its impact on human societies.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 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.

Confirmation of Wendelstein 7-X magnetic field

The W7-X stellarator in Germany has produced high-quality magnetic fields consistent with its complex design, achieving an error rate of less than one part in 100,000. This finding could be a key step toward verifying the feasibility of stellarators as models for future fusion reactors.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2016

Genetic factors control regenerative properties of blood-forming stem cells

Researchers define how genetic factors affect blood-forming stem cells' regenerative properties, accelerating or hindering their ability to restore the immune system. The findings highlight two molecular mechanisms that could be manipulated to increase hematopoietic stem cell regeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 5, 2016

Syrian crisis altered region's land and water resources, Stanford study finds

A Stanford study found that the Syrian civil war caused a significant decrease in agricultural irrigation and reservoir storage in Syria, with irrigation land decreasing by 47% and reservoir storage dropping by 49%. This reduction has led to increased flow in neighboring countries like Jordan, exacerbating water scarcity issues.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2016

An eye on young specialists' success

A recent study by Queen's University researcher Dr. Robert Campbell found that young ophthalmologists are struggling to secure practice opportunities after total provincial surgical rates plateaued in Ontario. The study suggests a pressing need for effective career counselling and policy changes to address the issue.

SourceQueen's University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 5, 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.