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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 267


Page 267 of 423

Changes needed to increase access to colorectal cancer screening

A commentary in the journal Gastroenterology argues that current policy harms low-income patients by not waiving their share of coverage costs for screening. The authors recommend waiving coinsurance and copay for diagnostic procedures associated with screening, as well as value-based and evidence-based benefit design.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 6, 2016

Severe stroke prognoses differ depending on the doctor

A new study reveals vast differences in treatment recommendations among physicians for brain hemorrhage patients. The variation was found to be influenced by factors such as the physician's specialty and experience with the condition. Researchers recommend that clinicians consider these variations when communicating with families, as i...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology·DateMay 6, 2016

A new paper-based test for the Zika virus

A new paper-based test developed at MIT and other institutions can diagnose Zika virus infection within a few hours. The test distinguishes Zika from the similar dengue virus, making it potentially practical for widespread use.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateMay 6, 2016

Peptide payload

A new study provides proof of principle for safe and targeted delivery of drugs to the placenta during pregnancy. The discovery could prevent premature births and treat complications like preeclampsia by bolstering the placenta's function.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 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.

Scientists track Greenland's ice melt with seismic waves

Researchers developed a new technique using ocean waves and seismic vibrations to monitor ice sheet volume changes, which may help scientists identify vulnerable regions. The technique has been shown to have high precision and can be used continuously, unlike traditional methods that only gather data several times a year.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2016

Understanding tiny droplets can make for better weather forecasts

Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in predicting weather and climate change by studying the fundamental thermodynamics of water droplets. Understanding how water droplets grow and interact with each other can help improve weather forecasts, but also has industrial relevance and applications.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review E·DateMay 6, 2016

Smartphones uncover how the world sleeps

A study of worldwide sleep patterns combines math modeling, mobile apps and big data to parse the roles society and biology each play in setting sleep schedules. Cultural pressures can override natural circadian rhythms, with effects showing up most markedly at bedtime.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 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.

Zika virus may cause microcephaly by hijacking human immune molecule

Researchers have discovered how Zika virus blunts brain development by hijacking the human immune system. The study found that activating a specific protein called TLR3 triggers genes that block stem cell differentiation and lead to increased cell suicide.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 6, 2016

Antibody therapy opens door to potential new treatment for HIV

A Phase 1 clinical trial shows that an antibody-based drug can stimulate patients' immune response, enabling them to make new or better antibodies against HIV. The researchers also found that the antibody was able to engage immune cells and accelerate their clearance of HIV-infected cells.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateMay 6, 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.

CSU-led team highlights ways to address global food system challenges

A CSU-led team has identified strategies to improve global food accessibility while reducing agriculture's environmental impacts. The study highlights the importance of integrated food system approaches, such as increasing legumes in crop production practices and improving women's access to resources.

SourceColorado State University·JournalBioScience·DateMay 6, 2016

Effect of the Van-der-Waals and intramolecular forces

Researchers investigate the interaction of nucleotide chains with metallic nanoparticles in carbon nanotubes using hybrid molecular dynamics simulation methods. The study highlights the potential of these systems for designing electronic diagnostic tools and drug delivery systems.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Biochemistry Journal·DateMay 6, 2016

Deadly fungus threatens African frogs

A deadly fungus has been found to be threatening African frog species, with at least five species declining due to chytrid and habitat destruction. Climate change may also be exacerbating the issue.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 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.

Physics: From the atomic to the nuclear clock

Physicists have detected a long-sought excitation state in an isotope of thorium, which could enhance atomic clock accuracy by a factor of ten. The discovery brings researchers closer to developing a working nuclear clock, with potential benefits including improved precision and resistance to external influences.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateMay 6, 2016

New treatment for children with ARDS

A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics investigated the effects of a steroid treatment on children with ARDS, finding improved ventilation and blood oxygenation without affecting mortality rates. The study identified key biomarkers associated with lung inflammation and injury, paving the way for targeted treatment development.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateMay 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.

That new baby isn't imitating you

Researchers tested young infants' imitation of facial and hand gestures, finding no evidence of innate ability to copy adults. Babies may learn to imitate through observation of others mimicking them.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 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.

'Super males' emerge from male-dominated populations, study finds

Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that males in polyandrous populations outcompete their counterparts in monogamous populations, securing more mates. The study suggests that intense sexual competition can lead to the emergence of highly competitive individuals, known as 'super males'.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEvolutionary Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Gene cascade specifies 2 distinct neuron sets expressing Nplp1

Researchers identified two distinct neuronal cell lineages expressing Nplp1, driven by different spatiotemporal cues and converging on a common terminal selector cascade. The study provides new insights into neuronal cell fate specification and the role of feed-forward loops in regulating gene expression during development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

MIT scientists compile list of potential gases to guide search for life on exoplanets

A new approach aims to identify planets orbiting nearby stars that support life by focusing on creating a comprehensive list of molecules in their atmospheres. Researchers have searched for thousands of potentially biogenic gas molecules, sparking new research into identifying larger molecules and their potential as signs of life.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateMay 5, 2016

Processed fat cells show potential as treatment for refractory ischemia patients

Patients treated with processed autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) demonstrated symptomatic improvement and reduced heart failure hospitalizations. The ATHENA trial results showed a trend towards lower rates of angina, despite no improvement in left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) or ventricular volumes.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateMay 5, 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.

Free-standing 2-legged robot conquers terrain

A University of Michigan robot, MARLO, can now walk down steep slopes and uneven ground using a novel feedback control algorithm. The algorithm's potential benefits extend to powered prosthetic legs and other two-legged robots.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMay 5, 2016

'Slow' NZ seabed quake sheds light on tsunami-earthquake mechanism

A slow slip event in New Zealand's Hikurangi margin showed that subduction plates may be accumulating much more stress and strain than previously thought. This finding helps assess earthquake occurrence risk in coastal areas near subduction zones, especially at locations of shallow depth.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016

Research findings reveal potential to reverse cancer-related nerve pain

A study by researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that gene therapy may be able to reverse cancer-related nerve pain. The treatment, which involves transferring a gene called KCC2 into the spinal canal, restored chloride levels and eliminated pain hypersensitivity in rats.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 5, 2016

Droughts can have detrimental impacts on aquatic invertebrates

A study found that temporary streams suffer from a significant decline in invertebrate species during droughts, with only three species remaining after a long drought and 24 species after shorter dry spells. The research highlights the potential consequences of climate change-related increases in drought length on aquatic ecosystems.

SourceWiley·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateMay 5, 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.

Emerging research investigates mango's health properties

Research suggests mango's anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and intestinal health roles. Studies in mice and humans reveal potential benefits of mango consumption on body composition, glucose homeostasis, and gut inflammatory markers.

SourceWild Hive·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMay 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.

New study shows we are bad judges of friendship

Researchers found that only half of perceived friendships are reciprocal, while most people overestimate the level of mutual support in their relationships. The study's algorithm accurately determines the nature of friendships with high accuracy.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 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.

A filter that shaped evolution of primates in Asia

Fossil analysis reveals that a cooler period after the Eocene-Oligocene transition (EOT) significantly impacted Asian primate evolution, favoring lemur-like strepsirrhine primates. In contrast, Afro-Arabia fossils show anthropoid diversification during this time.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016

A study shows how the brain switches into memory mode

A study by University of Bonn researchers identifies hippocampal astrocytes as key regulators of memory processing, prioritizing new information over stored memories. The discovery sheds light on the cellular causes of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuron·DateMay 5, 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.

Deep male voices not so much sexy as intimidating

Research found that deep-pitched male voices are seen as dominant by other males but have a smaller impact on attracting females. Human male traits imply physical aggression and formidability, providing competitive advantages in fighting or threatening other men more than they help attract women.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 5, 2016

T cells use 'handshakes' to sort friends from foes

Researchers developed DNA-based tension sensors to study T cell interactions. They found that T cells use precise mechanical tugs to test whether a cell is a friend or foe, with stronger tugs indicating a foreign invader. This discovery could aid in the development of immune therapies for cancer and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 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.

Cells check DNA segregation at the end of their division

Researchers have identified a signaling pathway that prevents DNA damage during cell division, ensuring identical copies are passed on to daughter cells. Chromatin bridges can form if DNA replication is problematic, but these bridges do not always trigger an alarm signal.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 5, 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.

Fastest-ever molecular imaging reveals reaction crucial for vision

A team of researchers has developed a method to image molecular movement in real-time, revealing the fundamental processes of a chemical reaction. This breakthrough allows scientists to study the structure and behavior of proteins at the atomic level, shedding light on the chemistry necessary for life.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016