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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 289


Page 289 of 423

Grassroots tactics could improve global environmental policies

A new study from Michigan State University found that local perceptions of illegal biodiversity exploitation and environmental insecurity can help predict buy-in for risk-management strategies. Understanding local attitudes and behaviors is crucial to addressing wildlife crime and its ramifications.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2016

Scientist models Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in adult stem cells

Researchers from Sanford Research successfully modeled Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome using induced pluripotent stem cells, highlighting the role of Wnt/β-catenin defects in cholesterol synthesis. The study provides new insights into the underlying cellular mechanisms of this rare developmental disorder.

SourceSanford Health/Sanford Research·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 20, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improving CO2 storage using hospital scanner

Researchers at the University of Bergen have identified PET scanning as an effective tool for improved oil production and CO2 storage. The technology uses radioactive tracers to visualize the flow of liquid or gas in rock samples, increasing the efficiency of CO2 storage and oil production.

SourceThe University of Bergen·DateApr 20, 2016

Wapiti whistles sound like Ringwraith shrieks

Scientists discovered that wapitis produce two mechanisms to create their eerie calls: a low-pitched roar matching their size and a high-pitched whistle using nasal cavities. This unusual adaptation allows wapitis to communicate accurately despite their large size.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 20, 2016

Mapping neurons to improve the treatment of Parkinson's

Caltech researchers have mapped out a circuit of neurons that control motor impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study used two laboratory techniques to identify the pathways of cholinergic neurons in the brainstem, revealing their role in both locomotion and reward-based behaviors.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateApr 20, 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.

Senior adults can see health benefits from dog ownership

A study found that older adults who form strong bonds with their dogs tend to exercise longer and more often, leading to improved physical health. Additionally, dog walking offers a means to socialize with pet owners and others, making it an accessible way for seniors to stay active and connected.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateApr 20, 2016

Strength training helps older adults live longer

A large analysis found that older adults who met strength-training guidelines had significantly lower mortality rates, even when controlling for demographic variables and health behaviors. The study suggests that strength training is beneficial beyond improving muscle strength and physical function.

SourcePenn State·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateApr 20, 2016

Computers play a crucial role in preserving the Earth

NSF-funded researchers develop computational sustainability to tackle ecological and economic problems. A new field combines computer science with environmental sciences to address challenges such as wildlife management and poverty-reduction.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateApr 20, 2016

Bringing nitrogen out to pasture

Researchers discover that tree legumes can significantly contribute nitrogen to silvopastoral systems, benefiting both livestock and the environment. The study found two types of legume trees with different decomposition rates and nutrient cycles, but both show promise as alternatives to industrial fertilizers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateApr 20, 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.

Micro heart muscle created from stem cells

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes develop a new method to create three-dimensional human heart tissue from stem cells, addressing limitations of existing techniques. This breakthrough enables scientists to study heart cells in their proper context, enhancing the discovery of treatments for heart disease.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 20, 2016

Taking aspirin could increase cancer survival by 20 percent

A systematic review of scientific literature found that taking low-dose aspirin alongside cancer treatment can reduce mortality and cancer spread by up to 20%. Researchers from Cardiff University suggest this may be due to a mutation in PIK3CA, which appears to explain the reduction in colon cancer mortality.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2016

First North American monkey fossils are found in Panama Canal excavation

The discovery of seven fossil teeth in the Las Cascadas Formation reveals a long-lost monkey species on the North American continent before the Isthmus of Panama connected it to South America. The new species, Panamacebus transitus, was named after Panama and its movement across the ancient seaway.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2016

In gaming, player behavior reflects roles -- even when no roles are given

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that players' behavior in narrative role-playing games (RPGs) consistently reflects specific character roles, regardless of whether the role is assigned or chosen. The researchers also found that players without explicit role information still tend to exhibit role-based behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateApr 20, 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.

Early abnormalities of Alzheimer's disease: It takes 2 (proteins) to tango

Researchers at McGill University find that the combination of amyloid and tau proteins causes brain damage in cognitively intact individuals, offering new insights into Alzheimer's disease progression. The study's findings suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting both proteins may be effective in preventing or stabilizing AD.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 20, 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.

Physicists build 'electronic synapses' for neural networks

Researchers at MIPT create electronic synapses based on HfO2 memristors, exhibiting properties similar to biological synapses. The devices can model complex learning mechanisms, including LTP and LTD, and demonstrate spike-timing-dependent plasticity.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNanoscale Research Letters·DateApr 20, 2016

Building a CRISPR rainbow

Researchers have developed a new technology using CRISPR/Cas9 to label and track up to seven different genomic locations in live cells. This allows for real-time study of chromosome dynamics and gene expression, enabling better understanding of biological processes and health outcomes.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 20, 2016

Military sexual trauma linked to higher risk of homelessness among veterans

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that U.S. veterans who experienced military sexual trauma were at a higher risk of postdeployment homelessness. The study analyzed data from over 601,000 veterans and found that those with positive MST screens had significantly higher rates of homelessness compared to those without.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 20, 2016

Identifying a genetic mutation behind sporadic Parkinson's disease

Researchers use CRISPR/Cas9 to analyze genome-wide association study results and pinpoint a genetic mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene that increases risk of sporadic Parkinson's disease. The discovery could lead to better understanding of complex diseases with genetic causes.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 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.

Online program reduces bullying behavior in schools, tests show

Researchers found a significant reduction in bullying behavior among students who completed the online program StandUp, which teaches verbal, physical, sexual, and cyberbullying prevention. The program increased the use of healthy relationship skills and reduced bystander passivity to both emotional and physical bullying.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalChildren & Schools·DateApr 20, 2016

New tool calculates economic costs of methane leak detection

A new tool, FEAST, calculates economic costs of different methane leak detection technologies and identifies the most cost-effective methods. The study found that selectively targeting super-emitters can help mitigate methane leakage at lower costs, while expensive instruments can be used if leak detection is performed rapidly.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 20, 2016

The more you run, the denser your bones will be

Researchers found that marathon runners had higher stiffness indices than sedentary individuals, indicating improved bone quality. The study suggests that endurance running training can modify the mechanical properties of bones, potentially preventing age-related decline in bone mineral density.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateApr 19, 2016

Rough childhoods have ripple effects for wild baboons

A study of 196 wild female baboons found that those with multiple early misfortunes experienced reduced life expectancy and had fewer surviving offspring. The research suggests that social support may play a role in overcoming adversity.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 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.

Study: Cities have individual microbial signatures

A study found that cities have distinct microbial communities, with offices in the same city showing minimal variation. Human skin was a significant source of microbes in office environments, accounting for 25-30% of the microbiome.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateApr 19, 2016

New world record for fullerene-free polymer solar cells

A team of chemists has developed a unique combination of PBDB-T and ITIC that converts sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of 11%, surpassing most solar cells with fullerenes. The discovery paves the way for low-cost and reliable solar energy, with good thermal stability and potential for commercialization.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 19, 2016

Study examines safety, immune response of candidate Ebola vaccines

A phase 1 trial evaluated two candidate Ebola vaccines, Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo, in healthy volunteers. The study found that immunization with Ad26.ZEBOV generated an initial immune response and sustained elevation of specific immunity, suggesting partial protection against Ebola.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 19, 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.

Antiviral protein linked to depressed mood in mice

A study in mice reveals how antiviral immune response alters brain activity, impairing neuronal firing in the hippocampus and causing depressive-like behavior. The CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling pathway acts as a bridge between rising interferon levels and changes in neuronal activity, explaining mood changes.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateApr 19, 2016

A small dose of E. coli wall has big impact on the sweet tooth

Researchers found that a small dose of E. coli wall can significantly reduce the desire for sweets in mice, possibly by triggering higher levels of leptin hormone. This effect persists for seven days and may have implications for obesity prevention.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateApr 19, 2016

Cracking the Zika mystery

A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists has revealed the Zika virus structure and identified potential sites to target with therapeutics. The findings suggest that destabilizing the virus's structure may help reduce disease severity or limit transmission.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 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.

Health problems may predict traumatic brain injuries in older adults

Researchers found that older adults with vascular health conditions, depression, difficulty performing daily activities, and multiple chronic diseases were at higher risk of traumatic brain injury. In contrast, sedentary lifestyles or self-reported alcohol problems did not increase the risk of TBI.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 19, 2016

Clinical trial for experimental Ebola drug publishes results

A clinical trial of the experimental Ebola drug TKM-130803 has shown that it does not improve survival in adults with severe Ebola infection. Despite this, the study suggests that the drug may have a benefit for patients with less severe disease.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 19, 2016

DNA sat nav uncovers ancient Ashkenaz

Researchers used a DNA tool to pinpoint the origin of Yiddish, suggesting it was invented by Iranian and Ashkenazic Jews as they traded on the Silk Road. The language is thought to have acquired new words from other cultures while retaining its Slavic grammar.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateApr 19, 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.

Measuring the heat capacity of condensed light

Researchers create new method to quantify the change in thermal energy storage during phase transition from photon gas to Bose-Einstein condensate, enabling precise measurement of natural constants and potential applications in high-precision thermometry.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2016

Liquid spiral vortex discovered

A team of scientists at OIST Graduate University found an unexpected spiral vortex phenomenon when liquid flows through the intersection of two channels. The researchers discovered that spirals appear as flow rates increase and disappear with decreased rates, exhibiting hysteresis in devices with large aspect ratios.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateApr 19, 2016

Two volcanoes trigger crises of the late antiquity

A team of climate researchers reconstructs global cooling in the reign of Emperor Justinian, linked to two major volcanic eruptions in 536 and 540 CE. The study finds that these eruptions caused a significant cooling effect on Northern Hemisphere climate, leading to crop failures and famines in Europe.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalClimatic Change·DateApr 19, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Scientists issue rallying cry for wheat blast research

A team of scientists from the UK and Bangladesh is making genetic data for the wheat blast pathogen publicly available in an effort to address the growing threat. The researchers hope that by sharing their findings, they can develop effective measures to manage the disease and ensure food security.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·DateApr 19, 2016

Nursing home ownership

The article examines the association between for-profit nursing home ownership and care quality, concluding that the precautionary principle should be applied. Observational studies show that publicly funded care in for-profit facilities is inferior to public or non-profit facilities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 19, 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.

NJIT high-resolution images capture a solar flare as it unfolds

Scientists at NJIT's Big Bear Solar Observatory captured unprecedented images of a recent solar flare, including bright flare ribbons and coronal rain. These observations provide new insights into the complex dynamics of the Sun's atmosphere and the massive eruptions on its surface.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 19, 2016

Scientists describe new research model to enhance Zika virus research

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created a mouse model to study Zika virus, allowing researchers to test vaccines and antivirals while understanding the virus's effects on human brains. The model, lacking key immune system defenses, shows the virus causes severe pathology in brain tissue.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 19, 2016

Religious rhetoric not helpful in anti-alcohol messages

Research by Michigan State University's Saleem Alhabash suggests that adding a religious message to an anti-alcohol warning does not discourage viewers from drinking. Gain-framed messages, which focus on benefits, are more effective than loss-framed messages in this context.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Religion and Health·DateApr 19, 2016

OU meteorology professor wins Young Investigator award

Steven Cavallo, OU meteorology professor, receives $170,000 Young Investigator award for his commitment to studying vortex dynamics. The prize supports his research on polar meteorology and contributes to the development of new scientific stories in atmospheric science.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateApr 19, 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.

Researchers find a fast road out of poverty

A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Toronto has found that upgrading roads and joining them to the city grid can dramatically increase land and property prices, leading to improved financial security for poor households. This infrastructure project in the Mexican city of Acayucan resulted in a 7...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateApr 19, 2016

Pancreatic cancer risk tied to specific mouth bacteria

A new study has found a direct link between pancreatic cancer and certain mouth bacteria, specifically Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Men and women with these bacteria in their oral microbiome were at least 50% and 59% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, respectively.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateApr 19, 2016

Research paves the way for monocyte-based cell therapy

Researchers at VIB-UGent demonstrate that adult circulating monocytes can differentiate into macrophages with identical tissue-specific functions and self-maintenance capacities as those from embryonic origin. This discovery paves the way for monocyte-based cellular therapy in diseases associated with macrophage dysfunction, such as pu...

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalImmunity·DateApr 19, 2016

Are lab mice too cold? Why it matters for science

Researchers warn that even mild chronic cold stress is skewing results in studies of cancer, inflammation, and other fields. The National Research Council recommends a temperature range of 20-26 degrees C for mouse housing.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cancer·DateApr 19, 2016

Using data to explore poetic sound

A researcher from Michigan State University is using a fellowship to study the role of sound in modern South Asian poetry, exploring rhyme, stress and patterns of repetition. The project aims to develop best practices for encoding linguistic data and preserve cultural forms in the region.

SourceMichigan State University·DateApr 19, 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.

Scientists describe new model to enhance Zika virus research

A new mouse model developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine enables the study of Zika virus infection and its effects on the brain. The model, which lacks key immune system components, allows for the testing of vaccines and antivirals against the virus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 19, 2016