Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2016 - Page 307


Page 307 of 423

UGA Skidaway Institute starts study on dynamic Cape Hatteras waters

The UGA Skidaway Institute is investigating the dynamic forces of Cape Hatteras waters, which are crucial for understanding global carbon cycling and climate change. The PEACH project uses a combination of shore- and ocean-based instruments to record surface currents and subsurface information.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateApr 6, 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.

Prescription assistance tied to fewer ER visits

A study published in the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy found that patients receiving pulmonary medications showed a significant decrease in emergency room visits and hospitalizations after using the Spokane Prescription Assistance Network. However, those receiving psychotropic medications for mental health conditions saw an increase...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Managed Care Pharmacy·DateApr 6, 2016

Outdoor light has role in reducing short-sightedness in kids

Research by Queensland University of Technology found that children who spend more time outdoors have slower eye growth and reduced myopia progression. The study recommends at least two hours of outdoor light exposure per day to help prevent myopia from developing and progressing.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateApr 6, 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.

Globe's rising obesity, diabetes rates no surprise to Samoa researcher

New research reveals dramatic worldwide increases in body-mass index (BMI) and type 2 diabetes, with American Samoa and independent Samoa exhibiting exceptionally high prevalence of both conditions. The studies attribute the rise to factors such as globalization, changing food habits and lifestyles.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 6, 2016

New tool tailors drug dosing for patients

A new computational tool, parabolic personalized dosing (PPD), successfully tested in a pilot trial accurately predicts the optimal drug dose for an individual patient. PPD harnesses clinical data to account for various factors influencing drug response, including age, ethnicity, and genetics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 6, 2016

Smoke, dust and an unknown future

Researchers will model uncertain future meteorology and smoke, dust to gain a comprehensive view of possible air quality implications. The study aims to improve predictions of particulate matter concentrations in the atmosphere.

SourceColorado State University·DateApr 6, 2016

Paper-based test could help prevent food poisoning

A new paper-based test can detect foodborne pathogens within 15 minutes, making it a game-changer in large-scale food manufacturing. The test uses controlled pore size to handle complex analysis, providing simple results that don't require special training.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateApr 6, 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.

Fresh fruit associated with lower risk of heart attack and stroke

A 7-year study of half a million Chinese adults found that eating fresh fruit daily was associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, with strong associations seen in both men and women. The findings suggest that widespread consumption of fresh fruit could prevent hundreds of thousands of cardiovascular deaths annually.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 6, 2016

Cause of Maryland food poisoning outbreak traced to Asia

A 2010 outbreak in Maryland was caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a strain sourced from raw oysters from Asian restaurants. Whole genome sequencing helped identify the pathogen's origin and introduced techniques for future outbreaks.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 6, 2016

CRI scientists find novel metabolic twist that drives cancer survival

Researchers at CRI identified a new metabolic pathway that allows cancer cells to survive in conditions toxic to normal cells. The study reveals that cancer cells use an alternate version of the pentose phosphate pathway and the Krebs cycle to defend against reactive oxygen species.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 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.

Crumpling approach enhances photodetectors' light responsivity

A new approach to modifying 2D materials has led to an enhancement in the light absorption and stretchability of atomically thin materials. By engineering the two-dimensional material into three-dimensional crumpled structures, researchers achieved more than an order-of-magnitude enhancement in photoresponsivity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 6, 2016

How bioceramics could help fight gum disease

Scientists are exploring the potential of bioceramic silicon nitride to treat severe gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The material's surface has been shown to degrade bacteria responsible for periodontitis, offering a promising therapeutic aid.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateApr 6, 2016

Natural history museum professionals, biodiversity scientists identify needs

A new report from the Biodiversity Collections Network highlights the need for better communication about biodiversity collections research and its public benefits. The report outlines seven recommendations to improve coordination, engage new stakeholders, and develop innovative communication methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateApr 6, 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.

Morehouse College Department of Mathematics honored for achievements

The Morehouse College Department of Mathematics has been honored with the Programs that Make a Difference Award from the American Mathematical Society. The department has successfully addressed issues of underrepresentation in mathematics, with an average of 14 math majors graduating each year.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 6, 2016

Supernovae showered Earth with radioactive debris

An international team found radioactive iron-60 in sediment and crust samples from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, indicating a series of massive supernovae near our solar system. The debris is dated to 3.2-1.7 million years ago and coincides with Earth's cooling period.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2016

Challenging the American consensus on e-cigarettes: The English raise the ante

Public Health England's report suggests e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than combustible cigarettes, prompting debate in the US where many advocates denounce them. However, UK experts argue that switching to e-cigarettes with support can help smokers quit tobacco altogether.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 6, 2016

Young, unattached Jupiter analog found in solar neighborhood

Astronomers have identified a young and bright planet-like object, 2MASS J1119-1137, which is only 10 million years old and four to eight times the mass of Jupiter. This discovery provides valuable insights into giant planets outside our Solar System and offers a unique opportunity to study these objects.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 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.

Large variations in precipitation over the past millennium

A new study in Nature finds large variations in precipitation over the past millennium, with stronger extremes in earlier centuries than in the twentieth century. This analysis enables improved accuracy of climate models and better prediction of future precipitation changes.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2016

Winners of the first Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge announced

The Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge has selected two winning projects that offer environmentally friendly processes, products, and resources for use in developing countries. Yunsang Kim's project uses nanocellulosic fibers to reduce wastewater and toxic chemicals in textile dyeing, while Suzana Yusup's project develops a wate...

SourceElsevier·DateApr 6, 2016

Learning Japanese ancient characters with your smartphone

The KuLA application enables users to study hentaigana and cursive-style kanji using images from Japanese historical books. Researchers can utilize these resources more effectively, bridging the knowledge gap in pre-modern materials between Japan and international studies.

SourceOsaka University·DateApr 6, 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.

Simulations 'sharpen' their tools

Physicists validate numerical simulation methods using 40 methods and 15 software packages, confirming high precision. The study's results aim to improve accuracy in theoretical speculation.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2016

Age and mobility predict death better than one's 'molecular clock'

A study published in PLOS ONE found that chronological age was the single best predictor of death in three countries, followed closely by self-reported mobility. Telomere length, previously believed to be a powerful biomarker for aging and mortality, ranked lower than other indicators in predicting mortality.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 6, 2016

Earth's soils could play key role in locking away greenhouse gases

Research suggests that soils could store an extra 8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases, helping to combat climate change. Adopting sustainable land use practices and technologies could enhance soil carbon storage, equivalent to four-fifths of annual fossil fuel emissions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateApr 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.

Geothermal heat contributes to Greenland ice melt

A recent study by University of Montana researcher Jesse Johnson reveals that geothermal heat enhances rapid ice flow and subglacial melting in northern Greenland. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, identifies a west-to-east zone with anomalously high heat that drives widespread melting and rapid ice flow.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 6, 2016

Crab shell signaling helps control the many faces of cholera, study shows

A new study reveals how Vibrio cholerae bacteria regulate their adaptations in different environments, including a key role for crab shells in signaling behavior. The research provides information that could lead to the development of better therapeutic agents against cholera.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 6, 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.

Engineers develop a pill for long-term drug release

Researchers design a new type of extended-release pill that can attach to the gastrointestinal tract lining and release its contents slowly. The dual-sided device uses mucoadhesives and omniphobic materials to resist being pulled away by food and liquids.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateApr 6, 2016

Xenotransplantation: Hearts made in Munich

A new study shows that genetically modified pig hearts developed by US and LMU researchers can survive for more than 2½ years when transplanted into baboons. The findings demonstrate a promising breakthrough in xenotransplantation, with potential implications for human organ transplantation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2016

Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy assists low-grade glial brain tumors

Patients with grade 2 glioma who received combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy experienced longer progression-free survival and overall survival compared to those who received radiation therapy alone. The study's findings suggest that initial therapy of RT followed by PCV is necessary to achieve longer survival.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 6, 2016

Current methods cannot predict damage to coral reefs

Current methods for predicting damage to coral reefs are limited by a focus on individual species in isolation. To address this, researchers propose combining empirical evidence with traditional biological scaling models and computer simulations to understand the emergent properties of acidification-afflicted reef ecosystems. This appr...

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateApr 6, 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.

Climate change impacts on air quality the focus of EPA grant

Researchers at Washington State University will use new modeling techniques to predict air pollution changes in the western US due to climate change. The study will focus on small particulate matter, a major contributor to health issues like asthma and lung cancer.

SourceWashington State University·DateApr 6, 2016

A better fix for torn ACLs

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a model showing a newer surgical technique results in a stronger, more natural ACL repair. The new suspensory fixation method reduces cell and tissue damage to the graft, allowing for full functional healing.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalArthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery·DateApr 5, 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.

Automated thinner benefits romaine lettuce size, uniformity

Field studies show that automated thinners increase plant size and uniformity, leading to larger plant and heart weight compared to hand-thinning methods. The technology optimizes in-row spacing, allowing growers to increase crop yields.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateApr 5, 2016

What can Frizzled7 reveal about breast cancer development?

A study reveals that Frizzled7 is uniquely controlled by the Notch signaling pathway in human breast epithelial cells. This interaction may provide a new target for treating breast cancer. The researchers hope their findings will help identify an underlying cause of breast carcinogenesis.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateApr 5, 2016

NUS-led research team discovers novel way of transferring magnetic information

A NUS-led research team has discovered a new method for transferring magnetic information between two thin layers of magnetic materials by adding a special insulator. This breakthrough enables faster data transmission rates and paves the way for the development of devices that operate in the terahertz frequency range.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 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.

A lesson from wheat evolution: From the wild to our spaghetti dish

Scientists studied wheat evolution from wild to emmer and durum wheat, finding initial domestication reduced unsaturated fatty acids. Secondary domestication changed amino acid content, suggesting yield-related traits may have prioritized adaptation over nutrition.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 5, 2016

Can urban gardeners benefit ecosystems while keeping food traditions alive?

A study found that urban gardens in Chicago's African American, Chinese-origin, and Mexican-origin communities provide important ecosystem services. The researchers identified non-native crops and synthetic fertilizers as potential issues, but also noted the cultural significance of gardening for food security and community connection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalRenewable Agriculture and Food Systems·DateApr 5, 2016

Indiana University-led researchers identify objective predictors of suicidality in women

Researchers at Indiana University have identified blood-based biomarkers and developed questionnaire-based apps that can help clinicians identify female patients at greatest risk of suicidal ideation or behavior. The study found that these tools were able to predict future instances of suicidal thoughts with high accuracy, suggesting p...

SourceIndiana University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2016

Altered circadian rhythm worsens Parkinson's disease, Temple researchers show

Researchers at Temple University Health System found that disturbances in circadian rhythm exacerbate motor and learning deficits in Parkinson's disease. Altering circadian rhythm through daily light exposure can accelerate cell death and worsen neuroinflammation, potentially speeding disease progression.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2016

Scientists to crack the genetic code of the Y chromosome in malaria mosquitoes

A team of scientists has successfully assembled and analyzed the genetic code of the Y chromosome in malaria mosquitoes for the first time. The research reveals that the Y chromosome consists mainly of repetitive sequences with few genes, and may have crossed species boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 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.

Screening for COPD not recommended

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening for COPD in asymptomatic adults due to lack of evidence on benefits and potential harms. Screening may divert resources from other preventive services, such as smoking cessation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 5, 2016

Hard whale heads sink ships -- or can they?

Research suggests that the sperm whale head's connective tissue partitions could function as a shock absorber, reducing impact stress and protecting the skull from failure. The study's findings may have implications for understanding aggressive behavior in other species.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 5, 2016

Invading the brain to understand and repair cognition

Scientists are using new brain-machine interfaces to restore motor function, while developing tools to repair and improve cognition. New electrophysiology techniques allow for a sharper view of the brain's activity, enabling researchers to study human brains in real-time.

SourceCognitive Neuroscience Society·DateApr 5, 2016

Study shows certain gastrointestinal tumors associated with higher mortality

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that certain groups of gastrointestinal stromal tumors result in a much higher mortality rate than expected. The study analyzed data from 378 patients with malignant GISTs and discovered significant variability in size and malignant behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery·DateApr 5, 2016

NREL reveals potential for capturing waste heat via nanotubes

Researchers at NREL have developed a thermoelectric power generator using carbon nanotubes, enabling the capture and use of waste heat. The material's unique properties allow it to retain high thermopower while maintaining low thermal conductivity.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 5, 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.