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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 351


Page 351 of 423

Explosive start not needed for fast radio bursts

A team of astronomers has found evidence of repeated fast radio bursts (FRBs) originating from the same location in the sky, contradicting the long-held assumption that these bursts are isolated events. This discovery rules out entire classes of theoretical models and suggests that the burst source can recharge in minutes.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2016

Genetics and brain regions linked to sex differences in anxiety-related behavior in chimpanzees

A study by Georgia State University found that genetics and specific brain regions are linked to sex differences in chimpanzees' scratching behavior, a common indicator of anxiety. The researchers identified the vasopressin V1a receptor gene as a key factor, with males showing higher rates of scratching and females showing lower rates.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateMar 2, 2016

Dementia: 'Illness' label can lower mood

A new study indicates that people who perceive dementia symptoms as an illness feel more negative than those who see them as part of the aging process. The research found that those with an illness label experienced lower mood, emotional consequences, and a loss of confidence.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateMar 2, 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.

Testing the evolution of resistance by experiment

Researchers found that strains resistant to bacteriocins grew poorly in iron-poor environments, suggesting a potential advantage in targeting resistant bacteria. The study suggests that bacteriocins could be used to target specific strains of multidrug-resistant or highly virulent bacteria.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 2, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blueberry types identified for resistance, susceptibility to pathogen

Researchers have identified blueberry cultivars with genetic resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi, a soilborne pathogen causing root rot. The most resistant cultivars include 'Aurora', 'Legacy', and 'Reka', while susceptible ones are 'Bluetta' and 'Bluecrop'.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMar 2, 2016

Getting from here to there

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new algorithm to reduce massive amounts of connected traffic data, enabling real-time information to be provided to users. The HTGD approach identifies similar communities in the data and finds the shortest route at the highest level, reducing search space and increasing effici...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalIIE Transactions·DateMar 2, 2016

Overfishing increases fluctuations in aquatic ecosystems

Intense fishing changes fish characteristics, passed down to future generations, causing population fluctuations and destabilizing the ecosystem. The study simulates these effects in Lake Constance, highlighting the importance of considering the entire ecosystem when evaluating fishing impacts.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 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.

Molecular architectures see the light

Scientists at TUM have engineered ordered monolayers of molecular networks with photovoltaic responses, utilizing self-assembly on atomically flat, transparent substrates. The findings open up possibilities for the bottom-up fabrication of optoelectronic devices with molecular precision.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 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.

How diet influences colon cancer

A high-fat diet drives a population boom of intestinal stem cells and generates a pool of other cells that behave like stem cells, leading to an increase in tumor formation. The researchers found that the high-fat diet changes the biology of both stem cells and non-stem-cell populations, ultimately resulting in more tumors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2016

Cancer cells' evasive action revealed

Researchers have discovered a trick used by lung cancer cells to hide from the immune system, specifically suppressing immunoproteasomes that signal T-cells to attack diseased cells. The study suggests it may be possible to enhance production of these proteins to override the cells' escape mechanism.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2016

UM researchers found shallow-water corals are not related to their deep-water counterparts

A new study by UM researchers found that shallow-reef corals are more closely related to their shallow-water counterparts over a thousand miles away than they are to deep-water corals on the same reef. This challenges previous expectations and highlights the need for protecting shallow water corals in the Florida Keys.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2016

Study finds health disparity in treatment of thyroid goiters

Research reveals significant disparities in treatment outcomes for thyroid goiters among older, minority, and male patients. These patients are more likely to develop large, difficult-to-remove goiters that increase the risk of complications and death.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateMar 2, 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 enhance CRISPR gene editing technology

Scientists have developed a process to improve the efficiency of CRISPR, allowing for greater consistency in deleting unwanted genes. By tweaking the sequence of single guide RNA, researchers achieved knockout efficiency of over 50% and hope to increase adoption of this technology.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 2, 2016

What happens to pharmaceuticals in the digestive system of a bird?

A new study by the University of York investigates how commonly-prescribed pharmaceuticals like Prozac affect starlings when ingested through their natural prey. The research developed an in-vitro model to simulate a bird's digestive system, revealing that the drug behaves similarly in both birds and humans.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 2, 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.

Study: Homeschooled kids sleep more than others

A study published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine found that homeschooled children get an average of 90 minutes more sleep per night than their public and private school peers. Experts argue that this is due to the altered biological clocks of teenagers, who need nine hours of sleep a night but often don't get it.

SourceMediaSource·JournalBehavioral Sleep Medicine·DateMar 2, 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.

The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education honors new awardees

The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) has awarded several individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to gerontology education and training. These awards recognize excellence in scholarship, mentorship, leadership, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the field of aging.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateMar 2, 2016

Platelet-rich plasma injections may lead to improvements in tissue healing

A University of Alberta study found PRP injections to be effective in improving tissue healing, reducing pain, and increasing mobility in patients with chronically sore shoulders. The treatment involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the affected area to augment the body's natural healing response.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 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.

Groundwater from coastal aquifers is a better source for desalination than seawater

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that saline groundwater from coastal aquifers is a viable alternative to seawater for reverse osmosis desalination. The research revealed reduced membrane fouling and lower pre-treatment costs, making it a more efficient option.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 2, 2016

Spinning better electronic devices

UC Riverside researchers have successfully transmitted electrical signals through insulators in a sandwich-like structure, potentially revolutionizing electronic device efficiency. The breakthrough exploits the 'spin' of electrons rather than their charge, enabling new generations of spintronic devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2016

Experts make progress towards optimizing diabetes care on a global scale

The new issue of the Annals of Global Health presents a core set of recommendations for optimizing diabetes care globally. The main findings emphasize the need for each nation to assess region-specific epidemiology, establish public health imperatives, and commit to education and research to advance culturally-sensitive guidelines.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Global Health·DateMar 2, 2016

Metamaterial separation proposed for chemical, biomolecular uses

A Georgia Institute of Technology researcher proposes a new directional separation technique using metamaterials, cloaking one compound while concentrating another. The technique could help reduce energy required for certain chemical and biomolecular processes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 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.

Toward diagnosing diseases such as cancer in their earliest stages

Researchers developed a new method called ADAP to detect antibodies in small blood samples, increasing sensitivity for early disease diagnosis. The approach could also be applied to saliva testing, offering a simpler and more accessible alternative to current methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 2, 2016

Study explores how high-fat diet influences colon cancer

A high-fat diet drives a population boom of intestinal stem cells and generates a pool of 'stem-like' cells that can give rise to tumors. The study suggests a link between high-fat diets and increased colon cancer risk by altering the function of intestinal stem cells.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2016

Cancer treatment on a cellular level

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have developed a new cancer treatment that uses nanoparticles to transport cytotoxin directly to cancer cells via the bloodstream. The treatment has been shown to be effective in targeting and destroying cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 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.

Ultra-low dose CT scans successfully detect fractures

Researchers at NYU Langone Health successfully performed ultra-low dose CT scans to diagnose joint fractures with 14 times less radiation, achieving 98% sensitivity and comparable image quality. The protocol, called REDUCTION, has significant implications for public health and safety.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateMar 2, 2016

Extreme tornado outbreaks have become more common, says study

A new study found that extreme tornado outbreaks have increased in frequency since 1954, with the average number of tornadoes per outbreak rising from 10 to 15. The variance around this mean has also risen four times faster, a phenomenon known as Taylor's power law of scaling.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2016

New research clarifies how stem cells get activated to produce new hair

Scientists have identified a crucial gene that regulates the activation of hair follicle stem cells, leading to increased hair growth but also wear and tear. In mice lacking this gene, hair follicles enter an overactive state, resulting in premature greying and balding.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 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.

Gene identified that helps wound healing

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a human gene product called MG53 that regulates wound healing and may control scarring. This discovery could help heal open wounds, decrease recovery time after surgery and reduce the spread of infections.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 2, 2016

Researchers map how marine mammals interact with their prey

A Northeastern University research team has mapped a mass feeding frenzy involving eight highly protected species of whales and dolphins in the U.S. Gulf of Maine region. The study uses innovative underwater acoustic sensing methods to understand predator-prey interactions and their implications for conserving marine ecosystems.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2016

Activating brown fat tissue

Researchers from the University of Cologne have successfully inhibited a protein that hampers activation of brown fat in mice, leading to improved glucose metabolism. By feeding Bace1 inhibitors to these animals, scientists were able to activate their brown fat and alleviate metabolic problems.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 2, 2016

PET scans reveal key details of Alzheimer's protein growth in aging brains

Researchers used PET scans to study the progressive stages of Alzheimer's disease in cognitively normal adults, tracking tau protein accumulation in the brain. The findings suggest that tau imaging could become an important tool in developing therapeutic approaches targeting either amyloid or tau, depending on the disease stage.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuron·DateMar 2, 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.

Do we see the trailer for the upcoming blockbuster of LHC?

Physicists from Polish Academy of Sciences analyze data from LHCb experiment, indicating possible signs of new physics. The analysis shows a deviation of 3.7 sigma in the decay rate of beauty mesons, suggesting that physicists may be on the cusp of discovering new particles beyond the Standard Model.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateMar 2, 2016

Next-generation immunotherapy offers new hope for beating brain cancer

Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a novel cell-based immunotherapy that combines chemotherapy, inducing specific type of cell death in brain cancer cells. This approach stimulates the immune system to attack and activate dendritic cells, resulting in a drastically increased survival rate of mice with brain tumors.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 2, 2016

Reduce, reuse, recycle: Safe for water?

A study by Alison Franklin and her team at Pennsylvania State University found that treated wastewater from pharmaceutical and personal care products shows scant presence in wheat crops irrigated with the effluent. The researchers discovered that most compounds were present on the outer surfaces of plants, but only trace amounts were d...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 2, 2016

Chemical snapshot unveils path to greener biofuel

Chemists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered how lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) bind to cellulose, a crucial step in transforming plant waste into sustainable biofuels. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production and development of green energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 2, 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.

Food limitation linked to record California sea lion pup strandings

A decade-long decline in high-calorie fish prey, such as sardines and anchovies, has led to a decrease in the weight of California sea lion pups. This is because nursing females struggle to support their pups' nutritional needs with lower-calorie alternatives like market squid.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 2, 2016

Nurse staffing levels key to keeping rehospitalizations down for hip/knee surgery patients

A cross-sectional study of 112,000 Medicare patients found that inadequate nurse staffing and poor work environments increase risk of postoperative readmissions. Patients undergoing elective hip and knee surgery in hospitals with supportive nursing environments are 12% less likely to be readmitted.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalInternational Journal for Quality in Health Care·DateMar 2, 2016