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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 354


Page 354 of 423
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What you know can affect how you see

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that expertise influences how people process visual information, with novices faster to identify letter pairs but less accurate. The study used the Arabic alphabet and showed participants 2,000 pairs of letters, revealing biases in expert perception that went beyond visual features.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateMar 1, 2016

The special theory of relativity has been disproved theoretically

The special theory of relativity has been found to be theoretically disproved, leading to questions about related physics theories. The paper reveals that experiments initially thought to demonstrate relativistic effects actually show null or incorrect results.

SourceInternational NAC Society·JournalPhysics Essays·DateMar 1, 2016

Beta blockers may lead to new novel triple negative breast cancer treatments

Researchers found that beta-blockers can decrease the invasive growth of aggressive breast cancer cells by blocking the beta2-adrenoceptor, a cell surface protein stimulated by adrenaline. This discovery suggests beta-blockers could be a useful adjuvant therapy for some aggressive breast cancers.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 1, 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.

Experts assess the impact of climate change on public health

A new review in the Annals of Global Health explores the health consequences of climate change, including increased vector-borne diseases, foodborne illnesses, and mental health problems. Experts call for decisive action to prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change on public health.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Global Health·DateMar 1, 2016

NIEHS funds five early career researchers for innovative science

Five exceptional early career scientists will receive new grants from NIEHS to study the effects of environmental chemicals on human health. The ONES awardees will investigate how pollutants, such as arsenic and dioxins, cause harm and promote allergies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateMar 1, 2016

OLED displays and solid-state lightings in mass production, coming soon

A team led by Prof. Tae-Woo Lee at POSTECH has fabricated highly-efficient solution-processed fluorescence organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) using pure-organic thermally-activated delayed-fluorescence (TADF) emitters. This breakthrough reduces the need for precious metals, lowering production costs.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 1, 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.

No more headache after watching movies

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University found over 10,000 problematic scenes in 105 Blu-ray discs, including 65 scenes with left-right view swap. This suggests a 21% probability of buying a Blu-ray 3D movie with at least one such scene.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·DateMar 1, 2016

State laws boost flu vaccination rates in health care workers

Research led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that state laws mandating influenza immunization for health care workers increased their vaccination rates from 22.5% to 50.9% between 2000 and 2011. The study suggests that stronger laws, including mandates and education, lead to higher vaccination rates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateMar 1, 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.

Researchers uncover expansion of lone star ticks in Kansas

Researchers at Kansas State University have validated a model showing the growth of lone star ticks in Kansas, extending their range from eastern third of state to western Colby. Climate change is predicted to favor more tick-borne diseases among people and pets.

SourceKansas State University·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateMar 1, 2016

Local environmental knowledge helps indigenous societies to adapt

Researchers found that individuals with greater local environmental knowledge (LEK) about hunting and medicinal plants reported fewer days of illness and caught more animals per hour of hunting. However, their nutritional status was not directly related to their LEK level due to sharing and reciprocity practices in the societies studied.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·DateMar 1, 2016

Photoshop filters for safer bridges

EPFL researchers have developed a new method to monitor bridge stability using optical fibers, leveraging Photoshop filters to boost signal-to-noise ratios. This approach enables more precise measurements while reducing equipment costs, paving the way for real-time monitoring of infrastructure.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 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.

Drinking more water associated with numerous dietary benefits, study finds

A study of over 18,300 U.S. adults found that increasing plain water intake by 1% daily led to significant reductions in calorie intake, saturated fat, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol consumption. The study suggests universal nutrition interventions promoting plain water consumption may be effective across diverse population subgroups.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMar 1, 2016

Signposts to the muscles

Researchers have identified a crucial protein complex, ASC-1, that guides the development of motor neurons and their target muscles. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into general disease mechanisms and potentially regenerative therapies for conditions like paraplegia.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 1, 2016

Journal of Dairy Science offers collection on tail docking

The Journal of Dairy Science has compiled a set of articles on the science of tail docking, addressing topics such as pain, hygiene, and biological responses. The collection includes 10 research articles published between 2000 and 2010, freely available online to inform discussion in the dairy community.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMar 1, 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.

Improving biorefineries with bubbles

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new pretreatment method using sodium percarbonate and hydrodynamic cavitation to improve sugar formation in biomass. The method outperformed existing ultrasonic systems in producing fermentable sugars.

SourceTohoku University·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateMar 1, 2016

Physician empathy a key driver of patient satisfaction

A recent study at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found that physician empathy is a key driver of patient satisfaction, explaining 65% of variation in satisfaction. Effective communication strategies can be coached and practiced to improve patient experience.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 1, 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.

NIH awards Georgia State biologist $1.37 million to fight obesity

A Georgia State University biologist has received a four-year, $1.37 million grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to study epigenetic mechanisms and their link to obesity. The researcher aims to induce brown adipocytes in white fat tissues to prevent and treat obesity.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateFeb 29, 2016

'Need for Sleep': Even elite students are not spared

A study found that adolescents who slept only five hours a night for seven nights experienced significant cognitive degradation, including decreased sustained attention and working memory. Even after recovery sleep, residual effects persisted.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalSLEEP·DateFeb 29, 2016

Publication in Nature one of string of discoveries using Texas-developed technology

The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio's UltraScan software helped confirm the structure of a protein complex that enables viral infection, as reported in a recent Nature publication. The technology utilizes advanced coding and analytical ultracentrifugation to deliver sophisticated biological metrics.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature·DateFeb 29, 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.

Anti-bacterial fabric holds promise for fighting superbug

Engineered fabrics effective against superbugs like MRSA could reduce impact of super-bacterial infections. Researchers have successfully produced anti-super-bacterial masks using violacein-based dye, blocking growth by 99.9%.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateFeb 29, 2016

New genetic insights into mesothelioma

Scientists have identified a spectrum of genetic alterations, including some that may be clinically actionable and others that could improve diagnostics and screening for patients. The study's findings suggest targeted therapies and immunotherapies could be effective treatments for mesothelioma.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 29, 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.

How useful are microsatellites?

Researchers warn about the limitations of microsatellites in genetic diversity studies, highlighting the importance of sequencing flanking regions to minimize homoplasy. The study's findings suggest that using markers designed for a different species can lead to inaccurate conclusions.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2016

Public health should be part of Canada's missing and murdered Aboriginal women inquiry

The Canadian Medical Association Journal urges that public health be involved in the upcoming inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women. The root causes of interpersonal violence and health disparities are linked to a legacy of colonization, cultural genocide, and societal neglect, Dr. Kirsten Patrick explains.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 29, 2016

New targets for reducing nerve pain identified

Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified two molecules, HMGB1 and MMP-9, involved in maintaining nerve pain after injury. Blocking these molecules alleviated pain in mice without negative effects on healing.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateFeb 29, 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.

Sweeping review of human genome IDs stroke risk genes

The study confirmed the role of known genes, ruled out others and identified a new gene associated with strokes caused by large artery atherosclerosis. The research found that each identified gene is associated with a specific stroke subtype, suggesting a need for subtype-specific risk factor investigation.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Does daylight saving time increase risk of stroke?

Researchers found a temporary increase in ischemic stroke rate after daylight saving time transitions, with people with cancer and over 65 at higher risk. The study suggests disruptions in circadian rhythm may contribute to the increased risk, but further studies are needed to understand the relationship.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Watching new species evolve in real time

Researchers discovered a new species of threespine stickleback in Lake Constance that diverges rapidly, even when breeding alongside other populations. This finding challenges traditional speciation theories and highlights the importance of genetic analysis in understanding evolutionary processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 29, 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.

Shaving time to test antidotes for nerve agents

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers developed a simulation to predict the permeability of drug molecules across cell membranes, enabling faster testing and development of nerve-agent treatments. The simulation shaved weeks off compound testing, reducing the time required from six weeks to just 16 hours.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 29, 2016

Unlocking the secrets of squid sucker ring teeth

A team of researchers found that squid suckerin proteins are composed of beta-sheet polymer networks, giving them strength and stretchiness. These thermoplastic proteins could be used to create biomaterials for tissue growth and artificial ligaments, offering a sustainable alternative.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 29, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New theory of deep-ocean sound waves may aid tsunami detection

Researchers at MIT have developed a general theory that connects gravity waves and acoustic waves, finding that surface-gravity waves can generate powerful acoustic-gravity waves under certain conditions. This energy exchange could play a role in water transport, carbon dioxide distribution, and sustaining a healthy marine environment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateFeb 29, 2016

Do we have free will?

A study by UCSB psychologists found that challenging a person's belief in free will corrupts intuitive cooperation and leads to impulsive selfishness, but allows for recovery with time. Participants who were asked about their agreement with the statement 'I have free will' showed significant differences in their level of cooperation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCognition·DateFeb 29, 2016

Prostate cancer vaccine trial begins at Oxford and Sheffield

A new clinical trial has begun at Oxford and Sheffield to test a potential vaccine for prostate cancer. The vaccine aims to stimulate the immune system's attack on cancer cells by recognizing a specific protein found on their surface. If successful, future studies will assess its effectiveness in preventing disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·DateFeb 29, 2016

Stanford-led study underscores huge gap between rich, poor in global surgery

A new study led by Stanford University researchers found that the number of surgeries performed worldwide has grown, yet there remains a huge gap in surgical care between rich and poor nations. The most frequently performed operation in poor countries was cesarean section, suggesting other significant surgical needs are being given low...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateFeb 29, 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.

Activity monitoring devices provide reliable records of activity

A recent study found that Fitbit-Flex is a valid and reliable device for monitoring physical activity, particularly in cardiac patients. The device accurately tracks step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.

SourceSAGE·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateFeb 29, 2016

In emergencies, should you trust a robot?

Researchers found that test subjects followed a faulty robot's instructions during an emergency simulation, suggesting people trust robots too much. The study aims to understand human-robot trust and develop safer robots for emergency situations.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 29, 2016