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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 356


Page 356 of 423

New NIST method may find elusive flaws in medical implants and spacecraft

The new NIST method uses nonlinear acoustic measurements to detect cracks in ceramic capacitors before they cause electrical failure. This approach has shown promise in rejecting over 90% of sample capacitors with visible cracks and may help prevent failures in medical implants, spacecraft, and other mission-critical electronics.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateFeb 29, 2016

Why the 'Johnny Depp Effect' doesn't always work

A recent study found that when people rate the attractiveness of gender-blended face morphs, they tend to judge them as less appealing if initially classified by gender. However, this effect only occurs when people are asked to categorize the face by gender before being shown the blended image

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 29, 2016

Snoring in children can affect their health

A Swedish study found that approximately 5% of children aged 0-11 years snore several times a week, with only one-third receiving medical help. Children with persistent snoring often experience reduced quality of life, including daytime tiredness and learning difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Journal of Laryngology & Otology·DateFeb 29, 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.

Engineered swarmbots rely on peers for survival

Duke University researchers have engineered microbes that can't run away from home; those that do will quickly die without protective proteins produced by their peers. The system could be used to reliably program colonies of bacteria to respond to changes in their surrounding environment, such as releasing specific molecules on cue.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Loss of MHCI in motor neurons leads to ALS astrocyte toxicity

Loss of major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) expression in motor neurons leads to vulnerability to ALS astrocyte toxicity. Studies show that increased MHCI expression is protective against astrocyte-induced death, providing a potential translational target for ALS treatment.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 29, 2016

Lower limit for future climate emissions needed, research says

Researchers estimate that the world can emit even less greenhouse gases than previously estimated if global warming is to be kept under control. The study suggests a carbon budget of 590-1240 billion tons of CO2 from 2015 onwards to limit warming to below 2°C.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 29, 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.

ICES Journal of Marine Science publishes special issue on ocean acidification

A special issue on ocean acidification is published by ICES Journal of Marine Science, exploring various effects and interactions with other environmental drivers. The issue features studies with both negative and no significant effects, promoting a broader understanding of the complex mechanisms involved.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateFeb 29, 2016

Brain boost: ONR Global sponsors research to improve memory through electricity

A breakthrough study sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global has significantly boosted the memory and mental performance of laboratory mice through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). The researchers observed improved performance in navigating a water maze and distinguishing between known and unknown objects,...

SourceOffice of Naval Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 29, 2016

Forensic botany uses plant DNA to trace crimes

Researchers at Sam Houston State University developed a test to individualize marijuana samples using DNA analysis, linking drugs across cases. Pine pollen has also been found to be a viable source of DNA for criminal investigations, persisting on clothing for up to two weeks and helping link suspects or victims to locations.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateFeb 29, 2016

Developmental psychology: Friendship wins out over fairness

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology found that pre-school children prefer to share with a friend who already has an abundance of stickers than with a stranger. The results suggest that social relationships take precedence over fairness as a motivation for sharing behavior.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateFeb 29, 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.

Understanding ageism prolongs your life

A study published in Nordic Psychology suggests that ageism can have a significant impact on lifespan, regardless of age. Negative attitudes towards aging are linked to a shorter lifespan, highlighting the need for awareness and debate about this complex issue.

SourceUmea University·JournalNordic Psychology·DateFeb 29, 2016

When less is more

A new study by NOAA and CIRES scientists reveals that the US is responsible for 8% of global CCl4 emissions, with hotspots in the Gulf Coast region and Colorado. The findings contradict previous reports and highlight the need for further research to understand the source of excess emissions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 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.

Injustice can spread

A study published in Scientific Reports found that writing a message to the perpetrator can disrupt the chain of unfair behavior, calming negative emotions and leading to fairer interactions. The researchers suggest this strategy as a way to stop the spread of injustice.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 29, 2016

Illuminating the broad spectrum of disease

Researchers developed a new method called PRISM to test potential drug compounds on cancer and other cell lines simultaneously, allowing for pooling and testing of multiple cell lines. This approach promises to accelerate the search for targeted therapies by better representing the broad genetic diversity of disease.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Increased risk of obesity with increased time in the US in Filipino immigrants in New York

A study led by SUNY Downstate Health Science University found increased risk of obesity among Filipino immigrants living in the New York City metropolitan area. The findings suggest that prolonged US residency erodes the health advantage initially carried by immigrants, a process known as 'unhealthy assimilation'.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalFamily & Community Health·DateFeb 29, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Helmholtz researchers identify genetic switch regulating satiety and body weight

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified a new component regulating body weight and food intake, with histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) playing a significant influence on leptin's effect. The study found that HDAC5 is essential for the brain to recognize fat depot levels, enabling adaptation to food intake and reducing obesity.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 29, 2016

Capsule shedding: A new bacterial pathway that promotes invasive disease

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified an enzyme that aids pneumococcus survival by removing its capsule, making it harder to be detected and destroyed by the immune system. This discovery has profound implications for treatment and vaccine strategies to combat invasive pneumococcal disease.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 29, 2016

Childhood poverty, parental abuse cost adults their health for years to come

Research from Purdue University reveals that childhood poverty and parental abuse can lead to a range of adult health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and smoking. The study, based on data from 1,748 adults, found that these early life experiences had a lasting impact on adult health outcomes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 29, 2016

A new way to discover DNA modifications

Scientists have developed a systematic approach to discovering unknown DNA modifications, using a combination of bioanalytical chemistry, comparative genomics, and single-molecule real-time sequencing. This approach has led to the discovery of a new epigenetic mark, dADG, which helps bacteria defend their genomes from viral infection.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 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.

Stretchable electronics that quadruple in length

EPFL researchers have developed conductive tracks that can be stretched up to four times their original length and still maintain conductivity. The new metallic and partially liquid film has a wide range of possible applications, including artificial skin, connected clothing, and on-body sensors.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 29, 2016

Immune therapy breaks down wall around pancreatic tumors for chemo to attack

Researchers have discovered a novel role for CD40 antibodies in re-educating macrophages to break down the tumor microenvironment, allowing chemotherapy to target pancreatic cancer more effectively. The optimal timing of delivery is critical, with chemotherapy being most effective when administered five days after CD40 treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 29, 2016

Many prostate cancer patients saved from unnecessary treatments and side effects

A new study from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa shows that men with slow-growing prostate tumors are increasingly adopting active surveillance, a monitoring approach that avoids unnecessary treatment. After five years of follow-up, about 59% of patients under active surveillance were still managed that way.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 29, 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.

Precision oncology could be tailor-made for metastatic prostate cancer

A new study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center suggests that precision oncology could be tailor-made for metastatic prostate cancer. A single metastasis within an individual patient provides consistent molecular information to guide therapy, and patients benefit from individualized treatment.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 29, 2016

Microorganisms duke it out within algal blooms

A new study reveals that algal blooms like 'red tides' are home to a complex war between microscopic organisms, with the dominant species changing daily. The research sheds light on the ocean's role in carbon fixation and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Study points to cannabis' effect on emotion processing

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that cannabis users have difficulty recognizing and empathizing with human emotions like happiness, sadness, and anger. However, the brain may be able to compensate for these effects when explicitly detecting emotions.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 29, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Imaging algorithm gathers information about how cells move

Brown University engineers developed a new technique to understand how cells move through complex tissues, building on mean deformation theory. The algorithm analyzed images of human neutrophils moving through collagen matrices, revealing differences in contractility and rotation between healthy and sepsis models.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2016

New insight into the possible risk factors associated with food allergies

A study of 1140 pregnant women and their children found that eczema, rhinitis, pet ownership, and age at introducing solid food are associated with different types of food hypersensitivity. A healthy diet was also found to be protective against both IgE-mediated and non-IgE mediated reactions.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalClinical and Translational Allergy·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.

New vaccine could save thousands of lives

Researchers at the University of Exeter have created a vaccine that offers high-level protection against melioidosis, a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia and sepsis. The new vaccine, which has been tested on mice, holds promise for preventing a disease that affects thousands in tropical regions and is often misdiagnosed.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalVaccine·DateFeb 29, 2016

People in world's poorest countries missing out on surgery

A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found that an estimated 312.9 million surgeries took place globally in 2012, with only 30% of operations occurring in low-income countries representing 71% of the global population.

SourceBulletin of the World Health Organization·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateFeb 29, 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.

Mammalian fertilization, caught on tape

Researchers develop a novel microfluidic device called the 'IVF chip' that enables high-resolution imaging of the initial steps of fertilization. The device allows scientists to observe the fusion of sperm and egg, membrane remodeling, and sperm DNA incorporation into the egg.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 28, 2016

Device 'fingerprints' could help protect power grid, other industrial systems

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a device fingerprinting technique to identify legitimate signals in electrical grid control networks. The approach uses unique physical properties of devices to differentiate between genuine and spoofed signals, improving the security of critical infrastructure networks.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 28, 2016

Tarantula toxins converted to painkillers

Researchers convert tarantula toxins into painkillers by targeting neural receptors, providing an alternative to current treatments with limited pain relief and side effects. The study reveals the importance of cell membranes in peptide toxin activity and opens opportunities for designing new drugs.

SourceBiophysical Society·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 28, 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.

'Class ceiling' stops working class actors from getting parts

A study found that only 27% of actors are from working-class backgrounds, while 73% come from middle-class origins. This disparity affects not only income but also opportunities for auditions and roles. Many working-class actors reported struggling with accents and stereotypes, highlighting the need for greater diversity in the industry.

SourceBritish Sociological Association·JournalSociology·DateFeb 28, 2016

New fast radio burst discovery finds 'missing matter' in the universe

A team of scientists identified a fast radio burst and pinpointed its location, confirming the current cosmological model of the universe's distribution of matter. The discovery measured the density of material between the FRB source and Earth, allowing for a more accurate understanding of the universe's composition.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2016

Two-pronged attack increases potency of new anti-cancer drugs

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a new combination of birinapant and p38 inhibitors that shows promise as a treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The combination has been shown to be more effective than either agent alone, with fewer toxic side effects.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 28, 2016

On the hook: Sustainable fishing in Papua New Guinea

A multi-disciplinary team from James Cook University has developed a roadmap for sustainable fishing tourism in Papua New Guinea. The project aims to benefit local communities while promoting conservation of the Papuan Black Bass, one of the world's toughest sportfish.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalFisheries Management and Ecology·DateFeb 28, 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.

Philippines affected by more extreme tropical cyclones

A new study by the University of Sheffield reveals that hazardous tropical cyclones in the Philippines are increasing in intensity, leading to devastating consequences. The research suggests that rising sea-surface temperatures since the 1970s may be contributing to this trend.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield - Faculty of Engineering·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateFeb 28, 2016

When sea levels rise, damage costs rise even faster

A new method quantifies monetary losses from coastal floods under sea-level rise, showing that damage costs consistently increase at a higher rate. The study provides estimates of average annual costs of sea-level rise over longer time periods, helping policymakers assess adaptation measures.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNatural Hazards and Earth System Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2016

Breast reconstruction using abdominal tissue -- Differences in outcome with four different techniques

A new study compared four types of abdominal flaps used in breast reconstruction, revealing that muscle-sparing techniques like DIEP and msf-TRAM reduce hernia risks and improve patient satisfaction. The study found these methods to have lower rates of fat necrosis and abdominal morbidity compared to traditional flaps.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 26, 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.