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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 362


Page 362 of 423

A mathematical advance in describing waves

Mathematicians Gino Biondini and Dionyssios Mantzavinos develop a new mathematical model describing wave patterns with small irregularities. Their research shows that many disturbances evolve into single-class wave forms, answering a question scientists have been trying to answer for 50 years.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 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.

Potatoes wild with calcium

Researchers found a wild potato with almost seven times as much calcium as usual varieties. Breeding programs can now use molecular markers to identify high-calcium traits, speeding up the breeding process. This discovery aims to improve crop quality and reduce cosmetic issues in potatoes.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateFeb 24, 2016

Evidence of early medieval Muslim graves found in France

Researchers from PLOS ONE discovered three skeletons buried in medieval graves in France that may have belonged to Muslims, with DNA analysis revealing paternal lineage from North Africa. The burials follow Islamic rites and radiocarbon dating suggests the skeletons are from the 7th-9th centuries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2016

Computers can tell if you're bored, shows new BSMS study

A new study from BSMS shows that computers can detect boredom by monitoring non-instrumental movements. The research has the potential to develop more engaging online tutoring programs and companion robots. By tracking subtle changes in body language, computers can adapt to a user's level of interest.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Too much salt could potentially contribute to liver damage

A high-salt diet has been found to contribute to liver damage in adult mice and embryonic chicks, with excessive sodium leading to cell death and decreased cell proliferation. Vitamin C treatment may partially counteract the negative effects of excess salt.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 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.

Bacteria overgrowth could be major cause of stunting in children

Research suggests excessive bacterial growth in small intestine may be causing malnutrition and stunting in children living in low-income countries. A study of 103 2-year-old children in Bangladesh found that one in six showed signs of small intestine bacterial overgrowth, which was associated with gut inflammation and stunted growth.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalmBio·DateFeb 23, 2016

Food-based proteins discovered as key to child malnutrition in developing countries

A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that African children with stunted growth had lower levels of essential amino acids and other protein markers compared to non-stunted children. This challenges the widespread assumption that children in developing countries are receiving adequate protein, highlighting the need for improved diets.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEBioMedicine·DateFeb 23, 2016

More hands-on training for doctors required if policy changes

Research suggests that medical students benefit from more hands-on training and responsibility, and assessments of their clinical capabilities need improvement. The study recommends greater emphasis on undergraduate clinical placements and postgraduate supervision to enhance medical education.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 23, 2016

World's large river deltas continue to degrade from human activity

Researchers are racing to understand and mitigate the degradation of major river deltas worldwide, primarily caused by human activities such as damming, groundwater extraction, and agriculture. The study highlights that more than two-thirds of the world's 33 major deltas are sinking at an alarming rate.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateFeb 23, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shaping lumens by force

A team of scientists from Singapore and France has revealed the underlying mechanism for the formation and growth of epithelial tubes. They found that the shape and size of these tubes are governed by mechanical forces arising from cell interaction with the extracellular matrix, influencing lumen morphology and elongation direction.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Everyday mindfulness linked to healthy glucose levels

A study of 399 participants found an association between higher mindfulness scores and healthier glucose levels. The researchers identified obesity risk and sense of control as potential mediators of this link, with mindful individuals being less likely to be obese and more likely to believe they can change their lives.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateFeb 23, 2016

It's great to have siblings, but they're also hard work

A study by Aarhus University explores what happens to sibling relationships when parents get divorced and find new partners. The research reveals that children have different experiences depending on whether they live in multiple homes or traditional families.

SourceAarhus University·DateFeb 23, 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.

New wheat genetic advancements aimed at yield enhancement

The study confirms 13,000 previously mapped SNPs and newly maps 2,190 unique SNPs to improve drought tolerance, greenbug and wheat curl mite resistance. The research aims to develop high-yielding wheat varieties with improved resilience to stressors across different climates.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalCrop Science·DateFeb 23, 2016

Children aren't active enough in winter, say Cambridge researchers

Researchers found that physical activity among children is lower in autumn and winter compared to spring and summer. The study highlights the need for increased active opportunities during the colder months to support children's health and development.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateFeb 23, 2016

New Nature Communications study says 'fear itself' can help restore ecosystems

A new study published in Nature Communications demonstrates that the fear of large carnivores can have cascading effects on the food chain and restore ecosystems. The researchers found that instilling fear in raccoons reduced their time spent feeding and reversed their impacts on their prey, leading to a healthier ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 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.

Science achievement gaps begin by kindergarten

A study found that kindergarten general knowledge is the strongest predictor of first-grade and third-grade science achievement. Children's science achievement gaps persist from third to eighth grade, with low-income and minority students facing larger gaps.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateFeb 23, 2016

New therapeutic pathway may keep cancer cells turned 'off'

A new therapeutic pathway has been discovered to keep cancer cells dormant, offering hope for treating osteosarcoma and potentially other cancers. Researchers found three microRNAs that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, allowing them to remain asymptomatic and manageable.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 2016

El Niño prolongs longest global coral bleaching event

The current global coral bleaching event, started in 2014, could extend into 2017 due to record ocean temperatures caused by El Niño. Corals are stressed when expelling symbiotic algae, leading to erosion and destruction of fish habitats.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateFeb 23, 2016

Described a powerful drug to advance in the fight against familial amyloidosis

Researchers have identified a powerful drug, SOM0226 (tolcapone), that can significantly improve the pharmacological treatment of familial transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Tolcapone has been shown to inhibit the aggregation of amyloid fibers by TTR and stabilize the protein structure, slowing down disease progression.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 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.

New study shows emotional cost for parents who put on a happy face for their children

A recent study found that parents' attempts to regulate their emotional expressions can detract from their well-being and high-quality parent-child bonds. Parents reported feeling less authentic and experiencing lower emotional well-being when suppressing negative emotions and amplifying positive emotions during childcare. The study su...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateFeb 23, 2016

Copper destroys MRSA at a touch

Researchers at the University of Southampton found that copper can destroy MRSA bacteria by damaging their DNA and respiration, making it difficult for them to survive. This discovery explains why touch surfaces made from solid antimicrobial copper are effective in reducing the spread of infections.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Humans speeding up evolution by causing extinction of 'younger' species

Researchers at University of British Columbia found that human-induced introduction of new species can cause 'reverse speciation', where two similar species merge into one hybrid species. This shift has significant consequences for the ecosystem, altering ecological roles and impacting biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Major pharma companies sign up to groundbreaking Parkinson's consortium

Seven major pharmaceutical companies have signed up to a groundbreaking Parkinson's consortium aimed at accelerating the development of safe and effective therapies. The consortium will share data, expertise, and resources with leading academics and industry members to promote and develop new treatments for Parkinson's.

SourceParkinson's UK·DateFeb 23, 2016

New way to reduce plant lignin could lead to cheaper biofuels

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to reduce plant lignin using an enzyme, which could lead to cheaper production of carbon-neutral fuels. The technique decreases lignin content by 30 percent while increasing sugar production in model plants.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Ebola survivor study yields insights on complications of disease

A study of Ebola survivors found high rates of eye, musculoskeletal, and neurological complications. The study also explored the risk of sexual transmission of Ebola, with most survivors reporting regular sexual activity but few using condoms.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 23, 2016

New study finds our desire for 'like-minded others' is hard-wired

A new study by Wellesley College and University of Kansas researchers suggests people are drawn to those who share similar values, attitudes, and personality traits from the start. The findings could lead to a shift in understanding relationship formation and suggest that social influence may be limited when partners are already similar.

SourceWellesley College·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Advanced NASA-developed instrument flies on Japan's Hitomi

The mission extends studies initiated by JAXA's Suzaku mission, enabling investigations into black hole motion, element abundances, and galaxy evolution. The SXS instrument features a 36-pixel microcalorimeter array, three-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator, and stronger filters to collect X-ray photons.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 23, 2016

Old data may provide new insights on honey bee populations

Researchers used three long-term datasets to analyze honey bee population trends, identifying the USDA Census of Agriculture as the most accurate dataset for measuring changes in abundance. However, they acknowledged limitations of the data, including lack of information on colony usage and losses.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Dodos might have been quite intelligent, new research finds

New research reveals that dodos had a brain size comparable to pigeons, suggesting moderate intelligence. The study also found an enlarged olfactory bulb in the dodo's brain, indicating a reliance on smell for navigation.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateFeb 23, 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.

For weather forecasting, precise observations matter more than butterflies

A University of Washington study found that small-scale disturbances, like those from butterfly wings, do not significantly impact weather forecasts. However, even minor errors in large-scale observations can throw off a forecast, emphasizing the importance of precise measurements.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateFeb 23, 2016

Fat cells outlive skinny ones

A new study from Michigan State University finds that fat cells, not lean cells, have a longer lifespan. The researchers used yeast to demonstrate that increasing the cellular content of triacylglycerol, or fat, extends lifespan. This finding supports the obesity paradox theory and has implications for human aging and health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2016

UW engineers achieve Wi-Fi at 10,000 times lower power

Researchers achieved Wi-Fi transmissions using 10,000 times less power than conventional methods, consuming only tens of microwatts of power. This breakthrough enables the 'Internet of Things' reality where household devices and wearable sensors can communicate using Wi-Fi without worrying about power.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 23, 2016

'Kurly' protein keeps cilia moving, oriented in the right direction

Researchers discovered that Kurly protein is required for proper cilia movement and orientation, crucial for fluid flow and organ development. The study highlights the importance of Kurly in understanding human diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and left-right patterning disorders.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 23, 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.

First hospital-based rapid detection Zika test now available

A new hospital-based rapid detection test for the Zika virus is now available, allowing for quicker diagnosis and testing in a large metropolitan area. The test can detect Zika virus-specific RNA sequences directly, enabling healthcare providers to offer rapid answers to anxious patients.

SourceHouston Methodist·DateFeb 23, 2016

Natural sugar may treat fatty liver disease

Researchers found that trehalose prevents the buildup of fat in liver cells by blocking the transport of energy from sugar into liver cells. This triggers autophagy, a natural process where cells consume stored fats and other waste materials. The study suggests that trehalose may offer a potential treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 23, 2016

New research introduces 'pause button' for boiling

A team of researchers has developed a method to create a single vapor bubble in a pool of liquid that can remain stable on a surface for hours. This technique enables the microscopic study of vapor bubbles and the optimization of the boiling process, which could lead to advancements in heat transfer systems.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016

Adaptable, ecology-based US National Vegetation Classification debuts today

The US National Vegetation Classification provides a standardized system for vegetation classification, allowing land managers to collaborate across ownership boundaries and analyze trends on a landscape, regional, and national scale. The classification is based on rigorous data and reflects the functional ecology of plant communities.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateFeb 23, 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.

Tracking worm sex drive, neuron by neuron

A team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and California Institute of Technology has found a neural network in male worms that processes sex-specific sensory cues, allowing them to make decisions about pursuing mates. The network involves four male-specific sensory neurons that communicate with each other through synapti...

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2016

Counting molecules with an ordinary cell phone

Researchers at Caltech have developed a visual readout method using analytical chemistries and image processing to quantify single nucleic-acid molecules, enabling the use of any cell-phone camera. This technology has potential applications in limited-resource settings for disease diagnosis.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 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.

Most US cancer prevention guidelines don't provide information needed for decision-making

A recent study has found that most US cancer prevention guidelines do not provide sufficient information on benefits and harms, making it difficult for clinicians and patients to make informed decisions. The researchers analyzed data from various guidelines and found that 39% of recommendations were given comparable ratings, while 14.5...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 23, 2016

Migraine, tension headaches and irritable bowel syndrome linked?

Researchers discovered a possible link between migraine, tension-type headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with people with migraine being twice as likely to also have IBS. The study found that common genes related to serotonin transport and receptors were shared among the three conditions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 23, 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.

How sweet can you get?

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully made thaumatin, a widely used plant-derived sweetener, even sweeter by substituting acidic amino acids with basic ones. This breakthrough confirms the complex interaction between thaumatin and the sweetness receptor of the tongue.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016

Imaging technique may help discover Earth-like planets

A new space imaging technique, using charge injection devices, may help scientists directly image exoplanets next to bright stars. This technology has been successfully tested, enabling the detection of objects 70 million times fainter than the host star's light.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateFeb 23, 2016