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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 363


Page 363 of 423

Soil mapping may indicate success of brush control method

A Texas A&M study found that soil texture impacts shrubland resilience to brush removal, allowing landowners to prioritize management practices. Brush removal is more effective on fine-textured clay soils than coarse-textured sandy soils.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 23, 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.

Shrinking 3-D technology for comfortable smart phone viewing

Researchers at Sun Yan-Sen University developed a new display with comfortable 3D visual effects using the super multi-view technique, reducing vergence-accommodation conflict and viewer discomfort. The device is thin, around 65 millimeters, making it suitable for portable devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 23, 2016

Therapy to stop premature birth safe but ineffective, study finds

A widely recommended therapy to prevent premature birth has been found to be ineffective in preventing early delivery. The treatment, which involves administering the hormone progesterone, does not appear to pose any risk to mothers or babies, but its effectiveness in reducing premature births is zero.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 23, 2016

The key to mass-producing nanomaterials

Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed a method for manufacturing nanoparticles on a large scale, using microfluidics technology. This innovation enables the cost-effective production of gold nanoparticles with unique properties, making them ideal for applications in medicine and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2016

Dietary link to stunted growth identified

Children under age 5 with stunted growth are found to have low levels of essential amino acids and nutrient choline, which can prevent cognitive development, increase susceptibility to illness, and shorten life spans. Researchers hope to develop new approaches to treat this debilitating condition by targeting dietary intake.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalEBioMedicine·DateFeb 23, 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.

Frozen section analysis for breast cancer could save time, anxiety

Mayo Clinic researchers found that using frozen section analysis during lumpectomies can reduce the need for second operations by 95%, saving patients time and financial burdens. The study estimates annual cost savings of $90.9 million to payers and $1.8 million to providers.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateFeb 23, 2016

Shock Trauma model for critically ill patients cuts transfer time in half

A novel Critical Care Resuscitation Unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center significantly speeds access to specialized care, cutting transfer time in half. The unit has decreased wait times and increased transfers, leading to better patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 23, 2016

Two forms of radiosurgery for brain metastases are equally effective

Researchers at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center found that Gamma Knife and RapidArc radiation therapy for brain metastases produce similar results, with the latter being faster. This study offers patients a choice of treatments and highlights the importance of advanced radiosurgery technology in treating increasing cases of brain metastases.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·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.

Specialist treatment delivery at university hospitals

A new study by Charité researchers reveals that the true cost of treating patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease exceeds reimbursement levels under the current German DRG system, highlighting the need for a more accurate cost recovery method.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 2016

Creation of an island: The extinction of animals on Zanzibar

A team of researchers from the University of York conducted a first-of-its-kind study on Zanzibar's formation and fauna extinction. The study, which analyzed mangrove sediments and animal remains, found that large mammals like zebras and buffalo disappeared after sea levels rose and coastal cultures inhabited the island.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

Survivors of sexual abuse find support in online 'anonymity'

A Drexel study found that anonymity is crucial for men seeking support, with those using throwaway accounts more likely to disclose their experiences. The researchers also discovered that online forums can be a vital platform for first-time disclosures of sexual abuse and rape, leading to increased support-seeking behavior.

SourceDrexel University·DateFeb 23, 2016

Influenza viruses can hide from the immune system

Researchers discovered that influenza viruses can hide from the immune system by using a protein that masks the virus, making it harder for the body to detect and fight. This finding has implications for developing treatments against influenza and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·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.

NASA invites public to send artwork to an asteroid

NASA is inviting the public to participate in the #WeTheExplorers campaign by submitting artworks that reflect their spirit of exploration. The artworks will be saved on a chip on the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which is scheduled to launch in September and travel to asteroid Bennu.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 23, 2016

Underwater robots can be programmed to make independent decisions

Researchers at the University of Delaware have successfully programmed underwater robots to independently analyze data and trigger new missions based on real-time information. This technology has the potential to reveal new details about prey movement and behavior in the ocean.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalRobotics·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.

Cardiologists use 3-D printing to personalize treatment for heart disease

Researchers at the University of Melbourne are using supercomputers to create personalized 3D models of patients' arteries, helping cardiologists predict plaque buildup and tailor stents. This technology aims to reduce heart disease's toll by identifying high-risk plaques earlier.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 23, 2016

New NTU microchip shrinks radar cameras to fit into a palm

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed a chip that allows radar cameras to be made as small as palm-sized while maintaining high image quality. The new technology has the potential to revolutionize various applications including unmanned aerial vehicles, driverless cars, and satellite imaging.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateFeb 23, 2016

College psychology classes lack curriculum about disabilities

The study found that many types of disability are underrepresented in psychology classes, including chronic health and physical disabilities. To address this, researchers recommend reworking course content to include more diversity and examples of different disabilities.

SourceOregon State University·JournalTeaching of Psychology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Pigs' genetic code altered in bid to tackle deadly virus

Scientists have successfully altered the genetic code of pigs to make them more resilient to African Swine Fever. By modifying a specific gene, researchers believe they may be able to reduce the disease's devastating effects on infected animals.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016

NIH-funded study finds effect of PrEP on bone density is reversible

Researchers found that young adult males and transgender participants experienced a measurable but clinically insignificant loss of bone mineral density while taking PrEP. However, after stopping the regimen, bone mineral density levels returned to normal in just six months.

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

Georgia Tech discovers how mobile ads leak personal data

A Georgia Tech study found that mobile ads can reveal sensitive user information, including gender, parental status, and income, due to leakage between ad networks and app developers. Researchers tested 200 participants and discovered that 73% of ad impressions were correctly aligned with demographic profiles.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Controlling ultrafast electrons in motion

Researchers successfully control ultrafast electron motion using FERMI's light, achieving a time resolution of 3 attoseconds. This breakthrough enables the study of fast chemical reactions on the scale of attoseconds, shedding new light on processes like photosynthesis and combustion.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 23, 2016

DNA 'Trojan horse' smuggles drugs into resistant cancer cells

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a DNA 'Trojan horse' that can deliver cancer drugs into resistant cells, effectively killing them. The capsule made of folded up DNA hides the invading force, allowing it to bypass cell defenses and accumulate in cancer cells.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSmall·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.

Critical care resuscitation unit speeds up transfer of critically ill patients

The Critical Care Resuscitation Unit (CCRU) at the University of Maryland Medical Center has seen a significant increase in transfers of critically ill surgical patients, with median arrival times cut by nearly half and median time to surgery reduced by over two-thirds. This faster intake and treatment strategy has led to improved outc...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 23, 2016

NASA sees pinhole eye seen in weakening Tropical Cyclone Winston

Tropical Cyclone Winston maintained a pinhole eye as it weakened, with strong thunderstorms wrapping into the low-level center. The storm's forward speed increased, and forecasters expect it to turn southwestward before weakening significantly due to strong vertical wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 23, 2016

Two Carnegie Mellon statistics professors earn NSF CAREER awards

Carnegie Mellon University's Jing Lei and Ryan Tibshirani have been awarded NSF CAREER grants for their cutting-edge research projects in large-scale data analysis and nonparametric estimation. Their work aims to advance statistical inference with complex high-dimensional data.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateFeb 23, 2016

Searing heat waves detailed in study of future climate

A new study predicts that heat waves could become annual occurrences across 60% of the world's land surface by 2075 if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked. However, aggressive emission reductions could significantly reduce the severity of these events, especially for vulnerable populations.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalClimatic Change·DateFeb 23, 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.

Study supports fish consumption during pregnancy

A new study suggests that moderate fish consumption during pregnancy may have beneficial effects on infant neurobehavior and development. The research found that infants of mothers with higher mercury exposure and greater fish consumption showed improved attention and reduced special handling needs.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Urban soils release surprising amounts of carbon dioxide

Researchers at Boston University found that urban soils in metropolitan areas surrounding the city core release significant amounts of CO2 through a process called soil respiration. This discovery highlights the importance of considering biological emissions in assessments of climate action programs.

SourceBoston University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateFeb 23, 2016

Why is impulsive aggression in children so difficult to treat?

Maladaptive and impulsive aggression is a disabling symptom in children with psychiatric disorders, characterized by explosive behavior triggered by routine cues. The development of effective treatments requires better descriptive and quantitative methods to characterize this disorder.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 23, 2016

What bats reveal about how humans focus attention

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered how bats determine what's worth paying attention to, finding that their brains selectively respond to certain sounds. This discovery has implications for understanding how humans focus attention and process sensory information.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 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.

Crafting a better T cell for immunotherapy

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have devised a new approach to engineer T cells with improved efficiency and tracking capabilities, potentially speeding up and improving T-cell therapy. The technology uses a small protein tag to purify and track the engineered T cells.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 22, 2016
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Sea level mapped from space with GPS reflections

Researchers at National Oceanography Centre use GPS reflections to measure sea surface height from space for the first time. This technique provides a new way to monitor ocean currents by detecting variations in sea surface height caused by currents.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 22, 2016

Parental anxiety/depression linked to pre-schoolers' fussy eating

Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood links parental anxiety and depression during pregnancy and preschool period to increased risk of fussy eating behavior in children. Mothers' antenatal symptoms were found to predict their child's fussy eating behavior at age 4, while fathers' pre-school period anxiety was linked to...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 22, 2016

Quantum experiments designed by machines

Researchers developed an algorithm called Melvin to design novel quantum experiments, finding unfamiliar solutions without relying on human intuition. The algorithm has led to dozens of new experimental tricks and is being built in laboratories.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 22, 2016

New definitions created for sepsis and septic shock

The updated definitions aim to facilitate early identification of patients at risk of developing sepsis, with a new bedside clinical score termed qSOFA. The revised criteria also acknowledge the importance of molecular and cellular characterization in sepsis management.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 22, 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.

Nearly all US forests threatened by drought, climate change

Nearly all US forests are vulnerable to future declines due to increasing drought and climate change, according to a new study. The effects have been most pronounced in the West, but Eastern forests are also at risk as tree populations struggle to adapt to changing conditions.

SourceDuke University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 22, 2016

Antarctic ice sheet is more vulnerable to CO2 than expected

Researchers at UMass Amherst and colleagues report that the Antarctic ice sheets are more susceptible to rising atmospheric CO2 levels than previously believed. The findings suggest large changes in the ice sheets could occur at lower CO2 levels than previously studied, highlighting a need for improved climate modeling.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016

New tool helps model forest traits and evolution

Researchers developed a software framework called plant to investigate how plant species coexist with varying traits. The tool examines physiological rules and functional trade-offs in vegetation structure and diversity.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateFeb 22, 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.