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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 374


Page 374 of 423

Membership of social/community groups after retirement linked to longer life

Research suggests that joining social groups after retirement can reduce the risk of death and improve quality of life, with effects comparable to those of regular exercise. The study found that maintaining social connections is crucial for retirees, emphasizing the importance of social planning in retirement planning.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 15, 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.

Discovery lays the foundation to expand personalized chemotherapy for leukemia patients

A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists has identified four inherited NUDT15 gene variations that alter thiopurine metabolism, leaving patients sensitive to the drugs and at risk for treatment-disrupting toxicity. The research paves the way for personalized chemotherapy tailored to each patient's genetic makeup.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 15, 2016

Aerobic fitness may protect liver against chronic alcohol use

Researchers found that aerobic fitness protected against metabolic dysfunction in the liver, reducing inflammation and fatty deposits. Chronic alcohol ingestion did not cause significant changes in blood insulin or glucose levels, contrary to expectations.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiomolecules·DateFeb 15, 2016

New research challenges cascading effects of shark declines

A new Florida State University study refutes a 2007 Science study claiming that shark declines led to increased cownose ray populations, which collapsed oyster and shellfish industries. The research shows that shark populations were not as depleted as reported, and most species have recovered or are recovering.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 15, 2016

Penn study: Visualizing a parasite crossing the blood brain barrier

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have identified how the parasite <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> infects the brain by tracking its movement and reproduction in living tissues. The study provides insights into treatment strategies to combat the parasite, which can be life-threatening for people w...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 15, 2016

Signpost for sentinel cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered how dendritic cells advance from capillary vessels towards the lymph node. They found that the cells orient themselves with the help of a molecular mediator named CCL21, which creates a directional gradient.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 15, 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.

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.

To encourage exercise, losing a financial reward is more effective than gaining one

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that financial incentives framing were crucial to motivating participants. The loss incentive group, which risked losing $42 per month for not achieving their daily goal, saw a 45% increase in success rate compared to the control group.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2016

Sweet discovery in leafy greens holds key to gut health

A critical discovery about how bacteria feed on an unusual sugar molecule found in leafy green vegetables could hold the key to explaining how 'good' bacteria protect our gut and promote health. Leafy greens are essential for feeding good gut bacteria, limiting the ability of bad bacteria to colonise the gut.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 15, 2016

Newly identified genes impact how transplanted stem cells give rise to blood cells

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified 17 new genes that regulate hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in mice. The study found that the Foxa3 gene plays a crucial role in repopulating blood-forming stem cells after transplantation, offering hope for improving transplant outcomes and reducing mortality.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 15, 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.

Vulnerability to depression linked to noradrenaline

Researchers at McGill University found a connection between noradrenergic neurons and depression vulnerability. Increased dopaminergic neuron activity corresponds to depression, while noradrenergic neurons control this activity, influencing resilience or vulnerability.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 15, 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.

'Swiss army knife' molecule

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a versatile polymer coating with covalent bonds to various materials, preventing biofouling in biomedical diagnostics and medical technology. The 'Swiss army knife' molecule offers simple dip-and-rinse application and withstands harsh conditions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateFeb 15, 2016

The science of jet noise

A team of researchers led by Daniel Bodony from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is working on making jet engines quieter. They are using supercomputers, including XSEDE's Stampede, to analyze aerodynamics and resolve multi-scale problems in turbulent flows.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateFeb 15, 2016

Scientists prove feasibility of 'printing' replacement tissue

Regenerative medicine scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a novel 3D printing system that can produce living tissue structures with functional blood vessels. The system uses bio-degradable materials and water-based gels to promote cell growth, enabling the creation of complex tissues such as bone, muscle, an...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 15, 2016

Paying employees to exercise doesn't work, but the reverse might

A randomized controlled trial found that threatening to lose a reward is more effective than earning one in increasing physical activity among overweight and obese adults. The study also suggests that the way financial incentives are framed is important to their effectiveness.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2016

Genome of bed bug decoded

The bed bug's genome shows significant changes in receptor types for smell and taste, leading to increased resistance to pesticides. The decoded genome also reveals insights into the species' evolution from bat parasite to human feeder, highlighting genetic adaptations for chemosensation and traumatic reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 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.

Freezing steak improves tenderness of some cuts, study finds

Researchers at Kansas State University confirm that freezing certain steak cuts, like strip loin and inside round, can improve their tenderness by up to 10%. Moisture loss plays a key role in this process. Higher quality cuts are more likely to benefit from freezing.

SourceKansas State University·DateFeb 15, 2016

Raising a child has a bigger effect on the immune system than gastroenteritis

A recent study by researchers at VIB and KU Leuven in Belgium and the Babraham Institute in the UK discovered that raising a child together has a significant impact on one's immune system. Individuals who co-parented a child showed a 50% reduction in variation between their two immune systems, compared to the wider population.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 15, 2016

Mind-controlled prosthetic arm moves individual 'fingers'

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully controlled a prosthetic arm to move individual fingers using brain mapping technology. The study, published in the Journal of Neural Engineering, represents a potential advance in technologies to restore refined hand function to those who have lost arms to injury or disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateFeb 15, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new spin on quantum computing: Scientists train electrons with microwaves

Researchers have developed a method to rapidly change electron spins using microwave photons, demonstrating potential for quantum information processing and enhancements in magnetic resonance techniques. The experiment showed an accelerated relaxation of electron spins and the release of a microwave photon in about 1 second.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2016

Penn engineers use network science to predict how ligaments fail

Using human ligament samples and polarized-light-based imaging, the Penn team has identified microscopic features that prefigure where failure occurs. This insight could lead to new diagnostic techniques or therapies for sub-failure injuries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 15, 2016

Sustainable solutions for challenges in developing countries

The top 5 finalists of the Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge were selected from almost 500 submissions worldwide. The projects aim to provide environmentally friendly processes, products, and resources for developing countries. The winning project will receive €50,000, while the second prize winner will get €25,000.

SourceLeuphana Universität Lüneburg·DateFeb 15, 2016

Virtual reality therapy could help people with depression

A new study from UCL and ICREA-University of Barcelona found that immersive virtual reality therapy can reduce depressive symptoms in patients. The therapy involved wearing a virtual reality headset and expressing compassion towards a distressed virtual child, resulting in a significant drop in depression severity for some participants.

SourceUniversity College London·DateFeb 15, 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.

Tissue fluid flow can reveal onset of osteoarthritis

Researchers found that damage to cartilage's collagen network and increased fluid flow are early indicators of osteoarthritis. The study suggests that understanding these structural changes could lead to earlier detection and better treatment of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateFeb 15, 2016

An international group synthesizes georgeite for first time

A team of international researchers synthesized large quantities of pure georgeite, a rare copper-hydroxycarbonate mineral. They found that the georgeite was an excellent catalyst precursor for two important reactions in the chemical industry, outperforming commercial catalysts.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2016

'Invisible work' takes toll on unpaid caregivers

A new study finds that unpaid caregivers, often family members, experience significant emotional, physical, and financial difficulties due to their caregiving responsibilities. They are also more likely to be less productive at work and require support from healthcare providers and employers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2016

New subgroups of ILC immune cells discovered through single-cell RNA sequencing

Scientists have identified three previously unknown subgroups of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), a group of immune cells crucial for maintaining the barrier function of mucosa. This discovery was made possible by single-cell RNA sequencing, which allowed researchers to analyze gene expression across thousands of genes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 15, 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.

Making cancer-fighting cells in the lab

Japanese researchers used iPS cell technology to increase the number of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, which are rare helper immune cells that can activate cytotoxic cells against cancer. The creation of potent iNKT cells has important implications for understanding immune cell formation and developing new cancer therapies.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 14, 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.

Science presentations at AAAS from Princeton University

Researchers from Princeton University will present on the intersection of citizen science and technology, exploring its potential to tackle environmental challenges. Additionally, they will discuss the complexities of measles control in resource-poor settings, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and statistical analysis.

SourcePrinceton University·DateFeb 14, 2016

Market integration could help offset climate-related food insecurity

Rising temperatures and extreme weather events will negatively impact global crop production, leading to higher food prices and scarcity. Global markets with the ability to deliver food where it's needed most can help counterbalance these effects. Trade agreements can significantly moderate the worst effects on food security.

SourcePurdue University·DateFeb 14, 2016

What values are important to scientists?

A study of nearly 500 scientists found that honesty and curiosity are the core values of exemplary researchers, with 94% agreeing they can be learned through education. The study's findings highlight the importance of instilling desirable traits in the next generation of scientists.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 14, 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.

Guam research fills voids

Recent studies on the Elaeocarpus joga tree from Guam have identified nitrogen and potassium as limiting factors for its growth in limestone soils. This knowledge is crucial for conserving large charismatic trees and restoring degraded landscapes to improve island ecosystem health.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalHortScience·DateFeb 14, 2016

Detective scientists discover ancient clues in mummy portraits

A Northwestern University research team has discovered telling clues about the materials and methods used by Roman-Egyptian artists to paint lifelike mummy portraits. The analysis provides strong evidence on how many of the 15 paintings were made, shedding light on the evolution of painting techniques in the Byzantine Empire.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 14, 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.

TUM at AAAS in Washington: Materials with self-healing powers

TUM researchers are developing self-healing materials to repair cracks in concrete structures. They use bacteria, hydrogels, and epoxy resin to create a material that can close cracks and prevent water damage. The technology has shown promising results in laboratory tests and is being further developed for use in real-world applications.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateFeb 14, 2016