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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 376


Page 376 of 423

Gene technology to help healthy skin in Aboriginal Australians

Researchers identified the genetic 'map' of the human parasitic scabies mite using cutting-edge genome technologies, which could lead to new ways of preventing and treating scabies infestations. The study also found that certain animal strains of mites may infect humans, with major implications for disease control programs.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 12, 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.

Poor air quality kills 5.5 million worldwide annually

New research shows that more than half of the world's 5.5 million premature deaths due to air pollution occur in China and India. The study highlights the urgent need for even more aggressive strategies to reduce emissions from coal and other sectors.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateFeb 12, 2016

Researchers present inner workings of Ebola vaccine trial

Researchers present an experimental Ebola vaccine with 100% efficacy against the virus in West Africa and propose a novel vaccination strategy using ring vaccination. This innovative approach could be adapted to combat other emerging threats like Zika virus.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateFeb 12, 2016

Graphene leans on glass to advance electronics

Scientists use soda-lime glass to create resilient and high-performing graphene, improving technologies from solar cells to touch screens. The sodium in the glass enhances electron density in the graphene, overcoming challenges in achieving this balance.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2016

Alliterative product promotions pique purchasers

Research by Marketing Professors Derick F. Davis, Rajesh Bagchi, and Lauren G. Block found that alliterative promotional messages facilitate quicker processing, leading to increased sales and preference among consumers. The study also demonstrated that altering message components can boost sales without lowering prices.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateFeb 12, 2016

Public health researchers map world's 'chemical landscape'

Researchers have developed a searchable database of 10,000 chemicals with available safety data, predicting the toxicity of similar untested substances. The 'chemical landscape' map allows for safer product development and reduces animal testing.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateFeb 12, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

On Darwin's birthday, tomato genetics study sheds light on plant evolution

A new study of wild tomato genetics reveals complex genetic mechanisms driving diversification of plant species, with potential applications for creating more resilient crop plants. The research identifies three major genetic strategies behind the tomato's ability to adapt to ecological change.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 12, 2016

Stem cell gene therapy could be key to treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Scientists at UCLA have developed a new approach using CRISPR/Cas9 to correct genetic mutations that cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The approach, which can be used in clinical trials within 10 years, has the potential to treat 60% of patients with the deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 12, 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.

Not your grandfather's house, but maybe it should be

Experts are looking into alternative materials that can be used in building houses, focusing on local sources such as bamboo and straw bales, while also considering economic and environmental factors. Khanjan Mehta emphasizes the importance of scalability and finding suitable alternatives for cement, which is often scarce and expensive.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 12, 2016

Rare beluga data show whales dive to maximize meals

Beluga whales have been found to dive to depths of up to 900 meters to maximize their encounters with prey, such as Arctic cod. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of beluga migration and feeding patterns in the Arctic, shedding light on the impact of climate change on these elusive marine mammals.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateFeb 12, 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.

Most precise measurement of reactor Antineutrino spectrum reveals intriguing surprise

The Daya Bay Collaboration has obtained the most precise measurement of reactor antineutrinos' energy spectrum, revealing two intriguing discrepancies with theoretical predictions. The data indicates an excess of antineutrinos at an energy of around 5 million electron volts, a deviation of up to four standard deviations.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 12, 2016

Researchers create 'mini-brains' in lab to study neurological diseases

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have developed tiny 'mini-brains' made up of human brain cells, which can be replicated on a large scale. These mini-brains can help study neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism, reducing the need for animal testing.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateFeb 12, 2016

When the boss's ethical behavior breaks bad

Research by Michigan State University found that ethical leaders are more likely to experience mental exhaustion, leading to moral licensing and increased abuse towards employees. To combat this, experts recommend prioritizing employee self-care, such as breaks, sleep, exercise, and boundary-setting.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateFeb 12, 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.

First nationwide survey of climate change education

A nationwide survey found that over 1500 middle and high school science teachers were unaware of or misinformed about the scientific consensus on climate change. Many teachers also brought climate change denial into the classroom, allowing students to discuss controversy without guiding them to scientifically supported conclusions.

SourceNational Center for Science Education·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2016

Breaking cell barriers with retractable protein nanoneedles

Wyss Institute researchers create protein actuators that can mechanically puncture cell membranes and release beneficial molecules. The system, inspired by bacterial R bodies, uses pH levels to extend and retract the nanoneedles, enabling precise control over cell delivery.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateFeb 11, 2016

Unraveling the enigma of salty taste detection

A multidisciplinary team from the Monell Center has characterized the identity and functionality of salt-responding taste cells on the tongue. The knowledge may lead to novel approaches to develop salt replacers or enhancers that can help reduce sodium content in food.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·DateFeb 11, 2016

Origins of 'rage' identified in brain in male animal model

A study in mice reveals that changes in the lateral septum, a brain structure tied to anxiety and fear control, trigger 'septal rage' - sudden, violent outbursts. The research may lead to better understanding of aggression in other animals, including humans.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 11, 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.

Put that in your e-cigarette and smoke it, or should you?

Researchers found that e-cigarette chemicals suppress key immune genes in the nasal mucosa, similar to smoking cigarettes. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may have broader effects on respiratory immune responses than initially thought.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateFeb 11, 2016

High-cholesterol diet, eating eggs do not increase risk of heart attack

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that a high-cholesterol diet and frequent egg consumption are not associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease. The study included over 1,000 men aged 42-60 years and found no link between dietary cholesterol or eggs and cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 11, 2016

Shaping crystals with the flow

Researchers from Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University developed a method to create ordered crystal-like structures from micelles using shear flow, enabling faster drug discovery and material sciences applications. The technique involves adding external shear flow to induce controlled crystallization at ambien...

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 2016

The neuroscience of seeking company

A study published in Cell Press identified a neural circuit mediating social seeking behavior driven by a loneliness-like state in mice. The discovery sheds light on the neuroscience of isolation and may help understand social anxiety and autism spectrum disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 11, 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.

Twisting magnets enhance data storage capacity

Researchers successfully experimented with chiral magnetic materials that show a unique magnetic twisting effect triggered by weak external magnetic fields. This leads to the development of new types of magnetic memories with unprecedented storage capacities, up to 10 million times larger than conventional magnetic storage memory devices.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 11, 2016

'Lasers rewired': Scientists find a new way to make nanowire lasers

Researchers create nanowire lasers with exceptional brightness and stability, promising breakthroughs in optoelectronics and photonics. The innovative method uses a simple chemical-dipping process to produce self-assembled nanoscale crystals, plates, and wires composed of cesium, lead, and bromine.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Teachers' knowledge and values can hinder climate education

A study of US science teachers found that 30% emphasize natural causes for global warming, while 12% don't mention human causes. The authors propose addressing the root causes of resistance to science through science communication research.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2016

UBC researchers discover new glass technology

Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus discovered a way to enhance the amount of light coming through glass by coating small pieces with thin layers of metal. This breakthrough may enable integration of electronic capabilities into windows, making them 'smart' and energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 2016

Vitamin D-rich foods during pregnancy may reduce allergy risk in children

Higher intake of food-based vitamin D during pregnancy was associated with reduced risk of development of allergies in children. Vitamin D modulates the immune system and its potential role in asthma and allergy has been of interest.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 11, 2016

TSRI study reveals new link between brain and fat-burning circuit

A new study led by TSRI scientists has found that oxygen sensing in the brain plays a role in metabolism and internal state sensing. The research discovered a connection between oxygen levels and fat reserves in animal models, suggesting a possible mechanism for regulating metabolism in humans.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 11, 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.

Expanded understanding of promising blood fat-lowering protein

Researchers at Umea University have found that the protein FGF21 redistributes fatty acids through two mechanisms, leading to improved pharmaceutical treatment options for obesity-related diseases. The study also shows that FGF21 can activate the enzyme Lipoprotein lipase, increasing the hydrolytic cleavage and uptake of blood lipids.

SourceUmea University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 11, 2016

Long-term benefits of 'senolytic' drugs on vascular health in mice

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have demonstrated significant health improvements in the vascular system of mice following repeated treatments to remove senescent cells. The study shows that regular clearance of senescent cells can improve age-related vascular conditions and may be a viable approach to reduce cardiovascular disease and death.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAging Cell·DateFeb 11, 2016

Doctors' reminders help keep people more engaged in their health care

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that follow-up emails from doctors are crucial to keeping patients informed about their care. Patients who continued receiving reminders tended to access their notes more frequently, leading to better health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateFeb 11, 2016

Renovating spaces and preserving places with lasers

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a 3D laser scanning technology that can accurately measure spaces and preserve details. This technology is being used in various fields, including archaeology, real estate, and manufacturing, to enhance space preservation and renovation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateFeb 11, 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.

Elsevier announces the launch of Transplantation Reports

Elsevier has launched Transplantation Reports, an online-only, open-access journal serving the international transplant community. The journal will publish original research, reviews, editorials, and commentaries related to transplantation.

SourceElsevier·JournalTransplantation Reports·DateFeb 11, 2016

New milestone for device that can 'smell' prostate cancer

A new device can detect prostate cancer in urine samples using a gas chromatography sensor system, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures. The technology has shown promising results in a pilot study involving 155 men.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateFeb 11, 2016

Biosensors on demand

Scientists have developed a method to engineer custom biosensor proteins that can precisely sense specific molecules, expanding the variety of biosensor designs. The approach combines computational protein design, in vitro synthesis, and in vivo testing to identify tailored biosensors.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 11, 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.

The history of hemodialysis sheds light on the ethical use of limited medical resources

A study on the history of hemodialysis explores how medical research and technological advancements impact resource distribution. The investigation found that bioethical principles, such as autonomy and justice, are weighed differently over time, emphasizing the need for sustainable ethical solutions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 11, 2016

Novel neuroprotective therapy found to enhance memory

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a novel peptide that enhances memory and reveals significant gender differences in the brain. The peptide, developed to treat neuroprotective protein deficiencies, has been shown to accelerate microtubular function and normalize nerve-cell transport in both males and females.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 11, 2016

LIGO confirms RIT's breakthrough prediction of gravitational waves

Rochester Institute of Technology researchers' 2005 breakthrough prediction of gravitational waves has been confirmed by LIGO. Their work introduced a revolutionary new way to understand the universe through gravitational wave astronomy, opening up frontiers in the field.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 11, 2016

Neandertal-derived DNA may influence depression and more in modern humans

Researchers have identified correlations between Neandertal-derived genes and disease states in modern humans, including depression, addiction, and metabolism. The study found that Neandertal alleles were significantly correlated with the risk for 12 traits, including myocardial infarction and blood disorders.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2016

Research reveals carbon films can give microchips energy storage capability

An international team led by Dr. Yury Gogotsi and Dr. Patrice Simon has confirmed that carbon films can be integrated into silicon chips for energy storage, enabling the creation of microscale batteries on a chip. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for smaller personal electronic devices and the Internet of Things.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 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.

Daily dose of beetroot juice improved endurance and blood pressure

A daily dose of beetroot juice significantly improved exercise endurance by 24% after one week, while also reducing resting systolic blood pressure by 5-10mmHg. The study found that the juice's inorganic nitrate content has beneficial effects on vascular health and oxygen metabolism.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateFeb 11, 2016

Asthma linked to an increased time to pregnancy

Women with asthma experienced a significantly longer median total time to pregnancy (32.2 months vs 55.6 months) compared to those without asthma. Additionally, the birth rate was lower among asthmatic women, with fewer successful conceptions (39.6% vs 60.4%).

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateFeb 11, 2016

New test could help select the best treatment for bowel cancer patients

A new test has shown that patients with advanced bowel cancer who have high levels of two proteins can benefit from a combination of drugs, leading to improved cancer growth. The test could help select the best treatment for each individual patient, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 11, 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.

Wisconsin researchers transform common cell to master heart cell

A team of Wisconsin researchers has successfully transformed mouse fibroblasts into primitive master heart cells, which can form the developing heart. The technology could permit a scalable method for making an almost unlimited supply of cardiac progenitor cells, providing material to study heart disease and potentially treat diseased ...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 11, 2016

New NTU smart chip makes low-powered, wireless neural implants a possibility

Scientists at NTU have developed a small smart chip that can wirelessly transmit brain signals from neural implants, increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of infections. The chip analyzes and decodes thousands of signals with high accuracy, enabling compact medical wearable devices and prosthetic limb control.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems·DateFeb 11, 2016

Sleep apnea takes a toll on brain function

Researchers at UCLA found significant changes in brain chemicals GABA and glutamate in patients with sleep apnea, which can lead to symptoms like depression, stress, and memory loss. The study suggests that treating sleep apnea may help restore normal brain chemical levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateFeb 11, 2016