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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 377


Page 377 of 423

Learning about struggles of famous scientists may help students succeed in science

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that learning about the personal and intellectual struggles of famous scientists can improve high school students' science grades. Students who read about the scientists' failures had significantly improved their grades, with low-achievers benefiting the most.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateFeb 11, 2016

Gravitational waves detected 100 years after Einstein's prediction

Scientists have observed ripples in spacetime, called gravitational waves, arriving from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe. This confirms a major prediction of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, providing information about gravity and its nature.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 11, 2016

Herpes outbreak, other marine viruses linked to coral bleaching event

A study found that viral infections, including a herpes-like virus, contributed to coral bleaching events, particularly under high temperatures and environmental stresses. The research suggests that viruses may play an important role in coral disease, especially when combined with other stressors.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateFeb 11, 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.

Researchers come up with new answers concerning a weight-regulating hormone

A new study has identified four genes associated with leptin levels, providing insight into the complex relationship between body fat and hunger. The findings have important implications for understanding obesity and developing targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2016

More evidence found on potential harmful effects of e-cigarettes

Research by UofL professor Daniel J. Conklin found e-cigarettes may cause atherosclerosis, a plaque-causing disease leading to heart attacks and strokes. The study exposed mice to varying levels of e-cigarette aerosol, tobacco smoke, or nicotine alone, revealing that multiple constituents have cardiovascular disease-causing potential.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateFeb 11, 2016

'Grit' adds little to prediction of academic achievement

A large-scale study of 4,500 twins found that personality traits, not grit, predict around six percent of the differences in GCSE results. Grit alone only predicted 0.5 percent of these differences. The researchers suggest teaching grit to pupils may not be as effective as previously thought.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 11, 2016

Type 2 diabetes drug can exhaust insulin-producing cells

Long-term use of liraglutide can lead to a gradual exhaustion of insulin-producing beta cells, reducing their secretion of insulin. This study using humanized mice suggests the need for caution when prescribing long-term GLP-1 analogues.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·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.

Marine vessel tracking system also a lifesaver for wildlife

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) can help minimize the negative effects of shipping on marine mammals. Researchers used AIS to track vessel traffic in relation to whale habitats, identifying areas where shipping lanes and migration routes overlap. By improving coverage and usability of data, AIS can inform conservation efforts.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalBulletin of Marine Science·DateFeb 11, 2016

NASA's 2 eyes on Tropical Cyclone Daya

RapidScat instrument measures high winds in Tropical Cyclone Daya, while Aqua satellite detects cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is expected to weaken due to increasing wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 11, 2016

UMD-led team first to solve well-known game theory scenario

A UMD-led team has solved the Colonel Blotto game theory scenario, a two-party conflict used to analyze election outcomes. The new algorithm can help political strategists and business leaders make better decisions by computing the best resource investment strategy for any competitor.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateFeb 11, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plankton network linked to ocean's biological carbon pump revealed

A study has uncovered a complex planktonic network influencing the ocean's biological carbon pump, which removes carbon from the atmosphere. The research found that certain bacterial and viral genes predict variations in carbon export, enabling better predictions of climate change effects.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2016

Silicon chip with integrated laser: Light from a nanowire

Physicists at TUM have developed a nanolaser that can be integrated onto a silicon chip, paving the way for fast and efficient data processing with light. The technology has the potential to break barriers of current electronics.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 11, 2016

New computer vision algorithm predicts orientation of objects

Disney researchers have developed a method to estimate pose and predict orientation of objects, using similarities in how different types of objects appear from the same angle. The system proved effective in predicting pose even for unseen objects, with applications in self-driving cars and other computer vision tasks.

SourceDisney Research·DateFeb 11, 2016

How your brain might be secretly thwarting your New Year's resolutions

Researchers found that when people see something associated with a past reward, their brain releases dopamine even if they're not expecting it. This could explain why breaking bad habits or sticking to resolutions is hard. The study's results suggest potential benefits for addicts and dieters.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 11, 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.

Neanderthal DNA has subtle but significant impact on human traits

New study confirms Neanderthal DNA has a subtle but significant impact on modern human biology, including associations with skin lesions, nicotine addiction, depression, and blood coagulation. The research uses anonymized electronic health records and genomes to test the effects of archaic genetic variants on clinical traits.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2016

Study finds fish larvae are better off in groups

UM Rosenstiel School researchers found that fish larvae swam on a 15 percent straighter course and seven percent faster when in groups. This group orientation behavior is thought to be beneficial for reducing predation and detecting food, a phenomenon previously observed only in adult fish.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 2016

Gravitational waves detected 100 years after Einstein's prediction

Scientists have observed ripples in spacetime called gravitational waves, providing insight into the nature of gravity. The detection was made possible by improved LIGO detectors, allowing for increased sensitivity and a larger volume of the universe to be probed.

SourceAmerican University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 11, 2016

The CNIO finds a potential therapy for the most aggressive type of lung cancer in preclinical models

Researchers at CNIO find potential therapy for aggressive type of lung cancer in preclinical models, combining dasatinib and demcizumab to reduce tumour size and improve survival rates. The study uses genetically modified mice and validates effectiveness with human samples, paving the way for clinical trials.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Medicine·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.

A metal that behaves like water

Researchers at Harvard have advanced graphene's understanding by observing electrons behaving like a fluid, defying classical physics expectations. The findings pave the way for novel thermoelectric devices and provide a model system to explore exotic phenomena.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2016

Lifelong physical activity increases bone density in men

A University of Missouri study found that men who engaged in high-impact activities during adolescence and young adulthood had greater bone mineral density than those who didn't. This association was observed across all ages, suggesting that it's never too late to start a bone-strengthening exercise program.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateFeb 11, 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.

Ground water storage helped offset sea level rise, study says

Recent analysis suggests that groundwater storage has contributed up to 22% to slowing sea level rise, with climate-driven changes in precipitation playing the key role. Human-induced factors like reservoir filling and water pumping have also affected land storage capacity, although to a lesser extent.

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

Common antimalarial drug could be used to treat major injury

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that the antimalarial drug Artesunate can reduce organ failure following injury in rats. The study's findings suggest that Artesunate could be a highly effective option for treating major trauma patients, particularly those experiencing hemorrhagic shock.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateFeb 11, 2016

Internet searches reflect vaping's surge

A recent study found that people searching for vaping-related terms are primarily interested in shopping for e-cigarettes rather than health information. This suggests a concerning trend in the growing vaping industry, where marketing and advertising efforts may be targeting consumers without regard for potential health risks.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2016

Record for fastest data rate set

Researchers at UCL have achieved a record-breaking data rate of 1.125 Tb/s using custom-built optical communications system with multiple transmitting channels and a single receiver. This breakthrough is expected to support the growth of high-speed internet and cloud services, enabling faster data transfer rates.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 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.

'Housing Policy Debate' publishes Penn Nursing & Cornell study on affordable housing

A recent study published in Housing Policy Debate found that the location of subsidized housing has a significant impact on residents' educational attainment. Residents in poorer neighborhoods with higher crime rates and lower levels of education earned fewer college credits per year compared to those in more advantaged areas.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalHousing Policy Debate·DateFeb 11, 2016

Memory ensembles

The brain regulates the size of neuronal ensembles that reflect the memory trace to optimize performance, researchers from Université de Genève demonstrate. The study shows that inhibiting or resurfacing a memory can be achieved by targeting neurons in the hippocampus.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 11, 2016

Iron in the blood could cause cell damage, say researchers

Concentrations of iron similar to those delivered through standard treatments can trigger DNA damage within 10 minutes, when given to cells in the laboratory. Researchers from Imperial College London suggest that standard treatment dosages may be causing cell damage, highlighting the need for careful consideration of iron levels.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 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.

Oldest footprints in Catalonia

Researchers found ichnites of temnospondyls, seymouriamorphs, captorhinids, and synapsids in the Manyanet Valley, providing insights into ancient tetrapod diversity. The study suggests climate changes influenced faunal distribution during the Permian Period.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGeological Magazine·DateFeb 11, 2016

True love: How transcription factors interact to create a heart

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that three transcription factors -- NKX2-5, TBX5, and GATA4 -- must interact for proper heart development. Without these interactions, severe congenital heart defects occur. The study revealed the proteins' genomic and physical interactions, providing new insights into treating heart disease.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateFeb 11, 2016

Male biology students consistently underestimate female peers, study finds

A study at the University of Washington found that male students ranked their male classmates as more knowledgeable about course content, even when female students performed better. This gender bias was consistent across 11 different class surveys and could impact female students' perception of themselves in STEM fields.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 2016

Breakable genes may promote disease and brain cell diversity

Researchers identified 27 genes in brain stem cells prone to DNA damage, which could promote disease but also benefit brain diversity. The fragility of these genes may lead to mutations or deletions in cancers and neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 11, 2016

Younger T cells may improve immunotherapy for children's cancer

Researchers found that younger T cells are critically important in T cell immunotherapy and can be more effective when collected earlier. This discovery has the potential to change clinical management in T cell immunotherapy.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 11, 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.

Feeling older increases risk of hospitalization, study says

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel older than their peers are more likely to be hospitalized. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 adults and found a 10-25% increased likelihood of hospitalization among those who reported feeling older.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 11, 2016

CU scientists identify factor that may trigger type 1 diabetes

Researchers have identified antigens that activate autoreactive T cells in autoimmune diabetes, a potential trigger for the disease. The discovery provides insight into how the immune system is tricked into destroying the body's own beta cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2016

Hope for peace may be encouraged by enemies in Israeli-Palestinian conflict

A new study suggests that hearing messages of hope from Palestinians, regardless of their affiliation, can instill greater sense of hope among Jewish Israelis. In contrast, similar hopeful messages from outside experts had no effect. The findings have implications for protracted intergroup conflicts beyond the Israeli-Palestinian confl...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 11, 2016

Mecca's cardiac hospital describes how it copes with the Hajj

KAMC's Hajj Committee plans year-round to ensure preparedness for the massive patient influx during the Hajj. The hospital treats 700-1000 cardiac patients, with most being Hajj visitors, and has increased echocardiography staff from 7 to 13 during peak seasons.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateFeb 11, 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.

New target found in search for new, more effective herbicide

Researchers at the John Innes Centre have identified DNA gyrase as a key enzyme in plants that can be targeted for the development of new, more effective herbicides. This discovery holds promise for reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and ensuring the safety of farmers and gardeners.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 11, 2016

Abnormal combos of peptides may contribute to diabetes

Researchers identified hybrid insulin peptides (HIPs) that trigger autoimmune response in T1D patients, prompting immune system to attack insulin-producing cells. These findings may help explain the mystery of why people with T1D are affected by incorrect insulin peptide bonding.

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

GGC physicist leads team in innovative black hole research

A research team led by GGC physicist Lior Burko simulated a rotating black hole for the first time, revealing that objects can stay intact as they approach the center. The simulation supports popular science fiction scenarios where black holes are used as portals for hyperspace travel.

SourceGeorgia Gwinnett College·JournalPhysical Review D·DateFeb 11, 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.

Tiny worm opens big discovery on nerve degeneration

Researchers found two proteins that play a crucial role in axonal degeneration, the first part of neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery creates new avenues for finding ways to protect neurons from damage.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 11, 2016

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Winston form

Tropical Cyclone Winston is intensifying with powerful thunderstorms circling its center and generating heavy rainfall. Sea surface temperatures of near 31 degrees Celsius are fueling the storm's growth, with maximum sustained winds expected to reach 105 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 11, 2016

Why smiles (and frowns) are contagious

Research reveals that humans mirror others' faces to recognize and share emotions. This phenomenon is linked to social disorders like autism, where facial expression recognition can be impaired. Understanding sensorimotor simulation may help treat related conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2016

Mommy and me

A study by University of Utah researcher Elisabeth Conradt found that a mother's sensitivity can buffer her infant from the negative impacts of maternal depression. Infants whose mothers were sensitive had lower cortisol levels and less DNA methylation, indicating reduced exposure to maternal stress hormones.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 11, 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.

Bumpy liquid films could simplify fabrication of microlenses

Researchers at TU Darmstadt develop a new technique to fabricate microlens arrays with highly regular structures, reducing costs and time. The method uses cellular convection in a thick liquid layer to pattern a thin polymer film, ideal for photovoltaic systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 11, 2016

Real-time Ebola fusion system yields clues to stopping infection

Researchers developed a real-time system to track Ebola virus particles' interaction with human cells, revealing crucial host and viral proteins involved in fusion. The study identifies specific cellular proteins required for fusion, offering insights into designing future drugs or vaccines.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·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.

Discovery of new iron oxides points to large oxygen source inside the Earth

Researchers used high-pressure experiments to create two new iron oxides, which decompose at extreme conditions and release significant amounts of oxygen-rich fluid. The discovery suggests a huge oxygen source in the Earth's lower mantle that can affect geochemical processes.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2016

This is what a wasp sees to learn the way home

Researchers reconstructed what wasps see during learning flights, revealing how they monitor changing views and rely on familiar sights. The study sheds light on the insects' remarkable navigation abilities, which may inspire new approaches to robotics and ecological neuroscience.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 11, 2016