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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 380


Page 380 of 423

Fish fins can sense touch

Researchers have discovered that pectoral fins in fish possess neurons and cells sensitive to touch, conveying information about pressure and motion. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary biology of touch and may inspire new advances in underwater robotics design.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateFeb 10, 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.

The lowdown on sports nutrition supplements

The sports nutrition market is growing, with $6.3 billion in sales in 2014, but clinical studies on supplements are still limited, raising questions about their safety and effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 10, 2016

Nanoparticle reduces targeted cancer drug's toxicity

Researchers created a nanoparticle formulation of a targeted cancer drug that selectively targets tumors while sparing healthy tissue. The nanoparticle-encapsulated version showed improved efficacy and reduced side effects in rodent trials.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Fossil record disappears at different rates

Researchers found that more fossil bones have been lost in regions like the continental US and South America compared to Alaska and areas near the Bering Strait. This variation complicates population size estimates of extinct species across the Americas.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 10, 2016

Plankton carries carbon to safe resting spot, ocean study reveals

A recent study reveals that ocean plankton networks play a crucial role in removing carbon from the atmosphere and depositing it deep in the ocean. The research, led by Matthew Sullivan of Ohio State University, used advanced genetic sequencing to identify clusters of organisms most linked to carbon deposition.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2016

The herbivore dilemma: How corn plants fights off simultaneous attacks

A recent study found that corn plants may prioritize defense against caterpillars over aphids, potentially making them more susceptible to aphid attacks. This metabolic trade-off could lead to the development of new corn varieties with naturally increased resistance to certain insects.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 9, 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.

Absorbing acoustics with soundless spirals

Researchers at CNRS and University of Lorraine develop a coiled-up acoustic metasurface that achieves total acoustic absorption in very low-frequency ranges. The absorber's deep-subwavelength thickness enables it to handle large wavelengths with reduced size structure, making it physically practical for most applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 9, 2016

Superconductivity: Footballs with no resistance

Researchers from Max Planck Institute achieve light-induced lossless electricity transmission in fullerenes, contributing to the search for practical superconducting materials. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of high-temperature superconductivity and the development of artificial superconductors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 9, 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.

Tick genome reveals secrets of a successful bloodsucker

Researchers have deciphered the genome of the blacklegged tick, revealing secrets to its success as a disease vector. The study identifies genes and protein families that shed light on why ticks excel at spreading pathogens, providing potential targets for new interventions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2016

Wayne State University researchers discover new source of mutations in cancer

Researchers found that APOBEC3 enzymes target the lagging-strand template during DNA copying, causing C-to-T mutations. This discovery sheds light on a major source of mutations driving tumor growth and explains microbial evolution.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2016

Ancient gene network helps plants adapt to their environments

A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has discovered an ancient gene network that helps plants adapt to their environments. The tasiARF/ARF gene network, found in both mosses and flowering plants, plays a crucial role in regulating the response to environmental cues.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 9, 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.

Twisted X-rays unravel the complexity of helical structures

Researchers propose using twisted X-rays to study non-crystalline but symmetric structures like helices. This method matches the symmetry of incoming radiation to the structure's symmetry, producing sharp peaks in diffraction data that can be used for accurate structure prediction.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateFeb 9, 2016

Hunting pressure on forest animals in Africa is on the increase

A team of European researchers has predicted increased hunting pressure in the Congo Basin, leading to dramatic population declines or extinctions. The study identified areas with high hunting pressure, including Virunga National Park and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBiotropica·DateFeb 9, 2016

Stronger evidence found for link between prenatal exposure to paracetamol and the risk of developing

Research found a consistent link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and asthma development, with the strongest association seen in children who had been exposed for multiple complaints. The study, the largest of its kind, also found no strong evidence for an association between maternal or paternal paracetamol use outside pregnancy.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 9, 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.

Columbia seminary professor to discuss biodiversity at AAAS Annual Meeting

Professor Bill Brown from Columbia Seminary will present on 'Theological Reasons for Protecting Biodiversity' at the AAAS 2016 Annual Meeting. He argues that the crisis of biodiversity loss is underappreciated by people of religious faith, and institutions must develop theological grounding to value biodiversity.

SourceColumbia Theological Seminary·DateFeb 9, 2016

Menominee Crack is an unusual geological pop-up structure

Researchers from Michigan Technological University identified a geological pop-up structure known as the Menominee Crack, which formed in 2010. The crack is believed to be a unique feature resulting from the removal of overlying rock or ice, possibly due to glaciers receding over 11,000 years ago.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateFeb 9, 2016

New guideline for treatment of prolonged seizures in children and adults

The American Epilepsy Society has released a new guideline to help physicians effectively treat patients with prolonged seizures. The guideline recommends a three-phase approach to treatment, prioritizing rapid termination of seizure activity to reduce neurological injuries and deaths.

SourceAmerican Epilepsy Society·JournalEpilepsy Currents·DateFeb 9, 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.

Chinese male teens aren't smoking as much, Saint Louis University research finds

Research from Saint Louis University and Chongqing University found that younger Chinese teenage boys are less likely to start smoking than those born longer ago. The study suggests that urbanization and improved access to education may be contributing factors to the decline in smoking rates among Chinese male teens.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 9, 2016

Study shows positive psychological effects of hormone therapy in transgender individuals

A systematic review of hormone therapy's effects on transgender individuals found significant improvements in mental health status and quality of life after as little as 3-6 months of treatment. Researchers suggest that increased access to hormone therapy could help eliminate or reduce depression and anxiety in this population.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTransgender Health·DateFeb 9, 2016

Mysterious menominee crack is unusual geological pop-up feature

Researchers studying a massive crack in the ground near Menominee, Michigan, have discovered it's likely a rare geological phenomenon known as a 'pop-up' feature. The team used seismic refraction techniques to confirm the formation of the feature, which is believed to be caused by stress in ancient limestone rock.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateFeb 9, 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.

Engineering researchers use laser to 'weld' neurons

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a groundbreaking technique to connect neurons using femtosecond laser pulses. This breakthrough allows for complete control over cell connection processes, enabling researchers to conduct experiments that would be impossible with traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 9, 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.

Moscow gets rid off aerosols

Researchers detected a trend of lowering aerosol percentage in Moscow over the XXI century. The decrease is attributed to reduced anthropogenic emissions of proto-aerosol gases due to higher petrol quality and lower sulfur oxide emissions, with significant effects during spring and autumn periods.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateFeb 9, 2016

A new home - but with no medical home? Study of immigrants' kids with special health needs

A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that immigrant children with special health needs are more likely to lack a true 'medical home', despite growing popularity of the model. The disparity affects even American-born children whose parents are foreign-born, highlighting the need for family-centered care coordination.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 9, 2016

Study compares outcomes at VA hospitals vs. non-VA hospitals

A study found that Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals had lower 30-day all-cause mortality rates for heart attack and heart failure, but higher readmission rates for these conditions compared to non-VA hospitals. The findings suggest that VA hospitals are starting from a better place in terms of quality care than two decades ago.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 9, 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.

Uncoding a citrus tree killer

A team of researchers led by UC Riverside scientist Wenbo Ma has received a $4 million grant to study the citrus greening disease and develop resistant varieties. They will use CRISPR-based genome editing to modify native citrus genes and investigate public acceptance of genome-edited crops.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateFeb 9, 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.

Horses can read human emotions, University of Sussex research shows

Researchers found that horses looked more with their left eye when viewing angry faces and showed a quicker increase in heart rate, indicating they had a functionally relevant understanding of the emotions. This ability to read human emotions may serve as a warning system, allowing horses to anticipate negative behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 9, 2016

Study offers treatment hope for sleep disordered breathing

Scientists have gained insights into breathing signals during sleep, leading to potential new treatments for central sleep apnoea. Researchers used genetically modified mice to show that AMPK enzyme helps breathe faster in low oxygen environments.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2016

Watch: Barley can help improve blood sugar levels and reduce appetite

A recent study from Lund University found that barley can rapidly improve people's health by reducing blood sugar levels and risk for diabetes. The special mixture of dietary fibres in barley stimulates the increase of good bacteria and the release of important hormones.

SourceLund University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateFeb 9, 2016

Inland fisheries determined to surface as food powerhouse

A new review highlights the importance of inland fish and fisheries, which contribute to at least 40% of the world's reported fish production. Inland fisheries provide essential livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in low-income countries, while also supporting biodiversity and recreation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnvironmental Reviews·DateFeb 9, 2016

How stable is the West Antarctic Ice Sheet?

A future warming of the Southern Ocean may cause the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, leading to a significant rise in sea levels. Model simulations suggest that critical temperature limits will be exceeded if ocean temperatures rise by more than two degrees Celsius, resulting in a sea level rise of three to five meters.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 9, 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.

Cutting prison sentences could reduce spread of HIV, study suggests

A computer model suggests that cutting incarceration can decrease the number of sexual partners men and women have, thus reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The study also found that harsher penalties may exacerbate this effect, highlighting the need for more open criminal justice systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2016

Starfish reveal the origins of brain messenger molecules

Biologists from Queen Mary University of London have discovered 40 new neuropeptide genes in the common European starfish, providing new insights into neural function evolution. The discovery includes a neuropeptide similar to kisspeptin, which triggers human puberty.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalOpen Biology·DateFeb 9, 2016

Penn Medicine 'brain road maps' reflect behavior differences between males and females

Researchers found structural differences in brain connectivity match behavioral differences between men and women, with stronger motor skills linked to male performance and social cognition skills linked to female strengths. The study provides new insights into sex differences in the brain and behavior, potentially advancing treatment ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 9, 2016

'Molecular movie' opens door to new cancer treatments

A team of scientists has produced a structural movie showing the creation of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a major methyl donor in the body that plays a role in some cancers. The research provides insight into how this enzyme synthesizes SAMe and highlights it as an excellent therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2016

Climate change will delay transatlantic flights

A new study by the University of Reading predicts that climate change will delay transatlantic flights due to accelerated jet stream winds. This will result in longer journey times, increased fuel costs, and worsened environmental impacts.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 9, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Link between stress fracture injuries and genes found

A study by University of Liverpool researchers found that specific gene variations are associated with stress fracture injuries in healthy, exercising individuals. This discovery may lead to the development of preventative measures and tailored treatments for athletes and military personnel at risk of developing this common sports injury.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPurinergic Signalling·DateFeb 9, 2016

UC's Arlitt Center awarded $1.6 million NSF grant

The University of Cincinnati's Arlitt Center has received a three-year, $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support teacher development and research into early childhood science learning through outdoor play environments. The grant will fund four initiatives: web-based professional development programs, research ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateFeb 9, 2016

BMJ provides Zika virus resources to support healthcare workers

BMJ is offering free online resources to help healthcare professionals keep up with the latest developments and guidance on diagnosing, advising, and treating patients affected by the Zika virus. The resources include information from leading health organizations such as WHO, Public Health England, and CDC.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 9, 2016

Rare bumble bee may be making a comeback in Pacific northwest

A recent study suggests that the Bombus occidentalis bumble bee may be making a comeback in the Pacific Northwest. The population's resurgence is believed to be linked to evolution and a decline in the impact of the Nosema parasite. This reversal could have significant implications for local ecosystems.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·DateFeb 9, 2016