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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 386


Page 386 of 423

High insecticide resistance found in the flea vector for plague in Madagascar

Researchers in Madagascar found high levels of insecticide resistance in the flea vector for plague, with only one out of 12 insecticides effective across all populations. The study suggests that different geographical regions require different treatment approaches to effectively combat the spread of the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 4, 2016

One step closer to commercial edamame production in the US

A University of Illinois study explores effective weed management in commercial edamame production, revealing that integrated tactics and specific herbicide combinations can increase marketable pod yield. Gardensoy 43 cultivar showed promise as a competitive option, reducing weed biomass by 29 percent.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateFeb 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA measures 10 days of US extreme precipitation from space

NASA analyzed satellite data measuring heavy precipitation in southern Florida, California, and across the Great Plains from late January to early February. The IMERG mission estimated over 200mm of precipitation in some areas, with powerful winds bringing down trees and power lines.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 4, 2016

Harnessing the power of light to fight cancer

Researchers at Texas A&M University use optogenetics to control immune cells, instructing them to kill cancerous tumor cells. This method allows for fine-tuning of calcium-dependent actions of immune cells to fight against invading pathogens or tumor cells.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateFeb 4, 2016

Bachelor's paradise: FSU researcher finds female turtles outnumbering males

Rising global temperatures may skew gender imbalance among the marine turtle population, according to new research. The sex of marine hatchlings is influenced by incubating temperatures, with warmer temperatures producing a higher number of female hatchlings.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Athlete passion linked to acceptance of performance enhancing drugs

A recent study published in the Journal of Intercollegiate Sport found that varsity athletes with high obsessive passion towards their sport are more likely to accept the use of performance-enhancing drugs. In contrast, athletes with high harmonious passion tend to have conservative attitudes towards PEDs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Intercollegiate Sport·DateFeb 4, 2016

Mites drive deformed wing virus in honeybees

A new analysis of deformed wing virus shows that the Varroa mite has spread globally due to human trade, contributing to an endemic to epidemic shift. The study provides insights into worldwide transmission routes and dynamics of DWV.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2016

Gambling is associated with 'risk-taking behavior' in young teens, study finds

A study of Italian sixth- to eighth-graders found a high rate of gambling, which was associated with substance use and other risk-taking behaviors. The study suggests that parents and healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential risks of gambling in early adolescence.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateFeb 4, 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.

'On-ramping' paves the way for women scientists, engineers to return to academia

The study reveals that on-ramping programs provide support and tools for women to transition into university faculty or instructor positions. Many participants found autonomy, intellectual freedom, and personal satisfaction in their new roles, and expressed high confidence in their abilities as educators.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Journal of Technology Transfer·DateFeb 4, 2016

Scientists take key step toward custom-made nanoscale chemical factories

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully reengineered a building block of a geometric nanocompartment, allowing for the transfer of electrons and enabling new functionalities. The introduction of iron-sulfur clusters expands the potential of nanocompartments as custom-made chemical factories.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 4, 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.

Scientists overcome hurdles for champion racehorses

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London identified specific proteins that help tendons slide, which slows down as horses age, increasing the risk of injury. The study provides a new insight into tendon aging and could lead to the development of prevention measures for racing horses.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2016

How forest management and deforestation are impacting climate

Two studies reveal how human-made forest changes affect the carbon cycle and air temperature. Replacing broadleaved forests with conifers increases evapotranspiration and albedo, contributing to warming. Forest clearing causes an increase in average and maximum surface temperatures, except at northern latitudes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2016

Antibiotic's killer strategy revealed

Researchers at Princeton University discovered the mode of action of antibiotic tropodithietic acid (TDA), revealing its ability to kill cancer cells. TDA's unique mechanism involves disrupting cell membrane function, rendering it a potential anticancer agent.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 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.

Graphene is strong, but is it tough?

Berkeley Lab scientists found that polycrystalline graphene is strong but has low toughness, a property necessary for structural reliability in applications. The researchers developed a statistical model to predict failure in the material, revealing its fracture resistance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016

UT study measures impact of removing Planned Parenthood from Texas women's health program

A recent UT study found a decrease in highly effective contraceptive services and an increase in Medicaid-paid childbirths after Planned Parenthood was removed from a Texas women's health program. The researchers also discovered that the removal led to a significant drop in claims for long-acting, reversible contraceptives like implant...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2016

DNA evidence uncovers major upheaval in Europe near end of last Ice Age

Ancient DNA analysis uncovers a significant population turnover in Europe around 14,500 years ago, suggesting a sudden replacement of hunter-gatherer populations by another group. This finding contradicts the traditional view that non-African populations dispersed to Eurasia and Australasia through multiple migrations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 2016

The evolution of Dark-fly

Researchers discovered that Dark-fly has a competitive advantage in reproduction over its wild-type counterpart when bred in the dark. The team sequenced the genome of Dark-fly and identified 28 genetic regions responsible for its unique adaptations, including genes involved in pheromone synthesis and circadian rhythms.

SourceGenetics Society of America·DateFeb 4, 2016

Bears' seasonal hibernation linked to changes in gut microbes

Researchers found that bears' summer gut microbiota includes microbes that take in more energy from the diet, allowing them to gain fat without impairing glucose metabolism. The study suggests a new potential therapeutic target for obesity management in humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 4, 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.

Greenland Ice Sheet is being shaped by its past

A new study suggests that the Greenland Ice Sheet's stiff upper layer of ice formed during the Holocene era may be causing its deceleration. The analysis reveals that softer ice, resulting from higher atmospheric dust levels, is being compressed by stiffer ice below.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2016

Turbulent times: When stars approach

Researchers used new methods to model the common-envelope phase of binary stars, revealing dynamic instabilities crucial for supernova evolution. These turbulent fluctuations affect a star system's fate, influencing whether a supernova occurs and its type.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 4, 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.

Impact of high fructose on health of offspring

The study found that pregnant mice exposed to a high fructose diet developed higher peak glucose, insulin resistance, and obesity in their offspring. Female offspring were also heavier and had more visceral adipose tissue, indicating a potential link between maternal diet during pregnancy and childhood health.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2016

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope primary mirror fully assembled

The final primary mirror segment was installed on the telescope structure using a robotic arm, completing a decade-long design and manufacturing process. Once deployed, the 18 segments will form a single large 21.3-foot diameter mirror to study planetary atmospheres, star-forming regions, and the universe's beginnings.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 4, 2016

Stanford's GCEP awards $7.6 million for energy research

GCEP has awarded over $177 million since its launch in 2002 to support global climate change efforts through innovative energy technologies. Researchers will focus on developing lightweight materials, high-efficiency solar devices and microbial production of biofuels.

SourceStanford University·DateFeb 4, 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.

New clues to common and elusive KRAS cancer gene

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have identified a strong interaction between KRAS and AGO2 that could contribute to its role in cancer development. The study suggests that targeting this interaction may be a potential therapy for KRAS-related cancers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 4, 2016

Scientists guide gold nanoparticles to form 'diamond' superlattices

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have devised a method to trap and arrange nanoparticles in a way that mimics the atomic structure of diamond using DNA scaffolds. The technique, developed by Oleg Gang, employs fabricated DNA as a building material to organize nanoparticles into 3D spatial arrangements.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 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.

Targeting the mind/body connection in stress

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new blood test that can determine an individual's vulnerability to stress and PTSD. The test combines genetic testing with brain imaging to identify a specific alteration in the expression of microRNA miR-29c, which is linked to slow recovery from stress.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2016

Simple test allows for rapid diagnosis of preeclampsia

A simple test can rapidly detect preeclampsia, a deadly pregnancy-related condition affecting 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide. The Congo Red Dot (CRD) diagnostic test has an accuracy rate of 86%, identifying high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

SourceMediaSource·DateFeb 4, 2016

Leading bugs to the death chamber: A kinder face of cholesterol

Researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research found that cholesterol-rich domains on phagosome membranes facilitate the transport of pathogens to lysosomes for degradation. This process is disrupted by certain parasites, potentially allowing them to survive and spread infection.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalCell·DateFeb 4, 2016

How roots grow

Root shape is determined by a combination of genetic predisposition and the self-organization of cells. The development of secondary roots follows principles of non-deterministic growth and adaptation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Scientists map movement of Greenland Ice during past 9,000 years

Researchers created a paleo-velocity map for Greenland, showing the ice sheet's flow pattern over the past 9,000 years. The study found that the ice sheet's interior is moving more slowly than during most of the Holocene period, while glaciers along the edges are rapidly thinning.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2016

New science helps put spotlight on unseen global impacts

A new science framework, telecoupling, is used to examine the often unseen consequences of global transactions on human-nature interactions. The framework, developed by sustainability scholar Jianguo Liu, allows scientists to analyze how distant environmental and socioeconomic actions lead to reactions and feedbacks globally.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 4, 2016

Hair thinning by stem cell loss

Two studies suggest that aging of hair follicle stem cells may contribute to hair thinning. The research found that accumulating DNA damage and changes in key genes affect HFSCs, leading to miniaturized and reduced hair follicles.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 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.

Anonymous browsing hinders online dating signals

A new study in Management Science finds that online dating sites may perpetuate traditional gender norms despite growing anonymity features. Women tend to send 'weak signals' instead of making the first move, while men take the cue and send more messages.

SourceMcGill University·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 3, 2016

CNIC researchers discover a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease

CNIC researchers have identified a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease, p38 gamma and p38 delta proteins. Inhibition of these proteins with specific inhibitors has shown potential as a treatment for fatty liver disease, potentially preventing inflammation, liver damage, and diabetes linked to obesity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 3, 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.

Researchers discover new phase of boron nitride and a new way to create pure c-BN

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a new phase of boron nitride (Q-BN) and developed a technique to create cubic boron nitride (c-BN) at ambient temperatures and air pressure. The discovery has potential applications for high-power electronics, transistors, and solid-state devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAPL Materials·DateFeb 3, 2016

Enzyme key to link between age-related inflammation and cancer

A study published in Genes & Development found that inhibiting the MLL1 enzyme prevents age-related inflammation and cancer. Researchers discovered that MLL1 is critical for regulating gene expression and is commonly mutated in human cancers, leading to increased inflammation and tissue degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 3, 2016

Phosphine as a superconductor? Sure, but the story may be complicated

Researchers at the University of Buffalo found that phosphine's superconductivity likely results from the compound decomposing into other products containing phosphorus and hydrogen. This understanding could aid in creating new superconducting materials, which would revolutionize electric power infrastructure by reducing energy waste.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 3, 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.

Researchers uncover new piece of the HIV puzzle

A study published in Immunity found that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are destroyed in patients with acute HIV infection, highlighting the importance of early treatment. Research suggests that early intervention can protect ILCs from destruction and prevent immune system imbalances.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 3, 2016