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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 388


Page 388 of 423

Discovery of the specific properties of graphite-based carbon materials

Researchers have discovered Landau levels on atomically flat surfaces without asymmetries, supporting the domain model for non-magnetic field generation. The study reveals unique properties of graphite-based carbon materials, such as graphene, for electronic devices and catalysis.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 2016

Scripps-led team discovers 4 new deep-sea worm species

A Scripps-led team has discovered four new deep-sea worm species, expanding the diversity of known species from one to five. The discovery has significant implications for understanding early animal evolution and the development of organ systems such as guts, brains, and kidneys.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 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.

Greenland ice sheet releasing 'Mississippi River' worth of phosphorus

Researchers found that the Greenland ice sheet is releasing a significant amount of phosphorus into the Arctic Ocean, with annual input equal to some of the world's largest rivers. The nutrient could stimulate growth of plankton at the base of the ocean food web, impacting birds, fish, and marine mammals higher up the chain.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateFeb 3, 2016

Chip enables navigation aids for the visually impaired

Researchers developed a low-power chip that can process 3-D camera data and guide the visually impaired through wearable devices. The chip, about one-thousandth as powerful as conventional processors, enables a prototype navigation system that conveys distance information to users.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 3, 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.

Investigating potential fetal exposure to antidepressants

Researchers studied exposure to antidepressants in mice, finding that SSRIs like citalopram rapidly transfer to fetuses and brains. The study's findings suggest potential risks for children of mothers taking these medications during pregnancy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateFeb 3, 2016

Gender diversity in the boardroom key for LGBT friendly firms

A study published by SAGE in Human Relations found that diversity in the boardroom is key to advancing LGBT-inclusive policies. Firms with a higher percentage of women on the board are more likely to adopt a broad range of LGBT-friendly policies and practices.

SourceSAGE·JournalHuman Relations·DateFeb 3, 2016

Model helps decide drug dose for clinical testing

A mathematical model accurately predicted the results of a herpes drug study, pinpointing the most effective dose for treatment. The model considers the complex immune response against the virus, improving upon current methods that neglect this aspect.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2016

Financial industry coping with issues of elder exploitation, cognitive decline

The financial industry is facing a major economic threat from elder financial exploitation and cognitive decline, which can result in significant losses for individuals and society. New research and initiatives are being developed to detect, prevent, and intervene in these cases, including predictive models and algorithms.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalPublic Policy & Aging Report·DateFeb 3, 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.

Examining how terrestrial life's building blocks may have first formed

Scientists propose a new set of cosmic chemical reactions that could have contributed to the formation of life on Earth. Methanol is shown to be more reactive than methane and can give rise to varied hydrocarbons, their derivatives and products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 3, 2016

Promising compounds against a cancer target

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have synthesized peptides that target the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) protein, which accelerates tumour cell growth. These peptides show promise as a potential treatment for cancer, and further studies are underway to develop stronger compounds.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalChemBioChem·DateFeb 3, 2016

UT Dallas study: Most NFL arrests not for violent crimes

A new UT Dallas study suggests that most NFL arrests are not for violent crimes, but rather minor offenses. The majority of players involved in violent incidents have only one arrest during the studied period, highlighting a small fraction of repeat offenders.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateFeb 3, 2016

Galactic center's gamma rays unlikely to originate from dark matter, evidence shows

Two studies find gamma ray signals in the galactic center are unlikely caused by dark matter collisions. Instead, they could be attributed to fast-rotating stars called millisecond pulsars. Researchers used statistical analysis methods to analyze images of gamma rays captured by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 3, 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.

Chip could bring deep learning to mobile devices

Researchers at MIT have developed a new chip called Eyeriss that can enable mobile devices to run powerful artificial-intelligence algorithms locally. This could improve performance, reduce latency and allow for more efficient processing of data without relying on Wi-Fi connections.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Fruit flies adjust their courtship song based on distance

Researchers discovered that male fruit flies adjust the amplitude of their courtship song based on distance from females, conserving energy and competing more effectively. This complex behavior sheds light on social interactions across the animal kingdom.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 3, 2016

Significant changes in rhino bone health over 50 million years

A study of rhinoceros bones reveals a significant increase in osteopathology as new species evolved, from 28% to 65-80%. The black rhino showed 50% fewer osteopathologies than derived extinct taxa, suggesting that long-term bone health may have been compromised by adaptations for increased mass and activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2016

Same switches program taste and smell in fruit flies

Fruit flies develop complex nervous systems through a set of genetic control switches that interact early in development to generate dozens of types of olfactory neurons. The same gene network also plays a role in programming taste neurons, suggesting the same basic mechanism could be at work in other animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 3, 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.

Emergency blood transfusions for major trauma need to be more rapid and consistent

A recent study found that nearly 5,000 trauma patients sustain major haemorrhage each year in England and Wales, with one-third dying due to delays in blood transfusion practices. The study highlights the need for more rapid and consistent delivery of blood components to trauma patients, as this can halve mortality rates.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBJS·DateFeb 3, 2016

Consistency of Earth's magnetic field history surprises scientists

Researchers have identified 10 additional superchrons in the Proterozoic Eon, revealing a similar rate of geodynamo-driven reversals for most of the past two billion years. This discovery challenges existing models of core evolution and the geodynamo process.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 3, 2016

High risk of falling -- an early sign of Parkinson's

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that Parkinson's patients experience a higher risk of injurious falls and hip fractures up to 30 years before diagnosis. This suggests early signs of balance issues may be an indicator of the disease.

SourceUmea University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 3, 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.

Pace of new drug approvals rise -- and so do their price tags

A record-breaking number of new drugs were approved last year, including biologics for rare diseases and cancer treatments. However, the high costs of these therapies pose a significant challenge for patients and the pharmaceutical industry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 3, 2016

Breakthrough in generating embryonic cells that are critical for human health

A new study provides a reliable method to generate neural crest cells in just five days from human embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent cells. The research highlights the critical role of WNT signals, FGF and BMP pathways, and sheds light on the initiation of neural crest cell formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 3, 2016

Study reveals how herpes virus tricks the immune system

Researchers at Rockefeller University have captured atomic images of the herpes simplex 1 virus revealing how it inserts itself into another protein to evade detection by immune cells. The study provides a mechanistic explanation for the virus's ability to escape immune system recognition.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016

Warming ocean may bring major changes for US northeast fishery species

Most US marine fish and invertebrate species are vulnerable to climate change, with some more resilient than others. The study ranks species based on their vulnerability, predicting widespread distribution shifts and potential impacts on abundance and productivity.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Use of and barriers to access to opioid analgesics worldwide

The report reveals that high-income western countries and regions are driving the increase in opioid use, while poorer nations face significant barriers to access including affordability, lack of awareness, and onerous regulations

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 3, 2016

Misery of work second only to illness

Researchers found a 7-8% drop in happiness among British workers compared to leisure activities outside of work. The Mappiness app, which quizzes users on their wellbeing, debunks the myth that Brits love queuing and reveals lovemaking as the most pleasurable experience.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateFeb 2, 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.

Seeing exemplary peer work can undermine student performance

A new study published in Psychological Science found that exposure to exemplary peer work can undermine student motivation and lead to quitting. Researchers discovered that students who assessed exemplary peers' essays were substantially less likely to earn course credit than those who assessed average peers' essays.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 2, 2016

With ravens, out of sight is not out of mind

New research suggests that ravens share human-like ability to think abstractly about other minds, attributed to mental states including vision. Ravens guarded food caches in response to auditory cues from unseen competitors, demonstrating a level of Theory of Mind previously unknown in non-human animals.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

What goes wrong in the brain when someone can't spell

Studies of stroke victims with spelling impairments reveal distinct brain regions responsible for long-term and working memory, offering new insights into the mechanics of language and memory. Damage to these regions can lead to different symptoms, including difficulty guessing or assembling words.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalBrain·DateFeb 2, 2016

New Zealand's little penguins are recent Australian invaders

A new study found that New Zealand's little penguin species is a recently introduced Australian invader, replacing the native species that was hunted by early human settlers and introduced predators. The Australian penguins arrived in Otago between 1500 and 1900 AD.

SourceUniversity of Otago·DateFeb 2, 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.

Front of package food labels do not mean a food is healthy

Researchers analyzed over 2,200 breakfast cereals and prepared meals with front-of-pack (FOP) claims, finding no correlation between the claims and nutritional quality. The FDA defines four types of FOP claims, but none can distinguish 'healthy' foods.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateFeb 2, 2016

Listeria: Hypervirulent strains with cerebral and placental tropism

Researchers identified hypervirulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes associated with human infections, which are more invasive and infect central nervous system and fetus more often than those linked to food. The study used large-scale analysis of epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological data.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2016

'Gene fusion' mutation uses 3-way mechanism to drive childhood brain cancers

A powerful three-way mechanism driving childhood brain cancer growth has been discovered by scientists. The MYB-QKI gene fusion is found in rare pediatric glioma subtype angiocentric glioma and drives tumor formation through abnormal expression, disruption of tumor suppression, and activation via a positive feedback loop.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 2, 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.

Longer shifts for surgical residents are safe for patients

A new landmark national study by Northwestern Medicine found that allowing surgical residents to work longer hours without compromising patient safety improved patient care and resident training. The FIRST trial investigated 4,330 residents and 138,691 patients, with similar rates of complications in both groups.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2016

Greenland model could help estimate sea level rise

Researchers used computer models and field data to accurately depict current flow conditions in Greenland's topographically complex ice sheet. The study aims to improve knowledge of subglacial topography and predict potential effects on sea levels from a melting ice sheet.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

New light shed on anti-adhesive molecule in the vascular endothelium

Researchers from Harvard Medical School have gained new understanding of how endomucin, a key molecule with anti-adhesive properties, prevents inflammatory cells from adhering to blood vessels. By promoting the expression of endomucin, they believe it may be possible to develop treatments for inflammation.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 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.

Uncommon surnames narrate the family history of those who bear them

A Spanish study analyzed 2,000 volunteers and found that men sharing rare surnames have similar Y chromosomes, indicating they descended from the same original bearers. The correlation between surname frequency and Y chromosome variation only depends on surname frequency.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2016

Women more sensitive to irksome behavior than men

A recent study by Michigan State University suggests women are more likely to get irked at irritating behavior exhibited by acquaintances and partners. Women's heightened social awareness may contribute to their increased sensitivity to annoyance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 2, 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.

Four new algae species discovered in Hawaii's deep waters

Scientists have discovered four new species of deep-water algae from Hawaii, which are similar in appearance to limu palahalaha and hold great cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. The newly discovered species were collected between 200-400 feet deep and are believed to redefine our understanding of algal distributions in Hawaii.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalJournal of Phycology·DateFeb 2, 2016

Backing from their GP could lead thousands more to take bowel cancer test

Research suggests that adding a simple endorsement from a patient's GP practice to the invitation letter could increase the number of people taking the bowel cancer screening test by up to 40,000 annually. This would lead to an additional 61 cases of bowel cancer and 165 high or medium-risk polyps being detected each year.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 2, 2016

Is being a morning person in your DNA?

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified genetic variants linked to a preference for mornings or nights, revealing the biological basis of morningness. The research found that individuals with a 'morning' genotype tend to have lower BMI and are less likely to suffer from depression.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

New drug target for Rett syndrome

Harvard researchers have identified a disrupted signaling pathway that, when corrected, can ameliorate symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice. The findings may lead to the discovery of compounds or drugs that can benefit children affected by the disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 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.

Antiseptic baths to prevent infections deemed effective for long-term use

A study published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found that long-term use of antiseptic soap in bathing critically ill patients did not cause high levels of resistance in bacteria on their skin. The prevalence of MRSA-resistant strains decreased after starting chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 2, 2016

Newly identified pathway links fetal brain development to adult social behavior

Researchers discovered a critical period during embryonic brain development that establishes normal social behavior and linked it with abnormalities in specific adult brain structures. Treating mice during fetal development reversed the deficits that lead to social and repetitive behavior disorders.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2016