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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 390


Page 390 of 423

Two AgriLife Research entomologists co-author bedbug genome mapping paper

A team of entomologists, including Dr. Ed Vargo and Dr. Spencer Johnston from Texas A&M AgriLife Research, has mapped the bedbug genome, revealing its unique features and ecological niche. The study identifies critical genes for survival, providing a valuable resource for developing new control targets.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Risk of lead poisoning from urban gardening is low, new study finds

A University of Washington-led study finds that the benefits of locally produced vegetables in cities outweigh any risks from gardening in contaminated soils. Compost can dilute lead levels and make it less hazardous to eat, especially for root vegetables like carrots.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateFeb 2, 2016

Doctor raises serious questions about medical awards system

A consultant cardiologist calls for a culture shift in British medicine to prioritize integrity and transparency, highlighting the case of Anjan Kumar Banerjee, who was awarded an MBE despite research fraud and financial misconduct. The doctor argues that the system is opaque and prone to manipulation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 2, 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.

Sharpin emerges from the pack as a regulator of inflammation

A study reveals Sharpin's role in regulating survival of immunosuppressive T cells, essential for preventing autoimmune disease and cancer. Sharpin-deficient mice develop severe skin lesions and inflammation due to reduced Treg counts.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 2, 2016

Study shows North Atlantic Ocean CO2 storage doubled over last decade

A University of Miami-led study shows that the North Atlantic absorbed 100% more man-made carbon dioxide over the last decade, impacting ocean life and marine organisms. The findings highlight the importance of reducing fossil fuel emissions to mitigate the effects on the oceans.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateFeb 2, 2016

Collagen and heparan sulfate coatings alter cell proliferation and attachment

A team of researchers from UCLA has developed biomaterial coatings that alter cell proliferation and attachment. The coatings, which include collagen and heparan sulfate, were found to improve cell survival after implantation by promoting blood vessel development. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of functional tissues for t...

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateFeb 2, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

2016 AAAS/Subaru SB&F prizes honor science books about animals

The 2016 AAAS/Subaru SB&F prizes recognize outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults. The winners include Sy Montgomery's 'The Octopus Scientists' and Beth Shapiro's 'How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-Extinction.'

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 2, 2016

Pilot training program to improve transgender competency among medical staff in an urban clinic

A pilot training program implemented in an urban clinic significantly improved attitudes and clinical skills towards transgender individuals. The evaluation showed a notable change in awareness of transphobic practices and readiness to serve transgender patients, indicating potential for broader healthcare equity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTransgender Health·DateFeb 2, 2016

Fishing for answers about mercury consumption

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that moderate seafood consumption was associated with less Alzheimer's disease pathology, including lower amyloid plaques and tangles. Seafood intake was only linked to reduced harm when individuals had a specific genetic profile, highlighting the need for personalized nutrition advice.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 2, 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.

Study suggests improvements in how mesothelioma is staged

Researchers suggest significant improvements in mesothelioma staging by incorporating tumor weight and volume into the current TNM system. This could lead to more accurate prognoses and personalized treatment plans for patients.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery·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.

A new alternative to sodium: Fish sauce

A study found that Vietnamese fish sauce can reduce sodium chloride by 10-25% without compromising taste. Researchers suggest using fish sauce as a partial substitute for salt to create lower-sodium foods.

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

Biomolecule's behavior under artificial conditions more natural than expected

A team of researchers monitored the folding of an RNA hairpin in a living cell and compared the results with those of test tube analyses. They found that the RNA molecule in the living cell exhibited strong fluctuations in stability, similar to the dynamic changes in the cellular environment.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 2, 2016

Inflammation attacks brain's reward center

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that inflammation can directly affect the brain's reward center, leading to changes in behavior similar to depression. The study found that patients with hepatitis C who received interferon-alpha treatment showed microstructural changes in their striatum, which was associated with...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2016

Clip-on device offers protection against mosquitoes that transmit Zika

A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that the OFF! Clip-On repellent device is highly effective against hungry Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The device causes high mosquito mortality and knockdown rates, making it a promising tool for preventing Zika bites.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateFeb 2, 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.

Research links prenatal stress to babies' health in war zones

Researchers discovered a link between prenatal stress and lower birth weight in children born to mothers experiencing trauma in war-torn regions. The study also found that stressful life experiences can affect genes involved in the body's response to stress, with long-term consequences for child development.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 2, 2016

Bright sparks shed new light on the dark matter riddle

Physicists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of dark matter research. The CRESST-II detector has achieved unprecedented sensitivity levels, allowing scientists to detect even the lightest dark matter particles for the first time.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateFeb 1, 2016

New research uses nanotechnology to prevent preterm birth

A team of researchers has developed a new way to prevent preterm birth using nanoparticles, which deliver medication directly to the uterus without crossing the placenta. The treatment, called LIPINDORA, shows promise in reducing preterm labor and avoiding fetal risks.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

Curing disease by repairing faulty genes

MIT researchers have developed a way to deliver CRISPR genome repair components more efficiently and safely, correcting mutated genes in 6 percent of liver cells in mice. The new approach has the potential to treat a range of diseases, including metabolic disorders and liver conditions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 1, 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.

The secret of scholars who impact policy

A new study in PNAS suggests that environmental scholars can increase their policy impact by consulting widely with stakeholders during research. Stakeholder engagement is found to be a better predictor of future policy impacts than perceived scientific credibility.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

New MRI technique offers faster diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

Researchers at University of Nottingham have developed a new MRI technique to distinguish between multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and other brain white spots. The study shows that this clinical MRI scan can accurately diagnose MS in a significant minority of cases, potentially leading to quicker and more reliable diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·DateFeb 1, 2016

Teen suicide: ADHD medication as prevention

Researchers challenge Health Canada's black-box warnings on ADHD medications, citing epidemiological studies showing reduced youth suicide rates with increased medication use. The study suggests that ADHD medications may actually reduce the risk of suicide in adolescents, contradicting previous warnings.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateFeb 1, 2016

New research replicates a folding human brain in 3-D

A team of researchers has successfully replicated the folding of a human brain in three-dimensional form using a simple mechanical principle. The study suggests that the unique shape of the human brain plays a crucial role in determining its folds, which are essential for maintaining proper brain function.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 1, 2016

Rice to receive $7 million from Houston Endowment for urban research

The Kinder Institute will expand its research capacity to address pressing urban challenges in Houston and the US, with a focus on data analysis and policy solutions. The three-year grant will support new research programs and initiatives, including urban data platforms, transportation planning, and gentrification studies.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 1, 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.

How does neurodevelopment affect diseases in adulthood?

A new DFG Research Training Group at FAU will investigate the relationship between brain development and adult diseases. The group aims to uncover how development processes affect disease susceptibility and identify new targets for therapy.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateFeb 1, 2016

Transgenic plants' 'die and let live' strategy dramatically increases drought resistance

Purdue University researchers engineered rice and Arabidopsis plants to overexpress PYL9 protein, which dramatically increased drought tolerance. The study found that the transgenic plants triggered the death of old leaves, conserving resources for seeds and buds, a survival strategy known as 'die and let live.'

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

Cancer cells travel together to forge 'successful' metastases

Research suggests that cancer cells rarely form metastatic tumors on their own but instead travel in groups for increased chances of survival. These traveling cells differ from those within primary tumors and may be intrinsically resistant to chemotherapy due to molecular programs that facilitate their movement.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 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.

Researchers develop concept for new sunscreen that allows body to produce vitamin D

Researchers have developed a new sunscreen called Solar D that maximizes vitamin D production while maintaining its SPF. The study found that Solar D allowed for up to 50% more production of vitamin D in-vitro compared to a popular commercial sunscreen, potentially reducing the risk of vitamin D deficiency and related health problems.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 1, 2016

A 'gap in the armor' of DNA may allow enzyme to trigger cancer-causing mutations

Research at Indiana University identifies a genetic mechanism that drives cancer-causing mutations by mutating genes during DNA replication. APOBEC3G, an enzyme known to trigger harmful changes, may cause these mutations by targeting cytosines in single-stranded DNA on the lagging strand template.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

New hope for improved heart disease detection and treatment in type 2 diabetics

A new report identifies several forms of testing to measure the risk of heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. These tests include exercise testing and coronary calcium scanning, which can detect silent ischemia and identify the highest-risk patients for more effective treatments. The study suggests that a significant proporti...

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 1, 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.

World is embracing clean energy, says University of Exeter professor

Investment in renewable electricity surpasses that in fossil fuels globally, according to University of Exeter expert. The shift towards sustainable energy systems is driven by improved policy discourse and decreasing costs, with momentum growing towards a flexible, renewable-based electricity system.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 1, 2016

Topography shapes mountain biodiversity

A new study highlights how topography influences biodiversity in mountains. Mid-altitudes host the most species due to the size and connectivity of similar habitats. Biodiversity peaks at these elevations, not at high altitudes or lower levels, according to researchers from EPFL.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

Cling-on warriors

A new type of underwater adhesive developed at UCSB replicates the adhesion strategy of the Sandcastle worm, which is robust in wet conditions. The synthetic glue promotes adhesion between various surfaces and is more resistant to cracking due to its porous structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 1, 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.

Turning good vibrations into energy

Scientists at Ohio State University develop tree-like structures that can convert random forces into strong structural vibrations ideal for generating electricity. The technology may prove valuable in small-scale situations where other renewable energy sources are not an option, powering sensors that monitor infrastructure health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateFeb 1, 2016

Community lifestyle intervention reduces cardiovascular disease risk in diabetes patients

A community lifestyle intervention program reduced cardiovascular disease risk in diabetes patients by 9.6%, fasting glucose by 9%, body mass index by 3.7% and systolic blood pressure by 5.7%. Participants experienced significant reductions after completing 16 two-hour classes on healthy living basics.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateFeb 1, 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.

The benefits of chocolate during pregnancy

A randomized clinical trial found that high-flavanol chocolate improved uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index but did not decrease the risk of preeclampsia or improve placental weight. The results suggest that flavanol content may not be the sole factor behind chocolate's effects during pregnancy.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

Sparse coverage hinders infertility treatment access

A new review suggests that Americans are not using infertility treatments and technologies as much as they could due to limited insurance coverage. The number of women aged 25-44 who have used infertility services decreased by 16% between 1995 and 2010, with usage rates being only 40% of the likely need in the US population.

SourceBrown University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateFeb 1, 2016

Robotic fingers with a gentle touch

Researchers create soft gripper that uses electroadhesion to pick up fragile objects of arbitrary shape and stiffness. The new technology mimics muscle function, gripping onto objects with electrostatic forces.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 1, 2016

Long-term global warming not driven naturally

A study by Duke University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory finds that global temperature remains stable in the long run due to the Planck Response and other mechanisms. Natural climate cycles alone are insufficient to explain large, sustained changes in global temperature.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateFeb 1, 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.

Land plant became key marine species

Researchers have unveiled the genome of eelgrass, a marine plant that once thrived on land. The study reveals that the plant has lost essential genes required for survival out of water, highlighting its unique evolutionary path.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2016

Dominant ant species significantly influence ecosystems

Researchers found that dominant ant species in tropical rainforests consume the majority of food resources, making ecosystems vulnerable. The study also revealed that efficient species can dominate systems, increasing resource turnover but making them more vulnerable to decline.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalEcology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Chapman University publishes research on how the media influence perceptions of obesity

A study by Chapman University researchers reveals that news articles portraying obesity in different ways influence people's attitudes towards obesity-related public policies and anti-fat prejudice. The 'fat rights' frame was found to reduce prejudice, while the 'public health crisis' and 'personal responsibility' frames exacerbated it.

SourceChapman University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

Physical parameters matter in terms of cancer cells' metastatic ability

A recent study found that the presence of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) promotes the motility of elongated mesenchymal tumour cells in breast cancer cells, which migrate along collagen fibres. This increased persistence and moderate speed suggests that EGF contributes to modulating the mobility of tumour cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateFeb 1, 2016

A uniter and a divider

A new study combining computer science, moral psychology, and sociology found that concerns about purity are the best predictor of social distance between people. The research team analyzed over 731,000 tweets and behavioral experiments to determine how five basic moral values affect social connections.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateFeb 1, 2016