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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 41


Page 41 of 423

Break a sweat: Wearable sweat tech offers new way to track health

A new sweat-sensing skin patch can track biomarkers like electrolytes, glucose, and pH to monitor health and fitness. The device was tested in healthy volunteers and showed reliable results with minimal discomfort.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 23, 2016

For wearable electronic devices, NIST shows plastic holes are golden

Researchers at NIST have developed a way to build safe, nontoxic gold wires onto flexible plastic film, potentially enabling wearable health monitors. The discovery uses porous membranes with tiny holes, which keep the gold from cracking and improving conductivity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateNov 23, 2016

How to protect your laptop -- even when it's asleep

Researchers at Concordia University have designed a new software solution called Hypnoguard to safeguard laptop data while the computer is in sleep mode. The system uses encryption and password-based authentication to protect critical data from unauthorized access.

SourceConcordia University·DateNov 23, 2016

Individual cognitive processing therapy had better PTSD improvement

A randomized clinical trial found that individual cognitive processing therapy improved PTSD severity more than group therapy, with patients receiving individual sessions experiencing twice the improvement. Depression and suicidal ideation also improved equally with both forms of therapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 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.

Should parents lie to children about Santa?

Psychologists warn that lying about Father Christmas can erode children's trust in their parents, while also being a way for adults to re-enter childhood imagination. The authors argue that the harsh realities of adult life may require a 'better' creation to believe in.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 2016

Creative activities promote day-to-day wellbeing

Researchers found that engaging in daily creative activities led to increased feelings of enthusiasm and higher 'flourishing' states. The study supports the idea that everyday creativity can cultivate positive psychological functioning.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateNov 23, 2016

Stop playing seek-and-hide with latent HIV

Researchers at Centre for Genomic Regulation develop new technology to detect latent HIV, shedding light on expression landscape of the virus in human genome. The technology shows that different HIV reactivation drugs target different locations within chromosome, leading to more selective treatment.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 23, 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.

Researchers put mouse embryos in suspended animation

UCSF researchers found a way to pause the development of early mouse embryos for up to a month in the lab by inhibiting a master regulator of cell growth. The treatment could improve outcomes in assisted reproduction and regenerative medicine, while also potentially slowing cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2016

Countdown to the space mission 'Solar Orbiter'

Four Kiel University instruments will measure electrons, protons and ions in the Solar Orbiter space probe. The instruments passed tests with flying colours, providing valuable insights into sun particle radiation and its effect on Earth.

SourceKiel University·DateNov 23, 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.

Depression prevalence in patients with mild cognitive impairment

A meta-analysis of 57 studies representing almost 21,000 patients reveals a pooled prevalence of depression in mild cognitive impairment patients at 32%, varying by source and setting. Further research on depression in MCI patients is warranted to inform clinical decisions and public health policy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 2016

Uncovering the secrets of friction on graphene

Using computer simulations, researchers at MIT and others have made significant strides in understanding the way graphene behaves when something slides along its surface. The findings reveal that the quality of contact between two surfaces is more important than the true contact area in explaining a material's frictional behavior.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2016

Experts call for fair vaccine pricing, not 'random acts of charity'

Vaccine producers are accused of using monopoly power to determine who lives or dies, with prices often exceeding $120 per dose in wealthy countries. Experts argue for fair pricing that takes into account research and manufacturing costs, public health importance, and collective value creation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 23, 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.

Pioneers in IVC filter removal

Interventional radiologists at Rush University Medical Center have developed methods to remove filters that previously couldn't be removed, achieving a 100% retrieval rate. The team uses specialized tools and medical expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateNov 23, 2016

Molecular chameleons reveal bacterial biofilms

Researchers have developed a new method to detect bacterial biofilms using molecular chameleons, which emit a unique optical fingerprint. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of biofilm formation and its applications in medical care and the food industry.

SourceLinköping University·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateNov 23, 2016

Just add water: New discovery in plant-disease mechanism

A new study by Michigan State University scientists reveals that certain virulent bacteria can directly inject a protein into plant cells, increasing water content and disease prevalence. This discovery highlights the critical role of humidity in plant-disease outbreaks, particularly under conditions of prolonged high humidity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2016

Scientists trace 'poisoning' in chemical reactions to the atomic scale

Researchers used a combination of measurements to gather detailed information on problematic carbon-based deposits in catalysts, known as coke. They found that uneven distribution of aluminum in zeolite catalysts caused coke buildup, which blocks chemical reactions vital to fuel production and other processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 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.

Ames Laboratory scientists create first intermetallic double salt with platinum

Researchers have successfully created the first intermetallic double salt with platinum, Cesium Platinide Hydride (4Cs2Pt?CsH), which exhibits a translucent ruby red crystal structure. The compound is highly unstable and can only exist in an inert environment, similar to outer space conditions.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 23, 2016

New Neiman Institute study evaluates national trends in enteral access procedures

A study by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute found a decline in new enteral access procedures for Medicare patients over the past two decades. Meanwhile, maintenance services increased, with radiologists and emergency physicians surpassing gastroenterologists and surgeons as leading providers.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateNov 23, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer signaling pathway could illuminate new avenue to therapy

A study published in Nature Cell Biology reveals a pro-growth signaling pathway common to many cancers that can be targeted with precision, leading to the efficient killing of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The researchers identified a scaffolding protein IQGAP1 as a key player in this pathway.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 23, 2016

Study suggests that parental health behaviors may influence children's sleep

A new study found that parental confidence in helping children get enough sleep is positively associated with child sleep duration. Additionally, higher parent sleep duration was also linked to increased child sleep duration, suggesting that addressing insufficient sleep among children may require family-based interventions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateNov 23, 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.

Biologist awarded diabetes research prize for studies of fat cells

Peter Arner's research revealed processes that contribute to obesity and diabetes, including the turnover of fat tissue and the production of adipokines. His work also showed that fat cells are renewed relatively rapidly, regardless of weight loss, and that a molecule called TNFα alters leptin levels.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateNov 23, 2016

Changes in the diet affect epigenetics via the microbiota

Research in mice shows that microbes communicate with hosts by sending metabolites that act on histones, influencing gene transcription. Diet composition impacts microbiome and epigenetic changes, with healthy diets promoting beneficial metabolite production.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 23, 2016

Gut's microbial community shown to influence host gene expression

A study has identified the gut microbiome's role in regulating host gene expression through the epigenome. A plant-based diet favors a healthier microbiome and promotes interplay between microbes and host cells. This research suggests that a Western diet may disrupt this communication, leading to potential health issues.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 23, 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.

Know your flow

Viscoelastic polymer solutions exhibit elasticity, causing severe distortions in observed flow patterns. Researchers also studied 'living polymers', finding unique flow patterns with blockages in the channel.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalSoft Matter·DateNov 22, 2016

New understanding of local heavy rainfall events over Beijing Metropolitan Region

Recent studies investigated two local heavy rainfall events in Beijing Metropolitan Region, revealing that cold pool outflows and urban surface played key roles. The development of convective storms was facilitated by a favorable convergence zone near the border of northwestward-concaved valleys and urban surfaces.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateNov 22, 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.

Road salt can change sex ratios in frog populations, study says

Research found road salt reduces female frogs by 10%, affecting population viability, while maple leaf litter has no impact. The study suggests a masculinizing effect of sodium in salt on tadpoles, potentially triggering sex reversal during development.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateNov 22, 2016

Most nursing home patients refuse dental care during stay, UB study concludes

A recent study by University at Buffalo researchers found that nearly 90% of nursing home patients do not take advantage of dental services, even when they are free. The longer a patient stayed at the facility, the more likely they were to use dental services, but only 55% of patients used them during their stay.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSpecial Care in Dentistry·DateNov 22, 2016

Micro-bubbles make big impact

A team of German researchers has developed a way to use microbubbles to power micro-robots wirelessly, offering multiple advantages over previous techniques. The approach allows for individual addressing, no on-board electronics, and scalability to sub-millimeter size.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 22, 2016

Study examines trends in infectious disease mortality in US

A study investigated infectious disease mortality trends in the US from 1980 to 2014, revealing overall and infectious disease mortality decreased until 1995, then leveled off. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS led to a decline in overall and HIV/AIDS mortality rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 22, 2016

Scientists shrink electron gun to matchbox size

Researchers at DESY and MIT create a miniaturized electron gun that accelerates electrons to high speeds using terahertz radiation. The device has the potential to revolutionize ultrafast electron diffraction experiments and enable new applications in physics and materials science.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalOptica·DateNov 22, 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.

Men have a lot to learn about their own fertility

A recent survey found that men generally lack awareness of risk factors contributing to male infertility, with only about 50% identifying potential dangers. This lack of knowledge can lead to devastating psychological impact and stress on relationships, emphasizing the need for public education to promote reproductive health among men.

SourceMcGill University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateNov 22, 2016

From champagne bubbles, dance parties and disease to new nanomaterials

Researchers discovered that a simple physical mechanism governs the formation of protein filaments, which are associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's and Type 2 diabetes. Understanding this process could lead to new therapies and materials for nanotechnology.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 22, 2016

Tropical cyclone- and monsoon-induced rainfall variability over southern China

Research in southern China reveals a relationship between tropical cyclones and summer monsoons, impacting regional rainfall patterns. The study separates total rainfall into cyclone- and monsoon-induced components to better understand the variability of summer rainfall in the region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 22, 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.

Protein and salt drive post-meal sleepiness

Scientists have found that protein and salt in food can drive post-meal sleepiness in fruit flies, leading to longer naps. The study used a system to measure feeding and sleeping behaviors of individual flies, revealing that larger meals result in longer sleep periods.

SourceeLife·DateNov 22, 2016

New 'electron gun' could help enable X-ray movies

Researchers at MIT and Germany describe a new technique for generating ultrashort electron bursts, potentially leading to a shoebox-sized device that consumes less power than car-size laboratory devices. This could enable real-time imaging of cellular machinery in action with attosecond X-ray pulses.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalOptica·DateNov 22, 2016

Poisonous amphibian defenses are linked to higher extinction risk

Research by Dr Kevin Arbuckle found that poisonous amphibians are 60% more likely to be threatened than non-toxic species due to the energetic cost of chemical defenses. This study suggests that toxic defense mechanisms may be detrimental to a species' long-term survival, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.

SourceSwansea University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 22, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Yogic breathing helps fight major depression, Penn study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that Sudarshan Kriya yoga significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in medicated patients with major depressive disorder. The technique, which includes sequential breathing exercises, reduced mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores by several points ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 22, 2016

Laura DeMarco to receive 2017 AMS Satter Prize

DeMarco's work on dynamical systems has led to the emergence of arithmetic dynamics, a field that connects number theory with mathematical structures. Her research has also shed light on connections between dynamical systems and elliptic curves in arithmetic geometry.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateNov 22, 2016

Mars ice deposit holds as much water as Lake Superior

A Martian ice deposit, Utopia Planitia, contains approximately as much water as Lake Superior, spanning over 2,050 miles in diameter. The deposit is estimated to be around 260-560 feet thick, consisting of 50-85% water ice.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 22, 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.

Stand up for medical neutrality in war zones, international community urged

Global health experts call for UN Security Council mandate to protect healthcare facilities from attacks, amid persistent and blatant breaches of Geneva Convention. The international community needs to stand up for medical neutrality, mandating the UN Security Council to provide protection for health facilities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateNov 22, 2016