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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 417


Page 417 of 423

Racial disparity lies at intersection of HIV, Hodgkin lymphoma

A new study reveals significant racial disparities in treatment for patients with HIV and Hodgkin lymphoma, with black patients facing higher rates of non-treatment. Despite effective treatment options, doctors note that socioeconomic factors and lack of access to care may contribute to these disparities.

SourceBrown University·JournalAIDS·DateJan 8, 2016

Harnessing computers to create a sustainable future

A new research network, CompSustNet, aims to develop computational solutions for creating a sustainable future. Researchers from multiple institutions will collaborate on complex issues like smart electrical grids and renewable energy management.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateJan 8, 2016

Researchers' metallic glue may stick it to soldering and welding

Metallic glue made from nanorods sets at room temperature and requires little pressure to seal, offering high thermal and electrical conductivity. The technology has multiple applications in the electronics industry, potentially replacing traditional solders and thermal grease.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 8, 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.

ASU scientists discover how blue and green clays kill bacteria

Researchers at Arizona State University have identified the natural environment of formation for toxic clay antibacterial properties. The discovery reveals how chemically reduced iron tricks bacterial cells into opening their walls, followed by aluminum, which propels the cell wall open and poisons the cell.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 8, 2016

Using skin to save the heart

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that heart cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be used to treat damaged hearts. The study found an optimal maturation stage for heart cells, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the number of cells required for therapy.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 8, 2016

NASA sees stubborn Tropical Cyclone Ula kick up

Tropical Storm Ula strengthened over the night of Jan. 6-7, with sustained winds reaching up to 63.2 mph around its center. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects the system to curve south, affecting New Caledonia and northern New Zealand.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 8, 2016

Interaction during reading is key to language development

A University of Iowa study found that babies made more speech-like sounds during book reading than during puppet play or toy play, and mothers were more responsive to these sounds while reading. This interaction is crucial for language development in young children.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalLanguage Learning and Development·DateJan 8, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electronically connected graphene nanoribbons foresee high-speed electronics

Researchers at Tohoku University successfully demonstrated electronic connection between graphene nanoribbons by molecular assembly, showing that GNR electronic properties are directly extended through the interconnected structures. This breakthrough enables the development of high-performance, low-power-consumption electronics based o...

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 8, 2016

Optimum band gap for hybrid silicon/perovskite tandem solar cell

Researchers have developed a hybrid silicon/perovskite tandem solar cell with an optimum band gap of 1.75eV, achieving a significant increase in efficiency due to improved light absorption and stability. This breakthrough could lead to the development of high-efficiency solar modules with increased theoretical maximum efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2016

Xistential crisis: Discovery shows there's more to the story in silencing X chromosomes

Scientists discover that Xist RNA is insufficient to silence one of the two X chromosomes in every female cell, suggesting a complex interplay between molecules. This finding could lead to new ways to fight X-linked diseases in females, including those linked to autism, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 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.

Ebola medical team develops guidelines for treating infected children

A team of healthcare workers developed guidelines for treating Ebola-infected children, recommending an aggressive approach that includes fluid therapy, highly fortified food, and increased bedside care. The protocol aims to improve survival rates among young patients and provide a basis for future outbreaks.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 8, 2016

Researchers reveal mechanisms of how body remembers, fights infections

Scientists at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have found a way to influence long-term memory formation in the immune system. The researchers discovered that proteins responding to the cells' environment can push effector cells towards memory, leading to the creation of specialized cells to combat specific invading pathogens.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2016

The status quo on Europe's mussels

The first comprehensive survey on freshwater mussel species in Europe reveals declining stock sizes and habitat degradation. Mussels play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, filtering water and maintaining ecosystem balance.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJan 8, 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.

Breakthrough in the early diagnosis of preeclampsia

Researchers have developed a blood test to predict the development of preeclampsia, enabling early diagnosis and prevention of complications. The test measures the ratio of serum sFlt-1 to PlGF proteins, allowing for reliable prediction within one week.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2016

Visualizing atoms of perovskite crystals

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) researchers conduct the first atomic resolution study of organic-inorganic perovskites used in next generation solar cells. The study reveals positions and orientations of atoms and molecules, providing detailed information on structural defects.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 8, 2016

Risk taking across life span: The effects of hardship

Researchers found that risk-taking propensity decreases with age in most countries, but remains high in countries with poverty and inequality. The study, published in Psychological Science, analyzed data from 77 countries and showed a clear connection between country standards of living and citizens' willingness to take risks.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 8, 2016

Scientists find key driver for treatment of deadly brain cancer

Researchers at Salk Institute identify nuclear factor kB as a key player in glioblastoma multiforme proliferation. Targeting this protein with NBD peptide or Timp1 gene slows tumor growth and increases mouse survival time, offering potential new treatment avenues.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 8, 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.

Novel metasurface revolutionizes ubiquitous scientific tool

Researchers at Harvard have built a polarimeter on a microchip, shrinking the widely used instrument to make it more accessible for various applications. The device provides high-performance polarization measurements at reduced size and cost, promising enhanced network security and real-time monitoring.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalOptica·DateJan 8, 2016

X-rays reveal details of plastic solar cell production

Researchers have observed molecular processes in real-time using X-rays, gaining insights into the printing process. This understanding can help control the arrangement of materials, improving the efficiency of organic solar cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 8, 2016

NASA looks at storms hitting California

NASA estimated rainfall over a 7-day period while analyzing satellite data from the Eastern Pacific Ocean, revealing extreme rain events affecting southern California. The analysis showed highest rainfall totals of over 4.5 inches in the eastern Pacific and 4 inches near Lake Tahoe.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 8, 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.

How seashells get their strength

Researchers discovered a new mechanism for incorporating soft biological matter into calcium carbonate crystals, creating strong biominerals. The study provides insight into the formation of natural minerals with composite properties, which could lead to sustainable energy materials.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2016

Stem cells regulate their own proliferation and their microenvironment

A study by CNIC researchers has identified a new mechanism through which blood stem cells regulate their proliferation and microenvironment. The protein ESL-1 controls the production of TGF-, a cytokine with antiproliferative properties, and is essential for maintaining HSCs in diseases like anemia.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2016

Quiet quasar has apparently eaten its fill

Astronomers discovered a distant quasar that has apparently run out of gas, leading to a significant decrease in its brightness. The quasar, SDSS J1011+5442, was found to have consumed all the glowing-hot gas in its vicinity, causing it to dim drastically.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 8, 2016

New work on knee cartilage structure to aid better replacements and injury treatments

A new study by Penn and Delaware researchers sheds light on the mechanics and biology of natural and engineered tissue, informing ways to treat injuries like knee meniscus tears and age-related tissue degeneration. The team developed micro-engineered models that replicate key features of degenerating native tissue, enabling testing of ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 8, 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.

NOAA's GOES-S, T and U satellites are shaping up

The NOAA GOES-S, T, and U satellites are nearing completion with six new instruments that will offer advanced imaging capabilities for more accurate weather forecasts. The instruments include the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS), Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) and others.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 8, 2016

Turning on the thyroid

Thyroid disease affects about 12% of the US population, with an overactive or underactive thyroid causing problems like weight gain or loss and mood changes. Researchers have now identified a common thread among autoantibodies and receptor mutations that trigger abnormal hormone production.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 8, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Small males have more sex appeal, new research shows

Female burying beetles prefer smaller male partners due to reduced competition and potential for squabbles. Despite being less successful as parents, small males still breed more often in faithful pairs than larger males.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 8, 2016

A carbon sink that can't be filled

A long-term study at Harvard Forest found that adding litter accelerated the breakdown of organic matter, releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere. The experiment contradicts previous assumptions about soil's ability to store carbon.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBiogeochemistry·DateJan 7, 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.

NSF commits $30 million to expand the frontiers of computing

The NSF is investing $30 million in three Expeditions in Computing projects that aim to explore the frontiers of theoretical computer science, synthetic biology and computational sustainability. The grants will support large-scale research teams working on formal methods for software development, a novel toolkit for computational bio-d...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJan 7, 2016

In rainforests, battle for sunlight shapes forest structure

A new study reveals that tropical rainforests' predictable structure is driven by competition for sunlight, which fuels the growth of small trees in sunlit patches. This finding can improve climate simulations and estimate carbon storage in tropical forests.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2016

A nanoscale look at why a new alloy is amazingly tough

A Berkeley Lab-led team has identified mechanisms that make the new CrMnFeCoNi alloy incredibly tough and strong at room temperature. The alloy's unique nanoscale mechanisms, including crack bridging and three-dimensional stacking fault defects, work together to resist damage.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 7, 2016

Exercise DVDs could be psychologically harmful for users, new OSU research shows

A study of popular commercial exercise DVDs found that they often feature unrealistic body images and demotivating language, which can lead to reduced motivation and increased risk of psychological harm. The researchers recommend consumers be aware of these potential pitfalls when selecting exercise videos.

SourceOregon State University·JournalSociology of Sport Journal·DateJan 7, 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.

Low-income communities more likely to face childhood obesity

A study published in Childhood Obesity found that low-income communities have higher rates of childhood obesity, with each 1% increase in low-income status corresponding to a 1.17% increase in overweight/obese students. Family income, not race, is the stronger predictor of obesity among children.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateJan 7, 2016

The Anthropocene: Hard evidence for a human-driven Earth

A recent paper confirms the existence of the Anthropocene, a new geological epoch driven by human activities such as material dispersal and greenhouse gas emissions. The study, co-authored by 24 geoscientists, identifies distinct signals in sediments and ice that justify recognition of this new time unit.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2016

ISHLT issues updated candidacy criteria for heart transplantation

The International Society for Heart Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) has updated its listing criteria for heart transplantation, expanding eligibility to patients with HIV and hepatitis. The new guidelines also relax the BMI threshold for overweight patients with heart failure.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateJan 7, 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.

Valuing your time more than money is linked to happiness

New research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found an almost even split between people who value their time or money, with prioritizing time associated with greater happiness. The study, which included over 4,600 participants, also found that older people were more likely to prioritize their time.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 7, 2016

Teens with autism and caregivers should plan early for adulthood

Researchers highlight the need for early planning and support for teens with autism and their caregivers to transition into adulthood successfully. Caregivers are encouraged to start discussing future plans with their children as early as age 12 or 13.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities·DateJan 7, 2016

New research grant awarded to help cut heart disease in South Asia

A new international collaboration has received a £2 million award to fund research into combatting cardiovascular disease in rural South Asia. The study will test low-cost strategies by health workers and doctors to lower blood pressure among adults and reduce their risk of heart disease.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·DateJan 7, 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.

Student-built experiment integrated onto NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission

A student-built experiment aboard NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission has been integrated to study asteroid Bennu's elemental abundances. The Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) will observe solar X-rays and their interaction with the asteroid's surface material, providing maps of elements present on its surface.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 7, 2016

Saliva test to detect GHB and alcohol poisonings

Researchers developed a saliva-based test detecting methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, propan 1,3 glycol and γ-hydroxybutyric acid. The test uses gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry for accurate detection of toxic levels in saliva samples.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateJan 7, 2016

'Window of recovery' can reopen after stroke

Studies show that inducing a second stroke nearby in the brains of mice can help them regain motor function to pre-stroke efficiency. This suggests that the optimal recovery window after a stroke may not be permanently closed and can reopen under certain conditions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateJan 7, 2016

Negotiation tip: Gain sympathy and gain the advantage

Research by Laura Kray at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that sympathy can motivate stronger parties to help weaker ones, leading to more compassionate solutions. Being transparent about misfortune is more effective when initiated by a low-power negotiator or someone in the weaker position.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJan 7, 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.

Improving musical synchronization with mathematical modeling

Researchers propose a stochastic differential equation model to simulate musical performance synchronization. The model accounts for internal tempo preservation, noise distraction, and phase correction.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateJan 7, 2016