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Science News Archive 2016


Page 61 of 423

Elucidating sex differences in Alzheimer's disease risk

Researchers found specific changes in memory function that correspond to sex and menopausal stage, implicating key areas of the brain vulnerable to age-related decline. Hormone measurements revealed higher estradiol levels correlate with better memory performance in women.

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.

Game theory shows how tragedies of the commons might be averted

Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a unified approach to study behavior's impact on the environment, proposing an 'oscillating tragedy of the commons' that considers co-evolution of actions and environment. Cooperation can prevent tragedies, especially when incentives are aligned with environmental conditions.

When crystal vibrations' inner clock drives superconductivity

Physicists adapt BCS theory to externally drive phonon interaction, elevating critical temperature and creating higher-temperature superconductors. Theoretical approach reveals controlled elevation of critical temperature through time-averaging procedure.

The double wonder of worms

Researchers from Concordia University found that vermicomposting can inactivate harmful bacteria like E. coli in compost, producing high-quality material for plant fertilizers. The worms also generate valuable by-products as animal feed, promoting sustainable waste management and upcycling.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Entering the field of zeptosecond measurement

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute and Technical University of Munich have measured photoionization with unprecedented zeptosecond precision, determining the timescale of this process for the first time. This achievement resolves quantum mechanics' impact on ultra-short events in atomic interactions.

Trump's political success was a triumph of style over substance: UBC research

A UBC study analyzing Trump's speech style and Twitter usage found grandiosity, informal language, and vocal pitch variation as statistical predictors of his success in the Republican primaries. The researchers suggest that these communication styles helped Trump win the nomination despite being shocking to many viewers.

Solving the puzzle of necroptosis

Necroptosis is a crucial physiological process that regulates cell death and tissue function. Researchers have now found that RIPK1 inhibits another inducer of necroptosis, ZBP1, which triggers inflammation when mutated. This study provides new insights into the regulation of necroptosis and its role in chronic inflammatory diseases.

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.

Gestational age may impact academic performance

A study found that children born preterm or post-term performed lower on academic tests, with those born extremely early showing the most significant decline. Poor fetal growth was also associated with reduced academic performance.

Researcher finds key to drug resistant bowel cancer

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have identified a way to bypass bowel cancer's defence against the drug cetuximab by blocking the ADAM17 protein. This breakthrough could lead to a new combination therapy that delays or prevents cancer recurrence, improving patient outcomes.

Attosecond physics: A zeptosecond stopwatch for the microcosm

Physicists have recorded an internal atomic event with unprecedented precision, measuring the duration of photoionization for the first time with zeptosecond accuracy. The study provides a reliable basis for future experiments and reconciles theory and experiment in complex systems like helium.

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.

Blood fats equal risk of pancreatitis

Research reveals a significant link between elevated blood fats and acute pancreatitis, with even mild increases posing a ninefold greater risk. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the role of common fats in disease development.

Collapse of mitochondria-associated membrane in ALS

A study by Nagoya University found that collapse of the MAM is a common pathological hallmark in SOD1- and SIGMAR1-linked ALS. This disruption leads to Ca2+ dysregulation, exacerbating neurodegeneration. The researchers suggest targeting MAM disruption for future therapeutics.

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.

Decoding the genome of the Japanese morning glory

The Japanese morning glory genome has been fully decoded, revealing genes that determine flower and leaf shapes, as well as flower colors and patterns. The research also identified a gene involved in plant hormone biosynthesis disrupted by transposons in mutants.

Shallow reefs off Singapore survive in the face of adversity

A recent study found that shallow coral reefs in Singapore can recover rapidly from bleaching events, despite high levels of sedimentation. The team's research suggests that diverse shallow coral communities can persist in adverse conditions, highlighting the resilience of corals to environmental stresses.

New study: Male chimpanzees can be players and good fathers

A new study reveals that male chimpanzees prioritize their offspring over building relationships with females, contradicting the long-held assumption that they are solely focused on mating. The researchers found that males spend time with non-mating female chimpanzees caring for their offspring and exhibit paternal behavior towards them.

Medical professors question 'residency placement fever'

The highly competitive residency matching process has become increasingly frenzied, driving up costs for students and disrupting the fourth year of medical school. Students are applying to an average of 30-45 programs, with some specialties requiring over 70 applications, leading to excessive travel and financial burdens.

The process of DNA packaging in cell nucleus revealed

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have discovered the mechanisms of DNA packaging in the cell nucleus, which has implications for epigenetic control of gene expression. The study reveals that chromatin structures maintain high levels of packing and flexibility despite traditional notions.

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.

People power: Technology allows smartphone-based water testing

Researchers at the University of Houston developed a smartphone-based water testing system using DotLens technology. The system uses commercially available test kits with a low-cost attachment that provides a narrow-band light source, allowing users to identify waterborne pathogens such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum.

The fate of Neanderthal genes

A new study reveals that Neanderthal genes are being removed from the human genome at a rate of weak but widespread selection. The researchers found that the small population of Neanderthals mixing with modern humans led to inbreeding, causing genetic variants to persist and then be weeded out by natural selection.

Giving women HIV self-tests promotes male partner testing

A randomized trial found that providing pregnant and postpartum women with multiple HIV self-tests increased the likelihood of their male partners being tested for HIV. The study showed a significant increase in partner testing, with 90.8% of partners tested within three months of enrollment, compared to 51.7% in the control group.

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.

Mobs are, sometimes, good

A Michigan State University study found that hyenas gain an advantage by cooperating during fights with lions, emerging victorious more often. The research team analyzed 27 years of data to fully describe this cooperative behavior, revealing that the number of participating hyenas increases their chances of success.

A public database of macromolecular diffraction experiments

A public database of macromolecular diffraction experiments has been developed to archive raw data and metadata from X-ray crystallographic studies. The resource contains 3070 experiments with partially curated metadata, aiming to improve protein structure-determination methods and ensure the availability of orphan data.

Brookhaven Lab wins 3 2016 R&D 100 Awards

The US Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory has received three 2016 R&D 100 Awards for its innovative technologies in microscopy, catalysis, and nanomaterials. The lab's custom-built x-ray microscope has advanced imaging capabilities, while the MoSoy Catalyst produces hydrogen in an environmentally friendly way.

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.

Genetic signaling pathway blocks formation of a cancer in the cerebellum

A research team at the Krembil Research Institute has discovered a genetic signaling pathway that controls blood vessel development in the brain can stop brain tumor formation. Blocking this pathway, Norrin/Frizzled4 (Fzd4), creates more opportunities to form pre-cancerous growths and speed up tumour initiation.

Female chimpanzees employ babysitters to wean young faster

A University of Toronto study found that infant handling and natal attraction had a significant impact on the weaning process in female chimpanzees. Infants who were held and carried more by babysitters nursed less often and drank less milk, becoming nutritionally independent sooner.

Quality of life in late life can be good

Research by Allina Health LifeCourse reveals that late-life quality of life improves socially but remains emotionally stable, with caregivers playing a crucial role. The study also identifies the need for training and support for family members in caregiving roles.

Early exposure to excess hormone causes genital defects in females

Researchers at the University of Florida identified cells targeted by a male hormone and found that excess hormone exposure during fetal development can cause vaginal defects in females. The study found a specific window of hormonal influence and a type of cell responsible for guiding the developing vagina to its correct position.

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.

Fighting the water army of fake reviewers

Researchers have developed an algorithm to detect fake reviews on ecommerce sites, analyzing behavior and content features to identify deceptive posters. The method outperforms earlier detection algorithms, providing a more accurate picture of product ratings.

Spin liquid on a peak

Scientists from OIST Graduate University have modelled a spin liquid, showing disorder can co-exist with order in magnetic materials. The discovery offers exciting possibilities for new discoveries in physics and paves the way for finding real magnets in multiple states at once.

Peat bog reveals more than 1,000 years of Tanzanian history

Researchers analyzed sediments from a Tanzanian peat bog to reconstruct the region's ecosystem over 1,200 years. The study found that forest biodiversity remains relatively stable despite human activity, but climate change poses a threat to its future.

Mismatched light and heat levels can disrupt body clock

A new UCL study found that mismatched light and heat levels can cause major disruptions to body clock function, leading to behavioral changes and molecular signals. The research suggests that a moderate time lag between light and temperature causes the clock to break down, with significant effects on behavior.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

Evolution purged many Neanderthal genes from human genome

A study published in PLOS Genetics found that natural selection removed weakly deleterious Neanderthal gene variants from the human genome, as they were more effective in larger human populations. This loss of Neanderthal ancestry is attributed to historical differences in population sizes between humans and Neanderthals.

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.

Cancer cells hijack DNA repair networks to stay alive, Pitt study shows

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute discovered that cancer cells exploit a previously unknown mechanism called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) to reset their telomere clocks. This allows them to continue dividing and growing, making them more aggressive and resistant to treatment.

Solved: One of the mysteries of globular clusters

A study by an international team solves the origin of successive generations of stars in globular clusters. The most massive, evolved AGB stars are found to contaminate the interstellar medium, giving rise to new generations of stars.

The messenger in Huntington's disease

Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have identified a new pathway to therapy discovery for Huntington's disease. The study found that blocking the activity of messenger RNA (mRNA) is enough to revert alterations associated with the disease.

Genetically engineering disease-fighting cells

Researchers develop domain-swapped T cell receptors that increase the safety of TCR gene therapy by preventing mispairing between introduced and resident chains. These new receptors retain functional domains and prevent autoimmune disease in mice and human cells, offering a promising tool for cancer treatment.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Social networking by doctors may save patients' lives, study suggests

A new study found that heart surgery patients' chances of survival depend on the overall level of teamwork among all physicians who cared for them. Tight 'social networks' of physicians are linked to improved patient outcomes, including lower readmission rates and reduced mortality.