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Science News Archive 2016


Page 75 of 423

Neutrons verify new quantum state

Researchers have proved the existence of spin-spirals in a quantum liquid, where neighboring spins fluctuate collectively as spirals. This phenomenon, known as a 'spiral spin-liquid', was observed using polarized diffuse neutron scattering on an instrument at Forschungszentrum Jülich.

Fusion reactor designs with 'long legs' show promise

Researchers found that long-leg plasma exhaust channels can handle high power densities, exceeding material limits. The configuration promotes the build-up of high gas pressures in the legs, enabling a stable radiating layer to fully accommodate plasma heat exhaust.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Midwater ocean creatures use nanotech camouflage

Researchers discovered that midwater crustaceans have transparent bodies and optical coatings on their legs and bodies that reduce reflections by up to 250-fold. The coatings appear to be made of living bacteria, with each species having its own symbiotic optical bacteria. This discovery has potential technological applications.

New approach tests the strength of immunity

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new test to determine immune cell strength, which could help predict patient reactions to various threats. The CaFlux test uses calcium channel detection to assess T-cell responses, offering insights into potential allergies or autoimmunity.

With cancer genome sequencing, be your own control

Researchers found thousands of genetic translocations in both healthy and cancerous mouse cells, highlighting the importance of considering individual genetic backgrounds. By using 'de novo assembly', scientists can compare a patient's cancer cells to their own healthy cells, reducing errors in translocation discovery.

Expanded the available genetic information about the migratory locust

Researchers from the University of Granada have discovered 62 satellite DNA families in the migratory locust, a species with no previously known satellite DNA. This discovery expands the genetic information available to date about the species, revealing new insights into its genome and potential applications for chromosome identification.

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.

Center of gravity for African research funding shifts closer to Africa

The Wellcome Trust is transferring two major research programs, DELTAS Africa and H3Africa, to AESA's Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa, aiming to increase Africa-led research and address pressing health challenges. This shift reflects a significant change in international funding partnerships with African insti...

Underfed worms program their babies to cope with famine

A Duke University study finds that underfed worm mothers buffer their babies from early starvation's effects, consistent with the thrifty phenotype hypothesis. Baby worms reared in lean conditions thrive despite prenatal malnutrition.

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.

ABA: Evolution of a plant hormone

Researchers found that the plant hormone ABA did not yet regulate water balance in early land plants like ferns. Instead, it played a key role in sex determination. The study suggests that the evolution of ABA's function changed as plants transitioned to flowering plants.

Extinguishing a fusion fire in a flash of light

Researchers found that injecting large quantities of neon gas can rapidly cool and extinguish magnetically confined fusion plasmas hotter than the sun's center. This process converts plasma heat into an intense flash of light, uniformly illuminating the interior wall to avoid damage.

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.

How a fungus inhibits the immune system of plants

Researchers discovered a fungus, Piriformospora indica, that colonizes plant roots and suppresses their immune defense through the protein FGB1. This allows the fungus to avoid being attacked like disease-inducing fungi, facilitating a long-term symbiotic relationship.

Fatty liver: Turning off TAZ reverses disease

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered that inactivating the TAZ protein in liver cells reverses fibrosis, a primary feature of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This finding has potential implications for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a serious condition that can lead to liver failure and cancer.

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.

Psychopathy increases risk of violence in romantic relationships

A recent study conducted at UBC's Okanagan campus found that individuals with higher levels of psychopathic personality traits are more likely to engage in intimate partner violence. The research also suggests that it is the personality traits themselves, rather than substance use, that are associated with violence.

From Germany comes a new twist for fusion research

The Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) experiment in Germany has achieved impressive initial plasma results, pushing the boundaries of magnetic confinement. The device uses a unique twist design to optimize plasma confinement on both individual-particle and macroscopic scales.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Research helps explain formation of ringed crater on the moon

Scientists used GRAIL data to create a computer model that recreated the rings' formation, revealing new details about the interior structure of Orientale. The team estimates that about 816,000 cubic miles of rock was blasted away during the collision.

Breakthrough in Z-pinch implosion stability opens new path to fusion

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have demonstrated improved control over and understanding of implosions in a Z-pinch, enabling the creation of thermonuclear fusion-relevant densities and temperatures. The breakthrough was enabled by unforeseen physics that led to unprecedented implosion stability due to helical modes rather...

Learning Morse code without trying

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a system that teaches people Morse code in four hours using vibrations felt near the ear. Participants were 94% accurate keying a sentence and 98% accurate writing codes for every letter, even while playing games and feeling the taps without paying attention.

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.

Mimicking life-like cigarette smoke exposure in human lung airway chips

Researchers have developed a device that mimics the effects of cigarette smoke on human lungs, providing new insights into how non-smokers and COPD patients respond to smoke. The device enables the comparison of physiological responses in healthy individuals and COPD patients before and after exposure to cigarette smoke.

Bubble nucleus discovered at MSU

Scientists have confirmed a long-suspected phenomenon, finding a bubble-like center of protons in the silicon-34 nucleus. The discovery was made possible by the use of an unstable, radioactive isotope and takes advantage of MSU's NSCL facility.

The formation of a multi-ring lunar crater

Two studies based on GRAIL data provide clearer pictures of the Orientale impact basin, one of the largest and youngest craters on the Moon. The studies reveal that the transient crater has a smaller diameter than previously thought and estimate a minimum amount of material redistributed from the lunar crust during the impact.

A metabolic switch to turn off obesity

A research team at CRCHUM discovered that the ABHD6 enzyme in certain brain neurons plays a key role in controlling body weight. Blocking this enzyme disrupts normal metabolism and prevents mice from losing weight, even under ideal conditions.

Natural compound reduces signs of aging in healthy mice

Researchers found that supplementing healthy mice with NMN reduced signs of aging such as weight gain, loss of insulin sensitivity, and declines in physical activity. Long-term effects showed improved energy metabolism, better liver function, and increased tear production.

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.

JILA team spots elusive intermediate compound in atmospheric chemistry

JILA physicists identified a long-missing piece of the puzzle of fossil fuel combustion contributing to air pollution and a warming climate. They observed a key molecule that appears briefly during a common chemical reaction in the atmosphere, revealing the reaction mechanism and quantified product yields.

Mayo Clinic research links senescent cells and atherosclerosis progression

Senescent cells drive the formation of fatty streaks in animal models of atherosclerosis. These lesions progress to larger plaques through the recruitment of immune cells, ultimately leading to unstable plaques prone to rupture. Eliminating senescent cells selectively can reduce plaque size and preserve cap integrity.

Mitochondria control stem cell fate

The study found that when mitochondria are disrupted, stem cells lose their ability to self-regenerate, but stressed cells initiate a growth program leading to tissue regeneration. This highlights the fundamental role of functioning mitochondria in regulating intestinal tissue renewal.

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.

Supercomputing the p53 Protein as a promising anticancer therapy

Researchers used Stampede supercomputer to simulate largest atomic level system of p53 protein, identifying new 'pockets' to reactivate the tumor suppression protein. The simulations revealed complex dynamics between p53 and DNA sequences, offering insights into a potential anticancer therapeutic strategy.

A skin graft for bad burns

Researchers have developed an innovative skin graft process that combines split thickness skin grafts with a specially engineered sheet of stem cells to maximize natural healing power. The new technique shows promising results in treating large or complicated burn injuries, preserving hair follicles and oil glands.

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.

Fruit flies: Food, camera, action!

A team of neuroscientists studied fruit flies' behavior when deprived of specific nutrients, discovering that their brain mechanisms influence food choices and exploration patterns. The findings suggest individual variability in metabolism and feeding behavior may be linked to physiological and neural characteristics.

Could apps be the answer to self-managing diabetes?

A systematic review of 14 studies found that mobile app users with type 2 diabetes experienced a reduction in average blood glucose levels, with an approximate 0.5% decrease in HbA1c. Younger patients reported more benefits from using apps.

Ten months in the air without landing

Researchers at Lund University found that common swifts spend 10 months in the air, migrating and hibernating without landing. The birds' physiology is still not fully understood, but the discovery provides new insights into animal behavior.

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.

Getting the most out of fractional models

Researchers developed a method to ensure fractional order stochastic differential inclusions can be controlled. This breakthrough applies to complex systems like financial markets and quantum systems. The team demonstrated controllability for both convex and nonconvex cases, enhancing device design and functionality.

Study yields rich dossier of cancer-linked protein's associates

Researchers at Brown University have identified 98 proteins that are likely to bind to the cancer-linked enzyme PP2A, making them potential partners in crime worth investigating. The discovery could help scientists predict how strongly each protein binds PP2A and offer clues on how to prevent disease-causing misregulation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nurses' scrubs often contaminated with bad bugs

A study found that nurses' scrubs are frequently contaminated with bacteria, including MRSA, spread from patients and hospital rooms. This highlights the importance of infection control strategies, such as hand washing, using disposable gloves, and regular cleaning of patient rooms.

New warning over spread of ash dieback

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered that asexual spores of the ash dieback fungus can germinate on leaves or infect seedlings via soil, spreading the disease more quickly than previously thought. This finding reveals additional routes for the fungus's spread and increases the risk to trees and ecosystems.

A turbulent solution to a growing problem

Researchers at UCLA's DIII-D National Fusion Facility discovered that plasma turbulence weakens inside large magnetic islands, allowing small islands to grow instead. This finding could lead to improved control of harmful magnetic islands and more efficient operation of fusion devices like ITER.

New tool detects malicious websites before they cause harm

Researchers developed a system called PREDATOR that identifies potentially malicious website registrations and blocks them, reducing the window for harm. The tool detected 70% of known blacklisted sites based on registration data alone with a false positive rate of 0.35%.

'Neighbor maps' reveal the genome's 3-D shape

Researchers created a three-dimensional map of chromosomes, revealing their complex 3D structure. The 'neighbor maps' method uses proximity pairs to infer chromosome organization and geometry.

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.

Placebo sweet spot for pain relief found in brain

Researchers pinpoint unique brain region for placebo response in pain relief, enabling targeted pain therapy and more accurate clinical trials. This finding could lead to personalized medicine for the 100 million Americans with chronic pain.

Fighting the gram-negatives

A team of scientists from Germany has identified a class of quinone-like substances with an epoxide functional group that can kill problematic Salmonella pathogens. The compounds work by interfering with the bacterial stress response system, making them a potential tool in the fight against multidrug resistance.