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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 83


Page 83 of 423

Free migrant farmworkers clinic program awarded grant

The Longitudinal Primary Care Track program provides medical students with hands-on experience caring for migrant farmworkers in Texas. The grant will help improve students' leadership and patient advocacy skills.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·DateOct 21, 2016

John Innes Centre scientists solve 60-year-old Septoria mystery

Plant breeders have struggled to combine high yield and resistance to Septoria in wheat varieties, but John Innes Centre researchers have found a genetic connection between the two traits. The study reveals that nearly 60 years ago, breeding decisions inadvertently linked increased susceptibility to Septoria with higher yields.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalMolecular Plant Pathology·DateOct 21, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

RIT awarded grant to study a globally coordinated vaccine market

A Rochester Institute of Technology researcher is developing a comprehensive model for affordable vaccines in low-income countries through a three-year grant. The model aims to simulate a coordinated vaccine market that balances affordability with sustainability and profit.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateOct 21, 2016

Advances in Alzheimer's research by Dr. Caghan Kizil and his research group

A new study published in Cell Reports identifies two proteins relevant to Alzheimer's disease, Interleukin-4 and STAT6, which play a crucial role in neural stem cell proliferation and formation of new neurons. This discovery offers hope for the development of regenerative therapies for Alzheimer's.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 21, 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.

Distinct neurological syndromes can be the result of variations in gene ATAD3A

Researchers discovered that genetic variations in ATAD3A are associated with rare neurological syndromes, including global developmental delay and visual, neurological, and heart problems. A study using Drosophila melanogaster revealed that mutations in the gene cause an aberrant phenotype in mitochondria.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 21, 2016

The universe is expanding at an accelerating rate -- or is it?

A team of scientists found that the evidence for an accelerating expansion of the universe may be flimsier than previously thought, with data consistent with a constant rate of expansion. The study challenges the standard cosmological concept and suggests that dark energy, a mysterious substance driving this acceleration, may not exist.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 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.

Inflammation triggers unsustainable immune response to chronic viral infection

Scientists at the University of Basel discovered that chronic viral infections lead to an inadequate immune response due to prolonged inflammation. This hasty reaction by B cells produces antibodies quickly but also leads to their rapid depletion, resulting in a short-lived and unsustainable defense against the virus.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 21, 2016

Pediatricians update digital media recommendations for kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting digital media to one hour a day for children aged 2-5, while avoiding it in children under 18 months. Parents should also engage with their children during use, using devices as tools to support family connection and promote healthy habits.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateOct 21, 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.

A new class of materials could realize quantum computers

Scientists at EPFL and PSI have discovered a new class of multiferroic Rashba semiconductors, which can be used to develop spintronics. These materials exhibit exotic properties, including the interaction between electric and magnetic fields, and could pave the way for future quantum computers.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 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 reveals potential new strategy to prevent Alzheimer's disease

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine identified a potential new strategy to prevent Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the enzyme Nuak1, which reduces tau accumulation in the brain. The study used a three-pronged approach and confirmed results in human cells, fruit flies, and mouse models.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateOct 21, 2016

Rap1, a potential new target to treat obesity

Scientists have discovered that the Rap1 gene plays a crucial role in energy balance and that its inhibition can restore sensitivity to leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite and body weight. The study suggests that targeting Rap1 may be a potential therapeutic approach for treating human obesity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 21, 2016

Adverse events affect children's development, physical health and biology

A new study examines the effect of adverse childhood experiences on health and biological outcomes in children, finding associations with weight changes, asthma, and sleep disruption. Researchers highlight the importance of early detection to protect children's health and well-being before long-term adult outcomes occur.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 2016

Study examines suicides publicized on social media and teens' ER visits

A Canadian study found a significant increase in emergency department visits for suicidal behavior among teenagers starting in June 2011, but not among younger children. The research suggests that this trend cannot be attributed to social media publicity surrounding the cyberbullying death of 15-year-old Amanda Todd.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

UA receives $10.3 million to help unlock the mystery of Alzheimer's in women

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences aim to unlock the mystery of Alzheimer's disease in women, who are disproportionately affected by the neurodegenerative brain disease. The five-year National Institute on Aging program project grant will investigate biological transformations during perimenopause that may increas...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateOct 21, 2016

UV light improves smartphone cameras

Scientists at MIPT have found that treating photodetectors with UV light can turn them into high-bandwidth devices, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. The process is quick, cheap, and efficient, and the acquired properties remain unchanged after manufacturing.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 21, 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.

Understanding bacteria's slimy fortresses

Researchers tracked a single bacterial cell as it grew into a mature biofilm of 10,000 cells. They found that the bacteria secrete a glue-like substance to keep from getting washed away and protect themselves from competing bacteria. A key gene, RbmA, plays a crucial role in developing a denser, stronger biofilm.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2016

Pharmaceutical companies are profiting from rare diseases

A recent study by Bangor University found that pharmaceutical companies marketing orphan drugs for rare diseases can be up to 15% more profitable than other drug companies. This is due to the lucrative market for these treatments, with some costing as much as £340,000 per patient per year.

SourceBangor University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2016

A new view of the immune system

Scientists have identified thousands of 'spliced epitopes', previously thought rare, which are highly prevalent and play a key role in the immune response. This discovery may lead to new understanding of autoimmune diseases and open opportunities for vaccine development.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2016

Researchers find way to tune thermal conductivity of 2-D materials

Researchers found an unexpected method to control the thermal conductivity of two-dimensional (2-D) materials by introducing disorder through lithium ions. This approach allowed for a significant increase in the material's thermal anisotropy ratio, making it more efficient at dissipating heat in electronic devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 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.

The fight against deforestation: Why are Congolese farmers clearing forest?

A study by Pieter Moonen reveals that only a small group of Congolese farmers are driving deforestation, not for self-sufficiency but to sell crops on the market. The findings highlight the need for a more effective approach to deforestation, including local community support and sustainable land use practices.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalLand Use Policy·DateOct 21, 2016

Focusing on pleasure of eating makes people choose smaller portions

A study published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that people will choose smaller portions of food when they are enticed by the multisensory pleasure of taste, smell, and texture. This approach can lead to positive outcomes for consumer satisfaction and health, while also benefiting profits in the food industry.

SourceINSEAD·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateOct 21, 2016

Where does cisplatin bind?

Researchers develop universal assay to detect cisplatin cross-linking sites in the genome. They found that mitochondrial DNA is a major target of cisplatin's action, while nuclear DNA is less affected.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 21, 2016

Research in worms provides path to study diabetic complications

Researchers at Buck Institute have found a sensor for reactive molecules linked to diabetic complications, providing a pathway to study many of the ravages of diabetes. Two natural compounds, including alpha-lipoic acid, prevented nerve damage in worms experiencing similar hypersensitivity to touch as humans with diabetic neuropathy.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 20, 2016

Strong, steady forces at work during cell division

Biologists at UMass Amherst have quantified the internal force during cell division, resolving a decades-long debate on how much force is involved. The study found that kinetochore fibers exert hundreds of piconewtons of poleward-directed force, settling the matter of how much force is brought to bear.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 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.

Male mice model human speech defect

Researchers at Duke University found that male mice carrying a genetic mutation known to affect human speech struggle with sequencing phonemes into words. The study used new statistical tools to analyze the structure of ultrasonic mouse songs, revealing a similar impact on sequence complexity as seen in humans.

SourceDuke University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2016
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.

Women, diversity in STEM focus of ADVANCE grant to Clemson

The ADVANCE grant aims to create an inclusive academic culture to encourage women and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. Clemson will implement measures to improve the campus climate, mentorship, and family-friendly policies to retain female faculty members.

SourceClemson University·DateOct 20, 2016

Self-healable battery

Scientists have developed thin, flexible lithium ion batteries that can self-heal after breaking, overcoming common wearables' power source limitations. The new batteries feature a self-healing polymer and gel electrolyte, allowing for safe use on the body.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 20, 2016

Withholding amino acid depletes blood stem cells, Stanford researchers say

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that a diet deficient in the amino acid valine can effectively deplete blood stem cells in mice, allowing for successful transplantation. This finding may lead to new ways to treat certain cancers and bone marrow disorders without chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2016

How human eggs end up with the wrong number of chromosomes

Researchers explore why human oocytes frequently have abnormal numbers of chromosomes, which can cause genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Studies found that age-related deterioration of chromosome structure contributes to these errors.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cell Biology·DateOct 20, 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.

Turning biofuel waste into wealth in a single step

EPFL scientists have discovered a way to convert lignin from plant biomass into valuable molecules for biofuels and plastics using formaldehyde. The method resulted in yields 3-7 times higher than those without formaldehyde, offering a potential solution for sustainable energy production.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2016

'Gene therapy in a box' effective, reports Nature Communications

A portable device enables medical staff to genetically modify blood stem cells at a lower cost and with reduced staffing requirements. The technology has the potential to make gene therapy more accessible to patients in developing countries, reducing the need for expensive clean rooms.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 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.

Sink your teeth into this: How the three-part jaw evolved

The discovery of Qilinyu, a fossilized placoderm with a three-part complex jaw, confirms the evolution of this trait within the placoderm system. The findings suggest that the emergence of jaws in vertebrates marked a significant turning point in early vertebrate evolution.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 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.

Tobacco plants engineered to manufacture high yields of malaria drug

Researchers have successfully engineered tobacco plants to manufacture therapeutic levels of artemisinin, a plant-derived compound used to treat malaria. The breakthrough could lead to cost-effective delivery methods, such as freeze-dried lettuce powder, to make the drug more accessible to those in need.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Plant·DateOct 20, 2016

Analysis challenges notion that women face higher kidney risks after heart surgery

Researchers found no association between sex and risk of kidney damage when analyzing studies that took patient characteristics into account. Women are more likely to develop kidney damage following cardiovascular surgery, but this link is disputed when adjusting for comorbidities.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 20, 2016

Modeling shifting beliefs in a complex social environment

A new modeling framework allows scientists to study the impact of certainty on individual beliefs, shedding light on why people reject scientific consensus. The research reveals that underlying beliefs can influence interpersonal networks and shape views on controversial topics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2016