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Science News Archive April 2016


Page 15 of 39

Building a CRISPR rainbow

Researchers have developed a new technology using CRISPR/Cas9 to label and track up to seven different genomic locations in live cells. This allows for real-time study of chromosome dynamics and gene expression, enabling better understanding of biological processes and health outcomes.

Military sexual trauma linked to higher risk of homelessness among veterans

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that U.S. veterans who experienced military sexual trauma were at a higher risk of postdeployment homelessness. The study analyzed data from over 601,000 veterans and found that those with positive MST screens had significantly higher rates of homelessness compared to those without.

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.

Identifying a genetic mutation behind sporadic Parkinson's disease

Researchers use CRISPR/Cas9 to analyze genome-wide association study results and pinpoint a genetic mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene that increases risk of sporadic Parkinson's disease. The discovery could lead to better understanding of complex diseases with genetic causes.

Online program reduces bullying behavior in schools, tests show

Researchers found a significant reduction in bullying behavior among students who completed the online program StandUp, which teaches verbal, physical, sexual, and cyberbullying prevention. The program increased the use of healthy relationship skills and reduced bystander passivity to both emotional and physical bullying.

New tool calculates economic costs of methane leak detection

A new tool, FEAST, calculates economic costs of different methane leak detection technologies and identifies the most cost-effective methods. The study found that selectively targeting super-emitters can help mitigate methane leakage at lower costs, while expensive instruments can be used if leak detection is performed rapidly.

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.

The more you run, the denser your bones will be

Researchers found that marathon runners had higher stiffness indices than sedentary individuals, indicating improved bone quality. The study suggests that endurance running training can modify the mechanical properties of bones, potentially preventing age-related decline in bone mineral density.

Rough childhoods have ripple effects for wild baboons

A study of 196 wild female baboons found that those with multiple early misfortunes experienced reduced life expectancy and had fewer surviving offspring. The research suggests that social support may play a role in overcoming adversity.

Study: Cities have individual microbial signatures

A study found that cities have distinct microbial communities, with offices in the same city showing minimal variation. Human skin was a significant source of microbes in office environments, accounting for 25-30% of the microbiome.

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.

New world record for fullerene-free polymer solar cells

A team of chemists has developed a unique combination of PBDB-T and ITIC that converts sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of 11%, surpassing most solar cells with fullerenes. The discovery paves the way for low-cost and reliable solar energy, with good thermal stability and potential for commercialization.

Study examines safety, immune response of candidate Ebola vaccines

A phase 1 trial evaluated two candidate Ebola vaccines, Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo, in healthy volunteers. The study found that immunization with Ad26.ZEBOV generated an initial immune response and sustained elevation of specific immunity, suggesting partial protection against Ebola.

Antiviral protein linked to depressed mood in mice

A study in mice reveals how antiviral immune response alters brain activity, impairing neuronal firing in the hippocampus and causing depressive-like behavior. The CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling pathway acts as a bridge between rising interferon levels and changes in neuronal activity, explaining mood changes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cracking the Zika mystery

A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists has revealed the Zika virus structure and identified potential sites to target with therapeutics. The findings suggest that destabilizing the virus's structure may help reduce disease severity or limit transmission.

Health problems may predict traumatic brain injuries in older adults

Researchers found that older adults with vascular health conditions, depression, difficulty performing daily activities, and multiple chronic diseases were at higher risk of traumatic brain injury. In contrast, sedentary lifestyles or self-reported alcohol problems did not increase the risk of TBI.

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.

DNA sat nav uncovers ancient Ashkenaz

Researchers used a DNA tool to pinpoint the origin of Yiddish, suggesting it was invented by Iranian and Ashkenazic Jews as they traded on the Silk Road. The language is thought to have acquired new words from other cultures while retaining its Slavic grammar.

Measuring the heat capacity of condensed light

Researchers create new method to quantify the change in thermal energy storage during phase transition from photon gas to Bose-Einstein condensate, enabling precise measurement of natural constants and potential applications in high-precision thermometry.

Liquid spiral vortex discovered

A team of scientists at OIST Graduate University found an unexpected spiral vortex phenomenon when liquid flows through the intersection of two channels. The researchers discovered that spirals appear as flow rates increase and disappear with decreased rates, exhibiting hysteresis in devices with large aspect ratios.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Two volcanoes trigger crises of the late antiquity

A team of climate researchers reconstructs global cooling in the reign of Emperor Justinian, linked to two major volcanic eruptions in 536 and 540 CE. The study finds that these eruptions caused a significant cooling effect on Northern Hemisphere climate, leading to crop failures and famines in Europe.

Scientists issue rallying cry for wheat blast research

A team of scientists from the UK and Bangladesh is making genetic data for the wheat blast pathogen publicly available in an effort to address the growing threat. The researchers hope that by sharing their findings, they can develop effective measures to manage the disease and ensure food security.

Nursing home ownership

The article examines the association between for-profit nursing home ownership and care quality, concluding that the precautionary principle should be applied. Observational studies show that publicly funded care in for-profit facilities is inferior to public or non-profit facilities.

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.

NJIT high-resolution images capture a solar flare as it unfolds

Scientists at NJIT's Big Bear Solar Observatory captured unprecedented images of a recent solar flare, including bright flare ribbons and coronal rain. These observations provide new insights into the complex dynamics of the Sun's atmosphere and the massive eruptions on its surface.

Scientists describe new research model to enhance Zika virus research

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created a mouse model to study Zika virus, allowing researchers to test vaccines and antivirals while understanding the virus's effects on human brains. The model, lacking key immune system defenses, shows the virus causes severe pathology in brain tissue.

Religious rhetoric not helpful in anti-alcohol messages

Research by Michigan State University's Saleem Alhabash suggests that adding a religious message to an anti-alcohol warning does not discourage viewers from drinking. Gain-framed messages, which focus on benefits, are more effective than loss-framed messages in this context.

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.

OU meteorology professor wins Young Investigator award

Steven Cavallo, OU meteorology professor, receives $170,000 Young Investigator award for his commitment to studying vortex dynamics. The prize supports his research on polar meteorology and contributes to the development of new scientific stories in atmospheric science.

Loneliness and isolation linked to heightened risk of heart disease/stroke

Research analysis found a 29% increased risk of heart or angina attack and a 32% heightened risk of stroke associated with loneliness and social isolation. The effect size was comparable to that of other recognized psychosocial risk factors, highlighting the importance of addressing loneliness for public health.

Researchers find a fast road out of poverty

A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Toronto has found that upgrading roads and joining them to the city grid can dramatically increase land and property prices, leading to improved financial security for poor households. This infrastructure project in the Mexican city of Acayucan resulted in a 7...

Pancreatic cancer risk tied to specific mouth bacteria

A new study has found a direct link between pancreatic cancer and certain mouth bacteria, specifically Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Men and women with these bacteria in their oral microbiome were at least 50% and 59% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, respectively.

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.

Research paves the way for monocyte-based cell therapy

Researchers at VIB-UGent demonstrate that adult circulating monocytes can differentiate into macrophages with identical tissue-specific functions and self-maintenance capacities as those from embryonic origin. This discovery paves the way for monocyte-based cellular therapy in diseases associated with macrophage dysfunction, such as pu...

Are lab mice too cold? Why it matters for science

Researchers warn that even mild chronic cold stress is skewing results in studies of cancer, inflammation, and other fields. The National Research Council recommends a temperature range of 20-26 degrees C for mouse housing.

Using data to explore poetic sound

A researcher from Michigan State University is using a fellowship to study the role of sound in modern South Asian poetry, exploring rhyme, stress and patterns of repetition. The project aims to develop best practices for encoding linguistic data and preserve cultural forms in the region.

Scientists describe new model to enhance Zika virus research

A new mouse model developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine enables the study of Zika virus infection and its effects on the brain. The model, which lacks key immune system components, allows for the testing of vaccines and antivirals against the virus.

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.

New technology quantifies effects of prostate tumor laser ablation

New technology allows for detailed analysis of prostate shape changes after treatment, potentially providing prognostic information and early biomarkers. The study, published in PLOS ONE, involves eight patients and plans to expand to 40 more, tracking long-term outcomes.

Study indicates polar bears are swimming more as sea ice retreats

A study found polar bears are swimming more due to reduced summer sea ice, with adult females covering distances of up to 249 miles in search of food. Climate change is linked to the increased swimming behavior, which may have serious implications for polar bear populations.

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.

Researchers improve identification of women at high risk of pre-eclampsia

A new study identifies several risk factors for pre-eclampsia, including having had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy or chronic hypertension prior to the current pregnancy. The researchers developed a tool using routinely collected clinical information to distinguish women who are unlikely to benefit from aspirin therapy.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Scientists propose treatment for severe lung diseases

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center propose a new drug to treat life-threatening lung damage caused by infections, cancer treatments, and premature birth. The treatment targets FOXF1, a transcription factor that promotes recovery from acute lung injury.

NIH study finds factors that may influence influenza vaccine effectiveness

The new study found that higher levels of antibody against neuraminidase protein were better predictors of protection against flu infection and its side effects. Participants with high levels of HA antibodies experienced lower incidence of mild-to-moderate influenza, but not necessarily less severe symptoms.

From lighting screens to lighting homes

Researchers at Kyung Hee University propose a model to recycle lithium ion batteries into energy storage units for solar-powered LED lamps, reducing e-waste and providing job opportunities. The system can light up a room for about five hours each day, lasting approximately three years without maintenance.

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.

How much do we really see?

A study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences suggests that our visual perception may be limited to the 'big picture', capturing details but not specifics. This challenge to the notion of rich visual experience highlights the complexities of consciousness and perception.

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.

When it comes to a child's weight in the ER, mama knows best

A systematic review found that parents generally provide the most accurate estimates of their children's body weight in emergency departments. Length-based methods, such as the Broselow Tape, were the next most accurate, but still had limitations.