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Science News Archive April 2016


Page 22 of 39

Coding and computers help spot methane, explosives

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technology using coded apertures to improve the performance of mass spectrometers, enabling portable devices to detect environmental hazards in the field. The innovation could lead to miniaturized mass spectrometers for detecting trace amounts of methane and explosives.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Few consumers penalize companies after data breach, study finds

A study found that despite data breaches, most people remain satisfied with companies' responses and few take their business elsewhere. However, ethnic minorities and those who experienced extreme inconvenience reported lower satisfaction rates and higher costs.

Radical route for the synthesis of chiral molecules

ICIQ researchers have developed a new radical route for synthesizing chiral molecules, combining enantioselective iminium ion chemistry and photoredox catalysis under mild conditions. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable and responsible stereoselective chemistry.

Is risk-taking behavior contagious?

Researchers found that observing others' risk-taking behavior changes one's own attitude towards risk, with the brain responding to this change in activity levels. The study also found that participants could learn and predict the risk-taking preferences of an observed peer.

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.

NASA's satellites see Fantala intensifying as it moves west

Fantala storm intensifies over 12 hours, reaching 120 knots in wind speed, with wave heights of 30 feet. NASA's Aqua and International Space Station satellites monitor the storm's progression, predicting a possible threat to Madagascar before turning southeast.

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.

Tuberculosis elimination at stake

New data shows an estimated 340,000 Europeans developed TB in 2014. While progress has been made in reducing new cases, high rates of multidrug-resistant TB and TB affecting vulnerable groups continue to challenge elimination efforts. Targeted interventions for marginalized populations are crucial to successfully tackling TB

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.

A new system for color vision

Researchers found a previously unknown type of neuron called J-RGCs that signal color to the brain by comparing signals from ultraviolet cones and rods. This discovery may help explain why humans perceive the color blue in dim light, as proposed by Van Gogh's Starry Night painting.

Measuring drought impact in more than dollars and cents

A multidisciplinary study assesses drought's effects on people and systems, going beyond economic measures to document social and environmental impacts. The research team uses machine learning and econometric techniques to estimate causal effects and identify moderators of drought's socio-environmental variables.

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.

Implantable device targets pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed an implantable device that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to pancreatic tumors, showing promising results in slowing disease progression and shrinking tumors. The device uses a flexible film that conforms to the tumor shape and releases drugs locally, minimizing side effects and improving treatment outc...

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.

Study links environment/parenting to childhood self-control

Researchers found that environmental influences like parenting style are relevant factors in toddlers' self-control by age 3. The study, published in Developmental Psychology, used twin research and laboratory-based protocols to measure inhibitory control.

The cozier the better for bubbles inside powerful volcanoes

A team of researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology and ETH Zurich found that light vapor bubbles migrate to crystal-poor areas within shallow volcanic chambers, accumulating energy for large eruptions. The study suggests that these bubbles play a crucial role in shaping the style and power of volcanic eruptions.

Antimalarial resistance to drug not passed on to future generations

A new study found that parasites resistant to atovaqueone cannot pass this resistance on to their offspring, due to developmental defects and impaired reproduction. The research suggests that these mutations severely impair the parasite's lifecycle in mosquito hosts, preventing transmission.

How parasitic worms help minimize inflammatory bowel disease

Parasitic worms, or helminths, have been found to beneficially influence the composition of gut microbiota in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. By infecting mice deficient in a gene that models Crohn's disease, researchers discovered that these parasites restore a compromised layer of mucus and intestinal cell morphology.

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.

Teen BMI predicts risk of cardiovascular death in adulthood

A nationwide study of 2.3 million Israeli adolescents found an association between elevated BMI in late adolescence and subsequent cardiovascular mortality in midlife. Even BMI considered 'normal' during adolescence was associated with a graded increase in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

Scientists crack secrets of the monarch butterfly's internal compass

Researchers developed a model to explain how monarch butterflies navigate during their 2,000-mile fall migration. The model suggests that the monarchs' brain receives information from both the sun's position and the time of day, and uses two neural mechanisms to decipher the correct direction.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Plants force fungal partners to behave fairly

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that plants deliberately choose which fungal partners to provide with more nutrients, effectively forcing the less cooperative partner to supply more phosphates. This market-based process allows for optimal resource allocation and increased plant productivity.

California mental health stigma-reduction campaign creates economic benefits

A new RAND Corporation study finds that California's investment in a social marketing campaign to reduce mental illness stigma may provide the state with significant economic benefits. For every dollar invested, the state can expect an estimated $36 in higher tax collections and up to $1,251 in economic benefits over several decades.

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.

Unchecked mitochondrial DNA mutations could be a problem for stem cell therapies

A recent study has found that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from patient skin cells may contain faulty mitochondrial DNA mutations, which could undermine their therapeutic value. Screening and checking for mitochondrial DNA mutations is crucial to ensure the quality of iPS cell lines intended for therapeutic use.

Yeast study charts survival impact of genetic mutations

Scientists have mapped thousands of genetic mutations in yeast to understand their impact on cell survival. The study found that different combinations of mutations can influence survival and revealed a new technique for predicting the shapes of molecules encoded in our genes.

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.

Juvenile offenders probably more criminal to begin with

A new study by Duke University researchers found that adult-onset offenders have a history of anti-social behavior from childhood and are more likely to struggle with mental health issues. The study, which tracked nearly 1,000 New Zealanders, suggests that the court system may not be addressing the root causes of crime in adults.

Mouse pups with human mutation show signs of stuttering

A study in mice reveals changes in ultrasonic vocalizations consistent with stuttering in humans, suggesting a potential understanding and treatment for millions affected. The findings provide an experimentally tractable animal model for aspects of stuttering research.

A 'pause button' for cells

Scientists have created an optogenetic process that inhibits intracellular membrane vesicle trafficking, effectively pausing cellular activity. This innovation enables the observation and control of cell membranes, opening up new avenues for studying diseases like neurodegenerative disorders.

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.

Scientists develop recipe for testosterone-producing cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a way to encourage adult stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into testosterone-producing cells. The findings could lead to the development of transplantable cells that can produce testosterone, avoiding side effects associated with current treatments.

San Francisco's homeless youth at 10 times higher risk of death

A University of California, Berkeley study found that homeless youth in San Francisco have a 10.6 times higher mortality rate than their peers, mostly due to suicide and substance abuse. The study's main author notes that stigma kills and highlights the need for on-demand access to substance abuse treatment.

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.

Europa's heaving ice might make more heat than scientists thought

Scientists discover that Europa's tidal dissipation process generates significantly more heat in its ice than previously assumed. This finding has implications for estimating the thickness of the moon's outer shell and understanding the chemistry of the hidden ocean, which is crucial for searching for life.

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.

Fresh look at trope about Eskimo words for snow

A study published in PLOS ONE challenges the notion that Inuit and other Arctic groups have a vast number of words for snow, instead revealing that languages from warmer regions tend to use one word for both snow and ice

Certain types of polyps may warrant keeping closer tabs on the colon

A study found patients with flat adenomas are more likely to have large and advanced adenomas as well as multiple adenomas. This may require more frequent screenings for these patients. Colonoscopy is an effective screening test for colon cancer, allowing doctors to remove precancerous polyps.

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.