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Science News Archive April 2016


Page 27 of 39

Handwriting analysis provides clues for dating of old testament texts

A Tel Aviv University study analyzed 16 inscriptions from the fort of Arad and found evidence of high literacy rates within Judah's administrative apparatus. The findings suggest that widespread literacy was required for the compilation of key biblical texts, dating back to 600 BCE.

Three-way battles in the quantum world

Researchers create a quantum simulator to study novel phase transitions resulting from energetic three-way battles between interaction energy, motional energy and long-range interaction.

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.

Breakthrough may stop multiple sclerosis in its tracks

Researchers at University of Queensland have developed a new plant-derived drug, T20K, that can block the progression of multiple sclerosis. The treatment, extracted from the Oldenlandia affinis plant, has shown success in an animal model and may offer a new quality of life for people with the debilitating disease.

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.

Zika virus tested in brain precursor cells

Researchers tested Zika virus in human neural stem cells to understand its effects on developing brains. The study found that the virus preferentially killed brain cells, reducing growth by 40% in a brain organoid model.

More males born to Indian-born women in Canada who already have daughters

A large study in CMAJ found that Indian-born women living in Ontario, Canada, who already have two daughters are more likely to have a boy. The likelihood of male births increases if women had an induced abortion before the birth. Birth ratios fell within natural ranges for Canadian-born and immigrant women from most other countries.

Angiogenesis factor found to promote three age-related diseases of the eye

Research found that overexpression of VEGF-A in animal models promotes both wet and dry age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation. The study identified the NRLP3 inflammasome as a key component in this process, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for preventing or inhibiting these diseases.

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.

St. Jude researchers reveal how 2 types of immune cells can arise from 1

Scientists have discovered a key mechanism controlling the production of daughter cells in the immune system, which could lead to more effective vaccines and cancer treatments. Asymmetric cell division generates two types of cells with distinct properties, influenced by the distribution of c-Myc signaling protein.

Solving a genetic mystery in type 1 diabetes

Scientists have found that the RGS1 gene affects the frequency of T follicular helper cells, which are important for B cell production and seem to be crucial for the disease. The study suggests that while inhibiting RGS1 did not prevent autoimmune diabetes, it changes the way cells move within lymph nodes and spleen.

Even low levels of air pollution appear to affect a child's lungs

A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that exposure to even low levels of air pollution affects children's lung function. Children living near major highways showed significant reductions in lung function, with those exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) a...

Hybrid strategy works best when high-technology companies go global

A new Finnish study shows that hybrid competitive strategies lead to better financial outcomes for high-technology companies internationalizing. The research found that the effectiveness of a hybrid strategy depends on the globalization stage and key resources of the company.

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.

Battery components can take the heat

Researchers at Rice University have developed a combined electrolyte and separator for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can operate at high temperatures, including 150 degrees Celsius, with negligible loss of efficiency. The 'white graphene' composite eliminates the need for conventional plastic or polymer separators and is desi...

Smokers may have a tougher time finding a job, earn less money

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that unemployed smokers were less likely to get new jobs and earned an average of $5 less per hour than nonsmokers. This results in a significant wage deficit, with smokers facing a loss of over $8,300 annually.

Brittle is better for making cement

Rice University scientists have discovered that certain types of tricalcium silicates are more efficient to produce cement due to their structural properties. These findings could lead to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions associated with concrete production, a major contributor to climate change.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Smokers have harder time getting jobs, Stanford study finds

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that smokers have a much harder time finding work than nonsmokers. After controlling for various factors, the research showed that smokers remained unemployed longer and earned substantially less than their non-smoking counterparts.

Bronchial thermoplasty improves asthma regardless of socioeconomic status

A study published by the American College of Chest Physicians found that bronchial thermoplasty improves asthma quality of life for severe refractory asthmatics, regardless of their demographic factors. The procedure was shown to be effective in reducing resource utilization and improving patient outcomes.

Can more fiber restore microbiome diversity?

Researchers at the University of Alberta advocate for increasing dietary fiber intake to regain lost microbial biodiversity. A recent study found that mice fed a Western diet with low fiber transferred lower beneficial microbial species to future generations, indicating extinctions had occurred in just a few generations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The fourth dimension

Researchers propose an algorithm to retrieve four-dimensional surface deformation field using space-borne SAR data, crucial for interpreting complex geological phenomena. The method demonstrates its validity in areas where large and/or rapid surface deformation occurs, such as the Afar depression system.

Being married may help prolong survival in cancer patients

Research found unmarried cancer patients had higher death rates than married patients, with whites benefiting the most from marriage. Hispanic and Asian Pacific Islander cancer patients who were born in the US experienced a greater benefit than those born outside the country.

Selection pressures push plants over adaption cliff

Researchers found that plants can only withstand a limited number of genetic changes before population collapse and extinction. The study challenges common thinking on plant adaptability and has significant implications for agriculture and horticulture in the face of rapid climate change.

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.

Vascular Medicine editorial on PAD recommendations to MEDCAC panel

The Society for Vascular Medicine coalition advocates for PAD treatment guidelines that improve health outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries. The recommendations include reclassifying the ankle brachial index, comprehensive medical intervention, and supervised exercise training programs.

Wayne State study provides new understanding of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Researchers at Wayne State University have discovered that dendritic cells play a crucial role in guiding sensory nerve regeneration after wounding, but their interactions are disrupted in diabetic corneas. The study found that applying exogenous CNTF and its soluble receptor CNTFR-alpha can partially reverse the adverse effects of dia...

Study finds unexpected long-range particle interactions

A team of researchers at MIT found that spinning particles, even when separated by tens of times their size, will ultimately migrate toward each other due to long-range interactions. The phenomenon was observed in a liquid medium with inert particles and has potential applications in biological systems and synthetic materials.

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.

New study shows how age and sex affect the social activity

A recent study found that social connections peak at 25 years old for both men and women, with patterns shifting as individuals grow older. After 60s, social isolation increases, but older adults still use mobile technology less often than younger generations.

Antibiotics don't promote swapping of resistance genes

Researchers at Duke University found that antibiotics do not promote the spread of bacterial antibiotic resistance through genetic swapping, contrary to previous assumptions. The study's results suggest that differential birth and death rates, rather than DNA donation, are to blame for the spread of resistance.

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.

New imaging technology could help save UK/EU steel industry

A new grant will develop an innovative induction tomography system to assess the solidification process of metal, improving continuous casting of steel. This technology will detect defects in molten steel as it cools, enabling industry to monitor and alter the cooling process for better quality, safety, productivity, and competitiveness.

A different route to drug resistance

A team of researchers has identified an alternate mechanism for evading therapy in brain cancer cells, which adapts within as little as three days of treatment. By targeting both the original and new signaling pathways, they can durably suppress tumor growth.

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.

Why do people with Alzheimer's stop recognizing their loved ones?

Research by Dr. Sven Joubert reveals that Alzheimer's disease affects holistic face perception, leading to difficulties in recognizing faces of family members or celebrities. This impairment is observed even in the early stages of the disease, highlighting potential strategies for patients to recognize their loved ones for longer.

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.

Wealth of unsuspected new microbes expands tree of life

Researchers have discovered over 1,000 new types of bacteria and Archaea, dramatically expanding the tree of life. The newly added organisms come from diverse environments and are characterized by their genome sequences, offering a new perspective on microbiology and its implications for our understanding of biology.

International network to spy on trees: ANU media release

A global network is being set up to use surveillance camera networks and drone data to track changes in trees' growth patterns. Researchers will be able to access time-lapse image data to better understand how climate change affects forests worldwide.

E-cigarettes have immediate effects on pulmonary function

Researchers have discovered that e-cigarettes cause immediate damage to pulmonary function in healthy and mild asthmatic young smokers. The study, presented at CHEST World Congress 2016, found e-cigarette use led to worse airway obstruction and inflammation compared to cigarette smoking.

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.

Shark population threatened due to fin harvesting

A recent study highlights the need for sustainable shark conservation in Indonesia, where fin harvesting contributes to over 3 million shark deaths annually. Implementing no-fishing zones and providing alternative livelihood options can help protect shark populations and support local communities.

Beta cells from love handles

Scientists have successfully extracted stem cells from a 50-year-old test subject's fatty tissue, applied genetic reprogramming, and produced mature, insulin-producing beta cells. The researchers' technique has the potential to treat diabetes by implanting new functional beta cells made from the patient's own adipose tissue.

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.