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Science News Archive April 2016


Page 28 of 39

Fathers plays a critical role in family values for Mexican-origin youth

A father's family values can predict the family values held by Mexican-origin youth as well as the amount of time they spend with their families, according to new research. The study also found that parental acceptance and warmth play a crucial role in determining the link between family time and young adults' depressive symptoms.

INRS receives major funding from CFI and the Quebec government

New facilities will enable researchers to develop innovative therapeutic agents, models for managing fishery resources, and statistical models for analyzing aquatic habitats. This includes the creation of an aquatic habitat analysis and modelling laboratory and a facility for designing organometallic catalysts and therapeutics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New findings reveal social thinking in the infant brain

Researchers investigated how infants process others' actions and found that brain activity in the motor system predicts imitation of others' actions. The study provides evidence for intelligent social behavior in infants as young as 7 months old, shedding light on neural processes contributing to this complex behavior.

Islands facing a dry future

Thousands of islands face severe climate change impacts, including increased evaporation and freshwater scarcity. A new modeling approach shows that 73% of small islands will become more dry by mid-century, affecting 18 million people.

Our employment status affects our morals around money

A quantitative study by the University of the Basque Country found that becoming unemployed alters people's moral values regarding fairness and redistribution. Most unemployed individuals tend to redistribute money equally among their group, regardless of whether it was earned or received through luck.

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.

PET scans guiding chemo boosts remission for Hodgkin patients

A clinical trial found that using PET imaging to guide chemotherapy significantly increases remission rates and reduces toxic side effects in advanced Hodgkin lymphoma patients. The study showed a promising approach to tailor treatment to individual patients, leading to a potential new standard of care.

New way to smell a rat means end for rodents

Scientists at Simon Fraser University have developed a new method to exterminate rats by replicating the male brown rat's sex pheromone. This attracts female brown rats, allowing for effective trapping. The discovery forms part of a three-pronged rat control tactic that also exploits sound communication and food preferences.

Kirkham Gold Medal honors soil scientist van Genuchten

Dr. Martinus van Genuchten has made significant contributions to soil physics and vadose zone hydrology, including developing theoretical equations that are now universally used worldwide. His leadership has also supported the careers of countless graduate students and junior scientists.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Small nerve fibers defy neuropathy conventions

A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that even prediabetes can cause nerve damage in people with small fiber neuropathy, challenging the conventional wisdom of how nerves deteriorate. The research showed that patients with prediabetes lost about 10% of their nerve fiber density each year, similar to those with diabetes.

CHLA researcher awarded $1.665 million to study retinal development

A CHLA researcher has been awarded a four-year grant to study the development of cone photoreceptors in the retina, which can lead to devastating vision loss due to diseases like retinoblastoma. The goal is to improve modeling of these diseases and develop novel therapies using human embryonic stem cell-derived retina models.

Newly discovered proteins may protect against aging's illnesses

Researchers have identified six newly discovered proteins that may help prevent diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and other age-related illnesses. The tiny proteins are produced in the mitochondria of cells and play a significant role in metabolism and cell survival.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Humanoid robotics and computer avatars could help treat social disorders

Researchers developed a system to enable robot or computer avatar interaction with patients playing the mirror game, promoting attachment and improving social coordination. The results show that players sharing similar movement features interact better, paving the way for social rehabilitation.

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.

Damaging consequences of Zika virus infection in human minibrains

Research by Brazilian scientists at D'Or Institute for Research and Education reveals Zika virus infection in human neural stem cells causes cell death, malformations, and reduced growth in neurospheres and brain organoids. The study highlights the etiological nature of microcephaly cases in Brazil.

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.

Zika virus may now be tied to another brain disease

A small study suggests Zika virus may be associated with an autoimmune disorder attacking the brain's myelin, similar to multiple sclerosis. Researchers found six people developed neurologic symptoms consistent with autoimmune disorders and underwent exams and blood tests, revealing signs of damage to the brain's white matter.

Fatty liver disease is common

A large study found that fatty liver disease is common among liver transplant recipients, with a significant increase in prevalence over time. The condition is linked to various risk factors, including high body mass index, elevated blood triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes, but does not affect short-term patient survival.

Hi-tech opens up Earth's secrets

Geologists now track tectonic plate motion to understand ocean and mountain range formation, as well as animal species distribution. The technology reveals new geological relationships in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, with implications for predicting earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

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.

Lipid helps lymphocytes patrol

A new lipid, LPA, has been found to regulate lymphocyte motility in narrow lymph nodes. LPA enables efficient movement through spaces jammed with immune cells and stromal cells. This discovery may lead to novel strategies for controlling immune responses.

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.

Promising new blood test is first of its kind to detect liver scarring

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a DNA-based blood test that can detect liver scarring, also known as fibrosis, in patients with NAFLD. This breakthrough test measures epigenetic markers to stratify patients into mild or severe liver scarring, offering an early diagnosis and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Crystal structure of PKG I suggests a new activation mechanism

The study reveals a new activation mechanism for protein kinase G I (PKG I), which may prevent unnecessary inhibition and enhance its activity. This discovery could lead to the design of drugs that target PKG I, providing new therapeutic options for diseases associated with PKG I dysfunction.

New assay offers improved detection of deadly prion diseases

A new timed amyloid seeding assay achieves or surpasses the sensitivity of currently available tests for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, according to a report in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. This advanced assay offers better detection capabilities, allowing for clinical applications and surveillance programs.

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.

Study finds skateboarding sent about 176 youth to US EDs every day

A nationwide study found that skateboarding-related injuries affected 64,572 children and adolescents annually, with most being male and injured at home or on the street. The study emphasizes the importance of wearing protective gear and finding safe routes for kids to ride, especially before they reach 6 years old.

Cyclodextrin dissolves away cholesterol crystals

Researchers found that cyclodextrin reduces atherosclerotic plaques by reprogramming macrophages and dissolving cholesterol crystals. The treatment prevents plaque formation and reduces existing plaques in mice and human carotid arteries, pointing to cholesterol crystals as a target for atherosclerosis treatment.

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.

Restoring ecosystems -- how to learn from our mistakes

A joint North European and North American study highlights the importance of continuous evaluations in ecological restoration projects. The researchers emphasize the need for documenting experiences, conclusions, and lessons learned to improve future projects.

The future is here: Interactive screens on your packages

Researchers have developed a new way of attaching electronic screens to paper-based packaging, enabling the display of simple messages and potentially complex developments like countdown timers. The technology could transform the packaging industry by providing innovative ways for companies to communicate brand awareness.

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.

Transcranial direct current stimulation can boost language comprehension

Researchers found that stimulating the left angular gyrus with transcranial direct current stimulation improved comprehension of simple, two-word phrases. This effect was not seen with sham stimulation or right angular gyrus stimulation, suggesting a specific role for this brain region in semantic memory integration.

Novel optogenetic tool

Scientists have created an optogenetic tool that can control specific G-protein-coupled signalling pathways in the brain with high temporal precision. By using different-coloured light, researchers can switch these pathways on and off, offering new insights into the role of certain signalling pathways in disease.

HKU chemists develop new strategy to synthesize molecule

A team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong has successfully developed a novel strategy for synthesizing cortistatin A, a molecule with potent anti-angiogenic activity. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more effective anti-cancer therapies.

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.

Simultaneous cocaine, alcohol use linked to suicide risk

A new study found that simultaneous cocaine and alcohol use is a red flag for suicide risk, with the risk being 2.4 times higher among those using both substances. The study also showed that substance misuse was less likely an indicator of suicide risk among whites and women, but more likely among older adults.

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.