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Science News Archive April 2016


Page 31 of 39

Cancer thwarts treatment by 'stealing' blood vessels

A new study reveals that cancer cells can adapt to treatment by actively co-opting blood vessels from nearby tissues, leading to drug resistance. The researchers hope their findings will lead to the development of new therapies targeting vessel co-option, which could be particularly effective when used alongside existing treatments.

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.

New role identified for scars at the site of injured spinal cord

A recent mouse study reveals that scar-forming cells called astrocytes are required for repair and regrowth following spinal cord injury. The research supports axon growth through astrocyte scars, challenging the long-held idea that scars hinder neuronal regrowth.

Dynamic model helps understand healthy lakes to heal sick ones

Researchers created a dynamic model of microbial species interactions in Lake Mendota, understanding the effects of environmental factors on sub-communities and individual species. The model can predict interactions as conditions change, offering insights into healthy lakes and potential cures for sick ones.

Speaking 2 languages for the price of 1

Research suggests that bilingual speakers can avoid language-switching costs by consistently using the same language throughout a conversation or task. In experiments, participants were shown to respond faster when they stuck with a language rather than switching mid-sentence.

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.

HIV can develop resistance to CRISPR/Cas9

A recent study reveals that single mutations can inhibit HIV-1 replication using CRISPR/Cas9, but some also lead to unexpected resistance. Targeting multiple viral DNA regions may be necessary for the antiviral aspect of CRISPR/Cas9 to be effective.

Neanderthal Y chromosome offers clues to what kept us separate species

Researchers analyzed a complete Neanderthal Y chromosome, revealing differences with modern human Y chromosomes that may have discouraged interbreeding. The findings suggest that genetic incompatibilities, such as those affecting male-specific antigens, played a role in the divergence of humans and Neanderthals.

Two NIH grants back Rice University effort to develop new diagnostics

David Zhang's lab at Rice University is developing novel therapeutic tools and diagnostic methods using next-generation sequencing, including probes that identify disease-causing DNA sequence variants and a platform capable of detecting rare single nucleotide variants in biological samples.

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.

New gene responsible for stroke discovered

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered a new gene, FOXF2, linked to ischemic stroke caused by small vessel disease in the brain. The study suggests that unraveling the mechanisms of small vessel disease could lead to better treatments for this major cause of stroke and dementia.

Paper critically examines the politics of asylum accommodation in the UK

A new article analyzes recent changes in UK asylum accommodation, revealing how economic interests prioritize competition and profit over social justice. Local authorities' expertise in supporting asylum seekers has been lost due to contracting out, leading to diminished services and charitable provision.

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.

Young arthritis patients have unique concerns about treatment

Young arthritis patients experience physical, emotional, social, and vocational consequences from treatment, emphasizing the importance of discussing concerns with healthcare providers. Active encouragement is necessary to achieve balance between disease control and treatment burden.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Daily deal websites can capitalize by displaying sales numbers

Researchers found that daily deal websites gain an advantage by tracking and displaying sales numbers, attracting new customers and promoting merchants' businesses. This strategy lowers the risk for consumers trying new merchants and addresses a fundamental problem with traditional discount promotions.

Primate evolution in the fast lane

Researchers at Cornell University and Bar-Ilan University discovered a novel mechanism for mutation in primates triggered by the APOBEC family of virus-fighting enzymes. These enzymes can rapidly generate large changes in genes through 'friendly fire' events, which may have been passed on to subsequent generations.

'Climate-smart soils' may help balance the carbon budget

Soil has the potential to sequester more carbon than the current atmosphere, and climate-smart agricultural practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil fertility. Several methods, including reducing tillage and applying biochar, can be used by land users to abate emissions and sequester carbon.

New cloud measurements are predicting a warmer climate

A new study suggests that global climate models have underestimated the impact of clouds on warming, leading to lower projections. Clouds and aerosol particles significantly influence atmospheric temperatures, and recent data show that certain ice formation processes are less common than previously thought.

Quantum simulation 2.0: Atoms chat long distance

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully measured long-range magnetic interactions between ultracold erbium atoms in an optical lattice. This achievement marks an important step towards understanding exotic quantum phases and the behavior of dipolar atoms.

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.

USDA awards $6.6 million in animal nutrition, growth grants

The USDA has awarded $6.6 million in grants for research focused on improving animal nutrition and growth, with a goal of enhancing animal health, reducing production costs, and minimizing environmental impacts. Funded projects include studies on starch digestion in cattle and nutrient delivery to pigs facing disease challenges.

So long lithium, hello bacteria batteries?

Scientists have created a rechargeable battery driven by bacteria, addressing safety issues and high costs associated with conventional lithium-ion batteries. The microbial battery successfully stored energy for 16 hours and discharged it over the next 8 hours, mimicking day-night patterns typical of solar energy production.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Results of world's first study on new treatment for heroin addiction

The SALOME study found that injectable hydromorphone is as effective as diacetylmorphine for long-term street opioid users not currently benefiting from available treatments. Participants reported significant reductions in opioid use and illicit activities, with over 80% retained in treatment at six months.

Older men who purchase sex do so more frequently as they age

A survey of older American men who frequent sex work websites found that those over 60 paid for sex more frequently as they aged. The study also revealed that these men sought out specific experiences, such as the 'girlfriend experience', and were willing to pay for non-sexual activities with providers.

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.

Graphene is both transparent and opaque to radiation

Researchers at EPFL developed a microchip using graphene that can filter out unwanted radiation, ensuring data integrity. The discovery could lead to faster data uploads and improved wireless communication in the Terahertz frequency band.

Invasive species not best conservation tool: Study

A University of Guelph study finds that introducing invasive round goby fish does not help conserve endangered native mollusks, but rather hampers their reproduction. The research team discovered that the fish essentially 'wastes' mussel larvae, further threatening the species' survival.

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.

ORNL tracks how halogen atoms compete to grow 'winning' perovskites

ORNL researchers have found a potential path to improve solar cell efficiency by understanding the competition among halogen atoms during perovskite synthesis. The study reveals that bromine, chlorine, and iodine ions facilitate growth but only iodine gets into the final crystal structure.

Argentinian researchers develop trap for mosquito that transmits Zika

Researchers have developed a new trap to monitor and control Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary transmitters of Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The plastic ovitrap infused with pyriproxyfen has been shown to be 100% effective in preventing larvae from developing into adults.

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.

Minimally invasive treatment could freeze out phantom limb pain

A pioneering technique using cold blasts has shown promise in improving the quality of life for patients suffering from phantom limb pain. After treating 20 patients with cryoablation therapy, researchers found a significant reduction in pain scores, from an average of 6.4 to 2.4 points.

BU professor receives Excellence in Education Award from AMSER

Kitt Shaffer, MD, PhD, received the 2016 Alliance of Medical Students Educators in Radiology (AMSER) Excellence in Education Award. She has made significant contributions to medical student radiology education through her work on curriculum development and faculty mentorship.

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.

For young people with schizophrenia, physical and mental exercises offer hope

Researchers found that physical exercise significantly improves cognitive performance in individuals with schizophrenia, particularly in areas such as memory, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills. The study suggests that early intervention and combined cognitive training with aerobic exercise may lead to long-lasting impr...

Duke study uncovers genetic elements that drive regeneration

Researchers have discovered regulatory sequences in zebrafish that can turn on genes involved in regeneration, which also exist in humans. These 'tissue regeneration enhancer elements' or TREEs may hold the key to improving human regenerative capabilities through genome editing technologies.

Respirator mask reduces effects of pollution on the heart

A study by researchers at the Heart Failure Center of the University of São Paulo suggests that wearing a respirator mask can lessen the impact of vehicle emissions on people with heart failure. The results also indicate that this type of mask can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease for healthy individuals.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ring-shaped sugar helps in cases of atherosclerosis

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered that cyclodextrin promotes the breakdown of cholesterol deposits in arteries, reducing inflammation and plaque formation. The ring-shaped sugar increases natural mechanisms for cholesterol breakdown and reduces inflammatory response, offering a potential new treatment for atherosclerosis.

Americans & Canadians favor practical wisdom

Researchers found that over 70% of mentioned exemplars represented practical wisdom, which includes insight into real-life issues and strategic problem-solving. The study identified three prototypes: practical, philosophical, and benevolent, with practical wisdom being the most frequently mentioned.

NASA's GPM views Tropical Cyclone Zena hitting Vanuatu

Tropical Cyclone Zena intensified in the South Pacific Ocean near Vanuatu on April 5, 2016, causing sustained winds of over 35 knots. The GPM satellite measured intense downpours dropping rain at a rate of almost 154 mm per hour

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Factors associated with good heart health may also protect kidneys

A new study found that achieving ideal cardiovascular health factors, such as healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, is associated with a reduced risk of new-onset kidney disease. The study included 14,832 adults aged 45-64 and followed them for an average of 22 years to develop chronic kidney disease.

'Honeycomb' of nanotubes could boost genetic engineering

Researchers have developed a new method for gene transfer using an array of carbon nanotubes, overcoming limitations of existing technologies. The device successfully delivers DNA into tens of thousands of cells simultaneously with minimal toxicity and no restrictions on genetic payload.