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Science News Archive April 2016


Page 33 of 39

Morehouse College Department of Mathematics honored for achievements

The Morehouse College Department of Mathematics has been honored with the Programs that Make a Difference Award from the American Mathematical Society. The department has successfully addressed issues of underrepresentation in mathematics, with an average of 14 math majors graduating each year.

Supernovae showered Earth with radioactive debris

An international team found radioactive iron-60 in sediment and crust samples from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, indicating a series of massive supernovae near our solar system. The debris is dated to 3.2-1.7 million years ago and coincides with Earth's cooling period.

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.

Young, unattached Jupiter analog found in solar neighborhood

Astronomers have identified a young and bright planet-like object, 2MASS J1119-1137, which is only 10 million years old and four to eight times the mass of Jupiter. This discovery provides valuable insights into giant planets outside our Solar System and offers a unique opportunity to study these objects.

Large variations in precipitation over the past millennium

A new study in Nature finds large variations in precipitation over the past millennium, with stronger extremes in earlier centuries than in the twentieth century. This analysis enables improved accuracy of climate models and better prediction of future precipitation changes.

Winners of the first Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge announced

The Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge has selected two winning projects that offer environmentally friendly processes, products, and resources for use in developing countries. Yunsang Kim's project uses nanocellulosic fibers to reduce wastewater and toxic chemicals in textile dyeing, while Suzana Yusup's project develops a wate...

Fewer than 250 mature Bawean warty pigs in existence

Researchers recorded footage of wild Bawean warty pigs using camera traps to estimate population size and habitat preferences. The findings suggest the species is endangered due to low population density and habitat loss.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Learning Japanese ancient characters with your smartphone

The KuLA application enables users to study hentaigana and cursive-style kanji using images from Japanese historical books. Researchers can utilize these resources more effectively, bridging the knowledge gap in pre-modern materials between Japan and international studies.

Simulations 'sharpen' their tools

Physicists validate numerical simulation methods using 40 methods and 15 software packages, confirming high precision. The study's results aim to improve accuracy in theoretical speculation.

Age and mobility predict death better than one's 'molecular clock'

A study published in PLOS ONE found that chronological age was the single best predictor of death in three countries, followed closely by self-reported mobility. Telomere length, previously believed to be a powerful biomarker for aging and mortality, ranked lower than other indicators in predicting mortality.

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.

Earth's soils could play key role in locking away greenhouse gases

Research suggests that soils could store an extra 8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases, helping to combat climate change. Adopting sustainable land use practices and technologies could enhance soil carbon storage, equivalent to four-fifths of annual fossil fuel emissions.

Geothermal heat contributes to Greenland ice melt

A recent study by University of Montana researcher Jesse Johnson reveals that geothermal heat enhances rapid ice flow and subglacial melting in northern Greenland. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, identifies a west-to-east zone with anomalously high heat that drives widespread melting and rapid ice flow.

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.

Engineers develop a pill for long-term drug release

Researchers design a new type of extended-release pill that can attach to the gastrointestinal tract lining and release its contents slowly. The dual-sided device uses mucoadhesives and omniphobic materials to resist being pulled away by food and liquids.

Xenotransplantation: Hearts made in Munich

A new study shows that genetically modified pig hearts developed by US and LMU researchers can survive for more than 2½ years when transplanted into baboons. The findings demonstrate a promising breakthrough in xenotransplantation, with potential implications for human organ transplantation.

Current methods cannot predict damage to coral reefs

Current methods for predicting damage to coral reefs are limited by a focus on individual species in isolation. To address this, researchers propose combining empirical evidence with traditional biological scaling models and computer simulations to understand the emergent properties of acidification-afflicted reef ecosystems. This appr...

Climate change impacts on air quality the focus of EPA grant

Researchers at Washington State University will use new modeling techniques to predict air pollution changes in the western US due to climate change. The study will focus on small particulate matter, a major contributor to health issues like asthma and lung cancer.

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.

A better fix for torn ACLs

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a model showing a newer surgical technique results in a stronger, more natural ACL repair. The new suspensory fixation method reduces cell and tissue damage to the graft, allowing for full functional healing.

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.

What can Frizzled7 reveal about breast cancer development?

A study reveals that Frizzled7 is uniquely controlled by the Notch signaling pathway in human breast epithelial cells. This interaction may provide a new target for treating breast cancer. The researchers hope their findings will help identify an underlying cause of breast carcinogenesis.

NUS-led research team discovers novel way of transferring magnetic information

A NUS-led research team has discovered a new method for transferring magnetic information between two thin layers of magnetic materials by adding a special insulator. This breakthrough enables faster data transmission rates and paves the way for the development of devices that operate in the terahertz frequency range.

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.

Can urban gardeners benefit ecosystems while keeping food traditions alive?

A study found that urban gardens in Chicago's African American, Chinese-origin, and Mexican-origin communities provide important ecosystem services. The researchers identified non-native crops and synthetic fertilizers as potential issues, but also noted the cultural significance of gardening for food security and community connection.

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.

Screening for COPD not recommended

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening for COPD in asymptomatic adults due to lack of evidence on benefits and potential harms. Screening may divert resources from other preventive services, such as smoking cessation.

Hard whale heads sink ships -- or can they?

Research suggests that the sperm whale head's connective tissue partitions could function as a shock absorber, reducing impact stress and protecting the skull from failure. The study's findings may have implications for understanding aggressive behavior in other species.

Invading the brain to understand and repair cognition

Scientists are using new brain-machine interfaces to restore motor function, while developing tools to repair and improve cognition. New electrophysiology techniques allow for a sharper view of the brain's activity, enabling researchers to study human brains in real-time.

Study shows certain gastrointestinal tumors associated with higher mortality

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that certain groups of gastrointestinal stromal tumors result in a much higher mortality rate than expected. The study analyzed data from 378 patients with malignant GISTs and discovered significant variability in size and malignant behavior.

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.

Cost-effective production of hydrogen from natural resources

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have developed a cost-effective method for producing high-purity silicon nanosheets, which are essential for the mass production of hydrogen. The new technique uses natural clay and salt to synthesize these nanosheets, significantly reducing production costs.

Can your fitness tracker save your life in the ER?

A recent case report found that a patient's activity tracker and smartphone helped identify the onset time of his atrial fibrillation, allowing for timely electrical cardioversion. The device provided critical information to medical providers, enabling more effective treatment decisions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers show corals struggle to grow under multiple stressors

A new study found that corals preconditioned to high CO2 levels before increased temperatures showed 44% lower growth rates compared to unconditioned corals. This suggests that elevated CO2 worsens coral response to thermal stress, potentially exacerbating climate change impacts on coral reefs.

Study: The science behind bodily secretions

Researchers discovered that all four parts of the IP3 receptor must be activated for calcium to increase and initiate fluid secretion. This finding has broad implications for understanding human secretory disorders like Sjögren's syndrome, which causes dry mouth and affects quality of life.

General practice in England nearing 'saturation point'

General practice workloads in England have increased by 16% over seven years, with more frequent and longer consultations, according to a large-scale analysis. The study's findings suggest the system is approaching saturation point due to low recruitment rates and an ageing population with complex needs.

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.

Risk of breaking a bone depends on where you live

A new study found that bone fracture rates differ significantly across the UK, with Scotland and Northern Ireland having the highest rates. The risk is also influenced by age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

Controlling cell turnover in the intestinal lining

A study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers found that epidermal growth factor (EGF) negatively regulates epithelial cell shedding in the intestine through a selective MAPK-dependent signaling pathway. This insight could identify potential targets for correcting pathological shedding in diseases like IBD.

Breaking metamaterial symmetry with reflected light

A group of UK researchers discovered a new type of optical activity by breaking the symmetry of metamaterials with reflected light. This enables novel applications such as polarization rotating and circularly polarizing beam splitters and mirrors, as well as optical isolators for circularly polarized light.

New mouse model to aid testing of Zika vaccine, therapeutics

Researchers have established a mouse model that mimics aspects of Zika virus infection in humans, allowing for the testing of vaccines and therapeutics. The model shows high levels of the virus in the brain, spinal cord, and testes of male mice, supporting clinical data on sexual transmission.

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.

Major new project maps out woodland biodiversity

Researchers assess impact of past land use change on current biodiversity by analyzing woodlands planted over 160 years. The project provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of historical land use on modern ecosystems.

Promising new method inhibits TB-causing bacteria

Scientists have discovered a new way to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by using modified cholesterol as an energy source. This breakthrough holds promise for the development of new treatments for tuberculosis, a highly infectious lung disease that kills one person every 21 seconds.

Risk allele for side effects induced by Clozapine identified

A significant association has been found between HLA-B*59:01 and Clozapine-induced agranulocytosis and granulocytopenia, suggesting the allele may serve as a marker for prioritizing patients at low risk of developing these severe side effects. Further analysis is needed to clarify the mechanism behind this association.

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.

NASAs New Horizons fills gap in space environment observations

New Horizons provided three years of measurements of the solar wind, filling a crucial gap between what other missions see closer to the sun and what Voyager spacecraft see further out. The data helps round out our picture of the sun's influence on space, including the origins of radiation hazards for astronauts.