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Science News Archive April 2016


Page 6 of 39

One-fifth of young drinkers report consuming 'jello shots,' BU study finds

A study found that one in five underage youths consumed jello shots, which were associated with heavier drinking, physical fights, and increased risk of adverse consequences. The study's findings have important public health implications and suggest the need for interventions to address this consumption.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NREL finds nanotube semiconductors well-suited for PV systems

Researchers found low reorganization energy when pairing SWCNT semiconductors with fullerene molecules, enabling efficient electron transfer and solar energy harvesting. This discovery suggests nanotube semiconductors could be favorable for photovoltaic applications.

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.

TGen tracks the origins and spread of potentially deadly Valley Fever

Scientists at TGen tracked the likely origins and dispersal of Valley Fever using genomic analysis technologies, revealing a history spanning 2 million years. The study identifies two distinct species of the fungus Coccidioides and estimates their divergence dates, providing insights into future outbreak tracking.

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.

Large wildlife important for carbon storage in tropical forests

Tropical forests store vast amounts of carbon through photosynthesis, but the impact of large animals on seed dispersal affects this process. A study found that tree species dependent on large animals for seed dispersal have higher carbon storage potential than those with smaller seeds.

Despite efforts, childhood obesity remains on the rise

A recent study found that childhood obesity rates in the US have not declined, with severe obesity on the rise among adolescents. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey and found that 33.4% of children between 2-19 were overweight, with 17.4% having obesity.

Radiant zinc fireworks reveal human egg quality

Scientists discovered that the size of zinc sparks in human eggs is a direct measure of their quality and ability to develop into embryos. This breakthrough could lead to non-invasive and easily visible methods to assess egg health before implantation.

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.

Chernobyl, three decades on

The University of South Carolina's Tim Mousseau and Anders Møller studied the natural inhabitants of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, finding damaging effects of chronic radiation exposure on wildlife. They discovered that even low levels of radiation can cause cataracts, diminish brain size, and affect fertility in animals.

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.

Carbon dioxide fertilization greening Earth, study finds

A recent study found that carbon dioxide fertilization is responsible for 70 percent of the greening effect on Earth's vegetated lands over the past 35 years. Nitrogen also plays a significant role in this process. The study used satellite data to determine the leaf area index, or amount of leaf cover, over the planet's vegetated regions.

Model predicts how forests will respond to climate change

Researchers developed a new mathematical model to predict how US forests will respond to climate change, finding that the Northeast's mixed forests will be unsustainable by 2050. The Tolerance Distribution Model can identify which forests are at risk and suggest measures like planting drought-tolerant seedlings to prepare.

One oil field a key culprit in global ethane gas increase

Researchers found the Bakken Formation in North Dakota and Montana emits roughly 2% of global ethane, equivalent to 250,000 tons per year. This single region's emissions are 10-100 times larger than reported inventories and impact air quality across North America.

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.

Study may explain gene's role in major psychiatric disorders

A new study reveals that a genetic risk factor for five major psychiatric diseases may be linked to the death of newborn brain cells, which can disrupt learning, mood, and anxiety. The researchers found that a compound currently being developed could potentially prevent this cell death and have therapeutic value for these diseases.

Groundwater quality changes alongside expansion of hydraulic fracturing

Research from the University of Texas at Arlington reveals that groundwater quality in the Permian Basin changes significantly during and after hydraulic fracturing expansion. The study detected chlorinated solvents, alcohols, and aromatic compounds in private water well samples, as well as large fluctuations in pH and total organic ca...

Coral 'toolkit' allows floating larvae to transform into reef skeletons

Researchers identified key components of the molecular toolkit that allow corals to build their skeletons, shedding light on the transformation from larval stage to adult coral. This knowledge is crucial for understanding how corals respond to ocean acidification, rising sea surface temperatures, and pollution.

Aspirin may help prevent bile duct cancer

Regular aspirin use was linked to a significantly reduced risk of developing bile duct cancer, according to a recent study. The findings suggest that additional research on the potential of aspirin for preventing bile duct cancer is warranted.

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.

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.

The geology of wine

The taste of wine is influenced by soil properties, particularly pH, which modify the wine's chemistry. Researchers found a correlation between specific soil characteristics and Pinot Noir vintages in the Willamette Valley.

Study to test ways to improve cognitive functioning of older adults with HIV

Researchers aim to determine if enhancing cognitive functioning through speed of processing training can improve quality of life in middle-aged and older adults with HIV. The study will compare the effects of varying amounts of specialized speed of processing training on cognitive ability and everyday functioning skills.

Cholesterol levels, not statins, influence colorectal cancer risk

A large case-control study suggests that high cholesterol levels, rather than statin use, may influence the risk of colorectal cancer. The study found an inverse relationship between blood cholesterol levels and colorectal cancer risk, with higher cholesterol levels associated with lower risk.

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.

We share a molecular armor with coral reefs

A new study found that coral reefs use platelet activating factor (PAF) to trigger inflammation, a key process in bringing in protective immune cells. This molecule has been part of human immune systems for over 550 million years, suggesting a common evolutionary origin.

Bioreactors ready for the big time

Bioreactors are passive filtration systems that remove up to 45% of nitrate from water draining from farm fields. Researchers are urging large-scale deployment to address the 'dead zone' issue in the Gulf of Mexico.

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.

Dartmouth study measures bias in how we learn and make decisions

A Dartmouth College study measures bias in how we learn and make decisions, revealing contradictory biases when combining evidence from different sources. The research shows that our ability for learning and inference is limited and biased due to the inability to separate information about cues from overall probability of outcomes.

Light echoes give clues to planet nursery around star

Researchers used the light echo technique to measure the distance from a young star to the inner edge of its surrounding protoplanetary disk. The study found the inner edge to be relatively thick and determined a distance of approximately 0.08 astronomical units, consistent with theoretical expectations.

'A fatty liver may result in a broken heart,' according to new research

A large retrospective study found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) independently contributes to increased atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality. Patients with fatty liver were more likely to develop carotid plaques over time, highlighting the need for thorough cardiovascular and metabolic work-ups in NAFLD patients.

Does learning improve when every student gets a laptop?

A comprehensive review of studies on one-to-one laptop programs found significant improvements in test scores and educational outcomes. The research suggests that laptops can enhance student engagement, teacher-student relationships, and 21st century skills like technological proficiency and problem-solving.

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.

It takes more than peer pressure to make large microgels fit in

Researchers discovered that oversized microgel particles shrink to match smaller neighbors due to shared counter ions, increasing osmotic pressure and expelling solvent. This mechanism allows for the formation of crystalline structures with point defects eliminated, unlike hard particle systems.

The high cost of norovirus worldwide

A new study estimates that norovirus causes approximately $4.2 billion in healthcare costs and $60.3 billion in societal costs each year. The disease, which affects nearly 700 million people worldwide, also results in significant productivity losses.

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.

Reducing waste while improving snack nutrition

Carrot pulp is being used to create puffed snack foods with increased fiber and nutritional quality. The research found that adding the pulp increases puffiness without affecting taste or texture.

Threat of novel swine flu viruses in pigs and humans

A recent study published in eLife reveals that novel swine flu viruses have emerged, driven by the frequent introduction of human viruses to pigs. The analysis of nearly 600 flu viruses from multiple continents shows a high level of antigenic diversity, posing a significant risk to human health.

Fossils may reveal 20-million-year history of penguins in Australia

A new study provides insights into the evolutionary trajectory of penguins in Australia, revealing a 20-million-year history of species dispersals. The research suggests that ancestors of modern little penguins arrived in Australia with the help of a strengthened Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

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.

Child homicide -- speaking of the unspeakable

Research suggests that child homicide is responsible for approximately 1% of all neonatal deaths in South Africa. The majority of these deaths occur among infants aged 0-6 days, with abandonment being the most common method of homicide.

Poor understandability of notifications sent to women regarding breast density

A study by Nancy R. Kressin and colleagues found that dense breast notifications sent to women after mammography contain poor readability and understandability, potentially exacerbating disparities in breast cancer screening. Only three states' notifications met the recommended readability level of grades 7-8 or above.

Mars' surface revealed in unprecedented detail

Scientists have used a revolutionary image stacking and matching technique to reveal objects on Mars with a resolution up to five times greater than previously achieved. The Super-Resolution Restoration (SRR) method has huge potential to improve knowledge of a planet's surface from multiple remotely sensed images.

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.