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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 18


Page 18 of 39

Trees' internal water pipes predict which species survive drought

A team of researchers identified traits that best protect trees against death from drought, finding that xylem stress is a key predictor of survival. The study provides a foundation for improving predictions of drought-induced tree mortality across diverse forests.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

Researchers can identify you by your brain waves with 100 percent accuracy

A team of researchers at Binghamton University recorded the brain activity of 50 people while they looked at images, finding that participants' brains reacted differently to each image. This allowed a computer system to identify each volunteer's unique 'brainprint' with 100% accuracy.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateApr 18, 2016

Is my brand image green or healthy? No need for costly surveys, just ask Twitter!

Researchers from Illinois Institute of Technology analyzed over 200 brands on Twitter, finding that fans of eco-friendly, luxury, and nutrition brands tend to follow environmentally focused accounts, resulting in a positive brand image. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional surveys.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateApr 18, 2016

Could global warming's top culprit help crops?

A new study suggests that increased carbon dioxide levels could help mitigate the negative impacts of rising temperatures on crop yields, particularly in regions with suitable conditions. The research projects a 10% increase in average yields of certain crops, while water consumption would decrease by a corresponding amount.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 18, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shining light on brain tumors

Researchers have developed a method that uses laser pulses to identify brain tumors without labeling or staining, providing histological detail comparable to conventional techniques. The technique allows for fast and accurate diagnosis in the operating room, potentially enabling real-time tumor detection before surgery.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 18, 2016

Why do older asymptomatic patients have carotid imaging

A study found that most patients with asymptomatic carotid disease underwent unnecessary carotid imaging tests ordered for uncertain or inappropriate indications. The majority of these patients received endarterectomy, while others had stenting performed.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 18, 2016

Scientists identify biological pathway that could explain why asthma therapies fail

Researchers have identified a biological pathway in mice that explains the ineffectiveness of current asthma therapies. The discovery highlights the role of neuropeptide NPY in airway hyper-responsiveness and constriction. Inhibiting NPY activity may help alleviate asthma symptoms, providing hope for millions of patients.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

Baylor study reveals role for oxidized mitochondrial DNA in lupus

Researchers found that SLE neutrophils release oxidized mitochondrial DNA, stimulating type I interferon production and contributing to disease pathogenesis. Targeting pathways for oxidized DNA degradation may offer new treatment options for chronic autoimmune disease.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 18, 2016

Palliative care study exposes stigma, calls for rebranding

A recent study reveals that cancer patients and families perceive palliative care as synonymous with death, despite its benefits in improving quality of life. The researchers call for a rebranding of palliative care to address the stigma and promote earlier access to supportive care.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 18, 2016

Study provides structural basis for development of new antibioticsacific

Researchers at Duke University have discovered the structure of MraY enzyme, revealing a hidden binding pocket that can be targeted by muraymycin. This breakthrough provides a platform for designing broad-spectrum antibiotics that could combat antibiotic-resistant infections and save millions of lives.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

Smartphone users are redefining privacy in public spaces

A Tel Aviv University study found that smartphone technology has led to diminished overall privacy, as individuals voluntarily share personal data and location information. The researchers developed an Android application to collect data and discovered a correlation between the type of space and willingness to share information.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalUrban Studies·DateApr 18, 2016

Vegetables irrigated with treated wastewater expose consumers to drugs

A new study found that consuming produce grown in treated wastewater-irrigated soil leads to higher levels of carbamazepine excretion. The researchers discovered that the production and consumption of such veggies pose a potential risk for consumers, despite the low quantities involved.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

Phosphorus 'tax' could be huge if tropical farming intensifies

Intensifying tropical agriculture may sequester up to 1-4 million metric tons of phosphorus fertilizer annually, forcing farmers to pay a recurring 'P-tax'. Recycling phosphorus-rich livestock manure and rethinking high-meat diets could mitigate this issue.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 18, 2016

Exposure to violence during pregnancy increases risk of prematurity and low birthweight

Exposure to violence during pregnancy may increase the risk of prematurity and low birthweight. A recent study by Queen Mary University of London and the University of Leicester found that mothers exposed to homicides had newborns with lower birthweights and higher rates of prematurity, particularly in the first trimester.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateApr 18, 2016

Stanford study ties recently discovered immune cell to disease

Researchers have identified a key role for a recently discovered immune cell in age-related inflammation and disease. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying these conditions and offers promising avenues for treatment.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 18, 2016

Palliative care viewed as a stigma, despite improving quality of life

A new study finds that patients with advanced cancer often view palliative care as a stigma due to its association with death. Experts suggest that education and rebranding could help break down this stigma, promoting a more positive view of the service.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 18, 2016

When inhaling media erodes attention, exhaling provides focus

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison found that heavy media multitaskers benefited from a short meditation exercise in which they sat quietly counting their breaths. Heavy media multitaskers scored worse on attention tests, but improved significantly after the exercise.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

Precision prevention of colorectal cancer

Researchers developed a risk prediction model integrating 19 environmental and lifestyle risk factors with 64 common genetic risk factors to identify individuals at high risk of developing colorectal cancer. The model aims to improve colonoscopies for those at higher risk, while avoiding unnecessary procedures for low-risk individuals.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateApr 18, 2016

Fewer romantic prospects may lead to riskier investments

Research shows that people who face uncertain outcomes may prioritize high-risk options even when unrelated to romance. This study found that exposure to unfavorable sex ratios led participants to make riskier financial decisions, such as investing more in a single high-stakes option.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

Immune study offers treatment hope for arthritis patients

Researchers have discovered how compounds produced by the body's immune system help to dampen inflammation and prevent damage to healthy tissues. These compounds, called alpha defensins, may act on cells of the immune system to prevent excessive inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2016

Study identifies specific work factors that predict sleep problems

A study found that specific psychological and social work factors were consistently associated with sleep problems, both concurrently and two years later. The most consistent predictors of troubled sleep included quantitative job demands, decision control, role conflict, and support from a superior in the workplace.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateApr 18, 2016

Dinosaurs 'already in decline' before asteroid apocalypse

Dinosaurs were already experiencing an evolutionary decline, with many species going extinct faster than new ones emerged. This suggests that the asteroid impact may not have been the sole cause of their extinction.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

Nanomaterial to drive new generation of solar cells: ANU media release

Researchers have discovered a new metamaterial that radiates heat in specific directions, making it ideal for use with thermophotovoltaic cells. This breakthrough could lead to highly efficient cells that harvest heat from surroundings and convert it into electricity.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2016

Cellular Trojan horse yields potential cancer treatment

A new cancer treatment approach uses microparticles and mesenchymal stem cells to deliver chemotherapy directly to tumor cells, reducing systemic toxicity. The method successfully kills tumor cells via a strong bystander effect, offering hope for targeted treatment of prostate cancer and potentially other diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBiomaterials·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

Demand for radiotherapy will rise substantially over next 10 years

The demand for radiotherapy is expected to increase by 16% between 2012 and 2025, with prostate cancer cases projected to rise by 24%. This is due to an aging population in Europe, with four million new cancer patients expected in 2025. The study's authors aim to help policymakers plan for increased radiotherapy services.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·DateApr 18, 2016

New optogenetic tool moves proteins within cells to study biological changes

Researchers developed a way to embed light-responsive switches into proteins, allowing them to manipulate protein movement and activity in real-time. This new approach enables the rapid study of biological changes and reveals that cellular processes are more dynamic than previously expected.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 18, 2016

All ants on deck

Researchers found that ants form rafts with different members occupying specific positions based on experience, demonstrating collective memory and cooperation. This phenomenon has implications for our understanding of social insects and potential applications in robotics and medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

RNA in stop-motion

Researchers from SISSA have developed a novel technique to visualize RNA dynamics using stop-motion animation, based on a huge international database of crystallographic images. This approach allows for the creation of coherent sequences of conformations, providing valuable insights into molecular transitions and dynamics.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 18, 2016

Medicaid expansion significantly boosts insurance coverage among low-income adults

Researchers found significant increases in health insurance coverage, quality of coverage, and diagnoses for chronic health conditions among low-income adults in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and residents in states with ACA Medicaid expansions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 18, 2016

Tuberculosis bacteria build 'edible' havens in immune cells

Researchers discovered that TB bacteria trick immune cells into building up fat to feed them, rather than destroying them. This finding provides new insights into the mechanisms of TB infection and potential treatment approaches using antisense oligonucleotides.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

The latest in cardiovascular research in a special issue of Cell Transplantation

Researchers are exploring new treatments for heart failure using transplanted umbilical cord cells, activated endogenous cardiac stem cells, and immune therapy. A clinical trial assessing the safety of allogenic umbilical cord lining sub-epithelial cells is also underway.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateApr 18, 2016

30 years after Chernobyl, UGA camera study reveals wildlife abundance in CEZ

The study reveals that carnivore populations thrive in areas with preferred habitat and food sources, contradicting expectations of radioactive contamination. The camera survey captured 14 species, including gray wolves and raccoon dogs, which were more likely to be found in highly contaminated but suitable habitats.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

Compound from hops lowers cholesterol, blood sugar and weight gain

A study at Oregon State University has identified a specific intake level of xanthohumol that significantly improves metabolic syndrome markers and reduces weight gain in laboratory animals. The findings suggest a possible new approach to addressing obesity, high cholesterol and elevated glucose.

SourceOregon State University·JournalArchives of Biochemistry and Biophysics·DateApr 18, 2016

Exfoliating thinner flakes of phosphorene at higher yield

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new process to exfoliate atomically thin phosphorene flakes with high yield and minimal degradation. The method uses deoxygenated water as an environmentally benign solvent, resulting in superior material quality and scalable fabrication.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2016

Derailed train of thought? Brain's stopping system may be at fault

Researchers found that unexpected events activate the same brain system responsible for interrupting movement, leading to impaired working memory and disrupted trains of thought. The study focuses on the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a key player in Parkinson's disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2016

Gun hunting could lead to extinction of threatened primates on African island

A new study by Drexel University researchers found that gun hunting is driving seven monkey species toward extinction on Bioko Island. Four of the seven species are especially vulnerable and unable to adapt to hunting, with the red colobus being the most at risk due to its specialized niche and larger body size. The researchers suggest...

SourceDrexel University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 18, 2016
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.

Which trees face death in drought?

Researchers found three tree physiological traits significantly predict drought mortality, related to hydraulics. Trees with lower hydraulic conductivity and safety margins are more susceptible to embolism and death. This study can help forecast tree deaths in drought and inform climate change mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2016

Women's Health Initiative receives AACR Team Science Award

The Women's Health Initiative has received the AACR Team Science Award for its pioneering research on hormone therapy and nutrition in cancer risk prevention. The program, which involved over 161,000 postmenopausal women, found significant increases in heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer risks with combination hormone therapy.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateApr 17, 2016