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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 22


Page 22 of 39

Coding and computers help spot methane, explosives

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technology using coded apertures to improve the performance of mass spectrometers, enabling portable devices to detect environmental hazards in the field. The innovation could lead to miniaturized mass spectrometers for detecting trace amounts of methane and explosives.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Mass Spectrometry·DateApr 14, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Radical route for the synthesis of chiral molecules

ICIQ researchers have developed a new radical route for synthesizing chiral molecules, combining enantioselective iminium ion chemistry and photoredox catalysis under mild conditions. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable and responsible stereoselective chemistry.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2016

Is risk-taking behavior contagious?

Researchers found that observing others' risk-taking behavior changes one's own attitude towards risk, with the brain responding to this change in activity levels. The study also found that participants could learn and predict the risk-taking preferences of an observed peer.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2016

NASA's satellites see Fantala intensifying as it moves west

Fantala storm intensifies over 12 hours, reaching 120 knots in wind speed, with wave heights of 30 feet. NASA's Aqua and International Space Station satellites monitor the storm's progression, predicting a possible threat to Madagascar before turning southeast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 14, 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.

Tuberculosis elimination at stake

New data shows an estimated 340,000 Europeans developed TB in 2014. While progress has been made in reducing new cases, high rates of multidrug-resistant TB and TB affecting vulnerable groups continue to challenge elimination efforts. Targeted interventions for marginalized populations are crucial to successfully tackling TB

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateApr 14, 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.

Genomic makeup of colorectal cancers predicts immune system ability to fight tumors

A new study published in Cell Reports found that tumors with high neoantigen loads are more likely to be infiltrated by lymphocytes and have a better prognosis. Researchers hope this discovery will help identify patients most likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have produced impressive results in some cases.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 14, 2016

Drinking water: Carbon pricing revenues could close infrastructure gaps

A new study suggests that carbon pricing revenues could generate enough funds to cover the drinking water supply for most countries worldwide by 2030. In India alone, a carbon tax would yield around $115 billion annually, with only 4% needed for clean water and sanitation.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalWorld Development·DateApr 14, 2016

Combination therapy may offer better outcomes for patients with retinoblastoma

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that targeting survivin enhances chemotherapy effectiveness in retinoblastoma cells and mouse models. The combination of a survivin inhibitor with chemotherapy agents increased Rb cell death, demonstrating a therapeutic advantage.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateApr 14, 2016

Study reveals substantial reductions in years lived without disability and overall life expectancy for men and women with diabetes

Research published in Diabetologia found that people with diabetes face reduced overall life expectancy and higher numbers of years living with disability compared to those without diabetes. The study estimated a loss of 3-9 years of life expectancy and 8-9 years of disability-free life expectancy for men and women with diabetes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 14, 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.

A new system for color vision

Researchers found a previously unknown type of neuron called J-RGCs that signal color to the brain by comparing signals from ultraviolet cones and rods. This discovery may help explain why humans perceive the color blue in dim light, as proposed by Van Gogh's Starry Night painting.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2016

Measuring drought impact in more than dollars and cents

A multidisciplinary study assesses drought's effects on people and systems, going beyond economic measures to document social and environmental impacts. The research team uses machine learning and econometric techniques to estimate causal effects and identify moderators of drought's socio-environmental variables.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateApr 14, 2016
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.

Implantable device targets pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed an implantable device that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to pancreatic tumors, showing promising results in slowing disease progression and shrinking tumors. The device uses a flexible film that conforms to the tumor shape and releases drugs locally, minimizing side effects and improving treatment outc...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBiomaterials·DateApr 14, 2016

Study unveils novel crosstalk mechanism between mitochondrial translation and cytoplasmic translation

A recent study reveals a novel crosstalk mechanism between mitochondrial translation and cytoplasmic translation, essential for spermatogenesis. The mTOR signaling pathway helps balance the dynamic between mitochondrial translation and cytoplasmic translation, preventing negative impacts on protein quality and half-life.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 14, 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.

Study links environment/parenting to childhood self-control

Researchers found that environmental influences like parenting style are relevant factors in toddlers' self-control by age 3. The study, published in Developmental Psychology, used twin research and laboratory-based protocols to measure inhibitory control.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateApr 14, 2016

The cozier the better for bubbles inside powerful volcanoes

A team of researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology and ETH Zurich found that light vapor bubbles migrate to crystal-poor areas within shallow volcanic chambers, accumulating energy for large eruptions. The study suggests that these bubbles play a crucial role in shaping the style and power of volcanic eruptions.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2016

Antimalarial resistance to drug not passed on to future generations

A new study found that parasites resistant to atovaqueone cannot pass this resistance on to their offspring, due to developmental defects and impaired reproduction. The research suggests that these mutations severely impair the parasite's lifecycle in mosquito hosts, preventing transmission.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2016

How parasitic worms help minimize inflammatory bowel disease

Parasitic worms, or helminths, have been found to beneficially influence the composition of gut microbiota in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. By infecting mice deficient in a gene that models Crohn's disease, researchers discovered that these parasites restore a compromised layer of mucus and intestinal cell morphology.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 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.

Teen BMI predicts risk of cardiovascular death in adulthood

A nationwide study of 2.3 million Israeli adolescents found an association between elevated BMI in late adolescence and subsequent cardiovascular mortality in midlife. Even BMI considered 'normal' during adolescence was associated with a graded increase in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 14, 2016

Scientists crack secrets of the monarch butterfly's internal compass

Researchers developed a model to explain how monarch butterflies navigate during their 2,000-mile fall migration. The model suggests that the monarchs' brain receives information from both the sun's position and the time of day, and uses two neural mechanisms to decipher the correct direction.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 14, 2016

High levels of mental illness reported by victims of human trafficking in the UK

Research from King's College London found that human trafficking survivors in the UK experienced severe mental health problems, including high levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The study revealed nearly 80% of women and 40% of men reported these issues, highlighting the urgent need for psychological support.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 14, 2016
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.

Plants force fungal partners to behave fairly

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that plants deliberately choose which fungal partners to provide with more nutrients, effectively forcing the less cooperative partner to supply more phosphates. This market-based process allows for optimal resource allocation and increased plant productivity.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 14, 2016

California mental health stigma-reduction campaign creates economic benefits

A new RAND Corporation study finds that California's investment in a social marketing campaign to reduce mental illness stigma may provide the state with significant economic benefits. For every dollar invested, the state can expect an estimated $36 in higher tax collections and up to $1,251 in economic benefits over several decades.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateApr 14, 2016

Unchecked mitochondrial DNA mutations could be a problem for stem cell therapies

A recent study has found that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from patient skin cells may contain faulty mitochondrial DNA mutations, which could undermine their therapeutic value. Screening and checking for mitochondrial DNA mutations is crucial to ensure the quality of iPS cell lines intended for therapeutic use.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 14, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

High-volume lung transplant centers have lower costs and readmissions

Researchers found that high-volume lung transplant centers had lower transplantation costs and fewer early hospital readmissions. The average cost of lung transplantation was $135,622, with recipients at low-volume centers being 14% more likely to experience early readmissions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 14, 2016

Yeast study charts survival impact of genetic mutations

Scientists have mapped thousands of genetic mutations in yeast to understand their impact on cell survival. The study found that different combinations of mutations can influence survival and revealed a new technique for predicting the shapes of molecules encoded in our genes.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2016

Juvenile offenders probably more criminal to begin with

A new study by Duke University researchers found that adult-onset offenders have a history of anti-social behavior from childhood and are more likely to struggle with mental health issues. The study, which tracked nearly 1,000 New Zealanders, suggests that the court system may not be addressing the root causes of crime in adults.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·DateApr 14, 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.

Mouse pups with human mutation show signs of stuttering

A study in mice reveals changes in ultrasonic vocalizations consistent with stuttering in humans, suggesting a potential understanding and treatment for millions affected. The findings provide an experimentally tractable animal model for aspects of stuttering research.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 14, 2016

Chemical tracers reveal oxygen-dependent switch in cellular pathway to fat

Researchers track NADPH production through a novel pathway, revealing an environmental-dependent switch between two recognized routes. The findings have implications for diseases such as cancer and diabetes, highlighting the importance of understanding NADPH pathways in cellular processes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 14, 2016

A 'pause button' for cells

Scientists have created an optogenetic process that inhibits intracellular membrane vesicle trafficking, effectively pausing cellular activity. This innovation enables the observation and control of cell membranes, opening up new avenues for studying diseases like neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 14, 2016
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.

Scientists develop recipe for testosterone-producing cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a way to encourage adult stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into testosterone-producing cells. The findings could lead to the development of transplantable cells that can produce testosterone, avoiding side effects associated with current treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2016

San Francisco's homeless youth at 10 times higher risk of death

A University of California, Berkeley study found that homeless youth in San Francisco have a 10.6 times higher mortality rate than their peers, mostly due to suicide and substance abuse. The study's main author notes that stigma kills and highlights the need for on-demand access to substance abuse treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 14, 2016

Europa's heaving ice might make more heat than scientists thought

Scientists discover that Europa's tidal dissipation process generates significantly more heat in its ice than previously assumed. This finding has implications for estimating the thickness of the moon's outer shell and understanding the chemistry of the hidden ocean, which is crucial for searching for life.

SourceBrown University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 14, 2016
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.

Scientists report on novel method for extending the life of implantable devices in situ

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center report a breakthrough in extending the life of implantable devices by rapidly regenerating molecular constituents in situ. The new approach, using an enzyme called Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A, enables repeated regeneration of bioactive films without device removal.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2016
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.

Fresh look at trope about Eskimo words for snow

A study published in PLOS ONE challenges the notion that Inuit and other Arctic groups have a vast number of words for snow, instead revealing that languages from warmer regions tend to use one word for both snow and ice

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 13, 2016

Certain types of polyps may warrant keeping closer tabs on the colon

A study found patients with flat adenomas are more likely to have large and advanced adenomas as well as multiple adenomas. This may require more frequent screenings for these patients. Colonoscopy is an effective screening test for colon cancer, allowing doctors to remove precancerous polyps.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateApr 13, 2016