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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 29


Page 29 of 39

A single ion impacts a million water molecules

Researchers at EPFL found that a single ion can influence millions of water molecules, causing them to align in a specific direction. This effect, previously observed but unexplained, is now linked to the ion-induced stiffening of the bulk hydrogen bond network.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2016

Intracellular recordings using nanotower electrodes

Researchers have developed nanoscale-tipped high-aspect-ratio vertical microneedle electrodes that can record neuronal signals from cells deep within biological tissues. These electrodes have a needle length exceeding 100 µm, allowing for deeper tissue penetration and expanding the range of applications in intracellular recording.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalSmall·DateApr 8, 2016

Zolav®: A new antibiotic for the treatment of acne

Zolav®, a new antibiotic, shows promising results in treating acne by significantly reducing infection and redness. The treatment offers a low-risk alternative to current standard care, which includes isotretinoin with potential side effects.

SourceBoulos and Cooper Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd·DateApr 8, 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.

SwRI-led team identifies clathrate ices in comet 67P

The SwRI-led team found evidence of crystalline clathrate ices in comet 67P's atmosphere, suggesting the cometary nucleus formed closer to the Sun. This discovery could help refine solar system formation models and provide insights into the early history of our solar system.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2016

Pinpointing the effects of fertilizer

The study identifies a key region in the genome where selection has changed the behavior of rhizobia, making them less beneficial to plants exposed to nitrogen fertilizer. This finding has significant implications for finding sustainable solutions to address environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·DateApr 8, 2016

Social peers' death may impact CEO decisions

Researchers found CEOs of large US firms made fewer acquisitions following an independent director's death. The analysis suggests CEOs may reevaluate priorities and place less emphasis on external goals.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateApr 8, 2016

Physicists discover flaws in superconductor theory

Researchers discovered significant deviations from the Critical State Model, revealing unexpected behavior favorable for practical applications. The study suggests using 'trapped field magnets' in various new ways and applications, including replacing expensive low-temperature superconducting magnets with more affordable alternatives.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 8, 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.

Curiosity leads us to seek out unpleasant, painful outcomes

A study published in Psychological Science found that humans are often driven by a desire to resolve uncertainty, even if it leads to harm. The researchers used experiments to demonstrate that individuals will click on pens with uncertain outcomes more frequently than those with clear consequences.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 8, 2016

New magnetism research brings high-temp superconductivity applications closer

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered that only half the atoms in some iron-based superconductors are magnetic, providing a conclusive demonstration of wave-like properties of metallic magnetism. This finding allows for a clearer understanding of how magnetism induces superconductivity, enabling the development of ...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 8, 2016

Dressed to kill: Tailoring a suit for tumor-penetrating cancer meds

Drexel University researchers developed a strategy to overcome biological barriers in cancer medication delivery. By decorating nanovehicles with enzymes and adding an extra layer of polyethylene glycol, the particles can penetrate solid tumors more effectively, increasing antitumor efficacy.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 8, 2016

New research from Pear Bureau Northwest

A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial found that regular fresh pear consumption significantly lowered systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in middle-aged men and women with metabolic syndrome. The study, led by Dr. Sarah A. Johnson, suggests pears may be a potential tool to improve cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalJAMA·DateApr 8, 2016

Personal data revolution takes first step

The Databox Project is developing an open-source networked device that collates and curates personal data from verified third-party applications and services. This allows individuals to exercise control over their online-generated data and enhance security and privacy.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateApr 8, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Many ICU patients trade critical illness for new illness, ICU-acquired weakness

A study found that some ICU patients experience persistent muscle wasting even after recovery from critical illness, leading to debilitating disability. The loss of satellite cells is a key factor in this process, contributing to age-related muscle loss and potentially permanent changes in muscle biology.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 8, 2016

How the index finger can be fooled

A new study by Bielefeld University's CITEC researchers reveals that the human brain can be fooled into perceiving a larger displacement of the index finger when it actually remains stationary, due to changes in contact area with the skin. This finding has implications for developing virtual sense of touch technologies.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 8, 2016

'Marijuana receptor' might hold the key to new fertility treatments for men

Researchers found that a cannabinoid receptor called CB2 helps regulate the creation of sperm, providing evidence for marijuana's impact on male fertility and suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for treating male infertility. The study suggests that a balance of CB2 activation is required for proper spermatogenesis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 8, 2016

A newly discovered way for cells to die

Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a new way for cells to die in the linker cell of Caenorhabditis elegans, resembling neuronal death in humans. The discovery suggests that this process might be involved in neurodegenerative disorders and could serve as a target for future drugs.

SourceRockefeller University·DateApr 8, 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.

HIV agencies yield insights on improving services

Researchers identified six areas for improvement: HIV prevention, common entry points, information availability, funding sources, competiveness, and building trust. Collaboration among agencies was found to be crucial for effective service delivery.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAIDS Care·DateApr 8, 2016

Six-step hand-washing technique found most effective for reducing bacteria

A new study compares two hand-washing techniques and finds that the WHO's six-step method is superior to the CDC's three-step method in reducing bacteria. The study suggests that this technique should be considered when making official recommendations on best practices in hand hygiene.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 8, 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 to unlock the secrets of DNA sequence

Researchers found that DNA molecules interact with each other in a way that depends on the sequence of the DNA and epigenetic factors. The team presented direct evidence for sequence-dependent attractive interactions between double-stranded DNA molecules.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2016

New discoveries into how an ancient civilization conserved water

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have made new discoveries about how ancient Maya commoners conserved water for drinking and irrigation. The study, using LiDAR technology, found evidence of over 100 small reservoirs in a Maya site, with three confirmed as water features.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 8, 2016

Pivotal inflammatory players revealed in diabetic kidney disease

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers has identified a pivotal role for sphingomyelin in driving inflammatory mechanisms underlying type 1 diabetes and obesity-related kidney dysfunction. This study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of diabetic kidney disease and may lead to the development of novel treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEBioMedicine·DateApr 8, 2016
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.

Fruit flies live longer on lithium

A UCL-led study reveals that low doses of lithium prolong the lives of fruit flies by blocking GSK-3 and activating NRF-2, a molecule important for cell defense. The benefits were seen in both male and female flies, with average lifespan increases ranging from 13% to 18%.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 7, 2016

Oil and gas wastewater disposal may harm West Virginia waterways

Researchers from the University of Missouri found high levels of endocrine disrupting chemicals in surface water near a hydraulic fracturing wastewater disposal facility in West Virginia. The study's results suggest potential negative health effects on aquatic organisms, other animals, and humans due to increased EDC activity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 7, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

CNIO scientists discover a new mechanism of resistance to chemotherapy

Researchers at CNIO have identified a protein, CDC25A, as a determinant of chemotherapy resistance in cancer cells. They used CRISPR genome editing technology to test various mutations and found that cells with this mutation were resistant to treatment.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 7, 2016

Combination therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that combining tyrosine kinase inhibitors with an FAK inhibitor synergizes to decrease tumor growth in mouse models of BCR-ABL1+ B-progenitor ALL. This combination approach is a promising treatment strategy for this subset of ALL.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 7, 2016

Catalyst could make production of key chemical more eco-friendly

Researchers developed a new composite catalyst using nitrogen-rich graphene dotted with copper nanoparticles that can convert carbon dioxide to ethylene efficiently and selectively. The study showed a selectivity of 79 percent for ethylene production, significantly higher than other approaches.

SourceBrown University·JournalNano Energy·DateApr 7, 2016

New report identifies 6 practices to improve health care for disadvantaged populations

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has identified six promising practices to improve healthcare for individuals with social risk factors. These practices include commitment to health equity, data and measurement, comprehensive needs assessment, collaborative partnerships, care continuity, and engaging patient...

SourceNational Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine·DateApr 7, 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.

UCI study finds safer stem cell-derived therapy for brain radiation recovery

Researchers found that microvesicle injections restored cognitive function and protected neurons in rats without adverse side effects. Microvesicles isolated from human neural stem cells were used instead of traditional stem cells to reduce risks such as immunorejection and tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2016

Climate change may reduce vulnerable salmon populations

Rising temperatures in Northern Mongolia are causing salmon metabolism to increase exponentially, putting some species near their limits of tolerance for warm water. This could push these species out of one of their last refuges as the climate continues to warm.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Of Freshwater Fish·DateApr 7, 2016

Microbes take center stage in workings of 'the river's liver'

Rising river waters deliver a feast of carbon to hungry microbes, triggering increased activity that could naturally boost emissions. The study suggests a link between the mixing of surface water and groundwater, leading to a decline in dissolved organic carbon and an increase in inorganic carbon.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 7, 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.

Do differences in anatomy matter for achieving orgasm?

Differences in anatomy may affect an individual's ability to achieve orgasm, particularly for females where physical characteristics play a significant role. Research suggests that variations in clitoral migration and penis entry angle can influence sexual experiences.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateApr 7, 2016

Test run finds no cancer risk from stem cell therapy

Scientists at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute found that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells acquire fewer genetic mutations than lab-grown blood cells, reducing the risk of cancer. The study tracks the genetic history of iPS cells and provides insights into the mechanisms behind mutation rates.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 7, 2016

Ivacaftor improves smooth muscle function in cystic fibrosis patients

Researchers have discovered that ivacaftor restores CFTR function, improves airflow, and increases the capacity and flexibility of small airways in cystic fibrosis patients. The study suggests that loss of CFTR in airway smooth muscle cells is responsible for some CF-associated symptoms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 7, 2016

USC Roski Eye Institute researchers publish largest Chinese American eye study

The USC Roski Eye Institute's largest Chinese American eye study found a higher percentage (85 percent) of neovascular or 'wet' AMD among Chinese Americans compared to other ethnic groups. The study also revealed that participants with diabetes were three times more likely to experience significant visual impairment.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 7, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

No more broken hearts

A team of Russian scientists has identified a gene responsible for the development of coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. The study found that mutations in the T-cadherin protein are associated with an increased risk of cardiac ischemia, highlighting a potential new target for preventing cardiovascular disease.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Research·DateApr 7, 2016

Function of mysterious RNAs may often lie in their genes

A team co-led by Penn Medicine researcher discovers that a mysterious lncRNA has no obvious function in regulating its neighbor's gene expression, but the DNA from which it originates does. The study reveals a new mechanism for enhancer functions in the genome, pointing to a broader role of non-coding DNA and RNA.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 7, 2016

Research finds that wisdom is a matter of both heart and mind

New research identifies conditions under which psychophysiology impacts wise judgment, finding greater capacity for wiser reasoning in individuals with more varied heart rates and a distanced viewpoint. This study extends previous work on cognitive underpinnings of wise judgment to include consideration of the heart's impact on the mind.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 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.

UW team stores digital images in DNA -- and retrieves them perfectly

Researchers develop a novel approach to encode, store, and retrieve digital data using DNA molecules. They successfully encoded four image files into synthetic DNA snippets and retrieved the correct sequences without losing any information. The technology has potential for addressing the world's needs for archival storage.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 7, 2016

Open operations for gallbladder removal drop 90 percent at 1 institution over 30 years

A study found that the number of open cholecystectomies performed by general surgery residents has decreased significantly since laparoscopic cholecystectomy was introduced 30 years ago. This decline is raising concerns about whether surgeons will have enough technical experience to perform traditional open cholecystectomy procedures.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 7, 2016
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.

Mobility and motivation: Job switching stokes competitive behavior

A study by LMU researchers found that employees who switch jobs to a competitor often intensify their competitive behavior against their former employer. However, this phenomenon may be linked to identity conflict rather than performance concerns. The study suggests that poaching individual talent from competitors can have mixed results.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateApr 7, 2016

Quantum effects affect the best superconductor

Researchers have discovered that quantum effects play a crucial role in the superconducting properties of hydrogen sulphide, leading to record-breaking temperatures. The study suggests that symmetrical hydrogen bonds and quantum fluctuations are responsible for the material's high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2016

Fresh insights into early human embryo development

Researchers have made significant discoveries about early human embryo development, finding that genes on the X chromosome are regulated differently in humans than in mice. This new understanding is crucial for the use of embryonic stem cells in regenerative medicine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateApr 7, 2016

When will a neutron star collapse to a black hole?

Physicists have found a simple formula for the maximum mass of neutron stars, which depends on their rotation rate. The research, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, suggests that rotating neutron stars can support masses up to 20% higher than non-rotating ones.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 7, 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.

Study suggests epiregulin as a target in lung cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study identifies epiregulin as a potential biomarker for lung cancer, with mice lacking the growth factor developing fewer tumors and reduced inflammation. The findings suggest epiregulin increases cell proliferation, promoting tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMolecular Carcinogenesis·DateApr 7, 2016

What really happened on Easter Island?

Recent research reveals that Easter Island's culture was affected by droughts and wet seasons, which influenced population dynamics and cultural exchange. Complete sedimentary samples show a continuous record of the last 3000 years, shedding light on the island's ecological and cultural development.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 7, 2016