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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 33


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.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 6, 2016

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.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 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.

Challenging the American consensus on e-cigarettes: The English raise the ante

Public Health England's report suggests e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than combustible cigarettes, prompting debate in the US where many advocates denounce them. However, UK experts argue that switching to e-cigarettes with support can help smokers quit tobacco altogether.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 6, 2016

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 6, 2016

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.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2016

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...

SourceElsevier·DateApr 6, 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.

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.

SourceOsaka University·DateApr 6, 2016

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.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2016

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.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 6, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2016

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.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 6, 2016

Crab shell signaling helps control the many faces of cholera, study shows

A new study reveals how Vibrio cholerae bacteria regulate their adaptations in different environments, including a key role for crab shells in signaling behavior. The research provides information that could lead to the development of better therapeutic agents against cholera.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 6, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateApr 6, 2016

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2016

Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy assists low-grade glial brain tumors

Patients with grade 2 glioma who received combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy experienced longer progression-free survival and overall survival compared to those who received radiation therapy alone. The study's findings suggest that initial therapy of RT followed by PCV is necessary to achieve longer survival.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 6, 2016

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...

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateApr 6, 2016

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.

SourceWashington State University·DateApr 6, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalArthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery·DateApr 5, 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.

Automated thinner benefits romaine lettuce size, uniformity

Field studies show that automated thinners increase plant size and uniformity, leading to larger plant and heart weight compared to hand-thinning methods. The technology optimizes in-row spacing, allowing growers to increase crop yields.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 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.

A lesson from wheat evolution: From the wild to our spaghetti dish

Scientists studied wheat evolution from wild to emmer and durum wheat, finding initial domestication reduced unsaturated fatty acids. Secondary domestication changed amino acid content, suggesting yield-related traits may have prioritized adaptation over nutrition.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalRenewable Agriculture and Food Systems·DateApr 5, 2016

Indiana University-led researchers identify objective predictors of suicidality in women

Researchers at Indiana University have identified blood-based biomarkers and developed questionnaire-based apps that can help clinicians identify female patients at greatest risk of suicidal ideation or behavior. The study found that these tools were able to predict future instances of suicidal thoughts with high accuracy, suggesting p...

SourceIndiana University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2016

Altered circadian rhythm worsens Parkinson's disease, Temple researchers show

Researchers at Temple University Health System found that disturbances in circadian rhythm exacerbate motor and learning deficits in Parkinson's disease. Altering circadian rhythm through daily light exposure can accelerate cell death and worsen neuroinflammation, potentially speeding disease progression.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2016

Scientists to crack the genetic code of the Y chromosome in malaria mosquitoes

A team of scientists has successfully assembled and analyzed the genetic code of the Y chromosome in malaria mosquitoes for the first time. The research reveals that the Y chromosome consists mainly of repetitive sequences with few genes, and may have crossed species boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceCognitive Neuroscience Society·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery·DateApr 5, 2016

NREL reveals potential for capturing waste heat via nanotubes

Researchers at NREL have developed a thermoelectric power generator using carbon nanotubes, enabling the capture and use of waste heat. The material's unique properties allow it to retain high thermopower while maintaining low thermal conductivity.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 5, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateApr 5, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 5, 2016

Research finds evidence of lung abnormalities in light-use waterpipe smokers

A study of young, light-use waterpipe smokers found marked changes in airway cells and increased particles shed by endothelial cells. These biological changes indicate early lung damage, highlighting the need for large epidemiologic studies to assess the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 5, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBone·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 5, 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.

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateApr 5, 2016

New database gives scientists hope for helping coral reefs

A new global database allows scientists to quickly address unresolved questions about coral reefs. The Coral Trait Database houses physiological, morphological, ecological, phylogenetic, and biogeographic trait information.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScientific Data·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 5, 2016

New laser technique promises super-fast and super-secure quantum cryptography

Researchers have developed a new method to overcome issues in implementing quantum cryptography, enabling 'unbreakable' encryption at rates of up to 1 megabit per second. This breakthrough promises faster and more secure data transmission, with potential applications in sensitive information sharing.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 5, 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.

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2016

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateApr 5, 2016