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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 6


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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse·DateApr 27, 2016
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.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalmBio·DateApr 26, 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.

Retroviral DNA needs time to find its home, but insertion happens in a blink

A new study reveals how retroviral DNA insertion complexes hunt for suitable spots and insert rapidly, with search times exceeding 2-3 seconds and insertion happening in under half a second at chosen sites. The findings could improve treatments for HIV infection and make gene therapy safer and more efficient.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2016

Endocrine Society experts call for expanded screening for primary aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism is a common cause of high blood pressure that frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. The Endocrine Society recommends expanded screening for individuals with high blood pressure, particularly those who are at higher risk, to prevent associated cardiovascular complications.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalObesity·DateApr 26, 2016

Young gay and bisexual men 6 times more likely to attempt suicide than older counterparts

A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that young gay and bisexual men in the UK are significantly at risk of poor mental health compared to their older counterparts. The research reveals that these men are six times more likely to attempt suicide or self-harm, as well as twice as likely to be depressed or anxious.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 26, 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.

Who gets hooked on drugs? Rat study finds genetic markers that influence addiction

A new rat study reveals genetic differences in the brain's pleasure receptor and epigenetic tags that affect cocaine addiction and relapse. The findings suggest inherited traits and epigenetics play a role in addiction vulnerability, with some rats more likely to seek out cocaine repeatedly due to genetic markers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2016

Minimally invasive colitis screening using infrared technology could offer fast, simple test

Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a rapid and cost-effective method for detecting ulcerative colitis using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The technique, which involves testing serum for increased presence of mannose, shows promise as a personalized diagnostic tool.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 26, 2016

Rare ice data collected by early 'citizen scientists' confirms warming

A study of historical 'citizen scientist' ice records reveals increasing trends toward later ice cover formation and earlier spring breakup since the start of the Industrial Revolution. The findings strongly indicate more rapid climate change during the last two centuries.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 26, 2016

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...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateApr 26, 2016

Gender differences and relationship power could be key in preventing HIV in South African adolescents

A University of Pennsylvania study examined intimate partner violence and relationship power among South African adolescents, finding that girls with lower power were more likely to have multiple partners. The research suggests that targeting gender-specific components in HIV prevention interventions could help reduce transmission rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalHealth Psychology·DateApr 26, 2016

UBC study finds psychedelic drugs may reduce domestic violence

A UBC study found that taking psychedelic drugs like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA reduced the rate of domestic battery among released inmates. The observational study followed 302 inmates for six years, suggesting a potential public health benefit.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateApr 26, 2016

Oscillations determine whether blood vessels grow thicker or branch

Research finds that blood vessels grow thicker or branch based on collective cell behavior and oscillating signals, providing new insights into diseases like diabetes and cancer. The discovery could lead to therapies that renormalize blood vessels or inhibit their growth.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceSan Diego State University·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateApr 26, 2016

'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.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceeLife·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 26, 2016

Researchers find nerve damage may precede diabetic retinopathy

A new study reveals that nerve damage occurs before vessel damage in the retina due to diabetes, contradicting long-held beliefs. This finding has significant implications for treatment and prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 26, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity College London·DateApr 26, 2016