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Science News Archive August 2016


Page 18 of 38

Are urban black males shortchanged in classroom?

A new study by Michigan State University scholar Chezare Warren found that over-supporting urban black males in high school can have negative consequences for their academic success in college. The research suggests that balancing instructional and social supports is crucial to preparing students academically for college

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.

Born prepared for global warming... thanks to their parents' songs

Researchers found that zebra finch eggs exposed to recorded incubation calls weighed less and had lower oxidative damage upon hatching. This reduced mass correlated with improved health at high temperatures, leading to increased fledgling production in the first breeding season.

Predicting poverty by satellite with detailed accuracy

Researchers combined satellite data with machine learning to estimate poverty levels, outperforming nightlight models by 81% and 99%. The new method uses publicly available daytime satellite data, is repeatable, and inexpensive, offering a more accurate means to identify impoverished areas.

New clues found to how 'cruise-ship' virus gets inside cells

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine identified the protein CD300lf that norovirus uses to infect cells. By expressing this protein on human cells, researchers can study noroviral pathogenesis and search for treatments in people.

Homosexual termite regicide

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that male Japanese termites form same-sex pairs when females are absent, allowing them to survive and potentially reproduce. This behavior is believed to be an adaptive strategy for future reproduction in the absence of females.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

An unexpected finding

Researchers at UCSB discovered crystalline infinite iodide polymers, solving a centuries-old mystery of chemistry. This breakthrough has academic interest, but also potential for development of functional materials for new electronics.

CRISPR-Cas9 breaks genes better if you disrupt DNA repair

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered a way to boost CRISPR-Cas9 cutting efficiency up to fivefold by disrupting DNA repair mechanisms with short oligonucleotide pieces. This technique increases the success rate of creating knockouts, essential for studying gene function and correcting hereditary mutations.

New method to identify microscopic failure

Researchers developed a new method to identify microscopic damage in polymers and composite materials using turn-on fluorescence indicators. The system uses aggregation-induced emission (AIE) to detect damage as small as two microns, enabling early intervention and repair or replacement before catastrophic failure.

Unexpected complexity in coral

Researchers discovered two distinct populations of Acropora tenuis coral in the Nansei Archipelago, contradicting previous assumptions about its dispersal. This finding highlights the importance of local currents and specific habitat characteristics in shaping coral populations.

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.

Biophysics: Stopping the random walk

Researchers at LMU Munich developed a new theoretical model explaining how regulatory proteins are transported to their sites of action in microtubules. The model suggests that energy is required to capture freely diffusing particles and proposes a mechanism for efficient transport by diffusion.

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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Chanthu moving over northern Japan

Tropical Storm Chanthu brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to northern Japan as NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed the storm's clouds on August 16. The storm is transitioning into an extra-tropical storm and expected to move into the Sea of Okhotsk.

Curbing the life-long effects of traumatic brain injury

Scientists have developed a neuron-targeting nanoparticle that can deliver RNA to damaged brain cells, reducing the impact of chronic conditions like depression and memory problems after TBI. The treatment showed promise in an animal model, with 80% reduction in protein associated with neuronal cell death.

Can cell phones make you feel less connected to your friends and family?

A Kent State University study found that cell phone use can lead to feeling less socially connected, with women showing a significant difference in their relationships with parents and peers. Problematic phone use was also linked to decreased emotional closeness. The study suggests phones may have more social value for women than men.

Poaching patrol: New ranger methods decrease illegal activities

Researchers from the University of York have developed a new method to detect and decrease wildlife poaching in protected areas, resulting in increased efficiency and effectiveness for ranger patrols. The approach uses data analysis and patrol optimization to target high-risk areas and reduce costs without additional resources.

Designer agent blocks pain in mice without morphine's side effects

Researchers have synthesized a molecule called PZM21 that targets brain pain systems without triggering respiratory impairment or constipation like morphine. The new agent holds promise as both a clinical treatment and a tool for exploring the workings of brain pain systems.

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.

Tulane professor receives grant to improve stem cell survival

Mesenchymal stem cells exhibit significant cell-to-cell variation in their capacity to survive upon implantation. The Tulane professor's three-year project aims to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying this variation, with the goal of improving survival rates and advancing regenerative therapies.

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.

New techniques boost understanding of how fish fins became fingers

Scientists from the University of Chicago used gene-editing techniques to study the development of zebrafish fins and discovered that the same cells responsible for fin rays also form fingers and toes. The research challenges previous assumptions about the transformation from fins to limbs.

Babies' spatial reasoning predicts later math skills

A longitudinal study found that infants' spatial reasoning abilities measured as young as six months predict their math skills at four years of age. The researchers also discovered that individual differences in spatial aptitude are present earlier than previously thought, highlighting the potential for early intervention to improve ma...

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.

Flowering meadows benefit humankind

A study published in Nature found that diverse ecosystems populated by many species provide higher levels of ecosystem services, including food production, soil development, pest control, and climate regulation. The research highlights the importance of maintaining species-rich ecosystems for human well-being.

Study paves way for steroid treatments with fewer side effects

A new therapy has been developed to replace essential steroids in the body, which could help people with conditions like Addison's disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The treatment uses corticosterone instead of cortisol, resulting in fewer side effects on fat cells.

Burning desire comes down to beetles

A Griffith University study found that high-frequency fires can disrupt nutrient cycling and modify beetle populations in some forest ecosystems. The research aims to improve fire frequency management by understanding the effects on soil, plant, animal, and microbial communities.

Mayo Clinic, collaborators working to advance aging research

Researchers at Mayo Clinic, along with the Geroscience Network, published six manuscripts mapping strategies for new drugs targeting aging processes. The goal is to treat multiple age-related diseases and disabilities, reducing healthcare costs by delaying or preventing conditions like stroke, heart disease, and dementia.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

MDI Biological Laboratory receives funds for research on nerve damage

The MDI Biological Laboratory has received a $456,500 NIH grant to study chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Dr. Sandra Rieger's research will focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy and its potential applications for other sensory neuropathies.

Modeling mood swings

A study of over 28,000 people reveals that individuals consistently follow a hedonic flexibility principle, engaging in mood-increasing activities when feeling bad and useful activities when feeling good. This finding clarifies how emotions shape behavior and explains the trade-offs humans make for long-term happiness.

Study links two genes to breast cancer survival

A new study of nearly 2,000 patients found that women with a specific pattern of gene activity were three times more likely to die from their breast cancers within 10 years. The research identified two genes, F12 and STC2, which may play a key role in releasing cancer cells from the glue that holds them in place.

Fluoride consumption linked to diabetes using mathematical models

A recent study published in Journal of Water and Health suggests that supplemental water fluoridation may be a contributing factor to rising type 2 diabetes rates in the United States. The study used mathematical models to analyze publicly available data on fluoride water levels and diabetes incidence rates across 22 states.

Post-transplant anxiety linked to complex instructions, caregiver empathy

A new study from Ohio State University found that patients who experience anxiety after a kidney transplant are more likely to be readmitted within 30 days. The research suggests that standardized post-transplant care and training caregivers to convey empathy can reduce anxiety and prevent readmissions.

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.

When you don't feel valued in a relationship, sleep suffers

A recent study published in Social Personality and Psychological Science found that individuals with responsive partners experience lower anxiety and arousal, leading to improved sleep quality. Responsive social partners provide feelings of safety and security, crucial for high-quality uninterrupted sleep.

How are dreaded multidrug-resistant pathogens brought into hospitals?

According to a German study, nearly 10% of hospital patients carry multidrug-resistant bacteria from home, increasing the risk of transmission. The study highlights the importance of improving hygiene measures, reducing antibiotic use, and increasing training for doctors to prevent the spread of these deadly pathogens.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Calixarenes in lipase biocatalysis and cancer therapy

Calixarenes can amplify enzyme catalytic capacity, enabling novel therapeutics in cancer treatment. They also serve as drug delivery vehicles, refining pharmacokinetic profiles and releasing drugs selectively to cancer cells.

Recent connection between North and South America reaffirmed

Researchers from 23 institutions confirm formation of the Isthmus of Panama at 2.8 million years ago, based on geological, oceanographic, genetic and ecological data. This timing has significant implications for evolutionary change, global ocean models, and the origin of modern-day animals and plants in the Americas.

Sex bias in human surgical clinical research

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that few studies included men and women equally, with wide variation in inclusion and matching of the sexes among specialties and journals. This sex bias can lead to different postoperative outcomes, complication rates, and readmission rates for males and females.

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.

How a protein could become the next big sweetener

Scientists develop new method to produce fruit protein brazzein, which is 2,000 times sweeter than sugar and has fewer calories. Using yeast, researchers successfully overproduce brazzein, making it a promising low-calorie alternative to high-fructose corn syrup.

Low-income kids less likely to receive strabismus diagnoses

A study by the University of Michigan's Kellogg Eye Center found that low-income children are less likely to be diagnosed with strabismus, a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. The study highlights the importance of ensuring access to eye care professionals and necessary services for all children.

Researchers discover a special power in wheat

A team of researchers has discovered that wheat seeds also undergo photosynthesis, contrary to long-held assumptions. This finding could lead to the development of new, more efficient crop varieties better adapted to hotter, drier climates.

Sayonara, kudzu bug?

US soybean crop is under threat from the kudzu bug, but research has found that some wild relatives of soybeans have developed resistance to the pest. These adapted plants have built defense mechanisms against pests, including limiting the ability of nymphs to survive.

Music demonstrated to alleviate cancer patients' symptoms

A systematic review found that music interventions significantly reduce cancer patients' anxiety, pain, and fatigue, while improving their quality of life. Music therapy led to a moderate increase in quality of life, while music medicine had less impact.

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.

A neuron's hardy bunch

Researchers found that even with the docking stations destroyed, neurons still emitted signals when demand was low and transmitted robust signals when triggers were present. The study suggests the presence of mechanisms maintaining partial communication in the nervous system.

People ignore software security warnings up to 90 percent of the time

Researchers at Brigham Young University found that software developers often interrupt users with security messages at inconvenient times, leading to a significant decrease in user engagement. The study suggests that displaying security warnings when users are not multitasking can substantially increase their security behavior.

The gender divide in urology: Surgeon gender shapes the clinical landscape

A new study published in The Journal of Urology reveals that female urologists perform more procedures on women and have higher surgical volumes for gender-specific cases. This finding challenges the assumption that women prefer to see female physicians, with results showing a significant difference in treatment rates across regions.

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.

NASA-funded balloon mission begins fourth campaign

The BARREL team launches miniature balloons to measure X-rays in Earth's atmosphere, helping protect satellites from radiation. Undergraduate students develop instruments to study ionosphere and low-frequency electromagnetic waves.

Lab team spins ginger into nanoparticles to heal inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers create ginger-derived nanoparticles that efficiently target the colon, reducing acute colitis, preventing chronic colitis, and enhancing intestinal repair. The particles retain key active constituents found naturally in ginger, showing promising therapeutic effects against inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.

Leukaemia blood testing has 'massive potential'

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a new test that can detect cancerous cells in the blood, offering a promising breakthrough in diagnosing and treating childhood leukemia. The test uses special structures called extracellular vesicles that are released by cancer cells and can be traced in the blood.