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Science News Archive August 2016


Page 20 of 38

Researchers identify the secret genetic weapon of Clostridium difficile

A trio of researchers identified the agr1 gene locus controlling toxin production in C. difficile bacteria, suggesting a new approach to treat the life-threatening infection. The study found that jamming the signaling communication system can stop toxin production, providing hope for non-antibiotic therapy.

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.

Energy Department to invest $16 million in computer design of materials

The US Department of Energy is investing $16 million in two four-year projects to develop software for designing new functional materials. The research teams will use supercomputers to model and simulate material behavior, with the goal of revolutionizing alternative energy, electronics, and other fields.

Big fish -- and their pee -- are key parts of coral reef ecosystems

A recent study found that coral reefs with fewer large, predator fish have nearly half of their key nutrients absent. Fish play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in the reef's tight nutrient cycle. The researchers suggest that curbing fishing practices targeting large predator fish could help reefs recover.

And one root said to the other root, 'Don't I know you from somewhere?'

Researchers at University of Guam discovered that cycad roots can identify close relatives, leading to cooperative behaviors and improved management decisions. This finding has valuable implications for conservation settings, such as optimizing seed sowing practices and positioning plants in botanic gardens.

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.

It's true: Latinos age slower than other ethnicities

A UCLA study finds that Latinos age more slowly at the molecular level, with an epigenetic clock measuring their age as 2.4 years younger than non-Latino women of the same age after menopause. This discovery may help scientists understand how to slow the aging process for everyone.

Genetic and environmental risk factors for chronic pain

A new study found that genetic factors account for 38.4% of the variation in chronic pain risk, while shared environment with spouses contributes to 18.7%. The research also discovered a correlation between chronic pain and depression, highlighting the importance of identifying shared causal mechanisms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study suggests ways to block hypertension in those with sleep apnea

Researchers identify the signaling cascade leading to apnea-associated hypertension and propose a new treatment method by inhibiting cystathionine-y-lyase enzyme. Blocking hydrogen sulfide synthesis can prevent carotid body activation and hypertension in sleep apnea patients.

Study shows wood windows are cooler than glass

A new study reveals that transparent wood windows provide better thermal insulation and consistent natural lighting than glass, eliminating glare. The material's channels direct sunlight through the wood, creating a uniform indoor lighting experience.

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.

Birds fly faster in large flocks

Researchers at Lund University found that larger flocks of birds travel significantly faster than smaller ones, with wind direction and turbulence playing a crucial role. This discovery provides new understanding of the complex factors influencing bird flight speeds.

Mix of marine zones matters most for prey fish

A recent study found that a mix of marine zones, including protected reserves and fished areas, is crucial for the health of prey fish. The research discovered that depleting predators on the Great Barrier Reef had negative effects on prey species, such as reduced growth and reproduction.

Using the outside world to save on brainpower

Researchers explore the role of 'cognitive offloading' in managing information and retention, finding that people use physical actions to reduce mental effort when performing tasks. This strategy can have both benefits, such as increased confidence and ability, and drawbacks, including reduced memory for stored information.

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.

Down to the wire: ONR researchers and new bacteria

Scientists have engineered Geobacter bacteria to produce extremely thin nanowires that are thousands of times thinner than a human hair, and are made from non-toxic natural proteins. The resulting wires can be used in medical sensors, military applications, and other electronic devices.

International Society for Burn Injuries issues new guidelines on burn care

The International Society for Burn Injuries has issued new practice guidelines for burn care in resource-limited settings, addressing the need for standardized care globally. The guidelines provide recommendations for initial assessment, resuscitation, wound care, and rehabilitation, aiming to reduce costs and improve outcomes.

Alaska's 'Sleeping Lady'

Scientists have overturned traditional interpretations of the Susitna basin in Alaska, discovering that it was formed by a southwest-dipping thrust fault. This finding changes our understanding of the region's geologic evolution and the formation of iconic landmarks like Mount Susitna.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Scientists find a salty way to kill MRSA

Researchers at Imperial College London have found a way to kill MRSA bacteria by disrupting its salt regulation mechanism. By understanding how the bacteria cope with salt stress, scientists hope to develop a treatment that prevents food poisoning and works alongside conventional antibiotics.

Sleep apnea worsens non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that sleep apnea worsens non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents. The study, published in the Journal of Hepatology, suggests that obstructive sleep apnea and low nighttime oxygen levels can promote the progression of the disease.

New Antarctic ice discovery aids future climate predictions

Researchers have discovered a 65% reduction in Antarctic sea ice around 128,000 years ago, which has significant implications for predicting the Earth's future climate. The study, published in Nature Communications, used analysis of ice cores to determine the state of Antarctic sea ice during this past warm period.

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.

US taps NCAR technology for new water resources forecasts

The National Center for Atmospheric Research's WRF-Hydro model provides continuous predictions of water levels and potential flooding in rivers and streams across the contiguous United States. This enables better management of reservoirs, navigation along major rivers, and planning for droughts.

Soybean science blooms with supercomputers

The Soybean Knowledge Base (SoyKB) uses high-performance computing to analyze soybean genetic data, promoting deeper understanding for scientists improving crops. Over 2,000 unique users log on monthly, with over 10,000 utilizing the platform since its development in 2010.

Most physicians recognize shaken baby syndrome as a medical diagnosis

A survey of over 1,300 physicians found that 96.7% recognized shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma as valid diagnoses, supported by scientific literature and clinical experience. The study aims to dispel controversy surrounding these conditions, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis for child care.

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.

Studying blood flow dynamics to identify the heart of vessel failure

A new study reveals how blood flow dynamics within blood vessels may influence the development or rupture of plaques, potentially leading to early interventions in treating heart disease. The research improves predictions of circumferential wall stress and identifies weak spots on a vessel wall that are likeliest to fail.

Solid batteries improve safety

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed solid-state batteries that are non-flammable and can be heated to high temperatures. This breakthrough enables faster charging and larger energy capacity, making them suitable for battery storage power plants and portable electronic devices.

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.

Molecule prevents effect of chemotherapy

Researchers at Aarhus University Hospital found a molecule associated with Oxaliplatin treatment resistance, where patients with high levels have a six times higher risk of not responding to the drug. Eliminating this microRNA biomarker from tumors may restore sensitivity to Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

At work, hierarchies draw narcissist job hunters

Research by Emily M. Zitek and Alexander H. Jordan found that narcissistic individuals are more likely to support hierarchies when they can rise through the ranks or when positions are open. In contrast, they were less likely to support a hierarchy without clear career advancement opportunities.

The surprising side effect of kissing up at work

A new study found that when coworkers witness a colleague kissing up to their boss, it can lead to a more positive perception of the supervisor among newcomers. The researchers suggest that this phenomenon occurs because newcomers are eager for positive information about their supervisors.

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.

Harms reporting in trials of orlistat

A document analysis found that orlistat trial reports underestimated adverse effects, with only 3-33% of reported events appearing in published papers. This suggests potential for bias in harms reporting and highlights the need for more accurate reporting practices.

NASA sees wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Chanthu

Tropical Storm Chanthu is being affected by moderate southwesterly vertical wind shear as it moves parallel to the island of Japan. The storm is expected to maintain strength over the next day before transitioning to a cold-core low pressure area.

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.

Tube-feeding in dementia nursing home residents drops dramatically

A recent study published in JAMA found that the proportion of advanced dementia patients receiving feeding tubes decreased from 11.7% to 5.7% between 2000 and 2014. The decline was observed across both white and black patient groups, with significant racial disparities initially present.

Duration of adulthood overweight and obesity linked to cancer risk in US women

A longitudinal study published in PLOS Medicine found a strong association between the duration of adulthood overweight and obesity and an increased risk of developing various types of cancer. For every ten-year increase in adulthood overweight duration, the risk of all obesity-related cancers was associated with a 7% increase.

A new method simplifies blood biomarker discovery and analysis

A new gene expression analysis method, GlobinLockTM, overcomes technical bias in blood sample analysis caused by erythrocytes, allowing for more effective biomarker identification. The patented assay minimizes reagent and sample material needs, making it a robust tool for biotechnology companies.

Most adults know more than 42,000 words

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that native English-speaking Americans know an average of 42 thousand dictionary words by the age of twenty. As people get older, they learn one new word every two days, leading to a total of 6000 additional words known by age sixty.

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.

Prenatal BPA exposure linked to anxiety and depression in boys

A new study by Columbia University researchers found that prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in boys aged 10-12. The study controlled for socioeconomic factors and found no such associations in girls.

Sea ice strongly linked to climate change in past 90,000 years

Researchers have found strong evidence of sea ice distribution in the Nordic seas over the past 90,000 years, using a marine sediment core. The study reveals that sea ice played a significant role in shaping climate change and ocean currents during this period.