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Science News Archive August 2016


Page 34 of 38

NASA sees tropical storm Howard weakening

Tropical Storm Howard is weakening due to cooler waters and increasing instability, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 45 mph. Forecasters expect the storm to become a remnant low in 24-36 hours, potentially sooner if organized convection redevelops.

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.

Researchers inhibit tumor growth in new subtype of lung cancer

A team of investigators identified a subtype of human adenocarcinoma that may be amenable to a new therapy. The research found that tumor suppressing C/EBPα works by restraining the expression of oncogenic protein BMI1, leading to an inverse correlation between the two molecules in NSCLC patients.

Schizophrenia simulator: When chemistry upends sanity's balance

The Georgia Institute of Technology researchers have created an interactive model of the brain's chemical balance to simulate major systemic changes in schizophrenia sufferers. This tool depicts chemical underpinnings in simple graphics, helping clinicians better understand the disease and test hypotheses virtually.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers discover Sandman's role in sleep control

Researchers discovered that ion channel Sandman plays a critical role in sleep control. When dopamine levels increase, Sandman moves outside the cell, effectively shutting down sleep-control neurons and leading to wakefulness.

Synaptec senses growth opportunities with six figure investment

Synaptec, a spinout from the University of Strathclyde, has secured £370,000 investment to boost its renewable energy and subsea operations. The funding will enable the company to hire new staff and broaden its capabilities in areas such as subsea development and renewable energy.

Deadly bat fungus in Washington state likely originated in Eastern US

A study published in the journal mSphere found that a deadly bat fungus in Washington state is genetically similar to strains found in the eastern United States, suggesting it did not originate in Eurasia. The findings have implications for resource managers battling white-nose syndrome in North American bats.

Magnetic atoms arranged in neat rows

Physicists at FAU and the Vienna University of Technology successfully created one-dimensional magnetic atom chains for the first time. The discovery enables basic research in areas such as magnetic data storage and chemistry, by providing a model system with unique properties.

First evidence of sleep in flight

Researchers found that birds can engage in slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep while flying, with SWS occurring in one hemisphere or both hemispheres. The study revealed unique sleep patterns in flight, including the ability of birds to watch their surroundings while asleep.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why parents are the new 'heroes' in policing young drivers

A Queensland University of Technology study reveals that parents play a significant role in shaping their children's behavior behind the wheel. Parents who actively encourage their young drivers to obey road rules are more effective at enforcing restrictions than traditional policing.

New cause of immune neuropathy discovered

Researchers have identified a potential trigger of immune-mediated neuropathies, a chronic form of nerve disorder, as antibodies against the protein Caspr. The discovery could lead to targeted treatment for sufferers and improved diagnosis through simple blood tests.

Making nail polish while powering fuel cells

Researchers develop a new catalyst that can produce hydrogen and ethyl acetate, a key ingredient in nail polish, from water and ethanol. This process eliminates the need for energy-consuming purification steps.

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.

Big step towards cure for lifelong viral infections

Scientists have discovered specialized killer T cells that can migrate into lymphoid tissue to control hidden infections like HIV and glandular fever. This breakthrough discovery could lead to new therapies to treat chronic infections.

New microfluidic chip replicates muscle-nerve connection

A microfluidic device has been developed to replicate the neuromuscular junction, enabling precise stimulation of nerve cells and observation of muscle interactions. This innovation may help identify effective treatments for ALS and other neuromuscular disorders.

For the love of trash films

A comprehensive empirical investigation into trash films and their audience found that fans enjoy them for ironic viewing stances and appreciation of 'cheap' entertainment. The study also discovered that trash film enthusiasts are predominantly male, enthusiastic film buffs with above-average education.

Next steps towards preventing cancer and Alzheimer's

A new generation of drugs that prevent cancer and Alzheimer's are in development thanks to research from the University of Warwick. The university has identified over 700 previously undiscovered proteins related to autophagy, a cellular process that declines with age.

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.

Sussex-led research explodes the myth of a 'West vs. Rest' cultural divide

The study, involving 10,000 participants from 50+ cultural groups, contradicts the 'West vs. Rest' divide by showing Westerners' and non-Western cultures' self-perceptions share more similarities than previously believed. The research highlights diverse models of selfhood across different world regions.

University of Toronto chemists create vitamin-driven battery

Researchers at University of Toronto have created a biologically-derived battery that stores energy in flavin from vitamin B2, a green alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The battery has high capacity and high voltage, making it suitable for powering next-generation consumer electronics.

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.

Trading farmland for nitrogen protection

A 12-year study found that wider riparian buffer zones were more efficient at removing nitrogen from agricultural runoff than narrower ones. The location of the buffer zone and soil conditions also played a role in nitrogen removal efficiency.

NIH begins testing investigational Zika vaccine in humans

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial to test the safety and ability to generate an immune system response in participants. The investigational DNA vaccine aims to prevent Zika virus infection, which can cause serious birth defects.

Challenging the 'rigidity' for smart soft electronics

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a low-crystalline conducting polymer that shows high-field effect mobility, enabling faster charge transport without compromising mechanical properties. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for soft electronics and wearables.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

And the Oscar goes to ... climate change

A new study by SDSU researchers finds that DiCaprio's speech sparked record levels of public engagement with climate change, exceeding Earth Day and a major climate summit. The study analyzed news media trends, Twitter postings, and Google search trends to investigate global engagement with climate change since January 2011.

Inosine treatment helps recovery of motor functions after brain injury

Researchers found that inosine treatment led to improved motor control in four out of four treated monkeys, with three returning to their pre-operative grasping methods. The study suggests neural plasticity as a therapeutic target for recovering fine motor control and grasping ability after brain injury.

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.

Paper: Strategic trade-offs in automobile design affect market-share value

A new study reveals that investments in both function and ergonomics result in higher market share, whereas investments in both function and form impose a share penalty. Older vehicles with higher form design hold their market-share value better than older vehicles with higher functional or ergonomic designs.

HIV/AIDS: Filarial worm infections double the risk of infection

A recent study conducted in Tanzania found that an infection with the filarial nematode Wuchereria bancrofti increases the risk of HIV infection by two to three fold. The study revealed a significant association between filarial infections and increased risk of HIV infection, particularly among adolescents and young adults.

Three new species identified amongst the Tegu lizard family

A study published in PLOS ONE identifies three new cryptic species within the Tegu lizard family, including subtle differences in leg scale morphology and substantial genetic divergence. The discovery may aid conservation efforts for these heavily exploited species.

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.

ORNL optimizes formula for cadmium-tellurium solar cells

Scientists at ORNL discover the optimal ratio of selenium in cadmium-tellurium solar cells, increasing efficiency from 22% to near-theoretical levels. The alloy composition of 50% cadmium, 25% tellurium and 25% selenium performed best.

Blood sugar slumps affect how lean men treat the more rotund

A study found that lean men who experience low blood sugar are less fair in their economic decision-making, especially when it comes to hiring and salary decisions involving obese individuals. This bias can lead to employment disparities and unfair treatment of corpulent people in the workplace.

Gentle cancer treatment using nanoparticles works

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method that kills cancer cells using nanoparticles and lasers. The treatment has been tested on mice and shown to be effective in destroying cancer tumors without causing major side effects.

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.

'Second skin' protects soldiers from biological and chemical agents

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists have created a breathable material that provides protection from biological agents due to its small pore size. The material also responds to chemical hazards with dynamic functional groups, mimicking the adaptive response of human skin.

Surgical stitch linked to stillbirth and preterm birth

A cervical stitch used to prevent preterm labor has been linked to a three times higher risk of stillbirth and almost twice the risk of preterm birth. The suture may disrupt the vaginal microbiome and spur inflammation, major risk factors for preterm birth.

Can you teach koalas new tricks?

A team from Griffith University monitored 130 koala crossings using retrofitted eco-passages and pinpointed individual koalas with RFID tags, camera traps, and audio radio transmitters. The study provides comprehensive insights into koala behavior and movements.

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.

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.

Novel genetic mutation may lead to the progressive loss of motor function

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a novel genetic mutation that may lead to progressive loss of motor function in children. The study, published in Science Signaling, found that a gain-of-function mutation in the KCC3 protein causes extreme swelling of neurons, leading to nerve damage and muscle weakness.

Detecting blood alcohol content with an electronic skin patch

Researchers have developed a flexible electronic skin patch that can detect blood-alcohol levels from sweat, offering a non-invasive and fast solution for measuring BAC. The patch uses three rapid steps to induce sweat, detect alcohol content, and transmit data wirelessly.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Next generation anode to improve lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at UCR developed a silicon-tin nanocomposite anode that triples charge capacity and extends battery life. The new material enables longer-lasting rechargeable batteries with improved performance and scalability.

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.

Millennials less sexually active than Gen-X peers

A study by San Diego State University psychology professor Jean M. Twenge found that millennials are less likely to have had sex since turning 18 compared to Generation X peers. The researchers attribute this trend to increased safety concerns, reduced interaction time due to technology, and a risk-averse attitude.