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Science News Archive August 2016


Page 36 of 38

Giant forest fires exterminate spotted owls, long-term study finds

A new study on the King Fire in California finds that even large, intense fires like this one do not exterminate spotted owls. In fact, owl populations may be resilient to megafires, contrary to previous studies, which suggests a reevaluation of forest thinning and prescribed burns as conservation strategies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Combat exposure may jeopardize the behavioral health of women in the military

A recent study found that combat exposure among Army enlisted women was associated with an increased likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and at-risk drinking after deployment. Women with combat exposure were 20 times more likely to screen positive for PTSD compared to those with no exposure.

Trees on farms: The missing link in carbon accounting

A recent study reveals that tree cover on agricultural land has increased globally, capturing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and potentially playing a significant role in mitigating climate change. The research highlights the importance of agroforestry systems in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

Heritability of thoracic spine curvature

A study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that heritability of thoracic spine curvature is significant, with a heritability score of 54%, suggesting genetic control. This discovery may inform prevention efforts for hyperkyphosis, a condition causing breathing, walking, and daily life difficulties.

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.

Depression screening tools not accurate for children and adolescents

Researchers found that existing depression screening tools do not accurately identify 6- to 18-year-olds with depression. The study suggests that these tools may incorrectly label non-depressed children as depressed, leading to potential misuse of psychiatric medications and resources.

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.

NASA looks at historic flooding from slow-moving Maryland storms

NASA's IMERG data revealed strong bands of heavy rain extending east-west over north-central Maryland, with localized areas experiencing higher rates. The area affected suffered devastating flooding, including the historic town of Ellicott City, where two people drowned and numerous cars were damaged.

Researchers image brain cells' reactions to concussive trauma

A Brown University study used a custom-built device to compress neurons in 3-D cell cultures and observed their reaction to traumatic brain injury. The findings suggest that there may be a window for therapeutic intervention aimed at minimizing further damage, with irreparable structural damage occurring after approximately six hours.

Bacteria show capacity for rapid, beneficial mutations

A study published in Nature found that the majority of new genetic mutations in E. coli bacteria are beneficial and occur at variable rates, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery has implications for treating bacterial infections and may impact personalized medicine.

What can a sea-lion teach us about musicality?

Researchers found that a sea lion named Ronan can keep the beat better than any other non-human animal, suggesting that beat-keeping abilities may be more ancient and widespread than thought. The study used mathematical equations to analyze Ronan's brain activity while she moved to different rhythms.

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.

Flow diagnostics breakthrough for hydraulic capsule pipeline

Researchers have developed mathematical models that can ensure new pipeline systems are designed economically and efficiently. The models use computational fluid dynamics to predict the optimum design for hydraulic capsule pipelines, which can convey bulk solids effectively.

Reach in and touch objects in videos

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL have developed an imaging technique called Interactive Dynamic Video (IDV) that lets users reach in and interact with objects in videos. By analyzing video clips for 'vibration modes,' the team can predict how objects will move in new situations, enabling realistic simulations.

Crystallization frustration predicts metallic glass formation

A new study from Duke University predicts which binary alloys will form metallic glasses, paving the way for strong and conductive materials. The technique involves analyzing structures and energies within solidified alloys to identify potential metallic glasses.

Stem cells may speed up screening of drugs for rare cancers

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a system using transformed human stem cells to speed up screening of existing drugs for rare brain and other cancers. This method enables more confident comparison with human cells, leading to promising treatments like CDK inhibitors for Group 3 medulloblastoma.

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.

Personalized virtual brains: Big data -- big theory

Researchers at Charité are developing a personalized virtual brain model using big data and advanced simulations. They aim to improve our understanding of cognitive performance by analyzing the interaction between individual brain components.

More accurate prostate cancer prognosis

A new scheme improved prostate cancer prognosis by grouping men into 5 strata based on clinical measurements like PSA level, disease stage, and tumor grade. This method performed better in predicting cancer death compared to the current risk stratification system.

Ultracompact photodetector

Researchers at KIT have created a novel type of photodetector that can transmit information at speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second, using surface plasmon polaritons to combine optics and electronics on a tiny space. The smallest photodetectors worldwide for optical data transmission can be used for integrated optical circuits.

TSRI researchers find 'lead actors' in immune cell development

Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) found that members of a cluster of microRNAs work together throughout the stages of immune cell generation. Different miRNAs dominate different stages as disease-targeting immune cells develop, guiding the development of therapies against autoimmune diseases.

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.

Many physicians still prescribe controversial drug combination

A significant number of patients on clopidogrel therapy are also prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) omeprazole or esomeprazole, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Despite regulatory warnings, many physicians have continued to prescribe this combination.

Research targets number one killer of under-5s

Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a machine learning tool to diagnose childhood pneumonia more accurately and cost-effectively. The tool uses data from basic equipment such as pulse oximeters, thermometers, and stethoscopes, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates compared to existing guidelines.

New study supports link between alcohol advertising and adolescent drinking

A recent study found a positive association between adolescents' exposure to various types of alcohol marketing and their increased drinking frequency. The research suggests that restricting the volume of alcohol marketing to which young people are exposed could help reduce youth drinking. The findings support demands for stricter regu...

Study uses GPS technology to predict football injuries

Researchers found that high levels of acceleration, total distance covered, and short bursts of speed are linked to increased injury risk. The study provides guidelines for reducing injury occurrence in elite youth football by organizing training sessions to fluctuate between high and low workloads.

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.

Promoting regulatory T cell production may help control atherosclerosis

Research led by Catherine Hedrick found that removing ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) from immune cells increases regulatory T cell production, decreases pro-inflammatory T cells, and reduces atherosclerotic lesions in mice. This suggests that therapies targeting ABCG1 could help control atherosclerosis.

Colonel Sanders was ahead of his time

A recent study found that visual cues, such as photos of stores or business owners, can reassure wary online shoppers and increase purchases. The research suggests that including these elements can help small retailers overcome the constraints of distance and anonymity in e-commerce.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Experts assess changes to breast cancer screening recommendations

The American Cancer Society's new guidelines modify mammography ages and emphasize patient involvement in decision-making. The shift aims to balance cancer detection with the high rate of false positives, which are approximately 19 times more likely than true positives.

The great evolutionary smoke out: An advantage for modern humans?

A team of Penn State researchers identified a genetic mutation in modern humans that increased their tolerance to toxic smoke and fire. This mutation, found only in humans, may have given ancient humans an edge over Neandertals, who were more susceptible to respiratory problems and cellular toxicity.

NASA's new CO2 sounder nearly ready for prime time

The CO2 Sounder Lidar is a strong contender for the ASCENDS mission, which aims to measure global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The instrument uses advanced technologies, including a highly sensitive solid-state detector and a rapidly tuning laser system, to achieve unprecedented precision and resolution.

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.

Treatment strategy under development has 2 arms to get a secure grip on cancer

Scientists have developed a novel combination of an aptamer and siRNAs to target two tumor-dependent genes in prostate cancer cells. This approach shows promise for effective, less toxic gene therapies for various cancers. The strategy uses two 'missiles' to bind to specific proteins, increasing its grip on cancer targets.

Brazil faces major challenges in liver transplantation

Brazil performs more liver transplant surgeries than Latin America and globally ranks third in absolute terms. However, the country's increasing population and inadequate donor organ supply lead to only 5-10 liver transplants per million population annually.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Faintest hisses from space reveal famous star's past life

Astronomers have peer into a nearby star's past, using low-frequency radio observations to fine-tune our understanding of stellar explosions. The team found the red supergiant lost matter at a slower rate and generated slower winds, improving knowledge of space composition.

Found: A potential new way to sway the immune system

A new study by TSRI scientists identifies microRNA-155 as a key player in regulating protein levels and combating disease. The researchers found that miR-155 works by repressing a protein called Peli1, promoting normal T cell proliferation and antibody production.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA spots Tropical Storm Howard developing in Eastern Pacific

Tropical Storm Howard forms in Eastern Pacific after intensifying from Tropical Depression 9E, becoming the ninth storm of the season with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is expected to strengthen further before weakening over cooler waters.

More is better when it comes to online product selection

Research suggests that online product selection leads to increased customer spending, with popular and niche items generating significant revenue for retailers. Customers spend almost 11% more on main offerings and 250% more on hard-to-find niche items compared to catalog shoppers.

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.

Study examines symptom spikes in kids after concussion

Symptom spikes, also called exacerbations, were found to be common in children after concussion, with about one-third experiencing them. The study suggests that returning to full activities too quickly increases the risk of a symptom spike, but these events may not be clinically significant.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation announces Klerman-Freedman Prizes

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded six young scientists the Klerman & Freedman Prizes for their innovative clinical and basic research. The prizes recognize outstanding talent in neuropsychiatry and aim to advance understanding of mental illness, develop new diagnostic tools, and create effective treatments.

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.

'Generic' biologic drugs appear comparable to brand-name counterparts

A new study suggests that generic biologic drugs are as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts, offering a cheaper alternative for consumers and the healthcare system. The findings have significant implications for the pharmaceutical market, with wide adoption of biosimilars expected to save billions of dollars.