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Science News Archive August 2016


Page 8 of 38

Finding new targets to treat vascular damage

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a new molecular pathway that may offer targets for drugs to strengthen angiogenesis and improve blood vessel growth in type 2 diabetes. The study found that CITED2 expression is increased in endothelial cells from patients with diabetes, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.

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.

Children with food allergies predisposed to asthma, rhinitis

A new study found that children with a history of food allergy are more likely to develop asthma and allergic rhinitis, with rates roughly doubling in those with peanut, milk, and egg allergies. The study analyzed data from over 1 million urban and suburban children.

Typhoon Lionrock's intensification seen by NASA's GPM

Typhoon Lionrock intensified as it passed over the western edge of its eye, with GPM measuring intense storms and rainfall rates exceeding 222 mm/hour. The typhoon's wind speeds increased to 126.6 mph, making it a category three on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

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.

Secure networks for the Internet of the future

A new research consortium is working on developing a network architecture and technologies for secure and flexible distributed data centers. The goal is to take computing and storage capacities closer to end-users, addressing the increasing demand for data centers.

Digital forms of dating violence are on the rise -- what school nurses need to know

School nurses play a critical role in identifying and preventing digital dating violence, which can involve harassment, stalking, or controlling a partner via technology and social media. The American Association of School Nurses emphasizes the importance of conversation about healthy relationships, safe internet use, and online behavior.

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.

Field Museum study challenges long-standing scientific theory

A recent Field Museum study using comparative genomic analysis has challenged the long-standing Red Queen Theory by revealing that mutualistic ant species evolve at a higher rate than their non-mutualistic counterparts. This discovery suggests that these species face an additional selective pressure due to their symbiotic relationships.

Sunflowers move from east to west, and back, by the clock

Plant biologists discovered how sunflowers use their internal circadian clocks to follow the sun during the day as they grow, acting on growth hormones. The plants' ability to track the sun was disrupted when staked or turned away from the sun, and continued even in an indoor growth chamber with a fixed light source.

Face shape is in the genes

A genome-wide association study identified genetic variants that contribute to the formation of healthy facial traits, including nose size and face width. The study confirmed previous findings and provided insights into the role genes play in facial development.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Designing ultrasound tools with Lego-like proteins

A team of scientists engineered protein-shelled nanostructures called gas vesicles to exhibit properties useful for ultrasound technologies. The modified gas vesicles were shown to produce distinct signals, target specific cell types, and help create color ultrasound images.

Special report documents Zika virus' impact on the fetal brain

A recent study published in Radiology documents brain abnormalities associated with congenital Zika infection, revealing significant reductions in brain tissue volume and enlarged ventricles. The research team analyzed pre- and post-natal images of fetuses and newborns in 45 confirmed and presumed cases of Zika virus.

Basic research fuels advanced discovery

UCSB neuroscientist Kenneth Kosik advocates for fundamental cell biology research into neurodegeneration, which may accelerate understanding of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. He argues that basic science provides a foundation for treatments beyond single diseases and early detection.

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.

Vouchers help get health goods to those most in need

A study in Kenya found that a simple voucher system can significantly reduce health product wastage without a significant decrease in usage. The system was more effective than charging money or free distribution in screening out those who would not use the products.

Zika virus may persist in the vagina days after infection

A study published in Cell found that Zika virus can replicate in the vaginal tissue of pregnant mice several days after infection, potentially leading to dire consequences for reproduction. The researchers also detected Zika virus in the fetal brains of infected mice, associated with fetal weight loss.

NASA sees examines new tropical storm in infrared light

NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed Tropical Depression 13E with its Atmospheric Infrared Sounder instrument, indicating strengthening thunderstorms and cold cloud tops. The depression is expected to continue strengthening over the next couple of days, potentially becoming a hurricane.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

In the aftermath of disaster, social media helps build a sense of community

A study published in Frontiers found that social media can unite disaster victims during recovery efforts by disseminating critical information and fostering a sense of community. The platform provides a personalized resource for individuals, enabling them to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies engineered to be better vaccine leads

Scientists developed a reductionist approach to HIV vaccine design by engineering broadly neutralizing antibodies with minimized rare features. The resulting antibodies retained their specificity for HIV while exhibiting excellent neutralization breadth, offering promising leads for HIV vaccine development.

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.

Going green is for girls -- but branding can make men eco-friendly

New research finds that men are more open to purchasing environmental products if their masculinity is boosted through branding. The study used various approaches, including affirming masculinity and changing product associations, to demonstrate the effectiveness of rebranding green products as masculine.

Extending battery life for mobile devices

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new radio technology called Braidio that allows small mobile devices to offload energy consumption to larger devices, potentially extending battery life hundreds of times. This technology enables proportional sharing of power between devices, reducing the size and weight of wearable devices.

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.

Ecological consequences of amphetamine pollution in urban streams

A new study reveals that amphetamine pollution in urban streams stunts biofilm growth, changes bacterial and diatom communities, and speeds up aquatic insect emergence. The research highlights the need for innovations in wastewater management to mitigate the effects of pharmaceutical and illicit drug pollution on freshwater resources.

Where does AlphaGo go?

AlphaGo, a computer program, defeated an 18-time world champion of Go by integrating data-driven AI approaches and recognizing game patterns

Feast or famine: The switch that helps your liver adapt

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered a previously unknown protein, SETDB2, that helps the liver adapt to fasting states. This protein is increased during times of fasting and alters the genome to turn on genes needed for energy storage.

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.

CU researchers find genetic links for facial size and shape

A recent study published in PLOS Genetics identified two genes associated with human facial size and found additional candidates for genes affecting facial shape. The research used a genome-wide association study on an African population, providing new insights into the genetic basis of normal human facial variation.

Researchers find vulnerabilities in iPhone, iPad operating system

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University identified serious security vulnerabilities in the iOS operating system, which can be exploited by third-party apps. These vulnerabilities include bypassing privacy settings, accessing location search history, and inferring sensitive information.

Researchers find new role for cannabinoids in vision

Researchers found that activating cannabinoid signaling increases activity in retinal ganglion cells, allowing tadpoles to detect dimmer objects in low light. This discovery challenges previous understanding of cannabinoids' role in vision and provides a potential mechanism for their therapeutic use.

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.

New method in synthesis and development for pharmaceuticals

Researchers at UNIST have developed a new synthetic method to design and synthesize bioactive compounds and chemical tools for pharmacological studies. This breakthrough improves the scientific basis for drug discovery by understanding biochemical mechanisms for diseases.

How easy is it to spot a lie?

A study reviewed 20 research papers on deception in groups, revealing that collective interviews are used in only a third of investigations. This highlights the need for new methods to detect deception, as individualized interviews can be manipulated by suspects with prepared scripts.

Molecular flexibility shown to help pharmaceutical drugs bind to their targets

Researchers have discovered that flexible molecules can bind more effectively to proteins causing diseases like breast cancer. This finding could lead to the development of more effective pharmaceutical drugs. By maintaining molecular flexibility, scientists may be able to create stronger bindings with disease-causing proteins.

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.

Temple scientists discover structural clues to calcium regulation in cells

Researchers have made a breakthrough discovery on the structure of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU), a membrane gateway that regulates calcium uptake. The study reveals that MCU activity is vital to calcium homeostasis and cell survival, and that it can be modulated through small molecule development.

Biofuels not as 'green' as many think

A recent study challenges the assumption that biofuels are carbon neutral, finding a net increase in CO2 emissions from their use in the US. The research suggests that crop-based biofuels like corn ethanol and biodiesel offer only modest reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

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.

NASA sees heavy rain in Gaston as it fights wind shear

Gaston became a hurricane on Aug. 25 with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, but heavy rain rates of around 50 mm/h were occurring near the center due to southwesterly wind shear. The storm's trajectory is expected to shift northwestward over the next several days as it battles strong environmental wind shear.

More to rainbows than meets the eye

Researchers are exploring the practical uses of rainbows in weather forecasting and combustion engine efficiency. A comprehensive review highlights the importance of simulating rainbows using mathematical modeling. The study also provides tips for capturing rainbows on camera, making them a rare and special phenomenon.

Salk scientists map brain's action center

Researchers at Salk Institute created a comprehensive map of the striatum, a lesser-known brain structure that controls movement. The study reveals how patch and matrix neurons coordinate diverse functions, shedding light on long-standing questions about neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

Neuroene Therapeutics awarded $225,000 STTR research grant

Neuroene Therapeutics is using the Phase I STTR grant to help further develop a novel class of compounds for treating epilepsy. The company aims to provide a new generation of anti-seizure drugs that can effectively control seizures in patients with limited success from current treatments.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Coffee drinking habits can be written in our DNA, study finds

A study identified a gene that appears to curb coffee consumption in people with a specific DNA variation. Those with the PDSS2 gene tend to drink fewer cups of coffee due to their cells' reduced ability to break down caffeine, resulting in a longer-lasting caffeine effect.