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Science News Archive August 2016


Page 9 of 38

Hormone activation of genes takes teamwork

A team of Duke scientists used DNA-sequencing and computerized biology to study the glucocorticoid receptor's signaling system. They found that only 13% of binding sites directly respond to hormones, while the remaining 87% act as clusters that amplify signals.

Graphene under pressure

Researchers discovered that the shape and dimensions of graphene nano-bubbles provide information on its elastic strength and interaction with substrates. The balloons can be created intentionally to make tiny pressure machines capable of withstanding enormous pressures.

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.

NSF announces $55 million toward national research priorities

The NSF has awarded $55 million to 11 institutions to build research capacity on pressing issues like the brain, energy, and water. These collaborative projects foster innovation, train a STEM workforce, and develop new tools for neuroscience and sustainable systems.

New diagnostic instrument sees deeper into the ear

A new device developed by MIT and Connecticut Children's Medical Center could significantly improve doctors' ability to accurately diagnose ear infections. The shortwave infrared instrument can penetrate deeper into the tissues of the ear than existing otoscopes, revealing buildups of fluid behind the eardrum more clearly.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New method developed for producing some metals

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new method for producing metal antimony using electricity, which could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly metal production systems. The process uses electrolysis to separate the metal from a compound, reducing pollution and energy costs.

Symmetry crucial for building key biomaterial collagen in the lab

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers discover the importance of symmetry in creating functional collagen fibers outside the body. The study uses symmetry to grow long, stable collagen fibers that mimic those found in nature, offering potential breakthroughs for biomaterials and nanotechnology.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Blending wastewater may help California cope with drought

Researchers at UC Riverside developed an economic model that shows how flexible treatment processes can create a water supply that is affordable and benefits crops. The model demonstrates the potential of blending wastewater to produce irrigation water suitable for various crops, reducing fertilizer costs and increasing affordability.

New test needed to assess the quality and safety of sunglasses

A new test is required to evaluate the quality and safety of sunglasses, which can deteriorate over time due to UV exposure. The current standard relies on a aging test that simulates 50 hours of sun exposure, but this may not accurately reflect real-world conditions.

What makes Southerners sound southern?

Researchers will analyze 64 interviews with speakers from eight Southern states using computer software to identify variations in spoken language. The goal is to provide a database of Southern speech patterns that can be used for industrial applications.

Puzzle maker: Building a chemical from the ground up

Researchers at Caltech develop efficient synthesis route for ryanodol, a key intermediate on the path to producing the insecticide ryanodine. The new method reduces reaction steps by five, enabling faster production of the molecule. This breakthrough also opens up possibilities for studying biological function and developing new drugs.

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.

Electron microscopy reveals how vitamin A enters the cell

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have captured images of the vitamin A transporter protein STRA6 using electron microscopy. The images revealed that STRA6 transports vitamin A through an intermediary protein, providing new insights into cellular function and potentially leading to the development of therapeutic targets.

X-raying the Earth with waves from stormy weather 'bombs'

Researchers detected S wave microseisms, a rare phenomenon, triggered by a distant North Atlantic storm. The discovery provides new insights into the Earth's internal structure and may contribute to more accurate detection of earthquakes and oceanic storms.

Exposure to chemicals released during fracking may harm fertility

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals from hydraulic fracturing may harm fertility in animals and potentially people. Mice exposed to drilling chemicals had lower levels of key hormones related to reproductive health, leading to reduced fertility.

Stem cell propagation fuels cancer risk in different organs

A large systematic study confirms the crucial contribution of stem cells to cancer origins in different organs. The study reveals that only cells with stem cell activity make cancer, and damage to tissues can 'wake up' sleeping stem cells, increasing cancer risk.

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.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Hiding in plain sight: Navy data reveals the reef behind the Reef

Researchers using Navy data reveal a vast reef system behind the Great Barrier Reef, spanning over 6,000 square kilometers. The discovery of Halimeda bioherms, large reef-like structures formed by calcified algae segments, raises questions about their vulnerability to climate change.

Volcanic eruption masked acceleration in sea level rise

A recent study has disentangled the impact of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption on global mean sea level trends. The research reveals that the eruption effectively distorted calculations of sea level rise in subsequent decades, masking the acceleration caused by climate change.

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.

Newly discovered 'multicomponent' virus can infect animals

Scientists have identified a new multicomponent virus called Guaico Culex virus (GCXV) that can infect animals but not mammals. The discovery highlights the diversity of host ranges among viruses and underscores the need for continued research to better prepare for emerging diseases.

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.

Hitching a ride: Misfiring drugs hit the wrong targets

Researchers at University of Oxford discover 'hitchhiking' effect of anti-HIV drugs on human metalloprotease, causing premature ageing. The mass spectrometry technique reveals unexpected binding of lopinavir, ritonavir and amprenavir to prelamin A protein.

Sustainable alternative to methyl bromide for tomato production

A study has determined that anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is an effective and sustainable method for controlling weeds and nematodes in fresh-market tomatoes. ASD was found to provide comparable or higher fruit quality and mineral content compared to traditional chemical soil fumigation methods.

Study examines financial conflict of interests among NCCN guideline authors

A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that 86% of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline authors had at least one reported financial conflict of interest. The study revealed significant payments to guideline authors, with an average of $10,011 for general payments and $236,066 for industry research payments.

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.

In sub-Saharan Africa, cancer can be an infectious disease

A new study suggests that cancer in sub-Saharan Africa is linked to malaria and Epstein-Barr virus, particularly in children born to mothers with malaria during pregnancy. This increased risk of infection may lead to early exposure and a weakened immune system, making it harder for the body to manage the virus.

Research reveals how PSD forms and why defects can cause autism

Scientists at HKUST discover how PSD proteins form in living cells via phase-transition, revealing a possible answer to the long-standing question of PSD formation. The study also found that defects in these proteins can alter synaptic signaling activity and contribute to brain disorders.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Israeli lifestyle and environment may pose exceptional risks for Hodgkin's lymphoma

A large-scale migrant cohort study found that being born in Israel significantly increases the risk of nodular sclerosis HL, with elevated risks also observed among women, those born more recently, and taller stature. The study suggests exposure to unidentified elements of the Israeli environment may contribute to the disease's etiology.

How telecommuting can cause leadership issues for your company

Researchers found that people are biased towards team members physically located with them, making it harder for remote workers to be seen as leaders. To avoid power struggles and communication issues, companies should ensure leaders are either physically located with the majority of the team or everyone is telecommuting.

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.

A look at the molecular quality assurance within cells

A team of researchers discovered that chaperones have two classes, each identifying distinct types of hydrophobic amino acid sequences. These sequences can form hazardous clumps in the cell if not eliminated rapidly. The study sheds light on molecular quality control and has implications for biotechnological protein production.

Scientists begin to unravel summer jet stream mystery

Researchers from the University of Sheffield and The Met Office have identified factors influencing the Atlantic jet stream, potentially leading to more accurate seasonal forecasting. Up to 35% variability in the jet stream's shift may be predictable, offering a significant advance in climate prediction.

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.

Perfluorinated compounds found in African crocodiles, American alligators

Two studies find high levels of perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) in the blood of African crocodiles and American alligators, suggesting exposure to long-lived industrial chemicals. PFAA levels were higher at sites with past use of firefighting foams, indicating potential environmental contamination.

How Lyme disease bacteria spread through the body

Researchers have developed a live-cell-imaging-based system that reveals the molecular and biomechanical mechanisms of Lyme disease bacteria's ability to spread through blood vessels. The study found that BBK32 plays a crucial role in stabilizing bacterial-vascular interactions, and bacteria use bungee-cord-like tethers to move along e...

African bird shows signs of evil stepdad behavior

Research on the southern pied babbler reveals that dominant males preferentially treat their biological sons, while alienating their stepsons, which may have evolved as a survival strategy. This behavior has significant impacts on group dynamics and cooperative breeding habits.

More than a few good men

A University of Utah study contradicts traditional expectations by finding that surpluses of men are associated with higher levels of marriage, relationship commitment and paternal involvement. This challenges the prevailing notion that an abundance of single men lead to outcomes of crime, violence and broken homes.

Climate analysis makes sense of Antarctic puzzle

Scientists warn that global warming signals are masked by random weather variations, but expect increased snowfall in Antarctica due to higher moisture levels. The study concludes that the human influence on Antarctic surface mass balance will become detectable within the next few decades.

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.

Graying but grinning: Despite physical ailments, older adults happier

A new study finds that older adults consistently improve their psychological well-being over time, with lower levels of stress and depression compared to younger adults. The researchers attribute this to increased wisdom with age, better coping mechanisms, and fewer negative emotions.

Barcodes show the blood family tree

Scientists at Lund University have developed a barcode system to track the development of immune cells, revealing that stem cells undergo different stages of maturation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding leukemia and autoimmune diseases.

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.

In some genetic cases of microcephaly, stem cells fail to launch

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Zika virus disrupts the proliferation of radial glial progenitors (RGPs), a type of stem cell essential for brain development. In genetic cases of microcephaly, NDE1 mutations cause RGP cells to fail to divide, resulting in severe brain developmental delays.

Majority of US doctors discussing electronic cigarettes with their patients

A survey of US physicians reveals they frequently discuss e-cigs with patients, recommending e-cigs as a way to reduce smoking, but cautioning against using them to quit. However, the study found that many doctors are uncertain about their knowledge of e-cigs and are often asked by patients about their use.