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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 30


Page 30 of 38

Smarter self-assembly opens new pathways for nanotechnology

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a method to guide the self-assembly of multiple molecular patterns within a single material, creating new nanoscale architectures. This technique enables the spontaneous formation of complex nanostructures without exhaustive preliminary patterning.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2016

Researchers turn to policy to tackle health disparities in an age of personalized medicine

Increased support for minority-focused research and community-based participatory research can improve understanding of chronic diseases across races and ethnicities. Policy recommendations include increasing non-white participant enrollment, educating healthcare providers, and funding research on gene-environment interactions.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 8, 2016

Illuminating sulfides' roles in the body

A novel probe created by Washington State University researchers illuminates hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen polysulfides in different colors, enabling the identification of their roles in biological processes. This breakthrough could lead to the design of new drugs and treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and diabetes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 8, 2016
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.

Flu vaccine uptake slightly higher in provinces that allow vaccination by pharmacists

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that provinces allowing pharmacists to administer influenza vaccines had slightly higher vaccine uptake rates compared to those without such policies. The study analyzed data from over 481,000 people aged 12 and above across seven years.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 8, 2016

Origin of the long body of snakes now discovered

A research team led by Moisés Mallo discovered the Oct4 gene as a key regulator of vertebrate trunk length diversity. The study found that snakes have an exceptionally long trunk due to changes in their genome during reptile evolution, which keeps the Oct4 gene active for longer periods.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 8, 2016

Mcr-1 gene isolated from human for the first time in Brazil

Researchers isolated MCR-1 gene from a diabetic patient's foot infection in Brazil, marking the first detection of the gene in humans. The discovery highlights the potential for antibiotic resistance to spread within countries.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateAug 8, 2016

Undergraduates uncover mechanism tied to plant height

A Purdue University undergraduate class uncovered a mutation in the Sunspot sunflower that leads to its small stature, revealing a crucial role for DELLA proteins. The discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of plant height and has potential applications for modifying ornamental horticultural plants.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateAug 8, 2016
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.

Volunteering later in life can enhance mental health and wellbeing

A study of over 66,000 British adults found that volunteering was positively associated with good mental health and emotional wellbeing after age 40. Volunteering may provide a sense of purpose and social connections, particularly for older people who live in isolation.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 8, 2016

FDA commissioner discusses future of cardiovascular medicine

The FDA commissioner emphasizes the need for rigorous evaluation of new approaches in treating patients and improving cardiovascular outcomes. Despite progress, there is a risk of harm if systems for evidence generation and healthcare delivery do not keep pace with technological advancements.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 8, 2016

NASA sees Tropical Storm Omais weakening near Japan

Tropical Storm Omais is weakening due to its elongation and moving northwards, posing a threat to northern Japan. NASA's satellite images reveal the storm's strongest thunderstorms are located over northern Japan, with coldest cloud tops detected.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 8, 2016

Higher ICU usage led to increased invasive procedures and costs

A new study by LA BioMed and UCLA found that hospitals using ICUs more frequently perform more costly and invasive procedures but do not see better mortality rates among patients with four common conditions. The study analyzed records from 156,842 hospitalizations and reported higher costs ranging from $647 to $3,412.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 8, 2016
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.

Scientists discover potential avenue to treating type 2 diabetes at early stages

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a potential target for preventing type 2 diabetes by blocking the cellular glucose sensor MondoA in muscle, improving insulin responsiveness. This study suggests that MondoA regulates genes involved in fat synthesis and inhibits insulin signaling.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2016

How to engineer a stronger immune system

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have developed a new method to consistently activate mesenchymal stromal cells to produce anti-inflammatory proteins, enhancing their immune-suppressing effects. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and organ transplant rejection.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateAug 8, 2016

Tailored AFM probes created via 3-D direct laser writing

A team of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology researchers has developed a method to tailor AFM probes with unique designs using 3-D direct laser writing based on two-photon polymerization. The technique enables the creation of custom probes with nanoscale precision, opening up new possibilities for analyzing samples at the atomic scale.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 8, 2016

Insurance status impacts survival in men with testicular cancer

A new study published in Cancer found that uninsured and Medicaid-covered men with testicular cancer had a higher risk of death from the disease compared to insured patients. The researchers analyzed outcomes and insurance status for 10,211 men diagnosed with testicular cancer between 2007 and 2011.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCancer·DateAug 8, 2016
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.

Medicaid expansion under ACA linked with better health care for low-income adults

A new study found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act led to increased primary and preventive care, reduced emergency department visits, and improved quality of care for low-income adults in Kentucky and Arkansas. The findings suggest that how states expand coverage may not be as important as expanding coverage itself.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 8, 2016

Drought conditions slow the growth of Douglas fir trees across the West

A study by University of California - Davis researchers found that drought conditions significantly impact Douglas fir tree growth, with warmer and drier conditions causing the most stress. The analysis of tree core samples over a 91-year period indicates projected decline in growth rates under future climate change scenarios.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2016

Calculating solutions to combat Zika

A NSF-funded mathematician is working on a model to track how to fight A. aegypti mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus using Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, reducing their lifespan by a day or two. The goal is to create an endemic population that can displace the virus-carrying population in the wild.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 8, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bipolar research to benefit from sharing of patients' stem cells

Researchers have made patients' stem cells available for worldwide study to better understand bipolar disorder, a serious mental illness with extreme mood swings. The shared stem cells can be turned into brain cells in the lab, enabling scientists to study how the disease affects brain cells and potentially lead to new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateAug 8, 2016

New research supports the removal of drug use as a restriction to hepatitis C treatment

A world-first clinical trial found that people who inject drugs can receive safe and effective hepatitis C treatment while on opioid substitution therapy. The results show excellent treatment adherence rates of over 95% and low reinfection rates, contradicting long-held assumptions about drug users' ability to adhere to medication.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 8, 2016

Navigating the human genome with Sequins

Researchers have developed Sequins, synthetic DNA sequences that reflect the human genome, allowing for improved analysis and diagnosis of genetic diseases. The technology provides internal standards to assess the accuracy of genomic data generated during sequencing.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 8, 2016

Lake Tanganyika fisheries declining from global warming

A new report by an international team led by a University of Arizona geoscientist shows that Lake Tanganyika's fishery productivity has been declining since the 19th century due to global warming. The lake's algae, which serves as a food source for fish, has also decreased in abundance.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2016
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.

Promising new treatment for lupus on the horizon

A new study published in Nature Medicine shows that a natural immune system protein called IL-2 can help restore balance to the overactive immune system of lupus patients. The drug, originally used to boost the immune system for cancer treatment, has been found safe and effective in clinical trials.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 8, 2016

Playground zoning increases physical activity during recess

Research from the University of Missouri found that zones with specific games can increase physical activity during recess, leading to improved health and academic performance. The study used accelerometers to track participants' physical activity, showing a significant increase in zoned playground participants.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Physical Educator·DateAug 8, 2016

New chili pathogens discovered in Australia

Four new Colletotrichum species have been identified in Australian chillies, causing anthracnose disease that lowers yield and produces sunken black spots. The discovery highlights the need for a more effective diagnostic quarantine system to protect Australia's billion-dollar agriculture export industry.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPlant Pathology·DateAug 8, 2016

Looking different than your parents can be an evolutionary advantage

A new study by Queen Mary University of London and the University of California, Riverside found that polyploid hybrids in the genus Nicotiana have shorter and wider flower openings than their parent species. This allows a wider range of pollinators to enter the flowers, making them less vulnerable to extinction. The researchers sugges...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 8, 2016
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.

Mom's high-fat diet may have a lasting impact on baby's gut

A study found an association between maternal high-fat diets and changes in infant gut microbiomes, affecting energy extraction and immune development. The researchers discovered that high-fat diets were linked to reduced numbers of Bacteroides microbes, which play a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Medicine·DateAug 8, 2016

Hi-tech test to find elusive sawfish

Using cutting-edge eDNA technology, researchers from James Cook University successfully identified largetooth sawfish habitats in the Daly River, Northern Territory. The technique was mostly accurate in waterholes but disappointing in flowing rivers, with limitations yet to be overcome.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateAug 8, 2016

Diamond-based light sources will lay a foundation for quantum communications of the future

Researchers have created highly efficient electrically-driven single-photon sources in diamond, promising breakthroughs in quantum computers and secure communication lines. The discovery enables operation at room temperature, increasing energy efficiency by over a thousand times and laying the foundations for novel quantum devices.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateAug 5, 2016

From Sci Fi to reality: Unlocking the secret to growing new limbs

Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory decipher genetic code controlling limb regeneration in zebrafish, axolotl, and bichir, revealing common genetic regulators. The discovery may lead to new therapies for wound healing and prosthetic device development, but a timeline for regrowing limbs remains uncertain due to funding constraints.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 5, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Hidden, local climate impacts of drought-friendly vegetation

Research by USC Viterbi researchers found that widespread adoption of drought tolerant vegetation in California may lead to an average daytime warming of 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit due to decreased evaporative cooling. However, lower nighttime temperatures are predicted, with a potential decrease of 6 degrees Fahrenheit, which could mitiga...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 5, 2016

Preventing mass extinctions of big mammals will require immediate action

A team of 43 wildlife experts warns that preventing the extinction of iconic species like gorillas and tigers demands bold political action and financial commitments. The scientists highlight the urgent need to address threats such as illegal hunting, deforestation, and habitat loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBioScience·DateAug 5, 2016

Veins on Mars were formed by evaporating ancient lakes

A new study published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science reveals that mineral veins on Mars were formed by the evaporation of ancient lakes. The research, conducted by scientists from The Open University and University of Leicester, found that the fluids present in Martian Yellowknife Bay were habitable by Earth standards.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateAug 5, 2016
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.

Research to improve treatment for millions of lung disease patients

A new four-dimensional lung scanning platform developed at Monash University has the potential to transform treatment for millions of people with lung disease. The technology allows clinicians to detect changes in lung function earlier, enabling them to quantify the effects of treatment.

SourceMonash University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 5, 2016

Hot 'new' material found to exist in nature

Researchers at McGill University found that two rare minerals, stepanovite and zhemchuzhnikovite, have the same structure as man-made MOFs. This discovery opens up new possibilities for using these materials in various applications such as hydrogen storage and carbon sequestration.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 5, 2016

Age-related infertility may be caused by scarred ovaries

A new Northwestern Medicine study finds that ovarian environment changes with age, leading to decreased egg quality and fertility issues. Fibrotic and inflamed ovaries are identified as key factors contributing to this decline.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalReproduction·DateAug 5, 2016
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.

Shape-changing metamaterial developed using Kirigami technique

Engineers from the University of Bristol have developed a new shape-changing metamaterial using Kirigami, a class of material engineered to produce unusual properties. The Kirigami metamaterial can seamlessly change shape, exhibits large variations in mechanical performance with small geometry changes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 5, 2016

Microscopic collisions help proteins stay healthy

Heat shock proteins collide with protein complexes, generating a force that breaks apart damaged or dysfunctional proteins. This study provides new insights into the role of heat shock proteins in maintaining proper protein function and preventing disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 5, 2016
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.

Autism risk in younger children increases if they have older sibling with disorder

A new Kaiser Permanente study found that the risk of younger siblings developing an autism spectrum disorder is significantly higher if an older sibling has ASD. The study also found a gender difference in autism diagnosis rates among younger siblings, with boys being more likely to be affected.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateAug 5, 2016

From unconventional laser beams to a more robust imaging wave

Researchers have developed a more robust imaging wave using unconventional laser beams, allowing for the detection of objects at greater distances. The technology has the potential to be used for Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies to detect chemical, biological, and explosive materials without damaging human tissue.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·DateAug 5, 2016

Women appear to be more accepting of their bodies/weight

Research finds women's body dissatisfaction decreasing over time, while men's remains relatively constant. The study suggests a positive trend towards increased body diversity and acceptance among women, potentially influenced by the rise of body positivity movement.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 5, 2016
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.

Why you're stiff in the morning: Your body suppresses inflammation when you sleep at night

A study published in The FASEB Journal found that the CRYPTOCHROME protein represses inflammatory pathways during nighttime sleep, leading to increased inflammation symptoms upon waking. This discovery offers new opportunities for developing anti-inflammatory treatments for conditions like arthritis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 5, 2016

Fresh look at burials, mass graves, tells a new story of Cahokia

A recent reanalysis of the beaded burial at Mound 72 in Cahokia reveals that it includes both males and females of high status. The findings challenge earlier interpretations that saw this feature as a monument to male power, instead suggesting a more complex nobility structure.

SourcePrairie Research Institute, University of Illinois·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateAug 5, 2016
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.

Under-reporting of fisheries catches threatens Caribbean marine life

A recent study reveals that marine fisheries catches in the Turks and Caicos Islands are being under-reported by 86%, threatening the marine environment and local livelihoods. The research calls for urgent policy action to establish more accurate catch limits, taking into account both commercial and local consumption of seafood.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 5, 2016