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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 34


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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 3, 2016

Minorities less likely to have knee replacement surgery, more likely to have complications

A new study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found significant racial disparities in knee replacement surgery, with minorities having lower rates of TKR utilization but higher rates of adverse health outcomes. The study also revealed that black, Native American, and mixed-race individuals faced significantly higher risk f...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 3, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateAug 3, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

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.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalmSphere·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateAug 3, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBrain·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 3, 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.

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPoetics·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAutophagy·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 3, 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.

Live-streaming crime -- how will Facebook Live and Periscope challenge US privacy law?

Researchers find that current laws protecting individual rights are insufficient to protect privacy when it comes to MSVTs, and the First Amendment likely protects livestreaming activities of users. The study advocates for less legal restraint on recording and live-streaming public matters, but also calls for wisdom in controlling harm...

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateAug 3, 2016

Clinical trial results support adalimumab treatment for painful skin condition

Adalimumab, an inhibitor of the inflammatory protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF), has been shown to provide significantly greater symptom relief than placebo in patients with hidradenitis suppurtiva. The results of two phase 3 clinical trials support FDA approval of adalimumab for this painful skin condition.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 3, 2016
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.

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateAug 3, 2016

Preventing dependency when patients first receive opioids: Say no to refills

A US study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that prescribing short-acting opioids with no refills to opioid-naive patients significantly reduces the risk of long-term dependency. The study analyzed data from Oregon, which has the highest rate of non-medical opioid use in the US.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 3, 2016
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.

Waste not: Edible wax coating slicks liquids with ease

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a superhydrophobic coating made from edible waxes, allowing liquids to be easily slicked away. The coating is nontoxic and safe for use in food packaging.

SourceColorado State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateAug 3, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 2016
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.

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 3, 2016

'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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 3, 2016
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceGriffith University·JournalWildlife Research·DateAug 3, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Brazilian study identifies new target for treatment of melanoma

Researchers found that inhibiting RMEL3, a non-coding RNA, reduces melanoma cell proliferation by up to 95%. The study suggests RMEL3 is expressed in most cases of melanoma and offers promising therapeutic and diagnostic potential.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 3, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 3, 2016
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.

Recycling carbon dioxide: U of T researchers reduce climate-warming CO2 to building blocks for fuels

Researchers at U of T have developed a technique to convert climate-warming carbon dioxide into useful chemicals, such as methanol and ethanol, by consuming the greenhouse gas. The breakthrough uses nanoneedles to catalyze the reaction, producing CO2 reduction faster than any catalyst previously reported.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2016

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.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateAug 2, 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.