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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 5


Page 5 of 38

How machine learning can help with voice disorders

Researchers developed a machine learning system that detects differences in accelerometer data between individuals with muscle tension dysphonia and controls. The system improved after receiving voice therapy, suggesting potential for wearable devices providing real-time feedback.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateAug 29, 2016

Forming Atlantic Tropical Depression 8 seen by NASA

Tropical Depression 8 formed off the coast of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean, with NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission providing detailed analysis. The depression was predicted to strengthen slowly over the next 48 hours, bringing heavy rainfall and isolated maximum amounts of 5 inches to far eastern North Carolina.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 29, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

SwRI to demonstrate low-cost miniature solar observatory

Researchers at Southwest Research Institute successfully demonstrated a low-cost miniature solar observatory on a six-hour high-altitude balloon mission. The SwRI Solar Instrument Pointing Platform (SSIPP) collected data on solar soundwaves, which are undetectable by ground-based observatories due to their high frequency.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateAug 29, 2016

Researchers identify characteristic chemical signature for chronic fatigue syndrome

A study published in PNAS identifies a unique chemical signature for chronic fatigue syndrome, revealing an unexpected connection to hypometabolic syndromes like dauer. The findings show that CFS has a characteristic metabolic response, with 80% of diagnostic metabolites decreased, and provide a basis for personalized therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

Why mole rats are more flexible than we previously thought

Mole rat castes were previously believed to be fixed throughout their lives, but a new study shows that individuals perform different roles at different ages. As they grow older, mole rats become more generalists, participating in various activities and contributing to cooperative efforts.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 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.

Isotope study determines fish were more prominent in early Alaskans' diets

A team of researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks made a groundbreaking discovery after analyzing stable isotopes and lipid residues at prehistoric hearths along the Tanana River. The study found that early Alaskans' diets were more complex than previously thought, with salmon and freshwater fish playing a prominent role.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

Study identifies potential targets for treating triple negative breast cancer

Researchers have discovered a potential new approach to treating triple negative breast cancer by targeting enhanced mitochondrial function. Mice studies showed that inhibiting mitochondrial protein translation could slow tumor growth, suggesting this strategy may be a successful treatment option.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 29, 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.

One in two users click on links from unknown senders

A recent study by FAU researchers found that up to 56% of e-mail recipients and 40% of Facebook users clicked on links from unknown senders, primarily driven by curiosity about the content or sender's identity. The experiment revealed that participants' awareness of security risks was often lower than their actual clicking behavior.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateAug 29, 2016

Calm or fiery? Study says candidate language should match the times

A study found that potential voters view presidential candidates with high-intensity emotional language as more 'presidential' in dire economic conditions, while those who think the economy is fine prefer calmer language. Low-intensity language generally enhances perceptions of trustworthiness.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPresidential Studies Quarterly·DateAug 29, 2016

Harvard University establishes research alliance with Tata companies

The new research alliance will support cutting-edge research in labs across Harvard, while providing professional development programs to visiting technology business leaders. The alliance aims to accelerate the development of novel technologies and create a future generation of entrepreneurial leaders.

SourceHarvard University·DateAug 29, 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.

Five-year study reveals patients operated on at night twice as likely to die as patients who have daytime operations

A five-year study found that patients operated on at night are twice as likely to die compared to those who have surgery during regular working hours. The study also revealed that late-day surgeries carry a higher mortality risk, with patients in these situations 1.43 times more likely to die than those undergoing daytime operations.

SourceWorld Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists·DateAug 29, 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.

Flywheel technology could create new savings for light rail transit

Researchers from the University of Alberta have calculated significant energy savings of up to 31% and cost savings of up to 11% for light rail transit systems using flywheel technology. This innovative approach stores energy generated during braking, reducing power consumption and costs.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEnergy·DateAug 29, 2016

A novel hybrid polymer simplifies 3-D printing of scaffolds for tissue engineering

A new study introduces a novel hybrid polymer for producing 3D-printed scaffolds suitable for seeding living cells, enabling the creation of engineered tissues. The researchers successfully fabricated scaffolds using commercial 3D printers and demonstrated high cell survival rates.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateAug 29, 2016

Solar cell is more efficient, costs less than its counterparts

Researchers at MIT have developed a new solar cell that combines two layers to harvest more of the sun's energy, reaching theoretical efficiencies above 40 percent. The device can be manufactured at a fraction of the cost due to a novel low-cost manufacturing process, making it ready for commercialization within the next year or two.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 29, 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.

Purest yet liver-like cells generated from induced pluripotent stem cells

A research team has devised a new method to enhance genome-wide association studies for liver disease using purified liver cells made from induced pluripotent stem cells. The approach, developed by the Medical University of South Carolina, allows for more accurate identification of genetic mutations causing liver diseases.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateAug 29, 2016

Lipoprotein apheresis: A new approach to refractory angina?

Researchers have found that lipoprotein apheresis improves myocardial blood flow, exercise capacity, and symptoms in patients with refractory angina and high lipoprotein(a) levels. The treatment approach could provide a novel solution for these patients, who often face limited treatment options.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 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.

Research outlines cellular communication processes that make life possible

Scientists have discovered a mechanism of intercellular communication that helps explain how biological systems function properly. The findings shed light on the poorly-understood interaction between cells and suggest that cancer cells' poor communication contributes to their biologic damage.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

Dogs understand both vocabulary and intonation of human speech

A new study reveals dogs can distinguish both vocabulary words and the intonation of human speech through brain regions used by humans. The research found that dogs process vocabulary in the left hemisphere and intonation in the right hemisphere, mirroring human brain function.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 2016

Female mosquitoes can transmit Zika virus to their eggs and offspring

Researchers found that female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can pass the Zika virus to their eggs and offspring. This discovery highlights the importance of using larvicides to curb the spread of the virus. The study suggests that controlling adult mosquitoes may not be enough to eliminate the virus.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateAug 29, 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.

Fair or unfair? Facial cues influence how social exclusion is judged

Researchers from the University of Basel found that uninvolved observers are more likely to accept social exclusion of people who look cold and incompetent. In contrast, warm and competent-looking individuals receive more support in social exclusion situations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateAug 29, 2016

Many adults who screen positive for depression don't receive treatment

A recent study reveals that many adults who screen positive for depression do not receive treatment, highlighting disparities in mental health care. The study found that only 28.7% of those screened positive for depression received any treatment, with certain groups facing lower rates of access to care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 29, 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.

Peptide mutants may help to identify vulnerability in tumor cells

Scientists have discovered unique genome variants linked to cancer development, which can be used to detect weaknesses in tumor cells. The new approach uses proteogenomics and mass spectrometry data to identify variant peptides, providing valuable information for gene annotation and potential drug targets.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPROTEOMICS·DateAug 29, 2016

Bringing artificial enzymes closer to nature

Scientists at the University of Basel have developed an artificial metalloenzyme, biot-Ru-SAV, that can catalyse olefin metathesis reactions in living cells. The breakthrough uses the periplasm as a reaction compartment to overcome limitations of organometallic-based enzymes.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2016

Tiny changes in Parkinson's protein can have 'dramatic' impact on processes behind onset

Researchers have found that specific mutations in Parkinson's disease protein alpha-synuclein can dramatically affect microscopic processes leading to the condition's onset. The study suggests these tiny changes influence fibril formation and secondary nucleation, potentially contributing to the disease's development.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

Identifying and treating thyroid disorders in kids

Thyroid disorders in children can be diagnosed and treated early with regular screening and communication between primary care physicians and specialists. The article highlights the importance of understanding risk factors, clinical signs, and symptoms to optimize outcomes for patients with these conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 29, 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.

FSU research team makes Zika drug breakthrough

A team of researchers has discovered existing drug compounds that can treat Zika virus by stopping replication and brain damage. The identified compounds are based on a U.S. FDA-approved drug called Nicolsamide, which is commonly used to treat tapeworm.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 29, 2016

Plants' future water use affects long-term drought estimates

A study by the University of Washington reveals that plants' reduced water needs due to climate change could halve the extent of droughts. This shift in plant water use changes long-term drought estimates, impacting future water supplies and ecosystem stresses.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 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.

CE-MARC 2: Pointing the way to fewer invasive angiograms

The CE-MARC 2 trial found that cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) significantly reduced rates of unnecessary angiography compared to guideline-directed care. These findings suggest that functional imaging should be adopted on a wider basis, even in high-risk patient subgroups.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2016

Simple equation predicts force needed to push objects through sand

Researchers at MIT have developed a simple equation to predict the force required to push objects through sand, using resistive force theory. The equation can be used to optimize vehicles driving over gravel and soil, as well as animals burrowing through earth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 29, 2016

HKU chemists make rapid developments in antibacterial drug research

Researchers from The University of Hong Kong have successfully synthesized the antibiotic Teixobactin, which can kill a range of pathogens without detectable resistance. The team's strategy enables the generation of multiple derivatives with promising properties.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2016

Female fiddler crabs want protection not sex

New research reveals female fiddler crabs visit and leave males to find safe burrows from predators, not perfect matches. Female fiddler crabs use a map of burrow positions to survive bird attacks, which is crucial for both mate-searching and burrow-seeking females.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 29, 2016
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.

Propagation protocols determined for 2 Nyssa species

Researchers from Iowa State University have developed effective propagation protocols for swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora) and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), a native Nyssa species. The study found that cold stratification enhances speed and uniformity of germination, while extracts of fruit pulp inhibit seed germination.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateAug 29, 2016

AMERICA: No benefit to detecting and treating extra-coronary lesions

A new study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that an active strategy of detecting and treating asymptomatic multisite artery disease did not improve 2-year outcomes compared to a traditional approach. The study enrolled 521 CAD patients and found no significant difference in all-cause mortality, rehospitalization f...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2016

Molecular switch may sensitize triple-negative breast cancers to immunotherapy

Researchers discovered that the experimental drug AMPI-109 works by flipping a molecular switch on PRL-3 enzyme, which initially puts cancer cells to 'sleep' and then leads to their death. This mechanism could sensitize triple-negative breast cancers to immunotherapy, offering new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalOncogenesis·DateAug 29, 2016
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.

New research sheds light on how aged wine gets its aroma

A team of researchers has identified an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the formation of compounds giving aged wines their distinct aroma. The discovery, published in New Phytologist, sheds light on how common plant molecules are transformed into specific odorants in wine.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateAug 29, 2016

NIH collaboration helps advance potential Zika treatments

Researchers identified compounds that can inhibit Zika virus replication and reduce brain cell death, including emricasan and niclosamide. The compounds were found using NCATS' drug repurposing screening robots and will be studied by the broader research community to combat the Zika public health crisis.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 29, 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.