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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 9


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.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·DateAug 25, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 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.

Study shows protein complex essential to creating healthy blood cells

Researchers have identified a crucial protein complex in hematopoiesis, the process of creating healthy blood cells. MED12 mutations are linked to several cancers, including leukemia and prostate cancer. Deleting this protein complex disrupts blood cell growth and leads to cancer.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 25, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBioMedical Engineering OnLine·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 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.

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.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEndocrinology·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·DateAug 25, 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.

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.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCoral Reefs·DateAug 25, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 25, 2016
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.

Fused genes found in esophageal cancer cells offer new clues on disease mechanisms

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University identified structurally abnormal genes in esophageal adenocarcinoma, which could serve as potential indicators of aggressive esophageal adenocarcinoma. The study found gene fusions that were highly associated with poorer patient survival and may aid tumor development.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateAug 25, 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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 25, 2016

Dartmouth Institute-led team developing universal toolkit to predict hospital readmission risk

A Dartmouth Institute-led team is developing a universal electronic medical record (EMR) toolkit to predict hospital readmission risk. The toolkit will integrate with existing EMRs to monitor and measure risk of readmission, focusing on patients at highest risk, particularly those hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·DateAug 25, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalCell·DateAug 25, 2016

Hurricanes are worse, but experience, gender and politics determine if you believe it

Researchers analyze data from a survey of Gulf Coast residents to understand how their perceptions of hurricane threat vary depending on their gender, belief in climate change, and recent experience. The study found that those who have recently experienced severe hurricanes are more likely to perceive the increasing violence of storms.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateAug 25, 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.

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.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalLeukemia & Lymphoma·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateAug 25, 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.

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 25, 2016

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...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 25, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBiological Letters·DateAug 24, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 24, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

SourceLund University·JournalImmunity·DateAug 24, 2016

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.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2016

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.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateAug 24, 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.