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Science News Archive December 2016


Page 1 of 32

Researchers urge caution around psilocybin use

A recent survey of 1,993 people who experienced negative reactions to psilocybin found that 10.7% reported putting themselves or others at risk for physical harm. Despite this, most respondents described their experience as 'meaningful' and ranked it among the top five most significant experiences in their lives.

Ancient DNA can both diminish and defend modern minds

A recent study published in The FASEB Journal found that the Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) allele, associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline in industrialized societies, may actually improve cognitive function in individuals exposed to high levels of parasites in a traditional foraging environment. This su...

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.

Fossil fuel formation: Key to atmosphere's oxygen?

A new study links rapid increase in sediment burial of carbon-rich organic matter to the surge in atmospheric oxygen during the Cambrian explosion. This process prevented dead plant material from burning and allowed oxygen to build up. Fossil fuel formation played a crucial role in supporting advanced animal life on Earth.

The answer is blowing in the wind

Researchers found that wind power fluctuations follow the same pattern as wind speed fluctuations due to shared eddies, affecting grid stability. This understanding has immediate implications for economic and political decision making in managing renewable energy.

New tool shines light on protein condensation in living cells

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new tool called optoDroplet that allows them to manipulate and understand the chemistry of membraneless organelles in living cells. The study reveals how proteins assemble into different liquid and gel-like solid states, which is crucial for understanding various cellular operations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The rhythm that makes memories permanent

Researchers found that synaptic inhibition dominated over excitation during SWR generation and was responsible for the oscillation. PV+ interneurons played a key role in generating SWRs, suggesting that inhibition is crucial for making memories permanent.

Responsive filtration membranes by polymer self-assembly

Researchers from Tufts University review recent developments in stimuli-responsive membranes, highlighting the benefits of polymer self-assembly for improved selectivity. The study showcases various stimuli-responsive behaviors and future development challenges in this promising field.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Diamonds are technologists' best friends

Scientists from Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed a technology to produce small diamond crystals in needle- and thread-like shapes, which could be used in sensors, quantum optical devices, and other areas of science and technology. The technique involves heating polycrystalline diamond films to oxidize most of the materi...

Omega-3 supplements can prevent childhood asthma

A new study found that pregnant women taking long-chain omega-3 supplements reduced their children's asthma risk by 31%. Women with low blood levels of EPA and DHA at the beginning of the study benefited the most from the supplements, with a 54% relative risk reduction.

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.

Image-based modeling

Researchers developed a novel image-based simulation approach that accounts for realistic architectural non-idealities and flow physics in tissue engineering scaffolds. This technology allows for correlating cell behavior and tissue growth with flow, tracking relationships over time via repeated scanning.

Penn experts call for expansion of molecular imaging in precision cancer care

Molecular imaging techniques have the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment by providing non-invasive alternatives to traditional biopsies. By identifying specific biomarkers, these methods can help doctors choose the most effective treatments, minimize side effects, and predict patient outcomes.

Researchers fabricate high performance Cu(OH)2 supercapacitor electrodes

A team of researchers has fabricated copper-based nanostructures with high specific and areal capacitances in a short time frame, making them suitable for energy devices such as supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. The study's findings suggest that these structures have great potential for energy applications.

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.

Can paint strokes help identify Alzheimer's?

Researchers analyzed brushstrokes of famous artists' paintings for fractal patterns, detecting changes linked to neurodegenerative disorders. The study suggests a potential new method for identifying Alzheimer's disease in its early stages.

Racial disparities exist in children's access to kidney transplantation

A study analyzing data from over 12,000 children reveals racial disparities in kidney transplant survival rates, with black children at higher risk due to reduced access to transplantation. Hispanic children, despite lower access, had a lower risk of death compared to non-Hispanic white children.

Genes and the environment equally affect language-related brain activity

Researchers found that genetic and environmental influences affect language-related brain activities in the left frontal area of the brain. The study used magnetoencephalography to measure brain activity in monozygotic and dizygotic elderly Japanese twins, revealing that verbal memory is associated with lower-power ERDs.

A parallel hybrid controller based on the backstepping method

A new simplified mass-spring-bar model is presented for the semi-pelagic trawl system, enabling trajectory tracking and control of the trawl net and two otter boards. The proposed hybrid control approach combines stability analysis with S-plane control to ensure effective motion control.

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.

Many smokers with serious mental illness want to kick habit

Smokers with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are motivated to quit, yet many don't receive treatment or counseling. Researchers found that only 13% of patients who wanted medication to aid quitting received it.

Inactivity in obese mice linked to a decreased motivation to move

A study in obese mice reveals that physical inactivity is linked to altered dopamine receptors, contradicting the assumption that excess body weight is the primary cause. The research suggests that dopamine signaling defects contribute to reduced movement in obesity.

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.

Psychiatric conditions linked to increased risk of long-term opioid use

A nationwide insurance database study identified psychiatric and behavioral conditions, as well as psychoactive medications, as predictors of long-term opioid use. Patients with mental health conditions or psychoactive medication use were at higher risk, with relative increases in rates ranging from 1.5 to 9 times.

Off-switch for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system discovered

UCSF researchers have identified anti-CRISPR proteins that can switch off the widely used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system, reducing unintended edits and improving precision. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize CRISPR applications in both basic research and clinical settings.

Scientists opened a new chapter in the study of malaria mosquitoes

Scientists have successfully cultivated a new species of malaria mosquito in the laboratory, allowing for more accurate investigation of their physiology and ability to transfer the disease. The study also found that the species has an expanded habitat range across Eurasia, with populations declining in some areas due to climate change.

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.

Gut microorganisms affect our physiology

New research from the University of Exeter and University of Zaragoza found that gut microorganisms regulate serotonin levels through a protein called TLR2. This discovery may shed light on inflammatory bowel disease and other neurological conditions.

Possible treatment targets found for pre-malignant bone marrow disorders

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that overexpression of TRAF6 in hematopoietic stem cells drives the onset of myelodysplasia syndromes, a group of pre-malignant disorders leading to blood cancer if untreated. Potential treatment targets for MDS include TRAF6 and related proteins.

Flood threats changing across US

A new study by University of Iowa engineers finds that flood risk is growing in the northern US and declining in the southern half, due to shifting rainfall patterns and groundwater levels. The research suggests regional variations can be attributed to changes in rainfall and climate change.

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.

Hubble gazes at a cosmic megamaser

The galaxy IRAS 16399-0937 hosts a double nucleus, with the northern nucleus featuring a black hole of massive proportions and a starburst region in the southern part. Hubble's observations reveal the intricate structure of this cosmic megamaser, shedding light on its unique composition and energetic processes.

Fenofibrate may reduce heart disease risk in some patients with type 2 diabetes

A new study found that fenofibrate therapy may be beneficial in reducing cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes who take statins but still have high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol levels. The study suggests a potential benefit of combining fenofibrate with statin treatment for this specific patient population.

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.

Study unmasks the genetic complexity of cancer cells within the same tumor

A recent study has identified more than 2,000 genetic mutations in tissue samples of esophageal tumors, revealing the complexity of cancer cells within individual tumors. The findings demonstrate that different areas of a tumor have unique genetic patterns, making it difficult to target a specific genetic defect.

State, regional differences in melanoma rates 2003 vs 2013

According to the study, 11 of the 49 states with reported melanoma incidence rates saw a decrease, while 38 states experienced an increase. The researchers suggest that better treatment may be prolonging the life of patients with melanoma.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Magnetic stem cells for gene engineering

Scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed magnetic stem cells that can target cancer cells with precision and deliver medication directly to the tumor site. The technology uses patient's own magnet-controlled cells, which are not rejected by the immune system and cause less harm.

Strip tillage, rowcovers for organic cucurbit production

Researchers found that strip tillage systems with rowcovers had lower yields than plasticulture systems, mainly due to specialized equipment needs and weed pressure. Rowcovers reduced insecticide applications but had no significant impact on yield in both systems.

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.

For welders, Parkinson-like symptoms get worse with exposure

A study published in Neurology found that welders who work with manganese fumes are more likely to develop Parkinson's-like symptoms. The researchers analyzed data from 886 workers and found that cumulative exposure to manganese was associated with a yearly increase in movement problems.

Management practices recommended for specialty cider apples

A recent study provides recommendations for harvesting and storing specialty cider apples to minimize production costs without compromising juice quality. The study showed that mechanically harvested apples stored for 2-4 weeks had lower yield losses than hand-harvested apples, but may be more prone to rot.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Economics of forest biomass raise hurdles for rural development

A study by Oregon State University economists found that using residual forest biomass for rural development faces significant economic challenges. The researchers estimated costs of collecting, transporting, and processing biomass, concluding that targeted subsidies or support are needed to make facilities viable in remote communities.

Divide and conquer pattern searching

Researchers at KAUST developed ScaleMine, a system that accelerates frequent subgraph mining (FSM) by up to ten-fold, allowing for faster analysis of large graph data. The new approach uses a two-step process to divide and conquer the search space, resulting in significant performance improvements.