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Science News Archive December 2016


Page 15 of 32

Do most Mount Everest climbers use medications, and should they?

A recent study found that less than half of Mount Everest climbers report using medications on climbs, with acetazolamide being the most commonly used to prevent altitude sickness. The research suggests that rumors of widespread drug abuse among climbers are unfounded and that medication use is primarily for legitimate health purposes.

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.

Red cabbage microgreens lower 'bad' cholesterol in animal study

A recent study published by the American Chemical Society found that red cabbage microgreens can help lower LDL, or 'bad', cholesterol and liver triglyceride levels in mice on high-fat diets. The microgreens contained more polyphenols and glucosinolates than mature red cabbage, making them a promising source of health benefits.

Partners play critical role in melanoma exams

A Northwestern Medicine study shows that trained partners can catch far more mole irregularities than control group participants, growing their confidence and trust along the way. Common areas prone to developing fatal melanoma include hard-to-see spots on the body.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A small change with a large impact

A mesocosm experiment revealed that ocean acidification impairs the calcifying phytoplankton species Emiliania huxleyi's ability to form blooms, leading to reduced population size and flux of organic matter. This has strong impacts on the ecosystem, including reduced sinking of organic matter and altered climate feedbacks.

The galloping evolution in seahorses

A international research collaboration sequenced the entire seahorse genome, revealing gene losses and duplications that enabled specialized traits such as male pregnancy and armored body. The study provides insights into evolutionary mechanisms driving biodiversity.

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.

Researchers discovered elusive half-quantum vortices in a superfluid

Scientists at Aalto University discovered half-quantum vortices in superfluid helium, a topological defect that overcomes limitations of circulating currents. This breakthrough may enable access to isolated Majorana modes and exotic solitary particles, crucial for quantum information processing.

Technology communication: Worries through information?

A recent study by KIT researchers found that communication of risks related to mobile phones can have unintended consequences. Information on efficient precautions was found to lead to an increased risk perception by recipients, highlighting the need for a better understanding of how messages about precautions affect public perception.

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.

Optical tractor beam traps bacteria

Bielefeld University physicists develop new method to study biological cells using optical tractor beams, allowing for superresolution images of DNA in single bacteria. The technique enables researchers to rotate and move bacterial cells at will, enabling the study of three-dimensional cellular structures.

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.

Bactericidal activity of usnic acid-loaded electrospun fibers

Researchers developed antibacterial agents using usnic acid-loaded electrospun fibers, which showed controlled release and mass production of active surface. The fibers demonstrated effective bactericidal activity against different bacteria, making them a promising secondary therapy for diabetic wound healing treatment.

UC researchers examine potential drug pathway to combat pneumocystis

UC researchers have identified a new drug pathway to combat Pneumocystis pneumonia, which affects immune-compromised individuals and is often fatal. The study found that inhibiting the fungus's inositol transporter could be an effective treatment, offering hope for patients with HIV/AIDS and those on immunosuppressive drugs.

Kelp beats the heat

Marine scientists studied the response of giant kelp forests to a record-breaking marine heat wave, finding that their biomass remained within normal ranges despite high temperatures. The lack of dramatic response suggests that more research is needed to understand how these ecosystems will respond to future climate warming.

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.

Sustained enjoyment in older age linked to longer life

A study published in The BMJ found that sustained enjoyment of life over several years is associated with lower mortality. Researchers analyzed data from 9,365 participants aged 50 and older, finding a dose-response association between sustained wellbeing and reduced risk of death.

A skillful rescue robot with remote-control function

Researchers at Osaka University developed a remote-control rescue robot with improved operability and mobility for disaster situations. The robot features advanced technologies, including force control, vibration feedback, and long-range imaging, to enhance the operator's experience.

Study links nutrition to brain health and intelligence in older adults

A study by University of Illinois researchers links higher blood serum levels of lutein to better performance on crystallized intelligence tests in older adults. Participants with higher lutein levels also showed thicker gray matter in the parahippocampal cortex, a brain region associated with preserved cognitive function.

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.

Against the tide: A fish adapting quickly to lethal levels of pollution

Researchers found Atlantic killifish adapting to toxic pollutants due to high genetic variation, making them more resilient than other species. This study suggests that genetic diversity is key to evolutionary adaptation and could inform strategies for human sensitivity to environmental chemicals.

Researchers create new way to trap dangerous gases

A team of researchers at UT Dallas developed a new method for trapping gases within MOF structures, which can capture emissions from coal factories and vehicles. The discovery was made possible by introducing a molecule that sealed the outer surface of each MOF crystal, effectively trapping gases.

Brain shrinkage in multiple sclerosis associated with leaked protein in blood

Research finds that high levels of free haemoglobin in the blood are associated with increased brain shrinkage in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that treatments targeting haemoglobin levels, rather than iron, may be a more effective approach to slowing disease progression.

Water: Finding the normal within the weird

Researchers have figured out a way to study supercooled water in a deeply supercooled range, finding that liquid water can exist all the way down to subzero temperatures. They used a new technique to rapidly heat and cool nanoscale supercooled water films with a laser.

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.

New wheat crops as an alternative to a gluten-free diet

A new study analysing toxic components of various wheat varieties reveals that even ancient types can be toxic through specific epitopes. The research identifies potential breeding techniques to develop non-toxic wheat-based products suitable for coeliac patients, aiming to improve their quality of life.

The harmful effects of the aging Asian population on the economy

The study predicts a decline in annual per capita GDP growth rate of 0.21 percentage points due to population ageing, equivalent to a 7.6% drop in average income level over the 2015-2050 period. Population ageing also leads to increased government consumption and a slowdown in productivity growth, further reducing economic growth.

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.

Can you bounce water balloons off a bed of nails? Yes, says new study

A team of students has demonstrated that water-filled balloons can be made to bounce on a bed of nails, exhibiting similar behavior to tiny water droplets. The study, published in the European Journal of Physics, used large store-bought party balloons and recorded impacts at different velocities.

More parents funding college education contributes to income and wealth gap

A new study by a University of Kansas professor suggests that parental financial support for education is associated with higher socioeconomic outcomes, including income and wealth. Young adults from families in the top quarter of the wealth distribution received over eleven times more money for school than those in the bottom half.

Stimulator bypasses spine injury, helps patients move hands

The UCLA team implanted a spinal stimulator in a California man who broke his neck in a dirt-biking accident, showing early promise in returning hand strength and movement. The device bypasses the injury by training the spinal cord to find alternate pathways, allowing patients to regain mobility in their hands.

NASA communications network to double space station data rates

The Space Network will transmit double the data in a single second than it ever has before, supporting new instruments with greater data flow requirements. The upgrade enables an increase in scientific output from the International Space Station, allowing for more sophisticated experiments to be conducted.

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.

UC Davis joins national effort on links between health and exercise

The University of California, Davis, is part of a six-year, $170 million NIH project exploring the molecular changes caused by physical activity and their impact on health. Researchers will use rat models to study exercise physiology and analyze tissue samples from humans and animals.

New discovery may improve recovery after stroke

A new treatment strategy that creates new nerve synapses in the brain may improve recovery after stroke, allowing for faster learning and motor function recovery. The study found sustained improvement in mice treated with C3a peptide, which was administered through nasal drops.

New technique switches key biomolecules on and off

Researchers have developed a new technique to switch key biomolecules on and off, allowing them to study the effects of kinases as they work in living cells. This breakthrough could lead to the discovery of novel drug targets for cancer treatment.

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.

Study identifies why some people can smell asparagus in urine

A study found that 40% of participants could smell the distinct odor in their urine after eating asparagus, while 60% were unable to detect it. The researchers identified 871 genetic variants linked to asparagus anosmia and suggest future research on sense of smell receptors.

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.

Feeling grateful? No, thanks!

A new study by American University professor Anthony Ahrens reveals a surprising link between autonomy and gratitude. Individuals high in autonomy tend to experience less gratitude and value it less, suggesting that self-reliance may hinder social connections.

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.