Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive December 2016


Page 16 of 32

Research identifies a molecular basis for common congenital brain defect

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered that sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) is required for the formation of cells that maintain normal flow of fluid out of the brain. The study found that deleting SNX27 causes hydrocephalus, and gave hope for potential non-surgical treatments.

Forming a second line of plant defense -- capturing disease-resistant DNA

Researchers have developed a new way to sequence and analyze plant DNA to identify genes that confer disease resistance. By using longer DNA molecules and a specialized sequencing method, they can accurately identify the exact genes responsible for plant defense mechanisms. This breakthrough has significant implications for breeding mo...

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.

First detection of boron on the surface of Mars

For the first time, boron has been identified on the surface of Mars, indicating potential for long-term habitable groundwater in the ancient past. The discovery was made using NASA's Curiosity rover's Chemistry and Camera instrument.

A look at the US cold snap from NASA infrared imagery

Cold Arctic air masses brought frigid temperatures to the US, with temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius detected at high altitudes. The air mass shifted east on Dec 9, impacting Ohio Valley and New England regions.

Follicular lymphoma: A tale of 2 cancers

Researchers uncover disparate evolutionary trajectories and mutational profiles driving follicular lymphoma's transformation and early progression. The study highlights key genes and biological processes associated with these events, offering a basis for future research on prognostic assays and treatment strategies.

2016 Eastern Analytical Symposium Award awarded to Sandy Dasgupta

Purnendu Dasgupta, a UTA chemistry professor, received the 2016 Eastern Analytical Symposium's highest award for his broad contributions to analytical chemistry. His research projects have had significant positive impact on human health and disease treatment, including dry blood spot analysis and implantable shunt flow monitoring.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How cytoplasmic DNA undergoes adaptation to avoid harmful mutations

Researchers found that cytoplasmic DNA can accumulate beneficial substitutions faster than free-living sexual genomes. Cytoplasmic genomes, including mitochondria and plastids, undergo adaptation due to uniparental inheritance and egg cell selection against faulty mitochondria.

Salmon, blue mussel, eider, and eel die from the same vitamin deficiency

Researchers at Stockholm University found thiamine deficiency in blue mussels, eiders, eels, salmon, and sea trout across the Pacific Ocean, North America, and northern Europe. The study reveals impaired health, reproduction, and behavior due to vitamin B1 deficiency, posing a significant threat to animal species extinction.

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.

College bowl games deliver $1.5 billion annual economic impact

The study measured the economic impact of post-season college football games, finding that the largest games had the greatest economic impact on host cities. The average economic impact ranged from $93.7 million for New Year's Six matchups to $12.6 million for Group of 5 vs. Group of 5 matches.

NASA provides 2 views of former Tropical Cyclone Vardah

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided detailed images of Tropical Cyclone Vardah's cloud cover and heavy rainfall rates before it made landfall. The storm weakened to a remnant low pressure area over southern India, bringing heavy rainfall warnings for affected regions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Broken shoulder leads to carpal tunnel syndrome surgery study

Researchers found that patients recovering from carpal tunnel release surgery can regain their pre-operative typing speed within two to three weeks. This recovery timeline allows patients to resume typing earlier, with some restrictions on prolonged use.

Sugar and sweeteners -- how do they affect our appetite?

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that healthy young men who consume sugar, Stevia, monk fruit, or aspartame-sweetened beverages do not experience a significant difference in overall energy intake. However, they did eat more after consuming natural non-nutritive sweeteners.

Studies probe value and impact of direct-to-consumer genetic testing

A large-scale prospective study has generated new insights into patient perceptions and experiences with direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Despite modest cancer risks, most customers did not change their diet, exercise, or screening habits. However, men who received elevated prostate cancer risk estimates changed their supplement use...

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.

Drug for narcolepsy could help food addicts lose weight

Scientists found that Modafinil, a narcolepsy drug, reduces impulsivity in people with food addiction. The study tested 60 men and found that those who took Modafinil had significantly reduced impulsive behavior, which can lead to weight loss.

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.

Improving school leadership is topic of guide for education officials

A new report by RAND Corporation offers guidance on promoting effective school leadership as a strategy for student achievement. The study synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness of school leadership interventions and identifies allowable activities under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Scientists examine 'perfect storms' fueling vast tropical biodiversity

Researchers integrate fossil data into theories to understand global patterns of biodiversity, finding that local and long-term factors work together in a 'perfect storm'. This approach helps explain the latitudinal diversity gradient, with the tropics having the greatest number and variety of species.

Therapy response in brain tumor cells is linked to disease prognosis

A study published in Cell Reports found that glioblastoma cells with different resistance levels to therapy and radiation are linked to disease outcomes. Researchers identified a continuum of cells with varying resistance levels, which may enable the development of targeted therapies.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Measuring radiation damage on the fly

Researchers developed a method to continuously assess the aging of materials in high-radiation environments, speeding up testing and reducing material replacement. Transient grating spectroscopy induces acoustic waves that reveal subsurface defects, allowing for real-time monitoring without physical contact.

Newly revealed amino acid function could be used to boost antioxidant levels

A Japanese research team has found that 2-aminobutyric acid (2-AB) can effectively increase glutathione levels in the body, a major antioxidant component. The study suggests that 2-AB could be used as a biomarker for early detection of oxidative stress and potentially treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and heart failure.

Pessimists -- you aren't alone in feeling down

A new study by UC Riverside psychology professor Kate Sweeny found that optimists and pessimists alike brace for the worst when waiting for uncertain news, with no significant differences between the two groups. This challenges the common assumption that optimists are immune to anxiety and pessimism.

NIH awards aim to understand molecular changes during physical activity

The NIH Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity in Humans Program aims to develop a comprehensive map of molecular changes triggered by physical activity. Researchers will collect samples from diverse populations and analyze them to identify targeted exercise recommendations for better health outcomes.

Pokémon Go moderately improves physical activity among adults

A study found that playing Pokémon Go increased daily steps by 955 additional steps in the first week, equivalent to half of the WHO's recommendation for physical activity per week. However, this effect was not sustained beyond six weeks of game playing.

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.

Teen substance use shows promising decline

The 2016 Monitoring the Future survey reveals a significant decline in teen substance use, particularly among eighth graders, with past year use of any illicit drug at its lowest ever. Marijuana use also shows a promising trend, with past month rates dropping to 5.4% among eighth graders.

Drugs from nature: Big effects of multiple compounds in small amounts

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered a class of peptides that can kill insect larvae, producing up to four times more compounds than previously thought possible. The peptides, known as rhabdopeptide/xenortide peptides (RXPs), are produced by bacteria and play a crucial role in infection.

Breakup of supercontinent Pangea cooled mantle and thinned crust

The breakup of supercontinent Pangea led to a significant decrease in oceanic crust thickness, with the oldest crust being about one mile thicker than modern-day crust. This is attributed to the cooling of the Earth's interior and the exposure of deeper mantle to the atmosphere and oceans.

Your left hand knows what your right hand is doing

A study published in Cell Reports found that training participants to use their non-dominant hand by tricking their brain through virtual reality showed significant improvements in motor skills. The researchers used fMRI scans to track brain activity, which was correlated with improved performance.

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.

Insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome

Insulin resistance is a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of PCOS, leading to metabolic abnormalities and clinical burden. Lifestyle changes and specific medications can improve insulin sensitivity, but personalized treatment approaches are essential.

Anti-tumor effect of novel plasma medicine caused by lactate

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a cold plasma-activated Ringer's solution that exhibits anti-tumor effects, attributed to the lactate component. The solution triggers cell death through increased intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels, suggesting a potential specific tumor therapy.

Mass oyster die-off in San Francisco related to atmospheric rivers

A study by UC Davis and NERR found that atmospheric rivers contributed to a mass die-off of wild Olympia oysters in north San Francisco Bay in 2011. The event was caused by low salinity from freshwater discharge into the bay, highlighting the impact of extreme weather events on coastal ecosystems.

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.

How organizations can boost charitable giving

A new study from the University at Buffalo School of Management found that setting a low suggested donation amount increases the total number of donations, while a high default amount increases the average amount donors give. Nonprofit directors can use this information to tailor their messaging and potentially raise more money.

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.

'Western' maternal diet appears to raise obesity risk in offspring

Researchers found that a typical American diet increased the likelihood of obesity in offspring, even if mothers maintained a healthy weight. The study identified key biomarkers for detecting obesity risk, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to discuss nutrition with pregnant women.

Battery research reaching out to higher voltages

Researchers have developed a new battery test cell allowing them to investigate anionic and cationic reactions separately. This innovation could lead to the creation of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries with improved energy density, reducing the need for multiple charging cycles and minimizing gas formation.

Can't smell asparagus pee? Is Pokémon GO good exercise?

Researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School found that 58% of men and 62% of women of European descent cannot smell the unpleasant odor present in urine after eating asparagus. In contrast, players of Pokémon GO showed a moderate increase in physical activity for six weeks after game installation, but this effect diminished over time.

Brain structure best explains our dwindling tolerance of risk

Researchers found grey matter volume in a specific brain region drives risk aversion, contradicting the assumption that age is the primary factor. The study's results have significant implications for understanding decision-making in aging populations and their impact on society.

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.

Workplace fun is fundamental for learning on the job

A study found that having fun at work is significantly related to informal learning, which includes unstructured forms of learning. Fun activities supported by management enhance wellbeing and create a safe environment for learning. Managers' support for fun matters more than their support for learning.

Lunar sonic booms

Scientists studying lunar sonic booms hope to answer whether mini shock waves on the moon are being generated by protons in the solar wind colliding with pockets of magnetic fields. The findings come from NASA's ARTEMIS mission, which has gathered high-fidelity measurements of the shock waves.

Sleep helps process traumatic experiences

A study by the University of Zurich found that sleep after a traumatic event can significantly reduce recurring emotional memories and distress. This non-invasive approach may provide an important early prevention strategy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Mutations acquired trans-Pacific may be key to changes in Zika severity

Researchers analyzed genetic sequences of the virus and found specific mutations that occurred as it crossed the Pacific Ocean, suggesting new hypotheses for its association with microcephaly and GBS. The analysis also revealed potential relationships between viral infection and severe symptoms in adults and infants.

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.