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Science News Archive December 2016


Page 17 of 32

How hearing loss can change the way nerve cells are wired

Researchers at the University of Buffalo discovered that short-term hearing loss can cause auditory nerve cells to change their behavior and shape. The study found that these changes are related to neurotransmitters, with cells depleting their reserves and decreasing vesicle storage space when it's quiet.

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.

Bullying makes men leave the labor market

Research from Aarhus University and University of Copenhagen finds that workplace bullying leads to men leaving labor market and affecting their salaries. Men are more likely to leave the job than women who take sick leaves after being bullied.

Rings around young star suggest planet formation in progress

Researchers have mapped gases in three dark rings around a distant star, indicating the presence of planets that are clearing dust and gas from the outer rings. However, one inner ring remains mysterious, with more carbon monoxide than expected, leaving scientists to investigate alternative explanations for its formation.

Public willing to pay to reduce toxic algae -- but maybe not enough

Researchers found three key agricultural management plans to curb toxic algae blooms and discovered that Ohio residents are willing to help pay for these practices. However, the funding gap for implementing these plans is significant, with farmers already adopting only 20% of necessary practices.

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.

Mitigating the risk of geoengineering

Researchers have identified an aerosol, calcite, that can counter ozone loss while reflecting light and cooling the planet. The discovery aims to mitigate the risks of solar geoengineering by neutralizing sulfuric acid emissions.

Nutrition program improves food stamp family's food security

A nutrition education program in Indiana improved food security for participating families by 25%, according to a Purdue University study. The program, SNAP-Ed, teaches practical ways to stretch food dollars while eating nutritiously, with lessons focusing on maximizing the food budget and nutritional components.

Leibniz Prize awarded to RNA researcher Jörg Vogel

Jörg Vogel, a leading RNA researcher, has been awarded the €2.5m Leibniz Prize for his seminal contribution to understanding regulatory RNA molecules in infection biology. His research could lead to new ways to fight pathogens.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Worm treatment strategy could benefit millions of kids

A landmark study shows treating adults alongside children with intestinal worms can improve health outcomes for millions of kids worldwide. The research suggests a community-wide deworming approach is more effective than targeting only children.

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.

Rare obesity syndrome therapeutic target identified

A deficiency of prohormone covertase (PC1) in the brain is linked to most neuro-hormonal abnormalities in Prader-Willi syndrome. The discovery provides insight into molecular mechanisms underlying the syndrome, highlighting a novel target for drug therapy.

Insufficient evidence to support use of homeopathy in livestock

A comprehensive review of homeopathy in livestock found that many clinical trials have methodological limitations, making it difficult to draw conclusions about its effectiveness. The review suggests that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using homeopathy in food-producing animals.

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.

Young professionals speak out on achieving equity in pediatrics

A recent publication from the Medica Research Institute highlights the need for addressing workforce disparities in pediatrics. Young investigators and seasoned researchers discuss key challenges, such as racism and discrimination, and offer guidance on career development and mentorship.

Researchers identify mental health screening tools, barriers for Latino children

A new study identifies four culturally sensitive mental health screening tools that can be used by pediatricians to screen Latino children. The tools assess emotional and behavioral problems and are available in Spanish, with one including pictorial cues. The researchers hope that these tools will increase primary care pediatricians' c...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Winds of rubies and sapphires strike the sky of giant planet

Researchers have discovered powerful changing winds on a gas giant planet, HAT-P-7b, which is 16 times larger than Earth and orbits a star 50% more massive and twice as large as the Sun. The planet's atmosphere is affected by strong winds moving across the planet, leading to catastrophic storms.

Physician volume affects outpatient care

A population-based cohort study found that primary care physicians with higher ambulatory volumes deliver lower-quality diabetes care, while those with higher diabetes-specific volumes provide better care. The study's results suggest a clear association between physician volume and quality of diabetes management.

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 reveals extent of human threat to lion populations

Two studies led by Oxford University scientists found that human activities caused 88% of male lion deaths in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. The research highlights the risks faced by lions when they enter farmland or hunting areas, and the need for improved trophy hunting management to protect populations.

The sea roils and life returns

After the 2011 tsunami, Japanese researchers found that small fish with short lifespans recovered first, followed by larger fish with longer lifespans, stabilizing populations and increasing body lengths. The study also discovered a brief invasion period, but ultimately, cold-water species began to prey on invading species.

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.

Anti-tumor synergy

Researchers have developed biocompatible nanocapsules that transport glucose oxidase and L-arginine into tumor cells, starving them of nutrients while releasing toxic nitrogen monoxide. This synergistic treatment concept successfully inhibits cell growth, initiates cell death, and shrinks tumors in mice.

New epilepsy gene network identified by scientists

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a gene network of 320 genes associated with epilepsy. The M30 network is thought to be involved in how brain cells communicate with each other and its malfunction triggers seizures. Finding medications that restore this network could provide new treatments for the condition.

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.

Faster (cheaper) method for making big bioactive ring molecules

Researchers create single-step synthesis of cyclic depsipeptides in large sizes, up to 60 atoms, with controlled size distribution. The new process enables efficient production of bioactive molecules for various applications, including antibiotics and pesticides.

New robot has a human touch

A team of researchers at Cornell University has created a soft robotic hand that can sense its surroundings through internal curvature, elongation, and force sensors. The hand uses stretchable optical waveguides to detect changes in light transmission, allowing it to grasp and probe objects with human-like sensitivity.

Direct observation of graphene decoupling on Cu(111)

Researchers successfully separate graphene from metal growth substrates using a novel transfer method. The study reveals the role of graphene nanoribbon edges in weakening the pre-elongated O-O bond at the graphene-Cu interface.

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.

'Rewired' cells show promise for targeted cancer therapy

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to 'rewire' human immune cells to sense and respond to tumor signals, potentially overcoming immunosuppression in cancer treatment. The customized function could also be useful in fighting other diseases.

NIH funds $2 million study of caregivers of relatives with bipolar disorder

A new NIH-funded study aims to test ways family members can maintain their health while caring for relatives with bipolar disorder. Researchers will match caregivers with tailored self-management techniques, including breathing exercises and training in self-help skills, to reduce stress and improve overall health.

New anode material set to boost lithium-ion battery capacity

Researchers developed a new type of anode material that improves lithium-ion battery capacity and lifespan by addressing structural issues with conventional graphite anodes. The new material, using silicon-nanolayer-embedded graphite/carbon, shows superior battery performances and is mass-producible.

The antibody that normalizes tumor vessels

Researchers discovered an antibody that normalizes tumor blood vessels, reducing volume and improving anti-cancer drug delivery. The antibody, ABTAA, restores vascular integrity in breast, lung, and brain tumors, leading to better oxygen supply and reduced metastasis.

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.

What satellites can tell us about how animals will fare in a changing climate

Satellite observations help scientists forecast impacts of habitat changes on animal populations. Studies predict a 30 percent drop in the global polar bear population over the next 35 years due to sea ice loss. Satellite data also indicate that droughts in North America will affect migratory herbivores and their predators.

Researchers explain why feather shafts change shape when under stress

The study reveals that the square shape provides greater rigidity and higher resistance to ovalization and buckling than a hollow round shape of the same weight. This unique adaptation enables birds to fly with optimized stiffness and lightness, inspiring advanced engineering designs.

Distant phenomena influence climate in South America

Research highlights the role of oceans in climate variability and how year-to-year weather variations are impacted by anthropogenic factors. The study suggests that reduced predictability will hinder seasonal weather forecasts, affecting agriculture and energy sectors.

Reseracher finds 'identity loan' common in undocumented workers

A new study by University of Colorado Denver researcher Sarah Horton challenges common portrayals of identity theft in workplaces dominated by undocumented immigrants. Many employers furnish workers with invented or borrowed work authorization documents, a practice she has termed 'identity loan'. This study highlights the active role e...

Sawdust reinvented into super sponge for oil spills

Researchers at PNNL have chemically modified sawdust to make it exceptionally oil-attracting and buoyant. The material absorbs up to five times its weight in oil and stays afloat for at least four months, ideal for cleaning oil spills in the Arctic.

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.

Remote sensing is becoming increasingly important in biodiversity research

The article discusses the importance of remote sensing in biodiversity research, highlighting its potential to measure biological diversity, identify species, and track ecosystem processes. However, field studies are still necessary to provide crucial information on ecological potency, stress behavior, and adaptability.

$1.125 million NCI grant funds TGen-led boot camp for cancer doctors

The NCI grant supports the Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop, a one-week boot camp for new oncologists taught by Dr. Daniel Von Hoff and leading experts. The program helps train clinical researchers to improve cancer clinical trial design, increasing the number of effective interventions available to patients worldwide.

Integrated approach vital for fisheries management

A new study reveals that overfishing can lead to evolutionary changes in fish populations, adapting them to mature earlier and at smaller sizes. The researchers found a combination of density dependence and life-history evolution likely responsible for observed changes in fish size.

New laser scanning test to assess fire-damaged concrete

Researchers at University of Nottingham have developed a new laser scanning test to assess fire-damaged concrete structural safety. The technique uses terrestrial laser scanning to detect damage and provides an accurate assessment of the material's strength changes when heated to elevated temperatures.

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.

Arthur Benjamin to receive 2017 JPBM Communications Award for Public Outreach

Arthur Benjamin will receive the 2017 JPBM Communications Award for Public Outreach, recognizing his work in sharing mathematics with general audiences through books, TED talks, and performances. His unique blend of math and magic has engaged audiences worldwide, making him a renowned teacher, writer, and performer.

Bed bug education program promotes awareness, prevention in schools

A collaborative group of insect scientists, educators, and professionals created a Bed Bugs and Book Bags curriculum to educate teachers and children about bed bugs. The program, available for free, includes hands-on activities and learning topics to promote awareness and prevention.