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Science News Archive December 2016


Page 20 of 32

Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine and thiazolo[5,4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine

The synthesized compounds showed potent anticonvulsant activity in the MES test, with Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine being more effective than thiazolo[5,4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine. The log P values revealed a positive correlation with activity, with the most potent compound being benzothiazol-2-yl-(1H-indol-2-ylmethylene)-amine.

Why can't monkeys speak?

A computer model revealed monkeys could easily produce many different sounds, implying a basic form of spoken language could have evolved without changes in vocal anatomy. Monkeys' ability to vocalize was found to be unrelated to their speech capabilities.

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.

Martian mountains, manmade earthquake detection and more from the U at AGU

Researchers presented insights from the Curiosity rover's study of Mount Sharp on Mars, which helps reconstruct the geological history of the area. Additionally, they developed a method to distinguish between natural and manmade earthquakes using seismic wave characteristics. Furthermore, scientists observed gamma-ray bursts triggered ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA spots Tropical Cyclone Vardah's off-center strength

Tropical Cyclone Vardah showed strongest storms expanding west of its center, influenced by moderate vertical wind shear. The storm is expected to intensify and make landfall as a tropical storm south of Visakhapatnam, India, by December 12.

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.

Study finds capuchin monkeys produce sharp stone flakes similar to tools

Researchers have discovered that capuchin monkeys in Brazil produce sharp-edged conchoidal flakes with smooth rounded facets, resembling the shape of scallop shells. These unintentionally produced flakes exhibit identical characteristics and morphology to intentionally produced hominin tools, dating back to 2.6 million years ago.

Exploring the evolutionary history of the immune system

The study found that human ALOX15 has a higher capacity for producing anti-inflammatory lipid mediators than its lower primate counterparts. This suggests an evolution to better control inflammation and speed up the healing process.

Cloud formation: How feldspar acts as ice nucleus

Feldspar's unique surface defects enable ice crystals to grow, a discovery that sheds light on precipitation formation in clouds. The research found that microscopic edges and cracks on feldspar crystallites serve as active sites for ice nucleation.

Study examines how CEO power affects companies in times of crisis

A new study from UT Dallas finds that bestowing considerable power in the CEO does not create value for the firm during industrywide downturns. Concentrated power among CEOs leads to worse decision-making and a decrease in firm value, especially in competitive industries and high-discretion industries.

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.

Do cannabis dispensary staff receive sufficient training?

A new study found that only 20% of cannabis dispensary staff have medical or scientific training, despite recommending treatments to patients. The lack of training is concerning, as some recommendations may be ineffective and worsen patient conditions.

Ancient enzyme morphed shape to carry out new functions in humans

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that a human enzyme has evolved to change its shape and function without major architectural changes. This unique ability allows the enzyme to carry out new roles in humans, shedding light on diseases linked to mutations in aminoacyl tRNA synthetases.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cow gene study shows why most clones fail

A new study by researchers from the U.S. and France finds that multiple anomalies in gene expression, including failure to implant and placenta development, contribute to the high rate of pregnancy failure for cloned embryos. The study reveals critical developmental genes and hormonal signaling issues that lead to these failures.

NIH scientists develop new mouse model to study Salmonella meningitis

Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have established a new mouse model to study Salmonella meningitis. The model mimics the progression of the disease from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain, providing a new tool for investigating this potentially life-threatening illness.

Hydrogen from sunlight -- but as a dark reaction

Scientists have developed a biomimetic photosynthesis approach using graphitic carbon nitride material to store and release light-generated electrons for catalytic hydrogen production. This technology enables the production of storable solar fuels independent of solar irradiation intermittency.

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.

Oxytocin improves synchronization in leader-follower interaction

A study from Center for Music in the Brain found that oxytocin enhances synchrony in finger-tapping pairs, indicating improved social bonding and prediction skills. The hormone's role in facilitating predictability explains its social effect without subjective affiliation.

Dipole orientation: New dimension in super-resolution microscopy

A new polarization-dipole azimuth-based super-resolution technique has been proposed, addressing a long-standing debate on the role of fluorescence polarization in super-resolution imaging. The technique uses SDOM technology to improve spatial resolution and detection accuracy, revealing interesting findings in biological samples.

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.

WSU study finds people willing to pay more for new biofuels

Consumers in three US cities showed willingness to pay a premium of up to 17% for second-generation biofuels, which are made from sustainable biological non-food sources. The study found that marketing efforts could improve perceptions and increase consumer adoption.

Study examines potential effect of regular marijuana use on vision

A small study found an abnormality involving the retina that may account for altered vision in regular cannabis users. The study used pattern electroretinography to measure retinal ganglion cell function and found a significant delay in transmission of action potentials.

Metaphoring the police: It's all about the right choice of word

Experiments reveal that using the protective concept of 'guardian' instead of 'warrior' to describe police can influence people's attitudes towards law enforcement. Participants who saw the police as 'guardians' felt the justice system was more fair and effective than those who considered them 'warriors'.

Brain neurons help keep track of time

A novel analysis in mice reveals that dopamine neuron activity plays a key role in judgment of time, slowing down the internal clock. The study found that transient activation or inhibition of dopamine neurons was sufficient to slow down or speed up time estimation.

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.

Who needs a body? Not these larvae, which are basically swimming heads

Researchers at Stanford University studied a rare marine worm species, discovering that its larvae undergo a prolonged phase with little more than a head. This indicates that many animals in the ocean likely share this trunk-less stage, shedding light on animal development and evolution.

Shooting, gang violence exposure leads to PTSD

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a significant connection between exposure to gang violence and severe depression, with 36% of women exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research highlights the often-overlooked impact of traumatic experiences on mental health in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Soil pHertility

Researchers create a global map of soil pH, revealing an abrupt transition zone between acidic wet climates and alkaline dry climates. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as the ideal neutral range soils are found in areas like Iowa and Ukraine, which are intensively farmed.

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.

Researchers peer into atom-sized tunnels in hunt for better battery

Scientists have discovered that certain large ions can hold tunnels open in electrode materials, allowing charge-carrying ions to move in and out easily and quickly. This breakthrough could lead to improved energy density and power density of lithium ion batteries for larger devices such as electric cars.

Will Earth still exist 5 billion years from now?

Researchers observed L2 Puppis, a star similar to the Sun 5 billion years ago, to understand its evolution and potential impact on planets. A planet orbiting the giant star may offer clues about Earth's ultimate fate.

New method helps compare cholera vaccine costs

Researchers developed a standardized approach to analyze full costs of cholera vaccines in developing countries, revealing significant variability in costs. The analysis showed vaccine delivery costs ranging from $0.36 to $6.32 per person vaccinated, with procurement costs varying between $0.29 and $29.70.

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.

Healthy diet may help kidney disease patients live longer

A healthy diet has been linked to a reduced risk of early death in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study analyzed 7 studies involving 15,285 participants and found that healthy dietary patterns were consistently associated with a 20-30% lower rate of mortality.

Researchers create hidden images with commercial inkjet printers

Scientists developed a method to print hidden images with commercial inkjet printers that can be revealed only with specific illumination, making it ideal for security-related applications. The technique uses silver and carbon ink to create arrays of rods with varying conductivities, allowing for the encoding of information.

Trapdoor spiders disappearing from Australian landscape

A significant decline in trapdoor spider populations has been reported across southern Australia, with some areas showing almost complete absence of the species. The decline is linked to intensive land clearing and soil disturbance around their burrows.

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.

Smallpox, once thought an ancient disease, may have emerged in more recent times

Genetic analysis of ancient DNA reveals that the evolution of smallpox occurred far more recently than previously believed, with all available strains having an ancestor no older than 1580. Researchers found two circulating strains of the virus, variola major and minor, after English physician Edward Jenner developed a vaccine in 1796.

Anxiety measure for children with autism proven reliable

A new method devised by Drexel University professor Connor Kerns to diagnose anxiety symptoms in children with autism has been proven effective. The Autism Spectrum Addendum (ASA) adds new questions to the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule - Child/Parent, helping determine behaviors related to autism versus anxiety.

USDA announces $3.8 million for organics research

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has allocated $3.8 million for research, education, and extension to support organic farming and promote the growth of the organic sector. The grants aim to improve technologies, methods, and cultural practices in organic farming systems.

Contraception influences sexual desire in committed relationships

A new study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found a correlation between hormonal contraceptives used by women and their frequency of sex with partners. Women who used contraception with more progesterone were most sexually active when faithful and loyal to their partners.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study furthers research on protein involved in kidney disease

A study reveals that the liver is the primary source of Apol1, a protein linked to kidney disease, and finds a significant association between APOL1 gene variants and increased risk in individuals of recent African ancestry. The findings provide new insights into the biology of Apol1 and its potential role in health and disease.

Key regulator of bone development identified

Researchers at Penn State University have identified Speckle-type POZ Protein (Spop) as a key regulator of bone development. The study reveals that Spop positively regulates Hedgehog signaling during bone formation, leading to reduced bone density and brachydactyly-like symptoms.

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.

Jumping water striders know how to avoid breaking of the water surface

Researchers discovered that jumping water striders adjust their leg movements to prevent the water surface from breaking, allowing them to achieve maximum jump speeds. By studying the biomechanics of these near-vertical jumps, scientists built a mathematical model to explain the behavior and verified its predictions with actual data.