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Science News Archive December 2016


Page 26 of 32

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What happens in the cell nucleus after fertilization

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München found a mechanism controlling cell division after fertilization, allowing for diverse cellular development. The study reveals that the molecule Suv4-20h2 attaches methyl groups to histones, arresting cell progression and enabling totipotency.

Blood-brain barrier on a chip sheds new light on 'silent killer'

Researchers developed a microfluidic device that overcomes previous models of the blood-brain barrier, allowing for study of brain inflammation and its link to neurodegenerative conditions. The device was successfully tested with flying colors, paving the way for use in testing new drugs and compounds.

Bacterial mechanism converts nitrogen to greenhouse gas

Researchers at Cornell University discovered a biological mechanism that converts nitrogen-based fertilizer into nitrous oxide, increasing atmospheric levels by 120%. The enzyme cytochrome P460 produced in ammonia-oxidizing bacteria leads to nitrous oxide production as a chemical coping strategy.

Do cannabis users think package warnings are needed?

A study found that cannabis users in Australia recommended package warnings that focused on driving ability, mental health, and addiction risk, mirroring some expert warnings. However, users also suggested unconventional warnings not typically recommended by experts, highlighting the need for caution in packaging cannabis products.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Unlocking a liver receptor puzzle

Researchers at Emory Health Sciences have made a breakthrough in understanding how diabetes drugs interact with LRH-1, a protein that regulates metabolism of fat and sugar. The study found that small changes to compounds can significantly impact their binding pocket interaction.

Unique strain of lactic acid bacteria in Buryat milk is found

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have isolated a unique strain of lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis 194, from Buryat milk that possesses a wide range of antimicrobial action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The strain also shows antifungal properties, making it a promising candida...

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.

Speed data for the brain's navigation system

Researchers found that specific cells in the medial septum fire at higher rates when a mouse moves faster, influencing activity in the brain's navigation center. This 'speedometer cell' data bus relays speed information to the entorhinal cortex, essential for spatial orientation.

An amino acid controls plants' breath

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science discovered that amino acid L-methionine activates calcium channels in plant guard cells, regulating stomatal opening and closing. This process is crucial for maintaining adequate intracellular calcium levels in plants, essential for growth and breathing.

GeroScope -- a computer method to beat aging

The GeroScope algorithm identified 10 substances with potential geroprotector properties, including PD-98059 and NAC. The study suggests that computer modeling can significantly reduce the time and cost of developing new drugs.

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.

School shootings less likely in states with background checks on gun purchases

Research found that US school shootings were lower in states with mandatory background checks on gun purchases and higher spending on mental health services and public education. The study analyzed media coverage of school shootings between 2013-2015, finding a link between state-level factors and the frequency of these incidents.

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.

Obesity: Tiny fat-burning molecule might help fight giant problem

A small molecule could provide a new therapeutic approach to fighting excessive weight gain in cases where diets or exercise have no effect. The research team found that blocking a specific protein promotes gene expression of the protein that burns calories and prevents fat gain.

NASA measures altitudes of Hawaii's rain, snow

NASA analyzed Hawaii's heavy snowfall using GPM satellite data, finding precipitation rates exceeding 9.3 inches per hour in intense storms. The average freezing level was determined to be around 14,127 feet, with slopes reaching as low as 12,795 feet.

Hispanic adults with diabetes could benefit from peer support interventions

A MU study found that Hispanic adults with diabetes experienced significant improvements in blood sugar levels through peer support interventions. The meta-analysis of 17 randomized control trials suggests that these interventions can be an effective way to improve glycemic control and health education for minority patients.

Illinois researchers discover hot hydrogen atoms in Earth's upper atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered hot atomic hydrogen atoms in the thermosphere, a layer of the atmosphere above 250 kilometers. This finding contradicts previous assumptions and has significant implications for understanding atmospheric escape and the behavior of satellites in low Earth orbit.

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.

Infrastructure data for everyone

Researchers at Technical University of Munich are collecting infrastructure data via an open source platform using crowdsourcing. The OpenGridMap app allows volunteers to map wind turbines, solar power plants, transformer sub-stations and power lines, generating a denser network of verified grids.

Martin Katz given the ACNP Paul Hoch Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Martin M. Katz has been recognized with the ACNP Paul Hoch Distinguished Service Award for his over 50 years of dedication to the organization and its mission. He made significant contributions to the theoretical understanding of antidepressant mechanisms, serving on key committees and editing notable publications.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Combination immune therapy shows promise against Hodgkin lymphoma

A combination of brentuximab vedotin and nivolumab has been found to be safe and effective in treating recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma, with 64% of patients experiencing significant tumor reduction. The therapy has manageable side effects and shows promise as an alternative curative regimen for relapsed disease.

Fast evolution affects everyone, everywhere

Research highlights how humans impact the evolution of other species, leading to rapid changes in a few years to decades. Examples include commercial fishing, invasive species, and urbanization, which drive evolutionary adaptations.

Prehistoric plant remains highlight diverse origins of cereal domestication

Researchers uncover regional diversity in plant species exploited during Pre-Pottery Neolithic A, challenging previous assumptions about the importance of cereals. The study suggests that legumes played a crucial role in eastern Fertile Crescent regions and contributed to chronological dissimilarities in cereal domestication.

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.

David H. Yang to receive 2017 AMS-MAA-SIAM Morgan Prize

David H. Yang, an MIT undergraduate, has been awarded the 2017 AMS-MAA-SIAM Morgan Prize for his exceptional research in algebraic geometry and geometric representation theory. Yang's work has been recognized for its excellence, with three papers published or in preparation in prominent mathematical journals.

New telescope chip offers clear view of alien planets

A new optical chip enables astronomers to capture clear images of exoplanets near their host sun, overcoming the challenge of intense solar brightness. This breakthrough technology uses an interferometer to cancel out sunlight and detect fainter planet light, paving the way for discovering planets with conditions suitable for life.

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.

Designer switches of cell fate could streamline stem cell biology

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a novel approach to reprogram cells from one type to another using artificial transcription factors. This method enables efficient and unbiased conversion of cells, paving the way for faster research and potential therapeutic applications.

Double whammy for triple negative breast cancer

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a promising new combination therapy for triple negative breast cancer, which inhibits tumor growth and survival while preventing drug resistance. The therapy targets EGFR and PYK2 molecules, leading to a more potent therapeutic effect than inhibiting either molecule alone.

Past misdeeds haunt relationships when they feel recent, study finds

A new study finds that recalling past misdeeds during conflicts can be detrimental to relationships, even if no one mentions them. Those with high attachment anxiety are especially prone to thinking about past transgressions in the present, leading to more destructive reactions and poor relationship outcomes.

Global public health advocates open new fronts in war on tobacco

Public health advocates from around the world are using various tactics to reduce tobacco company influence, including pension fund reform and smoke-free legislation. Efforts have shown positive impacts on public health, such as a 13% decrease in all-cause mortality in Ireland.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Neolithic Syrians were first to domesticate cereals

Researchers discovered evidence of cereal domestication at Tell Qarassa North archaeological site, revealing advanced farming communities and varying domestication rates across regions. The study provides crucial insights into the origins of agriculture and its impact on human societies.

Confirmation of Wendelstein 7-X magnetic field

The W7-X stellarator in Germany has produced high-quality magnetic fields consistent with its complex design, achieving an error rate of less than one part in 100,000. This finding could be a key step toward verifying the feasibility of stellarators as models for future fusion reactors.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Syrian crisis altered region's land and water resources, Stanford study finds

A Stanford study found that the Syrian civil war caused a significant decrease in agricultural irrigation and reservoir storage in Syria, with irrigation land decreasing by 47% and reservoir storage dropping by 49%. This reduction has led to increased flow in neighboring countries like Jordan, exacerbating water scarcity issues.

An eye on young specialists' success

A recent study by Queen's University researcher Dr. Robert Campbell found that young ophthalmologists are struggling to secure practice opportunities after total provincial surgical rates plateaued in Ontario. The study suggests a pressing need for effective career counselling and policy changes to address the issue.

Stereochemistry: Self-amplifying selectivity

Researchers have developed a catalyst that flexibly molds reaction product handedness, ensuring correct enantiomeric form. The system's self-amplifying action enhances stereoselectivity with each cycle, holding promise for biologically active compounds and new insights into biological systems.

3-D solutions to energy savings in silicon power transistors

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new method to scale down the size of silicon insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), achieving significant energy savings through reduced ON resistance. By reducing mesa width, gate length, and oxide thickness, they increased the injection enhancement effect and decrease...

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.

Why the flounder is flat

A team of researchers has identified the genetic mechanisms driving the metamorphosis that transforms flounders from symmetrical larvae to asymmetrical adults. The discovery sheds new light on an evolutionary puzzle, but also has practical implications for the fishing industry, which faces significant losses in flounder aquaculture.

Protecting babies from eczema with low-cost Vaseline

A Northwestern University study found that applying petroleum jelly to high-risk newborns can prevent eczema, a costly skin disorder. The cost benefit of prophylactic moisturization was $353 per quality-adjusted life year, making it an affordable option.

Small but mighty: Tiny proteins with big roles in biology

Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a microprotein involved in clearing out genetic material that's no longer needed, shedding light on gene regulation and mRNA recycling. The discovery highlights the importance of overlooked microproteins and their potential role in disease.