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Science News Archive December 2016


Page 28 of 32

First detection of ammonia in the upper troposphere

Researchers detected high concentrations of ammonia in the upper troposphere over the Asian monsoon, suggesting a significant role in aerosol formation and potential cooling effect on the atmosphere. The findings provide new insights into the vertical distribution of atmospheric ammonia.

No peeking: Humans play computer game using only direct brain stimulation

University of Washington researchers demonstrate humans playing a simple two-dimensional computer game using only input from direct brain stimulation. The subjects navigated mazes with improved accuracy when receiving guidance via phosphene stimulation, suggesting potential for encoding novel information into the human brain.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Visual biases near the hands help us perform specific actions

Learning to grasp an object with the backs of the hands increased sensitivity to motion near the hands, while finger-tips precision grasp enhanced spatial detail perception near the hands. These findings suggest that vision is tuned for action and visual biases adapt to recent experiences.

Political left, right both inspired by utopian hopes

A new study from the University of Illinois at Chicago finds that people on both the left and right are motivated by promoting their preferred future, rather than fear of non-preferred policies. This moral investment leads to increased activism behaviors such as voting, donating, and volunteering.

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.

Jeffrey Lieberman given the ACNP Julius Axelrod Mentorship Award

Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman has been recognized by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) with the Julius Axelrod Mentorship Award for his significant contributions to neuropsychopharmacology. He is a leading researcher and national leader in psychiatry, having trained a generation of clinical and translational researchers.

PNNL supports White House efforts on soil

The Department of Energy's PNNL is conducting two ongoing research efforts exploring the properties of soil. MinT initiative focuses on microbes in soil, while IPASS studies fundamental processes affecting carbon, nitrogen and water through plant ecosystems.

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.

Simple steps lengthen lives of high-risk AML patients

High-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients can live longer with quicker identification and transplantation. Researchers found that rapidly identifying genetic mutations and matching donors increased two-year survival rates from 22% to 45%. The streamlined approach could establish a new standard of care for these patients.

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.

'Shock and kill' strategy for curing HIV may endanger patients' brains

A new study on simian immunodeficiency virus in macaques suggests that a proposed curative strategy could cause harmful brain inflammation if the virus is present in the brain. The 'shock and kill' treatment approach, which aims to wipe out infected cells, may have unintended consequences.

Legendary Chesapeake scientist Walter Boynton awarded Mathias Medal

Walter Boynton, a renowned Chesapeake Bay scientist, has been awarded the Mathias Medal for his groundbreaking research on nutrient pollution and its impact on the Bay's ecosystem. His work has informed environmental policy and contributed to the development of management plans that have improved water quality.

Making spines from sea water

Sea urchins and microorganisms have been found to 'drink' seawater, extracting calcium ions through a network of bubbles within their cells. This method may be more energy-efficient than previous theories, but also presents challenges in manipulating ions in the sea water.

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.

Kids' restaurant menu items often include excess calories

A new study found that most kids' menu items at top restaurants exceed the recommended calorie count, with fried potatoes being the most excessive. Experts recommend adjusting portion sizes and menus to meet children's needs, providing an opportunity for restaurants to promote healthier options and reduce childhood obesity.

Leukemia drug combo is encouraging in early Phase I clinical trial

A combination therapy of thioguanine and decitabine has shown promising results in a small Phase I clinical trial for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Eight out of 12 patients responded to the treatment, including six who achieved complete remission.

Even moderate, habitual alcohol consumption can cause irregular heartbeat

A new review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that even moderate and habitual alcohol consumption can cause irregular heartbeat. The study analyzed data from nearly 900,000 people over 12 years and reported an 8% increase in risk for every alcoholic drink consumed per day.

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.

ALMA measures size of seeds of planets

Researchers have measured the size of dust particles around a young star for the first time, achieving a precise size measurement through radio-wave polarization. The estimated size of the dust particles is at most 150 micrometers, which is more than 10 times smaller than previously thought.

Parenting classes benefit all, especially lower-income families

A new study from Oregon State University suggests that parenting education can improve the skills of every parent and the behavior of all children. The study found that parenting education series serving predominantly lower-income parents resulted in greater improvements in their skills and their children's behaviors compared to series...

Female lemurs with color vision provide advantages for their group

Researchers found that trichromat females have higher body mass indices and increased infant survival rates among their group members. This suggests a selective advantage for trichromatic females in providing nutrition and care to their offspring during times of food scarcity.

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.

How plants manage excess solar energy

Scientists have found that the UVR8 receptor in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii activates a safety valve to dissipate excess energy as heat. The study reveals a second protective role of these receptors, producing an anti-UV 'sunscreen'.

No safe level of smoking

A study of over 290,000 adults found that even low-intensity smokers had a significantly higher risk of earlier death than never smokers. The risk was particularly strong for lung cancer mortality, with low-intensity smokers experiencing nearly 9 times the risk of dying from lung cancer.

Drug combination yields results in patients with forms of leukemia or lymphoma

A phase 1 clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of a combination of two targeted agents, ibrutinib and TGR-1202, in treating relapsed or hard-to-treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The regimen showed promising results, with one patient achieving complete remission.

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.

New study to investigate role of sleep in chronic pain

A Washington State University-led study explores the relationship between sleep and chronic pain, with the goal of developing new treatments. The research aims to understand which comes first: pain or poor sleep, and whether improving sleep can alleviate pain symptoms.

Early treatment may prevent progression to multiple myeloma

Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that an immunotherapy-based drug combination can prevent progression of high-risk 'smoldering' multiple myeloma, causing tumor shrinkage in 82.6% of patients. The treatment was well-tolerated with low toxicities and resulted in remission for many patients.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Genetic memory of starvation may curtail lifespan of men

Researchers discovered a correlation between starvation and shortened telomere lengths in men born after the mass famine of the early 1920s. The team found that these shorter telomeres were stable in ensuing generations, suggesting a potential impact on male lifespan.

Researchers study sea spray to improve hurricane intensity forecasting

A University of Miami research team analyzed sea spray droplets generated from breaking waves and found that the amount of large droplets is 1000 times more than previously thought. This information can be applied to hurricane models to improve intensity predictions, aiding in people's safety.

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.

Immunotherapy shows promise in preventing leukemia relapse

A group of 12 high-risk acute myeloid leukemia patients who received genetically engineered immune cells are still in remission after over two years. The treatment was successful in recognizing and destroying cancer cells, with no relapse observed in this cohort.

Association between steps, functional decline in older hospitalized patients

A new research letter published online by JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that walking fewer than 900 steps per day is associated with hospitalization-associated functional decline in older hospitalized patients. The study included 177 older patients who walked less than 900 steps per day, with 55.4% experiencing functional decline.

Medical glue is the clue to reducing IV drip failure

Researchers have found that using medical skin glue can significantly reduce IV drip failure rates due to infection, pain, blockage or falling out. By reducing the need for replacement, doctors can save staff time and free up valuable healthcare resources.

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.

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.

Study examines the impact of climate change on freshwater species

A study examines the impact of climate change on freshwater species in New South Wales, Australia. At least a third of species are likely to lose more than half their range under climate change. The researchers hope that better communicating modeling uncertainty can inform adaptive management and balance risks.

Report reassesses variations in global warming

Experts reassess temperature trends, finding that global warming slowed less from 1998 to 2012, peaking in 2016 at a level around 1.5ºC above its level early in the Industrial Revolution. Global temperatures remain high due to exceptionally low sea-ice extent in both hemispheres.

Three new ASCB celldance video awards take you inside living cells

The latest ASCB celldance videos offer an immersive look at living cells through powerful imaging technologies. The three selected labs showcased their research using innovative storytelling methods, including spoken word and animation. The videos provide a glimpse into the intricate cellular dance of life.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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