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Science News Archive December 2016


Page 5 of 32

Live cell imaging using a smartphone

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a cost-effective method for live cell imaging using smartphones, enabling laboratories worldwide to study cellular responses to treatments. The innovative system utilizes 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf electronics, providing excellent cell culture conditions and high-resolution imaging.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New approach captures the energy of slow motion

A new concept harnesses low-frequency mechanical energy to generate electricity, improving performance at lower frequencies than existing devices. The device, called an ionic diode, operates at one-tenth Hertz and has a higher peak power density compared to piezoelectric generators.

Food supplement may be key to treatment of rare disease

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that phosphatidylserine treatment can enhance the stability of microtubular highways in neurons and improve cargo movement along these pathways. The study suggests that this supplement may be instrumental in reversing detrimental effects of Familial Dysautonomia.

Fish sperm race for reproductive success

Researchers found that dominant Arctic char produce sperm swimming faster in diluted ovarian fluid, while subordinate males produce faster-swimming sperm in water. These adaptations may give them an edge in competition for mates.

Study examines melanoma incidence, death

A new study reports an estimated 76,380 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2016, with current lifetime risk being 1 in 54 for invasive melanoma. The overall burden of disease is increasing, with rising rates and higher mortality rates, exceeding the previous estimate of 10,130 deaths

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.

Rejuvenating the brain's disposal system

A new tissue culture system has revealed that microglia from aged brains are engulfing amyloid plaques on site, with young microglia secreting factors to rejuvenate older cells. The discovery highlights a potential strategy for removing amyloid plaques and improving cognition in Alzheimer's disease.

Graphene able to transport huge currents on the nano scale

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology demonstrated that graphene can transport extremely high currents when impacted by highly charged xenon ions. The material's rapid electronic response allows it to withstand extreme currents without damage, making it a promising candidate for ultra-fast electronics applications.

Nanoarray sniffs out and distinguishes multiple diseases

A team of scientists has created a device that screens breath samples to classify and diagnose several types of diseases, including kidney cancer and Parkinson's disease. The breathalyzer uses an array of nanoscale sensors to detect unique volatile chemical components in exhaled breath.

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.

A fertilizer dearth foiled animal evolution for eons?

A 3.5-billion-year-old phosphorus surplus coincided with the emergence of complex life on Earth, suggesting a key role in animal evolution. The discovery was made by analyzing sedimentary rock records from ancient coastal zones.

New Special Issue on digestive tumors in Latin America

The new Special Issue addresses topics in epidemiology, basic science, and policy, providing reliable information on digestive cancers in Latin America. Key findings include the rising incidence of gastric cancer and the need for awareness, with five articles from experts in the region.

Watching water freeze (video)

A team of scientists from France has developed a method to visualize ice crystals in three dimensions as they grow, providing new insights into their formation process. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis, the researchers can capture rapid images of ice crystals growing and measure their expansion rates.

Fewer children per man than per woman

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that German men have fewer children than women and have them later in life. Eastern Germany's male birthrate is particularly low due to a surplus of men in reproductive age.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Challenges remain in HIV care in Africa

A new study highlights the difficult decisions healthcare providers face when treating HIV-positive patients with seizures, where medication options are limited. Seizures are a common symptom in advanced stage HIV, affecting up to 11% of those undiagnosed and untreated.

Store and supply: How the brain saves time

Neurons in the brain store immature RNA copies that are pre-manufactured and only need splicing upon stimulation, significantly reducing production time and enabling rapid adaptation. This discovery reveals a new regulatory mechanism for brain plasticity processes.

New drug could help prevent artery disease in high-risk patients

Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have identified a protein inhibitor drug that prevents blood vessel blockages, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The study found that PAI-039 decreased blockage formation by about 50 percent, producing a powerful effect in preventing vascular diseases.

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.

Astrophotography as a gateway to science

UC Riverside scientists created astrophotography classes for non-science students, resulting in improved understanding of telescopes and cameras, as well as renewed interest in astronomy. The cost-effective courses also encouraged students to take up astrophotography as a hobby, opening the path to future amateur astronomers.

Buddhism along the Silk Roads

The project investigates Buddhist networks in Eastern Central Asia from the 6th-14th centuries, exploring transregional links between China, India, Tibet, and Central Asian regions. The team will analyze manuscripts and conduct field research to understand how Buddhism spread and evolved.

One more piece in the puzzle of liver cancer identified

A new study reveals that RAF1 acts as a negative regulator of hepatocellular carcinoma, while promoting growth in inflammatory cells. This finding highlights the need for a more thorough understanding of the disease at the molecular level to design novel therapies.

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.

Dyslexics show a difference in sensory processing

Research reveals that individuals with dyslexia have a fundamental brain difference in sensory perception, leading to difficulties in processing speech and written words. Brain activity remains high in both cases, suggesting that they do not adapt as much, while those with better reading skills show greater adaptation levels.

RNA pathway plays key role in health, lifespan, fly study shows

A recent study by Brown University researchers has found that the RNA pathway operates in a non-reproductive body tissue, called the fat body, in flies and helps sustain life. The study also shows that blocking components of the pathway leads to increased DNA damage, shorter lifespan and poor health.

Artificial leaf as mini-factory for drugs

Chemical engineers develop prototype reactor shaped like a leaf to capture sunlight and generate chemical reactions for drug production. The LSC material enhances the reaction process, increasing productivity by 40% even on cloudy days.

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.

UTHealth's Wolinsky is senior author of paper on new therapy for primary MS

Researchers have made significant strides in treating primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) with ocrelizumab, a medication that targets immune cells contributing to the disease. The study, led by UTHealth's Jerry Wolinsky, shows substantial improvement in slowing disability progression and reducing new lesion formation.

Survey: Cardiology workforce is aging, male-dominated

The American College of Cardiology's survey reveals that cardiologists are highly satisfied with their careers, but women face disparities in advancement opportunities and family responsibilities. The workforce is also aging, with a greater percentage of practicing physicians over 60, and private practice settings have decreased.

Calculating 1 billion plasma particles in a supercomputer

Researchers at National Institutes of Natural Sciences successfully simulated a plasma blob's movement with unprecedented accuracy, calculating 1 billion particles. This breakthrough allows for finely detailed analyses of the plasma's internal structure and temperature distribution, greatly improving prediction accuracy.

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.

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.

The last frontier

Kosik's research suggests that dendrites use a relatively small number of RNAs to leverage increased dynamic range, allowing for sparse coding and plasticity. This enables the brain to process incoming information more efficiently and adapt to new experiences.

Researchers reveal the secret code language of bacteria

Bacteria have been found to use a code language consisting of cryptic palindromes to determine whether to enter a dormant state or be interrupted by antibiotics. This discovery may help develop new antibiotics by understanding the code language used by pathogenic bacteria.

Why big brains are rare

Researchers found that the largest-brained species of electric fish have the highest demand for oxygen, while the smallest-brained species have the lowest. This suggests that large brains can only evolve if constraints on energy intake are lifted or alternative solutions are found to accommodate the increased energy demands.

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.

Study finds state tort reforms linked to decreases in radiography utilization

New research from the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute finds that state tort reforms are associated with a decrease in physician ordering of radiographs. The study examined the impact of liability pressure on overall imaging use and found that indirect tort reforms have a stronger effect on radiography orders than direct reforms.

Stressed snakes strike first

A team of scientists led by Mark Herr found that cottonmouths with high baseline levels of corticosterone were more likely to strike during encounters. The study suggests that protecting snake habitats may reduce the incidence of snakebites and that a snake's striking behavior is related to its baseline level of stress.

Could Rudolph and friends help to slow down our warming climate?

A study found that reindeer grazing in the Arctic tundra can increase surface albedo, leading to a decrease in net radiation and a potential cooling effect on climate. The researchers used land surface computer modeling and field measurements to estimate the impact of reindeer activity on vegetation characteristics.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Light powers new chemistry for old enzymes

Princeton researchers have discovered a method to expand enzyme reactivity through light activation, allowing access to high selectivities. They successfully catalyzed non-natural reactions, including dehalogenation reactions, by irradiating enzymes with light.

Flame retardant exposure linked to income, BMI and household smoking

A study finds that lower median income within a neighborhood, lower BMI, and smoking in the household correspond to higher levels of flame retardants in children's blood. The researchers speculate that socioeconomic disparities will increase over time as wealthier families replace older products with flame retardant-free ones.

HIV patients have nearly twice the heart attack risk

A new Northwestern University study reveals that HIV patients have a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, even when the virus is undetectable in their blood. The risk is estimated to be about 50% higher than predicted by current calculators.

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.

Scientists crack genetic code determining leaf shape in cotton

Researchers discovered the DNA sequence responsible for determining leaf shapes in upland cotton, leading to potential improvements in crop yields and farmer costs. The study found that plants with leaves having five deep lobes, like okra, are less susceptible to boll rot and offer better dispersal for pesticides.

Toeing the line: Study finds brain cells that signal path of travel

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have discovered neurons in the subiculum area of the brain that encode an animal's current axis of travel. These 'axis-tuned' cells fire when the animal travels in either direction along a single line, allowing it to mentally group different locations and navigate complex routes.

Study finds 'striking' use of double mastectomy

A new study found that nearly half of early-stage breast cancer patients considered having a double mastectomy, despite knowing it offers little benefit. Patients were unaware of the surgery's risks and benefits, with many choosing it for peace of mind.

Novel technique helps ID elusive molecules

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel technique to identify carbohydrates, which play a vital role in life processes. The new method, called 'sequencing by recognition,' uses electricity to release current spikes that can be measured and analyzed to identify specific carbohydrate molecules with high accuracy.

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.

Tattoos mark the spot -- for surgery -- then disappear

Scientists have developed a temporary tattoo ink that marks the spot for future treatment in skin cancer patients. The new ink glows under specific light conditions and can disappear after a period of time, eliminating the need for laser or surgical removal.