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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 10


Page 10 of 32

Radiologists positioned to detect elder abuse but additional training and research needed

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that radiologists may be uniquely positioned to detect elder abuse due to their role in identifying injury patterns. However, most diagnostic radiologists have limited training or experience in this area, and all participants reported missing cases of elder abuse.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 19, 2016

Newly discovered 'Casper' octopod at risk from deep-sea mining

A new species of octopod, the 'Casper', has been found at record-breaking ocean depths, and its eggs are laid on sponges attached to seafloor nodules rich in valuable metals. The removal of these nodules may put the lifecycle of these octopods at risk due to their association with manganese crusts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 19, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Neglect and abuse in childhood could have long-term economic consequences

A new study published in Pediatrics found that children who experienced neglect and abuse are more likely to have time off work due to sickness and less likely to own their own homes by middle age. The researchers also identified poor reading and mathematics skills as a key factor contributing to these outcomes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 19, 2016

Ultra-thin solution to primary obstacle in solid-state battery development

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a game-changing ultra-thin aluminum oxide layer that decreases impedance in garnet-based solid-state batteries, allowing for efficient charging and discharging. This breakthrough technology solves the primary obstacle in solid-state battery development, increasing safety, perform...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 19, 2016

Hybrid wheat breeding gets almost $1 million USDA investment

The project aims to increase hybrid wheat yield potential by 15-20 percent, making it climate resilient and attractive to producers. The team will develop tools and germplasm for efficient hybrid seed production and create hybrids to establish and confirm heterotic pools in wheat.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateDec 19, 2016
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.

Genetics link sleep disturbance with restless legs syndrome, schizophrenia and obesity

A team of scientists has identified genetic connections between sleep disturbance and a range of medical disorders, including restless legs syndrome, schizophrenia, and obesity. The study found novel genetic links with insomnia symptoms, as well as associations with schizophrenia risk, measures of obesity, and abnormal glucose metabolism.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 19, 2016

Arctic lakes thawing earlier each year

Scientists found Arctic lakes are melting an average of one day earlier per year over a 14-year period, with Central Siberia showing the strongest trend. This early thawing has implications for energy balance, CO2 emissions, and winter transport.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2016

New stem cell delivery approach regenerates dental pulp-like tissue in a rodent model

Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have successfully regenerated dental pulp-like tissues in animal model experiments using a collagen-based biomaterial to deliver stem cells. The approach shows promise in restoring normal tooth function and may offer an alternative to traditional endodontic treatments.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateDec 19, 2016

Media coverage of studies needs more independent commentary

A study found that only 1 in 6 news stories included quotes from independent commenters, and many lacked relevant clinical and academic expertise. The authors suggest developing strategies to improve the quality and independence of comments in health news stories.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 19, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UMN researchers provide molecular portraits of a new cancer drug target

University of Minnesota researchers have provided unprecedented images of cancer genome-mutating enzymes acting on DNA, offering vital clues into how these enzymes promote tumor evolution. The findings suggest ways to block enzyme activity in cancer, potentially making current anti-cancer therapies more effective.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 19, 2016
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.

An ancient mechanism helps a cell to resist stress

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University demonstrate how an evolutionary ancient mechanism of protein biosynthesis helps a cell resist stress. They developed a technique called FLERT, which allows studying the impact of cell stress on protein synthesis in a short-time scale.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2016

White matter structure in the brain predicts cognitive function at ages 1 and 2

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that patterns of white matter microstructure present at birth and after birth predict cognitive function in children at ages 1 and 2. The study used diffusion tensor imaging to identify 12 white matter fiber tracts important for cognitive function, which wer...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

Clownfish adapt for population survival

Researchers found that clownfish can change hormone levels to become female and restore balance after the death of a female. The team identified key molecular pathways involved in this process, including aromatase, which is linked to estrogen production.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 2016

Depressed patients are less responsive to chemotherapy

A study found that cancer patients with depression have lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), making them less responsive to chemotherapy. Low BDNF levels are associated with reduced treatment tolerance and poorer outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateDec 17, 2016
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.

Routine blood test predicts how long cancer patients will survive

A routine blood test can predict how long cancer patients in palliative care will survive, researchers report. The Six Adaptable Prognostic models use three laboratory measurements to estimate death within 1-6 months, allowing physicians to re-evaluate prognosis at any time point.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateDec 17, 2016

Anxiety and depression a major issue for cancer survivors

A Malaysian study found that four in five cancer survivors suffer from anxiety and depression a year after diagnosis. The study also highlighted the importance of addressing quality of life for cancer patients beyond clinical outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateDec 17, 2016

Cancer costs leaving patients in debt

A study found that cancer patients spend a significant portion of their household income on treatment, transport, and childcare. The economic burden is often referred to as the 'financial toxicity' of cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateDec 17, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Many muons: Imaging the underground with help from the cosmos

Researchers at PNNL have created a smaller muon detector that can be used to monitor CO2 movement or leakage underground. The detector uses optical fibers and electronics to count muons passing through it, allowing for the detection of anomalies in density and the creation of images.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 16, 2016

Fundamental solid state phenomenon unraveled

Physicists at Goethe University Frankfurt have made a pioneering discovery about the phase transition from an electrical conductor to an insulator. The researchers found that both electrons and the atomic lattice play a significant role in the transition, contrary to common textbook opinion.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2016

New diagnostic test kit offers easy identification of virulent pathogens in remote locations

A new battery-powered detection system can identify 16 virulent pathogens with high sensitivity and provides positive identification from as few as 10 DNA sequences. The device is designed for use in remote locations where laboratory resources are lacking, addressing the lack of timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Investigating kidney biomarkers to track lupus

A new study found that urinary epidermal growth factor levels provided improved ability to distinguish between patients with kidney involvement and those without. The biomarker was also associated with overall lupus damage, suggesting its potential role in monitoring disease progression.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateDec 16, 2016

Artificial intelligence to predict odors

Researchers at FAU's Computer Chemistry Center are developing an AI application to predict odor molecules, neutralizing undesirable smells in packaging and products. The project aims to improve product development efficiency, reducing trial-and-error experiments.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Ultrafast lasers reveal light-harvesting secrets of photosynthetic algae

Scientists at Princeton University have discovered a vibrational resonance mechanism that enables the efficient transfer of light energy in cryptophyte algae. This finding provides valuable insights for designing artificial light-harvesting systems, potentially leading to more efficient solar energy collectors.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalChem·DateDec 16, 2016

HSE researchers uncover why morning people should not work at night

Researchers found that morning people are faster at solving attention-related tasks, but make more mistakes. In contrast, evening people are slower but more accurate in completing similar tasks, suggesting a trade-off between speed and accuracy with sleep deprivation.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateDec 16, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Quantifying radiation damage in SAXS experiments

Radiation damage hinders SAXS experiments' success due to protein aggregation and fragmentation. A new software, RADDOSE-3D extensions, calculates doses for SAXS experiments, reducing manual burden and assessing radioprotectant efficacy.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·DateDec 16, 2016

A potential pharmaceutical intervention for co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder

A randomized controlled pilot trial found that N-acetylcysteine combined with group cognitive behavioral therapy reduced PTSD symptoms, cravings, and depression significantly more than CBT alone. The treatment showed promising results for a difficult-to-treat population of veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2016

Internet data could boost conservation

Researchers used internet data to track public interest in conservation over time, finding sudden spikes linked to media coverage and seasonal events. The study suggests harnessing these peaks to aid protection efforts, using methods that are relatively cheap and produce huge sample sizes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 16, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

COPD -- what causes the lungs to lose their ability to heal?

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München discovered that the Wnt5a molecule disrupts lung cells' ability to repair damages in COPD. Stimuli like cigarette smoke lead to increased production of Wnt5a, impairing lung regeneration.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 16, 2016

Movable microplatform floats on a sea of droplets

A new approach by researchers at MIT offers a way to make movable parts with no solid connections between the pieces, potentially eliminating wear and failure. The system uses a layer of liquid droplets to support a tiny, movable platform, which can be controlled electrically.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 16, 2016

Hookah tobacco labels are misleading, Roswell Park, UB researchers find

Research at Roswell Park and University at Buffalo found that many hookah tobacco products have inaccurate labeling regarding nicotine content. The study revealed significant variations in nicotine and pH levels among different types of tobacco, highlighting the need for standardized testing and regulation.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalTobacco Regulatory Science·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Penn study finds link between HIV treatment and neuronal degeneration

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have identified a key player in causing neuronal damage linked to HIV treatment: the enzyme BACE1. Inhibiting this enzyme may offer a new approach to minimizing damage to neurons in patients on antiretroviral therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Outdoor recreation in protected areas negatively impacts wildlife

A study led by Colorado State University found that outdoor recreation in protected areas leads to negative effects on wildlife, including decreased species diversity and survival rates. However, some studies suggest positive effects on certain species, such as birds and rodents, with increased abundance and reduced stress.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2016

Internet use in class tied to lower test scores

Researchers found that laptop use in class was linked to poorer test scores, with social media and non-academic internet use being the biggest distractions. The study suggests that encouraging students to bring laptops to class without a clear purpose can negatively impact academic performance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 16, 2016

Method enables machine learning from unwieldy data sets

Researchers developed an algorithm that extracts diverse subsets from large data sets, improving machine learning efficiency and diversity. The new method is 1 billion times faster than existing algorithms, enabling real-time analysis of vast amounts of data.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 16, 2016

What makes influential science? Telling a good story

A study published in PLOS ONE found that scientific papers with a narrative style, including sensory language and emotional appeals, were more highly cited and featured in top journals. Researchers hope this work will improve scientific communication and lead to better policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Ocean temperatures faithfully recorded in mother-of-pearl

A team of researchers led by University of Wisconsin-Madison physics Professor Pupa Gilbert has discovered that mother-of-pearl can accurately record ancient ocean temperatures. By analyzing the thickness of microscopic tablet layers in nacre, they found a reliable method for measuring past climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateDec 16, 2016

Toward energy solutions for northern regions

The workshop emphasized social acceptability, aboriginal community involvement, and improving energy demand forecasts for northern regions. Researchers from Iceland and Quebec explored geothermal energy potential, data limitations, and demonstration projects to validate assumptions regarding low-temperature heat pumps.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateDec 16, 2016

AMP issues joint guideline to standardize interpretation and reporting of sequence variants in cancer

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published a joint guideline to standardize the interpretation and reporting of sequence variants in cancer. The guidelines aim to improve patient care by establishing standardized classification, annotation, interpretation, and reporting conventions for somatic sequence variants.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateDec 16, 2016
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.