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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 14


Page 14 of 32

Natural kill cell technology to stop cancer gets licensed

A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a nanoparticle technology that increases natural killer cells 10,000-fold, paving the way for accelerated clinical trials. The therapy shows promise in treating acute myeloid leukemia and could lead to the creation of on-site cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateDec 14, 2016

This week from AGU 12/14/2016

New research on Mars suggests that finger-like rock structures could be evidence of ancient microbes, potentially harboring past life. Thousands of geese have died due to toxic waters in Montana's Berkeley Pit, highlighting the spread of heavy metals and acid into groundwater.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateDec 14, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A better way for policymakers to win over constituents

A new study reveals that people favor policies that reward voluntary behavior and create advantages, while opposing those that punish obligatory behavior or create disadvantages. By understanding this 'matching effect,' policymakers can improve policy acceptance rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 14, 2016

Krembil research prompts rethink on established vision recovery theory

Researchers at the Krembil Research Institute have published a paper that challenges the prevailing view of vision recovery after retinal cell transplantation. They found that transplanted photoreceptor cells do not enter the recipient retina, contrary to previous interpretations.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalStem Cells·DateDec 14, 2016

Longer use of pain relievers associated with hearing loss in women

A Brigham and Women's Hospital study found that using ibuprofen or acetaminophen for 6 years or more increases the risk of hearing loss in women. The research analyzed data from over 54,000 women and found a modest increase in risk, with approximately 5.5% of hearing loss potentially due to pain reliever use.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 14, 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.

Runners' brains may be more connected, research shows

Research reveals that endurance running alters brain structure and function in ways similar to complex tasks like playing a musical instrument. The study found greater functional connectivity in the brains of young adult cross country runners compared to sedentary individuals.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateDec 14, 2016

Scientists studying dolphins find Bay of Bengal a realm of evolutionary change

A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and American Museum of Natural History found two dolphin species in the Bay of Bengal are genetically distinct from those in other regions. The research suggests that the Bay's unique oceanic habitat is driving evolutionary changes, potentially leading to new species emergence.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Genetics·DateDec 14, 2016

New, complex call recorded in Mariana Trench believed to be from baleen whale

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new, complex baleen whale call, named the Western Pacific Biotwang, with characteristics similar to those of minke whales. The five-part call was recorded in the Mariana Trench and features deep moans and a metallic finale.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 14, 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.

Newly formed stars shoot out powerful whirlwinds

Researchers have observed powerful whirlwinds shooting out of the rotating disc of a newly formed star. The wind is thought to slow down the rotation, allowing the material to contract and form planets.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2016

Vaccination increases family wealth, girls' education

A Washington State University study found that vaccinating cattle for East Coast fever increases household wealth and income, leading to more food and education. Fewer cattle deaths also enable families to send their daughters to secondary school.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 14, 2016

Engineers develop a new noninvasive method to detect infections in prostheses

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a non-invasive method to detect infections in prostheses using an improved version of electrical capacitance tomography and a thin-film sensor that can detect changes in pH levels. The new method could provide quantitative diagnostic information about the extent and locations of infections.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateDec 14, 2016

Study highlights need for improved, stable eye screening for premature babies

A survey of 393 hospital neonatal intensive care units found only 56% believe there are enough ophthalmologists to screen and treat retinopathy of prematurity. Screening can be done with telemedicine, but only 21% of respondents used retinal imaging devices, with half being unsure about its safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 14, 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.

Skin cells 'crawl' together to heal wounds treated with unique hydrogel layer

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a proprietary peptide-hydrogel biomaterial that promotes skin cells to 'crawl' together, closing chronic, non-healing wounds caused by diabetes. The treatment closed wounds 200% faster than no treatment and 60% faster than existing collagen-based products.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2016

Gut cells are gatekeepers of infectious brain diseases, study finds

Researchers found that prion diseases can infect the gut through contaminated meat, and that M cells are key to whether or not the infection takes hold. The study suggests that factors like inflammation and ageing may influence a person's risk of contracting prion diseases.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 14, 2016

The hidden side of sulfur

A research team at the University of Geneva has discovered that sulfur can act as an effective catalyst, transforming molecules with greater precision than hydrogen. This breakthrough enables chemists to exercise increased control over molecular transformations, paving the way for the creation of new materials and applications.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 14, 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.

Quake-detection app captured nearly 400 temblors worldwide

The MyShake app has recorded nearly 400 earthquakes globally since its launch in February, providing valuable data on seismic activity. The app's performance shows it can complement traditional seismic networks and serve as a stand-alone system in areas with few stations, helping reduce earthquake-related injuries and damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 14, 2016

Bring your own (security) disaster

A new study reveals that most IT security managers prefer employees not to bring their own devices to work due to security concerns. The study highlights the risks of BYOD, including viruses, phishing, hacking attacks, identity theft, and corporate espionage.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Teaching and Case Studies·DateDec 14, 2016

OpenNotes reporting tool engages patients as safety partners

A new study from OpenNotes investigators finds that offering patients a mechanism to provide feedback about their notes enhances engagement and improves patient safety. The majority of patients reported understanding the content of their notes and providing valuable feedback, which led to changes in the record or care in 57% of cases.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateDec 14, 2016

True lies: People who lie via telling truth viewed harshly, study finds

Researchers identified paltering as a distinct form of deception where individuals tell truthful statements to create a mistaken impression. People tend to prefer paltering over lying by commission but face similar consequences when caught.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 14, 2016

Scientists measure pulse of CO2 emissions during spring thaw in the Arctic

Researchers measured significant spring pulses of greenhouse gases in the Arctic during thaw, revealing that the region may not be as effective at absorbing CO2 as previously believed. The study's findings suggest that climate change could lead to more frequent and intense emissions, which could offset the Arctic's role as a carbon sink.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 14, 2016
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.

Tectonic shift?

Researchers studied olivine, a key mineral in Earth's mantle, to understand plate tectonics and measure the Earth's surface thickness. They found that tectonic plates are approximately 100 kilometers thick, contradicting previous theories.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2016

Cigar warnings: Do teens believe them?

A new study by UNC School of Medicine found that only 49.8% of surveyed teens consider cigar warnings 'very believable', highlighting the need for improved tobacco prevention campaigns. The survey, which included 1,125 adolescents aged 13-17, suggests that graphic warnings may be more effective in engaging youth.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 14, 2016

Nanocubes simplify printing and imaging in color and infrared

Researchers at Duke University developed a new technology using nanocubes to simplify multispectral imaging in color and infrared, promising cheaper and more robust solutions for various industries. The technique relies on plasmonics and can be scaled up, reducing costs and increasing accuracy.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2016

Study models Tsunami Risk for Florida and Cuba

Researchers at the University of Miami have identified margin collapses and submarine landslides along the Great Bahama Bank that could generate tsunamis in the past and potentially again. The study suggests that these events could pose a risk to Florida and Cuba, with tsunami waves potentially several meters high.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 14, 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.

Researchers dial in to 'thermostat' in Earth's upper atmosphere

A team led by CU Boulder Professor Delores Knipp found that shock waves from CMEs create nitric oxide, which rapidly cools and shrinks the upper atmosphere. This natural 'thermostat' mechanism helps regulate Earth's temperatures after intense solar activity.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalSpace Weather·DateDec 14, 2016

International alliance receives grant to improve cassava harvest and nutrition for farmers in Africa

The VIRCA Plus consortium aims to improve agricultural productivity and enhance nutrition for smallholder households in East and West Africa by developing disease-resistant and nutritionally-enhanced cassava varieties. The project will address challenges such as plant viral diseases, which can destroy up to 100% of a cassava crop yield.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·DateDec 14, 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.

Early signs of Alzheimer's detected in cerebrospinal fluid

Scientists found abnormal immune reactions in the brain's cerebrospinal fluid seven years before expected dementia onset. TREM2 levels can track immune activity and predict disease progression.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 14, 2016

Researchers turn back the clock on human embryonic stem cells

Johns Hopkins scientists successfully created more-flexible human embryonic stem cells by dosing conventional ESCs with a cocktail of three chemical inhibitors. The new cells exhibit features similar to those of classic mouse ESCs, enabling their potential use in therapies and genetic disease modeling.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDevelopment·DateDec 14, 2016

Does Santa only visit rich kids?

A new study suggests that Santa's visits are more closely tied to socioeconomic status than child behavior. The researchers found no association between Santa visits and school absences or youth conviction rates, but higher odds of non-visit in areas with poverty and deprivation.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 14, 2016

Promotion of nickel (Ni) allergy by anamnestic sensitization

Research shows that pre-sensitization to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhances nickel allergy in mice, shifting the immune balance towards a Th1 response. This finding suggests that an anamnestic history of oral infectious disease may contribute to nickel hypersensitivity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Dentistry Journal·DateDec 14, 2016

Corn yield modeling towards sustainable agriculture

Researchers developed a crop model to predict optimal nitrogen fertilizer rates for corn, improving accuracy and reducing losses. The model can assist with nitrogen management and mitigate environmental concerns.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateDec 14, 2016
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.

Revolutions in understanding the ionosphere, Earth's interface to space

Scientists have made significant advancements in understanding the ionosphere, a region of Earth's atmosphere that reacts to changes from both space above and Earth below. Research reveals that the ionosphere can experience 'overcooling', causing rapid energy loss and collapse, which can disrupt satellite orbits.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 14, 2016

AGU Fall Meeting: Atacama Desert may have harbored lakes, wetlands

Scientists discovered remnants of freshwater plants and animals in the Atacama's salt flats, indicating the presence of lakes and wetlands between 9,000 and 25,000 years ago. The findings suggest an alternative path for early settlers through the desert, potentially providing homes and sustenance.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateDec 14, 2016

Smartphones and tablets and adolescents: Small size, big problems?

A new study found that children who spent more time on screen devices and watching television were more likely to engage in behaviors leading to obesity, including poor diet and lack of physical activity. The research suggests that limiting screen device use may be as important for health as limiting TV time.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 14, 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.

Review suggests that teens benefit from later high school start times

A review of 18 studies found that later high school start times are associated with longer weekday sleep durations and reduced vehicular accident rates. This suggests that moving school start times later may help teens get more sleep and have fewer motor vehicle accidents.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateDec 14, 2016

Study dispels myth that Santa only visits children who are nice

A recent BMJ study dispels the myth that Santa only visits well-behaved children. Instead, research suggests socioeconomic factors play a significant role in determining whether Santa will visit a child. The study found that pediatric wards in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation were less likely to receive Santa visits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 14, 2016

The Angelina Jolie effect on breast cancer genetic testing

A study found a 64% spike in genetic tests for breast cancer following Angelina Jolie's op-ed piece, but no uptick in mastectomy rates. The tests did not lead to additional breast cancer diagnoses, suggesting overtesting among low-risk groups.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 14, 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.

Common breast cancer mutation could be vulnerable to drug combination

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that a combination of existing targeted therapy and investigational molecule can induce breast cancer cell death in preclinical experiments. The approach has wide implications for advancing treatment if successful in planned clinical trials.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 14, 2016

Researchers work to improve the lifecycle of materials

The researchers created synthetic materials that can react to their environment, recover from damage, and even self-destruct once their usefulness has come to an end. They developed microcapsules that contain a healing agent released automatically when exposed to specific environmental changes.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2016
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.

Microbial biodiversity in the environment can alter human health

Researchers propose a unifying framework for managing environmental microbiomes, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity in maintaining human health. The study suggests that altering microbial diversity can have significant impacts on human health, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 14, 2016

DFG to fund 7 new Research Units

The DFG is establishing seven new Research Units to tackle pressing issues in various fields, including predicting human behavioral patterns and studying the matter inside planets. The first funding period will receive approximately €17 million.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateDec 14, 2016

Saliva test could offer new way to check immunity

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that antibody levels in saliva are linked to those in blood serum, suggesting a non-invasive method for assessing immunity. Higher antibody concentrations in serum were associated with higher concentrations in saliva, particularly for IgA antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBiomarkers·DateDec 14, 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.

Creative approach to probing genome IDs genes that likely influence bone strength

Scientists have identified over a dozen genes linked to bone density and strength, using a novel approach that could speed up the development of new osteoporosis treatments. By mapping these genes onto existing genome-wide association study locations, researchers predicted 33 genes controlling bone mineral density.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCell Systems·DateDec 14, 2016