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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 18


Page 18 of 32

Famine alters metabolism for successive generations

A study of over 3,000 families affected by mid-20th Century China's widespread starvation found that prenatal famine exposure was associated with significantly higher odds of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes in both the mother and her children. The risk persisted even when only one parent had been exposed to famine.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 12, 2016

Catholics more committed to workplace than evangelicals are, study finds

A Baylor University study found that Catholics are more emotionally attached to their workplaces than Evangelicals, with people having strong attachments to God also showing higher job commitment. In contrast, those without a faith tradition are the least likely to be attached to God and their workplaces.

SourceBaylor University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateDec 12, 2016

Get better customer service by choosing your words wisely

Researchers analyzed 36 hours of calls and found that over 80% contained aggressive language, while positive words reduced problematic effects by 35%. Customers can get better service by using less aggressive language and following conversation rules.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateDec 12, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists discover how to reverse pain caused by diabetes-related nerve damage

Researchers identify molecule that inhibits protein responsible for converting touch to pain receptors in skin, paving way for new drug development to treat diabetic neuropathy and other nerve damage-related pain. The study shows promising results with minimal impact on non-pain related touch sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 12, 2016

Mutations in life's 'essential genes' tied to autism

A Penn Medicine study found that elevated levels of mutations in essential genes are significantly associated with an increased risk for ASD and decreased social skills. Researchers identified high-priority essential genes that could serve as targets for future studies and treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2016
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.

NASA sees tropical Cyclone Vardah make landfall

NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captures a visible-light image of the storm, showing bands of thunderstorms around its low-level center. Tropical Cyclone Vardah brought hurricane-strength winds of 86.3 mph to areas in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 12, 2016

Chemists uncover a means to control catalytic reactions

Researchers found that the position of a molecule on a catalytic surface determines the rate of bond breaking. They observed a 100-fold difference in reactivity between bonds aligned along rows and across rows of copper atoms. The discovery could lead to more selective and efficient catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 2016

New compound eases neuropathic pain from light touch

Researchers identified a substance called OB-1 that suppresses neuropathic pain caused by nerve injuries or diabetes without affecting other sensations. The compound tunes down the ion channel responsible for mechanical hypersensitivity, providing a new strategy for treating painful conditions.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 12, 2016

Mountain glaciers are showing some of the strongest responses to climate change

A University of Washington study found that 37 mountain glaciers worldwide show a high degree of signal-to-noise ratio in their retreat, indicating a strong response to climate change. The probability of natural variations explaining the observed retreats is extremely low, ranging from less than 0.001 percent to 11 percent.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 12, 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.

Local government engagement, decentralized policies can help reduce deforestation

A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that empowering local governments with forestry decisions can significantly reduce deforestation. By engaging local users in the decision-making process, policymakers can develop more effective and sustainable forest governance strategies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2016

First-of-its-kind study on injury recovery takes the trauma patient's point of view

A new study found that trauma patients define successful outcomes as returning to work, resuming family roles, achieving independence, recapturing normality, and achieving comfort. The study highlights the importance of understanding different perceptions of injury recovery among patients, family members, and clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalInjury·DateDec 12, 2016

New study uncovers vivid patterns of neural activity in the resting mouse brain

Researchers traced neural activity patterns in mice, revealing synchronized and symmetric activity coursing around the brain. This discovery connects to enigmatic signals detected in 'resting-state' fMRI, offering new insights into brain-wide neural activity.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2016

Why we walk on our heels instead of our toes

Researchers discover that walking heel-to-toe creates a mechanical advantage by extending the length of 'virtual legs,' making them longer than physical legs. This adaptation allows humans to be efficient walkers.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 12, 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.

It's basic: Alternative fuel cell technology reduces cost

A new study proposes a unified strategy for hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells (HEMFC) to achieve performance parity and reduce costs. The research targets metal-free catalysts, which are more cost-effective than traditional platinum-based ones.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 12, 2016

Scientists move step closer to solving fusion plasma dilemma

A team of researchers at UNIST has discovered the underlying physics of suppressing ELMs using magnetic perturbation. The study, published in Physical Review Letters, confirms that ELMs can be weakened by losing energy through interaction with turbulence induced by MP.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 12, 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.

More are positive about HPV vaccine on Twitter than not, Drexel study finds

A Drexel study analyzed nearly 200,000 English-language tweets about the HPV vaccine between 2014 and 2015. The results show that 39% of tweets were positive, while negative sentiments accounted for only 25%. Prevention and protection were popular topics in positive tweets, while side effects dominated negative ones.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateDec 12, 2016

No good evidence that shock-absorbing insoles stave off injuries or stress fractures

A pooled analysis of available data reveals that shock-absorbing insoles do not prevent injuries or stress fractures. In contrast, foot orthotics have been shown to reduce the risk of overall injury and certain types of leg and foot pain by up to 41%. However, the quality of the evidence varies, and further rigorous research is needed.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateDec 12, 2016

Faster track to treatment

A team of researchers has identified a network of genes in the brain that contribute to epilepsy, and predicts that a known anti-epileptic drug can restore its function. The study's 'network-biology' approach may provide a faster and cheaper way to discover new treatments.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 12, 2016

Anesthetic cream best for relieving vaccination pain in infants

Researchers found that liposomal lidocaine combined with parental video instruction and oral sucrose significantly reduces acute pain during vaccinations. The study involved 352 healthy infants who received scheduled vaccinations, with the best results seen for those using lidocaine cream consistently.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 12, 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.

Applying the '80/20 rule' to social costs

Researchers identified a small portion of the population with high-needs/high-costs as the lion's share of socially costly problems. Early interventions at preschool age showed promise in avoiding these costs.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateDec 12, 2016

Emerging trends in alcohol binge and use disorders among older adults

A recent study found significant increases in past-year alcohol use, binge drinking, and alcohol use disorders among older adults, particularly women. The researchers highlight the need for healthcare providers to screen for unhealthy alcohol use in this population.

SourceNew York University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateDec 12, 2016

Type of psychotherapy matters in treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

A study by Vanderbilt University found that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is most effective in improving daily functioning for IBS patients. Cognitive behavioral therapies were found to be the most effective type of psychotherapy in reducing symptoms and increasing ability to participate in activities.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateDec 12, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New study seeks to use human serum to detect heart attacks

A new study has developed an electrical immunosensor that can detect heart attacks within a minute using human serum. The system works by measuring the level of cardiac troponin I, a protein excreted by the heart muscle after a heart attack. This novel immunosensor holds considerable potential for use in biomedical diagnosis.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateDec 12, 2016

Researchers develop new approach for better big data prediction

A new approach to analyzing big data has been developed at Columbia University, Princeton and Harvard University. The Influence score, or I-score, is a statistic that can identify highly predictive variables in large datasets. This method has potential applications in predicting diseases, social science phenomena, and financial markets.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2016

Earth's magnetic fields could track ocean heat, NASA study proposes

Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing a new method to track ocean heat using satellite magnetic field observations. The approach relies on the electrical conductivity of seawater and its temperature fluctuations, which can be detected from subtle changes in Earth's magnetic field lines.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 12, 2016
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.

TCORS study shows effectiveness of testimonial warning labels on tobacco products

A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania found that cigarette packaging warning labels with images of real smokers who were harmed by their habit increased quit attempts and success rates. The study, which tested pictorial warning labels, showed that these labels consistently outperformed text-only labels.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateDec 12, 2016

A new light on stellar death

A team of astronomers discovered that a massive flare in a distant galaxy was actually a tidal disruption event caused by a rapidly spinning supermassive black hole. The finding marks the first time a TDE has been used to study black hole spin, providing new insights into stellar death.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 12, 2016

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Increases Among Rural Infants

The proportion of rural infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome increased significantly between 2004 and 2013. This geographic disparity highlights the urgent need for policymakers to appropriate funding for clinicians and programs that could improve access to opioid prevention and treatment services for rural women and children.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 12, 2016

Men should avoid rock music when playing board games, say scientists

Scientists found that men who listened to AC/DC performed slower and made more mistakes in the game Operation compared to those listening to Mozart or an operating theatre sound. Women, on the other hand, were not affected by the music genre they listened to.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateDec 12, 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.

Dual loss of TET proteins prompts lethal upsurge in inflammatory T cells in a mouse model

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that the loss of TET proteins hinders T cell maturation and promotes aberrant proliferation, leading to a lethal disease resembling lymphoma. The study's findings suggest that TET proteins serve as tumor suppressors and may help block malignancy in cancers marked by TET mutations.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 12, 2016

A $5 fix for a nasty parasite

Researchers create method to detect C. parvum in source waters, improving public health protection. The calcium-mediated attachment of oocysts to environmental biofilms enables faster and cheaper detection.

SourceLehigh University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateDec 12, 2016

How physical exercise aids in stroke recovery

A recent study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that physical exercise can help preserve adult visual plasticity in mice and restore it after a stroke. This suggests that exercise may be used as a preventive or therapeutic approach to aid recovery after a cortical stroke.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateDec 12, 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.

Rapid and mass production of graphene, using microwaves

Researchers from UNIST and Rutgers University successfully produced high-quality graphene using microwaves, eliminating oxygen exposure that degrades properties. The new technique may solve long-standing manufacturing challenges, enabling affordable mass commercialization of graphene.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalScience·DateDec 12, 2016

Scientists work to improve the diet and energy of failing hearts

Researchers are exploring the dynamics between a gene that regulates fat metabolism and a protein that makes lipid droplets available for energy in heart cells. They hope to understand how this imbalance can lead to heart failure and find ways to intervene, such as by regulating lipid use and maintaining balance.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateDec 12, 2016

Frail patients should have tailored cardiac rehabilitation say European experts

Frailty is a common condition in older adults that affects physiological reserves and organ function. European experts recommend assessing frailty and tailoring cardiac rehabilitation programs to its severity, with the goal of reducing disability, improving quality of life, and mortality.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 12, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Costs of treating patients with psychosis change significantly as they age

A new study finds that middle-aged patients with psychosis are incurring significant costs in long-term care facilities and with hospitalization, highlighting the need to address both mental and physical health in younger patients. Chronic psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, are associated with high health care costs due to you...

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics·DateDec 12, 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.

CSU uses test for chronic wasting disease to study brain ailments in people

A team of researchers at Colorado State University is investigating the use of a test developed to detect early-stage chronic wasting disease in deer to identify the onset of brain disorders, including concussion-related trauma, in humans. The test may also be used to detect misfolded proteins found in people with Alzheimer's, Parkinso...

SourceColorado State University·DateDec 12, 2016

Even with maximized yields, sub-Saharan Africa won't grow enough grain in 2050

A new study found that even with optimized yields, sub-Saharan Africa will not meet its grain demand by 2050. Closing the yield gap requires a large acceleration in farming practices and investments in agricultural development. The region must prioritize strategic investments to upgrade infrastructure and ensure food security.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2016

Bacterial 'sabotage' handicaps ability to resolve devastating lung inflammation

Scientists have linked a new class of bacterial enzymes to the chronic lung inflammation hallmark of cystic fibrosis. The discovery provides two potential strategies for interrupting or correcting this interference by opportunistic bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 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.

Bone marrow-derived cells are source of key kidney disease biomarker SuPAR

A study published in Nature Medicine identifies bone marrow-derived immature myeloid cells as the source of suPAR, a reliable marker for chronic kidney disease. Elevated suPAR levels have been linked to future chronic kidney disease, potentially enabling early intervention and prevention of recurrence after transplant.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 12, 2016

Groundbreaking study sheds light on treating cancer

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have made a groundbreaking discovery in cancer treatment. They developed novel Iridium(III) complexes that utilize red light to attack and kill cancer cells, providing a promising new approach for photodynamic therapy (PDT).

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 12, 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.