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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 20


Page 20 of 32

Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine and thiazolo[5,4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine

The synthesized compounds showed potent anticonvulsant activity in the MES test, with Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine being more effective than thiazolo[5,4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine. The log P values revealed a positive correlation with activity, with the most potent compound being benzothiazol-2-yl-(1H-indol-2-ylmethylene)-amine.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCentral Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 9, 2016

Study provides new focus for developing drugs to fight cancer

A study led by UC Riverside's Maurizio Pellecchia advocates for focusing on Bfl-1 as a drug target to fight cancer. The research team found that Bfl-1 is more relevant than previously thought and can be targeted with innovative inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateDec 9, 2016

Why can't monkeys speak?

A computer model revealed monkeys could easily produce many different sounds, implying a basic form of spoken language could have evolved without changes in vocal anatomy. Monkeys' ability to vocalize was found to be unrelated to their speech capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 9, 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.

Martian mountains, manmade earthquake detection and more from the U at AGU

Researchers presented insights from the Curiosity rover's study of Mount Sharp on Mars, which helps reconstruct the geological history of the area. Additionally, they developed a method to distinguish between natural and manmade earthquakes using seismic wave characteristics. Furthermore, scientists observed gamma-ray bursts triggered ...

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateDec 9, 2016

Older women with breast cancer report better cosmetic satisfaction with less radiation, less surgery

A study published by University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that older women with breast cancer who underwent less radiation therapy reported improved cosmetic satisfaction. However, reduced radiation was also associated with a slightly increased risk of disease recurrence. The researchers suggest that there may be an opti...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 9, 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.

NASA spots Tropical Cyclone Vardah's off-center strength

Tropical Cyclone Vardah showed strongest storms expanding west of its center, influenced by moderate vertical wind shear. The storm is expected to intensify and make landfall as a tropical storm south of Visakhapatnam, India, by December 12.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 9, 2016

Study finds new pathways to treat non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease

Researchers have found a new pathway in the liver that opens the door to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The pathway involves activating a protein called TRPV4, which releases nitric oxide and blocks an enzyme contributing to the disease.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateDec 9, 2016

Gene identified that drives deadly brain cancer

Scientists identified a gene NAMPT that fuels glioblastoma growth and resistance to radiation therapy. Inhibiting NAMPT may improve treatment outcomes for most aggressive forms of the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2016

Study finds capuchin monkeys produce sharp stone flakes similar to tools

Researchers have discovered that capuchin monkeys in Brazil produce sharp-edged conchoidal flakes with smooth rounded facets, resembling the shape of scallop shells. These unintentionally produced flakes exhibit identical characteristics and morphology to intentionally produced hominin tools, dating back to 2.6 million years ago.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 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.

Exploring the evolutionary history of the immune system

The study found that human ALOX15 has a higher capacity for producing anti-inflammatory lipid mediators than its lower primate counterparts. This suggests an evolution to better control inflammation and speed up the healing process.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2016

Cloud formation: How feldspar acts as ice nucleus

Feldspar's unique surface defects enable ice crystals to grow, a discovery that sheds light on precipitation formation in clouds. The research found that microscopic edges and cracks on feldspar crystallites serve as active sites for ice nucleation.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2016

Study examines how CEO power affects companies in times of crisis

A new study from UT Dallas finds that bestowing considerable power in the CEO does not create value for the firm during industrywide downturns. Concentrated power among CEOs leads to worse decision-making and a decrease in firm value, especially in competitive industries and high-discretion industries.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalGroup & Organization Management·DateDec 9, 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.

Do cannabis dispensary staff receive sufficient training?

A new study found that only 20% of cannabis dispensary staff have medical or scientific training, despite recommending treatments to patients. The lack of training is concerning, as some recommendations may be ineffective and worsen patient conditions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateDec 9, 2016

Ancient enzyme morphed shape to carry out new functions in humans

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that a human enzyme has evolved to change its shape and function without major architectural changes. This unique ability allows the enzyme to carry out new roles in humans, shedding light on diseases linked to mutations in aminoacyl tRNA synthetases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cow gene study shows why most clones fail

A new study by researchers from the U.S. and France finds that multiple anomalies in gene expression, including failure to implant and placenta development, contribute to the high rate of pregnancy failure for cloned embryos. The study reveals critical developmental genes and hormonal signaling issues that lead to these failures.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2016

NIH scientists develop new mouse model to study Salmonella meningitis

Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have established a new mouse model to study Salmonella meningitis. The model mimics the progression of the disease from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain, providing a new tool for investigating this potentially life-threatening illness.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 9, 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.

Hydrogen from sunlight -- but as a dark reaction

Scientists have developed a biomimetic photosynthesis approach using graphitic carbon nitride material to store and release light-generated electrons for catalytic hydrogen production. This technology enables the production of storable solar fuels independent of solar irradiation intermittency.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 9, 2016

Oxytocin improves synchronization in leader-follower interaction

A study from Center for Music in the Brain found that oxytocin enhances synchrony in finger-tapping pairs, indicating improved social bonding and prediction skills. The hormone's role in facilitating predictability explains its social effect without subjective affiliation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 9, 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.

Dipole orientation: New dimension in super-resolution microscopy

A new polarization-dipole azimuth-based super-resolution technique has been proposed, addressing a long-standing debate on the role of fluorescence polarization in super-resolution imaging. The technique uses SDOM technology to improve spatial resolution and detection accuracy, revealing interesting findings in biological samples.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateDec 8, 2016

WSU study finds people willing to pay more for new biofuels

Consumers in three US cities showed willingness to pay a premium of up to 17% for second-generation biofuels, which are made from sustainable biological non-food sources. The study found that marketing efforts could improve perceptions and increase consumer adoption.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEnergy Economics·DateDec 8, 2016

Study examines potential effect of regular marijuana use on vision

A small study found an abnormality involving the retina that may account for altered vision in regular cannabis users. The study used pattern electroretinography to measure retinal ganglion cell function and found a significant delay in transmission of action potentials.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 8, 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.

Metaphoring the police: It's all about the right choice of word

Experiments reveal that using the protective concept of 'guardian' instead of 'warrior' to describe police can influence people's attitudes towards law enforcement. Participants who saw the police as 'guardians' felt the justice system was more fair and effective than those who considered them 'warriors'.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateDec 8, 2016

Brain neurons help keep track of time

A novel analysis in mice reveals that dopamine neuron activity plays a key role in judgment of time, slowing down the internal clock. The study found that transient activation or inhibition of dopamine neurons was sufficient to slow down or speed up time estimation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2016

Who needs a body? Not these larvae, which are basically swimming heads

Researchers at Stanford University studied a rare marine worm species, discovering that its larvae undergo a prolonged phase with little more than a head. This indicates that many animals in the ocean likely share this trunk-less stage, shedding light on animal development and evolution.

SourceStanford University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 8, 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.

Shooting, gang violence exposure leads to PTSD

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a significant connection between exposure to gang violence and severe depression, with 36% of women exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research highlights the often-overlooked impact of traumatic experiences on mental health in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateDec 8, 2016

Soil pHertility

Researchers create a global map of soil pH, revealing an abrupt transition zone between acidic wet climates and alkaline dry climates. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as the ideal neutral range soils are found in areas like Iowa and Ukraine, which are intensively farmed.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2016

Researchers peer into atom-sized tunnels in hunt for better battery

Scientists have discovered that certain large ions can hold tunnels open in electrode materials, allowing charge-carrying ions to move in and out easily and quickly. This breakthrough could lead to improved energy density and power density of lithium ion batteries for larger devices such as electric cars.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 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.

Will Earth still exist 5 billion years from now?

Researchers observed L2 Puppis, a star similar to the Sun 5 billion years ago, to understand its evolution and potential impact on planets. A planet orbiting the giant star may offer clues about Earth's ultimate fate.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateDec 8, 2016

New method helps compare cholera vaccine costs

Researchers developed a standardized approach to analyze full costs of cholera vaccines in developing countries, revealing significant variability in costs. The analysis showed vaccine delivery costs ranging from $0.36 to $6.32 per person vaccinated, with procurement costs varying between $0.29 and $29.70.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 8, 2016

Healthy diet may help kidney disease patients live longer

A healthy diet has been linked to a reduced risk of early death in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study analyzed 7 studies involving 15,285 participants and found that healthy dietary patterns were consistently associated with a 20-30% lower rate of mortality.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 8, 2016

Researchers create hidden images with commercial inkjet printers

Scientists developed a method to print hidden images with commercial inkjet printers that can be revealed only with specific illumination, making it ideal for security-related applications. The technique uses silver and carbon ink to create arrays of rods with varying conductivities, allowing for the encoding of information.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateDec 8, 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.

Trapdoor spiders disappearing from Australian landscape

A significant decline in trapdoor spider populations has been reported across southern Australia, with some areas showing almost complete absence of the species. The decline is linked to intensive land clearing and soil disturbance around their burrows.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustral Entomology·DateDec 8, 2016

Smallpox, once thought an ancient disease, may have emerged in more recent times

Genetic analysis of ancient DNA reveals that the evolution of smallpox occurred far more recently than previously believed, with all available strains having an ancestor no older than 1580. Researchers found two circulating strains of the virus, variola major and minor, after English physician Edward Jenner developed a vaccine in 1796.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 8, 2016

Illusion reveals that the brain fills in peripheral vision

Researchers found that the brain fills in missing details in peripheral vision, creating a visual illusion. The study suggests that this 'filling in' is a general perceptual mechanism that affects many basic visual features.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 8, 2016

Anxiety measure for children with autism proven reliable

A new method devised by Drexel University professor Connor Kerns to diagnose anxiety symptoms in children with autism has been proven effective. The Autism Spectrum Addendum (ASA) adds new questions to the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule - Child/Parent, helping determine behaviors related to autism versus anxiety.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateDec 8, 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.

USDA announces $3.8 million for organics research

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has allocated $3.8 million for research, education, and extension to support organic farming and promote the growth of the organic sector. The grants aim to improve technologies, methods, and cultural practices in organic farming systems.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateDec 8, 2016

Contraception influences sexual desire in committed relationships

A new study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found a correlation between hormonal contraceptives used by women and their frequency of sex with partners. Women who used contraception with more progesterone were most sexually active when faithful and loyal to their partners.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateDec 8, 2016

Study furthers research on protein involved in kidney disease

A study reveals that the liver is the primary source of Apol1, a protein linked to kidney disease, and finds a significant association between APOL1 gene variants and increased risk in individuals of recent African ancestry. The findings provide new insights into the biology of Apol1 and its potential role in health and disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 8, 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.

Key regulator of bone development identified

Researchers at Penn State University have identified Speckle-type POZ Protein (Spop) as a key regulator of bone development. The study reveals that Spop positively regulates Hedgehog signaling during bone formation, leading to reduced bone density and brachydactyly-like symptoms.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2016

Jumping water striders know how to avoid breaking of the water surface

Researchers discovered that jumping water striders adjust their leg movements to prevent the water surface from breaking, allowing them to achieve maximum jump speeds. By studying the biomechanics of these near-vertical jumps, scientists built a mathematical model to explain the behavior and verified its predictions with actual data.

SourceLaboratory of Behavioral Ecology and Evolution at Seoul National University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2016