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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 28


Page 28 of 32

First detection of ammonia in the upper troposphere

Researchers detected high concentrations of ammonia in the upper troposphere over the Asian monsoon, suggesting a significant role in aerosol formation and potential cooling effect on the atmosphere. The findings provide new insights into the vertical distribution of atmospheric ammonia.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateDec 5, 2016

During last warming period, Antarctica heated up 2 to 3 times more than planet average

A new study by a team of American geophysicists found that Antarctica warmed about 11 degrees Celsius between 20,000 and 10,000 years ago, 2 to 3 times the average temperature increase worldwide. The disparity highlights the amplification of warming at poles consistent with today's climate change models.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

No peeking: Humans play computer game using only direct brain stimulation

University of Washington researchers demonstrate humans playing a simple two-dimensional computer game using only input from direct brain stimulation. The subjects navigated mazes with improved accuracy when receiving guidance via phosphene stimulation, suggesting potential for encoding novel information into the human brain.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateDec 5, 2016

Visual biases near the hands help us perform specific actions

Learning to grasp an object with the backs of the hands increased sensitivity to motion near the hands, while finger-tips precision grasp enhanced spatial detail perception near the hands. These findings suggest that vision is tuned for action and visual biases adapt to recent experiences.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 5, 2016

Political left, right both inspired by utopian hopes

A new study from the University of Illinois at Chicago finds that people on both the left and right are motivated by promoting their preferred future, rather than fear of non-preferred policies. This moral investment leads to increased activism behaviors such as voting, donating, and volunteering.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 5, 2016
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.

Jeffrey Lieberman given the ACNP Julius Axelrod Mentorship Award

Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman has been recognized by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) with the Julius Axelrod Mentorship Award for his significant contributions to neuropsychopharmacology. He is a leading researcher and national leader in psychiatry, having trained a generation of clinical and translational researchers.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 5, 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.

PNNL supports White House efforts on soil

The Department of Energy's PNNL is conducting two ongoing research efforts exploring the properties of soil. MinT initiative focuses on microbes in soil, while IPASS studies fundamental processes affecting carbon, nitrogen and water through plant ecosystems.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 5, 2016

Scientists shed light on the climate-changing desert dust fertilizing our oceans

Researchers have quantified how phosphate fertiliser is released from dust depending on atmospheric acid levels, allowing models to predict its impact on marine ecosystems. The study found that increased plant growth can inadvertently reduce greenhouse gases while increasing fish populations.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2016

Simple steps lengthen lives of high-risk AML patients

High-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients can live longer with quicker identification and transplantation. Researchers found that rapidly identifying genetic mutations and matching donors increased two-year survival rates from 22% to 45%. The streamlined approach could establish a new standard of care for these patients.

SourceSWOG·DateDec 5, 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.

Drug/catheter combo for labor induction could save 2.4 million hours of labor annually, Penn study shows

A combination of the prostaglandin-like drug misoprostol and a balloon catheter could reduce delivery room time by several hours, potentially saving thousands of days of labor per year. The study found no significant differences in cesarean deliveries or medical complications between the methods.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 5, 2016

'Shock and kill' strategy for curing HIV may endanger patients' brains

A new study on simian immunodeficiency virus in macaques suggests that a proposed curative strategy could cause harmful brain inflammation if the virus is present in the brain. The 'shock and kill' treatment approach, which aims to wipe out infected cells, may have unintended consequences.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAIDS·DateDec 5, 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.

Legendary Chesapeake scientist Walter Boynton awarded Mathias Medal

Walter Boynton, a renowned Chesapeake Bay scientist, has been awarded the Mathias Medal for his groundbreaking research on nutrient pollution and its impact on the Bay's ecosystem. His work has informed environmental policy and contributed to the development of management plans that have improved water quality.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·DateDec 5, 2016

Making spines from sea water

Sea urchins and microorganisms have been found to 'drink' seawater, extracting calcium ions through a network of bubbles within their cells. This method may be more energy-efficient than previous theories, but also presents challenges in manipulating ions in the sea water.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2016

Kids' restaurant menu items often include excess calories

A new study found that most kids' menu items at top restaurants exceed the recommended calorie count, with fried potatoes being the most excessive. Experts recommend adjusting portion sizes and menus to meet children's needs, providing an opportunity for restaurants to promote healthier options and reduce childhood obesity.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalNutrition Today·DateDec 5, 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.

Leukemia drug combo is encouraging in early Phase I clinical trial

A combination therapy of thioguanine and decitabine has shown promising results in a small Phase I clinical trial for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Eight out of 12 patients responded to the treatment, including six who achieved complete remission.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateDec 5, 2016

Even moderate, habitual alcohol consumption can cause irregular heartbeat

A new review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that even moderate and habitual alcohol consumption can cause irregular heartbeat. The study analyzed data from nearly 900,000 people over 12 years and reported an 8% increase in risk for every alcoholic drink consumed per day.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 5, 2016

ALMA measures size of seeds of planets

Researchers have measured the size of dust particles around a young star for the first time, achieving a precise size measurement through radio-wave polarization. The estimated size of the dust particles is at most 150 micrometers, which is more than 10 times smaller than previously thought.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 5, 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.

Parenting classes benefit all, especially lower-income families

A new study from Oregon State University suggests that parenting education can improve the skills of every parent and the behavior of all children. The study found that parenting education series serving predominantly lower-income parents resulted in greater improvements in their skills and their children's behaviors compared to series...

SourceOregon State University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateDec 5, 2016

Female lemurs with color vision provide advantages for their group

Researchers found that trichromat females have higher body mass indices and increased infant survival rates among their group members. This suggests a selective advantage for trichromatic females in providing nutrition and care to their offspring during times of food scarcity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 5, 2016

How plants manage excess solar energy

Scientists have found that the UVR8 receptor in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii activates a safety valve to dissipate excess energy as heat. The study reveals a second protective role of these receptors, producing an anti-UV 'sunscreen'.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2016
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.

No safe level of smoking

A study of over 290,000 adults found that even low-intensity smokers had a significantly higher risk of earlier death than never smokers. The risk was particularly strong for lung cancer mortality, with low-intensity smokers experiencing nearly 9 times the risk of dying from lung cancer.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 5, 2016

Drug combination yields results in patients with forms of leukemia or lymphoma

A phase 1 clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of a combination of two targeted agents, ibrutinib and TGR-1202, in treating relapsed or hard-to-treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The regimen showed promising results, with one patient achieving complete remission.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 5, 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.

New study to investigate role of sleep in chronic pain

A Washington State University-led study explores the relationship between sleep and chronic pain, with the goal of developing new treatments. The research aims to understand which comes first: pain or poor sleep, and whether improving sleep can alleviate pain symptoms.

SourceWashington State University·DateDec 5, 2016

Andrew Holmes given the ACNP Daniel H. Efron Research Award

Andrew Holmes receives the ACNP Daniel H. Efron Research Award for his work on understanding the causes of alcoholism and comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions. His research has been published over 170 times, with more than 13,000 citations.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 5, 2016

Early treatment may prevent progression to multiple myeloma

Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that an immunotherapy-based drug combination can prevent progression of high-risk 'smoldering' multiple myeloma, causing tumor shrinkage in 82.6% of patients. The treatment was well-tolerated with low toxicities and resulted in remission for many patients.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 5, 2016

Secrets of the paleo diet: Discovery reveals plant-based menu of prehistoric man

Archaeologists have discovered a collection of 55 species of edible plants, including seeds, fruits, nuts, and tubers, at the Gesher Benot Ya'aqov site in Israel. The finds, dated to 780,000 years ago, provide evidence of the plant-based diet of early humans during the Acheulian culture.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 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.

Genetic memory of starvation may curtail lifespan of men

Researchers discovered a correlation between starvation and shortened telomere lengths in men born after the mass famine of the early 1920s. The team found that these shorter telomeres were stable in ensuing generations, suggesting a potential impact on male lifespan.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 5, 2016

Researchers study sea spray to improve hurricane intensity forecasting

A University of Miami research team analyzed sea spray droplets generated from breaking waves and found that the amount of large droplets is 1000 times more than previously thought. This information can be applied to hurricane models to improve intensity predictions, aiding in people's safety.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of the Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 5, 2016

Immunotherapy shows promise in preventing leukemia relapse

A group of 12 high-risk acute myeloid leukemia patients who received genetically engineered immune cells are still in remission after over two years. The treatment was successful in recognizing and destroying cancer cells, with no relapse observed in this cohort.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateDec 5, 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.

Association between steps, functional decline in older hospitalized patients

A new research letter published online by JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that walking fewer than 900 steps per day is associated with hospitalization-associated functional decline in older hospitalized patients. The study included 177 older patients who walked less than 900 steps per day, with 55.4% experiencing functional decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 5, 2016

Medical glue is the clue to reducing IV drip failure

Researchers have found that using medical skin glue can significantly reduce IV drip failure rates due to infection, pain, blockage or falling out. By reducing the need for replacement, doctors can save staff time and free up valuable healthcare resources.

SourceEmergency Medicine Foundation (Australia)·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 5, 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.

Study examines the impact of climate change on freshwater species

A study examines the impact of climate change on freshwater species in New South Wales, Australia. At least a third of species are likely to lose more than half their range under climate change. The researchers hope that better communicating modeling uncertainty can inform adaptive management and balance risks.

SourceWiley·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateDec 5, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Report reassesses variations in global warming

Experts reassess temperature trends, finding that global warming slowed less from 1998 to 2012, peaking in 2016 at a level around 1.5ºC above its level early in the Industrial Revolution. Global temperatures remain high due to exceptionally low sea-ice extent in both hemispheres.

SourceWiley·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateDec 5, 2016

Babies' first words can be predicted based on visual attention, IU study finds

A new theory of infant language learning suggests that visual experience plays a key role in early word acquisition, with common objects emerging as first words. The study's findings have implications for the treatment of children with language deficits and autism.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 5, 2016

Three new ASCB celldance video awards take you inside living cells

The latest ASCB celldance videos offer an immersive look at living cells through powerful imaging technologies. The three selected labs showcased their research using innovative storytelling methods, including spoken word and animation. The videos provide a glimpse into the intricate cellular dance of life.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 5, 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.