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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 31


Page 31 of 32

Attempted suicide rates and risk groups essentially unchanged, new study shows

A new study analyzing over 3 million emergency department visits shows that attempted suicide rates and risk groups remain largely unchanged between 2006 and 2013. The majority of those who attempted suicide had a concurrent mental disorder, with males more likely to use violent methods.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·DateDec 1, 2016

Dabigatran superior to warfarin when anticoagulation is resumed after bleeding

A new analysis found that restarting dabigatran after a major bleeding event leads to lower recurrent hemorrhage risk compared to warfarin. Resuming anticoagulation therapy also reduced the likelihood of stroke-free survival, with dabigatran associated with nearly half the risk of another major bleeding event within one year.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalStroke·DateDec 1, 2016

Researchers examine how brain stimulation affects memory reactivation

Researchers found that specific changes in neural connections can retain information for short periods, allowing it to be retrieved through noninvasive brain stimulation techniques. The study used TMS to reactivate and strengthen latent memories, demonstrating a dynamic maintenance mechanism under cognitive control.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 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.

Test created in Brazil can diagnose 416 viruses from tropical regions

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a platform that analyzes clinical samples to diagnose infection by 416 viruses found in tropical regions. The tool is designed for reference laboratories and can detect pathogens with the potential to cause epidemics in humans.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 1, 2016

The tree of life has its roots in Jena

Ernst Haeckel's groundbreaking work in 1866 introduced the concept of monophyly and natural selection in speciation, illustrating the evolutionary history of organisms as a tree of life. This innovative method has remained unchanged for over 150 years, with its principle being widely adopted to represent biodiversity.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 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.

FSU professor designs new material to better store hydrogen fuel

Jose Mendoza-Cortes, a Florida State University researcher, has designed new materials that can store hydrogen fuel more efficiently. These porous materials of transition metals allow for lower energy expenditure and increased hydrogen storage capacity, making them suitable for practical use in vehicles.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 1, 2016

Szanton receives GSA's 2016 Senior Service America Senior Scholar Award

Dr. Sarah Szanton has received the GSA's Senior Scholar Award for her research on food assistance and its impact on nursing home admissions among low-income older adults. Her study found that SNAP recipients are significantly less likely to enter a nursing home and have shorter stays.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateDec 1, 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.

Strategy for the Trump administration to expand the role of tax-exempt hospitals

Research shows the importance of healthy communities to population health, and tax-exempt hospitals are well-positioned to address these issues. The new report recommends that the IRS modify community benefit policies to encourage greater hospital involvement in activities aimed at improving social conditions.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·DateDec 1, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Renaissance astronomer Tycho Brahe was full of gold

Researchers analyzed hair samples from Tycho Brahe's remains and found significantly higher levels of gold than expected in a typical person. This suggests that Brahe was exposed to gold through his daily life, potentially through jewelry, elixirs, or alchemy.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalArchaeometry·DateDec 1, 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.

Neural stem cells serve as RNA highways too

Researchers discovered that neural stem cells serve as RNA highways, transporting proteins and messenger RNAs to the endfeet. FMRP was found to be responsible for controlling mRNA movement and is linked to autism-related disorders.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 1, 2016

New form of autism found

Researchers identified a new genetic cause of syndromic autism linked to the SLC7A5 gene, which transports amino acids into the brain. The study found that treating neurological abnormalities in mice with this gene mutation improved behavioral symptoms.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell·DateDec 1, 2016

US public divided over food science

A new survey by Pew Research Center reveals a divide among Americans regarding the health effects of organic produce, genetically modified foods, and eating healthy. While some believe organics are healthier, others see no difference or consider GM foods worse for health.

SourcePew Research Center·DateDec 1, 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.

Sniffing like a dog can improve trace detection of explosives

A team of researchers developed an artificial dog nose that mimics the 'active sniffing' of dogs, improving vapor detection by up to 16-fold. The technology uses fluid dynamics and entrainment to increase aerodynamic reach and sample vapors at increasingly large distances.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 1, 2016

Recovering Latina breast cancer patients report big gaps in 'survivorship' care

Research from Oregon State University reveals numerous gaps in survivorship care for Latinas, including unmet needs for information, symptom management, and coordination among specialists. The study highlights the importance of understanding cultural context and developing tailored support systems to address these gaps.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPublic Health Nursing·DateDec 1, 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.

Paper: Corporate board 'interlocks' lead to managerial entrenchment

Research from Richard Benton reveals that corporate boards' social connections and 'interlocks' facilitate managerial control, undermining shareholder interests. The study finds that institutional investors' concentrated ownership can be mitigated by the entrenched management structure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateDec 1, 2016

Bitumen from Middle East discovered in 7th century buried ship in UK

Researchers have identified bitumen from the Middle East in a 7th century ship buried at Sutton Hoo in the UK, indicating a previously unknown trade route. The presence of this rare material suggests that it was deliberately included in the burial chamber, possibly as an ornamental or prestigious raw material.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 1, 2016

Breakthrough in diabetes research: Cells produce insulin upon artemisinin treatment

Researchers found that artemisinins transform glucagon-producing alpha cells into insulin-producing cells by activating GABA receptors, producing insulin. The study uses FDA-approved malaria drugs and has been shown to increase beta cell mass and improve blood sugar homeostasis in animal models.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalCell·DateDec 1, 2016

Controlling chain conformations to enhance electronic devices

Controlling polymer chain conformations may enable fast and flexible electrical circuits, revolutionizing the field of flexible electronics. Researchers developed new polymers that increase mobility in organic thin film transistors by over 10 times.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 1, 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.

Model explains barred owls' domination over northern spotted owls

A model developed at Michigan State University shows how barred owls are dominating northern spotted owl territories and outcompeting them for resources. The model, called Dynamic N-occupancy, uses simple data on species presence to provide accurate estimates of local abundance and population growth.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology·DateDec 1, 2016

Correlates of overweight and obesity among adolescents with bipolar disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey -- Adolescent Supplement

A recent study published in JAACAP found that obesity among adolescents with bipolar disorder is associated with increased illness severity, including more suicide attempts and psychiatric hospitalizations. However, the study also found that overweight adolescents with bipolar disorder are not more common than their peers.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 1, 2016

Can creativity beat death? New study suggests creatives worry less about dying

A new study suggests that individuals with high levels of creative ambition and achievement are more resilient to death concerns. Those with a record of creative achievement, coupled with high levels of creative ambition, made fewer death associations in their thought processes compared to those in the control condition.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalThe Journal of Creative Behavior·DateDec 1, 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.

Neurons do math to distinguish predictions from reality

Dopamine neurons use a mathematical approach to predict errors, responding similarly across individual neurons. This uniformity simplifies information coding, allowing prediction errors to be broadcasted robustly throughout the brain.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateDec 1, 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.

Study: Restaurants not good at explaining risks of undercooked meat to customers

A recent study found that restaurants often provide inaccurate information about food safety risks, particularly with undercooked beef hamburgers. Despite menus complying with FDA guidance, servers frequently contradict this information, leaving customers confused and vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Food Protection·DateDec 1, 2016

Women dissatisfied with long process to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome

A large international survey found nearly two-thirds of women with PCOS waited over two years for a diagnosis and saw multiple healthcare providers before receiving a diagnosis. Women reported dissatisfaction with the length of time they waited and lack of information about treatments and long-term complications.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 1, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Gut microbe movements regulate host circadian rhythms

Research in mice reveals that gut microbe movements can influence a host animal's circadian rhythms by exposing different microbes and their metabolites as the day goes by. The study shows profound effects on host physiology, including changes in liver function and gene expression.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 1, 2016

Study: Enhancing cancer response to radiation

A team of researchers has discovered microRNAs play a critical role in tumor progression and response to radiation therapy in a mouse model. The findings suggest that microRNA biomarkers could be used to predict cancer response to radiation, potentially leading to more effective treatments.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2016

Alcohol intake associated with increased risk of melanoma

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that alcohol intake is associated with a higher risk of invasive melanoma, especially among individuals who consume more than 20 grams of alcohol per day. White wine was the most clearly associated with increased risk.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 1, 2016

NYU Tandon's Elza Erkip garners prestigious engineering award

Elza Erkip, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at NYU Tandon, has been recognized for her groundbreaking work in communications technology, particularly in 5G wireless systems. She is the recipient of the IEEE Women in Communications Engineering Award for her outstanding technical contributions.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateDec 1, 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.

What do Netflix, Google and planetary systems have in common?

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a novel machine learning approach to determine whether planetary systems are stable or not. This method is 1,000 times faster than traditional methods and can provide valuable information about exoplanets, including their mass and orbital eccentricity.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 1, 2016

Researchers take first look into the 'eye' of Majoranas

Physicists at University of Basel successfully generate and measure Majorana fermions, a key component in quantum computing. The team created a wire with single iron atoms and observed the wave properties of Majoranas, making their interior visible for the first time.

SourceUniversity of Basel·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateDec 1, 2016

Experts argue it's time to stop using bite marks in forensics

The study highlights the lack of research on bite-mark identification and its low validity. Forensic dentists' claims of unique dental signatures are unfounded, leading to wrongful convictions. Recent DNA exonerations support the rejection of bite-mark identifications as reliable evidence.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Law and the Biosciences·DateDec 1, 2016

Study suggests possible new target for treating and preventing Alzheimer's

Researchers at OHSU discovered a correlation between aquaporin-4 prevalence in brains of older people without Alzheimer's compared to those with the disease. The protein's disorganization in Alzheimer's brains may reflect impaired waste clearance, suggesting it as a potential target for treatment or prevention.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 1, 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.

Autism-linked protein crucial for feeling pain

A recent study by Duke University researchers has identified a crucial link between autism and pain sensation, suggesting that the SHANK3 protein plays a key role in transmitting pain signals. The findings have significant implications for understanding autism-related sensory problems and developing effective treatments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateDec 1, 2016

Test for early diagnosis of life-threatening preemie disease advances

A novel diagnostic biomarker panel can identify necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants with high accuracy. The test, developed by LSU Health New Orleans researchers, has the potential to improve disease management and outcomes for thousands of preterm babies each year.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateDec 1, 2016