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Science News Archive February 2016


Page 12 of 39

May the capillary force be with you

Researchers at Washington State University are developing a computer model and designs for improved liquid transport systems using capillary forces to move liquids through narrow spaces in space. By studying the effects of viscosity in microgravity, they aim to conserve energy and enable longer space missions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Crystal and magnetic structure of multiferroic hexagonal manganite

This review article presents an extended study on the crystal and magnetic structure of multiferroic hexagonal manganite RMnO3, which exhibits ferroelectric and magnetic orders. The research highlights the importance of strong interactions between these orders, leading to unique properties.

Surprising mathematical law tested on Project Gutenberg texts

A team of researchers from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona tested the mathematical law known as Zipf's Law on a large database of English-language texts in the Project Gutenberg. The study found that 55% of the texts fit perfectly into Zipf's Law, while 40% do when including rare words.

When in-store digital displays drive sales -- and when they don't

Digital displays showing price promotions increase sales and time spent shopping in hypermarkets. In contrast, displays with unrelated content have no effect, while small convenience-type stores see decreased sales. Larger, browsing-oriented stores reap the most benefits from digital displays.

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.

Clock gene may connect mood and sleep

Researchers discovered a molecular link between mood disorders and circadian rhythms in a study on familial advanced sleep phase (FASP) and faulty PER3 gene variants. Mice carrying the faulty gene exhibited depression-like symptoms when exposed to short light periods, mirroring human seasonal affective disorder.

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.

Cancer statistics for African-Americans, 2016

The American Cancer Society report reveals progress in reducing cancer death rates among African-Americans, but racial disparities persist in breast and colorectal cancers. The study finds that disparities in access to care and screening contribute to these disparities.

Phase 2 clinical trial to treat rare hereditary muscle disease shows promise

Researchers present evidence that extended-release sialic acid supplement stabilizes muscle strength in patients with GNE myopathy, a rare progressive adult-onset muscle disease. Therapy with Ace-ER tablets led to dose-dependent increases in serum sialic acid levels and maintained muscle strength in upper extremities.

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.

Crop Science Society sending students to Zambia for conference

The Crop Science Society of America is sending graduate students to Zambia to learn about dry bean research and increase international knowledge of this important crop. The PanAfrican Grain Legume Conference and World Cowpea Conference will focus on pulses, dry beans, peas, and lentils.

Squirm with purpose: FSU research shows fidgeting is helpful for ADHD patients

Children with ADHD often exhibit hyperactive behavior when trying to solve problems. New FSU research shows that movement can positively impact working memory and cognitive function in these children. The study's findings suggest that fidgeting may be a helpful strategy for improving attention, impulse control, and school success.

A portable device for rapid and highly sensitive diagnostics

EPFL researchers have developed a low-cost, portable microfluidic diagnostic device that can detect various diseases with high accuracy. The device operates on battery power, uses inexpensive microscopes, and requires no pre-treatment of blood samples.

Consuming omega-3 during pregnancy enhances fetal iron metabolism

A study by University of Granada researchers found that maternal DHA supplementation enhances fetal iron metabolism, improving iron reserves and preventing anemia-related complications. The research involved 110 healthy pregnant women who received either a balanced diet or a balanced diet with omega-3 supplements.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

UEA scientists pave way for new generation of superbug drugs

Researchers at UEA have discovered a mechanism to target the defensive barrier of superbugs, bringing bacteria down without developing resistance. This breakthrough paves the way for a new generation of drugs that could revolutionize the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Goods targeted in thefts 'change with market values'

A recent study by University of Warwick researcher Mirko Draca found that higher-priced items are more likely to be stolen. The analysis of monthly data over a 10-year period reveals a strong relationship between price and crime, with a 10% increase in prices associated with a 3.5% increase in crime.

A new way of fighting bacteria?

Scientists at Université de Genève found a novel regulatory mechanism in the HigBA toxin-antitoxin system that can selectively kill bacteria when they suffer from DNA damage. This discovery could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections by forcing bacteria to turn their weapons against themselves.

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.

Cancer in 3-D

A new microscope enables the visualization of cancer cells in 3D, revealing that these cells form small protrusions called blebs in a more realistic tumor environment. This discovery is a first step toward understanding 3D biology in tumor microenvironments and may help explain skin cancer cell invasiveness and drug resistance.

Sea-level rise past and future: Robust estimates for coastal planners

A new study combines two methods for estimating future sea-level rise, yielding a more robust risk range of 50-130 centimeters by 2100. The research provides critical information for coastal planners, who can use the tool to assess adaptation strategies and design flood insurance schemes.

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.

Individual macromolecule motion in a crowded living cell

Researchers develop a universal theory to describe single-molecule temporal resolution, enabling real-time observation of macromolecules in live cells. This breakthrough allows for the study of chemistry and biochemistry at a single-molecule level.

Couples' lifestyle choices impact on obesity risk, study finds

A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that couples' shared lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise, have a greater influence on obesity risk than their individual upbringings. By middle age, these shared choices can significantly impact weight management and reduce obesity risk.

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.

First European advice launched for deadly acute heart failure

The European Society of Cardiology has launched the first European advice on emergency care for patients with acute heart failure. The guidance highlights that mortality from acute heart failure is even higher than from a heart attack, and that care lags 30 years behind standard treatment pathways for heart attacks.

Gaps in reporting leave turtles vulnerable

A James Cook University study found that turtles are left vulnerable due to gaps in reporting of bycatch, a common cause of sea turtle deaths. The researchers recommend pooling bycatch records across fisheries and states over time to better measure the impact on turtle populations.

Paper skin sensors for environmental monitoring

Researchers at KAUST created a low-cost sensor using everyday materials to detect external stimuli. The 'Paper Skin' sensor performs well as an artificial skin application while integrating multiple functions using cost-effective materials.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Galaxy trailed by stunning plume of gas

Astronomers have found a massive tail of hydrogen gas extending from a nearby galaxy, measuring five times longer than the galaxy itself. The discovery suggests that this phenomenon is common in galaxy clusters, and could be indicative of many other galaxies having similar features.

Patients with no schooling benefit least from blood thinning medications

A European Heart Rhythm Association/European Society of Cardiology survey found that patients with no schooling missed treatment targets more often and were less aware of bleeding risks. The study highlights the importance of providing user-friendly education about risk factors for stroke and adequate use of anticoagulants.

New genetic cause of gastric and prostate cancer identified

Researchers at Hiroshima University have linked stomach (gastric) and prostate cancer to a specific type of DNA called T-UCRs. The study identifies a potential regulatory pathway of stomach (gastric) cancer, providing new insights into cancer genetics.

E. coli survives predatory bacteria by playing hide and seek

Researchers discovered that E. coli uses bio-films to protect itself from the bacterial predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, allowing it to survive in fragmented environments. This finding could lead to the development of alternative antibiotics that target specific harmful bacteria while leaving benign ones untouched.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Taste sensors in fly legs control feeding

Insect taste organs on their legs help guide feeding behavior, with specific neurons processing information differently in the brain and influencing movement towards food or away from it.

New material to enhance battery life

Scientists at MSU have created a new cathode material for Li-ion batteries that can enhance charge rates drastically. The material demonstrated high charge/discharge rates while retaining over 75% of initial capacity, making it a promising contender for commercialized high-power cathode materials.

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.

Uninsured children most at risk for insufficient health care experiences

Researchers found that uninsured children have the lowest and most unstable medical home experiences, despite being in greatest need of constant, quality care. The study emphasizes the need for extra efforts to ensure all children have access to quality healthcare, even with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Georgetown ID specialist discusses global health leadership and Zika at ICID

Georgetown infectious disease expert Daniel Lucey discusses the importance of global health leadership in responding to the Zika virus pandemic. He shares his experience working with clinicians and epidemiologists in Brazil and West Africa, highlighting the need for collaborative approaches to address emerging infectious diseases.

New device may speed up DNA insertion into bacteria

A new device may significantly speed up the process of inserting DNA into bacteria, which is a critical first step in genetic engineering. The device, developed by MIT engineers, uses a microfluidic system to identify optimal electric field conditions for reversible membrane poration.

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.

NASA sees major Tropical Cyclone Winston approaching Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Winston is intensifying near Fiji, with NASA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing images of the strengthening storm. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts Winston to make landfall on the east coast of Fiji as a major Category 4 hurricane, threatening catastrophic damage and power outages.

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.