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Science News Archive February 2016


Page 23 of 39

Twisting magnets enhance data storage capacity

Researchers successfully experimented with chiral magnetic materials that show a unique magnetic twisting effect triggered by weak external magnetic fields. This leads to the development of new types of magnetic memories with unprecedented storage capacities, up to 10 million times larger than conventional magnetic storage memory devices.

'Lasers rewired': Scientists find a new way to make nanowire lasers

Researchers create nanowire lasers with exceptional brightness and stability, promising breakthroughs in optoelectronics and photonics. The innovative method uses a simple chemical-dipping process to produce self-assembled nanoscale crystals, plates, and wires composed of cesium, lead, and bromine.

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.

UBC researchers discover new glass technology

Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus discovered a way to enhance the amount of light coming through glass by coating small pieces with thin layers of metal. This breakthrough may enable integration of electronic capabilities into windows, making them 'smart' and energy-efficient.

TSRI study reveals new link between brain and fat-burning circuit

A new study led by TSRI scientists has found that oxygen sensing in the brain plays a role in metabolism and internal state sensing. The research discovered a connection between oxygen levels and fat reserves in animal models, suggesting a possible mechanism for regulating metabolism in humans.

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.

Expanded understanding of promising blood fat-lowering protein

Researchers at Umea University have found that the protein FGF21 redistributes fatty acids through two mechanisms, leading to improved pharmaceutical treatment options for obesity-related diseases. The study also shows that FGF21 can activate the enzyme Lipoprotein lipase, increasing the hydrolytic cleavage and uptake of blood lipids.

Long-term benefits of 'senolytic' drugs on vascular health in mice

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have demonstrated significant health improvements in the vascular system of mice following repeated treatments to remove senescent cells. The study shows that regular clearance of senescent cells can improve age-related vascular conditions and may be a viable approach to reduce cardiovascular disease and death.

Doctors' reminders help keep people more engaged in their health care

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that follow-up emails from doctors are crucial to keeping patients informed about their care. Patients who continued receiving reminders tended to access their notes more frequently, leading to better health outcomes.

Renovating spaces and preserving places with lasers

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a 3D laser scanning technology that can accurately measure spaces and preserve details. This technology is being used in various fields, including archaeology, real estate, and manufacturing, to enhance space preservation and renovation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Elsevier announces the launch of Transplantation Reports

Elsevier has launched Transplantation Reports, an online-only, open-access journal serving the international transplant community. The journal will publish original research, reviews, editorials, and commentaries related to transplantation.

New milestone for device that can 'smell' prostate cancer

A new device can detect prostate cancer in urine samples using a gas chromatography sensor system, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures. The technology has shown promising results in a pilot study involving 155 men.

Biosensors on demand

Scientists have developed a method to engineer custom biosensor proteins that can precisely sense specific molecules, expanding the variety of biosensor designs. The approach combines computational protein design, in vitro synthesis, and in vivo testing to identify tailored biosensors.

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.

Novel neuroprotective therapy found to enhance memory

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a novel peptide that enhances memory and reveals significant gender differences in the brain. The peptide, developed to treat neuroprotective protein deficiencies, has been shown to accelerate microtubular function and normalize nerve-cell transport in both males and females.

LIGO confirms RIT's breakthrough prediction of gravitational waves

Rochester Institute of Technology researchers' 2005 breakthrough prediction of gravitational waves has been confirmed by LIGO. Their work introduced a revolutionary new way to understand the universe through gravitational wave astronomy, opening up frontiers in the field.

Neandertal-derived DNA may influence depression and more in modern humans

Researchers have identified correlations between Neandertal-derived genes and disease states in modern humans, including depression, addiction, and metabolism. The study found that Neandertal alleles were significantly correlated with the risk for 12 traits, including myocardial infarction and blood disorders.

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.

Research reveals carbon films can give microchips energy storage capability

An international team led by Dr. Yury Gogotsi and Dr. Patrice Simon has confirmed that carbon films can be integrated into silicon chips for energy storage, enabling the creation of microscale batteries on a chip. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for smaller personal electronic devices and the Internet of Things.

Daily dose of beetroot juice improved endurance and blood pressure

A daily dose of beetroot juice significantly improved exercise endurance by 24% after one week, while also reducing resting systolic blood pressure by 5-10mmHg. The study found that the juice's inorganic nitrate content has beneficial effects on vascular health and oxygen metabolism.

Asthma linked to an increased time to pregnancy

Women with asthma experienced a significantly longer median total time to pregnancy (32.2 months vs 55.6 months) compared to those without asthma. Additionally, the birth rate was lower among asthmatic women, with fewer successful conceptions (39.6% vs 60.4%).

New test could help select the best treatment for bowel cancer patients

A new test has shown that patients with advanced bowel cancer who have high levels of two proteins can benefit from a combination of drugs, leading to improved cancer growth. The test could help select the best treatment for each individual patient, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Wisconsin researchers transform common cell to master heart cell

A team of Wisconsin researchers has successfully transformed mouse fibroblasts into primitive master heart cells, which can form the developing heart. The technology could permit a scalable method for making an almost unlimited supply of cardiac progenitor cells, providing material to study heart disease and potentially treat diseased ...

New NTU smart chip makes low-powered, wireless neural implants a possibility

Scientists at NTU have developed a small smart chip that can wirelessly transmit brain signals from neural implants, increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of infections. The chip analyzes and decodes thousands of signals with high accuracy, enabling compact medical wearable devices and prosthetic limb control.

Sleep apnea takes a toll on brain function

Researchers at UCLA found significant changes in brain chemicals GABA and glutamate in patients with sleep apnea, which can lead to symptoms like depression, stress, and memory loss. The study suggests that treating sleep apnea may help restore normal brain chemical levels.

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.

Herpes outbreak, other marine viruses linked to coral bleaching event

A study found that viral infections, including a herpes-like virus, contributed to coral bleaching events, particularly under high temperatures and environmental stresses. The research suggests that viruses may play an important role in coral disease, especially when combined with other stressors.

More evidence found on potential harmful effects of e-cigarettes

Research by UofL professor Daniel J. Conklin found e-cigarettes may cause atherosclerosis, a plaque-causing disease leading to heart attacks and strokes. The study exposed mice to varying levels of e-cigarette aerosol, tobacco smoke, or nicotine alone, revealing that multiple constituents have cardiovascular disease-causing potential.

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.

'Grit' adds little to prediction of academic achievement

A large-scale study of 4,500 twins found that personality traits, not grit, predict around six percent of the differences in GCSE results. Grit alone only predicted 0.5 percent of these differences. The researchers suggest teaching grit to pupils may not be as effective as previously thought.

Type 2 diabetes drug can exhaust insulin-producing cells

Long-term use of liraglutide can lead to a gradual exhaustion of insulin-producing beta cells, reducing their secretion of insulin. This study using humanized mice suggests the need for caution when prescribing long-term GLP-1 analogues.

Marine vessel tracking system also a lifesaver for wildlife

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) can help minimize the negative effects of shipping on marine mammals. Researchers used AIS to track vessel traffic in relation to whale habitats, identifying areas where shipping lanes and migration routes overlap. By improving coverage and usability of data, AIS can inform conservation efforts.

NASA's 2 eyes on Tropical Cyclone Daya

RapidScat instrument measures high winds in Tropical Cyclone Daya, while Aqua satellite detects cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is expected to weaken due to increasing wind shear.

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.

UMD-led team first to solve well-known game theory scenario

A UMD-led team has solved the Colonel Blotto game theory scenario, a two-party conflict used to analyze election outcomes. The new algorithm can help political strategists and business leaders make better decisions by computing the best resource investment strategy for any competitor.

Plankton network linked to ocean's biological carbon pump revealed

A study has uncovered a complex planktonic network influencing the ocean's biological carbon pump, which removes carbon from the atmosphere. The research found that certain bacterial and viral genes predict variations in carbon export, enabling better predictions of climate change effects.

New computer vision algorithm predicts orientation of objects

Disney researchers have developed a method to estimate pose and predict orientation of objects, using similarities in how different types of objects appear from the same angle. The system proved effective in predicting pose even for unseen objects, with applications in self-driving cars and other computer vision tasks.

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.

How your brain might be secretly thwarting your New Year's resolutions

Researchers found that when people see something associated with a past reward, their brain releases dopamine even if they're not expecting it. This could explain why breaking bad habits or sticking to resolutions is hard. The study's results suggest potential benefits for addicts and dieters.

Neanderthal DNA has subtle but significant impact on human traits

New study confirms Neanderthal DNA has a subtle but significant impact on modern human biology, including associations with skin lesions, nicotine addiction, depression, and blood coagulation. The research uses anonymized electronic health records and genomes to test the effects of archaic genetic variants on clinical traits.

Study finds fish larvae are better off in groups

UM Rosenstiel School researchers found that fish larvae swam on a 15 percent straighter course and seven percent faster when in groups. This group orientation behavior is thought to be beneficial for reducing predation and detecting food, a phenomenon previously observed only in adult fish.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A metal that behaves like water

Researchers at Harvard have advanced graphene's understanding by observing electrons behaving like a fluid, defying classical physics expectations. The findings pave the way for novel thermoelectric devices and provide a model system to explore exotic phenomena.

Lifelong physical activity increases bone density in men

A University of Missouri study found that men who engaged in high-impact activities during adolescence and young adulthood had greater bone mineral density than those who didn't. This association was observed across all ages, suggesting that it's never too late to start a bone-strengthening exercise program.

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.

Ground water storage helped offset sea level rise, study says

Recent analysis suggests that groundwater storage has contributed up to 22% to slowing sea level rise, with climate-driven changes in precipitation playing the key role. Human-induced factors like reservoir filling and water pumping have also affected land storage capacity, although to a lesser extent.

Common antimalarial drug could be used to treat major injury

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that the antimalarial drug Artesunate can reduce organ failure following injury in rats. The study's findings suggest that Artesunate could be a highly effective option for treating major trauma patients, particularly those experiencing hemorrhagic shock.