Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2016


Page 24 of 39

Internet searches reflect vaping's surge

A recent study found that people searching for vaping-related terms are primarily interested in shopping for e-cigarettes rather than health information. This suggests a concerning trend in the growing vaping industry, where marketing and advertising efforts may be targeting consumers without regard for potential health risks.

Record for fastest data rate set

Researchers at UCL have achieved a record-breaking data rate of 1.125 Tb/s using custom-built optical communications system with multiple transmitting channels and a single receiver. This breakthrough is expected to support the growth of high-speed internet and cloud services, enabling faster data transfer rates.

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.

Memory ensembles

The brain regulates the size of neuronal ensembles that reflect the memory trace to optimize performance, researchers from Université de Genève demonstrate. The study shows that inhibiting or resurfacing a memory can be achieved by targeting neurons in the hippocampus.

Iron in the blood could cause cell damage, say researchers

Concentrations of iron similar to those delivered through standard treatments can trigger DNA damage within 10 minutes, when given to cells in the laboratory. Researchers from Imperial College London suggest that standard treatment dosages may be causing cell damage, highlighting the need for careful consideration of iron levels.

Oldest footprints in Catalonia

Researchers found ichnites of temnospondyls, seymouriamorphs, captorhinids, and synapsids in the Manyanet Valley, providing insights into ancient tetrapod diversity. The study suggests climate changes influenced faunal distribution during the Permian Period.

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.

True love: How transcription factors interact to create a heart

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that three transcription factors -- NKX2-5, TBX5, and GATA4 -- must interact for proper heart development. Without these interactions, severe congenital heart defects occur. The study revealed the proteins' genomic and physical interactions, providing new insights into treating heart disease.

Male biology students consistently underestimate female peers, study finds

A study at the University of Washington found that male students ranked their male classmates as more knowledgeable about course content, even when female students performed better. This gender bias was consistent across 11 different class surveys and could impact female students' perception of themselves in STEM fields.

Feeling older increases risk of hospitalization, study says

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel older than their peers are more likely to be hospitalized. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 adults and found a 10-25% increased likelihood of hospitalization among those who reported feeling older.

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.

Hope for peace may be encouraged by enemies in Israeli-Palestinian conflict

A new study suggests that hearing messages of hope from Palestinians, regardless of their affiliation, can instill greater sense of hope among Jewish Israelis. In contrast, similar hopeful messages from outside experts had no effect. The findings have implications for protracted intergroup conflicts beyond the Israeli-Palestinian confl...

Mecca's cardiac hospital describes how it copes with the Hajj

KAMC's Hajj Committee plans year-round to ensure preparedness for the massive patient influx during the Hajj. The hospital treats 700-1000 cardiac patients, with most being Hajj visitors, and has increased echocardiography staff from 7 to 13 during peak seasons.

New target found in search for new, more effective herbicide

Researchers at the John Innes Centre have identified DNA gyrase as a key enzyme in plants that can be targeted for the development of new, more effective herbicides. This discovery holds promise for reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and ensuring the safety of farmers and gardeners.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Abnormal combos of peptides may contribute to diabetes

Researchers identified hybrid insulin peptides (HIPs) that trigger autoimmune response in T1D patients, prompting immune system to attack insulin-producing cells. These findings may help explain the mystery of why people with T1D are affected by incorrect insulin peptide bonding.

GGC physicist leads team in innovative black hole research

A research team led by GGC physicist Lior Burko simulated a rotating black hole for the first time, revealing that objects can stay intact as they approach the center. The simulation supports popular science fiction scenarios where black holes are used as portals for hyperspace travel.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Winston form

Tropical Cyclone Winston is intensifying with powerful thunderstorms circling its center and generating heavy rainfall. Sea surface temperatures of near 31 degrees Celsius are fueling the storm's growth, with maximum sustained winds expected to reach 105 knots.

Why smiles (and frowns) are contagious

Research reveals that humans mirror others' faces to recognize and share emotions. This phenomenon is linked to social disorders like autism, where facial expression recognition can be impaired. Understanding sensorimotor simulation may help treat related conditions.

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.

Mommy and me

A study by University of Utah researcher Elisabeth Conradt found that a mother's sensitivity can buffer her infant from the negative impacts of maternal depression. Infants whose mothers were sensitive had lower cortisol levels and less DNA methylation, indicating reduced exposure to maternal stress hormones.

Bumpy liquid films could simplify fabrication of microlenses

Researchers at TU Darmstadt develop a new technique to fabricate microlens arrays with highly regular structures, reducing costs and time. The method uses cellular convection in a thick liquid layer to pattern a thin polymer film, ideal for photovoltaic systems.

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.

Real-time Ebola fusion system yields clues to stopping infection

Researchers developed a real-time system to track Ebola virus particles' interaction with human cells, revealing crucial host and viral proteins involved in fusion. The study identifies specific cellular proteins required for fusion, offering insights into designing future drugs or vaccines.

This is what a wasp sees to learn the way home

Researchers reconstructed what wasps see during learning flights, revealing how they monitor changing views and rely on familiar sights. The study sheds light on the insects' remarkable navigation abilities, which may inspire new approaches to robotics and ecological neuroscience.

Plant extract shows promise in treating pancreatic cancer

A new study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso found that a compound in neem leaves can stop pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis without harming normal cells. The researchers observed a 70% reduction in cancer cell migration and invasion, as well as an 80% drop in cancer cell colonies.

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.

Pinpointing loneliness in the brain

MIT neuroscientists identify the brain region responsible for feelings of loneliness and increased sociability after isolation. This discovery provides a starting point for studying loneliness-like states and their neural mechanisms.

NASA's RapidScat spots newborn Tropical Cyclone Tatiana

RapidScat measures surface winds in intensifying tropical cyclone Tatiana, providing forecasters with pinpoint data to track strongest winds. The storm is currently well offshore and poses no immediate threat to the Queensland coast.

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.

Updates on the fight to save amphibians

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has imposed a ban on importing 201 species of salamanders to prevent the spread of deadly fungal disease Bsal. Researchers will discuss lessons learned from controlling another closely related fungus, Bd, which has decimated frog populations worldwide.

For a rare prairie orchid, science is making climate change local

A dynamic model focusing on site scale conservation helps answer questions about how small white lady's slipper orchid habitats will change with climate change. The model provides information on management strategies specific to the location and plant itself, benefiting rare species with limited ranges.

Researchers to use supercomputer to 'hack' Ebola

University of Leeds researchers will run computer software to identify compounds that could be the basis of antivirals for Ebola. The project focuses on finding effective anti-viral drugs, as vaccines are not yet available to treat infected patients.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study finds freezing nerves prior to knee replacement improves outcomes

A retrospective study found that freezing nerves before knee replacement surgery significantly improves patient outcomes, with shorter hospital stays and reduced opioid use. The treatment group had fewer knee symptoms and better local pain control, allowing patients to walk and function well enough to go home sooner.

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.

100-mllion-year-old amber preserves oldest animal societies

Scientists discovered advanced social behavior in 100-million-year-old amber, revealing that ants and termites had sophisticated caste systems tens of millions of years earlier than thought. The fossils preserved the presence of different castes, including queen ants and workers, as well as eusocial behaviors such as combat and foraging.

I want her to want me: Where men, sex and personality meet

A new study suggests that a man's attachment style may influence his perceptions of whether a woman is interested in him sexually. Men with higher attachment anxiety tend to imagine women as more interested, while those with higher attachment avoidance see themselves as less flirty.

Gravitational waves detected 100 years after Einstein's prediction

Scientists observed ripples in spacetime called gravitational waves from colliding black holes, confirming a major prediction of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. The detected waves were produced during the merger of two black holes, with masses about 29 and 36 times that of the sun.

Power walk: Footsteps could charge mobile electronics

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison developed an energy-harvesting technology that captures human motion to power mobile devices. The 'bubbler' method generates high power densities, enabling smaller and lighter energy-harvesting devices that can be integrated into shoes.

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.

Precise visualization of myocardial injury

Researchers used a 7T MRI scanner to visualize myocardial injury in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, detecting minute clefts that were previously impossible to see. The technology offers high-resolution imaging and could lead to more accurate diagnoses of heart diseases.

Study of Asian common toad reveals 3 divergent groups

A recent research project by Bryan L. Stuart and colleagues found three distinct evolutionary lineages of Asian common toads, each with narrower geographical ranges and ecological niches, in mainland Southeast Asia, coastal Myanmar, and the Sundaic islands.

Chemical cages: New technique advances synthetic biology

Researchers have developed a new technique using DNA nanocages to confine enzymes and substrate molecules, accelerating chemical reactions and shielding them from degradation. This breakthrough has far-reaching applications in industries such as medicine, diagnostics, and materials production.

GPS tracking down to the centimeter

Researchers at UCR have developed a new way to process GPS data, enabling centimeter-level accuracy in navigation systems. This technology will improve location services accessed through mobile phones and wearable technologies, while also supporting emerging applications like autonomous vehicles and precision farming.

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.

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.

Cardiac repair: Neutrophils to the rescue

Researchers have discovered that neutrophils promote cardiac repair by producing a factor that stimulates the differentiation of macrophages, which accelerate tissue repair. This finding challenges previous views on neutrophils' role in inflammation and suggests a potential therapeutic approach to boost repair processes.