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Science News Archive February 2016


Page 25 of 39

Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings exhibit at the AAAS 2016 Annual Meeting

The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings will exhibit at the AAAS 2016 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., bringing together Nobel laureates and young scientists. The event highlights global science engagement and intergenerational dialogue, with a focus on physics and its latest breakthroughs.

Penn researchers offer new approach to treating cocaine addiction

Researchers have discovered a unique application for an FDA-approved drug in treating cocaine dependence. The drug, Byetta, regulates feeding behavior and reduces cocaine self-administration when activated in the brain's reward region. Further studies aim to understand the brain's pathways involved in addiction.

Blocking stress protein relieves chronic pain in mice

Researchers at University College London have discovered a protein that drives chronic pain and offer a promising new treatment target. Inhibiting this protein substantially alleviated chronic pain in genetically modified mice with nerve damage and arthritic joints.

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.

Hydrogels can put stem cells to sleep

Researchers have developed a method to halt stem cell growth using soft hydrogels that mimic the natural protective layer of mucus. This process, inspired by embryonic diapause in certain mammals, allows for easy storage and shipment of stem cells.

More measurement precision in a short time

Researchers at PTB have developed an optical lattice clock with neutral strontium atoms, achieving the best stability worldwide thanks to a newly designed laser system. The clock has reached a fractional frequency instability of 8 E-17 and attains the quantum projection noise limit with as few as 130 atoms.

New study reveals that prelinguistic infants can categorize colors

A new study reveals that prelinguistic infants (5-7 months) exhibit brain activity in response to color categories, indicating an innate ability to categorize colors. This finding suggests that color perception is independent of language and can develop independently of linguistic acquisition.

Baby's breath: A new way to study neonatal lung disease

Researchers developed a mouse model to study the effects of abnormal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels on lung development. The study found that reduced VEGF signaling can 'turn on' lung disease, even in full-term animals, and replicate key features of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Southwest sliding into a drier climate

A study found that weather patterns typically bringing moisture to the southwestern US are becoming less frequent, leading to a drier climate. The region is already vulnerable to drought, and this shift has significant implications for water resources.

Healing the soil

The four empty lots in Chicago's South Side have poor-quality soils with high alkaline levels and excess chemicals, including lead and heavy metals. Soil testing is crucial to determine the extent of contamination and guide remediation efforts.

Scientists find leukemia's surroundings key to its growth

Researchers at UT Austin found that a type of cancer in children grows only when signaled by nearby noncancerous cells. This discovery contributes to the growing field of environmental research on cancer spread and holds promise for new, less toxic treatments.

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.

BMJ collaborates with UCSF on e-learning program for researchers

The BMJ and UCSF have developed an e-learning program called Research to Publication, which offers a comprehensive range of 48 online modules focused on clinical and public health research. The program aims to empower early career researchers and institutions in developing countries to build their research capacity.

Exercise and meditation -- together -- help beat depression

A combination of mental and physical training reduced depressive symptoms in students with major depressive disorder. The study found that individuals experienced fewer negative thoughts and improved focus after just eight weeks of MAP training. This innovative approach offers a low-cost solution for depression treatment.

Scientists from MIPT gain insights into 'forbidden' chemistry

Researchers discovered what causes stability of various compounds not commonly found in textbook chemistry by reorganizing chemical interactions. The study published in Physical Chemistry & Chemical Physics suggests new model and principles for stability of forbidden substances.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UBC-led study finds beliefs about all-knowing gods fosters co-operation

A UBC-led international collaboration found that beliefs about all-knowing gods that punish for wrongdoing can foster co-operation among people, contributing to the development of complex social organizations like states. The study showed that believers in such gods are more likely to behave fairly towards distant 'co-religionists',

Reverse US funding freeze on research into gun violence, say experts

Gun violence claims thousands of lives in the US annually, with experts arguing that a public health approach is needed to address the issue. The 1997 funding freeze has hindered research into gun policies and safety, but experts propose steps such as tracking gun ownership and improving community training.

Computerized rehab aids those suffering from brain injuries

Researchers found computerized cognitive rehabilitation significantly improves attention and executive functioning in TBI and stroke patients, with trends toward significance also observed. The treatment can reduce wait time and cost, improve quality of life and reduce caregiver burden.

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.

Scientists take nanoparticle snapshots

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used a Linac Coherent Light Source to observe xenon nanoparticles in extreme environments, capturing their dynamics over time. The technique allows for high-resolution imaging of materials in the gas phase, with implications for studying aerosols and combustion.

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.

Why you may skimp on your Valentine's Day gift

New research from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business suggests that people are more likely to opt for inferior gifts if it maximizes overall benefits for themselves and their loved ones. In a series of experiments, researchers found that participants prioritized total benefits over selflessness when making decisions abou...

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.

The most accurate optical single-ion clock worldwide

Scientists from PTB reduce the measurement uncertainty of their ytterbium clock to 3 E-18, exceeding predictions by Hans Dehmelt in 1981. The achievement showcases the accuracy and stability of optical atomic clocks.

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.

Water plus magma = increased explosivity

The interaction of water and magma can dramatically increase the explosivity of a volcanic eruption, producing billowing clouds that deposit tephra as fine-grained ash within 10 km of the vent area. The study of the 2008 Okmok eruption in Alaska provides insights into water-magma interactions and their impact on eruption parameters.

Two in 5 individuals with schizophrenia have attempted suicide

A new study by the University of Toronto found that individuals with schizophrenia have a lifetime prevalence of 39.2% for suicide attempts, compared to 2.8% of those without the disorder. Those who experienced childhood physical abuse were five times more likely to attempt suicide.

Scientific study review reveals health promoting potential of red raspberries

Red raspberries contain essential nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, which may help reduce the risk of metabolically-based chronic diseases. The polyphenolic components in red raspberries have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, making them a promising food for heart health and brain function.

Light and manganese to discover the source of submerged Roman marble

Researchers from Spain and Italy have identified the source of ancient Roman marble using microscopic and geochemical techniques. The study found that the marble came from quarries in Turkey and Greece, with variations in crystal size, manganese content, and isotopes providing key clues.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Drones learn to search forest trails for lost people

Researchers developed AI software to teach a quadrocopter to autonomously recognize and follow forest trails. The drone was able to find the correct direction in 85% of cases, outperforming humans who guessed correctly 82% of the time. This breakthrough enables drones to complement rescue teams and accelerate searches for missing people.

Lipid-based diets effectively combat Alzheimer's disease in mouse model

Researchers have devised several lipid-based diets aimed at slowing down progression and relieving symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. These diets, such as the Fortasyn diet enriched with fish oil, have been shown to increase density of muscarinic receptors and cholinergic synapses in the hippocampus.

Chronic alcohol use helps bacteria harm the liver

Research reveals that chronic drinking also promotes the growth of gut bacteria that can travel to the liver and exacerbate liver disease. The study found that boosting intestinal defense against certain bacteria may help patients with alcoholic liver disease.

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.

New study reveals incidence of dementia may be declining

A new study based on the Framingham Heart Study data reveals a progressive decline in dementia incidence over nearly 40 years, with a 20% reduction per decade since the 1970s. The decline was more pronounced in persons with high school education and above, suggesting the importance of effective prevention strategies.

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.

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.

Baby physics

Infants as young as a few months can understand the physical properties of liquids, including loose cohesiveness and changes in shape with movement. This 'naïve physics' knowledge is evident even when faced with unexpected behaviors, such as liquids getting trapped on grids or solids passing through them.

Atherosclerosis: A short cut to inflammation

A team from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has discovered that the enzyme Dicer promotes the development of atherosclerosis by activating endothelial cells. Inhibition of Dicer using a specific microRNA reduces inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Couch potatoes may have smaller brains later in life

A study found a direct correlation between poor fitness and reduced brain volume decades later, indicating accelerated brain aging. Participants with higher blood pressure and heart rate responses during exercise were more likely to have smaller brain volumes.

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.

Publish, don't perish!

Pathogens and Immunity, an online, open-access journal, simplifies the submission and review process, reducing it from one day to five minutes. Senior editors at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine revise biomedical publications standards in immunology and infectious diseases.

Rise in marijuana use not as high as previously reported

A new study found that marijuana use among US adults increased by about 20% over the last decade, but problems related to the drug remained steady. The study's findings contradict previous reports of a doubling in marijuana use and its associated disorders.