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Science News Archive February 2016


Page 32 of 39

Meaningful media may push altruism across bounds of race and age

Researchers found that watching meaningful entertainment can boost altruism, especially towards people from different age and racial groups. The study suggests that this is due to the production of warm, uplifting feelings known as 'elevation', which lead to increased willingness to help others.

Tool decreases superfluous lab testing, cuts health-care costs

A new paper outlines how the University of Utah hospitalists used a tool developed at University of Utah Health Care to reduce unnecessary lab testing, decreasing lab costs by nearly 10 percent per patient visit. The approach resulted in significant cost savings and improved resource allocation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Metal oxide sandwiches: New option to manipulate properties of interfaces

Scientists have discovered a new approach to tailor interface properties of metal oxide sandwiches, allowing for the control of ferromagnetism and superconductivity. The team found that the charge transfer between materials strongly depends on the rare earth element used, enabling the manipulation of interfacial phases.

Early poverty disrupts link between hunger and eating

Research finds that growing up poor promotes overeating when not hungry in adulthood, with childhood environment influencing food intake regulation. Studies replicate findings across different populations, suggesting early environmental experiences shape energy needs, even after socioeconomic status improves.

Ancient wildebeest-like animal shared 'bizarre' feature with dinosaur

Researchers discovered a unique trumpet-like nasal passage in ancient wildebeest-like animals (Rusingoryx atopocranion), similar to that of hadrosaur dinosaurs. The finding suggests that the animals may have used vocalizations to communicate over large distances, potentially making their calls safer from predators.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Natural protein points to new inflammation treatment

Researchers at NIH/NIEHS discovered that increasing tristetraprolin (TTP) levels in mice significantly reduced or protected against inflammation. TTP may offer an effective treatment for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis.

Study to develop new forensic methods for human DNA cases

Researchers at Sam Houston State University are developing new sample preparation methods for skeletal and decomposing remains using emerging next generation DNA technology. The goal is to improve the ability to resolve more missing person cases, as conventional methods may fail.

NASA team demonstrates loading of Swedish 'green' propellant

A NASA team has successfully demonstrated the handling and loading of a new Swedish-developed green propellant that is more powerful than traditional hydrazine. The demonstration marks an important step towards replacing hazardous materials with safer alternatives in space travel.

Mitochondria shown to trigger cell aging

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that eliminating mitochondria from aging cells can rejuvenate them, highlighting the critical role of mitochondria in cellular aging. The study's findings shed light on how mitochondrial biogenesis drives cellular aging and pave the way for targeted therapies to counteract this process.

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.

Mature drivers favor checks on over 70s, new study finds

A new report found that mature drivers are in favour of tighter rules on checking the health and suitability of over-70s to drive. Over half of respondents self-regulate to stay safe, but many support measures to increase their safety on the roads, such as annual tests and regular eyesight checks.

To prevent infection after C-section, chlorhexidine better than iodine

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that chlorhexidine-alcohol is significantly more effective in preventing surgical-site infections after cesarean sections. The research, which included 1,147 patients, showed a nearly half reduction in infection rates compared to iodine-alcohol.

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.

Battery technology could charge up water desalination

University of Illinois engineers have developed a device that can desalinate seawater using electricity, potentially providing a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The technology uses saltwater-filled batteries to draw out salt ions, leaving fresh water behind.

Predicting periodontitis at state and local levels in the United States

Researchers estimate US periodontitis prevalence at state and local levels using a novel SAE method, revealing high risk areas in the southeast and southwest, including Native American reservations. The study informs oral health policy decisions and intervention strategies to increase access to care for populations at higher risk.

The test that reveals cancer sooner

Researchers developed a new test that detected mesothelioma 4-10 years before symptoms appeared, using a specific protein marker. The ONCOblot test detected the ENOX2 protein in serum samples from asbestos-exposed individuals, paving the way for earlier cancer detection and potentially reducing deaths.

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.

Southwest sliding into a new normal: Drier conditions

Researchers found that typical rain-bringing weather patterns in the Southwest are becoming more rare, leading to a drier climate state. The region is vulnerable to droughts due to its already arid conditions and growing population.

Meditation eases pain, anxiety and fatigue during breast cancer biopsy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that meditation significantly reduced anxiety and fatigue in women undergoing breast cancer biopsies. Music also showed benefits, but to a lesser extent. The study suggests that meditation could be a valuable tool in improving patient care and satisfaction.

New material lights up when detecting explosives

Scientists have created a material that turns fluorescent when detecting explosives in its vicinity. This discovery could lead to improved e.g., airport security measures. The new material consists of molecules held together by weak bonds, which are easily influenced by their surroundings and can be used to detect explosives.

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.

Molecular switch lets salmonella fight or evade immune system

Salmonella bacteria have a unique molecular switch called SsrB that allows them to switch from actively causing disease to lurking in a chronic but asymptomatic state called a biofilm. This switch enables the bacteria to survive inside macrophage vacuoles and then form biofilms, which can be resistant to host defenses and antibiotics.

Scientists bridge different materials by design

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have designed and constructed interfaces between materials with different structures, leading to improved physical properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of better batteries, fuel cells, and other devices that rely on well-ordered interfaces between materials.

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.

One step closer to commercial edamame production in the US

A University of Illinois study explores effective weed management in commercial edamame production, revealing that integrated tactics and specific herbicide combinations can increase marketable pod yield. Gardensoy 43 cultivar showed promise as a competitive option, reducing weed biomass by 29 percent.

NASA measures 10 days of US extreme precipitation from space

NASA analyzed satellite data measuring heavy precipitation in southern Florida, California, and across the Great Plains from late January to early February. The IMERG mission estimated over 200mm of precipitation in some areas, with powerful winds bringing down trees and power lines.

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.

Harnessing the power of light to fight cancer

Researchers at Texas A&M University use optogenetics to control immune cells, instructing them to kill cancerous tumor cells. This method allows for fine-tuning of calcium-dependent actions of immune cells to fight against invading pathogens or tumor cells.

Athlete passion linked to acceptance of performance enhancing drugs

A recent study published in the Journal of Intercollegiate Sport found that varsity athletes with high obsessive passion towards their sport are more likely to accept the use of performance-enhancing drugs. In contrast, athletes with high harmonious passion tend to have conservative attitudes towards PEDs.

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.

Mites drive deformed wing virus in honeybees

A new analysis of deformed wing virus shows that the Varroa mite has spread globally due to human trade, contributing to an endemic to epidemic shift. The study provides insights into worldwide transmission routes and dynamics of DWV.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists take key step toward custom-made nanoscale chemical factories

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully reengineered a building block of a geometric nanocompartment, allowing for the transfer of electrons and enabling new functionalities. The introduction of iron-sulfur clusters expands the potential of nanocompartments as custom-made chemical factories.

Scientists overcome hurdles for champion racehorses

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London identified specific proteins that help tendons slide, which slows down as horses age, increasing the risk of injury. The study provides a new insight into tendon aging and could lead to the development of prevention measures for racing horses.

How forest management and deforestation are impacting climate

Two studies reveal how human-made forest changes affect the carbon cycle and air temperature. Replacing broadleaved forests with conifers increases evapotranspiration and albedo, contributing to warming. Forest clearing causes an increase in average and maximum surface temperatures, except at northern latitudes.

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.

Antibiotic's killer strategy revealed

Researchers at Princeton University discovered the mode of action of antibiotic tropodithietic acid (TDA), revealing its ability to kill cancer cells. TDA's unique mechanism involves disrupting cell membrane function, rendering it a potential anticancer agent.

Graphene is strong, but is it tough?

Berkeley Lab scientists found that polycrystalline graphene is strong but has low toughness, a property necessary for structural reliability in applications. The researchers developed a statistical model to predict failure in the material, revealing its fracture resistance.

DNA evidence uncovers major upheaval in Europe near end of last Ice Age

Ancient DNA analysis uncovers a significant population turnover in Europe around 14,500 years ago, suggesting a sudden replacement of hunter-gatherer populations by another group. This finding contradicts the traditional view that non-African populations dispersed to Eurasia and Australasia through multiple migrations.

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.

The evolution of Dark-fly

Researchers discovered that Dark-fly has a competitive advantage in reproduction over its wild-type counterpart when bred in the dark. The team sequenced the genome of Dark-fly and identified 28 genetic regions responsible for its unique adaptations, including genes involved in pheromone synthesis and circadian rhythms.

Bears' seasonal hibernation linked to changes in gut microbes

Researchers found that bears' summer gut microbiota includes microbes that take in more energy from the diet, allowing them to gain fat without impairing glucose metabolism. The study suggests a new potential therapeutic target for obesity management in humans.

Greenland Ice Sheet is being shaped by its past

A new study suggests that the Greenland Ice Sheet's stiff upper layer of ice formed during the Holocene era may be causing its deceleration. The analysis reveals that softer ice, resulting from higher atmospheric dust levels, is being compressed by stiffer ice below.

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.

Turbulent times: When stars approach

Researchers used new methods to model the common-envelope phase of binary stars, revealing dynamic instabilities crucial for supernova evolution. These turbulent fluctuations affect a star system's fate, influencing whether a supernova occurs and its type.