Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2016


Page 38 of 39

Heart attack: Gender matters in predicting outcomes

A new study suggests that gender role and personality traits, rather than biological sex, are associated with the risk of recurrence of cardiovascular events in adults. Adults with traditionally feminine characteristics had a higher risk of recurrence, regardless of their biological sex.

The quantum fridge

Researchers find that even gases without thermalization can be cooled by removing high-energy particles through electromagnetic fields, and this effect is made possible by quantum mechanical waves.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Study validates two-protein test for spontaneous preterm birth prediction

Researchers validated a two-protein test for predicting spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women, identifying an optimal gestational age window and highly performing proteins. The study showed excellent performance of the novel classifier, with high accuracy rates for predicting preterm delivery before 35 weeks.

When food alters gene function

A high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation leads to epigenetic changes in the offspring, affecting metabolic pathways regulated by the gut hormone GIP. Adult offspring are more susceptible to obesity and insulin resistance, similar mechanisms cannot be ruled out in humans.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New tool for gauging public opinion reveals skepticism of climate engineering

A new decision pathway survey has shed light on public concerns about climate engineering technologies. Most people find the risks of these technologies more likely than their benefits, with those concerned about climate change supporting geoengineering policies and investments in renewable resources. However, those least concerned are...

New stem cell model valuable tool for studying Andersen's syndrome

Researchers successfully reprogrammed muscle cells from patients with Andersen's syndrome to create induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which can serve as a model for understanding the cause of the rare disorder. The iPS cells demonstrated self-renewal and pluripotency capabilities without affecting the gene mutation known to cause AS.

Exercise may help you survive a first heart attack

A study of nearly 70,000 patients found that those with higher aerobic fitness before a heart attack are more likely to survive their first heart attack. Fitness levels were associated with improved short-term survival rates after the event.

Abnormal gene is a triple threat in driving pediatric brain tumors

Researchers have identified an abnormal fused gene that drives pediatric brain tumors through three distinct biological mechanisms. This finding may advance diagnosis and treatment by identifying the MYB-QKI fusion gene as a defining event in angiocentric glioma, allowing for targeted therapies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Restructuring affects staff well-being regardless of job cuts

A new study finds that restructuring in organisations has a mainly negative effect on the welfare of employees, with or without job losses. The review of 39 studies highlights the importance of designing and implementing effective interventions related to restructuring.

Lupus may contribute to pregnancy-related complications

A new study found that lupus during pregnancy is associated with higher rates of preeclampsia, hypothyroid disease, stroke, and infection among women. The study also reveals worse infant outcomes, including preterm birth, infection, and mortality.

CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutic for tyrosinemai type I delivered to mice

Scientists have successfully delivered a CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutic to adult mice with Tyrosinemia type I, correcting 6% of the mutated FAH gene in liver cells. This breakthrough uses AAV and lipid nanoparticle delivery mechanisms, paving the way for potential human treatment.

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.

Shedding new light on breast cancer metastasis

Researchers found that clusters of cancer cells migrate through the body together throughout all stages of metastasis. The study identified unique molecular signatures and genetic changes in these aggressive tumor clumps, including higher expression of desmosome genes and lower expression of antigen presentation genes.

Helicopter parents take extreme approach to homework

A QUT study suggests that excessive parental involvement in homework can lead to a decrease in children's ability to take responsibility for their work. Parents who endorse helicopter parenting beliefs are more likely to take on too much responsibility for completing homework and expecting teachers to do the same.

Spin dynamics in an atomically thin semi-conductor

Researchers at the National University of Singapore and Yale-NUS College have established the mechanisms for spin motion in molybdenum disulfide. This discovery resolves a research question on electron spin properties in single layers of 2D materials, paving the way for next-generation spintronics devices with lower energy consumption.

UTSA researcher receives $670,000 grant to fight malaria

A UTSA researcher has received a $670,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop novel liver-stage antimalarial treatments. The goal is to stop the malaria parasite before it causes disease, which would protect people living in areas with high malaria burden.

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.

Higher fitness linked to reduced risk of death after first heart attack

Researchers found that individuals with higher MET scores (indicating higher physical fitness) had a 40% lower mortality rate after a first heart attack. The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, suggests that doctors should recommend exercise programs to patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.

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.

Living a 'mixotrophic' lifestyle

Researchers at MIT and Bristol University found that mixotrophic organisms can increase the average size of plankton by up to 35%, leading to a greater flux of sinking organic carbon particles. This could enhance the ocean's ability to sequester carbon dioxide, potentially mitigating climate change.

Competition between mothers starts in the womb, new study suggests

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that female mongooses respond to reproductive competition by producing bigger pups. The research, led by Emma Inzani, used ultrasound scans to measure prenatal investment in wild banded mongooses and discovered a link between competition and fetal growth.

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.

Targeting upper motor neurons to treat ALS

Researchers demonstrate selective gene delivery to modified upper motor neurons, showing promise for future gene replacement therapies. The study provides evidence that targets diseased cells with high specificity, laying the groundwork for effective treatment strategies.

Study strengthens evidence linking autism to maternal obesity-diabetes

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong link between autism and maternal obesity-diabetes, with pregnant mothers 1.5 times more likely to have a child with ASD. The study used electronic medical records and analyzed birth data from over 35,000 mothers.

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.

New research sharpens understanding of poison-arrow hunting in Africa

A comprehensive study of the San peoples' hunting tradition in Namibia reveals the ingenious practice of using beetle and plant poisons to boost arrow lethality. The research provides new insights into the biological purpose of the poison, its application process, and its impact on prey.

Study shows increased risk of early mortality in women with hypertensive disease

A study published in the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that women with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy have an increased risk of early mortality. The study analyzed birth certificates from 1939 to 2012 and found that these women had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality, parti...

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.

Study develops new equation for estimating gestational age

Researchers have created a new equation to estimate gestational age from fetal biometrics, showing a slight improvement in accuracy compared to the traditional Hadlock formula. The study validates the new formula using a large, multi-center dataset and demonstrates its potential to reduce unnecessary interventions like induction of labor.

Rate of abuse in organizations serving youth

Child abuse in youth-serving organizations is a problem but much less common than family maltreatment. Verbal abuse was reported by most YSO survivors, with physical abuse and neglect occurring at lower rates.

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.

Lung health study published in top respiratory journal

A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that over 40% of Malawian adults have abnormal lung function, highlighting a major public health concern. The research also exposes the high burden of biomass smoke exposure in Malawi, contributing to respiratory diseases.

Unprecedented: Expedition recovers mantle rocks with signs of life

An international team of scientists has collected unprecedented rock samples from the shallow mantle of the ocean crust that bear signs of life and unique carbon cycling. The discovery may provide insights into how life developed on Earth and potentially exist elsewhere in the Universe.

Scientific expedition to Antarctica will search for dinosaurs and more

An international team of researchers embarks on a monthlong expedition to Antarctica in search of ancient fossils, hoping to answer questions about the origins of modern bird and mammal groups. The team aims to uncover evidence of mammals from the Cretaceous period, which could shed light on evolutionary diversifications in Antarctica.

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.

Why do scientists chase unicorns?

A team of international scientists led by Maren Friesen from Michigan State University discovered a previously unknown bacteria that can fix its own nitrogen, a compound used in critical biological functions. The finding has significant implications for reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a 'unicorn' worth chasing.

A highway for spin waves

Researchers at HZDR have developed a method for controlling the propagation of spin waves in a targeted and simple way, creating a basis for nanocircuits that use spin waves. This approach uses magnetic domain walls and small external magnetic fields to manipulate the course of spin waves, enabling efficient information processing.

Major storm events play key role in biogeochemistry of watersheds

A new study reveals that heavy weather events trigger 'pulse-shunt' of organic matter past small streams, affecting water chemistry and phytoplankton levels. This framework challenges existing concepts in watershed ecology and has implications for managing nutrient pollution and mercury inputs.

Greater weight loss during aging associated with increased risk for MCI

An association between declining weight and an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been found, particularly among those who experience greater weight loss per decade from midlife to late life. The study suggests that this decline in weight may serve as a marker for MCI and help identify individuals at increased 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.

Lava flow crisis averted (for now)

The 2014-2015 Pahoa lava flow crisis at Kilauea Volcano posed significant societal impact despite low effusion rates, highlighting the need for effective communication and public education during volcanic events. The crisis provided valuable lessons about predicting and mitigating lava flow hazards.

New invention revolutionizes heat transport

Researchers at Aalto University have made a groundbreaking discovery in heat transport, enabling efficient cooling of quantum processors and paving the way for faster and more reliable quantum computing. The innovation uses photons to transfer heat over long distances, surpassing previous limitations.

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.

Delivering genes across the blood-brain barrier

Caltech biologists have developed a vector capable of noninvasive delivery of genetic cargo to adult mice brains, holding promise for novel therapeutics. The approach overcomes the blood-brain barrier problem, allowing for efficient gene delivery and targeting specific brain cells.

Study documents drought's impact on redwood forest ferns

A recent study found that California's drought has severely impacted native ferns in redwood forests, causing permanent dieback and limiting their ability to photosynthesize. The study reveals that these plants can recover quickly after heavy rains but are vulnerable to pests and diseases due to prolonged water stress.