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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 12


Page 12 of 39

May the capillary force be with you

Researchers at Washington State University are developing a computer model and designs for improved liquid transport systems using capillary forces to move liquids through narrow spaces in space. By studying the effects of viscosity in microgravity, they aim to conserve energy and enable longer space missions.

SourceWashington State University·DateFeb 22, 2016

Crystal and magnetic structure of multiferroic hexagonal manganite

This review article presents an extended study on the crystal and magnetic structure of multiferroic hexagonal manganite RMnO3, which exhibits ferroelectric and magnetic orders. The research highlights the importance of strong interactions between these orders, leading to unique properties.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateFeb 22, 2016
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.

Surprising mathematical law tested on Project Gutenberg texts

A team of researchers from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona tested the mathematical law known as Zipf's Law on a large database of English-language texts in the Project Gutenberg. The study found that 55% of the texts fit perfectly into Zipf's Law, while 40% do when including rare words.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 2016

When in-store digital displays drive sales -- and when they don't

Digital displays showing price promotions increase sales and time spent shopping in hypermarkets. In contrast, displays with unrelated content have no effect, while small convenience-type stores see decreased sales. Larger, browsing-oriented stores reap the most benefits from digital displays.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateFeb 22, 2016

Body's immune system may play larger role in Alzheimer's disease than thought

Researchers found a dramatic increase in brain plaques when key immune cells are lacking in genetically modified mice, leading to new techniques to identify and treat individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's. The study suggests the immune system plays a crucial role in clearing beta-amyloid from the brain.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clock gene may connect mood and sleep

Researchers discovered a molecular link between mood disorders and circadian rhythms in a study on familial advanced sleep phase (FASP) and faulty PER3 gene variants. Mice carrying the faulty gene exhibited depression-like symptoms when exposed to short light periods, mirroring human seasonal affective disorder.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016

Pre-pregnancy heart abnormalities may predict recurrent preeclampsia risk

A new study has identified pre-pregnancy heart abnormalities as a potential predictor of recurrent preeclampsia. Women who had early pregnancy-related high blood pressure were found to have abnormal changes in the size and function of their left ventricle, which pumps blood throughout the body.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateFeb 22, 2016

Cancer statistics for African-Americans, 2016

The American Cancer Society report reveals progress in reducing cancer death rates among African-Americans, but racial disparities persist in breast and colorectal cancers. The study finds that disparities in access to care and screening contribute to these disparities.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateFeb 22, 2016

ERC Consolidator Grant: Six million euros for 3 scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen

The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen has been awarded 14 ERC grants, with three scientists receiving 6 million euros. Dr. Daniel Razansky is investigating non-invasive brain imaging methods, while Dr. Irmela Jeremias focuses on targeted tumor treatment and Dr. Mathias Heikenwaelder explores immune system interactions in liver disease.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·DateFeb 22, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Phase 2 clinical trial to treat rare hereditary muscle disease shows promise

Researchers present evidence that extended-release sialic acid supplement stabilizes muscle strength in patients with GNE myopathy, a rare progressive adult-onset muscle disease. Therapy with Ace-ER tablets led to dose-dependent increases in serum sialic acid levels and maintained muscle strength in upper extremities.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·DateFeb 22, 2016

Penn study reveals how fish control microbes through their gills

A new Penn study reveals that fish induce production of a specific antibody, IgT, in response to pathogen exposure on their gills. The researchers found that IgT coats the microbiota in the gills, helping control the community of friendly microbes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2016

Crop Science Society sending students to Zambia for conference

The Crop Science Society of America is sending graduate students to Zambia to learn about dry bean research and increase international knowledge of this important crop. The PanAfrican Grain Legume Conference and World Cowpea Conference will focus on pulses, dry beans, peas, and lentils.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateFeb 22, 2016

Common macrolide antibiotics show no increased risk of serious heart arrhythmia or death

A study of over 600,000 adults found that macrolide antibiotics were associated with a similar 30-day risk of ventricular arrhythmia as nonmacrolide antibiotics, and slightly lower risk of all-cause mortality. The findings are reassuring for healthcare providers who prescribe these antibiotics to patients at low risk of adverse events.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 22, 2016
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.

Squirm with purpose: FSU research shows fidgeting is helpful for ADHD patients

Children with ADHD often exhibit hyperactive behavior when trying to solve problems. New FSU research shows that movement can positively impact working memory and cognitive function in these children. The study's findings suggest that fidgeting may be a helpful strategy for improving attention, impulse control, and school success.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateFeb 22, 2016

A portable device for rapid and highly sensitive diagnostics

EPFL researchers have developed a low-cost, portable microfluidic diagnostic device that can detect various diseases with high accuracy. The device operates on battery power, uses inexpensive microscopes, and requires no pre-treatment of blood samples.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 22, 2016

Consuming omega-3 during pregnancy enhances fetal iron metabolism

A study by University of Granada researchers found that maternal DHA supplementation enhances fetal iron metabolism, improving iron reserves and preventing anemia-related complications. The research involved 110 healthy pregnant women who received either a balanced diet or a balanced diet with omega-3 supplements.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateFeb 22, 2016

UEA scientists pave way for new generation of superbug drugs

Researchers at UEA have discovered a mechanism to target the defensive barrier of superbugs, bringing bacteria down without developing resistance. This breakthrough paves the way for a new generation of drugs that could revolutionize the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 2016
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.

Fungi are at the root of tropical forest diversity -- or lack thereof, study finds

A new study reveals that certain fungi associated with tree roots can alter the fate of tropical forests, boosting plant diversity or giving one tree species a distinct advantage. The research found that these fungi, particularly ectomycorrhizas, make nitrogen unavailable to competing species, allowing dominant trees to thrive.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 22, 2016

Goods targeted in thefts 'change with market values'

A recent study by University of Warwick researcher Mirko Draca found that higher-priced items are more likely to be stolen. The analysis of monthly data over a 10-year period reveals a strong relationship between price and crime, with a 10% increase in prices associated with a 3.5% increase in crime.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateFeb 22, 2016

A new way of fighting bacteria?

Scientists at Université de Genève found a novel regulatory mechanism in the HigBA toxin-antitoxin system that can selectively kill bacteria when they suffer from DNA damage. This discovery could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections by forcing bacteria to turn their weapons against themselves.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 22, 2016

Are lung cancer survivors getting too many costly scans for no reason? Study suggests so

A national look at PET scan use for lung and esophageal cancer survivors found widespread variation between hospitals, with some using scans eight times more often than others. The study suggests that this approach doesn't improve survival rates and is being inappropriately used at many hospitals.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 22, 2016

Cancer in 3-D

A new microscope enables the visualization of cancer cells in 3D, revealing that these cells form small protrusions called blebs in a more realistic tumor environment. This discovery is a first step toward understanding 3D biology in tumor microenvironments and may help explain skin cancer cell invasiveness and drug resistance.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 22, 2016
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.

Sea-level rise past and future: Robust estimates for coastal planners

A new study combines two methods for estimating future sea-level rise, yielding a more robust risk range of 50-130 centimeters by 2100. The research provides critical information for coastal planners, who can use the tool to assess adaptation strategies and design flood insurance schemes.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016

Successful real-time observation of atomic motion with sub-nanometer resolution

Researchers used the powerful x-ray pulses from SACLA to investigate excited-state induced transient lattice dynamics in phase-change materials. They observed non-thermal local structural rearrangements within a few picoseconds, followed by warming of the lattice and a 2 pm change in lattice spacing after 20 ps.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 22, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Individual macromolecule motion in a crowded living cell

Researchers develop a universal theory to describe single-molecule temporal resolution, enabling real-time observation of macromolecules in live cells. This breakthrough allows for the study of chemistry and biochemistry at a single-molecule level.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Biotechnology·DateFeb 22, 2016

Block Yik Yak? UF Health researchers suggest doing the research first

A study by UF Health researchers found that most Yik Yak postings were focused on campus life and announcements, with only 13% containing profanity or vulgarities. The team collected 4,001 posts from 42 campuses across the US and did not find any yaks that would warrant a ban.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateFeb 22, 2016

Couples' lifestyle choices impact on obesity risk, study finds

A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that couples' shared lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise, have a greater influence on obesity risk than their individual upbringings. By middle age, these shared choices can significantly impact weight management and reduce obesity risk.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 22, 2016

New species couldn't hop, but outlived its fanged kangaroo contemporaries

A University of Queensland-led study has discovered two new species of extinct kangaroos that couldn't hop but may be ancestral to modern wallabies and kangaroos. The ancient creatures lived around 15-23 million years ago in a densely forested landscape, outcompeting their fanged cousins.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateFeb 21, 2016

First European advice launched for deadly acute heart failure

The European Society of Cardiology has launched the first European advice on emergency care for patients with acute heart failure. The guidance highlights that mortality from acute heart failure is even higher than from a heart attack, and that care lags 30 years behind standard treatment pathways for heart attacks.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateFeb 21, 2016
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.

Altai Neanderthal shows gene flow from early modern humans

A team of researchers found gene flow from early modern humans into Neanderthals around 100,000 years ago. This discovery challenges previous estimates and suggests that some modern humans may have left Africa earlier than thought.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateFeb 21, 2016

Gaps in reporting leave turtles vulnerable

A James Cook University study found that turtles are left vulnerable due to gaps in reporting of bycatch, a common cause of sea turtle deaths. The researchers recommend pooling bycatch records across fisheries and states over time to better measure the impact on turtle populations.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateFeb 21, 2016

Paper skin sensors for environmental monitoring

Researchers at KAUST created a low-cost sensor using everyday materials to detect external stimuli. The 'Paper Skin' sensor performs well as an artificial skin application while integrating multiple functions using cost-effective materials.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateFeb 21, 2016

Galaxy trailed by stunning plume of gas

Astronomers have found a massive tail of hydrogen gas extending from a nearby galaxy, measuring five times longer than the galaxy itself. The discovery suggests that this phenomenon is common in galaxy clusters, and could be indicative of many other galaxies having similar features.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 21, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Patients with no schooling benefit least from blood thinning medications

A European Heart Rhythm Association/European Society of Cardiology survey found that patients with no schooling missed treatment targets more often and were less aware of bleeding risks. The study highlights the importance of providing user-friendly education about risk factors for stroke and adequate use of anticoagulants.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEP Europace·DateFeb 21, 2016

New genetic cause of gastric and prostate cancer identified

Researchers at Hiroshima University have linked stomach (gastric) and prostate cancer to a specific type of DNA called T-UCRs. The study identifies a potential regulatory pathway of stomach (gastric) cancer, providing new insights into cancer genetics.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalOncogene·DateFeb 21, 2016

Most precise measurement of reactor antineutrino spectrum reveals intriguing surprise

The Daya Bay Collaboration has obtained the most precise measurement of reactor antineutrino energy spectrum ever recorded, showing a surprising excess of antineutrinos at an energy of around five million electron volts. This deviation of up to four standard deviations suggests that current calculations may need refinement.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 21, 2016

E. coli survives predatory bacteria by playing hide and seek

Researchers discovered that E. coli uses bio-films to protect itself from the bacterial predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, allowing it to survive in fragmented environments. This finding could lead to the development of alternative antibiotics that target specific harmful bacteria while leaving benign ones untouched.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·DateFeb 21, 2016

Taste sensors in fly legs control feeding

Insect taste organs on their legs help guide feeding behavior, with specific neurons processing information differently in the brain and influencing movement towards food or away from it.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New material to enhance battery life

Scientists at MSU have created a new cathode material for Li-ion batteries that can enhance charge rates drastically. The material demonstrated high charge/discharge rates while retaining over 75% of initial capacity, making it a promising contender for commercialized high-power cathode materials.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 20, 2016

Scientists have found a way to cheapen a search for effective pesticides

Researchers from MIPT and MSU created a computer model predicting agrochemical activity using machine learning and Kohonen self-organizing maps. The model showed high predictive power, accurately classifying molecules into pesticides or plant growth regulators with 87% accuracy.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhytochemistry·DateFeb 20, 2016
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.

Gene therapy: T cells target mutations to fight solid tumors

Researchers develop gene therapy using T cells to target cancer mutations, reducing side effects. The approach involves transferring tumor-specific T cell receptors into fresh T cells, enabling them to fight tumors.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 19, 2016

Uninsured children most at risk for insufficient health care experiences

Researchers found that uninsured children have the lowest and most unstable medical home experiences, despite being in greatest need of constant, quality care. The study emphasizes the need for extra efforts to ensure all children have access to quality healthcare, even with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateFeb 19, 2016

Georgetown ID specialist discusses global health leadership and Zika at ICID

Georgetown infectious disease expert Daniel Lucey discusses the importance of global health leadership in responding to the Zika virus pandemic. He shares his experience working with clinicians and epidemiologists in Brazil and West Africa, highlighting the need for collaborative approaches to address emerging infectious diseases.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateFeb 19, 2016

New device may speed up DNA insertion into bacteria

A new device may significantly speed up the process of inserting DNA into bacteria, which is a critical first step in genetic engineering. The device, developed by MIT engineers, uses a microfluidic system to identify optimal electric field conditions for reversible membrane poration.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 19, 2016
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.

NASA sees major Tropical Cyclone Winston approaching Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Winston is intensifying near Fiji, with NASA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing images of the strengthening storm. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts Winston to make landfall on the east coast of Fiji as a major Category 4 hurricane, threatening catastrophic damage and power outages.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 19, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.