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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 33


Page 33 of 39

Impact of high fructose on health of offspring

The study found that pregnant mice exposed to a high fructose diet developed higher peak glucose, insulin resistance, and obesity in their offspring. Female offspring were also heavier and had more visceral adipose tissue, indicating a potential link between maternal diet during pregnancy and childhood health.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2016

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope primary mirror fully assembled

The final primary mirror segment was installed on the telescope structure using a robotic arm, completing a decade-long design and manufacturing process. Once deployed, the 18 segments will form a single large 21.3-foot diameter mirror to study planetary atmospheres, star-forming regions, and the universe's beginnings.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stanford's GCEP awards $7.6 million for energy research

GCEP has awarded over $177 million since its launch in 2002 to support global climate change efforts through innovative energy technologies. Researchers will focus on developing lightweight materials, high-efficiency solar devices and microbial production of biofuels.

SourceStanford University·DateFeb 4, 2016

New clues to common and elusive KRAS cancer gene

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have identified a strong interaction between KRAS and AGO2 that could contribute to its role in cancer development. The study suggests that targeting this interaction may be a potential therapy for KRAS-related cancers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 4, 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.

Scientists guide gold nanoparticles to form 'diamond' superlattices

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have devised a method to trap and arrange nanoparticles in a way that mimics the atomic structure of diamond using DNA scaffolds. The technique, developed by Oleg Gang, employs fabricated DNA as a building material to organize nanoparticles into 3D spatial arrangements.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2016

Targeting the mind/body connection in stress

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new blood test that can determine an individual's vulnerability to stress and PTSD. The test combines genetic testing with brain imaging to identify a specific alteration in the expression of microRNA miR-29c, which is linked to slow recovery from stress.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2016

Simple test allows for rapid diagnosis of preeclampsia

A simple test can rapidly detect preeclampsia, a deadly pregnancy-related condition affecting 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide. The Congo Red Dot (CRD) diagnostic test has an accuracy rate of 86%, identifying high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

SourceMediaSource·DateFeb 4, 2016
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.

Leading bugs to the death chamber: A kinder face of cholesterol

Researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research found that cholesterol-rich domains on phagosome membranes facilitate the transport of pathogens to lysosomes for degradation. This process is disrupted by certain parasites, potentially allowing them to survive and spread infection.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalCell·DateFeb 4, 2016

How roots grow

Root shape is determined by a combination of genetic predisposition and the self-organization of cells. The development of secondary roots follows principles of non-deterministic growth and adaptation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 2016

Scientists map movement of Greenland Ice during past 9,000 years

Researchers created a paleo-velocity map for Greenland, showing the ice sheet's flow pattern over the past 9,000 years. The study found that the ice sheet's interior is moving more slowly than during most of the Holocene period, while glaciers along the edges are rapidly thinning.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2016
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.

New science helps put spotlight on unseen global impacts

A new science framework, telecoupling, is used to examine the often unseen consequences of global transactions on human-nature interactions. The framework, developed by sustainability scholar Jianguo Liu, allows scientists to analyze how distant environmental and socioeconomic actions lead to reactions and feedbacks globally.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 4, 2016

Hair thinning by stem cell loss

Two studies suggest that aging of hair follicle stem cells may contribute to hair thinning. The research found that accumulating DNA damage and changes in key genes affect HFSCs, leading to miniaturized and reduced hair follicles.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 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.

Anonymous browsing hinders online dating signals

A new study in Management Science finds that online dating sites may perpetuate traditional gender norms despite growing anonymity features. Women tend to send 'weak signals' instead of making the first move, while men take the cue and send more messages.

SourceMcGill University·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 3, 2016

CNIC researchers discover a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease

CNIC researchers have identified a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease, p38 gamma and p38 delta proteins. Inhibition of these proteins with specific inhibitors has shown potential as a treatment for fatty liver disease, potentially preventing inflammation, liver damage, and diabetes linked to obesity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 3, 2016

Researchers discover new phase of boron nitride and a new way to create pure c-BN

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a new phase of boron nitride (Q-BN) and developed a technique to create cubic boron nitride (c-BN) at ambient temperatures and air pressure. The discovery has potential applications for high-power electronics, transistors, and solid-state devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAPL Materials·DateFeb 3, 2016

Enzyme key to link between age-related inflammation and cancer

A study published in Genes & Development found that inhibiting the MLL1 enzyme prevents age-related inflammation and cancer. Researchers discovered that MLL1 is critical for regulating gene expression and is commonly mutated in human cancers, leading to increased inflammation and tissue degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 3, 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.

Phosphine as a superconductor? Sure, but the story may be complicated

Researchers at the University of Buffalo found that phosphine's superconductivity likely results from the compound decomposing into other products containing phosphorus and hydrogen. This understanding could aid in creating new superconducting materials, which would revolutionize electric power infrastructure by reducing energy waste.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 3, 2016

Researchers uncover new piece of the HIV puzzle

A study published in Immunity found that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are destroyed in patients with acute HIV infection, highlighting the importance of early treatment. Research suggests that early intervention can protect ILCs from destruction and prevent immune system imbalances.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 3, 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.

Receptors inside nerve cells may be a key to controlling pain

Blocking receptors inside nerve cells may offer a more effective and safer pain relief option by reducing drug-induced side effects. The study found that targeting glutamate receptors in the nucleus of spinal nerve cells can effectively relieve neuropathic pain in rats, with no changes in pain sensitivity observed in normal rats.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 2016

Physical activity reduces risk of serious falls in older men

A study published in The BMJ found that moderate exercise programs can help prevent life-changing falls in older men. The research, which involved 1,635 participants aged 70-89, showed a notable gender difference, with male participants experiencing a 38% reduced rate of serious fall injuries.

SourceYale University·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 3, 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.

Study shows direct link between state spending habits and AIDS deaths

A Yale University study found a significant correlation between states' social service spending and reduced HIV/AIDS case rates and deaths. The researchers analyzed data from 2000-2009, discovering that states with higher investments in public health and education per person living in poverty had lower HIV/AIDS rates.

SourceYale University·JournalAIDS·DateFeb 3, 2016

Why is calcific tendinitis so painful?

Researchers found a significant increase in blood vessel and pain receptor growth among patients with calcific tendinitis, leading to chronic inflammation and severe pain. The study suggests new ways to manage the associated pain and may provide insights into other tendon disorders and diseases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 3, 2016

Orangutans: Lethal aggression between females

Researchers observed a female orangutan being killed by another female, with a male recruited as a hired gun. Female-female aggression is rare, and the case defies typical patterns of joint coalitional killings.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Wayne State chemistry professor earns NSF CAREER Award to examine unusual chemical structure

Jennifer Stockdill, a Wayne State University assistant professor of chemistry, has received a $650,000 NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award to investigate the reactivity of neutral aminyl radicals. The award also supports outreach programs aimed at promoting diversity in STEM fields among middle school girls and graduate students.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateFeb 3, 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.

Structure of brain plaques in Huntington's disease described by Pitt team

The study reveals the core of protein clumps found in Huntington's brains has a distinctive structure, which may lead to new therapies. The findings provide crucial insights into how proteins undergo misfolding and aggregation, shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2016

Breaking through insect shells at a molecular level

Scientists at the universities of Bonn and Leipzig found a way to break through insect shells using enzyme chitinase 2 and growth factor idgf6. This discovery offers new starting points for controlling agricultural parasites and disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes that spread Zika virus.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 2016

Modern microbial ecosystems provide window to early life on Earth

A study by a University of Miami-led team provides new insights into microbial reefs called stromatolites, which are believed to hold ancient records of early life. The research maps the growth and structure of these rare ecosystems in Shark Bay, Western Australia.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 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.

No proof that radiation from X rays and CT scans causes cancer

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology challenges the widely-held belief that low-dose radiation from medical imaging procedures can cause cancer. The authors argue that the linear no-threshold model, used to estimate cancer risks, has never been conclusively demonstrated by empirical evidence.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Consensus statement from the International Radiosurgery Oncology Consortium for Kidney

The International Radiosurgery Oncology Consortium has developed consensus guidelines for the safe implementation and practice of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for primary renal cell carcinoma. SBRT is a non-invasive treatment option with favorable comparisons to existing treatments, offering a cost-effective and widely av...

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalFuture Oncology·DateFeb 3, 2016
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.

New insights into the function of the main class of drug targets

Researchers at the University of Basel elucidated how drugs interact with cell surface proteins and transmit signals to the cellular interior. Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, they obtained unprecedented details into G protein coupled receptor function.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 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.

Skin infections rife among high school wrestlers, say CU Anschutz researchers

A national survey reveals that high school wrestlers are prone to skin infections, with the head and neck being the most frequent site. Most skin infections can be treated within three to six days, but some may have more serious eye and neurological involvement.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Research may explain mysterious deep earthquakes in subduction zones

Geologists from Brown University have discovered that water escaping from mineral lawsonite at high temperatures and pressures makes it prone to brittle failure, triggering earthquakes. This explains why certain quakes occur in cold subduction zones where lawsonite forms, but not in hot zones.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016

Nasal polyps can be treated with medicine dupilumab

A new study found that dupilumab treatment was associated with significant improvements in nasal polyp size and burden after 16 weeks. The patients also reported improved quality of life and reduced symptoms such as nasal obstruction and nocturnal awakenings.

SourceGhent University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 3, 2016

New study challenges Jupiter's role as planetary shield, protecting Earth from comet impacts

A new simulation study suggests that Jupiter's most important role in fostering life on Earth was delivering volatile materials from the outer Solar System. The study also proposes that a Solar System with one or more planets similar to Jupiter located beyond the region of potential terrestrial planets is beneficial for life development.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Will climate change make the koalas' diet inedible?

Researchers investigate how climate change affects the balance between nutrient and toxicant content of eucalypt leaves, impacting koala survival. Climate-related stress may alter eucalypt leaf chemistry, affecting koalas' ability to detoxify and gain energy from their diet.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateFeb 3, 2016
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.

Ready for the high seas?

The seagrass genome has been sequenced, revealing evolutionary changes that enabled plants to thrive in the marine environment. The findings have significant implications for food security, climate change, and marine conservation.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016

Organic agriculture key to feeding the world sustainably

A review of 40 years of science shows organic farming can produce sufficient yields, protect the environment and be safer for farm workers. Organic production can also be more profitable for farmers and create less waste.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Plants·DateFeb 3, 2016