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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 35


Page 35 of 39

Warming ocean may bring major changes for US northeast fishery species

Most US marine fish and invertebrate species are vulnerable to climate change, with some more resilient than others. The study ranks species based on their vulnerability, predicting widespread distribution shifts and potential impacts on abundance and productivity.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2016

Use of and barriers to access to opioid analgesics worldwide

The report reveals that high-income western countries and regions are driving the increase in opioid use, while poorer nations face significant barriers to access including affordability, lack of awareness, and onerous regulations

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 3, 2016

Misery of work second only to illness

Researchers found a 7-8% drop in happiness among British workers compared to leisure activities outside of work. The Mappiness app, which quizzes users on their wellbeing, debunks the myth that Brits love queuing and reveals lovemaking as the most pleasurable experience.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateFeb 2, 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.

Seeing exemplary peer work can undermine student performance

A new study published in Psychological Science found that exposure to exemplary peer work can undermine student motivation and lead to quitting. Researchers discovered that students who assessed exemplary peers' essays were substantially less likely to earn course credit than those who assessed average peers' essays.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 2, 2016

With ravens, out of sight is not out of mind

New research suggests that ravens share human-like ability to think abstractly about other minds, attributed to mental states including vision. Ravens guarded food caches in response to auditory cues from unseen competitors, demonstrating a level of Theory of Mind previously unknown in non-human animals.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

What goes wrong in the brain when someone can't spell

Studies of stroke victims with spelling impairments reveal distinct brain regions responsible for long-term and working memory, offering new insights into the mechanics of language and memory. Damage to these regions can lead to different symptoms, including difficulty guessing or assembling words.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalBrain·DateFeb 2, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New Zealand's little penguins are recent Australian invaders

A new study found that New Zealand's little penguin species is a recently introduced Australian invader, replacing the native species that was hunted by early human settlers and introduced predators. The Australian penguins arrived in Otago between 1500 and 1900 AD.

SourceUniversity of Otago·DateFeb 2, 2016

Front of package food labels do not mean a food is healthy

Researchers analyzed over 2,200 breakfast cereals and prepared meals with front-of-pack (FOP) claims, finding no correlation between the claims and nutritional quality. The FDA defines four types of FOP claims, but none can distinguish 'healthy' foods.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateFeb 2, 2016

Listeria: Hypervirulent strains with cerebral and placental tropism

Researchers identified hypervirulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes associated with human infections, which are more invasive and infect central nervous system and fetus more often than those linked to food. The study used large-scale analysis of epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological data.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 2, 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.

'Gene fusion' mutation uses 3-way mechanism to drive childhood brain cancers

A powerful three-way mechanism driving childhood brain cancer growth has been discovered by scientists. The MYB-QKI gene fusion is found in rare pediatric glioma subtype angiocentric glioma and drives tumor formation through abnormal expression, disruption of tumor suppression, and activation via a positive feedback loop.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2016

Longer shifts for surgical residents are safe for patients

A new landmark national study by Northwestern Medicine found that allowing surgical residents to work longer hours without compromising patient safety improved patient care and resident training. The FIRST trial investigated 4,330 residents and 138,691 patients, with similar rates of complications in both groups.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2016

Greenland model could help estimate sea level rise

Researchers used computer models and field data to accurately depict current flow conditions in Greenland's topographically complex ice sheet. The study aims to improve knowledge of subglacial topography and predict potential effects on sea levels from a melting ice sheet.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016
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.

New light shed on anti-adhesive molecule in the vascular endothelium

Researchers from Harvard Medical School have gained new understanding of how endomucin, a key molecule with anti-adhesive properties, prevents inflammatory cells from adhering to blood vessels. By promoting the expression of endomucin, they believe it may be possible to develop treatments for inflammation.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Uncommon surnames narrate the family history of those who bear them

A Spanish study analyzed 2,000 volunteers and found that men sharing rare surnames have similar Y chromosomes, indicating they descended from the same original bearers. The correlation between surname frequency and Y chromosome variation only depends on surname frequency.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2016

Women more sensitive to irksome behavior than men

A recent study by Michigan State University suggests women are more likely to get irked at irritating behavior exhibited by acquaintances and partners. Women's heightened social awareness may contribute to their increased sensitivity to annoyance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 2, 2016
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.

Four new algae species discovered in Hawaii's deep waters

Scientists have discovered four new species of deep-water algae from Hawaii, which are similar in appearance to limu palahalaha and hold great cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. The newly discovered species were collected between 200-400 feet deep and are believed to redefine our understanding of algal distributions in Hawaii.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalJournal of Phycology·DateFeb 2, 2016

Backing from their GP could lead thousands more to take bowel cancer test

Research suggests that adding a simple endorsement from a patient's GP practice to the invitation letter could increase the number of people taking the bowel cancer screening test by up to 40,000 annually. This would lead to an additional 61 cases of bowel cancer and 165 high or medium-risk polyps being detected each year.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 2, 2016

Is being a morning person in your DNA?

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified genetic variants linked to a preference for mornings or nights, revealing the biological basis of morningness. The research found that individuals with a 'morning' genotype tend to have lower BMI and are less likely to suffer from depression.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 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.

New drug target for Rett syndrome

Harvard researchers have identified a disrupted signaling pathway that, when corrected, can ameliorate symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice. The findings may lead to the discovery of compounds or drugs that can benefit children affected by the disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Antiseptic baths to prevent infections deemed effective for long-term use

A study published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found that long-term use of antiseptic soap in bathing critically ill patients did not cause high levels of resistance in bacteria on their skin. The prevalence of MRSA-resistant strains decreased after starting chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 2, 2016

Newly identified pathway links fetal brain development to adult social behavior

Researchers discovered a critical period during embryonic brain development that establishes normal social behavior and linked it with abnormalities in specific adult brain structures. Treating mice during fetal development reversed the deficits that lead to social and repetitive behavior disorders.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2016
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.

CWRU researcher developing portable method to detect tainted medicines and supplements

A portable method to detect tainted medicines and supplements has been developed by a CWRU researcher, potentially improving public health globally. The device uses Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance spectroscopy to authenticate good medicines and supplements, while also addressing the issue of counterfeit products.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalIEEE/ACM Transactions on Computational Biology and Bioinformatics·DateFeb 2, 2016

Logging helps black rats invade rainforests

A new study shows that logging in tropical rainforests creates micro-environments that black rats love, facilitating their invasion into the habitat. This can lead to displacement of native small mammals and have negative impacts on the forest ecosystem.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBiotropica·DateFeb 2, 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.

Researchers discover a way to potentially decrease peanut allergen

A study published in Journal of Food Science found that seed germination can degrade allergenic proteins in peanuts, reducing their allergenicity. By altering environmental factors, researchers may have discovered a simple method to produce hypoallergenic peanut food.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateFeb 2, 2016

Effects on HIV and Ebola

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München discover that Cistus incanus extracts prevent human immunodeficiency viruses from infecting cells and block Ebola- and Marburg viral envelope proteins. The study demonstrates broad antiviral activity of Ci extracts against various major human viral pathogens.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 2, 2016

Seafood consumption may play a role in reducing risk for Alzheimer's

Research suggests that eating at least one seafood serving per week may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older adults with the APOE-4 gene. The study found no association between seafood consumption and increased brain mercury levels or beta amyloid protein plaques, key markers of the disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 2, 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.

Maps of forests, fields and soils to aid climate change forecasts

Researchers have created detailed maps of the world's natural landscapes to better predict climate change impacts. The maps show how carbon is stored in plants, trees, and soils, revealing differences in biological properties between habitats.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2016

NASA's ICESat-2 equipped with unique 3-D manufactured part

ICESat-2 will employ a novel technique to determine ice sheet topography and sea ice thickness, leveraging a 3D-printed PEKK bracket that offers electrostatic dissipation and minimal outgassing. The satellite's Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) will utilize photon counting for precise surface elevation measurements.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 2, 2016

Ravens attribute visual access to unseen competitiors

Researchers tested ravens' understanding of 'seeing' as mental state, using their predisposition to compete for hidden food. The birds showed cache protection behaviors when dominants were visible or audible, indicating they mentally integrate information about others' presence and their own visual experience.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 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.

Researchers sequence bedbug genome, find unique features

The completed genetic blueprint of the bedbug reveals key findings on mechanisms for resisting pesticides and mitigating the effects of rough sexual insemination practices. The genome sequence shows genes that encode enzymes and proteins to fight insecticides and reduce traumatic effects of copulation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Heliophysics CubeSat to launch on NASA's SLS

The Heliophysics CubeSat will measure incoming radiation that can affect Earth's radio communications, satellite electronics, and power grids. The satellite will provide unprecedented insight into the sun's impact on our planet.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 2, 2016

You can teach an old dog new tricks

A study by Lisa Wallis and Friederike Range found that older Border Collies perform slower in tasks requiring learning, logical reasoning, and cognitive flexibility. However, the dogs' long-term memory for touchscreen stimuli remained unaffected by age.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAGE·DateFeb 2, 2016

Height influences risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer

A recent study by DZD researchers found that height has a significant impact on the mortality from certain common diseases. Tall people have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, but a higher cancer risk. The study suggests that increased height may be related to overnutrition during growth stages.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateFeb 2, 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.

Penn Nursing study answers: What's a good breakfast for kids?

A study published in Eating Behaviors found that a breakfast high in protein, such as eggs, can keep children fuller for longer and reduce their energy intake at lunch by approximately 70 calories. However, the effects of this protein-rich meal do not last throughout the day.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalEating Behaviors·DateFeb 2, 2016

Humans evolved by sharing technology and culture

Researchers found similar patterns in engraved ostrich eggshells across different sites, indicating the sharing of symbolic material culture. This exchange enabled groups to adopt and adapt new technologies and cultures, contributing to the survival and development of Homo sapiens.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 2, 2016

Scientists map the genome of the common bed bug

Researchers have successfully mapped the genome of the common bed bug, identifying 805 possible instances of genes transferred from bacteria. The findings suggest that these genes, such as a patatin-like gene, could become effective targets for pest control.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Lack of data increases risk to species' survival

A recent study has found that the majority of species are poorly known, making it difficult to determine their conservation status. Newly discovered species are often found to have smaller ranges and occupancies, as well as greater perceived extinction risk.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateFeb 2, 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.

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.

'Junk' DNA plays role in preventing breast cancer

Scientists have identified a piece of non-coding RNA that stops cells from turning cancerous, regulating cell growth and metastasis. The discovery could lead to new treatments for cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Risk of breaking a bone in childhood depends on where you live

A new study has found that children from different ethnic backgrounds in the UK are at varying risk of breaking a bone. The research, published in the journal Bone, analyzed data from 1988 to 2012 and discovered that white children were more likely to fracture than South Asian or black children.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBone·DateFeb 2, 2016