Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 37


Page 37 of 39

New research replicates a folding human brain in 3-D

A team of researchers has successfully replicated the folding of a human brain in three-dimensional form using a simple mechanical principle. The study suggests that the unique shape of the human brain plays a crucial role in determining its folds, which are essential for maintaining proper brain function.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 1, 2016

Rice to receive $7 million from Houston Endowment for urban research

The Kinder Institute will expand its research capacity to address pressing urban challenges in Houston and the US, with a focus on data analysis and policy solutions. The three-year grant will support new research programs and initiatives, including urban data platforms, transportation planning, and gentrification studies.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 1, 2016

How does neurodevelopment affect diseases in adulthood?

A new DFG Research Training Group at FAU will investigate the relationship between brain development and adult diseases. The group aims to uncover how development processes affect disease susceptibility and identify new targets for therapy.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateFeb 1, 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.

Transgenic plants' 'die and let live' strategy dramatically increases drought resistance

Purdue University researchers engineered rice and Arabidopsis plants to overexpress PYL9 protein, which dramatically increased drought tolerance. The study found that the transgenic plants triggered the death of old leaves, conserving resources for seeds and buds, a survival strategy known as 'die and let live.'

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

Cancer cells travel together to forge 'successful' metastases

Research suggests that cancer cells rarely form metastatic tumors on their own but instead travel in groups for increased chances of survival. These traveling cells differ from those within primary tumors and may be intrinsically resistant to chemotherapy due to molecular programs that facilitate their movement.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

Researchers develop concept for new sunscreen that allows body to produce vitamin D

Researchers have developed a new sunscreen called Solar D that maximizes vitamin D production while maintaining its SPF. The study found that Solar D allowed for up to 50% more production of vitamin D in-vitro compared to a popular commercial sunscreen, potentially reducing the risk of vitamin D deficiency and related health problems.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 1, 2016

A 'gap in the armor' of DNA may allow enzyme to trigger cancer-causing mutations

Research at Indiana University identifies a genetic mechanism that drives cancer-causing mutations by mutating genes during DNA replication. APOBEC3G, an enzyme known to trigger harmful changes, may cause these mutations by targeting cytosines in single-stranded DNA on the lagging strand template.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 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.

New hope for improved heart disease detection and treatment in type 2 diabetics

A new report identifies several forms of testing to measure the risk of heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. These tests include exercise testing and coronary calcium scanning, which can detect silent ischemia and identify the highest-risk patients for more effective treatments. The study suggests that a significant proporti...

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 1, 2016

World is embracing clean energy, says University of Exeter professor

Investment in renewable electricity surpasses that in fossil fuels globally, according to University of Exeter expert. The shift towards sustainable energy systems is driven by improved policy discourse and decreasing costs, with momentum growing towards a flexible, renewable-based electricity system.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 1, 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.

Topography shapes mountain biodiversity

A new study highlights how topography influences biodiversity in mountains. Mid-altitudes host the most species due to the size and connectivity of similar habitats. Biodiversity peaks at these elevations, not at high altitudes or lower levels, according to researchers from EPFL.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

Cling-on warriors

A new type of underwater adhesive developed at UCSB replicates the adhesion strategy of the Sandcastle worm, which is robust in wet conditions. The synthetic glue promotes adhesion between various surfaces and is more resistant to cracking due to its porous structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 1, 2016

Turning good vibrations into energy

Scientists at Ohio State University develop tree-like structures that can convert random forces into strong structural vibrations ideal for generating electricity. The technology may prove valuable in small-scale situations where other renewable energy sources are not an option, powering sensors that monitor infrastructure health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateFeb 1, 2016

Community lifestyle intervention reduces cardiovascular disease risk in diabetes patients

A community lifestyle intervention program reduced cardiovascular disease risk in diabetes patients by 9.6%, fasting glucose by 9%, body mass index by 3.7% and systolic blood pressure by 5.7%. Participants experienced significant reductions after completing 16 two-hour classes on healthy living basics.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateFeb 1, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The benefits of chocolate during pregnancy

A randomized clinical trial found that high-flavanol chocolate improved uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index but did not decrease the risk of preeclampsia or improve placental weight. The results suggest that flavanol content may not be the sole factor behind chocolate's effects during pregnancy.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

Sparse coverage hinders infertility treatment access

A new review suggests that Americans are not using infertility treatments and technologies as much as they could due to limited insurance coverage. The number of women aged 25-44 who have used infertility services decreased by 16% between 1995 and 2010, with usage rates being only 40% of the likely need in the US population.

SourceBrown University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateFeb 1, 2016
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.

Robotic fingers with a gentle touch

Researchers create soft gripper that uses electroadhesion to pick up fragile objects of arbitrary shape and stiffness. The new technology mimics muscle function, gripping onto objects with electrostatic forces.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 1, 2016

Long-term global warming not driven naturally

A study by Duke University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory finds that global temperature remains stable in the long run due to the Planck Response and other mechanisms. Natural climate cycles alone are insufficient to explain large, sustained changes in global temperature.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateFeb 1, 2016

Land plant became key marine species

Researchers have unveiled the genome of eelgrass, a marine plant that once thrived on land. The study reveals that the plant has lost essential genes required for survival out of water, highlighting its unique evolutionary path.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 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.

Dominant ant species significantly influence ecosystems

Researchers found that dominant ant species in tropical rainforests consume the majority of food resources, making ecosystems vulnerable. The study also revealed that efficient species can dominate systems, increasing resource turnover but making them more vulnerable to decline.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalEcology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Chapman University publishes research on how the media influence perceptions of obesity

A study by Chapman University researchers reveals that news articles portraying obesity in different ways influence people's attitudes towards obesity-related public policies and anti-fat prejudice. The 'fat rights' frame was found to reduce prejudice, while the 'public health crisis' and 'personal responsibility' frames exacerbated it.

SourceChapman University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

Physical parameters matter in terms of cancer cells' metastatic ability

A recent study found that the presence of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) promotes the motility of elongated mesenchymal tumour cells in breast cancer cells, which migrate along collagen fibres. This increased persistence and moderate speed suggests that EGF contributes to modulating the mobility of tumour cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateFeb 1, 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.

A uniter and a divider

A new study combining computer science, moral psychology, and sociology found that concerns about purity are the best predictor of social distance between people. The research team analyzed over 731,000 tweets and behavioral experiments to determine how five basic moral values affect social connections.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateFeb 1, 2016

Higher dietary fiber intake in young women may reduce breast cancer risk

A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that a higher dietary fiber intake during adolescence and young adulthood may lower breast cancer risk. The researchers analyzed data from 90,534 women and found a significant inverse association between fiber intake and breast cancer incidence.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 1, 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.

Follow-up care low among adolescents with new depression symptoms

A study found that nearly 40% of adolescents prescribed antidepressant medication did not receive documented follow-up care for three months. This lack of care raises concerns about the quality of treatment for adolescent depression, a condition affecting 12% of adolescents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 1, 2016

High-tech river studies reveal benefits of habitat restoration for fish

Research reveals improved fish numbers, survival, and reproduction in rivers with restored habitats through intensively monitored watersheds (IMWs). Studies show significant increases in juvenile fish populations and survival rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of IMWs in assessing restoration impacts.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalFisheries·DateFeb 1, 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.

Teens are more caring when they feel support from others

A study by University of Rochester researchers found that teenagers' caring behavior decreases during adolescence but rebounds when they feel supported by their social circles. The study also revealed that volunteering leads to increased values of social responsibility.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Does text messaging help with medication adherence in chronic disease?

A meta-analysis suggests that text messaging can increase medication adherence in chronic disease patients, but further research is needed to confirm the findings and determine their clinical significance. The study's results have implications for developing low-cost, widely available technologies to improve patient outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 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.

Study shows racial and ethnic disparities in use of 17-hydroxyprogesterone

A retrospective cohort study found that non-Hispanic black women had more missed doses, initiated care later, and were more likely to discontinue 17P than women in other racial/ethnic groups. The study also identified a significant interaction between non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity and public insurance.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

New method for detecting and preserving human stem cells in the lab

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a method to detect and preserve human pluripotent stem cells in the laboratory. This breakthrough allows for easier acquisition and cultivation of these rare cells, which can potentially be used to develop pioneering treatments for various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Protocols·DateFeb 1, 2016

Two thirds of cattle attacks on people involve dogs, new study finds

A new review by the University of Liverpool found that approximately one in four reported cattle attacks in the UK were fatal and involved dogs. Dog owners are advised to control their pets to avoid interactions with cattle, suggesting letting them off the lead as a way to prevent attacks.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalInjury Prevention·DateFeb 1, 2016

New technique to find copper deposits

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new technique to identify copper deposits in magmatic rocks by analyzing their chemical composition. The method, which was tested on a major porphyry discovery in Chile, has shown promising results and could lead to the discovery of new valuable metal deposits.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 1, 2016
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.

Scientists discover stem cells capable of repairing skull, face bones

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified a population of stem cells capable of repairing skull formation and craniofacial bone repair in mice. This discovery contributes to an emerging field involving tissue engineering that uses stem cells to replace damaged bones in humans.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2016

Switching light with a silver atom

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a working group that created a tiny, ultra-efficient optical switch using silver atoms. This breakthrough has significant implications for data transmission and storage, as it enables the creation of digital signals with unprecedented accuracy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 1, 2016

Increase in volcanic eruptions at the end of the ice age caused by melting ice caps and erosion

Numerical simulations found that erosion played a key role in driving magma production and subsequent volcanic activity at the end of the last ice age. The study's results may have implications for understanding climate change and atmospheric CO2 levels, as similar mechanisms are expected to occur at shorter timescales.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 1, 2016

Cancer drug helps combat asthma in mice

Dasatinib, a cancer treatment, reduces inflammation and improves lung mechanics in mice with allergic asthma. The drug targets tyrosine kinases involved in asthma's signaling pathways.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Evidence-based health care: The care you want, but might not be getting

A survey of 276 chief nurse executives found that many hospitals struggle with implementing evidence-based practice, leading to poor scores on key performance measures. The researchers emphasize the need for leadership support and education to create a culture of evidence-based care.

SourceOhio State University·JournalWorldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing·DateFeb 1, 2016

Effectively predicting cesarean delivery in nulliparous women

A study developed a simple risk scoring system to predict the likelihood of cesarean delivery in nulliparous women. The five-factor risk score accurately predicts an individual woman's risk of cesarean delivery, including advancing maternal age, short height, and increased fetal abdominal circumference.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

A better model for Parkinson's disease

Researchers at EPFL create cellular and mouse models that accurately reproduce the evolution of Parkinson's disease, using insights into protein clumps called Lewy bodies. The new models can propel research and drug development, offering a powerful tool for rapid screening of molecular pathways involved in the disease.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 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.

Study determines saliva gland test can spot early Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a saliva gland test that can detect early Parkinson's disease. The test involves taking a biopsy of the submandibular gland, which has been shown to be effective in detecting the abnormal protein associated with the disease in 14 out of 19 patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMovement Disorders·DateFeb 1, 2016