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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 5


Page 5 of 39

Voting restrictions stir anger, mobilize more Democrats to polls

A new University of Michigan study finds that voting restrictions are actually increasing voter turnout among Democrats, who become angrier about the laws' impact on minority voters. The study reveals that media frames about voter ID laws trigger powerful emotions in Democrats, leading to increased participation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateFeb 25, 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 prediction tool gives warning of rogue waves

A new prediction tool developed by MIT engineers can detect rogue waves in calm waters, giving sailors a 2-3 minute warning. The algorithm analyzes wave groups and predicts the probability of a rogue wave developing based on their length and height.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateFeb 25, 2016

Sustainability management: Legitimacy is more important than profit for large companies

A new study shows that large companies in developed countries prioritize social acceptance over profit maximization in their sustainability management activities. Legitimacy-oriented measures, such as improving employee motivation and reputation, are more important than profit-driven tools like eco-efficiency analyses.

SourceLeuphana Universität Lüneburg·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateFeb 25, 2016

Microrobots learn from ciliates

Researchers create microrobots that mimic the movement of ciliates, beating filaments propelled by green light. The robots exhibit wave-like movements and can potentially be used for medical applications, such as detecting and curing diseases.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 25, 2016

Zeroing in on 'super spreaders' and other hidden patterns of epidemics

Researchers propose a novel framework to uncover hidden patterns of transmission and identify super spreaders in epidemics. Asymptomatic carriers can play a significant role in spreading diseases, and understanding their contribution is crucial for targeted interventions.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateFeb 25, 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.

UMass Amherst team offers new, simpler law of complex wrinkle patterns

Researchers at UMass Amherst and Oxford University describe a new law for predicting wrinkle wavelength on curved surfaces, enabling the use of wrinkles to sculpt surface topography. Experimental results support the validity of this local law, which incorporates mechanical and geometrical effects.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2016

What makes the brain tick so fast?

A new study at McGill University reveals that complex interactions between neurotransmitter receptors and other proteins help explain the brain's ability to process information quickly. Researchers used multiple techniques to examine AMPA receptors, a major player in brain signaling.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 25, 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.

How to make a tiny volcanic island

Researchers investigate the formation of a tiny volcanic island near Nishinoshima volcano, Ogasawara Islands, Japan. The island's unique lava flows and internal pathways provide valuable insights into the geological processes that shape our planet.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 25, 2016

Louisiana Tech University professor awarded NSF CAREER grant

Dr. Marisa Orr receives a five-year CAREER grant to develop an online Academic Dashboard for empowering engineering students to make adaptive decisions and achieve academic success. The project aims to improve student outcomes by reducing time to graduation and increasing student satisfaction with their major and eventual career.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·DateFeb 25, 2016

Half of elderly colorectal cancer patients receiving value-less treatment

A recent study found that over half of elderly colorectal cancer patients receive ineffective treatments, leading to significant financial burdens. The study examined data from over 20,000 Medicare patients between 2000 and 2009, revealing a 32% increase in treatment costs and only a one-month increase in median survival.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMedical Care·DateFeb 25, 2016

Automatic programming makes swarm robots safer and more reliable

Researchers at University of Sheffield developed an automated programming method for swarm robots, reducing human error and increasing reliability in complex tasks. The method uses supervisory control theory to ensure predictable behavior, making it suitable for safety-critical applications such as driverless cars.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield - Faculty of Engineering·JournalSwarm Intelligence·DateFeb 25, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Predicting human evolution: Teeth tell the story

A new study led by Alistair Evans of Monash University found that molars follow the inhibitory cascade rule, simplifying human tooth evolution. The team can now predict the size of missing fossil teeth using this rule.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2016

Shark research produces the unexpected

A James Cook University study found adult females remain in coastal areas year-round, giving birth and raising young. The team tracked over 100 sharks for more than two years, discovering a mysterious attraction to a specific bay near Townsville.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateFeb 25, 2016
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.

Innate immune landscape in glioblastoma patient tumors

Researchers analyzed myeloid lineage immune cells in glioblastoma patients, revealing non-polarized cell state and potential therapeutic strategy. The study suggests stimulating these cells to adopt an anti-tumor identity may be effective.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 25, 2016

Metabolism protein found to also regulate feeding behavior in the brain

Researchers from Rockefeller University have identified a hormone called amylin as a critical component of the system responsible for regulating food intake. Amylin acts in the brain to help control consumption, working in concert with another hormone leptin to control body weight.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 25, 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.

Race and gender of scientists affect perception of credibility

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that individuals with elitist world views tend to perceive white male researchers as more credible, while those with egalitarian beliefs view women or people of color as more credible. The research highlights the impact of ideology on evaluating academic credibility.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2016

New insights into the seasonality of Amazon's evergreen forests

Research uncovers Amazon forest seasonality, revealing a dynamic pattern of leaf growth and death that explains variations in photosynthesis. The findings improve climate models and provide insights into the forest's ability to adapt to dry periods.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2016

New issue of CVIA: Special focus on electrophysiology

The new CVIA journal published its second issue with a special focus on Electrophysiology. Key findings include strategies for preventing stroke in high-risk atrial fibrillation patients, catheter ablation as a cornerstone in AF management, and the role of multimodality imaging in substrate characterization.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateFeb 25, 2016

Your proximity to a grocery store changes the way you eat

Researchers analyzed Instagram posts from over 3 million users in food deserts and non-food deserts, finding that foods high in fat, cholesterol, and sugars were more common in the former. Regional staples like steak and okra were also prevalent in their respective communities.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 25, 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.

New molecular property may mean more efficient solar and opto-electronic devices

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have identified a new molecular property that could lead to more efficient and cost-effective materials for cell phone and laptop displays. The property, directional intrinsic charge separation, was found in crystalline nanowires of an organic semiconductor molecule known as TAT.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2016

Autonomous acoustic sensors help researchers find endangered seabirds

Researchers used autonomous acoustic sensors to detect and record marbled murrelet calls, identifying over 19,000 potential calls and confirming 7,218 actual calls. This technology offers a viable alternative to traditional surveys, enabling broader, more cost-effective searches for these endangered seabirds.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateFeb 25, 2016

Antidepressant may improve cognitive symptoms in people with HIV

A clinical trial found that paroxetine modestly improves decision-making and reaction time, and suppresses inflammation in people with HIV-associated cognitive impairment. This is the first time a SSRI has been shown to improve key measures of cognition in people with HIV in a controlled study.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateFeb 25, 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.

Climate change speeds up gully erosion

Heavy rainfall causes gullies to expand rapidly, with predicted climate change increasing rates up to three times faster. Researchers have developed a model to predict gully expansion and warn of devastating consequences for agriculture, water quality, and infrastructure.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateFeb 25, 2016

Quantum dot solids: This generation's silicon wafer?

A team of Cornell researchers has developed two-dimensional superstructures out of single-crystal building blocks, showcasing atomic coherence and superior electrical properties. The discovery has potential applications in energy absorption and light emission, but challenges remain to further improve the results.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 25, 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.

Study: Ocean acidification already slowing coral reef growth

A recent study found that ocean acidification is already affecting coral reefs, causing them to grow slower than they did in preindustrial conditions. The research, published in Nature, manipulated seawater chemistry in a natural coral-reef community to determine the impact of excess carbon dioxide on coral reef growth.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2016

Study: California blowout led to largest US methane release ever

A recent study published in Science reveals that the Aliso Canyon natural gas well blowout released over 100,000 tons of methane, doubling the rate of emissions from the entire Los Angeles basin. The disaster created the largest known human-caused point source of methane in the US.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2016

Bariatric surgery may reduce life-threatening heart failure exacerbation in obese patients

Researchers found a significant reduction in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for heart failure exacerbation after bariatric surgery. Patients who underwent the procedure experienced a 40% decrease in these events, suggesting substantial weight loss can help prevent heart-failure-related adverse events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 25, 2016

Demystifying mechanotransduction ion channels

A team of scientists, led by Bailong Xiao, has discovered the molecular mechanisms underlying mechanotransduction in Piezo proteins. They found that these proteins form a novel class of ion channels with distinct modules responsible for ion conduction and mechanical force sensing.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 25, 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.

11,000-year-old pendant is earliest known Mesolithic art in Britain

Archaeologists have uncovered an 11,000-year-old engraved shale pendant at the Early Mesolithic site of Star Carr in North Yorkshire. The subtriangular artifact contains series of lines that may represent a tree or tally marks, and is the earliest known Mesolithic art in Britain.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalInternet Archaeology·DateFeb 25, 2016

Stem cell technique makes sperm in a dish

Researchers successfully generated functioning sperm-like cells from mouse embryonic stem cells and produced fertile offspring, providing a potential platform for treating male infertility. The breakthrough overcomes major obstacles to producing functional sperm and egg cells in a dish.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 25, 2016

Protecting the heart: Cardiac heme oxygenase regulates injury response

Research found that heme oxygenase-1 overexpression in mice protected against dilated cardiomyopathy, reduced mitochondrial fragmentation and promoted new mitochondria generation. This study demonstrates the importance of heme oxygenase-1 in controlling mitochondrial dynamics in the heart.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 25, 2016

Genomic sequencing reveals link between STIs and leading cause of infectious blindness

A study published in Nature Communications has discovered that genes can move from chlamydia strains in the eye to sexually transmitted strains, allowing them to infect the eye and cause Trachoma. This revelation challenges previous beliefs about Chlamydia evolution and highlights the potential for new variant Trachoma strains to emerge.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 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.

Post-Ebola syndrome in Sierra Leone

Researchers found that 70% of Ebola survivors reported musculoskeletal pain, while 48% experienced headaches and 14% had vision problems. The study highlights the need for further research into Post-Ebola Syndrome to understand its causes and consequences.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2016

How have changes in the use of anemia drugs affected dialysis patients?

A study of US patients on dialysis from 2005 to 2012 found declining ESA use and hemoglobin concentrations, resulting in increased transfusions. However, rates of death and cardiovascular events decreased during this period, suggesting a possible beneficial effect of recent trends in anemia drug use.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 25, 2016

Physicists promise a copper revolution in nanophotonics

Researchers from MIPT have experimentally demonstrated that copper nanophotonic components can operate successfully in photonic devices, outperforming gold-based components. The discovery enables the development of energy-efficient light sources, ultra-sensitive sensors, and high-performance optoelectronic processors.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 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.

NASA maps El Niño's shift on US precipitation

NASA has visualized rainfall data to show the changes in US precipitation during El Niño, with areas like California and East Coast experiencing wet conditions. However, other parts of the country faced droughts and floods due to shifts in precipitation patterns.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 25, 2016

Antibodies eliminate Ebola symptoms 5 days after infection

Researchers discovered two potent Ebola antibodies that eliminate symptoms in just five days after infection. The monoclonal antibodies target different regions of the virus's glycoprotein and work by interfering with its entry into host cells.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 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.

'Cocktail' orangutans leave researchers shaken and stirred

A new study highlights the potential consequences of reintroducing genetically distinct subspecies into wild populations, particularly in endangered species. Researchers found that hybridization between non-native and local orangutan subspecies can lead to health problems and reduced reproductive success in offspring.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2016

Zika virus linked to stillbirth, other symptoms in Brazil

A Brazilian woman infected with Zika virus had a stillborn baby with severe tissue swelling and central nervous system defects, suggesting the virus may cause damage outside the CNS. The case raises concerns about the risk of stillbirths and other adverse outcomes in pregnant women exposed to the virus.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2016

Life-threatening bowel ischemia can often be treated by balloon angioplasty

A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that balloon angioplasty can successfully treat acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI), a condition often misdiagnosed in older patients. The procedure led to a significant improvement in mortality rates compared to earlier treatments.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery·DateFeb 25, 2016

Screening truffles for radioactivity 30 years from Chernobyl

Researchers from Swiss and German institutions analyzed truffle samples for radioactivity 30 years after Chernobyl. The study found negligible amounts of radioactive caesium in Burgundy truffles, making them safe for consumption. The results suggest that the unique nutrient uptake mechanism of Tuber aestivum may be responsible for this...

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalBiogeosciences·DateFeb 25, 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.