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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 6


Page 6 of 39

NASA, partner space agencies measure forests in Gabon

Researchers are collecting measurements of plant mass, tree distribution and diversity of species from Gabon's rainforest, wetlands and savanna. The data will help prepare for upcoming spaceborne missions to better gauge the role of forests in Earth's carbon cycle.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 25, 2016

Trimming piRNAs' tails to clip jumping genes' wings

A research team at the University of Tokyo has identified an enzyme called Trimmer, which trims the tails of small RNAs called piRNAs. This process helps regulate jumping genes, or transposons, that can disrupt host genes and contribute to diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCell·DateFeb 25, 2016

Magnetoreception molecule found in the eyes of dogs and primates

Researchers detect cryptochrome 1 in photoreceptors of dog-like carnivores and primates, hinting at a magnetic sense linked to the visual system. The molecule's presence suggests that these animals may use it to perceive the Earth's magnetic field.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·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.

NASA sees Winston winding down near Norfolk Island

Sub-tropical Storm Winston was weakening in the South Pacific when NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite passed over it on Feb. 25. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center issued its final bulletin, stating that Winston was threatening Norfolk Island with tropical-storm-force winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 25, 2016

VUMC to lead pilot program for Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) will lead the Direct Volunteers Pilot Studies under the first grant awarded in the federal Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to engage 1 million or more U.S. volunteers, providing a platform for expanding precision medicine approaches.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateFeb 25, 2016

Graphene slides smoothly across gold

Researchers have discovered graphene's exceptional lubricity, which could drastically reduce energy loss in machines when used as a coating. The material's ability to slide smoothly across gold surfaces has significant implications for improving energy efficiency and extending equipment lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·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.

Fine-tuning cellular energy increases longevity

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified ARGK-1 as a protein that can extend the natural lifespan of C. elegans by increasing energy regulation within cells. This finding may lead to new avenues for delaying human age-related diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 25, 2016

Single antibody from human survivor protects nonhuman primates against Ebola virus

A single monoclonal antibody isolated from a human Ebola survivor has been shown to completely protect monkeys from lethal infection with the virus. The antibody, known as mAb114, was effective even when given five days after exposure, suggesting it could be used as a potential treatment for human cases.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2016

How brain oscillations respond to teleportation

Researchers studied brain activity in patients with severe epilepsy while navigating virtual landscapes on a computer screen. The results show that brain oscillations are driven entirely by internal processes, carrying information about speed and distance travelled during teleportation.

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

Bacteria take 'RNA mug shots' of threatening viruses

Researchers found bacteria can recognize and disrupt viruses using a novel RNA-based defense mechanism. This discovery could lead to improved ways to prevent crop diseases and dairy industry infections, and may inspire new gene-editing techniques.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2016

Fish brains help explain human sensory perception

Researchers used advanced calcium imaging to monitor neural activity in zebrafish brains, showing the tectum responds to multiple stimuli like sight, sound, and water flow. This discovery suggests a unified sensory view for both humans and fish, improving understanding of human sensory perception.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCurrent Biology·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.

Scientists make significant anti-aging breakthrough

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a significant decrease in mitochondrial complex II activity with age in human skin cells, offering a new pathway for anti-aging treatments. The discovery may also lead to a greater understanding of other organs' aging processes and potential drug developments for age-related diseases.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateFeb 25, 2016

Collection of open reading frames at 80 percent of human protein-coding genes

The ORFeome Collaboration has created a comprehensive library of open-reading frames, comprising 17,154 clones that code for full-length proteins. This resource allows researchers to express virtually any cell protein, enabling large-scale mapping of protein-protein interactions and functional screening.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Methods·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.

Well blowout doubled Los Angeles's methane leak rate

A new study estimates methane leak rates from a 2015 California well blowout, which temporarily doubled Los Angeles' combined emissions. The research used airborne and surface measurements to quantify gas releases, highlighting the impact of single infrastructure vulnerabilities on climate policies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2016

Pathway to better metabolism discovered in fat cells

A recent study by Hiroshima University has identified a key protein responsible for burning excess energy in the body, UCP1, found in brown fat cells. Increasing UCP1 levels can lead to a higher metabolism and less weight gain.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2016

Enzymatic engines

Pittsburgh researchers utilize enzymes to trigger mechanical movement in fluidic devices, showcasing a novel approach for self-powered systems. The studies reveal complex, time-dependent flows driven by simple enzymatic reactions.

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

3-D micro X-ray images help answer questions about fried foods' internal structure

Researchers used X-ray micro-computed tomography to study the microstructure of fried potato disks and observed how oil content and pathway networks change with frying time. The findings can be applied to other fried foods, revealing a correlation between pore size and oil uptake.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateFeb 25, 2016

Mastering the art of ignoring makes people more efficient

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that giving people time to learn what's possible to ignore improves visual search performance. Participants who were told to ignore distracting colors on a computer screen found the target letters faster and more efficiently over time.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPsychological Science·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.

Let it go: Reaction to stress more important than its frequency

A study by Penn State and Columbia University found that individuals who experience more negative emotions and perceive stressful events as more stressful have lower heart rate variability, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This suggests that reaction to stress is more important than its frequency in determining health risks.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·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.

Infection-fighting bandages for serious burns

Researchers at EPFL have developed a technology that accelerates scarring and prevents bacterial growth, aiming to reduce the death rate among victims of serious burns. The new bandage combines biological bandages with dendrimers to destroy microbes and prevent infections.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2016

An autoimmune trigger for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

A recent study identified transthyretin (TTR) as an antigen that stimulates B and T cell immune responses in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Elevated levels of TTR in synovial joint fluid were found in some patients, leading to increased TTR autoantibodies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 25, 2016

Study: Mental abilities are shaped by individual differences in the brain

A new study suggests that individual differences in brain structure and function affect both anatomical and cognitive factors, such as intelligence and memory. The researchers identified four unique traits that explained most of the differences in brain anatomy, with the remaining differences accounting for individual differences in in...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNeuroImage·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.

University of Kentucky researcher helps draft 'historic' position paper on nutrition and athletic performance

The University of Kentucky researcher has helped draft a comprehensive position paper on nutrition and athletic performance, synthesizing over eight years of research to provide evidence-based recommendations for athletes. The paper emphasizes the need for individualized nutrition plans that account for various factors affecting athlet...

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateFeb 25, 2016

Protein that triggers juvenile arthritis identified

Researchers at Einstein College of Medicine have identified a human protein called transthyretin (TTR) that causes an autoimmune reaction in the joints of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) patients. Tafamidis, a drug targeting TTR, may be a potential treatment for JIA.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 25, 2016

3-D technology used to safely reveal the diet of 'Chaucer's children'

Researchers used 3D microscopic imaging to reconstruct the diets of medieval children, discovering differences in poor and wealthy families. The technique, dental microwear texture analysis, measures changes in tooth surface topography, offering a new way to access dietary information.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 25, 2016

NASA sees a different kind of El Niño

A new NASA visualization reveals an unusual 2015 El Niño pattern, with warmer sea surface temperatures across the Pacific and Atlantic. This differs from the stronger Eastern Pacific pattern seen in the 1997-1998 event.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·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.

High levels of intense exercise may be unhealthy for the heart

Research suggests that long-term high-intensity exercise may lead to permanent structural changes in the heart, increasing the risk of arrhythmias. A review by sports cardiologist André La Gerche argues that large prospective studies are needed to fully understand the effects of intense exercise on heart health.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateFeb 25, 2016

Water-cleaning chemical made 'on-demand' with new group of catalysts

Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a new group of catalysts that can produce hydrogen peroxide on-demand in a simple one-step process, opening up possibilities for manufacturing the chemical in remote areas. The production of hydrogen peroxide is essential for water purification and could significantly reduce costs.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2016

Experimental Ebola antibody protects monkeys

A single monoclonal antibody isolated from an Ebola survivor protected non-human primates even after lethal infection, offering hope for a potential treatment. The findings suggest a novel site of vulnerability on the Ebola virus and may lead to effective therapy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·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.

Understanding the role of human polyomaviruses in cancer

Researchers developed a new screening protocol to detect human polyomaviruses in tumor samples, but found no association with various types of cancer. The technique will aid in studying diseases linked to polyomaviruses, such as Merkel cell carcinoma caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 25, 2016

Engineering music to sound better with cochlear implants

Researchers at Columbia University are reengineering and simplifying music to make it more enjoyable for listeners with cochlear implants. By analyzing which parts of music are most important for listener enjoyment, they aim to develop software that can take original pieces and reconfigure them or allow users to engineer their own music.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalBehavioural Neurology·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.

Potential diagnostic for dengue fever outcomes based on metabolomic profiles

Researchers from Colorado State University have discovered a potential diagnostic tool for dengue fever by analyzing metabolomic profiles in patient serum. The study found that distinct metabolic clusters were associated with different disease outcomes, including the progression to hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2016

Syracuse University chemists expose side effects of antimalarial drug

Researchers discovered that saposin B binds to the anti-malarial drug chloroquine, potentially leading to toxicity due to prolonged binding instead of removing damaged lipids. This finding opens up new avenues for investigating saposin B's role in other conditions, such as lysosomal storage diseases.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalChemMedChem·DateFeb 25, 2016

Genetically modified E. coli pump out morphine precursor

Kyoto University engineers have developed genetically modified E. coli that produce thebaine, a morphine precursor, 300 times more efficiently than yeast. This breakthrough could lead to the production of painkillers from microbes with low regulatory risk.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2016

Study finds only a small portion of synapses may be active during neurotransmission

Researchers used fluorescent false neurotransmitter 200 to observe synaptic activity in mice, revealing that only a small number of synapses may be active at any given time. This discovery could help understand how brain signals are transmitted and potentially shed light on brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 25, 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.

Leaf quality drives forests' ability to absorb carbon

A new study reveals that leaf quality, rather than leaf abundance, plays a crucial role in forest carbon cycles. The research finds that varying leaf quality can explain twice as much seasonal variation in ecosystem productivity as leaf quantity alone.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2016

Flowers tone down the iridescence of their petals and avoid confusing bees

Researchers found that flowers with imperfect iridescence are easier for bees to spot than those with perfect iridescence, which can confuse bees' color recognition. This subtle signal allows flowers to communicate with bees without interfering with their ability to distinguish between colors.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 25, 2016

Moffitt develops novel cancer treatment to inhibit chemo-resistance

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center develop adaptive therapy to keep resistant cells in check, prolonging survival without disease progression in mouse models of triple-negative and ER+ breast cancer. The approach is being tested in a clinical trial for prostate cancer patients.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2016

Want to be seen as a leader? Get some muscle

Researchers found that physical strength is a key attribute in judging leadership potential, with strong men perceived as better leaders and having higher status. This effect does not depend on physical attractiveness, and even manipulating body size and height had no impact on participants' ratings.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 24, 2016

'Squishiness' can indicate embryo viability, Stanford researchers find

A new study by Stanford bioengineers and physicians finds that measuring the rigidity of an hour-old fertilized egg can predict its viability more accurately than current methods. The technique, published in Nature Communications, could improve the success rate of single-egg IVF and ultimately benefit both mothers and babies.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 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: Carbon tax needed to cut fossil fuel consumption

A new study by MIT economist Christopher Knittel suggests that technology-driven cost reductions in fossil fuels will lead to continued use of oil, gas, and coal unless governments pass new taxes on carbon emissions. Burning all available fossil fuels could raise global average temperatures by 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Economic Perspectives·DateFeb 24, 2016

The first European earthworm map is drawn

Researchers from eight European countries have mapped the abundance and diversity of earthworms across the continent, highlighting their crucial role in soil health. The study's findings emphasize the need for further data collection to validate the results and improve monitoring.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalApplied Soil Ecology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Stress wakes up sleeping herpesviruses -- but how?

Research identifies cellular stress-sensors proteins that favor viral lytic gene expression and cell cycle arrest. The study provides insight into the link between stress responses, cell cycle regulation and virus reactivation in oncogenic herpesviruses.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 24, 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.

Zika epidemic highlights need for priority vaccine research for pregnant women

The Zika epidemic underscores the importance of prioritizing vaccine development for pregnant women, who face specific challenges in clinical trials and labeling guidelines. Researchers highlight the need for a pregnancy-specific ethical framework, standardized measurement of outcomes, and more baseline data to optimize vaccine safety ...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 24, 2016