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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 9


Page 9 of 39

Major pharma companies sign up to groundbreaking Parkinson's consortium

Seven major pharmaceutical companies have signed up to a groundbreaking Parkinson's consortium aimed at accelerating the development of safe and effective therapies. The consortium will share data, expertise, and resources with leading academics and industry members to promote and develop new treatments for Parkinson's.

SourceParkinson's UK·DateFeb 23, 2016

New way to reduce plant lignin could lead to cheaper biofuels

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to reduce plant lignin using an enzyme, which could lead to cheaper production of carbon-neutral fuels. The technique decreases lignin content by 30 percent while increasing sugar production in model plants.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Ebola survivor study yields insights on complications of disease

A study of Ebola survivors found high rates of eye, musculoskeletal, and neurological complications. The study also explored the risk of sexual transmission of Ebola, with most survivors reporting regular sexual activity but few using condoms.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 23, 2016

New study finds our desire for 'like-minded others' is hard-wired

A new study by Wellesley College and University of Kansas researchers suggests people are drawn to those who share similar values, attitudes, and personality traits from the start. The findings could lead to a shift in understanding relationship formation and suggest that social influence may be limited when partners are already similar.

SourceWellesley College·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Advanced NASA-developed instrument flies on Japan's Hitomi

The mission extends studies initiated by JAXA's Suzaku mission, enabling investigations into black hole motion, element abundances, and galaxy evolution. The SXS instrument features a 36-pixel microcalorimeter array, three-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator, and stronger filters to collect X-ray photons.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 23, 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.

Old data may provide new insights on honey bee populations

Researchers used three long-term datasets to analyze honey bee population trends, identifying the USDA Census of Agriculture as the most accurate dataset for measuring changes in abundance. However, they acknowledged limitations of the data, including lack of information on colony usage and losses.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Dodos might have been quite intelligent, new research finds

New research reveals that dodos had a brain size comparable to pigeons, suggesting moderate intelligence. The study also found an enlarged olfactory bulb in the dodo's brain, indicating a reliance on smell for navigation.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateFeb 23, 2016

For weather forecasting, precise observations matter more than butterflies

A University of Washington study found that small-scale disturbances, like those from butterfly wings, do not significantly impact weather forecasts. However, even minor errors in large-scale observations can throw off a forecast, emphasizing the importance of precise measurements.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateFeb 23, 2016

Fat cells outlive skinny ones

A new study from Michigan State University finds that fat cells, not lean cells, have a longer lifespan. The researchers used yeast to demonstrate that increasing the cellular content of triacylglycerol, or fat, extends lifespan. This finding supports the obesity paradox theory and has implications for human aging and health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2016

UW engineers achieve Wi-Fi at 10,000 times lower power

Researchers achieved Wi-Fi transmissions using 10,000 times less power than conventional methods, consuming only tens of microwatts of power. This breakthrough enables the 'Internet of Things' reality where household devices and wearable sensors can communicate using Wi-Fi without worrying about power.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 23, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Kurly' protein keeps cilia moving, oriented in the right direction

Researchers discovered that Kurly protein is required for proper cilia movement and orientation, crucial for fluid flow and organ development. The study highlights the importance of Kurly in understanding human diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and left-right patterning disorders.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016

First hospital-based rapid detection Zika test now available

A new hospital-based rapid detection test for the Zika virus is now available, allowing for quicker diagnosis and testing in a large metropolitan area. The test can detect Zika virus-specific RNA sequences directly, enabling healthcare providers to offer rapid answers to anxious patients.

SourceHouston Methodist·DateFeb 23, 2016

Natural sugar may treat fatty liver disease

Researchers found that trehalose prevents the buildup of fat in liver cells by blocking the transport of energy from sugar into liver cells. This triggers autophagy, a natural process where cells consume stored fats and other waste materials. The study suggests that trehalose may offer a potential treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 23, 2016

New research introduces 'pause button' for boiling

A team of researchers has developed a method to create a single vapor bubble in a pool of liquid that can remain stable on a surface for hours. This technique enables the microscopic study of vapor bubbles and the optimization of the boiling process, which could lead to advancements in heat transfer systems.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 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.

Adaptable, ecology-based US National Vegetation Classification debuts today

The US National Vegetation Classification provides a standardized system for vegetation classification, allowing land managers to collaborate across ownership boundaries and analyze trends on a landscape, regional, and national scale. The classification is based on rigorous data and reflects the functional ecology of plant communities.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateFeb 23, 2016

Tracking worm sex drive, neuron by neuron

A team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and California Institute of Technology has found a neural network in male worms that processes sex-specific sensory cues, allowing them to make decisions about pursuing mates. The network involves four male-specific sensory neurons that communicate with each other through synapti...

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2016

Counting molecules with an ordinary cell phone

Researchers at Caltech have developed a visual readout method using analytical chemistries and image processing to quantify single nucleic-acid molecules, enabling the use of any cell-phone camera. This technology has potential applications in limited-resource settings for disease diagnosis.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 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.

Most US cancer prevention guidelines don't provide information needed for decision-making

A recent study has found that most US cancer prevention guidelines do not provide sufficient information on benefits and harms, making it difficult for clinicians and patients to make informed decisions. The researchers analyzed data from various guidelines and found that 39% of recommendations were given comparable ratings, while 14.5...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 23, 2016

Migraine, tension headaches and irritable bowel syndrome linked?

Researchers discovered a possible link between migraine, tension-type headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with people with migraine being twice as likely to also have IBS. The study found that common genes related to serotonin transport and receptors were shared among the three conditions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 23, 2016

How sweet can you get?

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully made thaumatin, a widely used plant-derived sweetener, even sweeter by substituting acidic amino acids with basic ones. This breakthrough confirms the complex interaction between thaumatin and the sweetness receptor of the tongue.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 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.

Imaging technique may help discover Earth-like planets

A new space imaging technique, using charge injection devices, may help scientists directly image exoplanets next to bright stars. This technology has been successfully tested, enabling the detection of objects 70 million times fainter than the host star's light.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateFeb 23, 2016

Soil mapping may indicate success of brush control method

A Texas A&M study found that soil texture impacts shrubland resilience to brush removal, allowing landowners to prioritize management practices. Brush removal is more effective on fine-textured clay soils than coarse-textured sandy soils.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 23, 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.

Shrinking 3-D technology for comfortable smart phone viewing

Researchers at Sun Yan-Sen University developed a new display with comfortable 3D visual effects using the super multi-view technique, reducing vergence-accommodation conflict and viewer discomfort. The device is thin, around 65 millimeters, making it suitable for portable devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 23, 2016

Therapy to stop premature birth safe but ineffective, study finds

A widely recommended therapy to prevent premature birth has been found to be ineffective in preventing early delivery. The treatment, which involves administering the hormone progesterone, does not appear to pose any risk to mothers or babies, but its effectiveness in reducing premature births is zero.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 23, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

The key to mass-producing nanomaterials

Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed a method for manufacturing nanoparticles on a large scale, using microfluidics technology. This innovation enables the cost-effective production of gold nanoparticles with unique properties, making them ideal for applications in medicine and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2016

Dietary link to stunted growth identified

Children under age 5 with stunted growth are found to have low levels of essential amino acids and nutrient choline, which can prevent cognitive development, increase susceptibility to illness, and shorten life spans. Researchers hope to develop new approaches to treat this debilitating condition by targeting dietary intake.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalEBioMedicine·DateFeb 23, 2016

Frozen section analysis for breast cancer could save time, anxiety

Mayo Clinic researchers found that using frozen section analysis during lumpectomies can reduce the need for second operations by 95%, saving patients time and financial burdens. The study estimates annual cost savings of $90.9 million to payers and $1.8 million to providers.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateFeb 23, 2016

Shock Trauma model for critically ill patients cuts transfer time in half

A novel Critical Care Resuscitation Unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center significantly speeds access to specialized care, cutting transfer time in half. The unit has decreased wait times and increased transfers, leading to better patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 23, 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.

Two forms of radiosurgery for brain metastases are equally effective

Researchers at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center found that Gamma Knife and RapidArc radiation therapy for brain metastases produce similar results, with the latter being faster. This study offers patients a choice of treatments and highlights the importance of advanced radiosurgery technology in treating increasing cases of brain metastases.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Specialist treatment delivery at university hospitals

A new study by Charité researchers reveals that the true cost of treating patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease exceeds reimbursement levels under the current German DRG system, highlighting the need for a more accurate cost recovery method.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 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.

Creation of an island: The extinction of animals on Zanzibar

A team of researchers from the University of York conducted a first-of-its-kind study on Zanzibar's formation and fauna extinction. The study, which analyzed mangrove sediments and animal remains, found that large mammals like zebras and buffalo disappeared after sea levels rose and coastal cultures inhabited the island.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 2016

Survivors of sexual abuse find support in online 'anonymity'

A Drexel study found that anonymity is crucial for men seeking support, with those using throwaway accounts more likely to disclose their experiences. The researchers also discovered that online forums can be a vital platform for first-time disclosures of sexual abuse and rape, leading to increased support-seeking behavior.

SourceDrexel University·DateFeb 23, 2016

Influenza viruses can hide from the immune system

Researchers discovered that influenza viruses can hide from the immune system by using a protein that masks the virus, making it harder for the body to detect and fight. This finding has implications for developing treatments against influenza and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 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.

NASA invites public to send artwork to an asteroid

NASA is inviting the public to participate in the #WeTheExplorers campaign by submitting artworks that reflect their spirit of exploration. The artworks will be saved on a chip on the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which is scheduled to launch in September and travel to asteroid Bennu.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 23, 2016

Underwater robots can be programmed to make independent decisions

Researchers at the University of Delaware have successfully programmed underwater robots to independently analyze data and trigger new missions based on real-time information. This technology has the potential to reveal new details about prey movement and behavior in the ocean.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalRobotics·DateFeb 23, 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.

Cardiologists use 3-D printing to personalize treatment for heart disease

Researchers at the University of Melbourne are using supercomputers to create personalized 3D models of patients' arteries, helping cardiologists predict plaque buildup and tailor stents. This technology aims to reduce heart disease's toll by identifying high-risk plaques earlier.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 23, 2016

New NTU microchip shrinks radar cameras to fit into a palm

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed a chip that allows radar cameras to be made as small as palm-sized while maintaining high image quality. The new technology has the potential to revolutionize various applications including unmanned aerial vehicles, driverless cars, and satellite imaging.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateFeb 23, 2016

College psychology classes lack curriculum about disabilities

The study found that many types of disability are underrepresented in psychology classes, including chronic health and physical disabilities. To address this, researchers recommend reworking course content to include more diversity and examples of different disabilities.

SourceOregon State University·JournalTeaching of Psychology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Pigs' genetic code altered in bid to tackle deadly virus

Scientists have successfully altered the genetic code of pigs to make them more resilient to African Swine Fever. By modifying a specific gene, researchers believe they may be able to reduce the disease's devastating effects on infected animals.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016