Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive January 2016


Page 1 of 31

Mass media coverage helps slow down disease spread in an epidemic

Researchers found that more news reports resulted in fewer hospital visits and vice versa, indicating media coverage can help halt disease spread. The duration of coverage also mattered, with longer coverage leading to further behavior changes and fewer new infections.

Do asthma and COPD truly exist?

A new perspective article suggests a shift towards precision medicine, identifying 'treatable traits' in each patient to tailor management. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes by recognizing the clinical and biological complexity of airway diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Australian cancer drug licensed in $730M deal

A promising new cancer drug developed by CSIRO's Cancer Therapeutics CRC has been licensed to US pharmaceutical company Merck in a $730 million deal. The drug targets the protein PRMT5, associated with various cancers, and may also provide disease-modifying treatment options for blood disorders.

Research explores communication in human interaction

The DComm programme explores deictic communication, a fundamental aspect of human interaction, and its application in technology, education, and clinical settings. Researchers will investigate how deictic communication affects individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and stroke patients.

Futuristic diagnostic tools to help health-care professionals

A new portable medical tablet pc, UNI-Pad, has been developed by Conecson Co., Ltd. and UNIST, enabling the transmission of medical data from patients directly to health professionals. The device can take various vital signs and is planned for commercialization in diagnosis of additional conditions.

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.

New type of nanowires, built with natural gas heating

Researchers at UNIST developed a new method to synthesize hierarchically structured carbon-sheathed germanium nanowires with enhanced chemical and thermal stability. The technique, assisted by thermal decomposition of natural gas, enables large-scale production at low cost.

Camouflage really does reduce the chances of being eaten

A recent study by scientists from the University of Exeter and Cambridge has confirmed that camouflage plays a crucial role in protecting animals from predators. The research found that animals or eggs with matching patterns or contrasts to their surroundings were less likely to be eaten.

Cell biology: Harbingers of aging

Researchers have found age-dependent alterations in metabolism and gene regulation in middle-aged fruitflies, linked to a reduction in lifespan. The study identified a common process of protein acetylation as a key factor in the aging process.

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.

First impressions: When the mating market resembles a super market

A study by Lucy Hunt found that certain evaluative contexts elicit similar first impressions, such as face-to-face and video, but not face-to-face and photo. Meanwhile, Dr. Kristina Durante's research on mate choice suggests that encountering a potential partner serendipitously enhances perceptions of future love and satisfaction. Thes...

Laboratory-bred corals reproduce in the wild

Researchers have raised laboratory-bred colonies of a threatened Caribbean coral species to sexual maturity, reproducing simultaneously with their natural population. This breakthrough technique increases genetic diversity and provides new hope for the recovery of dwindling elkhorn coral populations.

Syracuse geophysicist questions stability of Antarctic ice sheet

A Syracuse University professor examines the impact of the deep Earth on ice-sheet stability, particularly the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. His research suggests that regions with sub-glacial topography may be more stable today than during past global warming periods.

From mother to child, passing on disease

Two vector-borne diseases, Chagas' disease and Leishmaniasis, can be transmitted from mother to child through the placenta, posing a significant risk to newborns. Research highlights the importance of healthcare workers remembering these diseases when examining sick children whose mothers have traveled from affected areas.

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.

Ancient rocks of Tetons formed by continental collisions

Scientists have discovered evidence of ancient continental collisions in the Teton Range, dating back 2.68 billion years, providing new insights into the early history of plate tectonics. The study found significant differences in the composition of the ancient crust compared to modern plates.

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.

The strain allows to control the magnetic properties of individual iron atom

Researchers from the University of Warsaw have discovered a way to tailor the energy spectrum of an iron atom to obtain a doubly degenerate ground state with non-zero magnetic moment. This achievement enables the storage and processing of quantum information, making it suitable for applications in spintronics and solotronics.

Energy-saving minicomputers for the 'Internet of Things'

The Ions4Set project seeks to develop single electron transistors that can process information at room temperature, overcoming current power consumption limitations. By combining these transistors with field effect transistors, the EU project aims to create energy-efficient minicomputers for the 'Internet of Things'.

Mid-atlantic states present ocean data products

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean has released a set of analytical data products that will improve the scientific basis for regional ocean decision-making. The data, which include information on marine animal distribution, human use patterns, and ocean features, will help stakeholders make informed management decisions.

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.

Study: Future for charismatic pika not as daunting as once feared

A new study suggests that the American pika may survive and even thrive in some western US National Park Service areas due to cold boulder fields and connectivity among habitats. However, other parks face increased risk of extinction due to warming temperatures and loss of suitable habitat.

Researchers confirm attitude to aging can have a direct effect on health

Negative attitudes towards aging have been shown to negatively affect both physical and cognitive health in older adults. Participants with positive attitudes exhibited improved cognitive ability. Researchers highlight the importance of societal-wide interventions targeting attitudes towards aging.

Moon's tidal forces affect amount of rainfall on Earth

New University of Washington research shows that the lunar forces affect the amount of rain on Earth, though very slightly, with a change of about 1 percent of total rainfall variation. The effect is due to the moon's gravitational tug causing higher air pressure and increasing temperature, making it less favorable for precipitation.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Vital clues to future cancer development in normal breast tissue DNA

Researchers found epigenetic alterations in normal breast tissue adjacent to cancer, marking susceptible precursor cells. These changes were associated with poorer prognosis and decreased survivorship from the disease. The study aims to decode how breast cancer develops and understand risk factors.

Remicade® developer funds new super-resolution microscope at Scripps Florida

The Iris and Junming Le Foundation has donated $500,000 to support the purchase of a powerful super-resolution microscope at Scripps Florida. This advanced technology will enable neuroscientists to see synapses between neurons with unprecedented detail, potentially leading to breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research.

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 assesses how to avoid unnecessary acute admission to hospital

A study has identified a series of innovations that can help hospitals reduce unnecessary acute admissions. The research found that early patient assessment by senior staff played a central role in reducing admissions, with different approaches used across four hospitals in the south west of England. Patients were generally happy with ...

Neural networks adapt to the presence of a toxic HIV protein

Researchers found that HIV protein Tat alters networked neuron activity and leads to adaptations that improve survival but impair function. The study suggests that targeting these adaptations could facilitate therapeutic intervention for seizure disorders and other neurological symptoms in HIV-infected patients.

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.

Graphene shown to safely interact with neurons in the brain

Researchers have successfully interfaced graphene with neurons, maintaining the integrity of these vital cells. The work may lead to the development of graphene-based electrodes that can safely be implanted in the brain, offering promise for restoring sensory functions in amputee or paralyzed patients.

Effects of European earthworms in North America will be studied

A new ERC Starting Grant will fund the first systematic study on the impact of European earthworms on plant communities and soil food webs in North America. The research aims to examine the effects of higher temperatures and reduced summer rainfall on earthworm invasions, shedding light on biodiversity loss and ecosystem functioning.

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.

Discovery of mechanism that enables bacteria to elude antibiotics

Bacteria use specific mechanisms to avoid toxic substances like antibiotics during colonization, driven by the action of flagella and chemoreceptors. The discovery reveals a crucial molecular balance between RecA and CheW proteins that enables bacteria to stop swarming movement in areas with high antibiotic concentrations.

NASA engineers tapped to build first integrated-photonics modem

NASA engineers have developed a groundbreaking integrated-photonics modem that will enable high-speed, laser-based communications at unprecedented rates. The modem is expected to transform industries such as telecommunications, medical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and national defense.

Polar vortices observed in ferroelectric

Researchers have observed polar vortices in ferroelectric materials, which could lead to new states of matter and applications in data storage and processing. The discovery was made using scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies.

Discovered: How to unlock inaccessible genes

A team of international scientists has identified a mechanism for chromatin-remodeller enzymes to regulate gene expression in embryonic stem cells. By mapping the location of these enzymes across the genome, researchers found that they bind to specific nucleosomes before gene sequences, controlling access to critical DNA regions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

NASA: Understanding the magnetic sun

Scientists use real-time observations and computer simulations to analyze the solar corona's dynamic system. The sun's magnetic field drives space weather on Earth and affects interplanetary radiation. Understanding its structure is crucial for studying space throughout the solar system.

This plant sucks! (But how?)

The bladderwort's trap snaps shut faster than the blink of an eye, catching prey with powerful suction. Recent research reveals structural adaptations to different environments, allowing plants to lure and catch various prey types.

New biomarker to assess stem cells developed

A team of scientists at UCL has discovered a way to fast-track the screening of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using DNA methylation as a biomarker. This new approach can help identify 'good' and 'bad' cell lines, which is crucial for laboratory research and potential cell replacement therapies.

Oncologists issue guidance for allocating scarce chemotherapy drugs

Experts have issued a framework to guide difficult prioritization decisions among children in need of scarce life-saving chemotherapy treatment. The modified utilitarian model maximizes total benefit from available supply, considering factors like curability, prognosis, and drug importance.

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.

Media narratives counter prejudice attitudes

Research from several personality and social psychologists show that positive entertainment media can contribute to positive relationships between different ethnic groups and genders. Sohad Murrar's studies found reduced prejudice when participants watched a sitcom with relatable Arab/Muslim characters, while Yeshim Iqbal's work demons...

Study reveals subtle brain differences in men with autism

Research at King's College London identified altered brain connections in men with ASD, particularly in the frontal lobe and arcuate bundle. These differences were associated with delays in language development and social interaction skills, but may be reversible.

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.

Cornell researchers create first self-assembled superconductor

A multidisciplinary team at Cornell has created a three-dimensional gyroidal superconductor made of niobium nitride, which could lead to novel property profiles and transition temperatures. The breakthrough was achieved using organic block copolymers and involves heating, cooling, and reheating the material.

Icy ebb and flow influenced by hydrothermal activity

Hydrothermal activity plays a significant role in the earth's climate. The release of hot molten rock from beneath the earth's crust drives this process. By analyzing sedimentary records, researchers have established a direct causal relationship between hydrothermal activity and deglaciation.

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.

Recent studies show value of technology and in-person communications

Recent studies suggest that technology can have positive effects on social connections and mental well-being, but these benefits often fall short of those provided by in-person interactions. Research has shown that face-to-face communication is more effective at creating a positive mood and reducing stress than text messaging.