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Science News Archive January 2016


Page 17 of 31

Scientists discover blueprint of body's heat sensor

Researchers have discovered the structure of TRPV2, a protein linked to pain and heat perception, which could lead to new treatments for chronic pain. The study found that TRPV2 has an in-between state where it becomes desensitized to repeated stimuli, suggesting a potential way to alleviate chronic pain.

Mapping out cell conversion

Researchers developed an algorithm called Mogrify that predicts the unique set of cellular factors required for converting one human cell type to another. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and lays the groundwork for further research into cell reprogramming.

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.

DNA methylation pattern in leukemia only appears to be cancer-typical

Researchers found that DNA methylation patterns in leukemia cells can vary significantly across different cell maturation stages. However, the 'cancer-typical' methyl patterns discovered so far are actually indicative of the normal development process rather than cancer-specific changes.

Cheaper solar cells with 20.2 percent efficiency

EPFL scientists have engineered a molecularly engineered hole-transporting material for perovskite solar cells, achieving competitive power-conversion efficiency of 20.2%. The new material is significantly cheaper to synthesize and purify than existing alternatives.

Blood cells in action

Researchers demonstrate that fast molecules in the vicinity make blood cell membranes wriggle, but cells also become active when they have enough reaction time. The study reveals a balance between thermal fluctuations and internal forces causing the cells to change shape.

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.

Weight gain through plasticizers

A study published in PLOS ONE found that phthalates, commonly used in plastics, can lead to weight gain by disrupting hormone balance and metabolism. The researchers discovered that the phthalate DEHP causes an increase in unsaturated fatty acids and disrupts glucose metabolism, paving the way for weight gain.

Protein 'handbrake' halts leukemia in its tracks

Melbourne researchers discovered a protein called Hhex that puts the brakes on leukemia cell growth and division. Targeting this protein could lead to new therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer with poor prognosis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ads for candy-flavored e-cigarettes could encourage vaping among school children

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that e-cigarettes with candy flavors are more appealing to school children, who also express a greater interest in buying and trying these products. The study suggests that further regulation is needed regarding e-cigarette advertising to prevent tobacco smoking among young people.

Revealing the intra-cellular mechanism underlying ALS

A study by Kyoto University reveals that a cancer suppression protein may contribute to ALS disease progression. The research found that the malfunctioning of nerve support cells and misfolding of protein TDP-43 play key roles in ALS development.

Extra-Tropical Alex speeding through north Atlantic

Extra-Tropical Alex became a high-pressure system near Greenland in the North Atlantic Ocean on January 15, 2016. The storm's maximum sustained winds had dropped to 35 knots (40 mph/62 kph) but it was still speeding northward at 35 knots per hour.

Poverty linked to childhood depression, changes in brain connectivity

Researchers found that children raised in poverty have weaker connections between the hippocampus, amygdala, and other brain areas, increasing their risk of depression. The study highlights the importance of early intervention to foster positive brain development and reduce adverse outcomes.

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.

NASA provides in-depth analysis of unusual Tropical Storm Alex

Tropical Storm Alex formed in January 2016, becoming the earliest hurricane to do so since 1938. NASA analyzed storm data using AIRS, RapidScat, GPM, and Suomi NPP satellites, revealing strongest winds at 30 meters per second and rainfall rates decreasing significantly after declaration as a hurricane.

FAU researchers investigate how light behaves in curved space

Researchers used intensity interferometry to study light propagation in curved spaces, demonstrating the importance of surface curvature on geometry and physics. The findings have implications for astronomical observations and manufacturing techniques, potentially leading to new materials and optical systems.

NIST simulates fast, accurate DNA sequencing through graphene nanopore

Researchers at NIST have simulated a new concept for rapid, accurate gene sequencing by pulling DNA through a graphene nanopore and detecting changes in electrical current. The method could identify about 66 million bases per second with 90% accuracy, potentially revolutionizing forensics.

2-for-1 bacterial virulence factor revealed

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified a virulence factor secreted by the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii, which is resistant to traditional antibiotics. The discovery could lead to the development of new antivirulence antibiotics that can suppress pathogen growth without eliminating susceptible bacteria.

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.

Gregarious chimps harbor richer gut microbiomes

Researchers found that the number of bacterial species in a chimp's GI tract increases when they are more gregarious. The study suggests that social interactions with other chimps help maintain gut microbial diversity over a lifetime, just as initial exposure from mom does.

Signs of second largest black hole in the Milky Way

A team of astronomers has detected a gas cloud with a wide velocity dispersion, suggesting the presence of an intermediate mass black hole. The cloud's elliptical shape and composition indicate a compact but low-density component and a dense component extending 10 light years.

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.

Extreme turbulence roiling 'most luminous galaxy' in the universe

Astronomers have discovered a highly turbulent galaxy that may soon lose its supply of star-forming gas due to violent motion. The galaxy, W2246-0526, is an obscured quasar with a supermassive black hole at its center, causing intense radiation that exerts pressure on the entire galaxy.

CU researchers study hospital readmissions from post-acute care facilities

A recent study published in JAMDA found that nearly half of hospital readmissions from post-acute care facilities occur within 14 days, and patients who experience readmission have a higher mortality rate. The researchers also identified the need for invasive devices and advanced care as contributing factors to readmissions.

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.

FAU researchers show how mother-of-pearl is formed from nanoparticles

Researchers at FAU have discovered that mother-of-pearl is formed through the aggregation of nanoparticles within an organic matrix, rather than crystallisation. This unique process, found in nature, has implications for developing new high-performance ceramics with improved mechanical properties.

The turbulent birth of a quasar

Researchers used ALMA to study W2246-0526, the most luminous galaxy known, finding it's ejecting its star-forming gas due to intense infrared radiation. This turbulence could lead to the galaxy evolving into a traditional quasar.

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.

University of Alberta researcher tracks tyrannosaur's trail

A team of researchers tracked a rare 66-million-year-old tyrannosaur footprint trail in Wyoming, shedding new light on the dinosaur's speed and hunting habits. The study suggests that even young tyrannosaurs were capable of rapid movement, challenging previous theories about their sluggish nature.

France's WWII 'petits réfugiés' offered 'a voice' for first time

A new Anglo-French research project will give a voice to French children who became displaced during WWII, shedding light on their experiences and challenges. Dr. Lindsey Dodd's project aims to disrupt the established narrative of the period, which often focuses on resistance and collaboration.

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.

Link found between obesity and blood clots in pediatric patients

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found an association between obesity and the formation of blood clots in children and adolescents. Obesity was a statistically significant predictor of blood clot formation in juveniles, contributing to increased incidence of pediatric venous thromboembolism.

Mentally challenging activities key to a healthy aging mind

Researchers found that high-challenge activities improved memory performance and brain activity efficiency in older adults. The study suggests that mentally demanding activities may be neuroprotective and essential for maintaining a healthy brain into late adulthood. Enhanced neural efficiency was maintained a year after participation.

Public contributions to science increasingly common

The study reveals that citizen science has become a significant force in various scientific disciplines. Citizen scientists contribute millions of observations to research projects, with notable success in biology, ecology, and astronomy. However, the quality of these contributions is often not acknowledged by researchers.

€400,000 EU serious games project to combat domestic violence

A €400,000 EU-funded project at the University of Huddersfield aims to reduce levels of domestic violence through an interactive computer game. The game, designed to educate and influence attitude change among potential perpetrators, will be piloted in Caribbean countries and the UK.

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.

Link between obesity and increased risk of colorectal cancer revealed

Research at Thomas Jefferson University reveals obesity is associated with a key hormone's absence, leading to tumor suppressor pathway deactivation and increased colorectal cancer risk. A therapeutic approach using the pill linaclotide, structurally related to the lost hormone, may prevent cancer in obese patients.

Simulator-based training in veterinary medicine

A recent study by Vetmeduni Vienna's Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer found that simulator-based training in large animal gynaecology is nearly as efficient as animal-based training. Students who trained four times on horses scored best with regard to a correct diagnosis, while those trained solely on the simulato...

Former Hurricane Pali peters out near Equator

The remnants of former Hurricane Pali have dissipated and elongated due to strong vertical wind shear, losing its closed center. It is no longer possible to definitively locate a closed center in the system.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Sociable chimps harbor richer gut microbiomes

Researchers found that chimpanzees with more frequent social interactions had more diverse gut microbiomes. The study suggests that social networks play a crucial role in maintaining healthy gut microbial diversity, a finding with potential implications for human health.

Fires did not destroy (as fast as we thought)

A new study shows that Aboriginal burning practices in Australia had a minimal effect on the erosion of their inhabited landscapes. The researchers used beryllium-10 to model the impact of fire on landscape erosion and found that it was not intense enough to change the natural rate of erosion over thousands of years.

Researchers develop novel cell line for screening of brain drugs

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have created a novel cell line to screen brain drugs, mimicking the blood-brain barrier's impermeability. This tool may accelerate the development of improved treatments for brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

How malaria fools our immune system

Researchers at OIST have reconstructed the 3D structure of Plasmodium falciparum protein PfEMP1, which deceives IgM antibodies and facilitates rosette formation. This understanding can aid in designing anti-malaria treatments that target these clusters.

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.

Preventing youth gun violence: What we know and still need to know

A comprehensive review of youth gun violence highlights the need for a multifaceted approach, including strengthening families, reducing violent media effects, and improving school climates. The study also explores the potential use of online data mining to predict potential youth violence.

Berkeley Lab launches new projects for grid modernization

The DOE has awarded $220 million for 88 new projects across 14 National Laboratories to deliver new grid concepts, tools, and technologies. Berkeley Lab is leading two projects: the California Distributed Resource Planning and Optimization Platform and Future Utility Regulation.

Metamaterials boost sensitivity of MRI machines

The technology uses metamaterials to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in higher-resolution images and faster scanning times. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics, particularly in cancer detection and tissue analysis.

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.

TSRI chemists devise powerful new method for modifying drug molecules

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new method for modifying complex drug molecules, known as strain-release amination. This technique has enabled the efficient synthesis of a promising cancer drug candidate, which was previously unsolvable due to its high difficulty and toxicity. The breakthrough also opens up n...