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Science News Archive January 2016


Page 21 of 31

A coffee to keep New Year fitness resolutions

A study suggests that reducing perception of effort during exercise with caffeine can help people stick to their fitness plans. Researchers found that the majority of people give up on exercising within six months due to lack of motivation and physical exertion, which is a natural response to conserve energy. The use of psychoactive dr...

Green pea galaxy provides insights to early universe evolution

A team of scientists has found that compact dwarf galaxies, like the green pea galaxy J0925+1403, could explain cosmic reionization by ejecting ionizing photons into the intergalactic medium. This discovery opens a new avenue for understanding the early universe's 14 billion-year history.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Louisiana Tech University student coauthors research in ACS journal

A Louisiana Tech University senior has co-authored a paper on using halloysite clay nanotubes to create an antimicrobial coating that could help fight superbugs. The research was published in the prestigious journal Biomacromolecules, highlighting the potential for natural materials in biomedical technology.

Protecting workers with stiffer safety penalties

The new law allows OSHA to increase fines by 80% due to inflation, making maximum charges $12,600 for serious violations. The Departments of Justice and Labor are coupling worker safety with criminal penalties, including environmental and fraud charges.

New role for motor neurons discovered

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new role for motor neurons in influencing rhythmic movements. Motor neurons directly control the recruitment of upstream excitatory interneurons via gap junctions, indicating they are not passive recipients of signals from interneuronal circuits.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Workplace flexibility benefits employees

A study by Phyllis Moen and Erin L. Kelly found that workers who participated in a pilot work flexibility program reported higher levels of job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and psychological stress. The research adds to the growing body of evidence showing that flexible work arrangements result in happier, healthier, and more product...

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.

3-D images of megaenzymes may lead to improved antibiotics

McGill researchers have taken 3D images of a large section from a medicine-synthesizing enzyme in action. The images reveal the intricate way these proteins function and could lead to the development of new antibiotics. This breakthrough may bring scientists closer to understanding how many antibiotics are made.

Could campaigns like Dry January do more harm than good?

Two experts debate the impact of alcohol abstinence campaigns like Dry January, with one arguing they may have unintended consequences for heavy drinkers. On the other hand, another expert suggests that such campaigns can help people reflect on their drinking habits and make longer-term changes.

Screening technique to reinforce fight against ash dieback

A new screening technique has been developed to predict which ash tree seedlings are likely to survive the fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. This technology could help maintain the UK's ash population and biodiversity by identifying non-disease-susceptible individuals before planting out.

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.

Mammals shape their microbiome to prevent disease

Researchers found that mice and humans produce microRNAs to control bacterial gene activity and shape the gut microbiome. These microRNAs can protect against intestinal diseases by regulating the composition of gut microbes.

Ancient going on nouveau

Researchers have evaluated the potential of ancient grains in modern agriculture, finding that they require reduced fertilization to prevent lodging. While they contain high amounts of protein, the quality is lower than in modern crops. However, these grains can enrich biodiversity and offer premium products through traditional methods.

'Radiolabeling' lets scientists track the breakdown of drugs

Researchers at Princeton University create a method to selectively radiolabel compounds with tritium atoms, allowing for the study of drug metabolism and potential development speedup. The technique uses an iron-based catalyst that can tolerate various solvents, enabling the tracking of drug breakdown in the body.

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.

New insights into animal-borne disease outbreaks

A recent study reveals that animal-borne diseases can persist in wider populations through repeated dispersal, leading to slower but more insidious transmission. This 'slow, smoldering' approach challenges traditional assumptions about disease outbreaks.

What do lasers and oranges have in common? A possible cure for citrus greening

Researchers have discovered that lasers can improve the penetration of antibiotic treatments into citrus leaves, potentially offering a new approach to treating the deadly citrus greening disease. The method uses laser etching to create microscopic indentations in the leaf tissue, allowing for more effective delivery of substances.

Antisocial behavior: Understanding the influence of genes and the environment

A longitudinal study found that exposure to violence in childhood is linked to increased symptoms of conduct disorder and antisocial personality in adolescence and adulthood. The MAOA gene was also identified as a key moderator of this relationship, with certain variants increasing the risk of aggressive behavior and partner violence.

Mosquito net safe to use in inguinal hernia repair

A Swedish-Ugandan study has shown that sterilized mosquito nets can replace costly surgical meshes in inguinal hernia repairs without compromising patient safety or treatment efficacy. The study involved over 300 adult males from rural Uganda and found no significant differences between groups.

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.

NASA analyzes Hurricane Pali's rainfall rates

NASA analyzed data from GPM core observatory and Suomi NPP satellite, discovering the hurricane had an eye forming with heavy rain falling at 84.5 mm per hour on its eastern side. The storm's convective storms reached heights of over 12 km, while its strongest feeder band wrapped around its eastern side.

New study to investigate how good antibodies go bad

A new study led by University at Buffalo researcher Jill Kramer aims to re-examine the role of IgM in Sjögren's syndrome. The research seeks to understand whether this protective antibody is also pathogenic, potentially leading to a better understanding of autoimmune diseases.

De-mystifying the study of volatile organic plant compounds

Volatile organic compounds protect plants from stress, attract insects for pollination and seed dispersal, and send warning signs to neighbor plants and animals. Plant VOC emissions contribute significantly to the atmosphere, emitting approximately 600 million tons of carbon annually.

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.

Common dementia drug found to improve Parkinson's symptoms

A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that people with Parkinson's who took the oral drug rivastigmine were 45% less likely to fall and steadier when walking. This breakthrough treatment has the potential to improve quality of life for millions worldwide.

Ocean current in Gulf of Mexico linked to red tide

A new study found that the Loop Current plays a crucial role in sustaining Florida red tide blooms. The researchers discovered that when the Loop Current is in a northern position, it allows a bloom to continue under favorable conditions, but a southern position prevents it from being sustained.

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.

Microbots individually controlled using 'mini force fields'

Microbots are controlled using individual magnetic fields from an array of tiny planar coils, allowing for independent movement and cooperative manipulation tasks. This technology aims to enhance manufacturing and biomedical research applications.

How copper makes organic light-emitting diodes more efficient

Researchers from KIT and CYNORA directly measured the speed of intersystem crossing in a copper complex, improving the understanding of TADF mechanisms. This leads to enhanced energy efficiency in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), with potential applications in display technology.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Singing in the brain: Songbirds sing like humans

A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that songbirds' vocal muscles can change their function to produce different sound parameters, similar to a trained opera singer. The research, led by Samuel Sober, shows that the bird's brain directs complex changes in muscle combinations to create complex songs.

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.

Brain receptor regulates fat burning in cells

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered a novel regulator of body weight: the P75 neurotrophin receptor. Lowering levels of p75 NTR protected mice from developing obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease on a high-fat diet. The receptor plays a key role in regulating metabolic processes that control body weight.

Mental health conditions common among bariatric surgery patients

A meta-analysis found that 23% of bariatric surgery candidates have a current mood disorder, with depression being the most common condition. Bariatric surgery is associated with postoperative decreases in depression prevalence and severity, but not necessarily eating disorders or anxiety.

Revealed: The awful anchor that lets UTIs take hold

Researchers have revealed the unique spring-like structure of E. coli pili, which allows it to withstand strong urine flow and infect the urinary tract. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for UTIs.

Gut reaction: Smart pill smells out the body's fiber factor

New smart gas sensing pills reveal how low & high-fibre diets affect gut health, offering clues for treating gut disorders. The research found that low-fibre diets produce more hydrogen gas in the small intestine and high-fibre diets produce more methane gas in the large intestine.

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.

What should be the role of computer games in education?

A new study discourages a sweeping transformation of conventional education to replace traditional curricula with game-based instruction. Instead, researchers recommend adding promising features to games, such as explanatory feedback and pregame activities, to enhance learning outcomes. Game features that improve student performance in...

Simplified artesunate regimen is non-inferior to WHO-recommended malaria treatment

A simplified three-dose intramuscular (i.m.) artesunate regimen has been shown to be non-inferior to the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended five-dose i.m. or i.v. regimen for treating severe malaria in African children. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, found that 78% of children treated with the simplified regimen had ov...

Satellites find sustainable energy in cities

Researchers at KIT have developed a method to estimate groundwater temperature from surface temperatures and building densities measured by satellites, revealing that 95% of areas studied had higher groundwater temperatures than surface temperatures. This discovery opens up new possibilities for sustainable energy production in cities.

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.

New type of antidepressant found to act quickly in mice

Researchers discovered a new type of antidepressant that acts quickly in mice, unlike current treatments which take weeks or months. The compound CGP3466B targets a new network of proteins and has fewer side effects than existing medications.

Uncovering oxygen's role in enhancing red LEDs

Researchers at Lehigh University and international collaborators found that small quantities of oxygen are needed to enhance the optical properties of Eu-doped GaN devices. The study utilized native oxygen in Eu(RE)-doped GaN for enabling device compatibility in optoelectronic applications.

New twists in the diffraction of intense laser light

Researchers at University of Strathclyde discovered that ultra-intense laser light passing through a thin foil can be used to control charged particle motion. This new observation has wide-reaching implications for advancing smaller, cheaper, laser-driven particle accelerators.

New LED with luminescent proteins

Scientists have discovered a way to create BioLEDs using luminescent proteins in rubber, producing white light at a lower cost and with greater stability than traditional LEDs. The technology has the potential to replace expensive and scarce materials used in white LEDs.

Springer Heterocyclic Chemistry Award 2016 goes to Jérôme Waser

Jérôme Waser has been awarded the Springer Heterocyclic Chemistry Award 2016 for his exceptional contributions to heterocyclic chemistry. His research focuses on developing new reactions and synthesis methods, particularly those employing hypervalent iodine derivatives.

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.

Greenland ice sheet melts more when it's cloudy

Clouds play a significant role in the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, with clouds enhancing meltwater runoff by a third. The study highlights the need for accurate cloud representations in climate models to estimate the amount of meltwater and mitigate global sea level rise.