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Science News Archive January 2016


Page 4 of 31

Small is different

Researchers at TUM and Georgia Institute of Technology found that the size of platinum catalyst particles significantly affects reactivity, with clusters having fewer atoms showing lower activity. The discovery could lead to more efficient production of margarine and other chemicals, as well as new materials.

Resistance to key HIV drug 'concerningly common'

A large study found tenofovir-resistant strains in 60% of HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting a significant concern for global HIV control strategies. The study suggests that up to 15% of HIV patients will develop resistance in the first year of treatment alone.

Scientists decode brain signals nearly at speed of perception

Researchers used electrodes implanted in the temporal lobes of awake patients to decode brain signals and predict what object patients were seeing with over 95% accuracy. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding human perception and could lead to new treatments for paralysis and stroke patients.

Replacement of the Y chromosome in male mice

Researchers replaced the Y chromosome in mice by increasing expression of two genes, Sry and Eif2s3y, allowing males to produce offspring. The study demonstrates the mammalian genome's plasticity by exchanging Y chromosome genes with those on other chromosomes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Germs, humans and numbers

A new estimate reveals that the ratio of bacterial to human cells in the body is closer to 1:1, with approximately 40 trillion bacterial cells and 30 trillion human cells. This revision challenges the long-held assumption that there are ten times more bacterial cells than human cells.

Want to learn a new skill? Faster? Change up your practice sessions

In a study, researchers found that making small modifications to a task during repeated practice sessions can lead to faster skill acquisition. This is due to the process of reconsolidation, which strengthens motor skills by recalling and modifying existing memories. By adjusting their performance despite unawareness of subtle changes,...

Second-hand smoke increases fatness, hinders cognition in children

Researchers found that exposure to second-hand smoke is associated with increased body fat and poorer cognitive function in children. The study of 220 overweight or obese children aged 7-11 years found that smoke exposure was linked to a larger waist size and reduced attention span, with implications for future health 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.

Women with sleeping problems far more likely to develop diabetes

Research published in Diabetologia found that women with one sleep disorder have a 47% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk increases to four times for those with multiple sleep disorders. The study highlights the importance of good sleeping patterns for preventing diabetes.

Epigenetic switch for obesity

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics found a novel epigenetic switch regulating genes in mice, leading to two distinct phenotypes. This discovery fundamentally alters our understanding of how epigenetics influences gene outcomes and has implications for obesity and other diseases.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Basic research led to first FDA-approved immunotherapy for pediatric cancer

The first FDA-approved immunotherapy for pediatric cancer, dinutuximab, has been shown to be equivalent to the commercially produced version and can be made available to all patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated improved event-free survival and overall survival in children treated with the treatment.

Honeybees, ants may provide clues to suicide in humans

Researchers led by Thomas Joiner theorize that humans exhibit eusocial characteristics, leading to self-sacrificial behaviors. These traits are adaptive in nature but become maladaptive in modern human contexts like suicide.

What a moth's nose knows

Researchers found that moths with transplanted antennae responded to novel pheromone blends not seen in nature. The moths' brains integrated signals from the antennal lobe to create a sense of reality, even when the sensory input was altered.

Wearing glasses improves reading fluency for kids with 'high' astigmatism

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that children with severe astigmatism can improve their reading fluency after wearing glasses, with effects most apparent among older children reading smaller text. The study supports the recommendation for full-time spectacle wear in astigmatic students.

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.

Good boss? Bad boss? Study says workers leave both

Research by a University of Illinois business professor reveals that high-quality boss-worker relationships are positively related to higher salaries and greater responsibility in the next job. However, employees still leave their good managers due to limited internal opportunities for growth. Retaining valued employees can lead to inc...

Reconfigurable origami tubes could find antenna, microfluidic uses

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed reconfigurable origami tubes that can change cross sections to operate at different frequencies for antennas or switch liquids in microfluidic devices. The tubes employ the Miura-ori pattern and can be designed with exact properties needed for various users.

Spending more on food is associated with a healthier diet and weight

A recent study found that a higher monetary cost of dietary intake is associated with improved diet quality, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and weight management. The researchers monitored 2181 Spanish adults for ten years and discovered that spending more on food led to better health outcomes.

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.

'Lifespan machine' probes cause of aging

A study published in Nature suggests that aging does not have a single molecular cause but is rather a systemic process. Researchers found a statistical regularity in how genetic and environmental factors affect the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans worms, revealing an unexpected uniformity among life span distributions.

Mercury levels in rainfall are rising in parts of North America, study finds

Researchers found recent increases in mercury concentrations in rainfall at many sites across the continent, with positive trends in central regions consistent with increased emissions from Asia. The findings suggest that reductions in North American mercury emissions are primarily benefiting the eastern United States.

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.

Urban sprawl stunts upward mobility, University of Utah study finds

A recent study by University of Utah professor Reid Ewing found that urban sprawl significantly reduces upward mobility, particularly for children born into low-income families. The study showed that compact areas tend to have higher rates of social mobility compared to sprawling areas.

New tool to determine the risk of prostate cancer death

Researchers discovered a new biomarker, pro-NPY, which correlates with increased risk of prostate cancer death. The study suggests that high pro-NPY levels can predict prostate cancer-related death among diagnosed patients who haven't received surgical treatment.

High corporate taxes incentivize corporate debt

Multinational companies with high corporate taxes take on less debt than those with lower tax rates, according to a new study. The research suggests that higher corporate taxes distort economic activity and lead to reduced debt levels, contrary to previous findings.

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.

Imaged 'jets' reveal cerium's post-shock inner strength

Researchers used X-ray phase contrast imaging to study the formation and evolution of jets in cerium metal after shock waves were generated by impact systems. The study found that the yield stress of cerium could be estimated using jet heights and velocity histories, providing insight into material strength.

Flavonoids from fruits and vegetables may help with weight maintenance

A recent study published in The BMJ found that increased flavonoid consumption was associated with less weight gain. The largest association was seen for anthocyanins, flavonol polymers, and flavonols, with daily intake linked to a reduction of 0.16-0.23 lbs (0.07-0.10 kg) over four-year intervals.

With climate, fertilizing oceans could be zero-sum game

Researchers found that iron fertilization in one area can inhibit growth in others, highlighting the complexity of ocean nutrient cycles. This study challenges the idea that fertilizing oceans with iron could be a major force in spurring and maintaining ice ages.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Slender mice, heart disease and diabetes -- what do they have in common?

A study by Finnish researchers found that removing a gene from mice protected them against arterial disease and obesity, due to increased activity of brown adipose tissue. The discovery suggests that inhibiting the USF1 gene might be a good strategy for treating cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Airbrushing out racism is attempting 'to re-edit the past'

Film historian Kunle Olulode argues that removing racist content from old films and books hinders understanding of the past. By leaving these elements intact, we can learn from historical context and develop a more nuanced understanding of society's evolution.

Study: Incentive pay not motivating enough for some managers

Research reveals that high-ambition and attentive managers may resist performance-based pay, instead choosing comfort over risk. Tailored compensation strategies are necessary to motivate these individuals, as one-size-fits-all approaches prove ineffective.

Ben-Gurion U. researchers have discovered multiple botnets

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered six botnets, which are networks of malicious code that can carry out powerful cyber attacks and spread viruses. The team used advanced algorithms to identify the botnets and traced their administrators.

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.

Human impact has created a 'plastic planet,' research shows

The study suggests that humans have entered an 'Age of Plastic,' where plastics are forming fossils and persisting in the Earth's geology. Plastics can travel thousands of miles, get caught up in oceanic garbage patches, and be buried by increasing layers of plastic waste by mid-century.

Research grant for Marti G. Subrahmanyam and SAFE

Marti G. Subrahmanyam has received a €250,000 grant to collaborate with the LOEWE research center SAFE at Goethe University Frankfurt. The award promotes international cooperation in humanities and social sciences over five years.

Uncovering hidden microbial lineages from hot springs

A team of researchers has identified a completely new bacterial phylum, dubbed 'Kryptonia', in geothermal springs using metagenomics and single-cell genomics. The novel phylum was found to have unique metabolic pathways and potential biotechnological applications.

New detection method for Goby invasion

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a simple and effective test to detect Ponto-Caspian gobies in streaming and stagnant water. The method uses environmental DNA analysis, reacting exclusively to the genetic material of invasive gobies, making it a cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods.

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.

Eating soy may protect women from health risks of BPA

A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that consuming soy regularly may protect women undergoing infertility treatments from poor success rates linked to bisphenol A exposure. Women who did not eat soy foods had lower embryo implantation rates and fewer live births with ...

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.

What DuPont's deep R&D cuts mean for science

Private companies like DuPont have reduced their basic research units in response to business demands, shifting focus towards quicker return on investment. This change has implications for the scientific community, which may see a decrease in groundbreaking discoveries.

New way to detect human-animal diseases tested in lemurs

Researchers used whole-transcriptome sequencing to screen for blood-borne diseases in wild lemurs and found several strains of parasites similar to those causing Lyme disease. The approach could pave the way for earlier detection of future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases that move between animals and people.

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.

Experts: High drug price trend has 'infected' generics

Generic drugs are increasingly inaccessible due to pharmaceutical companies' strategies to delay market entry. These tactics include pay-for-delay deals, authorized generics, and product hopping, which can lead to higher prices for patients.

Earthworms could be a threat to biodiversity

Research found an association between earthworm presence and reduced abundance of certain tree species in understory of sugar maple forests. Earthworm populations are linked to soil moisture levels, affecting seed germination and plant survival.

New material with built-in vitamin A may reduce scarring

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new biodegradable material that can reduce scarring in blood vessels, potentially preventing deadly blockages. Early tests show the material can reduce cell migration by 57 percent.

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.