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Science News Archive January 2016


Page 5 of 31

Sedentary lifestyle spells more menopause misery

A large study of over 6,000 Latin American women found that sedentary lifestyles are associated with severe menopause symptoms, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and obesity. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of various health problems, including breast and colon cancer, dementia, and heart disease.

Can prison visitation reduce recidivism?

A study funded by the National Science Foundation investigates whether prison visitation can reduce recidivism rates and examines gender, racial, and ethnic differences in these patterns. The research aims to provide policy recommendations for improving prison visitation practices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New strategy for reducing readmissions: Get the family involved

A new study finds that educating and involving family members in the care of a loved one with memory loss can significantly reduce hospital readmissions. The study, conducted at Henry Ford Hospital, showed a 30% decline in 30-day readmission rates for patients with congestive heart failure.

Growth factor in brain tied to slower mental decline

A study published in Neurology found that individuals with higher BDNF protein levels had slower cognitive decline than those with lower levels. The researchers discovered a 50% reduction in cognitive decline for those in the highest 10% of protein expression compared to the lowest 10%.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Women younger than 40 at melanoma diagnosis indoor tanned earlier, more

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that women younger than 40 who were diagnosed with melanoma had initiated indoor tanning at an earlier age and reported more frequent tanning. The study suggests that indoor tanning is a significant risk factor for developing melanoma, especially among young women.

Study shows zinc supplement boosted serum zinc levels and immunity in older adults

A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that zinc supplementation significantly improved serum zinc concentrations and T-cell function in older adults with low zinc levels. The researchers also discovered a positive correlation between serum zinc levels and the number and effectiveness of T-cells.

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.

Asthma and allergies: A protective factor in farm milk

Children who consume unprocessed farm milk have a lower risk of developing asthma due to its higher content of omega-3 fatty acids. The study found that the protective effect is specific and can be distinguished from other factors.

Neuroticism predicts anxiety and depression disorders

A new Northwestern University and UCLA study found that young people with high neuroticism are highly likely to develop both anxiety and depression disorders. Researchers suggest a single intervention could help prevent the development of both conditions.

Drugs and other contaminants found in private drinking wells on Cape Cod

Researchers at Silent Spring Institute found 27 unregulated contaminants in private well water samples on Cape Cod, including pharmaceuticals and flame retardants. The study suggests that backyard septic systems are likely the source of contamination, which poses health risks to 44 million Americans relying on private wells.

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.

NIHR to invest in more research into the prevention and treatment of obesity

The NIHR will fund research on interventions and services to prevent and treat obesity in adults and children, building on successful programs like Football Fans in Training. The call aims to identify cost-effective practices that can help reduce the prevalence of obesity, a significant threat to public health.

Corporate philanthropy can have a positive impact on employees

Researchers found corporate philanthropy has a positive impact on employees, particularly when donations are made to big, visible targets. Coupling donations with volunteer opportunities enhances this effect. The study's findings suggest employees care about the impact of their organization's giving efforts.

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.

Long-term study shows impact of humans on land

Researchers from Arizona State University report on a 10-year project studying human interaction with land in the Mediterranean, finding thresholds for farming success and failure. Computer simulations help understand socio-ecological landscapes and predict future consequences.

Q: How many ways can you arrange 128 tennis balls? A: 10^250

Researchers at St John's College, University of Cambridge, developed a computer program that can answer the mind-bending puzzle of arranging 128 soft spheres. The solution, 10^250, vastly exceeds the total number of particles in the universe and has implications for understanding configurational entropy and its applications in physics ...

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.

MS drug tied to rising JC virus antibody levels

A study published in Neurology found that people taking natalizumab for multiple sclerosis have a higher risk of developing JC virus-related infections, which can lead to fatal brain disease. Researchers monitored levels of anti-JC virus antibodies in patients treated with natalizumab and found a significant increase in risk.

Nano-coating makes coaxial cables lighter

Researchers create flexible, high-performance coating that replaces metal braid with carbon nanotubes, benefiting airplanes and spacecraft. The new cable reduces weight by 97%, meeting military-grade standards for shielding and strength.

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.

Schizophrenia's strongest known genetic risk deconstructed

Researchers discovered that gene versions of C4 trigger runaway synaptic pruning during adolescence, leading to fewer brain connections and higher risk of developing schizophrenia. This finding offers a new potential target for interventions and treatments.

Uncertainties in tree-ring-based climate reconstructions probed

Current tree-ring-based climate reconstructions need improvement to account for uncertainty, suggests new research. Researchers developed a unified statistical modelling approach using Bayesian inference that simultaneously accounts for non-climatic and climatic variability.

New record in nanoelectronics at ultralow temperatures

The research team successfully cooled electrons to 3.7 millikelvin in a nanoelectronic device, breaking the previous record of 4 millikelvin. This breakthrough enables the development of new quantum technologies, including quantum computers and sensors, which require extremely low temperatures.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists build a neural network using plastic memristors

Researchers from Russia and Italy develop neural network based on polymeric memristors, enabling machine vision and intelligent control systems. The networks can learn and perform logical operations, offering a promising alternative to traditional computing methods.

A better way to image metastatic prostate cancer

A recent study shows that a PET/CT scan using F-18-DCFBC is significantly more effective in detecting metastatic prostate cancer than other detection methods. The radiotracer targets prostate-specific membrane antigen, which is expressed in the majority of prostate cancers and associated with metastatic spread.

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.

Uncorrected farsightedness linked to literacy deficits in preschoolers

A multi-center clinical study funded by the National Eye Institute has shown that uncorrected farsightedness in preschool children is associated with significantly worse performance on a test of early literacy. Children with moderate hyperopia did poorly on the Test of Preschool Early Literacy, especially in print knowledge domain.

HIV is still growing, even when undetectable in the blood

Researchers found that HIV persists in lymphoid tissue despite potent antiretroviral therapy, and that low-level replication maintains viral reservoirs. The study provides a new perspective on how to deliver drugs to effectively eradicate the virus.

Creating 'greener' wrinkle-resistant cotton fabric

A team of researchers has developed a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for making wrinkle-resistant cotton fabrics. The new process uses citric acid and xylitol to create textiles without the need for hazardous formaldehyde, mitigating environmental and health concerns.

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.

How can peers, parents, schools and new media stop bullying?

A multi-tiered approach to stopping bullying is proposed, with recommendations for peers, parents, schools, and new media platforms. Peers can defend victims by sharing emotional reactions and offering support, while parents can facilitate communication about incidents through training.

Simplifying solar cells with a new mix of materials

A new mix of materials eliminates doping, a complex process that degrades performance, to create highly efficient silicon solar cells. The new design enables the creation of high-efficiency solar cells in just seven steps.

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.

Fun with Lego (molecules)

Scientists develop a system to assemble giant molecules with 'orthogonal' ends, allowing for precise control over superstructures ranging from cubes to wheels and sandwiches. This breakthrough enables potential applications in device creation and nano-architecture design.

Ancient rodent's brain was big ... but not necessarily 'smart'

New research on ancient rodent Paramys reveals its brain was larger than expected but smaller in the neocortex region. This suggests that brain evolution occurred differently in early rodents compared to primates, highlighting the limitations of using brain size as a measure of intelligence.

Genome of the flowering plant that returned to the sea

Seagrasses are unique flowering plants adapted to marine life, providing insights into climate warming and carbon burial. The Zostera marina genome reveals key adaptations, including rearranged metabolic pathways and different signalling mechanisms.

Pollinator competition may drive flower diversification

A study found that male hummingbirds drive female birds away from yellow-flowered plants, while females prefer red flowers due to male aggression. This competition may lead to the evolution of multiple flower forms to suit different pollinators.

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.

Paracetamol use in pregnancy can cut female fertility, study finds

A recent study suggests that using paracetamol during pregnancy may reduce female fertility in subsequent generations. Researchers tested the effects of paracetamol and another painkiller on rats and found that female offspring had fewer eggs, smaller ovaries, and reduced reproductive function compared to those not exposed to the drugs.

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.

Edited stem cells offer hope of precision therapy for blindness

Researchers have successfully corrected a blindness-causing gene mutation in stem cells derived from a patient's skin cells, offering hope for personalized, precision medicine. The technology uses CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to repair the damaged gene, and the corrected tissue can be transplanted without harm.

Seagrass genome sequence lends insights to salt tolerance

Researchers sequenced a seagrass genome, revealing genes that enable plants to adapt to saline environments. The study provides insights into salt tolerance and could inform crop breeding to improve resilience in the face of climate change.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ongoing HIV replication replenishes viral reservoirs during therapy

A new study funded by NIH suggests that ongoing HIV replication in lymphoid tissues maintains stores of the virus, a prerequisite for achieving a cure. Current ART regimens cannot eliminate persistent viral reservoirs, but sequencing data shows continued evolution over time without accumulating drug-resistant mutations.