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Science News Archive January 2016 - Page 13


Page 13 of 31

Toward consistently good pinot noir

Scientists have identified 49 main odor compounds in young and ripe Pinot Noir grapes, finding four consistently present in mature grapes. This breakthrough could help growers determine the optimal harvest time for improved wine quality.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2016

Preventative measures can help to control squash bugs

The article discusses the biology and life cycle of squash bugs, which cause significant damage to crops. To control these pests, growers are adopting integrated pest management techniques, including cleaning up debris and boosting natural enemies.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

Water supplies in Tibet set to increase in the future

New research from the University of Gothenburg suggests that water supplies in major Asian rivers, such as the Yellow River and Yangtze, will be stable or increase in the coming decades. The study models future climate change and its impact on the region's water balance.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGlobal and Planetary Change·DateJan 20, 2016

How a 2°C rise means even higher temperatures where we live

A recent study published in Nature reveals that regional temperature extremes may exceed a 2°C rise by as much as 6°C in certain areas. This means that even if global average temperatures reach 2°C, local temperatures could be significantly higher, with potential impacts on sea-level rise and methane releases.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clarifying the mechanism for making blood cells

A research group led by Makoto Kobayashi has shed light on the mechanism of hemangioblast differentiation into blood cells and vascular endothelia. LSD1 histone demethylase plays a crucial role in silencing Etv2, a transcription factor gene required for hemangioblast formation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2016

Powerful machine-learning technique uncovers unknown features of pathogen

A new machine-learning technique, denoising autoencoder, uncovers previously unknown gene-expression patterns in P. aeruginosa, a notorious pathogen resistant to standard antibiotic therapies. The system identified characteristic patterns in response to antibiotics and low oxygen conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalmSystems·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

Gender gap closing in field of vision science, Dartmouth-Penn study finds

A Dartmouth-Penn study finds that while male-dominated, the gender gap is closing in vision science, with a substantial generational difference in gender balance. The results suggest that younger generations have a smaller gap, but women still face higher dropout rates and underrepresentation in recognitions.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Vision·DateJan 20, 2016

New study of gene mutations causing Leigh syndrome shows effects on embryonic development

A new study using mouse embryonic stem cells found that gene mutations leading to Complex I deficiency cause significant differences in early patterns of cellular gene expression. The mutations also disrupted energy-producing processes, affecting neuronal development and the initiation of a heartbeat.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJan 20, 2016

Dangerous driving puts kids at higher risk of getting hit during school drop-offs

A joint study by researchers at York University, the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto found a significant association between schools with dangerous driving and pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions. Unsafe parking and child drop-offs were identified as common dangerous driving behaviours near 104 schools.

SourceYork University·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateJan 20, 2016

Elisa Konofagou's new DARPA grant advances work in focused ultrasound

A Columbia University team led by Elisa Konofagou will develop a new method for using focused ultrasound to stimulate peripheral nerves, potentially treating chronic pain and neuropathy. The four-year grant aims to advance the field of electrical prescriptions for targeted neural and bio-interface technologies.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 20, 2016

Fewer than 1 in 5 nurses comply with guidelines for standard precautions

A recent study found that only 17.4% of ambulatory care nurses reported compliance with all nine standard precautions for infection prevention. The highest rates of compliance were reported for wearing gloves and face masks, but knowledge of hepatitis C virus was variable among participants.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

GenomeSpace 'recipes' help biologists interpret genomic data

The GenomeSpace platform enables biologist-friendly genomic data analysis by connecting over 20 bioinformatics software packages. It provides 'recipes' - step-by-step workflows - to help non-programming researchers interpret their genomic data, including tools for gene expression and protein interaction analysis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 20, 2016

CSU's BioMARC helps advance vaccines for Department of Defense

BioMARC, a high-containment biopharmaceutical unit at CSU, has been awarded $4.6 million to develop and manufacture vaccines for three additional viruses causing severe long-term disease. The facility will produce vaccines using VRP technology, which works to better immunize individuals.

SourceColorado State University·DateJan 20, 2016

It's mom who sees troubles for teens with food allergies

A study by McMaster University found that teenagers with food allergies are more likely to have depression, anxiety, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their peers without allergies. Mothers of teens with food allergies are also more likely to report these emotional and behavioral problems.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAllergy·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

AGS launches coordinating center for Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program

The American Geriatrics Society has established a coordinating center to provide strategic resources for 44 HRSA awardees working on projects to increase geriatric training in primary care. The program aims to develop a healthcare workforce that improves health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics into primary care.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

2016 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine

Andrea Ballabio and John Diffley receive the 2016 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine for their pioneering work on lysosomal function and its significance in diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and obesity. Their research could lead to new therapeutic tools for treating human diseases.

SourceEMBO·DateJan 20, 2016

Cost burden of Quebec's carbon market seen as modest

A McGill University research team finds that Quebec's carbon-pricing policy likely has a modest cost burden on households and industries. The program aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions while minimizing economic disruption.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCanadian Public Policy·DateJan 20, 2016

Gloop from the deep sea

Researchers at ETH Zurich are studying the Atlantic hagfish's remarkable slime to understand its structure, properties, and formation process. The slime, composed of protein threads and mucin, can immobilize vast amounts of water, making it a potential inspiration for creating novel super hydrogels with numerous applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

The importance of children at play

Research highlights the importance of interactive peer play in preschool for Latino children from low-income households, showcasing their strengths rather than deficits. The study found that these children displayed high levels of positive learning behaviors and social engagement during play.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJan 20, 2016

Study illuminates war between the sexes: Fruit fly edition

Fruit flies have evolved protective armor plates in their reproductive tract to shield against rough male genitalia, while females also employ a 'cross-dressing' strategy by darkening their skin to evade male attention. This study explores the genetic controls behind these strategies and their survival value.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Genetics and environment impact familial depression

A study found a correlation between serotonin gene alleles and brain thinning in individuals at high familial risk of depression. Those with the 'S' allele had lower brain plasticity and were more likely to develop depression when exposed to stressors.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateJan 20, 2016

Zuckerberg or Buffett -- Is youth or experience more valuable in the boardroom?

A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia analyzed data from 2,143 firms to find that accumulated job experience improves performance, counteracting age-related declines. The research highlights the need for a balanced approach in corporate governance, taking into account both age and experience.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Empirical Finance·DateJan 20, 2016

The indications of a new geological epoch marked by human impact are clear

An international geoscientific group proposes the recognition of a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene, marked by rapid environmental changes caused by human activities. The study finds that human impacts are recorded in geological strata as quantifiable signs, distinguishing it from the relatively stable Holocene epoch.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2016

New genus of tree hole breeding frogs found in India

A new genus of tree hole breeding frogs, Frankixalus, has been identified in India, featuring gel-encapsulated eggs and tadpoles that devour their mother's eggs. This discovery highlights the evolutionary distinctiveness and unique life history features of this lineage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

Flashing lights and music turn rats into problem gamblers

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that adding flashing lights and music to a 'rat casino' model led to problem gambling behavior in rats. Blocking a specific dopamine receptor corrected this behavior, suggesting a common biological cause for risky decision-making across vices.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNeuroscience·DateJan 20, 2016

Naval research grant will speed work on materials, energy

A $810,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research will enable researchers at the University of Houston to test advanced materials more efficiently. The new physical properties measurement system will allow for faster testing of superconducting wire, solar cells, batteries, and other materials.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 20, 2016

Fatty acids from GM oilseed crops could replace fish oil

Research from the University of East Anglia found that genetically modified oilseed crops can efficiently accumulate key health-beneficial omega-3 fatty acid EPA in mice. The study shows comparable benefits for liver health to eating oily fish, suggesting a potential alternative source to address the global dietary deficit.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJan 20, 2016

Gone fishin' for natural products, with a new dragnet

Researchers report a new way to identify and discover new natural molecules that could fight human diseases, including leukemia. By analyzing genome data from bacteria, they identified a new compound called tambromycin with anti-leukemia properties.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 20, 2016

Under the weather? A blood test can tell if antibiotics are needed

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a gene signature test that accurately determines whether a respiratory illness is caused by infection from a virus or bacteria. The test shows high accuracy in classifying patients with flu viruses and other common infections.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

Legal, policy changes can lead to shifts in use of medical marijuana

A Johns Hopkins study found that changes in medical marijuana laws, particularly the increase of dispensaries in some states, led to a shift in the number of people using the drug. Medical marijuana users are more likely to be in their 50s and often use it for pain relief.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJan 20, 2016

How much does African-American race play a role in stroke risk?

According to a new study published by the American Academy of Neurology, African-American participants are 2.7 times more likely to experience a first stroke than their white counterparts at age 45. However, there is no significant difference in second stroke risk between African-American and white participants across all ages.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 20, 2016

How 2 degrees may turn into 4

Climate researchers have calculated regional temperature increases based on a global 2-degree target, revealing clear-cut effects and limitations. The study provides valuable tool for politicians, decision-makers, and civilians to understand the importance of reducing CO2 emissions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016

Researchers pinpoint place where cancer cells may begin

A Northwestern University study uses fruit fly genetics to understand how normal cells switch to specialized states and how this process might go wrong in cancer. Researchers found that a protein called Yan fluctuates wildly during this transition, suggesting a critical role in the development of cancer cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

Switchable material could enable new memory chips

Two MIT researchers have developed a thin-film material that can be switched between metallic and semiconducting properties by applying a small voltage. The discovery could lead to new types of computer memory chips and energy conversion devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 20, 2016

Emotion-processing networks disrupted in sufferers of depression

Researchers found that regions of the brain normally working together to process emotion become decoupled in people who experience multiple episodes of depression. This disruption may lead to inaccurate emotional information processing and negative biases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJan 20, 2016

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: A promising new weight loss procedure

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces stomach size and alters physiology, resulting in significant weight loss. The study found a 54% reduction in excess body weight at one year, with improved patient satisfaction and delayed solid food emptying.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 20, 2016

Genetic variation may explain Asian susceptibility to Kawasaki disease

Researchers identified two genetic variations in the ORA1 gene associated with increased risk of Kawasaki disease in East Asian populations. The study provides new insights into the disease's etiology and potential mechanisms behind its seasonal variation and higher prevalence in children of this ancestry.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

Self-heating lithium-ion battery could beat the winter woes

A self-heating lithium-ion battery can significantly improve electric vehicle performance in cold temperatures, reducing power loss and range anxiety. Developed by Penn State researchers, the all-climate battery uses nickel foil to heat up rapidly, increasing its capacity and efficiency.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016

A fast way of electron orbit simulation in complex magnetic fields

Researchers develop a new algorithm to simulate electron trajectories in complex magnetic fields, significantly reducing simulation time. The method is applied to multipoles such as quadrupoles or sextupoles, yielding precise results and improving the stability of electron orbits.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Special Topics - Accelerators and Beams·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

Long-term exposure to ozone may increase lung and cardiovascular deaths

Adults with long-term ozone exposure face a higher risk of dying from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The study found that every additional 10 parts per billion in long-term ozone exposure increases the risk of death by 12% from lung disease, 3% from cardiovascular disease, and 2% from all causes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 20, 2016

Neutral result charges up antimatter research

Researchers from the ALPHA Collaboration have made a breakthrough in studying antihydrogen, improving the measurement of its charge by a factor of 20. The study's results suggest that matter and antimatter may interact differently, with potential implications for our understanding of the universe.

SourceYork University·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016