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Science News Archive January 2016 - Page 14


Page 14 of 31

Research reveals mechanism for direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a new mechanism for directly synthesizing hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen gases using palladium cluster catalysts. This breakthrough provides insight into the formation of H2O2, which can be used as an environmentally benign alternative to chlorine.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2016

Glass-based ultraviolet absorbers act as 'biological shields'

A special metal oxide glass created by researchers in China can effectively protect living cells and organic dyes from UV radiation damage. The glass uses self-limited nanocrystallization to block damaging ultraviolet rays and has high optical transparency.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·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.

Researchers measure fish abundance in lakes using a few water samples

Researchers from Université Laval and Quebec's Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks have developed a new method using environmental DNA (eDNA) to effectively estimate fish populations in lakes. The approach shows strong correlation with traditional methods, providing a reliable and accurate indication of fish abundance at lower costs.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 20, 2016

Small but deadly: The chemical warfare of sea slugs

Researchers discovered that certain sea slugs selectively store the toxin Latrunculin A, which is more toxic to cancer cell lines than other compounds. Bright colours and chemical defences are used by these creatures to warn potential predators away.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2016

No evidence of seasonal differences in depressive symptoms

A large-scale survey of U.S. adults found no association between depressive symptoms and seasonality, contradicting the notion of seasonal depression as a commonly occurring disorder. The study's findings cast doubt on major depression with seasonal variation as a legitimate psychiatric disorder.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateJan 20, 2016

Assessing the impact of human-induced climate change

A new study by Gerrit Hansen and Dáithí Stone reveals that almost two-thirds of regional climate impacts can confidently be attributed to human-generated emissions. However, the link for trends in precipitation remains unclear due to insufficient observational data in some regions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·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.

Can we improve acceptance of HIV testing?

A randomized controlled trial evaluated consent for HIV testing, showing opt-out schemes can substantially increase patient acceptance compared to opt-in schemes. Active choice testing may be the most effective approach in reflecting patients' true preferences, researchers suggest.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 19, 2016
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.

NREL theorizes defects could improve solar cells

Scientists at NREL found that certain defects can improve carrier collection and surface passivation of silicon solar cells. The study's results run counter to conventional wisdom and have implications for the development of more efficient solar cells.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 19, 2016

Race a factor in repeated victimizations of people with mental illness

Research at Georgia State University reveals that African Americans with serious mental illness are more likely to experience recurring victimization over time. The study, published in the Journal of Quantitative Criminology, found that racial disparities in mental health services access and social barriers contribute to these outcomes.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·DateJan 19, 2016
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.

Water availability associated with decreased student weight in New York schools

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that NYC's 'water jet' machines, which provide chilled and oxygenated water, were associated with lower student weights and reduced half-pint milk purchases. The intervention increased access to drinking water in school cafeterias and was linked to a 0.025 reduction in standardized BMI.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 19, 2016

Post-term delivery raises risk of complications and illness for newborns

A new Tel Aviv University study found that infants born past 42 weeks have twice the risk of contracting infections, experiencing respiratory difficulties, and being admitted to NICUs compared to those born at 39-40 weeks. This is the first time the isolated effect of post-term delivery on neonatal outcomes has been determined.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJan 19, 2016

Task force provides guidance on use of osteoporosis drugs

A new report by a Task Force of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research suggests that clinicians should reassess osteoporosis medication use after 5 years. Periodic evaluation and monitoring are key to weighing benefits and risks.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJan 19, 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.

Anxiety can impact people's walking direction

Research at the University of Kent reveals a clear link between anxiety and activation in the right side of the brain, causing individuals to walk in a leftward trajectory. This finding has implications for the treatment of unilateral neglect, suggesting that reducing anxiety may benefit individuals suffering from right-sided neglect.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalCognition·DateJan 19, 2016

Nano-photonics meets nano-mechanics

A team of ICFO researchers has developed a novel hybrid system that combines graphene nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) with nitrogen-vacancy centers, enabling precise control over light emission. This breakthrough holds promise for various applications in nanophotonics and quantum optomechanics.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2016

Research discovers potential new therapeutic target for ALS

A team of researchers discovered a protein called Pur-alpha that can protect against toxic degeneration in cells, which may lead to a treatment for ALS. The study suggests that Pur-alpha could serve as a novel therapeutic target for developing a treatment for ALS patients.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateJan 19, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Warmer oceans could produce more powerful superstorms

A new study by the University of Maryland found that warmer ocean temperatures could result in storms up to 160% more destructive than Hurricane Sandy. The simulations showed that a warmer pool of warm water in the tropical Atlantic gave hurricanes more time to grow before encountering colder water or land.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 19, 2016

Using LEGO® blocks to develop stretchable electronics

Researchers developed a tensile tester using LEGO blocks, showcasing their potential for prototyping stretchable and flexible electronics. The innovative approach combines cost-effective machinery design with easy handling, comparable to commercial testing devices.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 19, 2016

Togetherness relieves stress in Prairie voles

Research found that prairie voles living in close quarters were less stressed out and had lower levels of the stress hormone corticosterone. This is surprising as most studies link increased crowding with higher stress.

SourceDuke University·JournalGeneral and Comparative Endocrinology·DateJan 19, 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.

Tax evasion impacts country credit ratings and lending costs says new study

A new study by the University of East Anglia found that high levels of tax evasion are linked to higher interest rates and can be a predictor of a country's credit risk. The study analyzed 64 countries and found significant adverse effects on country credit ratings and lending costs.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·DateJan 19, 2016

Graphene oxide 'paper' changes with strain

Rice researchers found that graphene oxide layers change their mechanical properties depending on the strain rate, making it brittle when pulled fast but more pliable under slow stress. This discovery can help build three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional materials for various applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 19, 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.

Colorado State University's breakthrough imaging tool maps cells' composition in 3-D

Colorado State University's new mass-spectral imaging system allows for unprecedented detail in cellular analysis, mapping surface composition in three dimensions. Researchers can now examine how cells respond to new medications and investigate antibiotic resistance, with potential applications in combating tuberculosis and bioterrorism.

SourceColorado State University·JournalOptics and Photonics News·DateJan 19, 2016

Nearing the limits of life on Earth

A team of researchers from McGill University failed to detect active microbial life in permafrost soil from the University Valley in Antarctica, a location thought to be similar to Martian permafrost. The study's findings suggest that even in the coldest and driest conditions on Earth, it may be difficult to find signs of life.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJan 19, 2016

Chemical study of the influence of the marine environment on historical buildings

Researchers studied three buildings near the sea, analyzing their materials and chemical reactions, to understand deterioration processes. The study developed a new analytical methodology using spectroscopic techniques, providing detailed information about material composition and pathologies.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 19, 2016

Current therapy for patients with Parkinson's disease shown to be ineffective

Researchers from the University of Birmingham conducted a trial finding that physiotherapy and occupational therapy do not improve 'activities of daily living' in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that resources should be reallocated towards more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJan 19, 2016
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.

Physicists develop a cooling system for the processors of the future

Researchers from MIPT have found a solution to efficiently cool optoelectronic chips using industry-standard heatsinks, enabling the development of high-performance microprocessors. By compensating for heat loss with additional energy pumping, scientists can create optical gain and overcome temperature-related issues.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Photonics·DateJan 19, 2016

How face-to-face still beats Facebook

A University of Oxford study published in Royal Society Open Science found that online social media groups are constrained to around 150-200 people, similar to offline networks. Regular Facebook users averaged 155 and 183 friends, respectively, with women having more connections than men.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 19, 2016

Slow heart rate does not increase risk of heart disease

A study of 6,733 participants found that a slow heart rate was not associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the researchers noted that bradycardia may be problematic in people taking medications that also slow their heart rate.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 19, 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.

Mounting evidence suggests early agriculture staved off global cooling

A new study published in Reviews of Geophysics strongly suggests that early agriculture helped slow a natural cooling process, leading to the warmer climate we experience today. The research, led by William Ruddiman, analyzed ice-core data and ancient pollen samples to find evidence of human impact on the climate.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalReviews of Geophysics·DateJan 19, 2016

Aerobic exercise benefits patients with Parkinson's disease

Ongoing aerobic exercise has been shown to enhance factors that potentially have a protective effect on the brain, counteracting brain shrinkage and improving connections in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Aerobic exercise can also help manage symptoms such as rigid muscles, slowed movement, and impaired posture and balance.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJan 19, 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.

Young people after Obamacare: Some ER visits down, others way up

A study found that emergency department visits for young adults decreased by 0.5 percent following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, while visits for mental illnesses increased significantly. However, there was a notable decrease in ER visits for complications of pregnancy among this age group.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 19, 2016

Airlines aren't learning enough from near misses

Researchers found that airlines focus on near misses linked to past accidents, but overlook those that haven't yet caused an incident. Airlines can improve by expanding data collection and vigilance towards deviations from normal procedures.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJan 19, 2016
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.

When older adults stop driving, they may experience health declines

A new review suggests that stopping driving in older adults can contribute to various health problems, including depression. The decision to stop driving is often accompanied by declining cognitive and physical functions, highlighting the need for personalized plans to maintain mobility and social functions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 19, 2016

Study shows surge in use of CTs in patients with minor injuries

A UCSF-led study found a significant increase in CT scans for non-serious injuries from 2005 to 2013, with more than 8 million adult patient visits tracked. The rise is attributed to defensive medicine practices, diagnostic accuracy, convenience, and demand for expedited discharge.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·DateJan 19, 2016

Mechanical quanta see the light

Researchers at University of Vienna develop nanomechanical device that converts quantum vibrations to light, paving the way for a future quantum Internet. The device allows for connection between different quantum systems, enabling global exchange of quantum information.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Gene may be important in autism disorders, other neuropsychiatric syndromes

A study has identified a gene, RANBP1, that appears to play a significant role in raising the risk of severe subtypes of autism and other genetic diseases. The findings suggest that disruptions in brain signaling networks may be good targets for future research and potentially lead to new treatment opportunities.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 19, 2016

High BMI, low aerobic capacity in late teens Linked with hypertension in adults

A Swedish study of 1.5 million military conscripts found that high body mass index (BMI) and low aerobic capacity in late adolescence were associated with an increased risk of hypertension in adulthood. The combination of high BMI and low aerobic capacity was linked to a higher risk of hypertension, even among those with normal BMI.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 19, 2016

Decades of bat observations reveal uptick in new causes of mass mortality

A comprehensive USGS study finds that human-related mortality in bats is on the rise globally, with wind turbine collisions and white-nose syndrome being primary causes. This trend may not be sustainable and highlights the need for policy and conservation actions to reduce human impact on bat populations.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalMammal Review·DateJan 19, 2016

Disrupting cell's supply chain freezes cancer virus

Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to freeze cancer-causing Epstein-Barr virus in its tracks. By triggering senescence, a suspended state of the cell, the virus's advance can be halted, providing new hope for controlling the disease.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2016

Emotions matter -- dogs view facial expressions differently

A recent study from the University of Helsinki reveals that dogs systematically view facial expressions like humans, prioritizing eyes and altering their behavior in threatening situations. This research supports Darwin's theory on shared evolutionary roots for animal emotions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 19, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.