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Science News Archive January 2016 - Page 4


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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 28, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 28, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2016

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.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell·DateJan 28, 2016

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,...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 28, 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.

Clashes with cops more injurious than civilian-only skirmishes

Civilians injured by law enforcement officers have longer hospital stays and more injuries compared to those who were treated for altercations with other civilians. These findings are based on 10 years of Illinois hospitalization data.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateJan 28, 2016

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.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateJan 28, 2016

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.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJan 28, 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.

Significant number of young people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder

A study found that around 10% of UK primary care patients prescribed antidepressants for depression or anxiety have undiagnosed bipolar disorder. The condition often presents with depression and can be difficult to diagnose, leading to inappropriate treatment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateJan 28, 2016

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateJan 28, 2016

CRISPR used to repair blindness-causing genetic defect in patient-derived stem cells

Researchers used CRISPR to repair a genetic mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited condition causing blindness in at least 1.5 million cases worldwide. The study marks the first time researchers have replaced a defective gene associated with a sensory disease in stem cells derived from a patient's tissue.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalCancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPsychological Review·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateJan 27, 2016

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...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateJan 27, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateJan 27, 2016

'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.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 27, 2016

Genetic study provides first-ever insight into biological origin of schizophrenia

A landmark genetic study found that a person's risk of schizophrenia is increased if they inherit specific variants in the complement component 4 (C4) gene, which plays a role in synaptic pruning. This discovery helps explain decades-old observations and may lead to future therapeutic strategies targeting the disorder's roots.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalEuropean Urology·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalIndex on Censorship·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateJan 27, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalAnthropocene·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2016
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.

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 ...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 27, 2016

More than 1 in 20 US children have dizziness and balance problems

A large-scale survey of US children found that nearly 3.3 million have dizziness or balance issues, with prevalence increasing with age. Girls and non-Hispanic white children are more likely to experience these problems.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 27, 2016

Four factors predict neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with low birth weight

A new study found that medical complications at birth, maternal education, early motor assessments, and early cognitive assessments are key predictors of later cognitive function and motor performance in children born premature. Research also shows that mild impairments remain a challenge for preterm children into later childhood.

SourceNew York University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateJan 27, 2016
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateJan 27, 2016

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.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateJan 27, 2016