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Science News Archive July 2016


Page 12 of 36

CCNY research gleans climate change insight from lizard genome

Using genomic data from three lizard species, City College of New York-led researchers gained insights on the impact of climate change on animal populations in South American forests. The findings improve ways to model biodiversity distribution in the past and future.

Lichens' secret symbiotic threesome

A new study has revealed that lichens form a complex symbiotic relationship involving three species, including yeast and fungi, which produces the toxic substance vulpinic acid. The research found that the yeast cells are vital to the lichen's health and may play a crucial role in its shape.

Unconventional quasiparticles predicted in conventional crystals

An international team predicts several new types of quantum particles in materials, distinguished by intrinsic properties such as responses to magnetic and electric fields. The researchers propose that these fermions can appear in the bulk of materials, enabling a more systematic way to determine whether a system is a protected metal.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new method for prostate cancer imaging

Researchers developed an analog of an investigational drug that binds to portions of the androgen receptor common to full-length and variant forms. This compound specifically detected prostate cancer cells expressing androgen receptor in a mouse model using SPECT/CT imaging.

A new key to understanding molecular evolution in space

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a key to understanding molecular evolution in space by revealing the temperature-dependent energy-state conversion of molecular hydrogen on ice surfaces. This finding challenges existing theories and opens new horizons for studying molecular formation and evolution.

NASA sees Darby's strongest storms north of center

NASA's Aqua satellite detected coldest cloud top temperatures between minus 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms remained north of Tropical Storm Darby's center. The storms are expected to generate heavy rainfall due to their high altitude in the troposphere.

Carnegie Mellon algorithm characterizes how cancer genomes get scrambled

Researchers have developed a new method to analyze scrambled cancer genomes, allowing for the simultaneous identification of two types of genetic changes and their connections. This tool, called Weaver, may help identify characteristics that distinguish cancers and inform personalized treatments.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Does social status affect generosity?

Research by Michigan State University scholars found that high-status individuals who don't feel they deserve their position are more generous. Generosity can alleviate feelings of inequity and promote a sense of fairness.

Case western reserve researcher receives NIH grant for HIV research in Uganda

Drs. Henry Boom and Moses Joloba at Case Western Reserve University and Makerere University, respectively, have received a $1.5 million five-year grant to strengthen Ugandan biomedical research capacity. The program aims to provide PhD-level training in microbiology and immunology to talented young Ugandan scientists.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Airbags, seat belts associated with reduced likelihood of facial fractures

Airbags and seat belts significantly reduce the likelihood of facial fractures in motor vehicle collisions. The study found that using an airbag alone reduced the risk by 18%, a seat belt by 43%, and combining both devices by 53%. Facial fractures were more common among young males who used alcohol during the collision.

Stop the rogue ADAM gene and you stop asthma

Researchers at the University of Southampton have found a potential method for preventing asthma by targeting the ADAM33 gene, which is associated with airway remodelling and inflammation. Stopping the rogue gene can significantly reduce asthma symptoms in mice, suggesting a new approach to disease modification therapy.

Stress-coping mechanism helps mice make new friends

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science identified a stress mechanism that regulates social behavior in mice, determining their willingness to form new relationships. The findings suggest that similar mechanisms may operate in humans, potentially informing treatments for social anxiety and other disorders.

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.

Cinnamon may be fragrant medicine for the brain

A study by Dr. Kalipada Pahan found that cinnamon improves learning in poor mice by increasing sodium benzoate, a chemical produced as cinnamon breaks down in the body. The effect appears to be due mainly to sodium benzoate's ability to stimulate hippocampal plasticity and enhance the structural integrity of brain cells.

Collective hum: Buzzing midges inspire new swarm theory

Scientists have discovered a mathematical resemblance between swarm dynamics and gravitational interactions in midge swarms. The team proposes an 'adaptive gravity' model that explains how swarming insects maintain cohesion despite the dominant interaction being long-range.

NASA's Hubble looks to the final frontier

The Hubble Space Telescope has explored the farthest objects in the universe, unveiling a warping-of-space phenomenon predicted by Einstein. The telescope has magnified images of galaxies much farther away, allowing astronomers to study the early universe and understand dark matter.

We're lucky climate change didn't happen sooner

Naturally occurring carbon dioxide concentrations allowed for a relatively slow onset of climate change effects. Scientists have a longer window to understand and mitigate human-induced climate change.

Stop the snails

A study published in PLOS NTDs found that 19 programs using widespread snail control reduced schistosomiasis prevalence by over 90%, while 29 with little or no snail control achieved less than 40% reduction. Ecological, economic, and political factors also contributed to successful elimination.

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.

Computer model predicts how people perceive softness of 3-D printed objects

Researchers developed a perceptual model to predict the perceived softness and stiffness of nonlinear elastic objects, replicating an object's feel despite material differences. The model was validated through experiments and shown to accurately predict how people perceive the softness of various materials.

First free comprehensive data facility for patient-centered care

A new web-based data facility has been launched to aid the creation and implementation of patient-centered care policy. The Measure for Person Centred Coordinated Care (P3C) provides a compendium of measures for person centred care, making it easier to source information for commissioners and researchers.

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.

Researchers temporarily turn off brain area to better understand function

Researchers at UC Davis used DREADDs technology to temporarily turn off the amygdala, a key region for emotions, and found changes in activity across the entire brain. This study suggests that altered brain connectivity may be used to determine pathology sites in complex disorders like schizophrenia and autism.

Scientists program cells to remember and respond to series of stimuli

Researchers at MIT have programmed cells to remember and respond to a series of events, including substances commonly used in lab experiments. This approach enables the creation of environmental sensors that store complex histories and biological state machines with different behaviors.

Immune-enhancing treatment may destabilize HIV reservoirs

Researchers found that combining antiretroviral therapy with an immune-enhancing treatment can destabilize viral reservoirs in macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus. The treatment, which targets PD-1, boosted anti-viral CD8+ cells and reduced SIV levels in infected monkeys.

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.

UNIST to develop a new form of futuristic transportation system

Researchers at UNIST are developing a new form of futuristic transportation using the Hyperloop technology, which could reduce travel times from Seoul to Busan to just 16 minutes. The team aims to overcome challenges such as air resistance and friction by using magnetic levitation and innovative power supply systems.

A more powerful way to develop therapeutics?

A new approach to discover key proteins necessary for biologics has been developed by Philip M. Kim at the University of Toronto, combining high-tech computer simulation and laboratory experiments.

Penn study models how the immune system might evolve to conquer HIV

Researchers modeled co-evolution of antibodies and viruses to understand conditions for broadly neutralizing antibodies to emerge. They found that presenting the immune system with a large diversity of viral antigens may prompt the emergence of such potent antibodies, which could defeat broad swaths of viral strains.

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.

GPS jamming: Keeping ships on the 'strait' and narrow

Maritime GPS signal disruption can cause vessels to go off course and collide or run aground due to inaccurate positional information. Researchers investigated the impact of DGPS jamming on shipping lanes and found that even small errors can lead to hazardous situations.

Making magnets flip like cats at room temperature

Heusler alloy NiMnSb exhibits spin-orbit torques, a phenomenon that enables magnets to flip themselves through internal electron motion. This effect could lead to improved magnetic random access memory architectures with low power consumption and scalability.

First atmospheric study of Earth-sized exoplanets reveals rocky worlds

Researchers from MIT and the University of Liège announce a new study on the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system, which hosts three potentially habitable, Earth-sized worlds. The team discovers that two innermost planets have compact atmospheres similar to those of rocky planets like Earth, Venus, and Mars.

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.

Diversifying clinical science to represent diverse populations

A special series in Clinical Psychological Science highlights the importance of broadening traditional scope of clinical science research to address diverse populations. Research reveals ethnic and cultural differences in mental health issues, treatment, and prevention, emphasizing the need for diversity science.

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.

More for less in pastures

A nine-year study by R. Howard Skinner found that multispecies pastures produce significantly more forage than two-species mixtures, with an average increase of 31%. This improvement is attributed to the enhanced carbon storage in the soil, allowing it to hold more water and mitigate droughts.

New reaction for the synthesis of nanostructures

Researchers at ICIQ and IMDEA Nanoscience introduce a new surface-confined thermally tunable reaction pathway to selectively synthesize monomeric or low-dimensional phthalocyanine polymers. The discovery presents an interesting alternative for developing polymeric materials with technological applications.

Greener cities become more unjust

A European Union-funded study reveals that environmental amenities in cities often displace low-income residents, leading to increased housing costs and gentrification. The 'Greenlulus' project aims to develop a ranking of environmentally just cities and promote policies to mitigate the negative social impacts.

Winter overseeding and colorant treatments compared for bermudagrass

A 2-year field study evaluated the effects of winter treatments on 'Tifway' bermudagrass, finding that annual ryegrass maintained acceptable levels of green cover with fall colorant application. Overseeding reduced spring transition of bermudagrass by 40-50% compared to untreated and colorant-treated plots.

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.

Columbia University to provide data and research support for NIH PMI cohort

Columbia University Irving Medical Center will play a key role in the launch of the Data and Research Support Center for the NIH's Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The center will standardize and organize large datasets to help researchers identify individual factors contributing to health and illness.

North American forests unlikely to save us from climate change, study finds

A new study combining future climate projections and tree-ring records reveals that North American forests will likely struggle to offset climate change. Forests, which currently absorb 25-30% of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions, are expected to grow slower in the face of warmer temperatures and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Putting software on a diet

Researchers aim to improve energy efficiency in software applications by increasing understanding of their impact on power usage. The three-year project will develop novel automatic analyses and tools to support decision-making, with the goal of enabling software engineers to create more energy-efficient code.

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.

To protect yourself from malaria sleep with a chicken next to your bed

Researchers found that mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on chickens due to their unique odor, which could provide protection for humans at risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases. The study suggests using the odors emitted by chickens and other non-host species as a natural repellent to control malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.

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.