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Science News Archive July 2016


Page 17 of 36

Chronic fatigue syndrome flare-ups caused by straining muscles and nerves

A recent study by researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham found that imposing a mild to moderate strain on muscles and nerves can provoke symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants with CFS reported significantly increased body pain and concentration difficulties during the procedure, as well as greater symptom inten...

Soft drink, soft price: Soda prices found to be significantly low

A Drexel University study reveals that sugary soft drinks are 160% more expensive per fluid ounce than healthier alternative milk. Taxing sugary beverages could help level the price difference and encourage healthier options, with a potential impact on lower-income consumers.

NASA sees a tightly wrapped Tropical Cyclone Abela

Tropical Cyclone Abela formed on July 16 in the Southern Indian Ocean, with NASA's RapidScat instrument measuring winds of up to 67 mph near its center. The cyclone is forecast to move west-southwest towards Madagascar and weaken due to adverse atmospheric conditions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Multi-million dollar grant to support waste cleanup

Researchers will investigate chemical reactions causing nuclear waste to change over time. The goal is to predict these changes and design effective methods for remediation and safe disposal of highly radioactive materials.

Scientists glimpse inner workings of atomically thin transistors

Researchers have discovered that an essential function for computing may be possible within a space so small that it's effectively one-dimensional. The team found that with the new material, electric currents move in a more phased way, beginning first at the edges before appearing in the interior.

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.

New venomous snake discovered in Costa Rica

A new species of venomous snake, Talamancan Palm-Pitviper, was discovered in Costa Rica after being mistaken for its close relative, the Black-Speckled Palm-Pitviper. The team used genetic analysis and museum collections to confirm the discovery.

Can robots recognize faces even under backlighting?

A novel technique adapts image contrast to eliminate lighting effects, improving face recognition accuracy. The method uses an extended reflectance model with Fuzzy Inference System and Genetic Algorithm for real-time implementation.

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.

Satellite spots remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Celia

A satellite image captured by GOES-West showed an open circulation with clouds to the northeast of the remnant low center. The surface low, ex-Tropical Cyclone Celia, was centered about 300 miles northeast of Honolulu on July 18 and moving west at 10 mph.

Bugs' flair for foraging inspires quest for new smart therapies

Researchers studied ocean bacteria to understand how they find food and developed a mathematical model of their behavior. They found that fast-swimming bugs change direction frequently to target food, which could inspire the development of friendly bacteria engineered to diagnose and treat diseases like cancer.

Continental tug-of-war -- until the rope snaps

New research reveals that continental breakup proceeds through a two-phase speed evolution, where initial slow extension is followed by rapid acceleration. This process can lead to the formation of rifted continental margins with enhanced faulting and volcanic activity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Dream Team' chosen to study basic science of nuclear waste

A team of researchers from top institutions, including PNNL and Washington State University, will study the chemistry of radioactive waste to accelerate cleanup efforts. The goal is to understand how radiation affects materials and constituents in waste tanks, ultimately reducing processing time and expense.

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.

Federal grant supports UTSA research in espionage prevention

Researchers aim to detect insider threats before they occur by analyzing digital forensic traces and identifying abnormal patterns in employee behavior. The new technology has the potential to prevent corporate espionage and widespread breaches like those committed by Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden.

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.

Genetic cause of 15 percent of colorectal cancer diagnoses identified

A study at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that genetic mutations in DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) are present in 15% of colorectal cancer cases. The study identified MSH2 and MSH6 as the most commonly affected genes, providing a new approach to diagnosis and treatment using precision medicine.

Vaginal ring may cut HIV infection risk if used consistently

Using a drug-infused vaginal ring most of the time significantly reduced HIV infection risk in women by at least 56 percent, according to an exploratory analysis of data from the ASPIRE study. High adherence was associated with a risk reduction of potentially 75 percent or more.

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.

ANU leads effort to develop drought-proof crops

International researchers at ANU have discovered an enzyme that senses adverse drought and sunlight conditions, enabling plants to respond with beneficial chemical compounds. This breakthrough could lead to the development of next-generation drought-proof crops, crucial for global food security.

Design tool transforms objects into intricate works of art

A computational design tool developed by Disney Research enables users to create delicate, yet structurally sound, 3D objects with interconnected shapes. The tool helps identify and strengthen weak areas in the designs, making it possible for the general public to create beautiful artifacts that also withstand handling and shipping.

Queen's researcher examines the evolution of flight

A Queen's University researcher has challenged traditional explanations for the origin of birds' flight. His findings suggest that wings may have initially served signaling or sexual selection purposes rather than flying.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mental, physical exercises produce distinct brain benefits

A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that cognitive training improves executive function and memory, while aerobic exercise increases global brain flow. The study also showed that both mental and physical exercises produce observable benefits for brain health.

Genome of 6,000-year-old barley grains sequenced for first time

A team of researchers has successfully sequenced the genome of 6,000-year-old Chalcolithic barley grains, revealing genetic similarities with present-day barley grown in the Southern Levant. The study provides new insights into the origins of barley domestication and suggests that it occurred in the Upper Jordan Valley.

New ORNL tool probes for genes linked to toxic methylmercury

Researchers developed molecular probes to detect genes converting mercury into its highly toxic organic form, with a 94% confirmation rate. The technology can help determine the amount of methylmercury in water and sediment, aiding environmental managers and governments in protecting human health.

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.

Moderate exercise might be more effective at combatting pre-diabetes

A recent study published in Diabetologia found that moderate-intensity exercise was as effective as a combination of diet and exercise in improving glucose control for individuals with pre-diabetes. Moderate exercise was shown to provide nearly the same benefit on glucose tolerance as the gold standard of fat and calorie restriction al...

Synthetic membranes created to mimic properties of living cells

Biochemists at the University of California San Diego develop synthetic membranes that can grow and remodel themselves like living mammalian cells. This breakthrough enables researchers to better understand lipid remodeling and its applications in drug targeting and disease mechanisms.

Simple measures reduce risk of death in cancer patients in ICU

Researchers found daily meetings between physicians and intensivists, care protocols, and pharmacist presence are associated with increased survival rates among cancer patients in ICUs. These simple processes can reduce mortality by up to 70% and promote cost reduction.

Publication of HPTN 052 final results

The HPTN 052 study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) provides durable protection against HIV transmission from infected individuals to their uninfected partners. The trial showed a 93% reduction in HIV transmission when ART was started early, with no observed transmission when viral replication was stably suppressed.

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.

Exploring superconducting properties of 3-D printed parts

Australian researchers use 3-D printing to create a resonant microwave cavity via an aluminum-silicon alloy that boasts superconductivity when cooled below the critical temperature of aluminum. The study explores the superconducting properties of 3-D printed parts and demonstrates the potential for rapid prototyping in various fields.

A glimpse inside the atom

A research team has demonstrated that energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) can be used to image individual electron orbits within atoms. This technique allows for penetration down to the subatomic level, opening up new possibilities for the study of atomic structures.

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.

A battery inspired by vitamins

Researchers at Harvard have discovered a whole new class of high-performing organic molecules that can store electricity safely and efficiently in large batteries. These molecules are inspired by vitamin B2 and offer improved stability and solubility compared to previous discoveries.

Lemur DNA paints a picture of Madagascar's forested past

Researchers at Duke University used fast-changing mouse lemur DNA to paint a picture of Madagascar's forested past. The study suggests that the island was not as tree-covered as previously thought, with grasslands and woodlands dominating the center of the island before human arrival.

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.

Malaria: A genetically attenuated parasite induces an immune response

Researchers at Institut Pasteur have created a live, genetically attenuated vaccine for Plasmodium that triggers a potent immune response and provides long-term protection against malaria. The vaccine uses a mutated gene that boosts the production of an IL-6 cytokine, resulting in a strong cellular and humoral response.

Poor African-American men have lowest likelihood of overall survival

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that poor African American men have the lowest overall survival rate compared to other demographic groups. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,700 participants, showed a nearly 2.7 times higher risk of death among African American men living below poverty.

Ridiculously cute mouse lemurs hold key to Madagascar's past

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzed DNA from five different mouse lemur species to understand Madagascar's past. The analysis revealed that the island was once linked by a patchwork of forested areas, enabling mouse lemurs to disperse over tens of thousands of years between different regions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Research to help racehorses put their best foot forward

Researchers harness 3D x-ray imaging technology and computer simulations to understand the effect of stainless steel horseshoes on skeletal stresses in horses. The method was used effectively in a preliminary case study, paving the way for new research directions to minimize foot injuries.