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Science News Archive July 2016


Page 28 of 36

Is the agile wallaby man's new best friend?

A new study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science ranks the suitability of mammals as pets, with Agile Wallaby, Sika Deer, Tamar Wallaby, Llama, and Asian Palm Civet making the top five list. The research developed a methodology to assess mammal suitability for domestic ownership, considering behavioral needs and welfare risks.

Revolutionary surgery for lung cancer

A new minimally invasive surgical approach for lung cancer patients has shown promise in reducing bleeding risk and post-operative pain. The VATS lobectomy procedure uses ultrasonic energy to seal pulmonary arteries, allowing for faster recovery times and potentially improving survival rates.

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.

First-ever restoration of vision achieved in mice, Stanford researcher says

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully restored multiple key aspects of vision in mice by coaxing severed optic-nerve cables to regenerate and re-establish connections with the brain. This breakthrough could potentially lead to future work on restoring vision in blind people.

The true cost of crime -- in carbon footprints

A University of Surrey study estimates the carbon footprint of crime in England and Wales, revealing burglaries contribute 30% to the total footprint. The study also found that reducing crime does not necessarily reduce carbon emissions, due to the 'rebound effect', where money spent on addressing crime is spent elsewhere.

Germs add ripples to make 'groovy' graphene

University of Illinois researchers introduce nanoscale ripples in graphene using rod-shaped bacteria, creating a new material with unique electronic properties. The resulting material exhibits altered conductivity at right angles to the original direction.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Genetics of type 2 diabetes revealed in unprecedented detail

A comprehensive study of the genetics of type 2 diabetes has unveiled significant details about the disease's underlying mechanisms. The research identified common genetic variants that contribute to an individual's risk of developing the disease, as well as genes and proteins directly involved in its development.

New discovery on how the inner ear works

A new discovery has revealed that parts of the inner ear processing speech and music work differently than other areas. The study used optical coherence tomography to measure the inner ear's response to sound in an intact ear.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How do you turn a mosquito's genes on and off?

Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding how mosquitoes' cells develop and behave using machine learning. They identified regulatory elements within the mosquito genome that could be used to control disease transmission.

Heart failure after first heart attack may increase cancer risk

A new study found that patients who develop heart failure after their first heart attack are at a higher risk of developing cancer. After an average of 4.9 years of follow-up, 21% of these patients were diagnosed with cancer, compared to 8.2% of those without heart failure.

Colistin-resistant gene detected in the US for the second time

A clinical isolate of bacterial pathogen carrying the colistin resistance gene mcr-1 has been detected in humans in the US, sparking concerns about antibiotic resistance. The isolate was found to be susceptible to several commonly used antimicrobial agents, but its plasmid-mediated nature is still unknown.

Self-prescribing antibiotics is a big problem

A study found that 14% of patients kept a stash of antibiotics at home and 40% used them without a prescription. Self-prescribing can lead to antibiotic resistance and serious side effects, highlighting the need for proper medical guidance.

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.

Scientists identify neurochemical signal likely missing in Parkinson's

Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a new framework for understanding the role of dopamine neurons in movement control and learning/reward. The study found two distinct populations of dopamine neurons, one carrying signals for motor control and movement, and the other transmitting signals about unpredicted reward.

Discovery of insulin-producing beta cell subtypes may impact diabetes treatment

Researchers have discovered at least four separate subtypes of human insulin-producing beta cells, which could lead to a better understanding of the disease process and the development of new treatments for type 2 diabetes. The study found that these cell subtypes produce different amounts of insulin and may regenerate at varying rates.

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.

Flying insects defy aerodynamic laws of airplanes, NYU researchers find

Flying insects have been found to move through the air in ways that contradict traditional aerodynamic theories used for airplane flight. Researchers at New York University discovered a new law that explains how insects generate thrust and manage drag, allowing them to double their flight speed with less effort.

Common additive may be why you have food allergies

A Michigan State University researcher has discovered that a synthetic food additive, tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), may be causing an increase in food allergies. The research found that tBHQ triggers the release of proteins that can trigger allergies to common foods like nuts, milk, and eggs.

Hops extract studied to prevent breast cancer

A new study found that an enriched hops extract activates a chemical pathway in cells that could help prevent breast cancer. The research discovered a compound called 6-prenylnarigenin (6-PN), which increased a detoxification pathway linked to a lower risk of breast cancer.

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.

Pomegranate finally reveals its powerful anti-aging secret

Researchers identified urolithin A, a molecule that can re-establish the cell's ability to recycle defective mitochondria. Initial results from animal studies showed significant increases in lifespan and endurance. Human clinical trials are underway to test the molecule's effectiveness.

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.

Engineered human colon model could aid in cancer research

A new tissue-engineering method allows for forward genetics screening on human tissue, identifying 38 driver genes associated with colorectal cancer progression. The recellularized human colon model replicates key features of CRC and provides a controlled environment to study gene expression.

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.

Familiar history is an important factor for prostate cancer

Researchers found that men with brothers who have had prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease, while those with both a father and brother have a threefold risk. Early screening for these men is recommended starting at age 40.

How do plants protect themselves against sunburn?

Researchers discovered a UV-B receptor that activates proteins to build defense mechanisms, allowing plants to tolerate harmful UV-B rays. Plants also use UV-B rays to influence growth and development, making them essential for survival.

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.

Thousands join diabetic eye disease trial

A new clinical trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) aims to transform early detection of diabetic eye disease by introducing a novel screening method. The trial will enable patients at lower risk to undergo tests only every two years, while those at higher risk can be checked up to twice a year.

Concussions on the rise for adolescents, researchers say

Researchers analyzing administrative health records of over 8.8 million individuals found a 32% incidence rate of concussions among 10-19 year olds between 2007 and 2014, with a 60% overall increase in concussion diagnoses during this period

Immunotherapy reduces cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers found that an extra-low dose combination of two anticytokines reduced rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and cardiovascular events. The study showed a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in patients treated with the combination, suggesting decreased cardiovascular risk.

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.

Fruit and veg give you the feel-good factor

A study of over 12,000 Australians found that each extra daily portion of fruit and vegetables up to 8 portions per day increased life satisfaction. The researchers concluded that people who changed their diet experienced an increase in life satisfaction equivalent to moving from unemployment to employment.

Study explains why galaxies stop creating stars

A study of around 70,000 galaxies reveals that external mechanisms, such as infalling galaxy drag and gas stripping, are only relevant to quenching galaxies during the last eight billion years. Internal mechanisms, including black holes and stellar outflows, dominate star formation shutdown before this time.

NASA sees Hurricane Blas closing its eye

The Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image showing Hurricane Blas' eye filled with high clouds, while infrared imagery revealed a pinhole eye. The storm was weakening rapidly, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 105 mph.

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.

Exercise improves memory in breast cancer survivors

A new study by Northwestern University finds that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with improved subjective memory in breast cancer survivors. Higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower distress, less fatigue, and higher self-confidence, which in turn aids memory.

Recreating ancient vertebrate's first step on dry land

Researchers used a custom-built robot, mathematical models and studies of amphibious fish to explore the critical evolutionary leap from water to land. They found that stabilizing the body with a tail provided substantial benefits for the first critical step out of an aqueous environment.

Four NYC medical centers receive new NIH precision medicine grant

Four NYC medical centers, including Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, will collaborate on a $46.5 million NIH grant to enroll 1 million+ US volunteers in the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to improve health outcomes by understanding individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and genetics.

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.

Scientists simulate tiny bacteria-powered 'windfarm'

Researchers from Oxford University used computer simulations to demonstrate how chaotic bacterial swarming can be organized to power microscopic rotors and devices. The study found that densely packed bacteria can spontaneously assemble into a 'bacterial windfarm' capable of generating persistent mechanical power.

A 'time switch' in the brain improves sense of smell

Scientists have found that a time-dependent coding mechanism is essential for distinguishing between similar smells. By inhibiting signals to olfactory bulb output neurons, researchers showed that mice could no longer differentiate between odor mixtures with slightly different ratios or molecules with similar chemical structures.

NSF-supported graduate researchers lead exoplanet discoveries

Recent exoplanet discoveries by NSF-supported graduate researchers expand our understanding of how planets form and orbit stars. These breakthroughs include the detection of a unique planet in a triple-star system, one of the youngest fully formed exoplanets ever discovered.

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.

New record in microwave detection

Researchers achieved a 14-fold increase in energy resolution of thermal photodetection, opening doors for ultrasensitive cameras and quantum computing applications. The detector works at extremely low temperatures, detecting single zeptojoule energy packets.

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.

Faking to finish -- women feign sexual pleasure to end 'bad' sex

A qualitative study found that women feign orgasm as a means to end unwanted and unpleasurable sex. Despite being asked about consensual sex, all participants discussed problematic experiences. The research highlights the need for better language to describe women's experiences of unwanted sex.