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Science News Archive July 2016


Page 4 of 36

Towards smarter crop plants to feed the world

A new study has discovered a diverse range of plant enzymes, including Rubisco, that have superior characteristics for improving crop photosynthetic efficiency. The research found that some plant species produce more effective Rubiscos than major crops like wheat and soybean, which could help address global food security.

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.

The preventive destruction

Researchers develop new method to protect Earth from asteroids using nuclear explosions. The technique simulates an asteroid's destructive power, fragmenting it into safe pieces before they reach the planet. This approach is considered a safer and more effective alternative to previous methods.

When the going gets tough, the tough get growing

Scientists discover why fast-growing cyanobacteria thrives under intense light by expanding cellular machinery to build proteins. The organism can triple in size in less than 2 hours, producing more fuel and chemicals compared to slower-growing species.

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.

New study reveals where MH370 debris more likely to be found

Researchers used oceanographic data to calculate the movement of MH370 debris, finding that the most probable locations for additional washed-up debris are Tanzania and Mozambique. The main wreckage is likely to be in a wide search area between 28°S and 35°S.

Early and late menopause can increase risk of type 2 diabetes

A study published in Menopause found that women who began menopause before age 46 or after 55 were at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study also revealed that the length of a woman's lifetime reproductive cycle was associated with an increased risk of diabetes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

White dwarf lashes red dwarf with mystery ray

Astronomers have discovered a unique white dwarf binary system, AR Scorpii, exhibiting powerful radio pulses that are unlike anything seen before from a white dwarf. The system's rapidly spinning white dwarf accelerates electrons, releasing radiation in a lighthouse-like beam that affects its cool red dwarf companion.

Dragon ants are coming: New 'Game of Thrones' species identified

A new ant species reminiscent of 'Game of Thrones' dragons has been identified in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea. The researchers used X-Ray microtomography to create virtual specimens, enabling them to analyze and share findings with scientists worldwide.

Jupiter's Great Red Spot heats planet's upper atmosphere

Researchers from Boston University found that Jupiter's Great Red Spot is responsible for heating the planet's upper atmosphere to unusually high temperatures. The team used infrared observations to map temperature anomalies across the planet, revealing that the Great Red Spot's heat distribution matches the observed values.

New catalyst for hydrogen production

Researchers have found a new, sustainable catalyst for hydrogen production in the form of pentlandite, a mineral composed of iron, nickel, and sulfur. The study shows that artificial pentlandite produces hydrogen more efficiently than naturally occurring variants, with stable performance and a high active surface area.

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.

Vitamin D levels predict risk of brain decline in Chinese elderly

A large-scale study found that individuals with lower vitamin D levels were twice as likely to exhibit significant cognitive decline over time. Vitamin D is also associated with a reduced risk of neuron damage and loss, suggesting its potential role in preventing cognitive decline.

Getting digital line-ups wrong can put innocents behind bars

New research highlights how police line-ups can lead to wrongful identifications if distinguishing features are not properly disguised. A study by the University of Warwick found that fair line-ups, which hide or manipulate distinctive marks, outperform unfair ones in distinguishing between innocent and guilty suspects.

Princeton-UCLA study finds gray wolves should remain protected

Researchers found that eastern and red wolves are not evolutionarily distinct species but a hybrid of gray wolf and coyote ancestry. The study concludes that the ESA should protect hybrid species due to common interbreeding in the wild, which may not be harmful.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Article says radiologists need to solidify position on cancer teams

A review article aims to broaden radiologists' understanding of imaging-evident toxicity in the era of precision oncology. Toxicity can amplify with drug combinations, but acceptable levels may serve as a biomarker of treatment response. Radiologists must grasp the nuances of toxicity to contribute to optimized cancer care.

Water resilience that flows

Researchers developed an affordable open-source data logger to collect high-frequency stream data, capturing trends in water volume and behavior. The logger enables communities to build resilience to water resource stress, a crucial step in addressing the impact of global climate change.

Should the gray wolf keep its endangered species protection?

Genomic research by UCLA scientists finds that the gray wolf is not a separate species from coyote but rather a hybrid of the two. The study suggests that the gray wolf should retain its endangered species status due to incorrect justification for removal.

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.

Even thinking about marriage gets young people to straighten up

Researchers found that teenagers and young adults who expected to get married within five years committed fewer delinquent acts in the next year. The study suggests that the expectation of marriage may change behavior, as people may feel pressure to act more like an adult to gain social acceptance.

Reducing carbon emissions using waste marble powder

Scientists have developed a new approach to capture carbon dioxide from flue gases using waste marble powder, outperforming current commercial calcium-carbonate sorbents. The powder showed high carbonation conversion rates and maintained its reactivity over multiple cycles.

Clinical assessment of muscular fatigue

The study found moderate inter-rater reliability between therapists in determining muscle fatigue through observation of changes in movement patterns. This approach may provide clinicians with a tool to address the challenge of therapeutic exercise dosing in rehabilitation settings.

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.

NIH launches early-stage yellow fever vaccine trial

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has begun a Phase 1 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an experimental yellow fever vaccine developed by Bavarian Nordic. The trial will assess whether the investigational vaccine can prevent yellow fever virus infection and induce a strong immune response.

Investigation reveals how the NHS is impeding access to high-priced drugs

Researchers investigate how NHS England is hindering access to expensive hepatitis C treatments, citing NICE guidelines and company pricing as key factors. The study reveals a system of rationing and delayed treatment, prompting concerns over patient welfare and the role of drug companies' pricing strategies.

White dwarf lashes red dwarf with mystery ray

Astronomers using NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope discover a new type of exotic binary star system where a rapidly spinning white dwarf powers electrons to almost the speed of light, causing radiation blasts that lash the companion red dwarf star, resulting in dramatic pulses every 1.97 minutes.

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.

Weight loss surgery associated with increased fracture risk

Severely obese patients undergoing weight loss surgery are at higher risk of fractures before and after surgery. The study suggests that guidelines should be followed on patient adherence to dietary supplements and physical activity to reduce fracture risk.

Importance of including purpose of medications on prescriptions

A Perspective article highlights the importance of including medication purpose on prescriptions to enhance safety, prescribe appropriately, and improve convenience. By recording indications, clinicians can reduce errors, enable patients to better understand their regimens, and identify therapeutic alternatives.

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.

Mouse antibodies pinpoint Zika's weak spots

Researchers have identified specific antibodies that protect against Zika infection in mice, targeting a region of the virus similar to other flaviviruses like Dengue and West Nile. These findings aim to optimize current vaccine strategies and develop new antibody-based therapeutics.

Antibodies identified that thwart Zika virus infection

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified six antibodies capable of protecting against Zika virus infection in mice, providing crucial information on how these antibodies interact with the virus. The discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine, diagnostic tests, and potentially new therapies for Zika-related diseases.

Researchers say trees could help strengthen auto parts

Researchers at Clemson University are developing new composite materials using tree fibers to create stronger, biorenewable auto parts. The materials have the potential to replace traditional automotive parts with improved strength and sustainability.

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.

The August 2016 issue of Lithosphere is now online

The August issue of Lithosphere presents papers on Tyrrhenian margin neotectonics in Italy, the Wrangellia composite terrane in Canada, and fault-related fissures in Wales. These studies provide new insights into Quaternary travertine deposits, thermochronology data, and paleofluid circulation in faults.

'Screen-and-treat' scheme for hepatitis B may prevent deadly complications

A new study from Imperial College London and the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia found that a 'screen-and-treat' programme for hepatitis B can reduce deadly complications of the virus. The initiative is cost-effective and feasible in Sub-Saharan Africa, where around 80 million people are infected.

A minute of secondhand marijuana smoke may damage blood vessels

A new study published in the American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report found that secondhand marijuana smoke can cause temporary damage to blood vessels, similar to tobacco smoke. Exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke lasted for at least 90 minutes, whereas tobacco smoke exposure recovered within 30 minutes.

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.

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.

Studies in mice provide insights into antibody-Zika virus interactions

Researchers at NIH identified six Zika virus antibodies that recognize a particular Zika protein, the envelope or E protein. Two of these antibodies also protect mice from Zika infection, offering potential for prophylactic treatment approaches for pregnant women at risk of Zika virus infection.

More evidence in quest to repurpose cancer drugs for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found that cancer drug pazopanib decreases levels of phosphorylated Tau, a toxic brain protein linked to dementia in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study suggests that tau pathology may be the main culprit behind dementia in Alzheimer's disease.

Cod and climate

Researchers found that warmer North Atlantic Oscillation conditions reduced cod larval recruitment by 17 percent, resulting in fewer young fish. This effect persisted until the fish were 6 years old, affecting cod catch for up to two decades.

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.

Monitoring cell fates

Researchers at ETH Zurich study how stem cells differentiate into blood cells, revealing complex mechanisms beyond previously thought protein GATA1 and PU.1 roles. This knowledge is vital for developing effective treatments for life-threatening diseases.

Star's intense radiation beams whip neighboring red dwarf

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a new type of exotic binary star that produces powerful beams of particles and radiation, affecting its nearby companion star. The star, AR Scorpii, has a white dwarf with intense magnetic fields that accelerate electrons in the atmosphere of the red dwarf to close to the speed o...

When targeting cancer genes, home in on the 1 percent

Researchers at UC Berkeley have found a new cancer drug target that controls only a few percent of the body's proteins, potentially allowing for a more specific anti-cancer effect. The target is a protein called eIF3d that binds to specialized mRNAs and triggers translation of growth-promoting proteins.

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.