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Science News Archive July 2016 - Page 16


Page 16 of 36

New detector overcomes key challenge in using light for wireless communications

Researchers from Facebook's Connectivity Lab have demonstrated a new approach for detecting optical communication signals, overcoming the primary challenge of precisely pointing a small laser beam at a tiny light detector. The new technology uses fluorescent materials to collect and concentrate light onto a photodetector, achieving dat...

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJul 19, 2016

To catch a wireless thief

Researchers are developing a crowdsourced system that allows users to contribute in helping detect and locate unauthorized radio frequency use. The system uses software-defined radio technology and smartphone apps to monitor for suspicious activity, potentially aiding authorities in combating wireless theft.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateJul 19, 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.

Mercury exposure in Canada's northern indigenous communities

Canada's northern indigenous communities are at risk of mercury exposure due to high fish and marine animal consumption. The Canadian Medical Association Journal provides guidance on managing mercury exposure in patients with diets high in fish and marine animals.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 19, 2016

Virgin olive oil and hypertension

Epidemiological studies support the consumption of virgin olive oil as an effective antihypertensive agent. The unique bioactive properties of oleic acid and minor constituents in virgin olive oil protect against hypertension by influencing vascular contractibility and heart/kidney cellular loss, leading to reduced blood pressure.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Vascular Pharmacology·DateJul 19, 2016

In-hospital formula feeding, family history help explain breastfeeding gaps

Researchers found that black mothers were nine times more likely to be given formula in the hospital than white mothers, while Hispanic mothers had higher breastfeeding rates due to family history. The study suggests that hospitals and policy makers consider these factors to reduce racial and ethnic disparities

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 19, 2016

American Cancer Society endorses HPV vaccine recommendations from CDC

The American Cancer Society has endorsed HPV vaccination recommendations from the CDC, recommending routine vaccination of all children at age 11 or 12. Vaccination is also recommended for females ages 13 to 26 and males aged 13 to 21 who have not been vaccinated previously or completed the 3-dose series.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateJul 19, 2016
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.

Risk of low blood sugar differs among similar diabetes drugs

A new systematic review found that gliclazide confers the lowest risk of hypoglycemia when added to metformin. This suggests prescribing a medication with a lower risk of low blood sugar may be a rational and affordable alternative for patients with type 2 diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 19, 2016

Juicy news about cranberries

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth discovered flavonols in cranberry juice significantly reduce E.coli adhesion, which can cause bacterial infections. The findings may lead to new antibiotic drug targets and alternative treatments for 'superbugs'.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalFood & Function·DateJul 19, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Teaming up against sepsis

A multidisciplinary team of UCSB faculty members and clinicians will conduct biomedical research on sepsis, a severe response to infections, thanks to a $12.8 million NIH grant. The program aims to develop radically different approaches to treating sepsis, with the goal of reducing disability and death.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJul 19, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ship engine emissions adversely affect macrophages

A recent study reveals that ship engine emissions adversely affect macrophages, a key component of the immune system. The toxic effects of these emissions on macrophages can lead to pro-inflammatory reactions and other biological processes, highlighting the need for efficient particle-reducing measures.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 19, 2016

NASA seeks picometer accuracy

A new tool is being developed by NASA to assure picometer-level stability, a feat not yet accomplished. The instrument will measure tiny changes in mirror segments and other supporting telescope structure during environmental testing.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 19, 2016

Electron spin control: Levitated nanodiamond is research gem

Purdue University researchers have successfully controlled the electron spin of a levitated nanodiamond using lasers in a vacuum, enabling potential applications in quantum information processing, sensors, and fundamental physics studies. The technique could also be used to detect and measure gases, such as oxygen, with improved accuracy.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2016

Surface tension can sort droplets for biomedical applications

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a simple and inexpensive device that can sort droplets of liquid based solely on their varying surface tensions. The device uses a tunable surface chemistry to manipulate its repellency to different liquids, enabling the sorting of droplets by surface tension.

SourceColorado State University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJul 19, 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.

Where the buffalo have evolutionarily roamed

Scientists explore European bison bulls' demographic history, revealing footprints of selection on over 400 genes. These genes are associated with physiological functions underlying distinctive features between bison and bovine lineages, such as thermogenesis and wooly hair development.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 19, 2016

Australian first study finds massive diabetic foot disease costs

A new Australian-first study found that nearly half of patients hospitalized due to diabetic foot disease were already showing symptoms. Diabetic foot disease causes significant costs, with estimated annual direct costs reaching $350 million for hospitalization alone.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 19, 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.

WSU researchers determine key improvement for fuel cells

Researchers improved understanding of the process that stops reactions in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), a clean energy technology that has struggled to gain wide acceptance. The study found that an electric field can prevent failures and improve system performance by capturing the complexity of the triple-phase boundary.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJul 18, 2016

Long-awaited breakthrough in the reconstruction of warm climate phases

Scientists from the AWI have correctly simulated the Eocene warm climate phase using climate models, overcoming a previous weakness due to misinterpreting the temperature indicator TEX86. The corrected temperatures reveal that the region was still warm enough for palm trees to grow on beaches.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 18, 2016

Stem cells engineered to grow cartilage, fight inflammation

Researchers have developed a technique to program stem cells to grow new cartilage on a 3-D template shaped like the ball of a hip joint. The cartilage can release anti-inflammatory molecules to fend off arthritis. The discovery may provide an alternative to hip-replacement surgery, particularly in younger patients.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Jeff Shamma elected IFAC fellow

Jeff Shamma, a King Abdullah University of Science & Technology professor, has been elected as an IFAC Fellow for his significant contributions to linear parameter varying systems and multiagent systems. He joins a prestigious list of global academics and experts in the field of control and systems engineering.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·DateJul 18, 2016

Researchers build a crawling robot from sea slug parts and a 3-D printed body

Researchers have created biohybrid robots that crawl like sea turtles on the beach, combining tissues from a sea slug with flexible 3-D printed components. The robots are designed to be compliant and interact with their environment, making them suitable for tasks such as searching for toxic leaks or lost flight data recorders.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJul 18, 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.

Researchers identify a new genetic cause of Coats plus syndrome

Researchers identified STN1 gene mutations as the cause of Coats plus syndrome, a telomeropathy that affects multiple tissues. The study found that cells with dysfunctional telomeres and decreased capacity to divide were characteristic of patients with Coats plus syndrome.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 18, 2016
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.

The pains and strains of a continental breakup

Researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Potsdam have uncovered a distinct two-phase separation process for continental breakup, involving gradual rifting and eventual rapid subsidence. The study highlights a phenomenon difficult to explain within conventional plate tectonics, shedding new light on the process.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 2016

Weight gain studied for second-generation antipsychotics for autism spectrum disorders

A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found that Zyprexa (olanzapine) is linked to the highest risk of weight gain, while Geodon (ziprasidone) and Seroquel (quetiapine) were not associated with an increase in body mass index. The study suggests balancing treatment risks and benefits for children and teens with ASD.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 18, 2016

Managing an endangered river across the US-Mexico border

The Rio Grande is a vital lifeline for the southwestern US and northern Mexico, but its water level is declining due to growing demand. A new study proposes four policy recommendations to strengthen water resources management, including reciprocal water re-distribution, expertise sharing, and small-scale sustainability strategies.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalWater·DateJul 18, 2016

HIV treatment keeps uninfected partner from contracting the virus

The HPTN 052 study found a significant reduction in HIV transmission when the infected person starts antiretroviral therapy at a higher CD4 cell count. Researchers also discovered that 93% of HIV transmission was prevented with early treatment initiation.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 18, 2016
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.

'Jumping film' harnesses the power of humidity

Scientists create a film that curls up and straightens autonomously when exposed to tiny changes in humidity, using it to transform environmental fluctuations into mechanical energy. The film can jump high and repeatedly bend and straighten without deterioration.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 18, 2016

Columbia Engineering researchers use acoustic voxels to embed sound with data

Researchers have developed a method to control sound waves using acoustic voxels, small hollow cube-shaped chambers that can modify acoustic filtering properties. This enables the creation of unique acoustic signatures for objects, potentially replacing QR codes and RFID tags.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 18, 2016

'Cool, fun factor' motivates e-cigarette use in teens

A study found that the novelty factor is a key motivator for e-cigarette use among adolescents, with nearly 70% having heard about e-cigarettes and over 10% using them. E-cigarette use was more common among male respondents who were already using cigarettes and other tobacco products.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 18, 2016

Scientists delve into 'black box' of DNA research

Researchers reveal that unusual DNA repeat elements on inactive X chromosomes are crucial for maintaining the three-dimensional structure of this female-specific genetic phenomenon. The study uses genome engineering techniques to demonstrate the importance of these repeats, opening a new era of genomics research.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Dual antigen targeting may improve CAR T cell cancer therapy

Engineered CAR T cells targeting multiple tumor antigens show improved anti-tumor activity and survival rates in an animal model of glioblastoma. This approach could lead to more effective immunotherapies for certain types of cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Better understanding post-earthquake fault movement

Researchers collected unique data set after 2014 South Napa earthquake, showing afterslip concentrated in loosely packed sediment. This helps address question: Can geology be used as proxy for fault behavior? The findings have significant implications for earthquake hazard models and planning response.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 18, 2016

Gas sensors 'see' through soil to analyze microbial interactions

Researchers have created gas biosensors that enable real-time monitoring of microbial gene expression in soil samples, allowing for the study of horizontal gene transfer and its impact on environmental processes. The technique has the potential to improve crop growth through more efficient watering and fertilizer use.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 18, 2016
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.

Toxicological cross-check

Empa researchers develop new flame retardants with improved flame retardancy and no toxic effects, highlighting the importance of toxicological cross-checking before mass production. The newly developed EDA-DOPO is a good candidate for further development, showing better safety and effectiveness than previously available products.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateJul 18, 2016

Rise in avoidable diabetes hospital visits

Researchers at the University of Leicester found that hospital admissions for hypoglycemia have risen by 39% between 2005 and 2014, with almost 80,000 people admitted. The average cost per admission is estimated to be £1,000, with the total cost of treating severe episodes in the UK around £13 million.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 18, 2016
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.

Grandpa's obesity affects the health of his grandchildren

A study has found that a father's metabolic health can be passed to his children and grandchildren, increasing their risk of developing metabolic disease. The research discovered that obese fathers are putting their sons at risk of developing fatty liver disease and pre-diabetic symptoms.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateJul 18, 2016

Study: Fracking industry wells associated with increased risk of asthma attacks

A new study found that people with asthma living near larger or bigger fracking industry wells in Pennsylvania are 1.5-4 times more likely to experience asthma attacks. The researchers identified a significant increase in asthma attacks among patients living closer to these wells, particularly during the production phase.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 18, 2016

Bariatric surgery associated with improved mobility, less walking pain

A new study found bariatric surgery significantly improved functional mobility and reduced musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Positive effects on walking speed, resting heart rate, and post-test heart rates were observed as early as six months after surgery and persisted for two years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 18, 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.