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Science News Archive July 2016 - Page 2


Page 2 of 36

NASA finds Tropical Cyclone Frank fading

Tropical Storm Frank weakened to a tropical storm on July 28, 2016, with winds decreasing from hurricane strength. NASA's RapidScat instrument observed sustained winds of near 30 meters per second north of the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 28, 2016

Valley fever diagnosis often missed

Valley fever, caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, affects over 150,000 people annually. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent unnecessary tests and treatment, reducing the impact of complications. Pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with diabetes are at high risk for severe outcomes.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 28, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mulching plus remediation corrects contaminated lawns

A study found that applying mulching materials after soil remediation and reseeding can restore perennial ryegrass in 6 weeks after diesel and hydraulic fluid spills. The combination of peat pellets, mulching, and remediation with humic amendment resulted in the best turfgrass green density.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJul 28, 2016

The impact of private sector contracts on NHS provision and treatment inequalities

Research by Queen Mary University of London found that private sector contracts in Scotland led to a decrease in NHS provision and an increase in age-related and socioeconomic treatment inequalities. Patients aged 85 years and over, as well as those living in the most deprived areas, were disproportionately affected.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJul 28, 2016

Pitt researchers solve mystery on how regenerative medicine works

Researchers at Pitt School of Medicine identify mechanism by which bioscaffolds influence cellular behavior, promoting tissue repair and reconstruction. The study reveals the presence of nanovesicles in bioscaffolds, which enable cellular communication and facilitate regenerative processes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 28, 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.

Plumbing the possibilities of a camera that 'sees around corners'

A team of researchers led by Andreas Velten is working on a camera technology that uses scattered-light photons to capture scenes outside human line of sight. The project aims to push the limitations of this technique over four years, with potential applications in medical imaging, disaster relief, and space exploration.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·DateJul 28, 2016

Unlocking the languages of autistic children in families

A joint article by Dr Melissa Trimingham and Professor Nicola Shaughnessy presents pioneering research using drama with autistic children, demonstrating how 'intermediality' unlocks languages used by autistic children. The study aims to help families through teaching new play skills using drama and puppetry.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalResearch in Drama Education The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance·DateJul 28, 2016

Urinary markers may indicate kidney injury in preterm infants

A new study found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury (AKI) have higher levels of certain proteins in their urine compared to healthy infants. This could lead to better diagnostics and treatment for AKI in newborns, which is a common complication in premature infants and can predict poor clinical outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 28, 2016

Open-source drug discovery a success

Researchers from around the world collaborated on an open-source drug-discovery project, identifying compounds to treat malaria, other parasites, and even cancer. The successful trial has sparked over a dozen new drug-development projects, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 28, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Original cell type does not affect iPS cell differentiation to blood

Researchers found that the expression of specific genes and DNA methylation patterns, such as IFG2 and reduced aberrant methylation, are better indicators of iPS cell differentiation to hematopoietic cells. This discovery suggests a more efficient method for producing high-quality blood cells through reprogramming.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 28, 2016

INRS professor's team unveils new Leishmania virulence strategies

Researchers have uncovered two novel virulence mechanisms employed by Leishmania parasites to circumvent the host's antimicrobial defenses. GP63 and CPB proteases play a central role in these processes, allowing the parasite to manipulate host cell membrane fusion machinery and evade phagocytosis.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 28, 2016

'Advance warning'

Geographers from UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Group will help African scientists predict food deficits using remote sensing tools and climate data. The new project aims to provide early warning systems for severe hunger, giving policymakers four months of advanced notice to allocate resources.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJul 28, 2016

Indian pedestrian, motorcycle deaths likely much higher than government data suggest

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that India's official statistics significantly underreport pedestrian and motorcycle deaths, suggesting a much higher number than reported. The researchers recommend using police reports instead of government data for research and policy decisions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalInjury Prevention·DateJul 28, 2016
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.

Pneumonia discovery may offer way to boost body's defenses

Researchers at UVA Health System have discovered a critical role of M-CSF in battling pneumonia. Without this cytokine, infected mice experience severe outcomes, including increased bacterial loads and organ failure.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 28, 2016

Compromise nearly guaranteed when a woman is involved in decision-making pairs

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that compromise is less likely to occur when two men make decisions together, whereas it's a common practice among female-female and mixed-gender pairs. Men tend to prefer extreme options to prove their masculinity, while women act more pragmatically and choose the middle ...

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 28, 2016

Cuttlefish do not bluff in battle

Male cuttlefish exhibit a hierarchy of threat displays to signal aggressive intent, with frontal and shovel displays predicting subsequent lateral displays. These displays allow rivals to determine the opponent's level of aggression, enabling tactical decisions about contest escalation or withdrawal.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJul 28, 2016

Mayo Clinic studying genomics of antiplatelet heart medication

The TAILOR-PCI Study aims to determine whether prescribing antiplatelet therapy based on a patient's CYP2C19 genotype can prevent heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. The study, which began in 2013, plans to enroll 5,270 patients and investigate the effects of genomics on treatment outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateJul 28, 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.

Teens who smoke daily are more likely to report health complaints

A new study by Oregon State University researchers has found that teens who smoke daily report significantly higher levels of health complaints than their nonsmoking peers. The study also reveals a widening gap in health complaints between smoking and nonsmoking teens, with girls reporting more health issues than boys.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 28, 2016

Tomatoes resist a parasitic vine by detecting its peptide

Researchers found that tomatoes can detect a parasitic vine's peptide, triggering an immune response and increased resistance. This discovery could lead to new strategies for mitigating crop losses caused by parasitic plants worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2016

Blood pressure hormone promotes obesity

A new study published in Cell Reports explains how a blood pressure hormone system can promote obesity. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) controls energy balance and metabolic rate, with elevated brain RAS increasing energy expenditure and weight loss, while peripheral RAS suppressing resting metabolism and increasing weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 28, 2016

Virtual rocks: A new spin on virtual geology

The use of virtual rocks can archive samples for destructive testing, aid peer-review, and provide access to geological materials for disabled students. Virtual explorers can also enhance learning and retention after field trips.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJul 28, 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.

New rare species of whale identified

A new rare species of beaked whale, smaller and darker than Baird's beaked whale, has been identified with a range in the remote North Pacific Ocean. The elusive whale is about 25 feet long and rarely seen, even by Japanese whalers.

SourceWiley·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateJul 28, 2016

Severity of kyphosis and decline in lung function: The Framingham study

Researchers from Hebrew SeniorLife Institute for Aging Research found that women with the most severe kyphosis had the greatest declines in lung function. Hyperkyphosis restricts lung expansion and causes difficulty breathing, leading to serious health problems.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·DateJul 28, 2016

Researchers discover gene variant associated with esophageal cancer

Researchers at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center have identified a rare gene variant associated with familial Barrett esophagus (FBE) and esophageal cancer. The study found that this mutation disrupts normal esophageal lining maturation, increasing disease risk.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 28, 2016
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.

No dream: Electric brain stimulation during sleep can boost memory

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used transcranial alternating current stimulation to target sleep spindles and strengthen memory in healthy individuals. The study found significant improvements in motor tasks but no improvement in associative word-pairing tests.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 28, 2016

Scientists call for increased federal investment in sustainable agriculture

A new analysis of federal funding for sustainable agriculture suggests significant improvements can be made with additional investments. Researchers found that only a small percentage of USDA-funded projects focused on sustainable agriculture, highlighting the need for increased public funding.

SourceElsevier·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJul 28, 2016
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.

Research reveals restorative justice reduces recidivism

Research by Sam Houston State University reveals that restorative justice programs are more effective in reducing recidivism rates than traditional court processing. The study found that even minimal interventions had a significant impact on reducing re-offending rates.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalYouth Violence and Juvenile Justice·DateJul 28, 2016

Physicist offers leading theory about mysterious Large Hadron Collider excess

Kyoungchul Kong, a physicist at the University of Kansas, offers an alternative explanation for the mysterious signal detected at the Large Hadron Collider, proposing a sequence of particles with different masses. The theory suggests that the signal could be the result of a sequential cascade decay of a heavier particle into photons.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 28, 2016

Chorus of black holes radiates X-rays

New data from NuSTAR reveals large numbers of black holes sending out high-energy X-rays, helping astronomers understand growth patterns and evolution of supermassive black holes. The study resolves 35% of the high-energy X-ray background, uncovering details about the most obscured black holes hidden in gas and dust.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJul 28, 2016
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.

Introduction of screening could significantly reduce lung cancer deaths

The UK Lung Cancer Screening randomized controlled trial found that CT screening did not cause unnecessary anxiety, despite fear and stigma being barriers to participation. The trial recruited over 4,000 participants aged 50-75 at high risk of lung cancer, with a significant reduction in deaths for those who received screening.

SourceCardiff University·JournalThorax·DateJul 28, 2016

T-cells can be directed to treat a variety of ovarian cancers

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified a specific receptor-protein expressed on the surface of ovarian tumor cells, offering a highly targeted therapeutic target for immunotherapy. This technology uses chimeric endocrine receptor-expressing T-cells to selectively eliminate cancerous cells with minimal adverse effects.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 28, 2016

Apollo astronauts experiencing higher rates of cardiovascular-related deaths

A new study by Florida State University researcher Michael Delp suggests that Apollo astronauts are experiencing higher rates of cardiovascular problems, likely caused by their exposure to deep space radiation. The study found that 43% of deceased Apollo astronauts died from a cardiovascular problem, four to five times higher than non-...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 2016

Early detection of leukemia patients' resistance to therapy

Australian researchers have developed a new test that can predict patients' long-term response to treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia. The test assesses the levels of P-glycoprotein in patient cells and identifies those at risk of developing resistance, allowing doctors to adjust treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalLeukemia·DateJul 28, 2016

SNMMI Technologist Section announces award winners

The SNMMI-TS awarded Lynne Roy, Crystal Botkin, David Campbell, Marcia Hess Smith, Deborah Gibbs, Dmitry D. Beyder, and Aaron Scott for their exceptional contributions to the field of nuclear medicine technology, including education, service, and leadership.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJul 28, 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.

Brain changes after menopause may lead to lack of physical activity

Researchers from the University of Missouri found a connection between menopause and decreased physical activity in postmenopausal women. The study suggests that activation of brain receptors may serve as a future treatment to improve motivation for physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJul 28, 2016

Allaying fears

A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that implementing electronic health record (EHR) systems has no significant impact on patient outcomes, including inpatient mortality and adverse events. The study analyzed data from 17 hospitals that went live with new EHR systems within a single day.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 28, 2016

Smartphone exercises for a better mood

Researchers at the University of Basel found that brief smartphone exercises can improve mood. Participants felt more alert, calm, and uplifted after using short video tutorials on their smartphones as a guide.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 28, 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.

Sigma Xi's new initiative to strengthen research outreach

Sigma Xi's new initiative aims to strengthen research outreach by partnering with researchers and institutions to share their work with broader audiences. The program provides digital and print publishing platforms, content development services, and data-driven evaluation tools to help partners increase the impact of their research.

SourceSigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society·DateJul 28, 2016

The intravenous swim team

Drexel researchers create chains of microscopic magnetic bead-based robots that can swim at impressive speeds through a microfluidic environment. The team demonstrates their ability to link and unlink the beads using a rotating magnetic field, paving the way for targeted medicine delivery and minimally invasive surgery.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 2016

How to reduce US firearm suicide rates?

Researchers recommend measures to reduce US firearm suicide rates, including targeted legislation and smart gun technology. Public education and research are also crucial in preventing firearm suicides.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 28, 2016
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.

The feel of food

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered a single cell responsible for detecting food texture in fruit flies. This neuron sends signals based on the hardness of food, enabling the fly to determine whether to eat or not. The study also identified a critical protein TMC that plays a key role in mechanosensation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNeuron·DateJul 28, 2016

Maintaining healthy relationships: University of Waterloo studies identify a promising way

A University of Waterloo study found that thinking about the future helps people shift their focus away from current feelings and mitigate conflicts in romantic relationships. By envisioning their relationship a year into the future, individuals can adopt a more positive perspective and show more forgiveness.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 28, 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.

Music makes beer taste better

Researchers found that music and packaging design can increase enjoyment of beer. A study involved participants tasting beer with different conditions: no label, label only, or label with matching song. Results showed those with the matching song rated the beer more enjoyable. The study suggests multisensory information influences tast...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 28, 2016