Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2016 - Page 6


Page 6 of 36

The Lancet Psychiatry: First field trial supports removing transgender diagnosis from mental disorders chapter within WHO classification

A study of 250 transgender people in Mexico City found that distress and dysfunction were more strongly predicted by experiences of social rejection and violence than by gender incongruence itself. The researchers suggest that removing the diagnosis of transgender identity from mental disorders classification could improve health care ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 26, 2016

Every grain of rice: Ancient rice DNA data provides new view of domestication history

Researchers have uncovered evidence of ancient rice DNA, shedding light on the origins of domesticated rice species japonica and indica. The study suggests that indica rice was historically cultivated in East Asia or imported to the region, contradicting traditional assumptions about its exclusive presence in northern parts of East Asia.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 26, 2016

Web-based technology improves pediatric ADHD care and patient outcomes

A new web-based software program helps reduce ADHD behavioral symptoms in children by coordinating care and ensuring patients get effective ADHD medications. This improvement leads to better treatment outcomes, with children treated by pediatricians using the technology experiencing significantly less ADHD symptoms than those without it.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 26, 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.

Why baby boomers need a hepatitis C screening

A universal one-time HCV screening based on age can bypass discomfort and democratize preventive care, increasing screenings among all demographics. The screening test detects the virus antibody, with fewer than 1% of targeted baby boomers testing positive, yet helping identify those who benefit from curative treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateJul 26, 2016

Locher earns GSA's 2016 M. Powell Lawton Award

Dr. Julie Locher receives the 2016 M. Powell Lawton Award from the Gerontological Society of America for her innovative work in gerontological treatment and service. Her research focuses on social and environmental factors affecting eating behaviors and nutrition-related health outcomes in older adults.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 26, 2016

Columbia researchers find biological explanation for wheat sensitivity

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a biological explanation for wheat sensitivity, which is not related to celiac disease. People with non-celiac gluten or wheat sensitivity have a weakened intestinal barrier that leads to a body-wide inflammatory immune response.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalGut·DateJul 26, 2016

Study in mice suggests stem cells could ward off glaucoma

A study suggests that stem cell infusion could help restore the trabecular meshwork, which drains fluid from the eye and prevents glaucoma. Researchers are confident that this approach may hold promise for primary open angle glaucoma, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A famous supermassive black hole 'spied on' with the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS

Researchers have detected spiraling plasma around a magnetic field in the active nucleus of galaxy Cygnus A, providing insights into the cosmic monster's influence on its surroundings. The observations also confirm that the plasma is highly confined by the effect of the magnetic field.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 26, 2016
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.

Georgia State sets research funding record of $120 million

The university has grown its research funding by nearly $40 million over the past two years, with federal agency funding increasing by 30 percent. Georgia State now ranks among the nation's premier urban public research universities, with a 'very high research activity' designation from the Carnegie Foundation.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateJul 26, 2016

The mysterious farting

Gasotransmitters, such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, play a crucial role in regulating human behavior, neurophysiological processes, and mental disorders. These gaseous substances are produced by both the host cells and gut microorganisms, influencing energy metabolism, immune function, and cognitive activities.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalMicrobial Ecology in Health and Disease·DateJul 26, 2016

Light shed on a superluminous supernova which appears to have exploded twice

Researchers used the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS to observe a superluminous supernova almost from its occurrence, revealing surprising behavior including an initial increase in brightness followed by a decline and later stronger increase. The study sheds new light on these rare events, which are up to 100 times more energetic than Type 1a's.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 26, 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.

Childhood illness not linked to higher adult mortality

A new study by University of Stirling researchers found that early-life exposure to infections does not lead to increased risk of death in adulthood. Contrary to previous theories on long-lasting inflammation, the study suggests improved adult conditions such as healthcare and diet are responsible for recent increases in lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2016

Cracking the mystery of Zika virus replication

Researchers from Tianjin University and Nankai University have unraveled the puzzle of how Zika virus replicates. They discovered a tunnel in the enzyme that holds viral RNA, allowing it to unwind its genetic material. This breakthrough could lead to the development of antiretroviral drugs against this spreading disease.

SourceSpringer·JournalProtein & Cell·DateJul 26, 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.

Improving Internet with mid-wavelength infrared

A novel mid-wavelength infrared phototransistor device has the potential to replace traditional radio-frequency wireless data links. This technology uses low-power and low-cost alternative to FSO communications, providing high-speed data links with reduced limitations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 26, 2016

NASA team begins testing of a new-fangled optic

A NASA team is testing a photon sieve optic for improved UV resolution, which could help answer a 50-year-old question about the sun's corona. The new technology has already achieved success in its initial testing phase.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2016

Overlooked benefit of successful healthy lifestyle programs: Improved quality-of-life

Researchers found that community-based behavioral lifestyle intervention programs improve health-related quality of life by nearly 10% among participants. Those with lower baseline quality of life showed the greatest improvement, with scores increasing from 61.8 to 74 after completing the year-long program.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalQuality of Life Research·DateJul 26, 2016

Placental syndromes increase women's short-term risk for cardiovascular diseases

A University of South Florida study found that placental syndromes increase women's short-term risk for cardiovascular diseases. Women with placental syndromes and poor fetal outcomes have a 45% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease within five years of their first pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 26, 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.

Exercise cuts gestational diabetes in obese pregnant women

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes in obese pregnant women. The study involved 91 women who were divided into an exercise group or control group, with the exercise group experiencing a significant drop in diabetes rates and lower blood pressure.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 26, 2016

Penn team uses nanoparticles to break up plaque and prevent cavities

University of Pennsylvania researchers have created nanoparticles that use the acidity of tooth decay to kill bacteria in dental plaque and prevent cavities. The treatment, which combines hydrogen peroxide with acid-sensitive nanoparticles, was shown to be highly effective at disrupting biofilms and killing bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBiomaterials·DateJul 26, 2016

Lonely atoms, happily reunited

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology observe how carbon monoxide enables single platinum atoms to move and form clusters, breaking the grip of the magnetite surface. This process has significant implications for chemical catalysis, as it opens up a strategy to turn clusters into single atoms.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2016

Male frogs have sex on land to keep competitors away

Researchers discovered that some frog species hide eggs on land to reduce competition from other males, leading to smaller testes in males with terrestrial reproductive modes. This finding sheds light on evolutionary forces driving diversity and provides insights for conservationists.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 26, 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.

NSF grant funds research on evolution of social cooperation

A four-year NSF grant supports Elizabeth Ostrowski's research on the evolution of social cooperation in Dicty amoebae. The study explores how organisms can work together despite individual benefits from cooperation, and how this cooperation is influenced by evolutionary pressures.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 26, 2016

Plasma technology can be tapped to kill biofilms on perishable fruit, foods

Air plasma technology has been shown to effectively kill bacteria and biofilms on the surfaces of perishable fruits, significantly extending their shelf life. The reactive species generated by plasma can penetrate into the cavity of the biofilm, causing damage and killing the bacteria within.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJul 26, 2016

Exploring one of the largest salt flats in the world

A recent research report reveals that water and solutes flowing into the Salar de Atacama salt flat originate from an unexpectedly large portion of the Andean Plateau. The deposit, 3,900 feet thick, drains an area four or five times larger than the topographic watershed, posing fundamental questions about hydrologic and solute budgets.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 26, 2016

Molten storage and thermophotovoltaics offer new solar power pathway

New computer modeling suggests that solid-state thermophotovoltaics (TPV) could rival combined-cycle turbine systems when combined with thermal storage using liquid metal. TPV operates on the same principle as solar cells but converts infrared radiation to electricity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 26, 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.

Eastern Pacific storms Georgette and Frank see-saw in strength

Tropical cyclones Georgette and Frank in the Eastern Pacific Ocean show see-sawing strength, with hurricane Frank strengthening while tropical storm Georgette weakening. Maximum sustained winds for Georgette have decreased to near 70 mph, with further weakening forecasted.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2016

Olshansky earns GSA's 2016 Donald P. Kent Award

S Jay Olshansky, a renowned gerontologist, has been awarded the 2016 Donald P Kent Award by the Gerontological Society of America. The award recognizes his exceptional contributions to the field of aging, including his work on estimates of human longevity and the health implications of population aging.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 26, 2016

Scientists identify novel genes linked to motor neuron disease

Researchers have identified three new risk genes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using genetic data from Project MinE. One of these genes, C21orf2, increases the risk of developing ALS by 65%. The study's findings could aid the development of personalized treatments using gene therapy.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 26, 2016

Streetcar tracks increase risk of bike crashes: UBC and Ryerson study

A new study out of UBC and Ryerson University found that streetcar tracks are involved in a third of bike crashes in Toronto's downtown. The researchers argue that creating separated bike lanes could minimize interactions with rail tracks and reduce the risk of accidents.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 26, 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.

Supervised self-monitoring improves diabetes control in clinical trial

A supervised self-monitoring approach, which includes adjusted treatment or reinforcing lifestyle changes when needed, was found to be effective in controlling diabetes. The study showed better glycaemic control and lower glycated haemoglobin levels in the intervention arm compared to those who received usual care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 26, 2016

Elite cyclists are more resilient to mental fatigue

Research reveals elite cyclists outperform recreational athletes in mental fatigue tests, indicating a superior ability to resist mental fatigue. This enhanced ability is thought to be linked to the sport's demands and may be trainable through physical training.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 26, 2016

Study identifies neural circuits involved in making risky decisions

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a region of the brain involved in decisions made under uncertainty and identified cells that suppress value-coding neurons when making a risky choice. This study could lead to treatments for psychological disorders, such as problem gambling and anxiety disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJul 26, 2016

Vineyard cover crops reduce expense, save environment

Research by Cornell University reveals that planting cover crops beneath grapevines reduces nitrogen leaching, decreases dissolved organic carbon, and lowers neonicotinoid insecticide residues. This environmentally sustainable approach also saves vineyards money by minimizing herbicide use.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Enology and Viticulture·DateJul 26, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Codependence of cell nucleus proteins key to understanding fatty liver disease

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that deleting a specific protein, HNF6, leads to an increase in lipid-producing genes and liver damage. This study highlights the co-dependence of two cell nucleus proteins, HNF6 and Rev-erb-alpha, which regulate liver lipid metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 26, 2016

Online intervention helps sustain weight loss

An online behavioural counselling tool has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and sustain weight loss. Participants who used the Positive Online Weight Reduction (POWeR+) programme with brief support from a practice nurse lost more weight than those without, with an average weight loss of over 1kg over 12 months.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 26, 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.

NASA data show Hurricane Frank's fluctuation in strength

Hurricane Frank showed a transition from weakening to strengthening phases, with cloud top temperatures warming on July 25 and cooling on July 26. The storm's winds were measured by NASA's RapidScat instrument, which found tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 70 miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2016

Asymmetrical magnetic microbeads transform into micro-robots

Researchers have discovered that asymmetrical magnetic microbeads can be transformed into useful tools controlled by a changing external magnetic field. The Janus particles, inspired by the Roman god of two faces, exhibit unique behavior under oscillating fields, forming linear chains and expanding to create micro-muscles on a chip.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 26, 2016

Cells from same cell bank lots may have vast genetic variability

Researchers discovered that cells from the same lot purchased from a cell bank exhibited vastly different responses to chemicals and had distinct genetic profiles. This finding raises concerns about the reliability of cell culture experiments, which rely on these cells as a foundation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 2016

Rainforest greener during 'dry' season

Researchers found that the Amazon rainforest experiences higher photosynthesis rates during the dry season due to changes in leaf quality and not quantity. This discovery can help scientists assess the forest's health and potential impact on climate change.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 26, 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.

The case of the missing craters

The Dawn spacecraft's findings suggest that Ceres' large impact basins were erased due to its peculiar composition and internal evolution. The team proposes that a significant population of large craters was obliterated beyond recognition, likely resulting from the planet's icy crust and geological activity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2016

Witnesses confuse innocent and guilty suspects with 'unfair' lineups

Research suggests that witnesses are more willing to identify a suspect when they view a lineup in which the suspect alone has a distinguishing feature. However, this can also lead to confusion between actual guilty suspects and innocent suspects with similar features, impairing their ability to make accurate identifications.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 26, 2016

Historical love-affair with indulgent foods

Researchers analyzed 750 food paintings from the past 500 years and found that 86% depicted bread and 61% showed meat, while only 22% featured vegetables. The study suggests that people have always been drawn to visually appealing and indulgent foods.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalSAGE Open·DateJul 26, 2016

Cleaner air may be driving water quality in Chesapeake Bay

A new study suggests that improvements in air quality over the Potomac watershed led to recent progress on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. Researchers found a nearly universal improvement in water quality, with decreasing nitrate concentrations and reversing nitrogen saturation in the basin.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJul 26, 2016
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.