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Science News Archive June 2016


Page 1 of 40

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.

Researchers study how cochlear implants affect brain circuits

A study is underway to understand why some children respond better to cochlear implants than others. Researchers are using measures of brain function to identify clinical interventions that could help children adapt to using the implants. The study involves recruiting children from 18 months to 8 years old who use cochlear implants, as...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Zebrafish reveal the ups and downs of vision

Researchers have discovered specific cell types and mechanisms responsible for orientation selectivity in the retina of zebrafish, shedding light on how we perceive and recognize visual stimuli. The study reveals that mutating a key protein called Teneurin-3 leads to a loss of orientation selectivity in neurons.

Weight-loss technologies train the brain to resist temptation

Researchers have developed a computer game and mobile app to help people control unhealthy eating habits and lose weight. The game improves inhibitory control, while the app detects patterns in eating habits and provides personalized strategies to stay on track.

Pea plants demonstrate ability to 'gamble' -- a first in plants

In a groundbreaking study, pea plants were found to make choices that take into account environmental variance, similar to animal behavior. The plants grew more roots in pots with variable nutrient levels when conditions were poor and more roots in constant pots when conditions were good.

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.

Unsilencing silenced genes by CRISPR/Cas9

Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 technique to unleash silenced genes, changing cell fates. They used DNA repair mechanism MMEJ with CRISPR/Cas9 to replace off-switches with on-switches, enabling efficient gene expression in cultured cells.

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.

MRI technique induces strong, enduring visual association

Researchers at Brown University used a novel MRI technique to induce people to perceive colors that weren't really there, targeting early visual areas of the brain. The study showed that associations were learned strongly enough to persist for up to five months.

Certain occupations linked to increased bladder cancer risk

A new analysis of UK workers found a significant association between certain occupations and an increased risk of bladder cancer. The study identified the greatest risk in workers within the chemical, rubber, and dye industries, as well as those in electrical, chemical, and transport roles.

Study finds potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A study published in Cell Reports has found that inhibiting the enzyme cdk4 can prevent and reverse the initial stage of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center used two FDA-approved drugs to inhibit cdk4, significantly reducing hepatic steatosis in mouse models.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

In hot water: Climate change is affecting North American fish

Climate change is altering inland fish reproduction, growth, and habitats, with both positive and negative impacts on recreational fishing. Studies reveal changes in species ranges, migration timing, and predator-prey dynamics, highlighting the need for conservation and research strategies to sustain resilient fish communities.

The switch that could double USB memory

Researchers created a new method to switch strontium cobalt oxide between an insulating state and a metal magnet state at room temperature, enabling double the storage capacity of conventional USB flash drives. This technology could increase mobile phone storage by storing more photos and videos.

The energy spectrum of particles will help make out black holes

Physicists have devised a method to distinguish black holes from compact massive objects using the energy spectrum of particles moving in their vicinity. The method involves studying the behavior of scalar particles near these objects and finding discrete energy levels, which are absent in the case of black holes.

Seniors with undiagnosed hearing loss can become isolated

A UBC study reveals that undiagnosed hearing loss in seniors aged 60-69 is associated with increased social isolation and cognitive declines equivalent to almost four years of chronological aging. The study found a 52% increase in odds of social isolation for every 10-decibel drop in hearing sensitivity.

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.

In making tough decisions, plants weigh the risks

A study found that pea plants choose to grow more roots in a pot with variable nutrient levels when the average level is low, accepting more risk. This decision-making ability allows them to adapt and respond to their environment much like humans or other animals.

Wireless, wearable toxic-gas detector

MIT researchers have developed low-cost chemical sensors that enable smartphones to detect trace amounts of toxic gases. The sensors, made from chemically altered carbon nanotubes, can be worn by soldiers on the battlefield or people working with hazardous chemicals to rapidly detect the presence of chemical weapons.

Survey of 15,000 women and men reveals scale of infertility

A survey of 15,000 women and men in Britain found that nearly half who experienced infertility did not seek medical help. The study also found that those who sought help were more likely to have higher educational qualifications and better job prospects.

In times of great famine, microalgae digest themselves

In times of famine, microalgae switch to efficient metabolism before partially digesting themselves to conserve nutrients. The study reveals the molecular mechanisms behind this process, which also impacts human cancer cells.

Regorafenib shows significant survival gains in refractory liver cancer

The phase III RESORCE trial shows regorafenib achieves improved survival rates compared to placebo in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The study demonstrates significant efficacy and safety benefits of the new agent as a second-line treatment option, providing hope for improved patient outcomes.

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.

Similarities found in bee and mammal social organization

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that genes involved in cellular remodeling are conserved across honey bees and mammals, suggesting a common origin for social behavior. These findings provide insight into the evolution of complex sociality in animals.

A new experimental system sheds light on how memory loss may occur

Researchers have developed a new mouse model to study the role of the entorhinal cortex in spatial memory. The model showed that silencing the entorhinal cortex led to scrambled memory codes and impaired navigation. This study provides insights into how dysfunction of this circuit may contribute to memory loss in Alzheimer's disease.

Seaweeds get sick too when they're stressed

Researchers have discovered that a variety of normally harmless bacteria can cause bleaching disease in seaweeds when stressed. Three new pathogens from the Alteromonas, Aquimarina and Agarivorans genera were identified as the culprits.

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.

Treating diseases at their origin

Scientists at Hokkaido University found that ARL3 facilitates STAT3 transport into the nucleus, regulating gene expression and cell proliferation. This discovery offers promising candidates for novel therapies targeting STAT3-related diseases.

Media not the scapegoat when it comes to teen sex

A meta-analysis of 22 studies found a weak link between media consumption and teen sexual behavior, with parents playing a greater role in shaping moral values. The study suggests that parents should be encouraged to discuss sex with their children, while media may have limited influence on actual behavior.

K. Donald Shelbourne, M.D., inducted into AOSSM Hall of Fame

Dr. K. Donald Shelbourne has made a lasting impact on sports medicine through his work on ACL rehabilitation and long-term outcomes research. He is recognized as one of the pioneers in this field, with over 6,500 successful ACL reconstructions performed.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Scientific breakthrough may limit damage caused by heart attacks

Researchers have identified RBPJ as a key control point for controlling blood vessel growth in the adult heart, which may lead to new treatments for heart disease. The discovery suggests that blocking RBPJ could promote new blood supplies and improve heart attack outcomes.

Federal grant awarded to the Jackson Laboratory for vaccine research

Researchers at Jackson Laboratory aim to develop clinical adjuvants that boost vaccine effectiveness in vulnerable populations, with a focus on elderly and immunosuppressed patients. The $3.4 million grant will support the screening of new adjuvant combinations and investigation into their mechanisms of action.

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.

Fukushima and the oceans: What do we know, 5 years on?

A major international review found that radiation levels in oceans are decreasing, except near the Fukushima plant where ongoing releases remain a concern. The report highlights the need for continued radiation assessment to understand changing risks.

Study pinpoints behavior type linked to binge drinking in young adults

A new psychology study found that the ability to withhold a response to stimuli, or self-control, is a key factor in predicting binge drinking behavior. The study used regression model analysis to measure the impact of different inhibition subcomponents on binge drinking habits among young adults.

Fast fluency: Can we identify quick language learners?

A study by Dr. Chantel Prat and colleagues found that a five-minute measurement of resting-state brain activity can predict how quickly adults pick up a second language. Participants with larger 'beta' networks in their brains learned French twice as quickly, suggesting a link between brain activity and language learning speed.

Adélie penguin population in Antarctica threatened by climate change

The Adélie penguin population in Antarctica is facing significant threats from climate change, with some colonies expected to decline by 30% by 2060 and 60% by 2099. Climate warming in certain regions has led to population declines, while cooling conditions have resulted in stable or increasing populations.

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.

Astronomers release spectacular survey of the distant universe

The Ultra-Deep Survey (UDS) has mapped an area four times the size of the full Moon to unprecedented depth, revealing over 250,000 galaxies detected within the first billion years after the Big Bang. Astronomers will study early stages of galaxy formation and evolution using these images.

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.

Risk of blindness from spine surgery down significantly

The risk of blindness caused by spinal fusion surgery has decreased nearly three-fold since the late 1990s, with an estimated 60% decline over two decades. The study attributes this reduction to advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques and changes in anesthesia practice, such as stricter blood pressure limits during surgery.

Women with BRCA1 gene mutation at higher risk of deadly uterine cancer

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that women with the BRCA1 gene mutation have a significantly higher risk of developing serous endometrial cancer, which has a mortality rate of 50%. The study suggests that women with this genetic mutation should consider removing their uterus along with their ovaries and fallopian tubes. Resear...

Boost needed to keep world below 2°C or 1.5°C: Study

A new study analyzes national climate plans and finds the world is unlikely to meet its 2C warming target. The researchers recommend increasing efforts in solar energy, wind power, forestry, and methane reduction to get on a path towards 2C. However, they also note that the 1.5C goal remains achievable with bolder targets.

Thousands on one chip: New method to study proteins

Researchers at TUM developed a new molecular method to investigate the function of thousands of proteins in parallel. They identified hundreds of previously unknown interactions among proteins using DNA-printed protein arrays, which enabled them to study protein functions more efficiently. The new method has the potential to accelerate...

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.

Electron scavenging to mimic radiation damage

A new study uses electron scavenging to mimic radiation damage in a material called trifluoroacetamide (TFAA), triggering selective reactions and creating specific negative ions. The findings provide insights into the effects of low-energy electrons on biological tissues, potentially leading to better protection methods.

Using gravitational waves to catch runaway black holes

Researchers develop new method to detect and measure black hole superkicks using gravitational waves, which occur when two spinning supermassive black holes collide. eLISA space-based detector expected to detect several runaway black holes upon launch in 2034.

Review article compared over-the-counter nasal dilators

A review article compares over-the-counter mechanical nasal dilators for their ability to dilate the internal nasal valve and improve airflow. The study found that external nasal dilator strips and nasal clips effectively relieve obstruction of the internal nasal valve.

Twisting and turning to target antibiotic resistance

Scientists at Hokkaido University and Duke University discovered the structure of MraY enzyme and its interaction with natural inhibitor MD2. This finding could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs targeting bacteria.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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