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Science News for June 24, 2016


Study on a novel fault diagnosis method of rolling bearing in motor

A novel fault diagnosis method using resonance-based sparse signal decomposition and principal component analysis is proposed to diagnose early faults of rolling bearings. The experimental results show that the proposed method quickly discerns faulty elements, improving diagnostic accuracy.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalRecent Patents on Mechanical Engineering·DateJun 24, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Where do rubber trees get their rubber?

Researchers have successfully sequenced the genome of Hevea brasiliensis, the natural rubber tree, uncovering key genes responsible for its unique properties. The study identifies a cluster of genes related to rubber biosynthesis and disease resistance, which may contribute to the tree's high latex production.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 24, 2016

Beach replenishment helps protect against storm erosion during El Niño

A study by researchers at University of California - San Diego suggests that a larger sand grain size improves nourishment performance. Beaches with coarser sand experienced less erosion during El Niñ events, highlighting the importance of this factor in effective beach replenishment efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 24, 2016

The use of non-fit messaging may improve patient choices

Researchers found that non-fit messaging can reduce certain biases in patient decision-making, leading to more thoughtful and informed choices. The intervention strategy is based on motivational theory and has shown promise in improving patient outcomes.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 24, 2016

KAIST participates in summer Davos Forum 2016 in China

At the Summer Davos Forum 2016, three KAIST professors discussed the Fourth Industrial Revolution's impact on biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics. They explored opportunities and challenges in machine learning and autonomous robotics. The event highlighted KAIST's research excellence and global participation.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateJun 24, 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.

Arsenic accumulates in the nuclei of plants' cells

Researchers have discovered that arsenic accumulates in the nuclei of plants' cells at low concentrations, impairing photosynthesis. The toxic metalloid can cause genetic damage by replacing phosphorus in genes.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJun 24, 2016

Scientists begin modeling universe with Einstein's full theory of general relativity

Researchers use new computer codes to create accurate models of the universe and its contents, shedding light on the evolution of the universe and the growth of structure within it. The study confirms that small-scale structures produce significant effects on larger distance scales, providing new insights into gravity and cosmology.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 24, 2016

ASHG honors CCGF and Senator James Cowan with Advocacy Award

The Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness (CCGF) and Senator James Cowan will receive the ASHG Advocacy Award for their work on a bill preventing genetic discrimination in Canada. The award recognizes their efforts to pass legislation protecting individuals from genetic testing and discrimination.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJun 24, 2016
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.

Researchers offer new theory on how climate affects violence

The CLASH model suggests that hot climates with less temperature variation lead to a faster life strategy, less focus on the future, and less self-control, contributing to more aggression and violence. Researchers believe their model can help explain the impact of climate on rates of violence in different parts of the world.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBehavioral and Brain Sciences·DateJun 24, 2016

Small brain -- astounding performance

Researchers found that the elephantnose fish switches between electrical and visual senses for optimal perception, with its brain prioritizing reliable information. The fish demonstrated unexpected abilities, such as trusting electrical signals over visual stimuli at close range, and using a combination of senses for distant objects.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2016

Hairs, feathers and scales have a lot in common!

Researchers demonstrate that hairs, feathers and scales share a common evolutionary origin, developing from placodes with similar molecular signatures. The study provides new insights into the evolution of skin appendages and their diversity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 2016

Research connects discrimination, thoughts of death among African-Americans

A University of Houston study found that more than one-third of African-American youth experience death ideation after racial discrimination, which can be a predictor of suicide. The research suggests implementing adaptive coping methods, such as journaling and talking to parents or friends, to support children affected by discrimination.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateJun 24, 2016

Cross talk between hormone receptors has unexpected effects

Researchers discovered that progesterone receptor dramatically alters how estrogen receptors interact with cell's DNA, leading to inhibition of cellular proliferation and metastasis. Combining tamoxifen with a progestin antagonist showed added benefit in shrinking tumors.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 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.

Beneficial bacteria may protect breasts from cancer

Research suggests that beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Streptococcus may protect women from breast cancer by inducing anticarcinogenic properties. Probiotics could be a potential tool to boost these beneficial bacteria, potentially lowering the risk of breast cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 24, 2016

Coal to solar: Retraining the energy workforce

A new study suggests that coal workers' transferable skills, such as mechanical and electrical expertise, can be applied to the growing solar energy sector. The research estimates that the solar industry can absorb layoffs from the coal industry over the next 15 years.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnergy Economics·DateJun 24, 2016

Neonicotinoid pesticides cause harm to honeybees

Researchers at Mainz University discovered a new mechanism of neonicotinoids harming honeybees by reducing acetylcholine in royal jelly/larval food. High doses of neonicotinoids damage microchannels, jeopardizing normal development and survival.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 24, 2016

Amber fossils reveal ancient insect camouflage behavior

Fossil record reveals ancient insect behavior of debris-carrying and camouflage, providing insight into early evolution. Convergent evolution led to diverse adaptations in morphological characteristics.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 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.

Intervening during scar process could help cardiac patients, reviewers say

A review paper published in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery suggests targeting non-muscle cells in the heart responsible for cardiac scarring could lead to new treatments for heart disease. Scientists aim to utilize natural reparative processes of fibroblasts to modify scar tissue properties.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Reviews Drug Discovery·DateJun 24, 2016

New devices causing 'paradigm shift' in stroke care

Stent retrievers effectively reverse strokes by removing gelatinous blood clots, outperforming intravenous drug tPA in reducing disability. The devices will impact stroke systems of care and treatment location, routing higher severity patients to centers capable of neuroendovascular procedures.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalExpert Review of Neurotherapeutics·DateJun 24, 2016

Siberian larch forests are still linked to the ice age

A new study reveals that Siberian larch forests are still thriving in the Northern Russian permafrost despite rising temperatures, indicating a slow adaptation process that can take thousands of years. The research suggests that colder ice ages have delayed vegetation adaptation to warmer climate periods.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2016

MicroRNAs identified as novel targets for treating asthma

Researchers have identified specific microRNAs that play a crucial role in inducing asthma, providing a potential new target for treatment. The findings suggest that regulating these miRNAs could represent a novel therapeutic approach for asthma.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJun 24, 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.

'Amazing protein diversity' is discovered in the maize plant

Researchers found a vast array of previously unknown RNA transcripts and alternative splicing patterns, revealing new functional parts of the maize gene. This discovery has great importance for agriculture, as it can help breed corn to adapt to climate changes.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2016

Relationship quality tied to good health for young adults

A recent study by Ashley Barr found that high-quality relationships are associated with improved physical and mental health in young adults. The longer individuals stay in high-quality relationships or quickly exit low-quality ones, the better their overall health. Low-quality relationships have detrimental effects on health.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJun 24, 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.

What did Earth's ancient magnetic field look like?

New research suggests that Earth's ancient magnetic field had multiple poles and fluctuated wildly in terms of intensity. The findings propose a new hypothesis for the solidification of the inner core and its impact on the magnetic field.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 24, 2016

Molecular scissors help evolutionary investigation

Scientists at KIT discovered that the synchronized repair of two single-strand breaks consistently leads to tandem duplications of shorter sequences near the break locations. Using CRISPR/Cas system like molecular scissors, they found a new mechanism for the formation of tandem repeat DNA sequences in plant genomes.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2016

How does climate affect violence? Researchers offer new theory

Researchers have developed a new model called CLASH that suggests hot climates with less seasonal variation lead to more aggression and violence. This is due to a faster life strategy, reduced focus on the future, and decreased self-control, resulting in quicker reactions and increased aggression.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalBehavioral and Brain Sciences·DateJun 24, 2016

Genetic signatures expose drug susceptibility in breast cancer cells

Researchers identified unique genetic signatures in four human breast cancer cell types, which can be used to tailor therapies using combinations of targeted drugs. The study found that targeting multiple driving oncogenes with lower doses reduces side effects and increases effectiveness.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJun 24, 2016

NIH-funded drug abuse program explores problems such as racism, incarceration

A novel substance abuse treatment program, Community Wise, targets marginalized populations in impoverished neighborhoods with high retention rates and reduced substance use. The NIH-funded study aims to create an efficient and effective program with a targeted delivery cost of $250 per client.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJun 24, 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.

Depression decreases adherence to COPD maintenance medications

A recent study found that depression decreases adherence to COPD maintenance medications in older adults, with average monthly adherence peaking at 57% and decreasing to 25% within six months. Clinicians should be aware of the development of depression in newly-diagnosed patients with COPD.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJun 24, 2016

'Flower Power': Photovoltaic cells replicate rose petals

Researchers at KIT replicated the structure of rose petal epidermal cells to improve light-harvesting and generate more power. The transparent replica integrated into an organic solar cell resulted in a 12% efficiency gain, making it a promising approach for future solar cells.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 24, 2016

Faster detection of pathogens in the lungs

Researchers have developed a new method to detect mycobacterial pathogens directly from patient samples using genetic analysis, reducing detection time to 1-2 days. The new method was found to be equally accurate as traditional culture-based techniques and can also detect resistance to standard medicines.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJun 24, 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.

Tiny algae ideal for sniffing out nutrient pollution in water

Researchers at Drexel University discovered that diatom species composition can be correlated with New Jersey water quality standards, making them an efficient indicator of nutrient levels. The team created the diatom biological condition gradient (BCG) scale, which provides a clear and comprehensive picture of water quality.

SourceDrexel University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 24, 2016

Eyewitnesses who collaborate make fewer mistakes in police interview

Research by VU Amsterdam found that witnesses interviewed together made fewer errors than those interviewed separately, contradicting previous studies on witness contamination. The study showed that effective communication styles among witnesses led to better recall of information.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalLegal and Criminological Psychology·DateJun 24, 2016

Top story for cancer research

A team of researchers at KIT developed a 3D model for prostate cancer research using cryogels, which can replicate natural processes and examine tumor development. The model has been recognized as the top story on Prostate Cell News.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalSmall·DateJun 24, 2016

Energy from sunlight: Further steps towards artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at the University of Basel and Zurich have successfully reproduced one of natural photosynthesis' key phases with artificial molecules. They stored two negative charges for 870 nanoseconds, paving the way to harnessing sunlight into chemical energy.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 24, 2016

Female blue tits sing in the face of danger

Researchers found that female blue tits sing when faced with danger, singing patterns resembling those of males. The birds' vocalizations may serve as a warning signal or indicate stress and the ability to escape.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Ornithology·DateJun 24, 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.

Insects were already using camouflage 100 million years ago

Researchers analyzed amber fossils of Cretaceous insects, finding complex camouflage strategies dating back over 100 million years. Insects employed plant residue, grains of sand, and even prey remains to blend in with their surroundings.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 2016