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Science News Archive June 2016


Page 38 of 40

How to price goods and service bundles

Researchers Meyer and Shankar develop an analytical model to calculate the optimal price for hybrid bundles, considering factors such as element quality, cost, and scalability. The study finds that retailers can increase profits by pricing services higher when they are less scalable than goods.

Bionic leaf turns sunlight into liquid fuel

A new system uses solar energy to split water molecules and hydrogen-eating bacteria, producing liquid fuels with improved efficiency. The 'bionic leaf' technology has the potential to be incredibly versatile, making any downstream carbon-based molecule.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

International trial changing standard of care for advanced breast cancer

An international clinical trial led by University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) professor Atilla Soran found that surgery to remove the primary tumor followed by standard therapy adds months to patients' lives compared to standard therapy alone. Surgery resulted in nearly 42% of women living to five years after diagnosis.

Prodding leukemia cells with nanoprobes could provide cancer clues

Leukemia cells exhibit stiffer mechanical signatures compared to healthy cells. The study suggests that these mechanical data can be used to grade the loss of cell mechanical functions depending on leukemia progression. This approach may aid in cancer diagnosis and provide insights into disease evolution

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Healing function of sweat glands declines with age

Researchers found that sweat glands contribute less cells to wound closure in elderly skin, leading to delayed healing and thinner repaired epidermis. Chronic sun exposure damages skin structures supporting sweat glands, highlighting the importance of sunscreen use.

New radio map of Jupiter reveals what's beneath colorful clouds

Astronomers have produced the most detailed radio map yet of Jupiter's atmosphere, revealing massive movement of ammonia gas that underlies colorful bands and whirling clouds. The study sheds light on global circulation and cloud formation driven by Jupiter's internal heat source.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer cells become more aggressive from fat storage

Researchers at Lund University discovered that cancer cells can accumulate fat droplets, making them more aggressive and increasing their ability to spread. The fat serves as fuel for the stressed cells, allowing them to grow and spread.

More adults accept and have had same-sex experiences

A study by San Diego State University found that adults in the US have had at least one same-sex experience, with a doubling of such experiences since the 1990s. Acceptance of same-sex sexuality has increased among all generations, with Millennials being the most accepting.

Slowing of landslide flows reflects California's drying climate

Researchers captured a region-wide snapshot of slow-moving landslides in the Eel River Basin, which slowed by half between 2009 and 2015 due to unprecedented drought. The study provides vital data for forecasting how landslides will respond to climate change.

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.

New measurement technique shows link between T-cells and aging

Researchers developed a novel technique called iTAST to measure T-cell affinity, finding a correlation between aging and reduced effectiveness in fighting hepatitis C virus. This breakthrough could expedite scientific discoveries and improve immunotherapy and vaccine development.

Shift work unwinds body clocks, leading to more severe strokes

Research by Texas A&M University scientists found that shift workers are more prone to severe ischemic strokes due to disrupted circadian rhythms. Estrogen levels may play a role in protecting women from stroke severity, but men face increased risks, especially after age 50.

New €5 million project to transform care for multimorbid patients launched

A new €5 million European project aims to transform care for patients with multimorbid chronic conditions by developing a cloud-based system called C3-Cloud. The system will enable personalized treatment plans and improve coordination of care among hospitals, general practitioners, and social care organizations.

New approach to nuclear structure, freely available

A new approach to nuclear structure calculations uses relative coordinates to describe quantum mechanical states of nuclei, reducing complexity and computational power required. This method enables other groups to perform their own nuclear structure calculations with limited resources.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Outlining a strategy for supermarket coupons

A study analyzing 893 targeted coupon promotions found that reward coupons for loyal customers yield higher redemption rates than cross-category discounts. Retailers should promote brands in categories consumers frequently buy and are already purchasing, offering relatively smaller discounts.

First gene mutation explaining development of multiple sclerosis found

Researchers have identified a gene mutation that can directly cause the development of multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease affecting 2 million worldwide. The mutation in NR1H3 gene leads to loss of function of its protein product LXRA, controlling lipid homeostasis and inflammation.

Antarctic coastline images reveal 4 decades of ice loss to ocean

A study of Antarctic coastline images reveals a 40-year record of ice loss to the ocean, with approximately 1000km2 of ice lost over the past four decades. The research team used satellite data to track changes in ice thickness and thinning rates along West Antarctica's coastline.

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.

State of the art management of aortic disease

The June 2016 issue of Vascular Medicine explores the latest developments on aortic disease, medical technological advances, and treatment options. Original research articles and reviews highlight the mechanisms of aortic pathology and novel indices for thoracic aortic size.

'Jumping gene' took peppered moths to the dark side

A 'jumping gene' mutation, a type of transposable element, is responsible for the dark form of peppered moths that emerged during Britain's industrial revolution. The mutation was independently dated to around 1819 and is consistent with historical records.

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.

Seaweed could potentially help fight food allergies

Scientists have found that a type of commercial red algae may help counteract food allergies in mice. The researchers isolated polysaccharides from the seaweed and fed them to mice with a severe shellfish allergy, resulting in reduced allergy symptoms.

The organizer of body axes

Researchers have found a blastoporal organizer in sea anemone embryos, using the same signaling molecules as vertebrate organizers. This principle existed in the common ancestor of vertebrates and sea anemones over 600 million years ago.

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.

Scientists pioneer new method to classify praying mantises

Scientists have developed a new method to classify praying mantises by analyzing female genital characters. The research identified a new species from Madagascar and resurrected the genus Ilomantis, which was previously extinct. The discovery is significant as it sets a precedent for using female specimens in insect classification.

NASA satellite finds unreported sources of toxic air pollution

Scientists discovered 39 unreported and significant sources of toxic sulfur dioxide emissions using a new satellite-based method. The data reveals that these sources account for about 12 percent of all human-made emissions, impacting regional air quality significantly.

For women, barriers to physical activity can vary by weight

Researchers found that women face a range of barriers to physical activity, including physical challenges and psychological concerns, which vary by weight. A new study suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective in helping women become more physically active.

Research examines the social benefits of getting into someone else's head

A new study published in Motivation and Emotion found that individuals high in mind-reading motivation exhibit better teamwork, have nuanced understandings of others, and are drawn to messages from identifiable sources. This construct, developed by Melanie Green and colleagues, has implications for advertising and relationships.

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.

How green and cool roofs could impact urban climate

Researchers found that green and cool roofs can lower roof temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius, reducing the urban heat island effect in cities like Chicago. This could lead to reduced energy use, air quality improvements, and mitigating the impact of climate variability.

Purdue, CU-Boulder study shows how comets break up, make up

A new study suggests that comets like 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko may undergo a repeating process of breaking up and reuniting, driven by spinning dynamics. The research team used numerical models to simulate the past life of 67P, predicting exactly where cracks would form on its neck.

Health concerns about global baby formula boom

A global increase in baby formula sales, especially in East Asia, raises concerns about the health of millions of mothers and their children. The study highlights the need for governments to regulate marketing and ensure supportive work policies for breastfeeding mothers.

Radar, bed sensors help health providers detect problems early

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed radar and bed sensor technologies that monitor walking speed and heart rate to detect early signs of illness. These non-invasive systems provide significant benefits for older adults, allowing for timely intervention before health problems become severe.

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.

A vision for revamping neuroscience education

Experts in neuroscience education call for reinvestment in graduate training to prepare students for the challenges of brain science and disease. The paper proposes creating two types of training programs: those that extend traditional neuroscience training and those that engage students with backgrounds in other disciplines.

Imaging biomarker distinguishes prostate cancer tumor grade

A University of California San Diego study describes a new imaging biomarker that enhances MRI to differentiate aggressive prostate cancer from low-grade or benign tumors. The technology, called restriction spectrum imaging (RSI), allows for non-invasive detection and prediction of tumor grade without biopsy.

Gender gap discovered in science exam performance

A study by Arizona State University researchers found that female and low-socioeconomic status students struggle on exams requiring critical thinking, despite equal academic ability. The researchers recommend using active learning practices to close the gap and suggest further studies are needed to understand the phenomenon.

Americans accept and engage in same-sex behaviors more than ever

A large study found that same-sex sexual experience has doubled, while acceptance of same-sex behavior quadrupled among American adults between 1973 and 2014. These trends are particularly pronounced among younger generations, with Millennials exhibiting greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Spotlight on fair wages

A new study challenges common industry claims that introducing a national living wage would result in excessive costs and job losses. Instead, it finds that including incentives can have a positive impact on productivity, particularly in service sectors.

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.

New devices, wearable system aim to predict, prevent asthma attacks

Researchers developed a wearable system called Health and Environmental Tracker (HET) to monitor users' environment, heart rate, and other physical attributes to predict and prevent asthma attacks. The system uses novel sensing devices, including a spirometer, to track lung function and feed data into the system.

Brainwaves could be the next health vital sign

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed a simple way to measure brain health over time using non-invasive electrodes, tracking the brain's electrical activity for key functions. This breakthrough technology makes it possible to translate complex brainwaves into objective and practical brain vital signs.

Long-term marijuana use associated with periodontal disease

Cannabis use for up to 20 years was associated with poorer periodontal health at age 38, while not linked to lung function, systemic inflammation, or metabolic health. Other analyses found cannabis users brushed and flossed less and were more likely to be dependent on alcohol.

Nanocars taken for a rough ride

Researchers at Rice University tested nanocars in ambient conditions, finding they stuck to surfaces due to hydrophobicity. The vehicles slowed down as molecules absorbed from the air created obstacles that acted like sticky foam, eventually trapping them.

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 art and science of promotional pricing

A small price provides a comparative evaluation, making the upgrade more attractive to consumers. In studies, participants chose minimally more expensive upgrades over free ones, highlighting the value of token pricing in product sales.

Actuators inspired by muscle

Researchers developed an actuator that mimics the movement of skeletal muscles using vacuum power, generating movements similar to those of real muscles. The actuators are soft, shock-absorbing, and pose no danger to their environment or humans working alongside them.

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.

Street lighting disrupts pollinating moths

Research reveals that street lights change moth behavior, causing them to shift from vegetation level to lamp-post height, disrupting night-time pollination. Moth populations play a crucial role in plant pollination, and their decline could have significant effects on ecosystems.