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Science News Archive June 2016


Page 4 of 40

How a low-calorie diet could extend lifespan

A recent study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that calorie restriction can help delay age-related disorders. The researchers discovered that mice on low-calorie diets had reduced oxidative stress, improved lipid metabolism, and altered gut-microbial metabolites compared to those on high-calorie diets.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New clues about the aging brain's memory functions

A European study led by Umea University Professor Lars Nyberg found a positive link between the dopamine D2 receptor and long-term episodic memory, which often declines with age. The research suggests that impairment of the dopamine system may play a crucial role in understanding age-related cognitive decline.

Vaccine against Zika virus tested successfully in mice

A vaccine developed by Brazilian and US researchers has been successfully tested in mice trials, preventing viral replication and inducing a protective immune response. The vaccine targets the premembrane protein and external envelope protein of Zika virus, offering hope for humans in the near future.

Researchers develop key power-splitting component for terahertz waves

Brown University researchers have developed a variable broadband power splitter for terahertz radiation, which could enable data transfer up to 100 times faster than current cellular and Wi-Fi networks. The device can split signals into multiple channels with varying power levels, making it suitable for use in terahertz routers.

Synthesized microporous 3-D graphene-like carbons

The IBS team developed a novel approach to synthesize carbon nanostructures by embedding lanthanum ions in zeolite pores, resulting in graphene-like materials with high electrical conductivity. This efficient synthesis strategy enables the scalable production of carbon nanostructures for various applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

It's not easy being green -- what colors tell us about galaxy evolution

Researchers used computer modeling to investigate galaxy colors and their relation to evolution. They found that rare green galaxies are likely at a critical stage of transformation from blue to red as they age. The study suggests that these galaxies' unique colors can provide insights into the processes driving their evolution.

Queen's researcher finds truth to age-old maxim 'work hard, play hard'

A study published in The Open Psychology Journal found a strong correlation between motivation to work and attraction to leisure. Researchers discovered three distinct groupings of individuals based on their strongest motivational factors, suggesting that the 'work hard, play hard' motivation could serve an evolutionary purpose.

Penguin population could drop 60 percent by end of the century

Climate change is projected to lead to a 60% decline in Adélie penguin populations by the end of the century, with some areas already experiencing population declines. The study suggests that refugia, or areas with relatively unaltered climate, may exist beyond 2099 and buffer a species-wide decline.

New method detects telomere length for research into cancer, aging

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new method to detect telomere length, which can influence cancer progression and aging. The new approach uses non-radioactive probes, increasing sensitivity and stability, and may help slow or stop cancer cell growth.

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.

Ocean acidification affects predator-prey response

A study by University of California - Davis found that ocean acidification makes it harder for sea snails to escape from predatory sea stars. Lower pH levels impaired the snails' ability to sense and respond to the predators, with a tipping point at pH levels as low as 7.1.

NASA sees heavy rain in Arabian Sea tropical cyclone

A powerful tropical depression was weakening over the Arabian Sea, with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots. Heavy rainfall rates of over 8.2 inches per hour were recorded southwest of the storm's center, indicating a severe weather system.

Viral protein silences immune alarm signals

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discovered a novel mechanism by which viruses shut down alarm signals that trigger immune responses. By trapping an important signaling molecule inside the cell nucleus, viral protein VII prevents it from sounding an alarm to the immune system.

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.

Vision through the clouds

Researchers at Technical University of Munich develop a helmet-mounted display that combines terrain information with sensor readings to enhance helicopter flight in poor weather conditions. The technology improves pilot performance and reduces stress symptoms.

El Niño could drive intense season for Amazon fires

Reduced rainfall during El Niño events leads to severe drought conditions, increasing the risk of fires during the dry season. The Amazon fire forecast uses climate and active fire detection data to predict fire severity.

Breakthrough in brain cancer research made by Newcastle experts

Scientists at Newcastle University have made a groundbreaking discovery that brain tumour cells use fats to make energy, not sugars as previously believed. This new understanding has significant implications for developing treatments for glioma, the most common form of primary malignant brain tumour.

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.

Zika virus infection may be prolonged in pregnancy

Research funded by NIAID found that Zika virus lingers in pregnant animals for at least 57 days, but provides immunity against future infections. Non-pregnant monkeys cleared the virus within 10 days of infection.

OSIRIS-REx gears up for 3-D mapping on the fly

The OSIRIS-REx mission will generate detailed maps of asteroid Bennu using data from its five instruments, enabling the selection of a suitable sampling site. The team will also develop a new 3D shape model capturing the asteroid's irregular shape and create routine operation maps for navigation and sampling.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Allergy-causing 'bad guy' cells unexpectedly prove life-saving in C. difficile

Researchers at UVA Health System identified a link between C. difficile infection and allergy-causing immune cells, offering potential solutions for prevention through targeted probiotics. The discovery has immediate implications for therapy, as maintaining the natural gut microbiome may prevent life-threatening infections.

Make no mistake, revenge is (bitter)sweet, study confirms

New research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that revenge is not just bitter, but also sweet, with people experiencing both positive and negative emotions. The study used three experiments involving over 600 participants to explore the emotional consequences of revenge.

Plutons, swarms, geothermal energy, and active margins in transition

Two new Geosphere articles reveal the geological history of a major ignimbrite flare-up in the Central Andes, providing insights into the formation of geothermal energy resources. Researchers also study a distinct style of arc volcanism linked to slab-rollback and its impact on continental margins.

The large-scale stability of chromosomes

Researchers used computer simulations to model chromosomes and found that reorganization occurs only on small spatial scales and short time scales. The study aims to develop new methodologies for visualizing genome distances smaller than 0.1 Mbp, improving our understanding of chromatin behavior during interphase.

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.

Watching a forest breathe

Researchers obtained detailed measurements of carbon exchange in a temperate deciduous forest, revealing that trees exhale less CO2 during the day than previously thought. The study confirmed that forest photosynthesis doesn't decline over the course of summer, contrary to conventional wisdom used in climate models.

Overweight youths at greater risk for heart failure

A high BMI in youth increases the risk of heart failure, even after adjusting for recent weight changes. Stable weight throughout life may be the best approach to reduce this risk. Excessive weight at a young age puts individuals at a far higher risk of heart failure compared to maintaining a healthy weight.

Shaping drops: Control over stiction and wetting

Researchers have created a surface with switchable wetting and adhesion using a single layer of boron nitride. The surface can be made water-repellent or wettable by applying an electrical voltage, opening up potential applications in daily life and space travel.

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.

Testing for malaria -- or cancer -- at home, via cheap paper strips

Researchers have developed paper strips that can detect diseases like cancer and malaria at home using a cost of 50 cents per strip. These tests are accurate even after a month and can be sent via mail, making them ideal for rural communities where access to healthcare is limited.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

The irony of awkward

A recent study published in Developmental Psychology found that individuals who engage in problematic media, such as violent video games, gambling, or pornography, become more withdrawn over time. The research suggests that avoidant individuals are particularly at risk for negative outcomes, including depression and crime, when they co...

Unlocking the secrets of nerve regeneration

Researchers discovered that cutting parallel fibres in normal mice results in three distinct phases of degeneration, hypertrophy, and remodelling. In contrast, mice lacking the GluD2 receptor remain stuck in the degenerative phase. This suggests that GluD2 plays a crucial role in regulating nerve regeneration.

Everolimus R-CHOP combination safe for treating diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Researchers have successfully combined everolimus with the standard R-CHOP regimen for new, untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients. The treatment achieved a 96% overall response rate and no dose-limiting toxicity was observed, indicating potential benefits in increasing cure rates and improving patient outcomes.

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.

A drop of water as a model for the interplay of adhesion and stiction

Researchers developed an electrically switchable nanomesh that alters the contact angle of a drop of liquid, enabling precise control over adhesion and stiction. This breakthrough has potential applications in biology and technology, including controlling cell movement and flow resistance in capillary pumps.

Saved by the sun

A new solar-powered oxygen delivery system, developed by UAlberta, is providing concentrated oxygen to children with severe pneumonia in Ugandan hospitals. The system, which uses solar energy and batteries, has shown to be as effective as conventional oxygen delivery methods.

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.

Ovarian cancer study provides painstaking look at inner workings of tumors

Scientists analyzed 169 ovarian cancer tumors to identify key proteins, revealing new molecular events in high-grade serous carcinoma. This proteogenomics approach combines genomic and proteomic data to improve understanding of the disease, with potential applications for precision medicine and pharmaceutical interventions.

Stem cell treatment for Lou Gehrig's disease may be safe

Researchers found that transplanting human stem cells into the spinal cord was done safely, but did not slow down the progression of the disease. The treatment resulted in temporary side effects, including pain and swelling, but no conclusive evidence of effectiveness was found.

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.

No need in supercomputers

A team of Russian physicists used a personal computer with GPU to solve complicated integral equations of quantum mechanics, previously only solvable with expensive supercomputers. They achieved speeds up to 15 minutes for calculations that took days on supercomputers.

New research shows vaccine protection against Zika virus

A new study published in Nature demonstrates complete protection against the Zika virus in mice using two different vaccine candidates. The researchers showed that a single dose of either a DNA vaccine or a purified inactivated virus vaccine provides complete protection, similar to existing vaccines for other flaviviruses.

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.

Video privacy software lets you select what others can see

Computer scientists at Duke University have developed software that allows users to specify what others can see on camera, preventing inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information. The researchers presented a system that enables users to select the part of a scene they want to share, either by hand or with a few clicks.

Tampon makers could help reduce violence against women

Tampon manufacturers could dedicate a portion of their revenues to support public health programs preventing domestic and sexual violence, affecting over a billion women globally. Effective strategies have been identified but remain underfunded due to stigma.

Methylene blue shows promise for improving short-term memory

A new study found that methylene blue increased response in brain areas controlling short-term memory and attention, leading to improved reaction times and memory retrieval. The results suggest that methylene blue can regulate certain brain networks related to sustained attention and short-term memory after a single oral low dose.