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Science News Archive June 2016 - Page 2


Page 2 of 40

Freddie H. Fu, MD, inducted into AOSSM Hall of Fame

Dr. Freddie H. Fu, MD, has been inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's (AOSSM) Hall of Fame for his substantial contributions to the field of sports medicine. Dr. Fu is a renowned expert in anatomic ACL reconstruction and bioengineering of sports-related problems.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJun 30, 2016

Scientist's math formula offers improved yield for flour milling

A new mathematical formula developed by Professor Grant Campbell could lead to increased yields of nutritious flour. By understanding the breakage characteristics of hard and soft wheats, plant breeders may be able to cross-breed new wheat strains with improved flour quality.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Food Engineering·DateJun 30, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What does the sperm whale say?

Researchers discovered that sperm whales use distinct tapping sounds to convey individual messages, similar to Morse code, allowing them to identify themselves and coordinate actions. The most communicative whale accounted for 294 of the recorded codas, sparking interest in learning more about its unique behavior.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJun 30, 2016

The role played by solvents at extreme pressure

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Technische Universität Dortmund used infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations to analyze the behavior of TMAO at high pressure. They found that some bands shifted to higher frequencies, while individual peaks changed their form, indicating a change in molecular structure.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2016

Smartphone apps not so smart at helping users avoid or achieve pregnancy

A review of nearly 100 fertility awareness apps found that most don't employ evidence-based methodology, and many include disclaimers discouraging use for avoiding pregnancy. Only six apps scored high on accuracy, with those requiring training in FABMs performing better.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJun 30, 2016

Gene mutation 'hotspots' linked to better breast cancer outcomes

Researchers have discovered a positive correlation between gene mutation 'hotspots' and better breast cancer outcomes, including lower tumor invasiveness and longer patient survival. These findings could inform prognosis and help identify patients who would best respond to immunotherapy and other treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 30, 2016

New research may help to develop effective pain killers

A team of FAU researchers has discovered a substance called capsazepine that activates the mustard oil receptor, leading to reduced inflammation and sensitivity in nociceptors. This breakthrough could lead to the development of highly effective painkillers for diseases such as joint arthrosis and chronic pancreatitis.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 30, 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.

New technology helps ID aggressive early breast cancer

Researchers developed biomarker ratio imaging microscopy (BRIM) to differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The technique combines traditional pathology and mathematical analysis, identifying biomarkers that can indicate the potential for cancer to become invasive.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 30, 2016

Antidiabetic effects discovered in the appetite hormone CART

Researchers found CART hormone increases insulin secretion and decreases glucagon production, a potential target for new type 2 diabetes drugs. CART is overexpressed in human type 2 diabetic islets, suggesting a link between glucose levels and hormone production.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 30, 2016

Fetal surgery stands to advance from new glues inspired by mussels

Researchers have developed novel adhesives inspired by mussels to seal fetal membranes after in-utero surgery, reducing the risk of premature labor and delivery. The new glue works in wet environments, a significant improvement over existing adhesives.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJun 30, 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.

Climate change's effect on Rocky Mountain plant is driven by sex

A UCI study reveals that climate change is altering the growth patterns of male and female Valeriana edulis over elevation in the Colorado Rockies. The shift in sex ratios allows female plants to successfully produce more seeds, while males become more common at higher elevations.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2016

New therapy treats autoimmune disease without harming normal immunity

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new therapy that selectively targets antibody-producing cells causing autoimmune disease, without harming the rest of the immune system. The treatment uses engineered T cells with an artificial receptor to bind to and destroy harmful B cells producing antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2016

Jupiter on a bench

Researchers at Harvard University observed evidence of Jupiter's hydrogen transitioning into liquid metal, a key to the planet's powerful magnetic field. The findings could revolutionize rocketry and energy science, as well as our understanding of solar system origins.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJun 30, 2016

Ocean circulation implicated in past abrupt climate changes

New evidence suggests that ocean circulation slowed during every one of the temperature plunges in the Northern Hemisphere during the last ice age, contributing to abrupt climate changes. This finding supports the view that changes in ocean circulation were responsible for causing these events.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 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.

Does discrimination increase drinking?

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a significant link between discrimination and heavy drinking among minority groups. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, analyzed 97 peer-reviewed studies that showed a clear connection between racism, sexism, and homophobia and increased alcohol abuse.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 30, 2016

Researchers discover first sleeper goby cavefish in Western Hemisphere

The Oaxaca Cave Sleeper is a new genus of cavefish discovered in Mexico, marking the first time such a species has been found in the Western Hemisphere. With only 13 individuals documented, this species highlights the vulnerability of cave-adapted fish due to habitat loss and environmental threats.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalCopeia·DateJun 30, 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.

The start of 'healing' for the Antarctic ozone hole?

A new study reports that the ozone hole over Antarctica is starting to 'heal' with a noticeable increase in ozone levels, following nearly three decades of depletion. The Montreal Protocol's phase-out of ozone-depleting substances has slowed the rate of decline and led to an identifiable ozone increase.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2016
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.

Need skills? Corporate volunteering programs not always best place to acquire them

A study of Google, Cisco, Cognizant, and Fidelity employees found that skill improvements in areas like leadership, mentorship, and public speaking were linked to personal characteristics and the volunteering experience. Volunteers who had more opportunities to practice skills while volunteering showed greater improvement.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 30, 2016

Artificial pancreas likely to be available by 2018

The artificial pancreas, a device monitoring blood glucose levels and automatically adjusting insulin doses, is nearing availability. Clinical trials have shown effective glucose control with reduced risk of hypoglycaemia, but challenges remain in addressing speed of action and cybersecurity concerns.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 30, 2016

Saint Louis University to conduct Zika research

Researchers will study immune responses of 200 volunteers with diagnosed or symptomatic Zika, analyzing blood specimens to understand body's response. Understanding natural history and immune system could identify targets for treatments and vaccines.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateJun 30, 2016

Gene amplification -- the fast track to infection

Researchers discovered that bacteria can amplify disease-inducing genes to quickly cause infection. The study found that the essential proteins needed to form the poisonous syringe are produced through a 'copying machine' when the bacteria come into contact with host cells, enabling rapid infection.

SourceUmea University·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2016

USC researchers use gelatin instead of the gym to grow stronger muscles

Researchers at USC have developed a new method to grow stronger muscles using gelatin instead of traditional methods. The 'muscles-on-a-chip' technology has shown promising results in studying human muscle development and disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 30, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Infant bodies were 'prized' by 19th century anatomists, study suggests

Historical research reveals that foetus and infant cadavers were valued by anatomists for studying growth and development, often kept in museums. Researchers found that anatomists preserved the skulls of infants intact to use as teaching aids, differing from adult cadavers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateJun 30, 2016

Air pollution linked to increased rates of kidney disease

A study found that regions in China with high levels of fine particulate air pollution have elevated rates of membranous nephropathy, an immune disorder of the kidneys. The likelihood of developing membranous nephropathy increased by 13% annually over 11 years.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 30, 2016

New insight into the most common genetic cause of ALS and FTD

Scientists from the University of Sheffield have discovered a novel function of the C9orf72 protein, which is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The study found that the C9orf72 protein regulates the initiation of autophagy, a vital process for nerve cell survival.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJun 30, 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.

Scientists discover maleness gene in malaria mosquitoes

Researchers isolated Yob, a gene that determines male sex in African malaria mosquito species, and found it has detrimental effects on females. The discovery may lead to genetic control methods for malaria control, offering an alternative to insecticides.

SourceThe Pirbright Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2016

Falls in months before surgery are common in adults of all ages

A large study of 15,000 adults found that falling up to six months before surgery is common and linked to lower quality of life and increased risk of injury. The frequency of falls among middle-aged patients was similar to those aged 65+, suggesting that a history of falls may be a powerful tool in assessing overall health.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJun 30, 2016

Researchers identify calorie-burning pathway in fat cells

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a natural molecular pathway that enables brown and beige fat cells to burn calories as heat rather than store them as fat. The discovery raises the possibility of a new approach to treating obesity, diabetes, and other related metabolic disorders.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 30, 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.

For frigate birds, staying aloft for months is a breeze

Frigate birds exploit upward drafts and circular movements of cumulus clouds to stay aloft for months without flapping their wings. Juveniles embark on longer journeys than adults, suggesting a genetically encoded behavior.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2016

How will genomics enter day-to-day medicine?

National experts recommend steps to integrate genomics into clinical practice, addressing challenges such as interpreting DNA findings, patient education, and sharing data across centers. The recommendations provide guidance for clinicians and patients on how to use genomic testing results in making health care decisions.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJun 30, 2016
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.

Natural metabolite can suppress inflammation

Scientists discovered that itaconate, a natural substance produced by macrophages, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It reduces the activity of immune cells and may be used to treat pathologies caused by excessive inflammation or oxidative stress.

SourceITMO University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 30, 2016

Scientists observe first signs of healing in the Antarctic ozone layer

The Antarctic ozone layer has shown significant signs of recovery since 2000, shrinking by over 4 million square kilometers. This decline is attributed to the decrease in atmospheric chlorine originating from chlorofluorocarbons, which were phased out due to international regulations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2016

Study finds new tool to measure homeland security risks

Researchers have developed a new risk assessment tool to aid in strategic planning for security, focusing on natural disasters, terrorist events, and major accidents. The Deliberative Method for Ranking Risk has been tested on 26 individuals and found that pandemic influenza, hurricanes, and earthquakes prompt the highest concerns.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJournal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management·DateJun 30, 2016

The RNA that snips and stitches RNA

A recent SISSA/CNR-IOM study reconstructed the cleavage process for group II introns using computer simulations, shedding light on the human spliceosome's complex mechanism. The research provides valuable information for fighting diseases related to aberrant splicing, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 30, 2016

A bewildering form of dune on Mars

Researchers have discovered 'wind-drag ripples' on Mars, which are similar to underwater ripples in shape and spacing. These unique formations provide a way to measure global changes in the planet's atmospheric density over time.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 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.

Quantum technologies to revolutionize 21st century

The second quantum revolution harnesses entanglement to enable new applications like quantum communications, metrology and computing. Quantum processors will advance simulations and universal calculations, transforming science and economics.

SourceLindau Nobel Laureate Meetings·DateJun 30, 2016

Erasing unpleasant memories with a genetic switch

Scientists have successfully erased unpleasant memories in mice by switching off a single gene. The study reveals that deactivating neuroplastin, a key player in brain plasticity, impairs learning and memory processes. This breakthrough has potential implications for treating memory disorders such as dementia and schizophrenia.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 30, 2016

WSU researchers develop shape-changing 'smart' material

Researchers at WSU have developed a multifunctional smart material with shape memory behavior, light-activated movement, and self-healing properties. The material can fold, unfold, remember its shape, and heal itself in response to heat or light.

SourceWashington State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 30, 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.

NIH-led effort uses implementation science to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission

A NIH-led team studied implementation science approaches to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, identifying effective interventions such as baby showers and breastfeeding support. The study found that deploying point-of-care tests and administering pre-exposure prophylaxis were likely cost-effective and resulted in timely initiat...

SourceNIH/Fogarty International Center·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJun 30, 2016

Creating a sustainable 'circular economy' could be complex but rewarding

The article explores the concept of a circular economy, which aims to reduce pollution and waste by recycling resources instead of discarding them. Companies are implementing new manufacturing processes that use safer substances, and the European Union is grappling with regulation of chemicals in a closed-loop recycling system.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 29, 2016

Crucial peatlands carbon-sink vulnerable to rising sea levels

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that peatland ecosystems' ability to absorb and store carbon is threatened by rising sea levels due to increased salt concentrations. The study highlights the vulnerability of blanket bogs in Northwest Scotland to sea-level rise, which could lead to a sharp decline in carbon storage.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2016

Rate of decline of cardiovascular deaths slows in US

Recent national trends in US death rates show a deceleration of decline in cardiovascular deaths, with heart disease mortality rates slowing down between 2000-2014. Cancer mortality rates remained relatively stable during this period.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 29, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

UC Riverside anthropologist awarded NSF grant to excavate Maya households

Researchers will study household sites in Coba and Yaxuna ruins to understand social interactions between residents of two ancient cities linked by a massive roadway during the Late Classic period (600-900 A.D.). The project aims to determine how life changed for tens of thousands of people living along the causeway.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 29, 2016

To improve global health, experts call for a standard list of essential diagnostic tests

A team of experts has proposed a standard list of essential diagnostic tests to support the use of medicines listed on the Model List of Essential Medicines. The list includes 147 critical laboratory tests across 57 categories, which can guide the use of many different EML drugs and improve healthcare quality in developing nations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 29, 2016

Portable test rapidly detects Zika in saliva for $2

A new portable test has been developed to detect the Zika virus in saliva for just $2, making it a promising tool for managing outbreaks. The test can accurately detect low levels of the virus and distinguish it from similar viruses like dengue.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 29, 2016