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Science News Archive June 2016 - Page 24


Page 24 of 40

The EU commits to research into ultra-efficient aero engines

The EU is investing €3 million in innovative aero-engine technologies to achieve a 75% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometre by 2050. Radical new design concepts and technologies, such as composite engine cycles and heat recycling, are being explored to increase efficiency and reduce waste.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateJun 13, 2016

Mounting tension in the Himalaya

A new research paper suggests that the Himalayan region is experiencing a buildup of strain energy due to past earthquakes. Historical earthquakes and recent afterslip data indicate that only part of the fault moved during the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, leaving significant strain stored in the fault system.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 13, 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.

Miniature scaffolding could support fight against superbugs

Researchers have discovered a new class of antimicrobial materials that use carbon nanodots to kill drug-resistant bacteria. The materials, which include molecules such as PAMAM, exhibit greater efficacy against certain strains of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and may also enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.

SourceElsevier·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry·DateJun 13, 2016

Rice University's nanosubs gain better fluorescent properties for tracking

The latest nanosubmarine model, USN-2, can be viewed by single-molecule microscopy for at least 1.5 seconds, allowing for the tracking of its trajectory. This advancement is expected to lead to a better understanding of how the vehicles move and potentially enable their use in delivering cargo or interacting with cells.

SourceRice University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJun 13, 2016

Watching 'jumping genes' in action

Researchers at the University of Illinois have observed transposon activity in real-time using fluorescent microscopy. The study reveals that jumping gene activation is dependent on environmental factors such as food availability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016

Chemicals from wood waste

A research team at ETH Zurich has developed a new manufacturing method for succinic acid, a major basic chemical product, using bacteria that convert cellulose from wood waste into glucose. The process is more cost-effective and eco-friendly than traditional oil-based methods.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 13, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Carbon dioxide biggest player in thawing permafrost

Research by Dr Iain Hartley at the University of Exeter found that carbon dioxide is the biggest player in controlling future rates of permafrost thaw. Soils with dry conditions release more than three times as much carbon as those with wet, low-oxygen conditions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 13, 2016

Future summers could be hotter than any on record

A study by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research predicts that future summers could be hotter than any on record if climate change continues unchecked. However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions could lower the global probability of such extreme heat to 41 percent.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalClimatic Change·DateJun 13, 2016

Writing their name in the stars: Citizen scientists discover huge galaxy cluster

Two volunteer participants in Radio Galaxy Zoo discovered a rare C-shaped galaxy cluster that they pieced together from much smaller images of cosmic radio waves. The team's dataset, with over 1.6 million images classified by 10,000 volunteers, has already reached almost 60% completeness.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 13, 2016

Eating more whole grains linked with lower risk of death

A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal found that consuming more whole grains is linked to a lower risk of death. The analysis of 12 studies involving over 786,000 participants revealed a significant association between whole grain intake and reduced mortality rates.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 13, 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.

Research targets corneal disease through imaging, analysis

A researcher at the University of Houston is developing a new technique to map the cornea's structural integrity using high-resolution imaging and mechanical mapping. This emerging field, optical elastography, holds promise for early diagnosis and treatment of kerataconus, a progressive thinning of the cornea that affects about one in ...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJun 13, 2016

Love is blind... to food waste

Research from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that caregivers often serve large portions to show affection, leading to unnecessary food waste. The study suggests connecting food pantries with nutritional educators can reduce food waste in lower-middle class households.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Food Products Marketing·DateJun 13, 2016

Chronic sleep restriction negatively affects athletic performance

A study of elite male cyclists found that chronic sleep restriction decreased energy expenditure during exercise, maximal aerobic power, and time to exhaustion. The results also showed a decrease in submaximal heart rate and peak heart rate, highlighting the impact of sleep loss on athletic performance.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016
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.

Six in ten adults prescribed opioid painkillers have leftover pills

A recent survey by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that more than half of patients prescribed opioids have leftover pills, with many saving them for future use. The study also revealed that nearly half of respondents received no information on safe storage and disposal of their medications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Radiation and vaccination can magnify effects of immunotherapy

Researchers found that combining local radiation therapy with anti-cancer vaccines can increase the response rate for immunotherapy agents by boosting T cell infiltration into tumors. This combination may help physicians better treat many types of cancer and could potentially lead to improved outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJun 13, 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.

Military members with PTSD/depression can be treated successfully in primary care settings

A new study found that military members with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression can experience significant improvements in symptoms after enrolling in a treatment program that includes specially trained care managers and telephone therapy options. The approach resulted in better outcomes and improved access to high-qu...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Ferroelectric materials react unexpectedly to strain

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that layered perovskite ferroelectrics can completely lose their polarization when subjected to too much strain. This unexpected finding opens up new avenues for developing more efficient logic devices and memory elements.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 13, 2016

Lung research -- EU Horizon 2020 funding to predict nanotoxicity

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München are developing new tests to assess risks posed by nanomaterials in the airways, aiming to reduce complex toxicity tests. The project uses modern methods like systems biology and computer modeling to predict nanotoxicity.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·DateJun 13, 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.

Climate consequences of oil price uncertainty could be significant

A new study finds that sustained high or low oil prices could have a significant impact on future carbon dioxide emissions. The magnitude of the impact depends on various uncertainties, including energy supply and demand technologies, alternative resources, and climate policy.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 13, 2016

Neutrons reveal unexpected magnetism in rare-earth alloy

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used neutron scattering to uncover magnetic excitations in a rare-earth based intermetallic compound. The study reveals exotic magnetic properties, challenging conventional expectations of magnetic behavior in materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 13, 2016

Molecular imaging of neuroendocrine tumors optimizes radiotherapy dose

Researchers used PET and SPECT to tailor radionuclide treatment for neuroendocrine cancer patients, reducing the risk of toxicity. The study showed that personalized dosimetry led to a significant alteration in radiotherapy doses, with some patients receiving reduced or increased doses.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 13, 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 material has potential to cut costs and make nuclear fuel recycling cleaner

Researchers have developed a new material that can capture certain gases released during nuclear fuel reprocessing at ambient temperature, potentially saving energy and reducing costs. The material, known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), has the potential to improve nuclear fuel recycling and waste reduction.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 13, 2016

Rolling on Molly: US H.S. seniors underreport ecstasy use when not asked about Molly

Researchers found that reported lifetime use of ecstasy was significantly higher when 'Molly' was included in the definition. The study suggests that underreporting among infrequent users may be contributing to the perceived decrease in ecstasy use among adolescents and young adults. The researchers emphasize the need for better educat...

SourceNew York University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 13, 2016

Study: Training helps those with mild cognitive impairment

A study by the Center for BrainHealth found that strategy-based reasoning training can improve executive function and memory span in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The training focused on higher-level brain functions such as strategic attention, integrated reasoning, and innovation.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJun 13, 2016

USF researchers find stroke damages blood-spinal cord barrier

Researchers found long-term damage to the blood-spinal cord barrier after ischemic stroke, leading to a 'toxic environment' in the spinal cord. This damage can cause further disability and exacerbate disease pathology, including motor neuron deterioration and motor dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·DateJun 13, 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.

Weird, water-oozing material could help quench thirst

Researchers at PNNL discovered a phenomenon where carbon-rich nanorods spontaneously release water as humidity increases, exhibiting capillary condensation and solvent cavitation under solvo-phobic confinement. This discovery could lead to improved water purification and separation with low-energy applications.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 13, 2016

Current diversity pattern of North American mammals a 'recent' trend, study finds

A new study of fossil records found that the modern latitudinal diversity gradient for North American mammals is an exception to the rule, with more species at the equator than poles. The team analyzed 63 million years of mammalian life and found a strengthening of the gradient between 10 million and 4 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016

Study, research letter examine aspects of opioid prescribing, sharing

A study found that opioid prescribing at hospital discharge is common among Medicare patients without prior opioid use, with substantial variation across hospitals. Another study revealed that many adults with recent opioid medication use share or keep leftover medication for future use, highlighting the need for safer practices.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 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.

Sleep duration varies by alcohol drinking patterns, race, and sex

A new study found that alcohol-sleep relationship differed importantly by race and sex. Black men and women report more extreme sleep durations within alcohol categories. Short sleep disparity increased with increasing alcohol consumption between black and white men, while long sleep duration was more common among heavy drinkers in bla...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Marine life quickly recovered after global mass extinction

A global mass extinction event killed off most life on Earth, but marine life quickly recovered 3.35 million years later, according to a new study led by University of California, Davis researchers. The recovery was attributed to changes in ocean circulation and mixing that allowed nutrient-rich waters to reach the surface.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 13, 2016

Researcher pushes for tool to combat drug shortages

A researcher at Queen's University recommends that Canada create an essential medicines list to help protect against drug shortages. The list could include up to 500 medicines and would be helpful as the country considers a Pharmacare plan.

SourceQueen's University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 13, 2016

Carbon dioxide biggest player in thawing permafrost

A study published in Nature Climate Change found that carbon dioxide emissions from dry soils will strengthen the climate forcing impact of thawing permafrost. In contrast, oxygen-poor wetlands primarily release methane. The research highlights the need to monitor changes in soil moisture conditions, which have a greater effect on carb...

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 13, 2016
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.

Proper maternal folate level may reduce child obesity risk

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adequate maternal folate levels during pregnancy can mitigate the effect of a mother's obesity on her child's health. Children born to obese mothers with higher folate levels had a 43% lower risk of obesity compared to those with lower folate levels.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 13, 2016

Good fathers sing simple songs

Researchers found that females in the Chinese Hume Warbler species prefer males who sing simple songs over those with complex songs. This preference may be driven by the need to minimize predation risk and optimize nesting behavior.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAvian Research·DateJun 13, 2016

Study suggests another look at common treatments for hemophilia

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with severe hemophilia A who received human plasma-based treatments developed inhibitors at a lower rate than those who received recombinant Factor VIII. This could lead to more effective treatment options for families affected by this rare genetic condition.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016
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.

Children less likely to trust ugly people

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children's perception of trustworthiness is linked to attractiveness, with more attractive faces being deemed trustworthy. The ability to make this judgment develops with age, becoming more consistent as children approach adulthood.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 13, 2016

PET points to tau protein as leading culprit in Alzheimer's

A new PET study reveals that tau protein tangles in the brain may be driving the neurodegeneration behind Alzheimer's disease. The research found a significant correlation between increased tau and decreased metabolic activity in the brain, suggesting that tau imaging could be used to detect neuronal injury earlier than amyloid imaging.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

FDG PET evaluates immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer

Researchers used FDG-PET imaging to monitor atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, in NSCLC patients. The study found that higher baseline tumor volumes were predictive of reduced patient survival, and further increase in tumor volume after treatment was associated with decreased survival.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 13, 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.

Storage technologies for renewable energy can pay off

A new study by MIT researchers found that certain energy storage systems, such as pumped hydroelectric storage, can add significant value to solar and wind installations in various locations. The study demonstrated that despite regional variations in prices and demand fluctuations, the optimal storage technology is similar across locat...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 13, 2016

Breastfeeding, antibiotics before weaning and BMI in later childhood

A study found that breastfeeding for a long duration was associated with lower rates of postweaning antibiotic courses and decreased body mass index (BMI) in later childhood. The benefits may be attributed to the development of intestinal microbiota, which is dependent on an infant's diet.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 13, 2016

Algorithm ranks thermotolerance of algae

The algorithm combines all published algae studies prior to February 2015 to rank genetic types' thermotolerance, helping identify colonies at risk from climate change. By pinpointing thermotolerant algae, conservationists can focus their efforts on preserving coral reefs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJun 13, 2016

Novel capping strategy improves stability of perovskite nanocrystals

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed a new capping strategy to stabilize perovskite nanocrystals, overcoming instability issues with organometal-halide materials. The approach uses unique branched ligands to control particle size and improve photoluminescence quantum yield.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 13, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A new material can clear up nuclear waste gases

Scientists at EPFL have discovered a material that can absorb nuclear waste gases more efficiently, cheaply and safely than current methods. The material, SBMOF-1, is a nanoporous crystal that can separate xenon and krypton at room temperature.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 13, 2016

New insights into neural computations in cerebral cortex

Scientists at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience found that dendrites play an active role in cortical processing and shape how neurons encode visual information. The arrangement of synaptic connections within the dendritic field supports this active role, enabling neurons to exhibit diverse selectivity.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 13, 2016