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Science News Archive March 2016


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Government use of technology has potential to increase food security

Researchers found that technology can reduce waste and theft in India's public distribution system, improving food access for over 20 million people. The study suggests training peer salespeople and cross-disciplinary collaboration are key to successful implementation of these technologies.

'Precision medicine' brings new relief for old diseases

A team of researchers has solved a rare, debilitating disease by identifying a genetic mutation as its cause. The disease, Pyrin Associated Autoinflammation with Neutrphilic Dermatosis (PAAND), affects half of the children of patients who have the condition.

Dancing on ice

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the behavior of protons inside ice. They found that protons exhibit locally ordered yet globally disordered patterns, which are rare in nature and occur only in ice.

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.

Proving the genetic code's flexibility

Scientists discovered that microorganisms recognize multiple codons for the rare amino acid selenocysteine, expanding our understanding of the genetic vocabulary. The findings also highlight the context-dependency of the genetic code and its potential plasticity.

Mom's smoking alters fetal DNA

A study of over 6,000 mothers and newborns found that maternal smoking during pregnancy chemically modifies a fetus' DNA, mirroring patterns seen in adult smokers. The research identified new development-related genes affected by smoking, suggesting a potential explanation for the link between smoking and health complications in children.

Heat and light get larger at the nanoscale

Researchers have successfully demonstrated a strong non-contact heat transfer channel using light, achieving near-field radiative heat transfer between parallel objects at nanoscale distances. The team's approach has the potential to revolutionize energy conversion applications by converting wasted heat from combustion engines back to ...

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.

Serious ecological consequences of coral reef dredging

Coral reefs in the South China Sea are facing severe damage due to dredging and land reclamation. The study reveals that seven atolls have lost ~11.6 km2 of reef area while gaining ~10.7 km2 of land between 2014 and 2015. The researchers call for international cooperation to conserve this critical ecosystem.

Type 1 diabetes linked to 3-fold increase in risk of epilepsy

Research published in Diabetologia found that people with type 1 diabetes have a three-times increased risk of developing epilepsy later in life. Younger age and severe hypoglycemia are also identified as critical risk factors for brain abnormalities and the development of epilepsy.

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.

New use for X-rays: A radar gun for unruly atoms

Researchers discover a new way to view complex groups of atoms in motion using coherent X-rays, revealing voids and nanocolumns that form during thin film production. This technique improves the quality of commercial applications such as solar panels and drug delivery systems.

Landscape evolution and hazards

Researchers study coastal uplift and erosion in Northern California, discovering rivers cut down hillslopes, triggering landslides that balance uplift. Landslides also deliver resistant rocks to rivers, delaying erosion, with implications for landscape evolution and hazards like landslides.

Brain appears to have different mechanisms for reconciling sight and sound

A new UCLA psychology study suggests that the brain combines sound and vision using different mechanisms, which can influence how well people perform tasks. Researchers found that people's vision frequently influences their hearing when trying to identify specific locations of sounds and flashes of light.

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.

Fights are won and lost in the brain

A deep-brain structure called the habenula contains two neural circuits that influence whether a fight will be won or lost in zebrafish. The circuits regulate surrender or continuing aggression based on activity levels in different sub-regions, suggesting a dynamic mechanism for determining fight outcomes.

New network launched to address diabetes complications

The new Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) Network in Diabetes and Related Complications aims to transform health outcomes for individuals with diabetes. The network will focus on improving care and reducing costs for vulnerable groups, including Indigenous peoples, immigrants, women, and lower socio-economic groups.

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.

Researchers discover ways to improve red tide predictions

University of South Florida researchers discovered a determining factor in red tide occurrences: coastal ocean circulation on the West Florida Continental Shelf. The Gulf of Mexico Loop Current's position determines the likelihood and severity of red tides.

Hubble's journey to the center of our galaxy

Astronomers used Hubble to study the Milky Way's nuclear star cluster, discovering a rich tapestry of over half a million stars. The cluster surrounds the galaxy's central supermassive black hole and offers insights into its formation.

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.

Virus evolution differs by species of mosquito carrier

A new study reveals that different mosquito species can affect the evolution of viruses like West Nile. The southern house mosquito appears to be a key driver of West Nile divergence and is more likely to transmit virus variants with greater fitness in avian hosts.

A programming language for living cells

Researchers at MIT have created a programming language that allows users to design complex DNA-encoded circuits in living cells, giving new functions to bacteria and yeast. The language uses Verilog-like syntax and allows users to write programs for specific environmental conditions, such as detecting oxygen or glucose levels.

Remote eye gaze tracking as a marker for autism

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that remote eye gaze tracking can differentiate children with autism spectrum disorder from those without ASD. The researchers developed an Autism Risk Index based on eye gaze patterns, which correctly identified 4 out of 5 cases of ASD.

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.

Study shows best way to reduce energy consumption

A new study by Wuhan University of Technology reveals the most efficient ways to conserve energy in homes, including opening windows during heating and using window shades in warm temperatures. The researchers recommend adjusting thermostat settings, adding solar panels, and turning off lights to reduce energy consumption.

Scientists work their magic on 'shrunken finger illusion'

Researchers at KU Leuven found that the human brain completes missing parts of objects using visual cues, leading to the 'shrunken finger illusion'. This counterintuitive phenomenon suggests our brains rely on visual system, not imagination, to fill in gaps. The study's findings provide new insights into perception and cognition.

Harlequin ladybirds are conquering the world at great speed

Global research collaborations study harlequin ladybird's invasion history and ecology, highlighting its ability to thrive in various habitats. Citizen science projects provide valuable information on the spread of invasive alien species, inspiring new approaches to surveying and monitoring.

Do awareness days make a difference? Yes, at least one

A new study from San Diego State University found that awareness days, such as the Great American Smokeout, can have a significant impact on smoking cessation. The team analyzed data from news reports, tweets, and quitline calls, and discovered a 61% increase in news coverage and a 25% increase in Google searches related to quitting sm...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Compact drug synthesizer could revolutionize drug delivery

Researchers developed a compact system that can synthesize various pharmaceuticals in short periods, reducing batch production and addressing drug shortages. The system produces high-quality drugs continuously over several hours or days, with the potential to facilitate on-the-spot production of pills through new approaches.

New tumbleweed species rapidly expanding range

Researchers at UC Riverside found a new species of tumbleweed with a dramatically expanded geographic range in just a decade. The species, Salsola ryanii, is an allopolyploid formed from hybridization between two invasive species.

Inherited gene changes take years off life expectancy, study finds

A recent study by University of Edinburgh researchers has identified two genetic variants that can cut a person's lifespan by up to three years. The variants, which are relatively common in the population, have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and severe respiratory problems as well as Alzheimer

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Imitating movements could help Alzheimer's patients

Researchers found that mimicking simple actions can aid recovery, with human trainers outperforming computer-based methods. The study suggests a potential tool for rehabilitation, providing insight into the ongoing ability of Alzheimer's patients to imitate movements.

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.

Born to run? Study suggests love of exercise starts in the womb

Researchers found that female mice exercising during pregnancy had offspring more physically active as adults, suggesting movement influences fetal brain development and lifelong activity. The study supports an environmental role in fetal development and may offer a strategy to counter physical inactivity and obesity.

RUB researchers use cyanobacteria for the production of chemicals

The researchers genetically modified cyanobacteria to produce enzymes for basic and fine chemicals, utilizing photosynthesis to supply energy. This approach shows promising potential for industrial applications by reducing unwanted by-products and increasing selectivity.

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.

Lead in soil another known factor in Flint

Researchers have found a link between lead contamination in Flint's soil and elevated blood levels in local children, particularly in low-income areas. The study suggests that soil lead is an additional factor contributing to the city's ongoing water crisis.

New recommendations link better sleep to improved concussion outcomes

A national group of sleep and brain injury specialists recommends specific steps to test and develop sleep-related treatments for improved concussion outcomes. The recommendations include data repositories, serial assessment, research targeting treatments, and increased access to sleep treatment services.

A new approach to sequence and assemble primate genomes

A new approach to sequence and assemble primate genomes has been developed using longer sequence reads. This technology has enabled the discovery of missing genes and genetic variation in Western lowland gorillas, providing new biological insights into a living species closely related to humans.

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.

Study finds addiction associated with poor awareness of others

A study by Case Western Reserve University found a dose-response relationship between substance use severity and low-regard for others in adolescents. Adolescents with severe addiction were more likely to engage in riskier behaviors, such as unprotected sex and driving under the influence.

White dwarf star exhibits an unusual atmosphere of oxygen

Researchers discovered a white dwarf star with an atmosphere dominated by oxygen, a finding that could rewrite the textbook wisdom of single stellar evolution. The discovery provides critical evidence for some types of supernovae and may be linked to interactions with a nearby companion or massive carbon pulses.

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.

A fossilized snake shows its true colors

Researchers have discovered that fossilized snakeskin can retain evidence of skin color from multiple pigments and structural colors, allowing for the reconstruction of ancient animal colors. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into the evolution and function of color in animals.

Ibuprofen doesn't increase bleeding risk after plastic surgery

Researchers found no significant difference in pain control or bleeding risk between ibuprofen and other treatments. The study suggests that ibuprofen can provide safe and effective pain control for selected plastic surgery procedures without increasing bleeding risk.

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.