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Science News for March 11, 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.

New fuel cell design powered by graphene-wrapped nanocrystals

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new materials recipe for a battery-like hydrogen fuel cell, pushing its performance forward in key areas. The graphene-encapsulated magnesium crystals act as 'sponges' for hydrogen, offering a compact and safe way to store hydrogen.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Individual rewards can boost team performance at work

Research found that recognizing individual team members can improve both their own and team performance. By praising top performers, teams see improvement in individual tasks and team tasks alike. The study also highlights the importance of fair recognition practices to maximize benefits.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMar 11, 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.

Ames Laboratory scientists join consortium to research lightweight materials

Scientists at Ames Laboratory will contribute to LightMAT through three core capabilities: powder processing, pilot-scale materials processing, and theoretical alloy development. These efforts aim to develop lighter materials for industries such as transportation, with the goal of improving energy savings and reducing costs.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateMar 11, 2016

Antitrust laws may hinder socially-responsible business collaboration

A new study suggests that US antitrust laws may be too restrictive for companies to collaborate on sustainable and socially-responsible business practices. This could limit the development of innovative solutions to address climate change and natural resource limitations, ultimately harming consumers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Business Law Journal·DateMar 11, 2016

Quality control for genetic sequencing

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new genetic method that enables the recording of a vast range of antibodies in an individual with high precision. This breakthrough can be used for vaccine development and early disease detection, offering significant advantages over previous antibody detection techniques.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 11, 2016

Retirement is good for your health

A landmark study by the University of Sydney found that retirement leads to positive lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity levels, reduced sitting time, healthier sleep patterns, and lower rates of smoking. Retirees were more likely to engage in physical activity and pursue healthier habits after leaving work.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 11, 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.

Android smartphone data spies exposed like bank robbers

A recent study by Appthority reveals that over 88% of Android apps secretly spy on user data. Researchers from Saarland University developed an app called TaintArtist to track and monitor suspicious app behavior, providing users with a sense of security.

SourceSaarland University·DateMar 11, 2016

'Cadillac tax' on health benefits will hit middle class hardest: Study

A new study finds that the Cadillac tax will hit middle-income families hardest, while sparing the wealthy. The tax will reduce the financial burden of health benefits on lower-income workers and exacerbate inequalities in healthcare.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalInternational Journal of Health Services·DateMar 11, 2016

Seismic for the spine: Vibration technology offers alternative to MRI

A University of Alberta study uses gentle vibrations to identify structural changes in the spine, altering its vibration response significantly. The findings show the viability of vibration as a diagnostic tool to improve MRI utilization and potentially diagnose new conditions.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2016
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.

A foldable material that can change size, volume and shape

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences designed a tunable, self-actuated 3-D material that can alter its size, volume and shape. The structure is inspired by origami techniques and can be programmed to deform specific hinges using embedded pneumatic actuators.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 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.

Drexel researchers testing most effective seizure treatments

Researchers are conducting a nationwide study to find the most effective treatment for established status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition characterized by persistent seizures. The trial, ESETT, will evaluate three commonly used medications to determine which one is most effective at stopping seizures quickly.

SourceDrexel University·DateMar 11, 2016

Katherine M. Dempsey M.S. C.G.C., receives the 2016 Richard King Trainee Award

Katherine M. Dempsey, a genetic counseling student at the University of Texas, has won the 2016 Richard King Trainee Award for her groundbreaking research on mismatch repair deficient tumors and Lynch Syndrome. Her work explores the inherent heterogeneity in families with apparent predisposition to colon cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·DateMar 11, 2016

CPAP may not improve glycemic control in people with diabetes

A randomized controlled trial found that CPAP did not significantly improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers suggest that OSA may play a bigger role in the development of diabetes than its control, and that adherence to CPAP treatment may be a challenge.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 11, 2016

Ultrasonic surgery reduces pain and swelling after chin surgery

A study published in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that ultrasonic piezosurgery equipment reduces trauma, pain, and swelling after genioplasty. Patients undergoing genioplasty using piezosurgery had lower pain scores and reduced swelling compared to traditional surgical drills.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateMar 11, 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.

New lifeline for patients with inoperable neuroendocrine cancers

A new treatment advance has significantly lowered the risk of disease progression or death among patients with previously treated, advanced midgut neuroendocrine tumors. The novel drug Lutetium-DOTATATE has been found to offer an 80% reduced risk of disease progression or death compared to octreotide LAR.

SourceSpink Health·DateMar 11, 2016

Practicing tai chi reduces risk of falling in older adults

A randomized controlled trial found that practicing tai chi significantly reduced the risk of injury-causing falls in older adults compared to leg strengthening exercises. After six months and a year of training, participants who practiced tai chi were 50% less likely to experience an injury-causing fall.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 11, 2016

How a bad night's sleep might worsen cancer development

A new study suggests that poor sleep, like sleep apnea, can promote cancer development by stimulating the formation of blood vessels in tumors. Researchers found that intermittent hypoxia, a common consequence of sleep apnea, increases vascular progenitor cells and endothelial cells within tumors.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateMar 11, 2016

Functional heart muscle regenerated in decellularized human hearts

A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has successfully regenerated functional heart muscle in decellularized human hearts using stem-cell derived cells. The study involved the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reprogrammed from skin cells, which were then differentiated into cardiac muscle cells and reseed...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCirculation Research·DateMar 11, 2016
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.

Symbiosis with partner exchange

Researchers found that bacteria in roundworms are loyal to their hosts, while those in segmented worms prefer local locations, with external tenants showing more long-term loyalty than internal cohabitants.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Biology·DateMar 11, 2016

New app advises and reminds pregnant women about vaccinations

A new app aims to inform and remind pregnant women about vaccination options, particularly flu and whooping cough, to protect both mothers and babies. The MatImms app provides personalized schedules, explains vaccine benefits, and addresses concerns, with the goal of increasing vaccination rates.

SourceImperial College London·DateMar 11, 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.

Spray-on coating could ice-proof airplanes, power lines, windshields

Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a durable, inexpensive ice-repellent coating that can be applied to various surfaces, including airplanes, power lines, car windshinds, and freezers. The coating works by exploiting interfacial cavitation, a phenomenon where rubbery surfaces break free from solid ones with minimal force.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 11, 2016

Neurofeedback reduces pain, increases quality of life for cancer patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy

A new study from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that neurofeedback significantly reduces chronic pain and improves quality of life in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. The treatment, which uses electroencephalogram biofeedback to modify brain activity, showed a 73% improvement rate in pai...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateMar 11, 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.

New analytical model for e-sports predicts who is winning -- and why

A new analytical model for e-sports has been developed by researchers, enabling the prediction of game outcomes and analysis of individual player performances. The model generates detailed statistics about players' behavior, helping game developers understand recurring patterns in their performance and discover ways to improve the game.

SourceLund University·DateMar 11, 2016

The Holberg Prize names Stephen Greenblatt as 2016 Laureate

Stephen Greenblatt, an American author and literature professor, has been awarded the prestigious Holberg Prize for his distinctive role in literature and influential voice in the humanities. The prize recognizes his scholarship's impact on literary studies, history, and cultural criticism.

SourceThe University of Bergen·DateMar 11, 2016

Change in mosquito mating may control Zika virus

New Cornell research reveals genetic cues from male mosquitoes affect female reproductive tract gene expression, influencing blood feeding, egg development, and immune defense. This study aims to develop novel strategies for controlling mosquito populations to fight diseases like Zika virus.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 11, 2016

UTA research blends public health measures in regional transportation plan

The project aims to integrate public health performance measures into the North Texas Council of Governments' regional transportation plan, considering factors like safety, air quality, and physical activity. The research will inform transportation decisions that enhance livability and community development.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMar 11, 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.

UTSW researchers find newly identified immunity pathway protects mammals from virus-cause

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new innate immunity pathway that protects mammals from viral oncogenesis, a process causing cancer. The study found that the autophagy-related protein beclin 2 can help break down key oncogenic viral proteins associated with Kaposi's sarcoma.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2016

NSU researchers secure $2.75 million from NIH

NSU researchers have received a prestigious R01 grant to combat low health literacy skills, particularly among Blacks, Hispanics and seniors. They will develop an app addressing chronic health concerns at an easily accessible level.

SourceNova Southeastern University·DateMar 11, 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.

Circuit for experience-informed decision-making ID'd in rats

Researchers discovered a key brain circuit responsible for using past experiences to guide decision-making in rats. The circuit involves coordinated activity between the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex during awake mental replay of past experiences.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNeuron·DateMar 11, 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.

Lower oil prices lead to higher CO2 emissions

Scientists in Spain have found a correlation between lower oil prices and increased CO2 emissions. The study suggests that a 1% increase in oil prices leads to a 0.4% rise in CO2 emissions. Researchers recommend designing a cautious tax structure to reduce fossil fuel consumption and promote cleaner energies.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEcological Indicators·DateMar 11, 2016

A younger sibling may be good for your child's health

A new study suggests that having a younger sibling may be associated with a lower risk of obesity by first grade. The research, which tracked 697 children across the U.S., found that children who became big brothers or sisters between 2-4 years old were nearly three times less likely to be obese.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 11, 2016

Can nutritional supplements impact genetic hearing loss in children?

A study found that an antioxidant regimen of beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium helped slow progression of hereditary deafness in mice with a connexin 26 gene deletion. In contrast, the same regimen had no effect on another mutant mouse modeling AUNA1, a rare type of hearing loss.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2016

Beta-blockers could reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations

Researchers analyzed health records of 1,621 COPD patients and found cardio selective beta-blockers reduced exacerbation risk by 21% for all patients and 55% for those with heart failure. These preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of beta blockers for patients living with both lung and heart disease.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateMar 11, 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.