Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2016


Page 11 of 41

Missed opportunities to avoid painful shocks at the end of life

Studies reveal that up to 31 percent of people with ICDs receive shocks in their last day of life due to lack of deactivation. Researchers stress the importance of informing patients about the benefits of deactivating ICDs when death is near, highlighting communication gaps and cultural challenges around end-of-life planning.

New drug shows promise against muscle wasting disease

A new drug, Arimoclomol, has shown promise against muscle wasting disease inclusion body myositis (IBM) by reversing key symptoms in mice and improving muscle strength. A patient safety trial also found the drug to be safe and well-tolerated.

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.

Many women not properly informed of heart risk by their doctors

A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of women have one or more heart disease risk factors, yet only 16% were informed by their doctors about these risks. The study highlights the need for physicians to adopt prevention guidelines and focus on monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Unlocking the secrets of gene expression

Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding how cells find the right DNA to copy, revealing the role of TFIID and its ability to recognize different sequences for different genes. This finding paves the way for understanding and treating various malignancies.

Two decades have brought little change for women in cardiology

A recent survey by the American College of Cardiology found that women are underrepresented in adult cardiology, comprising less than 20% of cardiologists who see adult patients. Women also face challenges related to child care and family leave policies, with more likely to report needing additional child care during nights and on-call...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Same symptoms, different care for women and men with heart disease

Women experiencing suspected heart disease exhibit similar classic symptoms to men, including chest pain and shortness of breath, but differ in diagnosis and risk assessment. The study found that women have more risk factors for heart disease than men, yet are often assessed as lower 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.

International trade damages tropical nature: NUS study

A recent NUS study found that international trade causes significant economic losses in tropical countries, with annual losses totaling US$1.7 trillion. The researchers suggest implementing measures such as an ecosystem services tax or price premiums for environmentally friendly agricultural produce to reduce deforestation and environm...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NYU study examines where and why New York City retailers sell organic foods

The NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development study found that New York City retailers' decisions to sell organic food are linked to neighborhood demographics and store size. Approximately 60% of stores sold no organic foods, while about a third offered one or less than half of the available products.

Prolonged daily sitting linked to 3.8 percent of all-cause deaths

A new study found that prolonged daily sitting is responsible for 3.8% of all-cause mortality deaths, with reducing sitting time estimated to increase life expectancy by 0.2 years. The study analyzed data from 54 countries and found that sitting had a higher impact on mortality rates in certain regions.

Workplace status matters -- but not in the way you think

A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that the distance between coworkers in terms of status is more important than their relative positions when it comes to helping each other. This finding challenges traditional assumptions about how status affects workplace relationships.

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.

Concert hall acoustics influence the emotional impact of music

Researchers at Aalto University found that acoustic concert halls play a significant role in the emotional impact of music. Identically selected performances of classical orchestra music evoked stronger emotional responses when presented in acoustics of Vienna Musikverein or Berlin Konzerthaus, shoebox-type concert halls.

Penn researchers identify a new cause of inherited neuropathy

Researchers discovered a new genetic cause of CMT1, a type of inherited neuropathy, linked to mutations in the peripheral myelin protein 2 gene (PMP2). The study found that 49 mutations in PMP2 could be responsible for the disease, leading to weakness and numbness in hands and feet.

You taste like mercury, said the spider to the fly

A Dartmouth-led study found that stream insects consumed by spiders transfer methylmercury to terrestrial predators, highlighting the importance of dissolved organic carbon in mediating mercury bioavailability. The research reveals a broader reach of mercury contamination than previously recognized.

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.

Oxytocin level in pregnancy predicts postpartum depression severity

A study by Northwestern University found that higher oxytocin levels during pregnancy can predict the severity of postpartum depression symptoms. The research suggests that screening for depression biomarkers in pregnancy could lead to preventive treatment, reducing the likelihood of women seeking help and accepting treatment.

Cellular 'light switch' analyzed using neutron scattering

Scientists have detected internal movements in LOV photoreceptors using neutron spectroscopy, which can control biological processes with light. The study highlights the potential of neutron scattering experiments for analyzing cellular processes and provides unique insights into protein functionality.

Sterile Box offers safer surgeries

The Sterile Box, a mobile container, sterilizes surgical instruments to minimize risk of infections in patients. The system's performance was nearly perfect in trials, and it addresses issues with unreliable power and inadequate quality control in developing countries.

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.

A new way to determine the age of stars?

Researchers have developed a new framework to understand the evolution of sun-like stars, which can help determine their age with more precision. The model predicts that younger stars will vary significantly in x-ray emission intensity, but convergence occurs after a certain age, making them more predictable.

Paradigm shift: 'We need to study lumps of bacteria'

A new study reveals that bacteria in biofilm form are stronger than single-celled bacteria and outcompete them for nourishment. This challenges the traditional view of bacterial infections and highlights the importance of treating biofilms as a distinct entity.

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.

Teen dating violence prevention programs fall short

A meta-analysis of middle- and high school intervention programs found that while programs increased knowledge and changed student attitudes, they did not reduce dating violence. Small reductions in victimization were observed but not sustained over time.

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.

Novel stadium-based research helps us understand group dynamics

Researchers used high-definition video cameras to track strangers forming groups in a covered stadium. They found individuals joined groups with similar physical traits, including levels of attractiveness, and attractive women were more likely to be in the center of social groups.

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.

Football training reduces the risk of disease in elderly men

Regular recreational football training significantly improves health profiles in 63-75 year old untrained men, reducing body weight and risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The study also found that football preserves muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a physically active lifestyle in older adults.

Georgia State's Deocampo participates in White House Water Summit

Daniel Deocampo, Georgia State University's chair of Geosciences, is part of the White House Water Summit to discuss sustainable water use and workforce development. The summit aims to create new jobs and economic growth through innovative technologies, with a focus on indirect potable-water reuse.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Changes to environment helps protect young pheasants

Research by University of Exeter found that providing early life perches to young pheasants can improve their survival rates and fitness. This is because raised perches help develop essential survival characteristics such as stronger legs, better spatial awareness, and memory. As a result, more pheasants are likely to thrive in the wild.

Genomes of chimpanzee parasite species reveal evolution of human malaria

The study reveals that Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, has a limited genetic diversity compared to its chimpanzee and gorilla cousins. The team found an expansion of a multi-gene family in Laverania parasites that helps them evade host immune cells and clear the spleen, contributing to severe malaria pathology.

Carbon leads the way in clean energy

Researchers have developed a nickel-carbon-based catalyst that replaces platinum in producing hydrogen from water, offering a cheaper alternative for renewable energy technologies. The new catalyst exhibits highly efficient hydrogen evolution performance and impressive durability.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Microagents with revolutionary potential

Researchers have created tiny particles that can be precisely controlled by magnetic fields and generate electric fields, revolutionizing medicine and regenerative therapy. These 'Janus' particles can target cancer cells with precision and efficiency, eliminating side effects.

Lake Erie phosphorus-reduction targets challenging but achievable

A new University of Michigan-led study concludes that meeting the goal of reducing levels of algae-promoting phosphorus in Lake Erie by 40 percent will require widespread use of strong fertilizer-management practices, significant conversion of cropland to grassland and targeted conservation efforts.

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.

'Watchdog' for greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers at Empa combined direct measurements with a transport model to validate statistics on greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland. The study confirms estimated annual emission of approximately 200,000 tonnes of methane, with livestock farming contributing 70% of emissions.

Using frog foam to deliver antibiotics

The frog foam has been shown to release model dyes and prevent in vitro growth of Staphylococcus aureus for extended periods, indicating its potential as a non-toxic antibiotic delivery system.

Police view blacks as 'suspects first, civilians second'

A Michigan State University study found that protesters in Ferguson believed police perceive black people as suspects before considering them as civilians. The research aimed to investigate racial typification and its impact on police-community relations.

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.

Mixed-strain malaria infections influence drug resistance

Competition among malaria parasite strains in human hosts can influence the spread of drug resistance, according to a new study. The research found that when hosts are co-infected with drug-resistant and drug-sensitive strains, both strains are competitively suppressed, potentially leading to the emergence of resistant strains.