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Science News Archive March 2016


Page 13 of 41

No more washing: Nano-enhanced textiles clean themselves with light

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a method to grow nanostructures that degrade organic matter when exposed to light, directly onto textiles. The technology has the potential to create fully self-cleaning textiles that can spontaneously clean stains and grime with minimal effort.

BPA substitute can trigger fat cell formation

A new study found that exposure to bisphenol S, a chemical used in BPA-free products, can encourage the formation of fat cells. Researchers created a human cell model and tested the effects of BPS exposure on fat cell metabolism.

Study: Brain metabolism predicts fluid intelligence in young adults

A new study published in Cerebral Cortex found that brain metabolism is a significant predictor of fluid intelligence in young adults. The research used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure concentrations of the molecule N-acetyl aspartate in different regions of the brain, revealing a link between NAA levels and fluid intelligence.

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.

A new-structure magnetic memory device developed

A new-structure magnetic memory device utilizing spin-orbit-torque-induced magnetization switching has been successfully developed by Tohoku University researchers. The device boasts ultrafast magnetization reversal timescales and potential benefits for power-efficient integrated circuits.

OHSU study: Tetanus shots needed every 30 years, not every 10

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University recommend revisiting current adult vaccination schedule due to long-lasting immunity against tetanus and diphtheria. A revised 30-year schedule could reduce healthcare costs by two-thirds, saving approximately $280 million annually.

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.

Tropical depression Emeraude a swirl in NASA imagery

Tropical Cyclone Emeraude was severely weakened into a depression by March 22, 2016, with winds dropping to 30 knots. A visible image captured by the Suomi NPP satellite showed a swirl of clouds and isolated thunderstorms southwest of the center.

Nitrogen factories in the Cretaceous oceans

Researchers found a unique cyanobacterium that provides nitrogen to a more complex cell host without photosynthesis, evolving around 90 million years ago. This 'slaving event' is crucial for the marine food web, providing bioavailable nitrogen.

Plant's morning calls to prepare for the night

A study published in The Plant Cell reveals that clock genes produced during the evening are regulated by clock proteins produced in the morning. This discovery sheds light on how plants adapt to their environment through a complex biological clock system.

How to spot elder abuse and neglect in the ER: Things are not always as they seem

Emergency physicians face a growing challenge as the Baby Boomer generation ages; they need to balance documenting findings and referring patients with their obligations to prevent misunderstandings. Two studies highlight the importance of a team-based approach, including social workers and law enforcement, to identify elder abuse.

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.

Lymphoma overrides a key protein's quadruple locks

Researchers discovered that lymphoma cells break through four 'locks' on the CARD11 protein, a key component of the immune system. The protein has four redundant repressive elements that normally keep it in check, but mutations in certain regions can disable these locks and lead to cancer.

Fish bond when they eat the same food

Researchers found that fish from different species associate with each other when they share the same food, suggesting a role for chemical cues in group bonding. This study suggests that shared dietary preferences may be a key factor in promoting social learning and information transfer among fish.

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.

Research advance may lead to new treatments for glaucoma

Scientists create method to differentiate patient-derived stem cells into retinal ganglion cells, which can help combat neurodegeneration in glaucoma. This breakthrough enables personalized medicine prospects for patients with glaucoma.

Unravelling the secret of antibiotic resistance

Researchers at the University of Leeds have solved a 25-year-old question about how bacteria resist certain antibiotics. The study provides direct evidence that ABC-F proteins 'protect' the bacterial ribosome, allowing it to continue making proteins despite antibiotic presence.

Calcium waves in the brain alleviate depressive behavior in mice

Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation causes synchronized calcium surges from astrocytes, reducing depressive symptoms and increasing neural plasticity. This effect is absent when blocking astrocytic calcium surges, highlighting their importance in therapeutic outcomes.

Forensic researchers set standards for X-ray identification of bodies

Researchers have developed location-specific standards for identifying human remains based on X-rays of the spine, upper leg, or skull. These standards provide a consistent approach to identification with high accuracy and reduced misclassification rates. The study's findings have significant implications for forensic experts and can h...

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.

GSA supports symposia organized by student and postdoc members

The GSA Trainee-Organized Symposia program aims to advance knowledge and encourage exchange among early career geneticists. Newly funded events focus on topics such as genomics of adaptation to human contexts, non-academic career choices, and ribosomal DNA research.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solar storms trigger Jupiter's 'Northern Lights'

Researchers from UCL and NASA used the Chandra X-Ray Observatory to study Jupiter's X-ray aurora triggered by solar storms. The findings reveal a high-energy X-ray aurora eight times brighter than Earth's, providing insights into Jupiter's magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind.

Island foxes may need genetic rescue

A recent study found that the San Nicolas Island fox population has extremely low genetic variation, making it vulnerable to extinction. Genetic rescue from other island fox subspecies could be necessary to preserve this important ecosystem member.

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.

Even with higher education, obese women run greater risk of depression

A new study by Rice University researchers found that obese women, even those with higher education, are double the risk of depression compared to normal-weight women. The study used a large population-based sample of healthy women and controlled for various factors, including diet and lifestyle.

New way to treat cancer and vessel diseases

Cell biologists from Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered a new way to regulate cell motility, enabling the development of new medicines for cancer and vessel diseases. The study found that protein kinase LOSK regulates dynactin, a complex protein necessary for retrograde intercellular transport.

Grass and flowers sourced locally

A joint study by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that using locally sourced seed from the same region as the future grassland improves plant growth and flowering. The researchers tested seven common grassland plants across eight German regions, discovering a correlation between genetic differences and regional climate...

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.

Autism genes are in all of us, new research reveals

New research suggests genetic risk underlying autism spectrum disorders affects a range of behavioral and developmental traits across the population. Those diagnosed with ASD represent a severe presentation of these traits, which also occur in unaffected individuals.

Bacteria's Achilles heel uncovered by single molecule chemistry

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a previously unknown weakness in bacteria, known as an 'Achilles heel', which is a proton leak state. This discovery may lead to the development of novel antibiotics by targeting this safety valve in bacterial energy metabolism.

Free pap screening did not increase participation

A study from Sahlgrenska Academy found that free gynecological pap test screenings did not increase participation among women in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Despite a low fee of SEK 11, the results showed only a slight difference in participation rates between those offered free screening and those who paid the usual fee.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite sees Emeraude weakening

Tropical Cyclone Emeraude is weakening due to a partially exposed low-level circulation center and moderate vertical wind shear. The storm will continue to lose strength over the next couple of days as it moves westward through the open waters of the Southern Indian Ocean.

Reverse your diabetes -- and you can stay diabetes-free long-term

A new study from Newcastle University found that people who reverse their Type 2 diabetes and keep their weight down remain free of the condition. The research shows that even patients with diabetes for up to 10 years can reverse their condition by removing fat from their pancreas.

Plants boost extreme temperatures by 5°C

Researchers found that plants' water-use strategies significantly impact temperature increase, with needleleaf forests and agricultural land experiencing the largest changes. The study's results are more than half the change forecast by the IPCC under a business-as-usual model.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Skin regeneration in technicolor

Researchers have developed a system called Skinbow that labels individual skin cells in zebrafish with different colors, allowing for real-time tracking of cell populations. This technology enables the study of skin regeneration and cellular behavior in high resolution, providing insights into the dynamics of wound healing.

Video: Morphing metal shapes future of soft robotics

Cornell University engineers have developed a hybrid material combining stiff metal and soft rubber foam for dynamic shape changes, self-healing and improved load-bearing capabilities. The material features a unique ability to melt and reform, mimicking the flexibility of an octopus.

UT center continues quest for low-cost, high-quality bioenergy

Researchers at the University of Tennessee Center for Renewable Carbon explore feedstock supply and logistical issues to develop cost-competitive biofuels and bio-based products. The study aims to determine if blending feedstocks can increase performance while lowering costs.

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.

Engineers adapt laser method to create micro energy units

Engineers at the University of Missouri have developed a method to transfer energy sources to virtually any shape using an efficient laser-writing technique. This technique enables the fabrication of microbatteries and micro fuel cells that are more environmentally friendly, highly designable, and thin.

Long-acting injectable protects against vaginal HIV transmission

Researchers developed a new long-acting formulation of raltegravir for pre-exposure prophylaxis, showing significant protection against multiple strains of HIV in animal models. The study found that the injectable provided strong suppression of viral load and could potentially improve adherence to medication regimens.

Caught for the first time: The early flash of an exploding star

Astronomers capture shock breakout of a supernova for the first time in visible light, revealing unexpected diversity in cataclysmic stellar events. The observations, made using NASA's Kepler space telescope, matched up well with mathematical models of Type II explosions.

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.

The center of the Milky Way

A team of researchers has found evidence for a particle accelerator in the center of the Milky Way that can accelerate protons to petaelectronvolt energies. The discovery sheds new light on the origin of galactic cosmic rays and challenges existing theories.

Nanoparticle-based cancer therapies shown to work in humans

Researchers at Caltech demonstrate that nanoparticles can selectively target tumors while leaving adjacent healthy tissue intact. The study's findings suggest the presence of the EPR effect in humans, which could lead to more effective cancer therapies with fewer side effects.

The weight of rejection

Research reveals anticipated rejection due to weight stigma negatively impacts heavier women's emotional well-being. Participants who expected rejection experienced lower self-esteem, increased feelings of shame and embarrassment, and greater stress.

Scientists say many plants don't respond to warming as thought

A comprehensive global study suggests that plant respiration rates slow predictably with increasing temperatures, reducing estimates of carbon release from plants. The research found uniform patterns across various habitats and plant types, shedding light on the complex planetary carbon cycle.

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.

Many species now going extinct may vanish without a fossil trace

A recent study by three paleontologists reveals that over 85% of mammal species at high risk of extinction lack a fossil record. The researchers found that body size and geographical range are key factors in determining whether a species will leave behind a fossil legacy.

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.

Global warming pushes wines into uncharted terroir

A study finds that global warming has largely removed drought from the centuries-old early-harvest equation, pushing French grape growers to adapt to hotter climates. As a result, some regions may no longer be suitable for traditional wine varieties, forcing vineyards to change their methods or relocate.