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Science News Archive March 2016


Page 27 of 41

Open science in action!

The proposed platform, amanuens.is, integrates ContentMine and Hypothes.is prototypes to mine critical facts from scientific documents and make them publicly available. By combining machines and humans, it aims to reduce costs, increase transparency, and facilitate collaboration in biomedical research.

Brown fat keeps blood sugar in check

Researchers found that individuals with more brown fat had smaller fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Brown fat may act as a 'glucose buffer', lessening the variation in blood glucose and potentially diminishing metabolic stresses that could increase the risk of diabetes.

Scientists developed a robust method for analysis of intestinal bacteria

Researchers have created a robust method for comparing metagenome-coupled DNA sequences from all organisms in a sample, allowing for more effective and quick comparison of samples. This approach, based on k-mer frequencies, can detect previously unknown segments of DNA and improve the analysis of intestinal bacteria.

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.

The 'great smoky dragon' of quantum physics

Recent study confirms wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics by recreating John Archibald Wheeler's 'great smoky dragon' thought experiment. The research demonstrates that the nature of light is not fixed until observed, with implications for quantum cryptography and computing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smartphone security: Why doodling trumps text passwords

A Rutgers study found that free-form gesture passwords are easier to use and remember than traditional text passwords, keeping devices more secure. Participants spent 22% less time logging in and 42% less time creating passwords with gesture passwords.

Does ethnicity affect breast cancer biology?

New research analyzed data from over 68,000 women with breast cancer registered in England between 2006-2013. The study found that average age at diagnosis was lower in both South Asian and Black women than in White women. Ethnic minority women may still face larger tumours and more aggressive features despite younger age.

Revision rates, patient characteristics in those undergoing septorhinoplasty

A study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that septorhinoplasty revision rates were low at 3.3%, but certain patient characteristics, such as younger age and history of anxiety or autoimmune disease, were associated with increased revision rates. The authors analyzed data from over 175,000 patients undergoing septorhinopla...

Using statistics to predict rogue waves

Researchers have created a statistical model to forecast extreme waves, which are large and spontaneous ocean waves that can be deadly. The model uses joint statistics of multiple points in time or space to capture wave heights and turbulent air flows, greatly reducing complexity and obeying the Fokker-Planck equation.

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.

IBS team detects hot electrons in real time

The IBS team developed a graphene-semiconductor catalytic nanodiode that enables the detection of hot electrons on platinum nanoparticles in real time. This breakthrough allows researchers to study the electronic effect on catalytic activity and potentially design improved catalytic materials with lower costs.

Rice scientists synthesize anti-cancer agent

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for synthesizing the potent anti-cancer agent trioxacarcin, which damages DNA and disrupts cancer cell replication. This breakthrough allows for more efficient production of these valuable molecules, enabling their study as potential new medications.

Study identifies possible marker for lung cancer chemotherapy

A new study found that low expression of SMARCA4/BRG1 gene in lung tumors may indicate patients who will benefit from certain chemotherapy regimens. The findings suggest an alternative therapy for these patients to spare them from cisplatin's side effects and allow them to try a different treatment sooner.

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.

Dramatically dynamic genomic evolution of a mighty mite

A study published in Genome Biology and Evolution sequenced the genome of Metaseiulus occidentalis, a predatory mite widely used to control plant pests. The research revealed completely atomized Hox genes and superdynamic intron evolution, highlighting the unique biology of this agriculturally important predator.

BMJ best practice accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners

The Royal College of General Practitioners has accredited BMJ Best Practice, a healthcare knowledge provider that offers high-quality clinical decision support to GPs. The tool features continuing professional development tracking and accreditation, allowing GPs to earn credits while using it in their working day.

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.

PNNL gives a helping hand to small green businesses

The US Department of Energy has awarded PNNL $625,000 to advance three small business projects in hydropower, energy efficiency and bio-based chemicals. The projects aim to reduce costs, increase sustainability and improve production processes for these technologies.

Adapting training to age

A study by the University of the Basque Country found that larger pitches and more players per team increase physical and physiological demands on young footballers. The research suggests adapting competition models to match the physiological development of participants, particularly for the U12 age group.

Hispanic women who identify as white are healthier than those who don't

A new study found that Hispanic women who identify as White have better functional health and lower rates of poverty compared to those who identify as Black or other races. U.S.-born Hispanic women who identify as Black have a higher rate of functional limitations, with over 25% living below the poverty line.

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.

Clocking the rotation rate of a supermassive black hole

Researchers accurately measured the rotational rate of an 18 billion solar mass supermassive black hole, one-third of the maximum spin rate allowed in General Relativity. The binary black hole model reveals a smaller companion orbiting around it, affecting accretion disk behavior.

How stick insects handle indigestive food

Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered that stick insects have enzymes capable of degrading complex plant cell wall components, including xyloglucan. This discovery marks the first known xyloglucanase of any kind to be found in multicellular animals.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Turn off the Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered the key trigger of Alzheimer's disease development, involving zinc ions and peptide aggregation. They propose a mechanism for transforming healthy peptides into toxic ones, paving the way for new medicine to block beta-amyloid peptide aggregation.

'Daedalus dilemma' of the immune system

A study by Pavel Kovarik and his team at the University of Vienna reveals that type I interferons play a crucial role in regulating IL-1β levels, preventing excessive inflammation and balance in the immune system.

INRS takes giant step forward in generating optical qubits

A team of researchers from INRS has successfully generated multiphoton entangled quantum states using on-chip optical frequency combs. This breakthrough paves the way for practical applications of quantum computing, enabling secure data transfer and superfast processing.

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.

Give and take

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers finds that excess nutrient input leads to imbalances in mutualistic species interactions. This can have far-reaching implications for ecosystems, including decreased growth of fungal partners and increased growth of plant partners.

New frog species discovered in India's wastelands

A new species of narrow-mouthed frog, Microhyla laterite, has been discovered in laterite rock formations of southwest India. The frog, which is distinct from closely related species, is classified as Endangered due to its narrow geographic range and fragile habitat.

ADHD or just immature?

A new study suggests that a child's age at school entry may affect ADHD diagnosis. Children born in August were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and/or receive medication compared to those born in September. This finding implies that as children get older, the impact of birth month on ADHD diagnoses decreases.

The plastic-eating bacteria breakdown

Scientists have identified a new bacterium that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using just two enzymes. The unique enzymes, ISF6_4831 and ISF6_0224, work together to degrade PET into its simpler building blocks, offering a potential solution to the plastic waste problem.

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.

Efficiency of water electrolysis doubled

Researchers have successfully increased water electrolysis efficiency by applying a copper layer to platinum electrodes. This innovation boosts the reaction's activity and extends electrode lifespan. The breakthrough could lead to large-scale implementation of climate-friendly energy conversion using surplus electricity.

Deciphering compact galaxies in the young universe

A team of researchers discovered 80 young galaxies in the early universe, with at least 54 being spatially resolved. Computer simulations confirmed that many of these galaxies are actually merging pairs, triggering intense star formation activity. This study sheds light on the formation and evolution of compact galaxies.

News coverage of Fukushima disaster found lacking

A new analysis by American University sociology professor Celine-Marie Pascale finds that US news media coverage following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster minimized health risks to the general population. Only 6% of coverage focused on health risks, framing them as low or uncertain.

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.

Evidence in the Cassia Hills of Idaho reveals 12 catastrophic eruptions

Researchers have uncovered evidence of 12 massive explosive eruptions in the Cassia Hills of southern Idaho, which left behind glassy deposits and a deep volcanic basin. These eruptions were hotter and more frequent than those at Yellowstone, and provide insights into ancient volcanic activity west of the famous park.

A remarkable second place for the Data Miners at the Integra Gold Rush Challenge

The Data Miners team from INRS took second place in the Integra Gold Rush Challenge, a competition that analyzed six terabytes of vintage data to locate the next prospective gold deposit on the Integra property. The team was composed entirely of students and demonstrated the excellence of the training in economic geology offered at INRS.

Brown fat may warm us up at dawn

Researchers discovered that human brown fat cells show circadian fluctuations in glucose consumption, which may act as a glucose buffer and lessen the stress on the pancreas. Individuals with high brown fat abundance showed less variability in glucose levels over time.

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.

Cancer research collaboration leads to landmark licensing agreement

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers develop new class of PRMT5 inhibitors to treat cancer and certain blood disorders, leading to a major licensing agreement with Merck. The deal includes an initial payment of $US15 million and paves the way for further research into new treatments.

More innovation, less perspiration

Andrea Young's grant will support the development of nano-SQUID-on-tip, a device that measures thermal, magnetic, and topographic properties of materials. This tool enables correlation of physical and magnetic structure on relevant length scales, crucial for nanoscale device performance.

Link between gum disease and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's

A new study has found a strong link between gum disease and increased rates of cognitive decline in people with early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Periodontitis at baseline was associated with a six-fold increase in the rate of cognitive decline over a six-month follow-up period.

FDA approves Indego exoskeleton for clinical and personal use

The FDA has cleared Indego exoskeleton for clinical and personal use, allowing people with paralysis to stand up and walk. The device offers advanced features like adjustable robotic assistance and functional electrical stimulation to aid in rehabilitation.

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.

Protein increases signals that protect cancer cells, Stanford study finds

Researchers identified a critical connection between the cancer-related gene Myc and cell-surface molecules that protect tumors from the immune system. The study found that reducing Myc expression led to lower levels of protective proteins CD47 and PD-L1 on tumor cells, enabling them to evade immune detection.

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.

Blood stem cells study could pave the way for new cancer therapy

Scientists have discovered how three key molecules interact to generate blood stem cells, a crucial step in developing new treatments for leukaemia and other blood disorders. The breakthrough could lead to personalised blood therapies and reduce the need for bone marrow transplants.

Timing the treatment of cancer cells

Researchers found that radiation treatment killed 95% of breast cancer cells when delivered during a peak in p53 production, but only 20% when applied during an oscillatory phase. The study suggests that timing may be crucial in understanding the effectiveness of anticancer treatments.

New learning procedure for neural networks

A new learning procedure developed by Robert Gütig enables neural networks to filter out irrelevant sensory impressions and link them to events occurring after a delay. This breakthrough has significant implications for technological applications like automatic speech recognition.

Where males sense females in plants

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a key kinase receptor in pollen tubes that allows them to detect LURE peptides produced by ovules, guiding fertilization. This finding may lead to improved efficiency of pollen tube growth and increased success rate of fertilization.