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Science News Archive March 2016


Page 31 of 41

Asparagus freezing tolerance related to rhizome traits

Researchers found that asparagus rhizome traits, specifically water content and metabolite levels, are key indicators of freezing tolerance. The study tested three cultivars, with Guelph Millennium proving to be the most tolerant, suggesting that adapting to colder climates may depend on optimizing rhizome characteristics.

NIST's Internet Time Service serves the world

The NIST Internet Time Service serves much of the world, receiving 316 million unique IP address requests from 20 servers in one month. This represents at least 8.5 percent of devices on the entire internet, highlighting its importance as a reliable source of time.

New study: Disparity in student loan debt between blacks and whites

A recent study published in Race and Social Problems found that black young adults have significantly more student loan debt than their white counterparts, due to disparities in parental wealth, family background, and college choices. The study suggests that the racial gap in student loan debt may be exacerbated by limited access to fi...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Predicting potential pharma side effects

Researchers have developed a computer program that predicts pharmaceutical side effects, outperforming earlier software in accuracy. The system assesses drug molecules and identifies potential side effects using an ensemble approach, demonstrating its effectiveness in flagging adverse reactions.

Trouble sleeping? The size of your tongue and tonsils could be why

A new study led by University at Buffalo orthodontic researcher Thikriat Al-Jewair found that large tonsils and tongue indentations are common risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. The research also showed that obese patients were almost 10 times more likely to report OSA symptoms than non-obese patients.

CU Anschutz researchers study marijuana use in pregnant mothers

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus are conducting a study to detect prenatal marijuana use and its association with adverse outcomes, such as fetal growth restriction and hypertension. The study aims to develop a survey tool for new mothers to provide accurate information on marijuana use during pregnancy.

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.

Gut microbes linked to deadly intestinal disease in preemies

A large-scale study reveals that premature babies with necrotizing enterocolitis have a distinct mix of gut microbes compared to healthy infants. The researchers identified Gram-negative bacteria and anaerobic bacteria as potential contributors to the disease, and found that breast milk may offer some protection.

Fifteen shades of photoreceptor in a butterfly's eye

Researchers found that Common Bluebottles have 15 photoreceptor classes, one for each wavelength of light, allowing them to distinguish millions of colors. This discovery reveals a unique system in butterfly vision, where four classes are used for routine color vision and eleven others detect specific stimuli.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Genetically modified anthocyanin-expressing citrus developed

Scientists have developed a genetically modified lime that produces anthocyanins, resulting in unique leaf pigmentation, flower coloration, and fruit pulp colors. The discovery opens up opportunities for new citrus fruits, ornamental plants, and potentially health-beneficial fresh produce.

Health apps and the sharing of information with third parties

A study of Android diabetes apps found that 81% lacked privacy policies and 76% shared sensitive health information without consent. The apps' transmission of data to third parties poses significant privacy risks, as there are no federal legal protections against the sale or disclosure of medical app data.

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.

Diabetes treatment can reduce mammographic density

A study of 5,644 women found that diabetes treatment decreases mammographic density, while insulin use increases it. The researchers also urge women with and without diabetes to adopt simple lifestyle changes to reduce breast cancer risk.

Low-level arsenic may impact fetal growth, Dartmouth-led study finds

A Dartmouth-led study found that low levels of arsenic in pregnant women's drinking water and food may be related to decreased head circumference at birth. The study also linked arsenic exposure to lower birth weight and birth length, with associations varying by mother's pre-pregnancy BMI and infant sex.

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.

Short man or overweight woman? Your size could make you poorer

A study published in The BMJ found that shorter height in men and higher body mass index (BMI) in women are associated with lower socioeconomic status, including reduced income. The research used genetic data from 120,000 participants to analyze the link between height, weight, and socioeconomic factors.

NASA's first wide-field soft X-ray camera is a gift that keeps giving

The mission aims to observe the emission of soft X-rays from solar particles colliding with Earth's upper atmosphere and neutral gases in interplanetary space. The data will help scientists understand charge exchange processes, atmospheric loss on Mars, and radiation effects on near-Earth space.

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.

Evolutionary leap from fins to legs was surprisingly simple

A new study reveals that the earliest tetrapods developed fins with surprisingly similar levels of diversity, challenging long-held assumptions about evolution. The research found that fish and early tetrapods exhibited comparable variations in fin anatomy, despite differences in skeletal structures.

More than 2 million people co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C

A global study reveals 2.3 million people co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C, with a significant burden in Eastern Europe and central Asia. The study highlights the need for improved integrated HIV/HCV services and increased screening and treatment to reduce morbidity and new infections.

System lets Web users share aspects of their browsing history

Researchers developed Eyebrowse, a system allowing users to share self-selected aspects of their online activity with friends and the public. Users can add whitelisted sites, track friend visits, and view community browsing history, providing insights for academics and companies targeting consumers.

Physics students at Umeå University in a race to the moon

Physics students at Umeå University are developing an instrument to measure the electric field of the lunar surface, a first for the Moon. The project aims to provide more knowledge about the electric field, crucial for future missions to the Moon and other celestial bodies.

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.

Effects of salinity and nutrient deficiency determined for spinach

A study by Chenping Xu and Beiquan Mou found that spinach can be improved in nutritional value through cultural practices that impose either low fertilizer levels or slight salt stress. This approach resulted in only moderately or slightly reduced yield, while also increasing antioxidant capacity.

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.

Video games improve brain connections in multiple sclerosis patients

A video game-based cognitive rehabilitation program improved thalamic functional connectivity and boosted cognitive abilities in multiple sclerosis patients. The study found that increased connectivity reflected the brain's plasticity and promoted cognitive rehabilitation for people with neurological diseases.

Tiny fossils tell a long(ish) story

Researchers have found that the flux of organic matter to the seafloor was reduced for a shorter time than previously thought, with evidence suggesting that some food must have reached the seabed despite mass extinctions. The study used foraminiferal isotopes from a deep-sea core in the South Atlantic to investigate this paradox.

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.

UNC School of Medicine researchers prove HIV targets tissue macrophages

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have demonstrated that HIV infects and replicates in macrophages, a discovery with significant implications for HIV cure research. The study found that macrophages can sustain HIV replication in the absence of T cells and can establish infection in new hosts.

Chapman University researcher examines body satisfaction in national study of men

A national study examining how men feel about their bodies found that between 20-40% of men reported feeling dissatisfied with their physical appearance. Gay men were more likely to report feelings of pressure from the media, social pressures, and discomfort in public, highlighting common issues across both heterosexual and gay men.

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.

Green tea and iron, bad combination

A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology suggests that green tea's antioxidant properties may be compromised when consumed with iron-rich foods or supplements. The researchers found that the main compound in green tea, EGCG, loses its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes when bound to iron.

State-level immigration policies grow more common

Nearly all states have taken a more-active role in immigration policy, but many lack comprehensive evaluation of costs and benefits. A new report from RAND Corporation suggests that state policymakers need better tools to assess the full impact of their policies.

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.

Improving modern vaccines -- sugar polymer tails wag the protein dog

Researchers found that carbohydrate polymers control the physical behavior of vaccines and provide a protective cloud against protein denaturation. The conjugates were over 50 times larger than the protein, with flexible properties that retained the highly flexible nature of the carbohydrates.

NTU bags 6 awards at Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2016

NTU Singapore's two teams, NTU Venture 8 and NTU Venture 9, won six awards at the Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2016 competition. The teams' 3D printed cars, including a solar-powered urban electric car, demonstrated improved fuel efficiency and performance.

Time to rethink your vegetable oil?

A new study from Ohio State University found that men and women with higher levels of linoleic acid tend to have less heart-threatening fat, more lean body mass, and lower inflammation. Higher linoleic acid levels also meant lower likelihood of insulin resistance and diabetes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mutated gene safeguards against heart attacks

Researchers discovered a mutated ANGPTL4 gene that lowers triglyceride values in the blood, reducing the risk of coronary disease. This breakthrough may lead to new medications that simulate the effect of this mutation, providing a concrete goal for future research.

Liposomes cannot penetrate the skin

Researchers from University of Southern Denmark found that liposomes cannot penetrate the human skin barrier intact. The study used a nanoscope to directly observe individual molecules and liposomes, revealing no penetration without breaking down. This challenges previous assumptions about liposome efficacy in skincare and medicine.

Lung cancer screening: New Canadian guideline

Adults aged 55-74 with a history of current or former smoking and 30+ pack-years are advised to undergo annual low-dose CT scans up to three times. This guideline aims to detect lung cancer at an early stage, reducing serious illness and death. Screening should be conducted in healthcare settings with expertise in diagnosing lung cancer.

Children know best whether an allergy spray works for them

A recent study found that children aged 6-11 with seasonal allergic rhinitis reported significant symptom improvement after using MP-AzeFlu, while caregivers struggled to accurately assess symptoms. The study highlights the importance of pediatric symptom assessment in determining treatment efficacy.

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.

Alzheimer's more versatile than previously known

A new study from Lund University reveals that the accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain may be caused by both overproduction and problems with breaking down the protein. The research suggests that Alzheimer's disease may be a more heterogeneous condition than previously thought, with potential implications for future treatments.