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Science News Archive March 2016


Page 37 of 41

Hubble team breaks cosmic distance record

The team has shattered the cosmic distance record by measuring GN-z11, a surprisingly bright infant galaxy seen as it was 400 million years after the Big Bang. The observations reveal that GN-z11 is growing fast, forming stars at a rate about 20 times greater than our galaxy does today.

New research grants awarded to Bath automotive researchers

The University of Bath has been awarded two Innovate UK grants to lead separate projects investigating different aspects of a vehicle's exhaust system, aiming to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The research will focus on two new ways to utilize waste thermal energy to enhance fuel economy in future vehicles.

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.

Scientists reveal alternative route for cell death

Scientists at St Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a new pathway for mitochondrial cell death involving the BCL-2 ovarian killer protein. This mechanism is linked to cellular stress and may lead to new cancer treatments.

Healthy cells 'collaborate' with tumors to help build new blood vessels

A recent study shows that cancer cells work together with surrounding healthy cells to build new blood vessels, promoting tumor growth. Researchers found that collagen production is increased by a specific type of transfer RNA, allowing tumors to acquire the necessary resources to grow and spread.

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.

Quantum computer factors numbers, could be scaled up

Researchers from MIT and University of Innsbruck have designed a scalable quantum system that can factor large numbers efficiently using 5 atoms. This breakthrough represents the first implementation of Shor's algorithm in a scalable manner, enabling potential cracking of encryption schemes for protecting sensitive data.

'Gut' bacteria may help put a kink in family obesity cycle

Researchers discovered that a special type of dietary fibre, known as prebiotic, can impact the mother's gut microbiota and reduce obesity risk in moms and their babies. The study found that mothers who took a prebiotic supplement had lower body fat and healthier gut bacteria, which were then transferred to their babies.

Compound stems damage from brain bleeding

Researchers identified a more selective iron chelator compound named adaptaquin that blocks specific iron-containing enzymes without affecting total iron. This compound may provide neuroprotection after a brain hemorrhage event by blocking a protein called ATF4, which drives cell death in neurons.

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.

New research identifies role of tiny bubbles in teeth cleaning

Researchers have identified the formation of tiny bubbles around the head of ultrasonic scalers as crucial to the cleaning process. The study's findings aim to develop new instrument designs that maximize cavitation to improve plaque removal, reducing pain and increasing effectiveness.

Mechanism discovered for mosaic pattern of cells in the nasal cavity

Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a mechanism for the formation of a mosaic pattern of two different cell types in the nasal cavity. The study reveals that interaction between cadherins and nectins leads to the recruitment of cadherins to cell junctions, resulting in a mosaic pattern.

Newly identified genetic errors may prevent heart attacks

Researchers have identified two genes that, when altered, promote or undermine cardiovascular health. ANGPTL4 is associated with lower triglycerides and reduced risk of coronary disease, suggesting strategies to lower triglycerides could help prevent heart attacks. Future therapeutics targeting this pathway are in development.

New, less toxic therapy for stage-4 breast cancer

A new treatment combination of palbociclib and fulvestrant has been shown to significantly extend progression-free survival in women with stage-4 breast cancer. The study found that patients treated with the combination experienced a prolonged disease control, which may translate to improved survival.

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.

Popular blood pressure app misses the mark

A study of 85 volunteers found that a widely used smartphone app misleads users about their blood pressure. The app gave accurate readings to only 20% of participants with high blood pressure.

A range of interventions could curb rising antibiotic resistance in India

A mix of poor public health systems, high infectious disease rates, and inexpensive antibiotics contribute to increasing antibiotic resistance in India. Experts suggest regulating over-the-counter access to antibiotics, promoting behavior change, and improving the healthcare system to mitigate this growing threat.

Study shows whales dine with their own kind

Researchers have mapped whale calls to reveal species-specific feeding centers along Georges Bank, where humpback whales congregate in two main clusters and minke, fin, and blue whales set up territories in between. The team's results suggest predator and prey interactions are influenced by territorialism or foraging mechanisms.

Researchers envisage 'future cemetery'

Researchers at Columbia University have won a design competition to reimagine a future cemetery using architectural and technological innovations. The 'Sylvan Constellation' proposal envisions a network of memorial vessels transforming biomass into a perpetually renewing constellation of light.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into batteries

Researchers at Vanderbilt University and George Washington University have developed a way to convert carbon dioxide into batteries using graphite electrodes replaced with carbon material recovered from the atmosphere. This process produces carbon nanotubes that can be incorporated into lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, offering a ...

Using graphene to fight bacteria

Scientists are studying graphene oxide to create bacteria-killing catheters and medical devices, reducing the need for antibiotics and speeding recovery times. Graphene oxide wraps around bacteria, puncturing its membrane and killing it, making it a potential alternative to traditional methods that are toxic to the environment.

Hair forensics could yield false positives for cocaine use

A study by Eva Cuypers and colleagues found that washing away external contaminants from hair samples can cause cocaine to migrate into the hair shaft, leading to false positives in hair analysis. This new insight could have implications for future hair analyses.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mysterious cosmic radio bursts found to repeat

Astronomers have detected repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) from an enigmatic source, suggesting an extremely powerful object that occasionally produces multiple bursts. The findings indicate the source is likely located beyond the Milky Way galaxy.

How to prevent 10 million deaths a year

A collection of papers from global health experts argues that investing in new health tools, delivery innovations, and disease control strategies can avert 10 million deaths annually. The collection focuses on five conditions disproportionately affecting the world's poorest people.

A small dragonfly is found to be the world's longest-distance flyer

Scientists at Rutgers University-Newark discovered a small dragonfly species that migrates across vast distances, breeding with each other and creating a global gene pool. The dragonfly, Pantala flavescens, is estimated to have traveled over 4,400 miles, surpassing previously thought records of monarch butterflies.

Why pharmaceutical firms may prefer to invest in drugs over vaccines

A Harvard-Dartmouth study found that Zipf distributions of risk for diseases, such as HIV and heart attacks, lead pharmaceutical companies to invest more in treatments than preventives. This is because vaccine revenue depends on finer details about population risk, making it challenging to find a 'sweet spot' for pricing.

Superman can start worrying -- we've got the formula for (almost) kryptonite!

Theoretical chemists from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have found how to synthesize krypton oxide, a compound that can form an extensive and stable crystal lattice. This exotic substance can be produced at pressures exceeding 3 million atmospheres, similar to those on Krypton.

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.

Better way to treat abscesses: Add antibiotic to conventional approach

A new method of treating abscesses has been discovered, which involves adding an antibiotic to the conventional approach, resulting in improved recovery rates and reduced risk of MRSA infection spread. The study found that 93% of patients who took the antibiotic were cured, compared to 86% who received a placebo.

What gives parmesan cheese its unique taste?

Researchers have identified 31 key taste compounds in parmesan cheese that contribute to its savory and bitter flavors. The study reveals several peptides found at high concentrations, which could help manufacturers improve the cheese's taste.

Taming oceans for 24/7 power

A team from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology has designed a hybrid ocean-current turbine that can provide consistent and reliable energy. The turbine operates in the middle layer of the Kuroshio Current, where waters flow calmly and steadily, making it suitable for regions regularly devastated by storms.

Study: Hip replacement too soon after a steroid injection increases infection risk

A new study published by Hospital for Special Surgery recommends patients wait at least three months after a steroid injection to avoid an increased infection risk before undergoing hip replacement surgery. Researchers found that the immune system is weakened by corticosteroids, contributing to a higher risk of surgical site infections.

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.

Researchers discover that human hair and nails can tell toxic secrets

A study by Indiana University researchers has found a strong relationship between the levels of flame retardants in hair and nails and those in blood, providing a non-invasive way to measure exposure. The discovery could lead to further research into the human impact of environmental pollutants like flame retardants.

American Sleep Apnea Association and IBM launch SleepHealth app

The SleepHealth study aims to identify connections between sleep habits and health outcomes using the ResearchKit framework on Watson Health Cloud. Participants can contribute ideas and surveys, and their data will be stored in a longitudinal study for analysis.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Some bacterial CRISPRs can snip RNA, too

Recent research demonstrates that some bacteria use the CRISPR/Cas system to recognize and destroy segments of RNA from invading viruses. This novel approach could provide a new tool for fighting viral infections and offers insights into the complex interactions between bacteria and their environment.

Happiness can break your heart too

Takotsubo syndrome, also known as broken heart syndrome, can be triggered by both sad and happy emotional events. Researchers found that 20 patients developed the condition after a happy event, while 465 had occurred after sad and stressful events.

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.

Drug combination slows breast cancer spread

A combination of palbociclib and fulvestrant delays cancer growth in around two thirds of women with advanced hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. The treatment allowed many patients to delay the start of chemotherapy.

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 method reveals high similarity between gorilla and human Y chromosome

A new method allows for efficient sequencing of the male-specific Y chromosome in gorillas, showing significant similarity to both human and chimpanzee Y chromosomes. This breakthrough enables researchers to study male infertility disorders and conservation genetics efforts related to endangered species like gorillas.

Sugar-power -- scientists harness the reducing potential of renewable sugars

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have pioneered sugar-powered catalysis, which could revolutionize industries such as agro-chemistry and pharmaceuticals. By harnessing the reducing potential of renewable sugars, scientists have developed a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for catalysis.

How parents, romantic partners influence student spending

A new study by University of Arizona researchers found that romantic partners play a crucial role in shaping college students' financial behaviors. The study suggests that students model their financial habits after both their parents and romantic partners, with romantic partners having a stronger influence on attitudes towards finances.

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.

Study links mobile device addiction to depression and anxiety

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that high engagement with mobile technology is linked to anxiety and depression in college-age students. Researchers surveyed over 300 university students, finding that those who used devices for emotional escapism scored higher on depression and anxiety scales.

Agricultural fertilizer could pose risk to human fertility, sheep study finds

A study published in Scientific Reports found that pregnant ewes and their female lambs exposed to sewage sludge-derived fertilizers showed reduced ovary development, potentially affecting future reproductive health. The research highlights the need for steps to reduce contamination of sewage sludge-derived fertilizers.

Explosive start not needed for fast radio bursts

A team of astronomers has found evidence of repeated fast radio bursts (FRBs) originating from the same location in the sky, contradicting the long-held assumption that these bursts are isolated events. This discovery rules out entire classes of theoretical models and suggests that the burst source can recharge in minutes.

Dementia: 'Illness' label can lower mood

A new study indicates that people who perceive dementia symptoms as an illness feel more negative than those who see them as part of the aging process. The research found that those with an illness label experienced lower mood, emotional consequences, and a loss of confidence.

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.

Testing the evolution of resistance by experiment

Researchers found that strains resistant to bacteriocins grew poorly in iron-poor environments, suggesting a potential advantage in targeting resistant bacteria. The study suggests that bacteriocins could be used to target specific strains of multidrug-resistant or highly virulent bacteria.