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Science News Archive March 2016


Page 39 of 41

Production practices evaluated for organic trailing blackberry

A study evaluated organic trailing blackberry production practices, recommending weed mat management to increase production and profits. Soil pH, organic matter content, and macronutrient concentrations were affected mainly by year and weed management strategy.

Carbon nanotubes improve metal's longevity under radiation

Researchers have found that adding carbon nanotubes to aluminum can slow down the breakdown process caused by radiation exposure, allowing it to last longer. The new material has been shown to retain its strength and resilience even after prolonged irradiation, with reduced embrittlement and pores.

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.

First 3-D structure of the enzymatic role of DNA

Researchers have solved the first three-dimensional structure of a deoxyribozyme, a flexible DNA molecule that can act as an enzyme. This breakthrough challenges the long-held perception of DNA's stiffness and has significant implications for understanding molecular reactions and potential applications in medicine.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Brief educational program can help curb dating violence among teens

A study by researchers at Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center confirms that a brief educational program can effectively curb dating violence among teens. The Katie Brown Educational Program's five-session curriculum showed significant changes in students' attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge about relationships.

Shedding light on the day-night cycle

Researchers at WashU Medicine used whole brain scans to discover that different groups of neurons become active at different times of day, despite being on the same molecular clock. This reveals a new mechanism for encoding daily rhythms in neural signaling.

Common blood test could predict risk of 2nd stroke

Researchers linked high C-Reactive Protein levels to increased ischemic stroke risk, identifying gene variations that drive these risks. A new discovery may allow doctors to predict patients' risk of having a second stroke using a commonly performed blood test and their genetic profile.

ORNL researchers stack the odds for novel optoelectronic 2-D materials

Researchers used low-frequency Raman spectroscopy to decipher stacking patterns in 2D materials, revealing unique effects of vibrations between layers. The study provides a platform for engineering materials with optical and electronic properties strongly dependent on stacking configurations.

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.

How well did an instant blood pressure app work?

A study found that an instant blood pressure app underestimated higher BPs and overestimated lower BPs, raising concerns about its accuracy. The app's inaccuracy may lead to false reassurance for individuals with hypertensive BP levels.

Turning smokestack emissions into carbon nanotube-containing batteries

Scientists have developed a method to transform CO2 from smokestack emissions into high-value materials for lithium and sodium batteries. The process produces carbon nanotubes with stable performance, offering a potential solution for reducing environmental impact of current power plants.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA Goddard network maintains communications from space to ground

Goddard's Network Integration Center coordinates communications for Near Earth and Space Networks, ensuring reliable data transmission from space to ground. The center has been operational since Project Mercury and supports human spaceflight missions, including those in low-Earth orbit and beyond.

Pregnancy vitamin D supplementation may help winter baby's bones

A new study found that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy can increase bone mass in babies born during the winter months, potentially leading to stronger bones and a reduced risk of osteoporosis. The supplement showed no difference in overall bone mass but had a positive impact on children born during the colder months.

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.

Moments of acute stress can cause molecular alterations in immune response

A study involving skydiving participants found that acute stress can cause molecular alterations in the immune response, leading to increased risk of stress-related conditions. The researchers identified specific genes and pathways involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses that were dysregulated after the jump.

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.

A new way to stretch DNA

Researchers have developed a new way to controllably manipulate biomolecules like DNA using acoustic force spectroscopy. The technique stretches molecules by applying varying forces in a precise way, shedding light on chemical bonding and mechanical properties.

Identity unearthed

A new study published in American Anthropologist reveals the transformation of Egyptian and Nubian culture through cultural entanglement. The researchers found that individual choices played a significant role in shaping the development of the Nubian state, allowing it to eventually conquer Egypt.

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.

Drug halves risk of intestinal paralysis after abdominal surgery

A recent phase II clinical trial found that prucalopride significantly reduces the duration of intestinal paralysis after abdominal surgery. In the study, patients taking prucalopride experienced a reduced risk of prolonged ileus compared to those receiving a placebo.

NREL collaboration boosts potential for CdTe solar cells

Researchers at NREL have improved the maximum voltage available from CdTe solar cells, breaking the 1V barrier and enabling more efficient electricity generation. The innovation could significantly reduce manufacturing costs and make solar energy more cost-competitive with traditional energy sources.

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.

Long-term stress erodes memory

Researchers at Ohio State University found that sustained stress impairs memory and cognitive function in mice, with inflammation caused by the immune system being a key factor. The study suggests potential targets for pharmacological or behavioral treatment to interrupt inflammation and improve memory.

Imaging shows impact of PTSD in earthquake survivors

A new study using MRI found that adult earthquake survivors with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had greater cortical thickness in certain brain regions and reduced volume in others compared to healthy survivors. Cortical thickness was positively correlated with PTSD severity, particularly in the left precuneus region.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Zika virus medical countermeasures, challenges and opportunities

The Zika Response Working Group provides recommendations for countermeasures against the Zika virus, highlighting the need for open-minded responses and collaboration. Key findings include the potential of currently marketed drugs to have anti-Zika activity and the challenges of rapid vaccine development.

New climate study argues for carbon fee

A new study finds that climate change is becoming noticeable at mid-latitudes, especially in summer, with extreme events more frequent due to rising temperatures. The researchers argue that a carbon fee is needed to spur the transition to clean energy and reduce fossil fuel emissions.

New method to stop Argentine ants

Researchers at UC Riverside have found a more environmentally friendly way to control the spread of Argentine ants by adding their pheromone to bait. The pheromone-infused gel bait reduced ant activity by 74%, compared to 42% with traditional baits, and is an inexpensive modification to existing products.

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.

Better biopsies through biofluidics

Researchers have developed a new method to acquire three-dimensional atlases of tissue that provide much more information, incorporating data on tissue structure and molecular profile. The new technique enables doctors or researchers to peer into the tissue and identify specific proteins within cells throughout the whole tissue.

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.

DNA as a weapon of immune defense

Scientists have found that a social amoeba uses both phagocytosis and DNA nets to defend against bacteria, similar to the human immune system. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic granulomatous disease and other immune disorders.

Twin study: Genetics and environment affect different regions of the brain

Researchers found that genetics play a major role in the bilateral parietal lobes and left temporal lobe, while environment dominates other brain regions. This study provides insights into how nature and environment interact to shape our brains, potentially informing the development of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Using old drugs to treat new viruses

Researchers discovered that common drugs for psychosis and depression can prevent certain viruses from infecting cells by blocking potassium ion channels. This breakthrough finding has potential to stop deadly viruses from spreading and causing human disease.

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.

Can't sleep? Street lights may be keeping you awake

A study of 15,863 people found that nighttime light exposure was significantly associated with sleep duration and disturbances. People living in urban areas with intense street lights were six percent more likely to sleep less than six hours per night.

Whole-exome sequencing: A rational approach for 'diagnostic odyssey' patients

A clinical study from Mayo Clinic found whole-exome sequencing to be a viable diagnostic approach for identifying rare genetic conditions, resolving diagnostic odysseys and improving patient management. The study reported a success rate of 29%, twice that of conventional genetic evaluations, with insurance coverage existing for the test.