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Science News Archive March 2016


Page 40 of 41

Neutrophils 'vacuum' microbes away from the brain

Researchers discovered that neutrophils can internalize C. neoformans in the brain vasculature and circulate them back into the bloodstream for removal. This process enables the prevention of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, a deadly brain infection.

From backyard pool chemical to nanomaterial

Researchers at McGill University discover that cyanuric acid can coax DNA into forming a triple helix, unlike the familiar double helix. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new DNA structures with unique properties.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Less connectivity improves innovation

In this experiment, participants were asked to discover successive innovations to produce a virtual remedy and stop the spread of a virus. The results show that fully connected groups performed well in the short-run but rapidly converged toward the same solutions.

The overlooked commotion of particle motion in the ocean

Most aquatic species sense sound via particle motion, yet few studies have included measurements. Researchers from the University of Exeter and others have developed user-friendly tools to maximize its uptake and understand the impact of man-made noise on aquatic life.

Hey boss: Workers prefer consistent jerk to loose cannon

A recent study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that employees who work for consistently unfair supervisors are less stressed and more satisfied than those with erratic bosses. The researchers suggest that prioritizing self-discipline and careful thinking can help deliver leaders who treat employees fairly most of t...

Penguin brains not changed by loss of flight

Researchers analyzed the oldest known penguin fossil and found no significant changes in brain structure compared to modern penguins. The study suggests that becoming flightless did not directly impact brain anatomy, contradicting previous assumptions.

New research helps solve the riddle of the ocean carbon conundrum

Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the ocean's role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Using satellite and ship measurements, they found that around a quarter of the CO2 released into the atmosphere ends up in the oceans, equivalent to two million double-decker buses or 72,000 Boeing 747s annu...

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.

Low vitamin D predicts aggressive prostate cancer

A new study by Northwestern University research found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with aggressive prostate cancer in men. Men with dark skin or limited sun exposure should get their vitamin D levels checked and supplement if necessary to reduce the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

NASA finds drought in Eastern Mediterranean worst of past 900 years

A new NASA study reconstructs the Mediterranean's drought history using tree rings, finding that the eastern region has experienced its worst drought in 900 years. The research provides a 'fingerprint' for identifying human-induced climate change contributions and will improve computer models simulating climate change.

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.

What if extraterrestrial observers called, but nobody heard?

Scientists René Heller and Ralph Pudritz suggest focusing on Earth's transit zone, where our planet passes in front of the sun, to maximize the chances of detecting signals from extraterrestrial observers. The proposed method involves studying the dimming of starlight as a planet crosses its host star's face.

More than half of lawn mower injuries to children require an amputation

A recent study found that 53% of lawn mower injuries to children require amputation. The most common injury sites were the lower extremity and collisions with mower blades. To mitigate these risks, researchers recommend increased education campaigns for parents on how to keep their children safe from lawn-mower injuries.

Campuses need safety planning to protect abuse victims, study finds

A recent study by Sam Houston State University found that up to half of college students experience intimate partner violence, emphasizing the need for campus safety planning. The research brief highlights the importance of educating students on personal safety strategies and providing access to resources for victims of abuse.

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.

Better targeting of treatment gives hope to people with severe asthma

A new study is exploring whether the drug Omalizumab can be targeted at specific patients with severe asthma, who are expected to benefit most from the treatment. This research aims to identify biomarkers that will enable more effective treatment and improve symptoms for those suffering from severe asthma.

Severe anemia linked with risk of serious intestinal disorder among VLBW infants

A recent study found that severe anemia is a significant risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis in VLBW infants, while red blood cell transfusion was not significantly related to the development of NEC. This suggests that preventing severe anemia may be more important than minimizing RBC transfusion exposure as a strategy to decreas...

Why celestial bodies come in different sizes

Researchers propose that a universe with diverse body sizes reduces gravitational tension faster due to the natural tendency of systems to evolve toward reduced tension. This phenomenon is a manifestation of the Constructal Law, which states that natural systems facilitate flow.

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.

Cardiovascular risk profile linked to profession in older workers

A study of 5,566 older workers found that those in sales, office-support and service occupations had more risk factors for heart disease and stroke than management or professional jobs. Workers in these professions had higher rates of smoking, poor eating habits and lower levels of physical activity

Study calls into question current MERS vaccine strategy

A new study suggests that Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) develops mutations that make the virus less virulent during an outbreak, challenging current vaccine strategies. The study found two specific point mutations in the viral spike protein that impaired fitness and virulence.

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.

Vitamin D supplements in pregnancy do not improve bone health

A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D supplements during pregnancy have no significant effect on the bone density of babies. However, further analysis suggests that supplementation may counteract the seasonal drop in vitamin D levels caused by lack of sunlight, potentially improving bone health in winter-born babies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New discovery opens doors to manipulating fat production in the body

Scientists have discovered that some human fat cells originate from stem cells in bone marrow, which could lead to new strategies for preventing and reversing fat-related chronic diseases. By manipulating the production of these cells, researchers hope to reduce the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease and obesity.

Is conservation aid preventing deforestation?

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers found that conservation aid alone has not prevented deforestation in sub-Saharan Africa. The study suggests that in some cases, conservation aid may have exacerbated forest loss due to displacement of forest clearing activities outside protected areas.

A 10 percent price change could prevent heart disease and death

Researchers found that reducing fruit and vegetable prices could decrease cardiovascular deaths by 1.2% in five years, while increasing sugary drink prices could lead to a 0.25% decrease in heart attacks. Implementing such policies nationwide could potentially prevent 515,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease.

First gene for grey hair found

Researchers identify IRF4 as the first gene associated with greying hair, revealing a genetic link to human aging. The study analyzed 6,000 people from diverse ancestry, uncovering additional genes influencing hair shape, curliness, and density.

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.

Air pollution linked to higher risk of preterm birth for mothers with asthma

Pregnant women with asthma may be at greater risk of preterm birth due to exposure to high levels of traffic-related air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Early exposure, particularly in the months leading up to conception and during early pregnancy, was found to increase preterm birth risk by nearly 30%.

Around a third of workers fear for jobs and pay, research says

Research shows that 32% of workers feared losing their jobs, while 38% were anxious about pay cuts. The study found that working in the public sector made staff more likely to fear job losses, while being over 35 and working in routine or semi-routine jobs increased fears of worsening working conditions.

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.

Project with ground-breaking sub-marine CCS experiment starts today

Scientists will simulate an emission from a submerged carbon dioxide storage reservoir in the North Sea, using acoustic and chemical sensors to detect released CO2. The goal is to develop innovative technology for detecting and quantifying CO2 emissions in the marine environment.

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.

The evolution of amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer's

Researchers have discovered a critical change in amyloid beta protein shape that explains why smaller bundles are more toxic than larger ones. This understanding may lead to developing drugs to treat diseases like Parkinson's and Type-II diabetes.

Was author of famed 'Gray's Anatomy' textbook a plagiarist?

A new survey of historical evidence reveals that Henry Gray plagiarized parts of the first edition of his book, Gray's Anatomy. The study examines traits of character that demonstrate Gray's inclination towards garnering credit at others' cost.

Celestial bodies born like cracking paint

A Duke University theorist proposes that the universe's varied body sizes are a result of internal tension release through hierarchical formation. This concept is rooted in Bejan's constructal law, which states that flowing systems will tend towards easier architecture by releasing tension through smaller, more numerous bodies.

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.

Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and IASLC announce joint award

The ALCF-IASLC Joint Fellowship Award supports novel research with the potential to positively impact lung cancer patients. Dr. Robin Mjelle's project aims to develop a risk-prediction tool and serum poly-marker kit for early lung cancer detection, leveraging pre-diagnostic serum samples from Norway's HUNT biobank.

Screening for impaired vision in older adults

The USPSTF found convincing evidence that visual acuity testing can identify refractive errors, but inadequate evidence on the benefits of screening and detection. Early treatment of refractive error, cataracts, and AMD improves or prevents loss of visual acuity, with small harms from early treatment.

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.

Link between sleep and social participation may be key to healthy aging

A study published in Journal of Social Science and Medicine found that older adults who participate in social activities, such as attending religious events, tend to get better sleep. This suggests that engaging in social connectedness can be an important factor for promoting healthy aging.

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.

What you know can affect how you see

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that expertise influences how people process visual information, with novices faster to identify letter pairs but less accurate. The study used the Arabic alphabet and showed participants 2,000 pairs of letters, revealing biases in expert perception that went beyond visual features.