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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 16


Page 16 of 41

Building owners 'face risks' from chlorine-resistant bacteria

Researchers found significant bacterial contamination in buildings with storage tanks and altered plumbing, which can lead to chlorine resistance. To mitigate this risk, precautions should be taken to prevent bacterial introduction into the system.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalChemosphere·DateMar 18, 2016

Study sheds light on patterns behind brain, heart systems; circadian rhythms

Researchers have developed a unified mathematical framework to design a single global input that synchronizes nonlinear rhythmic units in nature and manmade systems. This breakthrough enables better understanding and control of oscillation in applications such as heart pacemakers, neuronal firings, and circadian timekeeping.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2016
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.

China's forest recovery shows hope for mitigating global climate change

China's sweeping program to restore forests has seen significant gains in tree cover, with nearly 61,000 square miles of land recovering, while 14,400 square miles experienced loss. The recovery is encouraging, but researchers emphasize the need for further research on the broader impacts of forest degradation and recovery worldwide.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2016

Microbiome associated with severe caries in Canadian First Nations children

A study found that Canadian First Nations children with severe early childhood caries had a distinct oral microbiome, with higher levels of cariogenic microorganisms and population shifts in their oral microbial communities. This may explain the high prevalence of S-ECC in Indigenous children.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 18, 2016

Maths could help search and rescue ships sail more safely in heavy seas

A new computer model has been developed to design safer versions of fast ships used in search and rescue operations. The model produces accurate animations and simulations that can show how sea waves affect these craft, highlighting the importance of accurate predictions of pressure forces.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·JournalApplied Mathematical Modelling·DateMar 18, 2016

Penn researchers show rising opioid prescriptions following low-risk surgeries

New research from Penn Medicine shows a concerning trend of increasing opioid prescribing after common surgeries, with most patients filling a prescription for an opioid pain medication within seven days. The study's findings highlight the need for better strategies to treat postoperative pain safely and effectively.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateMar 18, 2016

NASA sees heavy rain in Tropical Cyclone Emeraude

Tropical Cyclone Emeraude intensified rapidly after forming on March 15, 2016, with GPM's radar measuring extreme rainfall rates of over 8.2 inches per hour. The storm peaked at 125 knots and then weakened, but is expected to re-intensify as it curves toward the southwest.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 18, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why marketing and HR executives need to coordinate their activities

Researchers found that consistent treatment of customers and employees amplifies positive impact on firm valuation, while inconsistency weakens it. Companies with narrow business scopes benefit from coordinated activities, as investors can better judge management of key stakeholders.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMar 18, 2016

The 2016 HFSP Career Development Awards

The International Human Frontier Science Program has selected eight researchers to receive Career Development Awards, worth $300,000 over three years. The award supports the launch of their first independent laboratory and enables fellows to return home or move to another HFSP member country.

SourceHuman Frontier Science Program·DateMar 18, 2016

Educating community research facilitators helps protect integrity of study results

A recent study by University of California, San Diego School of Medicine reports that educating Community Health Workers (CHWs) and other 'citizen scientists' can boost the integrity of scientific research. The Building Research Integrity and Capacity (BRIC) program uses eight modules to teach research ethics and concepts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Microbiology and Biology Education·DateMar 18, 2016
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.

Small birds' vision: Not so sharp but superfast

Research by Uppsala University and colleagues found that small passerine birds have ultra-rapid vision, with some species able to detect changes at rates of up to 146 Hz, outpacing human vision by 50 Hz. This fast vision is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation for detecting moving insects.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 18, 2016

The 2016 HFSP postdoctoral fellowship awards

A total of 697 applications were received for 75 HFSP postdoctoral fellowships, with 69 Long-Term Fellowships awarded to life scientists extending their expertise into another field and 6 Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships supporting young scientists from non-life science backgrounds

SourceHuman Frontier Science Program·DateMar 18, 2016

Before retinal cells die, they regenerate, Penn vet blindness study finds

Researchers at Penn Vet have found that retinal cells continue to differentiate and divide before overwhelming cell death causes degeneration, a common feature of inherited blindness diseases. This study suggests that this feature may be present across many forms of inherited blindness.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBMC Genomics·DateMar 18, 2016
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.

Capturing the acid-base reactions in alcohol

A team of Korean scientists has developed a new framework for understanding acid-base reactions in organic chemistry. The study revealed that hydrogen-bonded clustering plays a critical role in enhancing the reactivity of alcohols and promoting the formation of an effective Brønsted base.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMar 18, 2016

Forgetting to learn

Researchers found a pathway in the brain linked to forgetting, which erases memories. The study suggests a balance between learning and forgetting is necessary for memory formation.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2016

The science of watching paint dry

Researchers from the University of Surrey have discovered a new physical mechanism that separates particles according to their size during the drying of wet coatings. This 'self-layering' process creates two layers with independent properties, which could improve the performance of coatings across industries.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 18, 2016

Scientists receive grant to sequence Cowpea genome

The University of California, Riverside, has received a nearly $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to sequence the genome of the cowpea, a legume crop crucial for global food security. The research aims to develop high-yielding and disease-resistant cowpea varieties using genetically informed breeding strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 18, 2016
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.

Your brain might be hard-wired for altruism

Recent studies by UCLA neuroscientists indicate that our brains may be primed for empathy and altruism, with areas like the amygdala and anterior insula linked to experiencing pain and emotion. Temporarily disrupting prefrontal cortex activity can increase generosity, particularly towards those in need.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateMar 18, 2016

Cell Transplantation research presented at Eighth Annual PPSSC Conference

Studies presented at the Eighth Annual PPSSC Conference showcased advancements in targeting stem cells, adipose-derived stem cell plasticity, and melanoma immunotherapy using genetically engineered iPSCs. These breakthroughs hold promise for developing effective treatments for regenerative medicine and cancer

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateMar 18, 2016

Lesbian, gay, bisexual Canadians report higher rates of mental health issues

A new study has found that gay and lesbian Canadians experience more mood and anxiety disorders than other Canadians, with bisexual Canadians reporting the highest rates. The research is based on data from over 220,000 Canadians who participated in the Canadian Community Health Survey between 2007 and 2012.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 18, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

College can cultivate innovative entrepreneurial intentions

A multi-country study by NYU's Steinhardt School suggests that educational practices may spur innovation, rather than just personality and family history. College experiences, including challenging learning environments and relationships with faculty, positively influence innovative entrepreneurial intentions.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of Higher Education·DateMar 18, 2016

Evidence-practice gap for sealant application: Results from a dental PBRN

A recent study by researchers at Kyushu Dental University found a significant evidence-practice gap for sealant application among Japanese dentists. The findings suggest that dentists' beliefs about the effectiveness of caries risk assessment are strongly associated with their recommendation of dental sealants.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 18, 2016

New research gathers more evidence for innovative stroke treatment

Researchers found that Cirara, an investigational drug, powerfully reduced brain swelling and death in patients who suffered a type of large stroke called malignant infarction. Six months after the stroke, patients who received Cirara had a three-fold reduction in overall mortality and a ten-fold decrease in death from brain swelling.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2016

Why are women more prone to knee injuries than men?

Researchers found that women who take the birth control pill are less likely to suffer serious knee injuries compared to those who do not use hormonal contraception. Women between 15-19 years old with ACL injuries were 22% less likely to be taking birth control pills.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMar 18, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Enzyme controls food intake and drives obesity

Researchers identified O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) as a key enzyme regulating food intake in mice. Deletion of OGT caused mice to overeat and become obese, suggesting a new treatment target for human obesity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The linguistics of signifying time: The human gesture as clock

Researchers found that Nheengatú speakers communicate time of day by pointing at the sun's position in the sky, similar to saying 'nine o'clock' in English. This practice shows that users of auditory languages can develop visual language like sign languages.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateMar 17, 2016

School breakfasts contribute to healthy weight, study finds

A new study published in Pediatric Obesity found that eating a second breakfast at school is associated with healthier weights and reduced risk of obesity among middle school students. The study, which tracked 584 students over two years, found that students who ate double breakfasts were less likely to be overweight or obese compared ...

SourceYale University·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateMar 17, 2016

Biodiesel from sugarcane more economical than soybean

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers demonstrates that biodiesel produced from sugarcane can be more economical than soybean-based biodiesel. With sugarcane producing up to 12% oil, it offers a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on foreign oil.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateMar 17, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New research shows how nanowires can be formed

Scientists have successfully formed nanowires using a combination of atomic layer arrangements and real-time monitoring. The breakthrough discovery aims to control the properties of materials, enabling more efficient electronic devices and future generations of transistors.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateMar 17, 2016
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.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles awarded $7.1 million by CIRM

The Saban Research Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has received a $7.1 million grant from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine to develop an 'off-the-shelf' cellular therapy for enteric neuropathies, which affect the digestive system. The goal is to create nerve cells from human induced pluripotent cells to tr...

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateMar 17, 2016
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.

Drones revolutionize ecological monitoring

Researchers at Monash University found that drones are more precise than traditional ground counts for monitoring seabird colonies. Drones' down-facing perspective reduces the likelihood of missing birds and provides a more accurate count.

SourceMonash University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2016

New report reveals hundreds still dying in detention

A new report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission reveals hundreds of non-natural deaths in detention, with a lack of specialist mental health services and oversight contributing to the problem. The report calls for improvements in police custody, prisons, and psychiatric hospitals to address these concerns.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateMar 17, 2016
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.

The flexible way to greater energy yield

A team of international scientists found that feeding biogas reactors at longer intervals produces more biogas, increasing methane and total biogas yields by up to 14% and 18%, respectively. The flexible feeding management approach has no negative effect on the stability of the biogas production process.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 17, 2016

How 'salt' MRI scans could give a clearer picture of disease

Researchers at The University of Nottingham are developing Sodium MRI technology to provide more detailed tissue health and disease information. The technique uses naturally occurring sodium ions, which can offer greater clarity than current hydrogen-based MRI scans.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateMar 17, 2016

Green Gitmo

Researchers propose transforming Guantánamo Bay into a marine research center and international peace park, uniting the US and Cuba in joint management. The proposal aims to protect coral reefs, marine life, and promote sustainable development.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016
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.

Calcium controls sleep duration in mice

Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered that calcium ions control sleep duration in mice by regulating the inflow and outflow of calcium ions into neurons. This finding has implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases associated with sleep disorders.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNeuron·DateMar 17, 2016

Researchers identify molecule needed for sperm activation

Researchers have discovered a molecule that boosts sperm cell activity, allowing them to reach the egg. This finding may lead to new options for male contraception and treatments for infertility related to sperm mobility issues.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016

Older women lose much of their advantage in living active lives

A new study reveals that older women have lost their advantage in living active lives, with a four-year decrease in active life expectancy at age 65 compared to men. Despite longer lives, women can now expect only two-and-a-half years free from disability after age 85.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 17, 2016