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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 17


Page 17 of 41
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.

Weaving for lightweight construction

A textile engineer at Technische Universität Dresden has developed a flexible weaving technology for producing three-dimensional textile structures with excellent structural mechanical properties. The technology can be used in various applications such as aircraft fuselage, car bodies, and machine enclosures.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateMar 17, 2016

Successful mentoring programs begin with focus, training

A University of Houston study found that 'intentionally brief' middle school mentoring programs increased math and English grades, as well as life satisfaction and reduced absences. The program provided mentor training and utilized social science theories to support student outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvances in School Mental Health Promotion·DateMar 17, 2016

Researchers generate whole-genome map of fruit fly genetic recombination

Researchers at Stowers Institute have mapped where genetic recombination occurs in fruit flies, providing insights into understanding chromosomes and inheritance mechanisms. The study reveals separate mechanisms for crossovers and non-crossovers, with varying distributions and rules for each chromosome arm.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalGenetics·DateMar 17, 2016

Measuring chemistry: Local fingerprint of hydrogen bonding captured in experiments

Scientists have successfully mapped the potential surface of a small molecule, acetone, using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. This technique provides direct access to the ground state potential energy surface around selected atomic sites, enabling researchers to study hydrogen bonding and its effects on molecular behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reprogramming bone tumors

Researchers at Kyoto University's Yamada lab created a mouse model to study the EWS-FLI1 gene's role in bone cancer. The model revealed that other mutations are necessary for cancer development and that correcting osteogenic cell differentiation could prevent bone cancers.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 17, 2016

Democratizing high-throughput single molecule force analysis

Researchers developed an inexpensive method to analyze thousands of similar molecules simultaneously, using programmable DNA nanoswitches with a miniaturized Centrifuge Force Microscope. This approach allows for highly reliable tool to observe single molecule complexes under mechanical forces in parallel.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 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.

Wrangler Supercomputer speeds through big data

The Wrangler Supercomputer utilizes 600 terabytes of flash memory to process massive datasets, enabling scientists to analyze thousands of files quickly. This allows researchers to explore new questions and drive previously unattainable discoveries in fields such as gene analysis and building energy efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMar 17, 2016

Rare form of diabetes may require alternate treatment

Patients with maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY1) benefit from therapies targeting a specific pathway regulating insulin secretion, not oral medications linked to beta-cell destruction. Research suggests MODY1 patients may become dependent on insulin injections sooner due to cellular stress levels.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 17, 2016

Ancient Denisovan DNA excavated in modern Pacific Islanders

Researchers have excavated substantial genomic remnants of the extinct Denisovans in Oceania populations, shedding light on early human history. The study identified genes inherited from Neanderthals and Denisovans that conferred advantages to the ancestors of modern Island Melanesians.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016

Keep an eye on children's calories, researchers say

A new study suggests that caregivers can lower children's meal calories by choosing lower-calorie products and strategic portion sizes. By serving larger portions of lower-calorie foods with smaller portions of higher-calorie foods, children's overall caloric intake can be substantially reduced.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateMar 17, 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.

Biological field stations: Keeping a pulse on our planet

The paper inventories 1,268 biological field stations globally, highlighting their importance for long-term data collection, education, and public engagement. The author emphasizes the need for sustainable frameworks, improved governance, and increased public awareness to ensure these stations' success.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalBioScience·DateMar 17, 2016

Could bread mold build a better rechargeable battery?

Researchers have discovered that a specific type of bread mold, Neurospora crassa, can transform manganese into a mineral composite with favorable electrochemical properties. This process has the potential to create more sustainable electrochemical materials for use in rechargeable batteries.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 17, 2016
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.

NASA examines powerful Tropical Cyclone Emeraude's winds, clouds

NASA captured infrared temperature data of Tropical Cyclone Emeraude's clouds and measured its surface wind speed, revealing strong storms with potential to generate heavy rain. The storm intensified rapidly from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane on March 17.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 17, 2016

UNC researchers uncover how kappa opioid receptors drive anxiety

Researchers at UNC discovered that kappa opioid receptors inhibit the release of neurotransmitter glutamate in a brain region regulating emotion, leading to increased anxiety. The study found that activating KORs suppresses an anxiety-reducing pathway, making them potential targets for treating anxiety disorders.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 17, 2016

PERK-opathies: Stress mechanism underlying neurodegeneration

PERK's involvement in neurodegeneration is established through pathologic, genetic, and molecular links to various disorders. Long-term PERK activity triggers pro-apoptotic cascades, while current efforts to inhibit PERK show promising results in in vivo models of tauopathy.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateMar 17, 2016

Breakthrough: Microbes protect plants with plant hormones

Researchers have identified a novel mechanism by which beneficial microbes produce plant hormones to control plant diseases. The study found that bacteria can efficiently control pathogen infections in model plants by producing cytokinin, allowing the plants to maintain tissue integrity and biomass yield.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 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.

Five papers provide new data from flyby of Pluto

Five studies on New Horizons' flyby of Pluto uncover a wide variety of geological features, including tectonics, glacial flow, and cryovolcanoes. The dwarf planet's interaction with the solar wind and icy surfaces also provides insights into its space environment.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016

Tailored protein binding opens possibilities for nerve, tissue treatments

Biomedical engineers at the University of Toronto have identified an up-and-coming technique called affinity-controlled release, which allows proteins to stay at treatment sites for longer periods. This technology has potential applications in treating a range of medical conditions, including diabetes and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016
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.

A better surveillance system for tracking police homicides

A recent study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that official counts of police homicides are significantly undercounted, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) providing more accurate data compared to two other national systems.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 17, 2016

White delinquent youth more likely to abuse hard drugs than blacks

A comprehensive study of delinquent youth found that non-Hispanic whites are 30 times more likely to abuse cocaine than African Americans. Substance use disorders were common among both males and females, with marijuana being the most prevalent substance use disorder during young adulthood.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 17, 2016

Replacement for silicon devices looms big with ORNL discovery

A new processing technique has been developed to create low-power, high-efficiency electronic devices using layered ferroelectric materials. This discovery could potentially replace silicon in some applications and enable the creation of flexible electronics.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 17, 2016

Modern Melanesians have retained Denisovan DNA

A recent study reveals that modern Melanesians harbor significant Denisovan genetic ancestry, representing between 1.9% and 3.4% of their genome. This discovery sheds light on the characteristics of Denisovan DNA that persist in humans today, providing new insights into human evolution and gene flow.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016
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.

Study: Divided parties rarely win presidential elections

A recent study by University of Georgia researchers found that national party division and divisive state primaries significantly impact general election outcomes. In the current election cycle, a divided Republican Party could lose up to 4.5% of the general election vote, compared to a unified party.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPolitical Behavior·DateMar 17, 2016

VLA shows earliest stages of planet formation

Astronomers have observed the inner portion of a protoplanetary disk surrounding HL Tau, with VLA images showing a distinct clump of dust containing roughly 3-8 times the mass of Earth. The region is thought to be where Earth-like planets would form.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 17, 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.

Adaptation to increasing flood risk in Europe should aim to reduce impact

A JRC-led research highlights four adaptation measures to reduce flood risk in Europe, prioritizing vulnerability reduction and relocation over traditional protection methods. The study suggests a combination of measures is more effective than individual actions, and recommends optimizing these strategies at the river basin level.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalClimatic Change·DateMar 17, 2016

Systemic antibody responses to oral bacteria with aging

Research shows that aging alters antibody responses to oral bacteria, with significant positive correlations observed across the population. Specifically, antibody levels to Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola increased with age, while those to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans did not.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 17, 2016

Manipulators less convincing online than in person, UBC research shows

Research from UBC's Okanagan campus found that traditionally successful manipulators lack compelling online messages, making face-to-face negotiations more effective. Higher-ranking DT participants were 12.5% less successful in online negotiations than those ranking lower on the spectrum.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 17, 2016

New golden frog species discovered in Colombia

A new golden frog species has been discovered in Colombia's cloud forests, with the discovery highlighting the country's rich biodiversity. The newly identified species is part of a diverse group of frogs that includes 465 recognized species, with many still awaiting description and classification.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateMar 17, 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.

CRISPR-based method tracks RNA

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9 based method to track the movement of RNA in living cells. This approach enables the study of disease-related RNA processes and may support therapeutic approaches to correct disease-causing RNA behaviors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMar 17, 2016

Temporary disconnects shed light on long-term brain dysfunction

Researchers used optogenetics to temporarily disconnect long-range axons, shedding light on the brain's internal communication. This study contributes to a better understanding of brain connectivity and its role in mental health diseases.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 17, 2016

Brain calcium controls how long we sleep

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered that calcium inside neurons regulates slow-wave sleep, with seven genes identified as critical for controlling sleep duration. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders and neurologic diseases associated with them.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateMar 17, 2016

An implant to prevent Alzheimer's

EPFL scientists have created an implantable capsule that can deliver antibodies to target and clear amyloid beta protein plaques in the brain, potentially treating Alzheimer's disease. The device has been tested on mice with great success, reducing Abeta plaque load and phosphorylation of tau protein.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalBrain·DateMar 17, 2016

Even diversity-friendly employers discriminate against racial minority job seekers

A new study from the University of Toronto found that minority applicants may fare worse in resumes sent to diversity-friendly companies than those sent to non-diversity companies. Hiding one's race by 'whitening' their resumes improved minorities' chances of landing an interview.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateMar 17, 2016
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.

Women with impaired stress hormone before pregnancy have lower-birthweight babies

A recent study by the UCLA-led research team found that women with impaired cortisol levels before pregnancy are more likely to give birth to lower-weight babies. Elevated maternal cortisol can deprive the fetus of oxygen and nutrients, leading to lower birth weight and increased risk of infant mortality.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMar 17, 2016

Researchers find ancient DNA preserved in modern-day humans

Researchers have discovered substantial amounts of Neandertal and Denisovan DNA in the genomes of modern-day Melanesians, providing new insights into human evolutionary history. The study suggests that these archaic lineages may soon be cataloged due to accumulating genome-scale data from worldwide populations.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016

Belief in God strengthened by imagining how life would be different

Researchers found that thinking about how life might be worse if an event hadn't occurred led to increased faith and a stronger belief in God. This suggests that counterfactual thinking can play a role in shaping religious convictions, even for those who do not believe in a deity.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 17, 2016

Documenting obesity and underweight in clinical dental settings

The workshop reviews literature on body weight and oral health, teaching participants to measure and interpret weight, height, and other body size indices. It highlights the importance of documenting obesity and underweight in dental settings to identify risk factors for periodontal diseases and dental caries.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·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.

Drug makes stem cells become 'embryonic' again

Researchers have developed a drug that can erase epigenetic markers on chromatin to restore the original state of stem cells in mice. The study shows that over half of mouse epiblast stem cells treated with the drug regained embryonic pluripotency, opening up new possibilities for regenerative medicine.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 17, 2016

Baby monkeys grow faster to avoid being killed by adult males

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that baby monkeys in groups with higher risks of infanticide develop faster. This accelerated growth may be triggered by stress hormones in maternal milk, allowing mothers and infants to better survive.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 17, 2016

Stem cell therapy reverses age-related osteoporosis in mice

A study published in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine found that stem cell therapy can restore normal bone structure in mice with age-related osteoporosis. The treatment involves injecting healthy mesenchymal stem cells into the mice, which can then produce new bone tissue.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateMar 17, 2016

How rocks shaped the Civil War

Geologists explore how various rock types, particularly carbonates, influenced Union and Confederate commander's decisions. The rolling terrain of Gettysburg and other battlefields was limited by carbonate rocks, which provided natural defensive positions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateMar 17, 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.

New cytoplasmic role for proteins linked to neurological diseases, cancers

A team of researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center has identified a second role for RNA-binding proteins, which may contribute to neurological diseases such as autism and epilepsy. The study suggests that these proteins play a key regulatory role in translating messenger RNA into proteins.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 17, 2016

Common painkillers are more dangerous than we think

A new study reveals that older types of arthritis medicine, like Diclofenac, are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, similar to other NSAID types taken off the market. The study recommends reduced consumption and alternative treatments for patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 17, 2016
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.