Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 23


Page 23 of 41

Settlement history determines regional development

The study found that local governance institutions and attitudes contribute to frontier-specific effects, including lower levels of law and order and public goods provision. Frontier settlers have developed a strong sense of autonomy, supporting right-wing parties and politicians who prioritize populist and patriotic statements.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalGovernance·DateMar 14, 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.

Marshall School of Pharmacy publishes in national journal on veterinary pharmacy course

4th-year student Jennifer C. Miller co-authored an article with professor Inder Sehgal on a veterinary pharmacy course at Marshall University. The study found that the course effectively educated students about pet therapeutics and built enthusiasm for veterinary pharmacotherapy in pharmacy programs across the nation.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Pharmaceutical Education·DateMar 14, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Understanding obesity from the inside out

Researchers developed a new laboratory method to study the function of GABA in brain processes controlling appetite and metabolism. The study found that mice lacking GABA in their hypothalamus, a key brain area regulating appetite, experienced significant weight loss and improved glucose tolerance.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2016

1 in 4 seniors have superbugs on their hands after a hospital stay, new research finds

A recent study found that one-quarter of seniors admitted to post-acute care facilities have superbugs on their hands upon admission. The number increases to over one-third during follow-up visits. Researchers call for patient education and hand hygiene training to prevent the spread of these resistant organisms.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2016

You are what your parents ate!

A recent study published in Nature Genetics found that mice offspring inherited epigenetic information from their parents' diets, leading to severe obesity. The research suggests that this epigenetic inheritance could be a major cause of the global increase in diabetes prevalence since the 1960s.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 14, 2016

Robot learning companion offers custom-tailored tutoring

A new social robot from MIT offers personalized learning experiences for students through emotional interpretation and customized motivational strategies. The system was tested in a preschool classroom, showing increased student engagement and positive attitudes towards the robot.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateMar 14, 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.

Medical students, burnout and alcohol

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that medical students are more prone to alcohol abuse, with one-third experiencing clinical problems. The causes include burnout, being young and unmarried, and substantial educational debt. The authors recommend wellness curricula for medical schools to address these issues.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateMar 14, 2016

'Cold turkey' wins for successful smoking cessation

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that quitting smoking abruptly is more likely to lead to lasting abstinence compared to quitting gradually. The researchers found that patients who quit abruptly were 25% more likely to stop smoking in both the short and long term.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2016

Spongy material helps repair the spine (video)

Researchers have developed biodegradable polymer grafts that can be placed in damaged vertebrae to grow and fix the spinal column. These grafts are designed to expand in size after implantation, providing a less invasive approach than current surgical methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 14, 2016

Researchers identify when Parkinson's proteins become toxic to brain cells

The study reveals that protein misfolding in the brain can be toxic, even before visible amyloid fibrils form. Researchers used super-resolution microscopy to observe how alpha-synuclein proteins interact and found that excess soluble protein can cause toxic effects.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2016
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.

The quest for spin liquids

Spin liquids are rare phenomena where magnets inside atoms don't order when cooled, exhibiting movement like a liquid. Researchers created a kagome map to understand these materials, potentially leading to new magnetic properties and advancing quantum computing.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2016

Obesity is risk factor for rare type of stroke in women using oral contraceptives

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that obese women who use oral contraceptives are at a higher risk for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. The study also suggests that alternative methods of contraception, such as intrauterine devices, may be safer options for obese women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMar 14, 2016

Hidden in plain sight: Well-known drug could yield new treatment for herpes viruses

Scientists at University of Utah Health discovered that spironolactone, a medicine for heart failure, can also inhibit Epstein Barr virus by blocking a key step in viral infection. This finding has broader implications, suggesting that spironolactone could be developed into a new class of anti-herpesvirus drug.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2016

Include 'added sugars' in overhaul of Canada's food labels

Canada's nutrition label regulations are set to undergo a significant overhaul, with added sugars to be included in the new design. The move aims to help Canadians better manage their sugar intake and align with US standards.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 14, 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.

UT Austin engineers design next-generation non-reciprocal antenna

Researchers at UT Austin break reciprocity in conventional antennas, enabling independent control of incoming and outgoing signals with large efficiency. This breakthrough technology may lead to faster data rates, improved connections, and reduced bulky systems in various applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2016

Degrading ice wedges reshape Arctic landscape

A new study finds that ice wedge degradation is widespread throughout the Arctic, altering ground topography and creating connective drainage systems. This leads to increased runoff and drying of the landscape, with significant implications for the region's hydrology.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 14, 2016

Starving eye cells contribute to blindness in elders

Researchers found that photoreceptors use both glucose and lipids as fuel substrates, debunking previous scientific beliefs about the cause of abnormal blood vessel growth leading to blindness. This discovery opens new therapeutic avenues for retinal diseases such as AMD.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 14, 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.

Bacterial biofilms in hospital water pipes may show pathogenic properties

Researchers discovered novel bacteria species in shower hoses of a US hospital, closely related to known opportunistic pathogens. The presence of antibiotic resistance genes raises concerns about the potential health implications for immunocompromised patients.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 14, 2016

New research suggests first-line anti-staph drug oxacillin safer than nafcillin

A new study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that patients taking oxacillin had lower rates of potassium imbalances and kidney damage compared to those on nafcillin. Oxacillin was also associated with fewer treatment discontinuations, highlighting its potential as a safer alternative.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMar 14, 2016

Light illuminates the way for bio-bots

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new class of miniature biological robots powered by muscle cells genetically engineered to respond to light. The breakthrough allows for non-invasive control over the bots' motion, paving the way for applications in diagnostics, medicine and sensing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 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.

Hydrocarbon storage, fracking and lightning risk

Researchers quantify lightning threat to hydraulic fracturing operations, citing potential $10 million incidents and third of all modern hydrocarbon tank accidents associated with lightning strikes. The study suggests increasing frequency due to burning fossil fuels contributing to climate change.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Forensic Engineering·DateMar 14, 2016

Gravity glasses offer a view of the Earth's interior

Geophysicists use GOCE data to visualize the Earth's crust beneath, shedding new light on plate tectonics and geological characteristics. The technique, developed by TUM researchers, enables three-dimensional imaging of the Earth using two grids – similar to stereoscopic vision with two eyes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 14, 2016

Climate change redistributes global water resources

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that climate change is redistributing global water resources, with more water originating from the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. This shift can drastically affect the availability of potable water and contribute to increased coastal flooding.

SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 14, 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.

Inventory of moths

A recent study has identified nearly 2,000 species of looper moths in the Andes mountains. The researchers used DNA barcodes to categorize and identify the species, revealing a higher diversity than previously estimated.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2016

Searching for big insights from online reviews

RevEx performs faceted searches and analyzes text and data across multiple domains to reveal important findings. Its applications range from investigating medical services to visualizing humanitarian data on a country-by-country basis.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMar 14, 2016

Genetic cause of neurological disease identified

Researchers have identified a new genetic mutation responsible for Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), a degenerative and fatal movement disorder. The mutated Cav3.1 protein, encoded by the CACNA1G gene on Chromosome 17, was found to cause abnormal Calcium ion flow in nerve cells.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalMolecular Brain·DateMar 14, 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.

Broccoli ingredient has positive influence on drug efficacy

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that sulforaphane, a broccoli ingredient, increases the concentration of enzymes in colon cancer cells, making it more effective for chemotherapy. This natural compound can reduce medication doses and is non-toxic with no unwanted side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2016

Advanced magnetic resonance imaging technology to track cells in the body

Researchers at University of California, San Diego have developed a new cell labeling probe using fluorine-19, which can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing for the visualization of cell behavior. The addition of iron enhances the MRI signal, making it possible to track cells quickly and clearly.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 14, 2016

New drug combination shows promise against childhood brain cancer

Researchers have identified a new combination therapy for the most aggressive form of medulloblastoma, a fast-growing type of pediatric brain cancer. The study found that combining two drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors, potently kills cancer cells with minimal toxicity.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 14, 2016

Genetically inherited high cholesterol twice as common as believed

A new study reveals genetically inherited high levels of cholesterol are more prevalent than previously believed, affecting an estimated 834,500 U.S. adults. Researchers found that familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) affects both men and women equally, with varying prevalence rates across racial groups.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMar 14, 2016

HIV drug could stop skin cancer becoming drug-resistant

A Cancer Research UK-funded study suggests an HIV drug could block the molecular switch that boosts cells' ability to survive treatment, making treatments more potent and delaying drug resistance. The research, carried out in mice, implies that nelfinavir could be used to combat melanoma skin cancers.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 14, 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.

Newly found species reveals how T. rex became king of dinosaurs

A newly discovered species of horse-sized dinosaur provides key insights into the evolution of Tyrannosaurus rex as a top predator. The discovery reveals that tyrannosaurs developed huge body sizes rapidly at the end of the age of dinosaurs, with their keen senses enabling them to dominate the food chain.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2016

Carbon from land played a role during last deglaciation

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirmed that the ocean played a significant role in the rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide during the last deglaciation. The researchers found that during this period, there were rapid releases of carbon from land sources such as plants and soils, contributing t...

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2016
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.

In today's advertising environment, cleverness can backfire

Research from the University of Maryland and Tilburg University suggests that simpler, upfront ads perform better than complex ads, regardless of exposure duration. The study found that viewers actively try to avoid online ads due to their complexity, but shorter exposures can have different effects on ad ratings.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMar 14, 2016

New imaging technique may give physicians clearer picture of stroke damage

Researchers developed a new imaging technique that uses tagged peptides to track gelatinase activity in stroke patients. This method may lead to better understanding of how to treat strokes and prevent brain damage. The study was published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateMar 14, 2016

Cellular protein plays important role in aggressive childhood cancer

Researchers found that IGF2BP3 regulates various RNA messages contributing to the development of MLL-rearranged leukemia. The protein binds to and stabilizes hundreds of leukemia-promoting messages, leading to cancer cell growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 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.

Now researchers can follow the hectic life inside a cell

Researchers have developed a new model that allows them to monitor the molecular traffic inside a single cell. This is crucial for studying diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's, where faulty transport can be fatal.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalComputing and Visualization in Science·DateMar 14, 2016

Global study reveals genes as major cause of inflammatory diseases

A global study has identified hundreds of genes associated with 5 common inflammatory diseases, paving the way for new treatments. The research found that these conditions share similar genetic backgrounds and can occur together due to shared risk factors.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 14, 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.

MIT develops nontoxic way of generating portable power

Researchers at MIT have developed a new battery system that harnesses heat and uses no toxic materials, with efficiency improvements of over 1,000 times. The technology, based on carbon nanotubes, shows promise for powering small devices and has potential applications in fields such as energy storage and aerospace.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 14, 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.