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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 26


Page 26 of 41

Lower oil prices lead to higher CO2 emissions

Scientists in Spain have found a correlation between lower oil prices and increased CO2 emissions. The study suggests that a 1% increase in oil prices leads to a 0.4% rise in CO2 emissions. Researchers recommend designing a cautious tax structure to reduce fossil fuel consumption and promote cleaner energies.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEcological Indicators·DateMar 11, 2016

A younger sibling may be good for your child's health

A new study suggests that having a younger sibling may be associated with a lower risk of obesity by first grade. The research, which tracked 697 children across the U.S., found that children who became big brothers or sisters between 2-4 years old were nearly three times less likely to be obese.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 11, 2016

Can nutritional supplements impact genetic hearing loss in children?

A study found that an antioxidant regimen of beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium helped slow progression of hereditary deafness in mice with a connexin 26 gene deletion. In contrast, the same regimen had no effect on another mutant mouse modeling AUNA1, a rare type of hearing loss.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2016

Beta-blockers could reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations

Researchers analyzed health records of 1,621 COPD patients and found cardio selective beta-blockers reduced exacerbation risk by 21% for all patients and 55% for those with heart failure. These preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of beta blockers for patients living with both lung and heart disease.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateMar 11, 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.

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.

New class of drugs specifically induces cell death in B cell blood cancers

Researchers have discovered a new class of drugs that specifically induce apoptosis in B cell malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma. The drugs target the STING protein, which plays a critical role in regulating the immune system, and have been shown to be effective in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 10, 2016

BU study identifies 3 state laws that 'substantially reduce' gun deaths

A new study by Boston University researchers found that three state laws - requiring firearm identification, ammunition background checks, and universal background checks - can substantially reduce gun deaths. Implementing these laws nationwide could project a national mortality rate of 0.16 per 100,000 people.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 10, 2016

Climate change less politicized among minority groups

A recent study by Cornell University researchers reveals that climate change attitudes are less politicized among minority groups compared to white respondents. Non-whites were found to care as much about the environment as whites, yet are underrepresented in addressing the issue due to social barriers and socioeconomic realities.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateMar 10, 2016

Negative cancer trials: Short-term whimper, long-term bang

A new study by SWOG found that negative cancer trials have a significant impact on cancer research, despite initial skepticism. The study analyzed 94 randomized Phase III cancer trials and found that the scientific impact of negative trials was similar to that of positive trials over time.

SourceSWOG·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 10, 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.

Grid cells' role in human imagination revealed

Researchers at UCL have made significant discoveries about the brain's role in imagination and navigation. Grid cell activity has been observed in healthy volunteers imagining moving through an environment, suggesting a potential link between grid cells and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 10, 2016

Early human habitat, recreated for first time, shows life was no picnic

Scientists have reconstructed an early human landscape in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, providing insights into the lives of our ancestors. The site, which dated back 1.8 million years, showed a mix of woodland, grasslands, and wetlands, with hominins competing for food with carnivores.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2016

Reverse engineering human biology with organs-on-chips

Organs-on-chips reconstitute functional interfaces between living tissues, enabling complex organ-level functions and insights into human pathophysiology. Researchers use these devices to study communication in biology and develop personalized medicine.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMar 10, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breast cancer has a higher incidence in obese women

Breast cancer is more aggressive and common in obese women due to peritumoral fat facilitating the expansion of cancer stem cells. Researchers found that interactions between tumor cells and immature adipocytes increase cytokine secretion, leading to increased CSCs and metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 10, 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.

Skin has the nerve to tell you to scratch

Researchers at Duke University have identified a potential drug target in the skin for treating short-term itch. By targeting a specific ion channel protein called TRPV4, scientists hope to develop topical treatments that can suppress itch and inflammation.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 10, 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.

Less than meets the eye

Researchers found that humans can recognize objects in partial- or low-resolution images, with a

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2016

Major breakthrough in new MRI scan technology for lung disease

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a process to create hyperpolarized krypton gas for MRI scanning of the lungs, offering a clearer picture of lung disease. This technology uses clean energy combustion to retain the hyperpolarized state of krypton during preparation.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2016

7 million Euro project to support sustainable growth in aquaculture

The €7 million Tools for Assessment and Planning of Aquaculture Sustainability (TAPAS) project will create cost-efficient management tools to investigate sustainability in European aquaculture. The study aims to enhance environment sustainability, aquatic food security, and support transparent and efficient licensing.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateMar 10, 2016

57 different pesticides found in poisoned honeybees

A new study reveals that European honeybees are being poisoned with up to 57 different pesticides, posing a threat to bee populations worldwide. The researchers developed a method for analyzing 200 pesticides simultaneously, providing critical information on the toxic mix and its impact on honeybee health.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Chromatography A·DateMar 10, 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.

Widely used kidney cancer drugs can't stop recurrence

A new study published in the Lancet found that sunitinib and sorafenib, widely used targeted therapy drugs for metastatic kidney cancer, have no effect on preventing return of the disease to increase life spans of patients suffering from advanced kidney cancer after surgery. The study involved 1,943 patients treated with one year of so...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 10, 2016

Mysterious infrared light from space resolved perfectly

A research team using ALMA detected the faintest millimeter-wave source ever observed and found that they are responsible for 100% of the enigmatic infrared background light. 60% of these objects are faint galaxies, while the rest remain unknown.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMar 10, 2016

Gene may worsen cancer outcome by speeding metabolism of drugs

A new study found that a specific gene variant can speed up the metabolism of drugs in cancer patients, leading to poorer outcomes. This variant affects the CYP3A7 enzyme, which breaks down hormones and medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 10, 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 overdoses in PA increased 14-fold in past 4 decades

Overdose deaths in PA rose 14-fold between 1979 and 2014, with highest rates among young women and white men. The analysis suggests potential targets for public health intervention and law enforcement efforts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 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.

Competition favors the shy bird

In high-density populations, slow-exploring great tits have a higher chance of survival compared to fast-exploring individuals. However, the birds are unable to adapt their exploratory behavior to changing density, which may explain why selection favors a mix of personality types.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

Wildland fire emissions worse in polluted areas

A recent UCR study found that biomass burning of polluted forest fuels exacerbates poor air quality and related health concerns in heavily polluted areas. The research showed that emissions from polluted fuels released more nitrogen oxides and small fine particles, posing respiratory health risks.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

Close comet flyby threw Mars' magnetic field into chaos

The comet's passage threw Mars' magnetic field into chaos, with effects seen in real-time during the flyby and even hours after. The findings suggest a temporary surge in gas escaping from Mars' upper atmosphere, similar to a strong solar storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

Blacks face a higher risk of kidney failure than whites, regardless of genetics

A recent study found that African Americans have a higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, and kidney failure compared to whites, even after adjusting for genetic variants. Most blacks with the high-risk APOL1 gene variant experienced similar decline in kidney function as those without the variant.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 10, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Developing multiline anchor system for floating offshore wind turbines

A team of researchers is developing a new mooring system for floating offshore wind turbines that uses an integrated network of anchors and lines to hold dozens or even hundreds of turbines in place. This proposed system aims to save money and require fewer anchors and geotechnical site investigations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateMar 10, 2016

BMJ best practice now with CME/CPD tracking tool

BMJ Best Practice features a continuing medical education (CME/CPD) tracking tool, allowing doctors to earn credits while using the platform as part of their working day. The new tool collates time spent learning and enables users to reflect on their impact on practice, supporting appraisal and revalidation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 10, 2016

Super-clear synapses at super resolutions

A new process for making brain tissue transparent has been developed at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, allowing for the creation of super-resolution 3-D images of delicate structures deep in the brain. This breakthrough enables researchers to visualize synaptic changes and neural structures with unprecedented detail.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 10, 2016
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.

Blame your noisy brain for misses and fumbles

A new study by neuroscientists at Duke University found that even practiced movements are imperfect due to brain noise, which can affect our responding movements. The research team discovered a correlation between the activity of individual neurons and the size of eye movement delays.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 10, 2016

Major source of methanol in the ocean identified

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discover that phytoplankton, microscopic plant-like organisms, produce massive amounts of methanol in the ocean, rivaling or exceeding land-based production. This finding challenges previous thinking on oceanic methanol sources and has implications for biofuel applications.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 2016

New gene variants found in childhood body mass index

Researchers identified novel gene locations associated with childhood body mass index (BMI) through a meta-analysis of over 47,000 children. The study's findings suggest that genetic variants may not exert their effects only in childhood, but have different effects at different ages.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMar 10, 2016

Links between money and happiness uncovered

A new study of over 18,000 adults found that most people's happiness is not affected by changes in income, but those who experience an income loss are more likely to feel unhappy. The research suggests that financial stability, rather than continual income growth, is key to achieving happiness and well-being.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 10, 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.

Mystery surrounding methane plateau explained

Researchers found that a global methane plateau between 1999 and 2006 was caused by lower industrial emissions, but ended when biogenic sources, such as agriculture, increased. The study suggests that agricultural activity may be a key contributor to the resumed increases in atmospheric methane levels.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 2016

Overlooked resistance may inflate estimates of organic-semiconductor performance

New research finds that overlooked electrical resistance in organic field-effect transistors can lead to overestimates of charge-carrier mobility. The study's findings challenge conventional wisdom and highlight the need for accurate measurement methods to benchmark organic semiconductor performance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2016

Conservation sea change

A UCSB biologist and colleagues used satellite data on fishing to help protect ocean biodiversity. They analyzed billions of vessel data points to assess the effectiveness of new marine parks in stopping illegal fishing. The researchers also created a global map of human use of high seas, paving the way for more effective management of...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 2016
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.