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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 31


Page 31 of 41

Asparagus freezing tolerance related to rhizome traits

Researchers found that asparagus rhizome traits, specifically water content and metabolite levels, are key indicators of freezing tolerance. The study tested three cultivars, with Guelph Millennium proving to be the most tolerant, suggesting that adapting to colder climates may depend on optimizing rhizome characteristics.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMar 8, 2016

NIST's Internet Time Service serves the world

The NIST Internet Time Service serves much of the world, receiving 316 million unique IP address requests from 20 servers in one month. This represents at least 8.5 percent of devices on the entire internet, highlighting its importance as a reliable source of time.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology·DateMar 8, 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.

New study: Disparity in student loan debt between blacks and whites

A recent study published in Race and Social Problems found that black young adults have significantly more student loan debt than their white counterparts, due to disparities in parental wealth, family background, and college choices. The study suggests that the racial gap in student loan debt may be exacerbated by limited access to fi...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalRace and Social Problems·DateMar 8, 2016

Predicting potential pharma side effects

Researchers have developed a computer program that predicts pharmaceutical side effects, outperforming earlier software in accuracy. The system assesses drug molecules and identifies potential side effects using an ensemble approach, demonstrating its effectiveness in flagging adverse reactions.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design·DateMar 8, 2016

Trouble sleeping? The size of your tongue and tonsils could be why

A new study led by University at Buffalo orthodontic researcher Thikriat Al-Jewair found that large tonsils and tongue indentations are common risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. The research also showed that obese patients were almost 10 times more likely to report OSA symptoms than non-obese patients.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSaudi Medical Journal·DateMar 8, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CU Anschutz researchers study marijuana use in pregnant mothers

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus are conducting a study to detect prenatal marijuana use and its association with adverse outcomes, such as fetal growth restriction and hypertension. The study aims to develop a survey tool for new mothers to provide accurate information on marijuana use during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateMar 8, 2016

Gut microbes linked to deadly intestinal disease in preemies

A large-scale study reveals that premature babies with necrotizing enterocolitis have a distinct mix of gut microbes compared to healthy infants. The researchers identified Gram-negative bacteria and anaerobic bacteria as potential contributors to the disease, and found that breast milk may offer some protection.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 8, 2016

Fifteen shades of photoreceptor in a butterfly's eye

Researchers found that Common Bluebottles have 15 photoreceptor classes, one for each wavelength of light, allowing them to distinguish millions of colors. This discovery reveals a unique system in butterfly vision, where four classes are used for routine color vision and eleven others detect specific stimuli.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 8, 2016

Electricity, heating most climate-friendly uses for natural gas

Researchers found that replacing coal-fired power plants with natural gas can reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent. Replacing old oil-burning furnaces for residential heating also yields emissions savings of up to 48 percent.

SourceRice University·JournalInternational Journal of Global Warming·DateMar 8, 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.

Genetically modified anthocyanin-expressing citrus developed

Scientists have developed a genetically modified lime that produces anthocyanins, resulting in unique leaf pigmentation, flower coloration, and fruit pulp colors. The discovery opens up opportunities for new citrus fruits, ornamental plants, and potentially health-beneficial fresh produce.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMar 8, 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.

Health apps and the sharing of information with third parties

A study of Android diabetes apps found that 81% lacked privacy policies and 76% shared sensitive health information without consent. The apps' transmission of data to third parties poses significant privacy risks, as there are no federal legal protections against the sale or disclosure of medical app data.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 8, 2016

Diabetes treatment can reduce mammographic density

A study of 5,644 women found that diabetes treatment decreases mammographic density, while insulin use increases it. The researchers also urge women with and without diabetes to adopt simple lifestyle changes to reduce breast cancer risk.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 8, 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.

Low-level arsenic may impact fetal growth, Dartmouth-led study finds

A Dartmouth-led study found that low levels of arsenic in pregnant women's drinking water and food may be related to decreased head circumference at birth. The study also linked arsenic exposure to lower birth weight and birth length, with associations varying by mother's pre-pregnancy BMI and infant sex.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 8, 2016

Short man or overweight woman? Your size could make you poorer

A study published in The BMJ found that shorter height in men and higher body mass index (BMI) in women are associated with lower socioeconomic status, including reduced income. The research used genetic data from 120,000 participants to analyze the link between height, weight, and socioeconomic factors.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 8, 2016

NASA's first wide-field soft X-ray camera is a gift that keeps giving

The mission aims to observe the emission of soft X-rays from solar particles colliding with Earth's upper atmosphere and neutral gases in interplanetary space. The data will help scientists understand charge exchange processes, atmospheric loss on Mars, and radiation effects on near-Earth space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 8, 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.

Evolutionary leap from fins to legs was surprisingly simple

A new study reveals that the earliest tetrapods developed fins with surprisingly similar levels of diversity, challenging long-held assumptions about evolution. The research found that fish and early tetrapods exhibited comparable variations in fin anatomy, despite differences in skeletal structures.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPalaeontology·DateMar 8, 2016

More than 2 million people co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C

A global study reveals 2.3 million people co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C, with a significant burden in Eastern Europe and central Asia. The study highlights the need for improved integrated HIV/HCV services and increased screening and treatment to reduce morbidity and new infections.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 8, 2016

System lets Web users share aspects of their browsing history

Researchers developed Eyebrowse, a system allowing users to share self-selected aspects of their online activity with friends and the public. Users can add whitelisted sites, track friend visits, and view community browsing history, providing insights for academics and companies targeting consumers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 8, 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.

Physics students at Umeå University in a race to the moon

Physics students at Umeå University are developing an instrument to measure the electric field of the lunar surface, a first for the Moon. The project aims to provide more knowledge about the electric field, crucial for future missions to the Moon and other celestial bodies.

SourceUmea University·DateMar 8, 2016

Effects of salinity and nutrient deficiency determined for spinach

A study by Chenping Xu and Beiquan Mou found that spinach can be improved in nutritional value through cultural practices that impose either low fertilizer levels or slight salt stress. This approach resulted in only moderately or slightly reduced yield, while also increasing antioxidant capacity.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMar 8, 2016

Human influence on climate dates back to 1930s, new research finds

A new study reveals that human-induced climate change has triggered the last 16 record-breaking hot years globally, with an impact dating back to 1937. The researchers found that industrial aerosols masked this effect in many areas until recently.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 8, 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.

Video games improve brain connections in multiple sclerosis patients

A video game-based cognitive rehabilitation program improved thalamic functional connectivity and boosted cognitive abilities in multiple sclerosis patients. The study found that increased connectivity reflected the brain's plasticity and promoted cognitive rehabilitation for people with neurological diseases.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 8, 2016

New therapy could treat poor blood circulation caused by peripheral artery disease

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a potential new therapy for critical limb ischemia, a condition that causes extremely poor circulation in the limbs. The therapy, an injectable gel derived from skeletal muscle tissue, promotes muscle remodeling and improves blood flow in a rat model.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 8, 2016

Tiny fossils tell a long(ish) story

Researchers have found that the flux of organic matter to the seafloor was reduced for a shorter time than previously thought, with evidence suggesting that some food must have reached the seabed despite mass extinctions. The study used foraminiferal isotopes from a deep-sea core in the South Atlantic to investigate this paradox.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 8, 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.

Chew on this: Study of ancient teeth bites theory of early primate disappearance

A study of fossilized molars reveals that many ancient primates went extinct due to reasons unrelated to food competition with rodents. Most stem primates ate different types of food than the rodents, casting doubt on the theory that rodent competition was the main reason for their decline.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateMar 8, 2016

UNC School of Medicine researchers prove HIV targets tissue macrophages

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have demonstrated that HIV infects and replicates in macrophages, a discovery with significant implications for HIV cure research. The study found that macrophages can sustain HIV replication in the absence of T cells and can establish infection in new hosts.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 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.

Chapman University researcher examines body satisfaction in national study of men

A national study examining how men feel about their bodies found that between 20-40% of men reported feeling dissatisfied with their physical appearance. Gay men were more likely to report feelings of pressure from the media, social pressures, and discomfort in public, highlighting common issues across both heterosexual and gay men.

SourceChapman University·JournalPsychology of Men & Masculinity·DateMar 8, 2016

Green tea and iron, bad combination

A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology suggests that green tea's antioxidant properties may be compromised when consumed with iron-rich foods or supplements. The researchers found that the main compound in green tea, EGCG, loses its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes when bound to iron.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 8, 2016

State-level immigration policies grow more common

Nearly all states have taken a more-active role in immigration policy, but many lack comprehensive evaluation of costs and benefits. A new report from RAND Corporation suggests that state policymakers need better tools to assess the full impact of their policies.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateMar 8, 2016

Dust grains could be remnants of stellar explosions billions of years ago

Researchers at Michigan State University have found particles of stardust, known as pre-solar grains, in meteoritic material on Earth. These grains are believed to have formed in stellar explosions billions of years ago and contain unusually high amounts of the rare isotope silicon-30.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 8, 2016

WSU receives $3.6 million NIH grant to increase underrepresented students in science majors

The WSU-IMSD program aims to facilitate the entry, persistence, and success of underrepresented minority students into science majors, guiding them to pursue careers in academics and scientific research. The program has shown significant impact, with IMSD student graduation rates at 87% and 64% pursuing further degrees.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateMar 8, 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.

Scientists tap the smarts of mice, capture problem-solving in action

Researchers captured images of problem-solving in mice using advanced microscopy techniques, revealing rapid rewiring in the frontal brains after learning by trial and error. The study supports critical thinking and active learning approaches in schools and workplaces.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2016

Improving modern vaccines -- sugar polymer tails wag the protein dog

Researchers found that carbohydrate polymers control the physical behavior of vaccines and provide a protective cloud against protein denaturation. The conjugates were over 50 times larger than the protein, with flexible properties that retained the highly flexible nature of the carbohydrates.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 7, 2016

NTU bags 6 awards at Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2016

NTU Singapore's two teams, NTU Venture 8 and NTU Venture 9, won six awards at the Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2016 competition. The teams' 3D printed cars, including a solar-powered urban electric car, demonstrated improved fuel efficiency and performance.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateMar 7, 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.

Time to rethink your vegetable oil?

A new study from Ohio State University found that men and women with higher levels of linoleic acid tend to have less heart-threatening fat, more lean body mass, and lower inflammation. Higher linoleic acid levels also meant lower likelihood of insulin resistance and diabetes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateMar 7, 2016

Mutated gene safeguards against heart attacks

Researchers discovered a mutated ANGPTL4 gene that lowers triglyceride values in the blood, reducing the risk of coronary disease. This breakthrough may lead to new medications that simulate the effect of this mutation, providing a concrete goal for future research.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 7, 2016

Liposomes cannot penetrate the skin

Researchers from University of Southern Denmark found that liposomes cannot penetrate the human skin barrier intact. The study used a nanoscope to directly observe individual molecules and liposomes, revealing no penetration without breaking down. This challenges previous assumptions about liposome efficacy in skincare and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2016

New mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders face increased risk of suicide: Study

A comprehensive study has found that new mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders are at a four times higher risk of death from natural or unnatural causes compared to those without the disorder. The research highlights the need for medical staff to be aware of the risk and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent suicide.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 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.

Lung cancer screening: New Canadian guideline

Adults aged 55-74 with a history of current or former smoking and 30+ pack-years are advised to undergo annual low-dose CT scans up to three times. This guideline aims to detect lung cancer at an early stage, reducing serious illness and death. Screening should be conducted in healthcare settings with expertise in diagnosing lung cancer.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 7, 2016

Children know best whether an allergy spray works for them

A recent study found that children aged 6-11 with seasonal allergic rhinitis reported significant symptom improvement after using MP-AzeFlu, while caregivers struggled to accurately assess symptoms. The study highlights the importance of pediatric symptom assessment in determining treatment efficacy.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateMar 7, 2016

Alzheimer's more versatile than previously known

A new study from Lund University reveals that the accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain may be caused by both overproduction and problems with breaking down the protein. The research suggests that Alzheimer's disease may be a more heterogeneous condition than previously thought, with potential implications for future treatments.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 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.