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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 32


Page 32 of 41

NASA analyzes US Pacific Northwestern storm system

NASA's RapidScat instrument detected tropical-storm-force winds in a weather system affecting the Pacific Northwestern U.S. and southwestern Canada, bringing rain and snow to the region. Heavy rainfall totals of over 8 inches were estimated in some areas, with potential to alleviate California's long-lasting drought.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 7, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How cancer cells fuel their growth

A recent study by MIT biologists found that cancer cells use amino acids to build new cell mass, contradicting the long-held assumption that glucose is the primary source. The largest contributors to cell mass were amino acids, making up 20-40% of total mass.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 7, 2016

Overconfidence linked to one's view of intelligence

Research by WSU's Joyce Ehrlinger and colleagues found that those with a fixed mindset about intelligence tend to be overconfident, while growth mindset holders are more accurate in their self-assessment. This imbalance can lead to poor decision-making and missed learning opportunities.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 7, 2016

Antibiotics use affects the abundance of resistant bacteria in soil

A long-term study found a correlation between the use of animal manure and an increase in antibiotic-resistant genes in soil. Phasing out antibiotics led to a rapid decrease in resistant gene abundance, suggesting that stopping antibiotic use can help reduce resistance levels.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 7, 2016

Clinician communication reduced distress related to the detection of incidental nodules

A cross-sectional survey found that detailed clinician communication can alleviate patient distress associated with incidental pulmonary nodules. Patients who received accurate information about their nodule size and diagnosis had a more reassuring experience, reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 7, 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.

Scientists map roots of premeditated, violent 'intent' in animal brain

A study in mice reveals a specific brain region, the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus, is responsible for aggressive motivations that lead to violence. The research suggests targeting this region could lead to better control of aggressive behaviors without sedation.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 7, 2016

Big data for text: Next-generation text understanding and analysis

A novel text analysis technology developed by Ambiverse improves searching large text collections with artificial intelligence, resolving ambiguities automatically. The technology assists authors in researching and writing texts by providing background information and suggesting links to relevant web sites.

SourceSaarland University·DateMar 7, 2016

'Person-on-a-chip': U of T engineers grow 3-D heart, liver tissues for better drug testing

Researchers at U of T Engineering have developed a new way of growing realistic human tissues outside the body, called AngioChip. The technology uses a three-dimensional structure complete with internal blood vessels and can be used to test drugs on lab-grown human tissues, providing a realistic model at a fraction of the cost.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 7, 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.

Songbirds pinpoint effects of Huntington's disease

Researchers have pinpointed the effects of Huntington's disease on a specific brain area responsible for complex movements, such as talking or playing music. The study suggests that reintroducing normal patterns of activity in this area may be sufficient to restore normal behavior, offering potential therapeutic targets.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Preemies' gut bacteria reveal vast scope of antibiotic resistance

A new study found that premature infants' gut bacteria are vulnerable to antibiotic resistance, with almost 800 genes identified, including those associated with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The study suggests that routine antibiotic use in preterm infants may not be effective and could lead to increased infection risk.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 7, 2016

How rivers of hot ash and gas move when a supervolcano erupts

A new study suggests that pyroclastic flows from a 18.8 million-year-old supervolcano eruption traveled in dense, slow-moving currents, covering over 100 miles. The research supports the idea that these flows are fluid-like, with pressurized gas between ash particles, and has implications for disaster preparedness efforts.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2016

Team finds new approach to curbing cancer cell growth

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have identified a novel drug candidate that targets serine biosynthesis in cancer cells, inhibiting their growth. The new compound, CBR-5884, specifically targets the enzyme PHGDH, which is responsible for serine production, and shows promise in treating breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Plasma processing technique takes SNS accelerator to new energy highs

A novel in-situ plasma processing technique has been successfully applied to superconducting cavities at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), significantly improving neutron production and accelerating beam energy. The technique uses hot plasma to clean hydrocarbon contamination from surfaces, reducing maintenance time and costs.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateMar 7, 2016

Big data project aims to make breathing easier by mapping air quality

Researchers are developing a network of advanced sensors to detect particulate matter and pollen in metropolitan areas, providing real-time data for improved public health. The project aims to create an open-access platform for mapping pollution levels and supporting remediation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateMar 7, 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.

Cellular aging process unexpectedly enhances insulin secretion

Researchers found that a cell aging program increases insulin secretion in human and mouse pancreatic beta cells, improving their function. This discovery suggests that cellular aging can bring unexpected benefits to the production of insulin, potentially leading to new insights and treatments for diabetes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 7, 2016

Blood test may give early warning of skin cancer relapse

A new blood test can detect early warning signs of skin cancer relapse in advanced melanoma patients by tracking levels of circulating tumour DNA. The test identifies new mutations in genes like NRAS and PI3K, which may cause the relapse.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 7, 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.

Non-natural biomedical polymers produced from microorganisms

A Korean research team has developed metabolically engineered Escherichia coli strains to synthesize non-natural, biomedically important polymers including poly(lactate-co-glycolate) (PLGA). The team successfully produced PLGA and various novel copolymers through microbial fermentation directly from carbohydrates.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 7, 2016

Researchers take giant step towards 'holy grail' of silicon photonics

Researchers from Cardiff University have demonstrated the first practical laser grown directly on a silicon substrate, paving the way for ultra-fast communication between computer chips. The breakthrough has the potential to transform various sectors, including communications, healthcare and energy generation.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 7, 2016

Urgent need to transform key food producing regions in Africa by 2025

Climate change poses a significant threat to African food production, with up to 30% of maize and banana-growing areas becoming unviable by the end of the century. Transformation could involve changing crop types, improving irrigation systems, or abandoning agriculture altogether to ensure food security.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 7, 2016

New York harbor's oyster beds once protected against severe storm and extreme wave damage

A recent study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers suggests that the destruction of oyster reefs in New York Harbor led to a significant increase in storm-induced overwash deposition. The authors found that before European settlement, oyster beds absorbed wave energy, providing coastal protection.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·DateMar 7, 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.

Shark babies remain strong in future acidic oceans

A recent study found that epaulette shark embryos can withstand ocean acidification conditions predicted for the year 2100, but may be vulnerable when gills are still developing. This suggests that sharks may be more resilient than previously thought, but their survival depends on maintaining healthy habitats.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalConservation Physiology·DateMar 7, 2016

Funding boost for Zika virus research

The University of Liverpool's National Institute for Health Research has announced a £100,000 funding boost for Zika virus research to tackle the current outbreak in South America. The funding will support eight projects focusing on diagnostics, clinical studies, and understanding the disease mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMar 7, 2016

Quality of life not notably better for women choosing double mastectomy

A recent study found that women who underwent a double mastectomy showed little improvement in quality of life compared to those who had a single mastectomy. However, breast reconstruction was found to have a significant positive impact on psychosocial well-being and breast satisfaction.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 7, 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.

Study suggests impact of climate change on agriculture may be underestimated

A new study by Brown and Tufts universities found that climate change can reduce agricultural production in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso by 9-13% with a 1 degree Celsius temperature increase. The research considered crop yield, land area, and double cropping to provide a more comprehensive understanding of climate change's effects.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 7, 2016

Trust your aha! moments, experiments show they're probably right

A study by Drexel University researchers found that sudden insights are more likely to be correct than answers derived from analytical thinking. The experiments used timed puzzles and showed that responses given during insight were often correct, while those from analytical thinking were less accurate.

SourceDrexel University·DateMar 7, 2016

Huntington's disease gene dispensable in adult mice

Researchers found that deleting the huntingtin gene in adult mice does not lead to lethal consequences, offering hope for treatment strategies involving gene silencing. The study suggests that gene suppression or editing strategies may be safe for adults, but further research is needed to understand the long-term effects.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Surgical tools made smaller with origami to make surgery less invasive

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed origami-inspired engineering techniques to create ultra-small surgical instruments, allowing for minimally invasive procedures. The technology aims to reduce the size of incisions necessary for surgery, potentially enabling self-healing wounds without sutures.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalMechanism and Machine Theory·DateMar 7, 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.

Gambling our way against climate change

Researchers used an experimental game to study how government representatives make decisions in social dilemmas. The results show that selfish representatives who contribute less than their fair share can still be re-elected and lead their countries to reach the target sum, while others contribute more. This study highlights the comple...

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2016

Global warming increases rain in world's driest areas

New research reveals that global warming will increase rainfall in dry regions, but the additional water may not be available due to increased evaporation. This could lead to more frequent and intense flash flooding events in areas without adequate infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 7, 2016

Molecule induces lifesaving sleep in worms

A molecule has been identified that promotes a sleep-like state in nematode worms, which is similar to the sleep of humans and other mammals. The protein VAV-1 regulates this process and is also involved in maintaining normal amounts of EGFR in the neuron.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateMar 7, 2016

Bid to beat baby chest infection boosted by immune study

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found a compound called cathelicidin that directly attacks and stops RSV from binding to cells. Boosting natural production of this compound could protect babies and vulnerable adults from life-threatening illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 7, 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.

Immunology meets single-cell sequencing

Researchers developed a new technique called TraCeR that determines both the sequence of T-cell receptors in individual cells and each cell's gene expression profile. This allows for the study of how different populations of T cells respond to disease, enabling the exploration of immune responses in various conditions.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 7, 2016

'Thinking and feeling'

New research reveals that empathy is composed of two forms: cognitive (understanding) and affective (feeling). When partners have accurate knowledge but lack compassionate feelings, they tend to be less supportive. However, when both accuracy and concern are present, responsiveness increases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPsychological Science·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.

Where prostate cancer spreads in the body affects survival time

Research at Duke University Medical Center found that prostate cancer patients with lymph-only metastasis have the longest overall survival, while those with liver involvement fare worst. The study analyzed outcomes of 8,736 men with metastatic prostate cancer and provides valuable information on prognosis and treatment approaches.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 7, 2016

Dementia plaques attack language center of brain

Researchers have discovered that amyloid protein build-up is greater on the left side of the brain, where language processing occurs, in individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). This study provides new insights into the disease process and offers hope for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 7, 2016

March/April 2016 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A randomized controlled trial found that electronic consultations improved access to cardiac care, with nearly two-thirds of patients not requiring a face-to-face visit. Additionally, e-consultations were completed on average almost a month sooner than traditional consultations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 7, 2016

Could cutting urban blight reduce teen murders?

Researchers found that neglected neighborhoods with poor street lighting, vacant lots, and fewer parks had higher rates of teen homicides. Modifying these features through low-cost improvements may foster community interaction and reduce youth violence.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 7, 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.

Molecular-level relationships key to deciphering ocean carbon

Researchers have developed new tools to understand the complex relationships between ocean-borne compounds and microbes, revealing a vast network of molecular connections that store and transform atmospheric carbon in the world's oceans. The study focuses on dissolved organic matter, or DOM, as a central carbon reservoir.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Even plant-supporting soil fungi affected by global warming, UCI study finds

A University of California, Irvine study found that global warming affects the soil fungi that support plant life in tropical mountain cloud forests. The impact on these ecosystems could be significant, with changes to fungal community composition and increased carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEcology and Evolution·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.

Study: Cancer cells eat their neighbors' 'words'

Researchers at Rice University discovered that cancer cells can consume amino acids directly from exosomes, tiny packets of proteins and nucleic acids, to fuel tumor growth. This finding contradicts the long-held Warburg effect theory, suggesting each type of cancer has a unique metabolic profile.

SourceRice University·DateMar 7, 2016

Treeing it up: Research team documents design of wood-based polymers

A research team at the University of Delaware has designed softwood lignin-based polymers with improved thermal and flow properties, making them suitable for applications such as tires, running shoes, and gaskets. The development aims to reduce costs and environmental impact by utilizing waste from the pulp and paper industry.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalMacromolecules·DateMar 7, 2016

New therapeutic target in myeloma discovered

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for multiple myeloma, targeting CDK4 and ARK5 proteins. The compound ON123300 showed potent cytotoxicity against myeloma cells while sparing normal peripheral blood cells.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 7, 2016

Iowa State engineers develop flexible skin that traps radar waves, cloaks objects

Researchers have developed a new flexible 'meta-skin' technology that can cloak objects from radar waves using rows of small liquid-metal devices. The meta-skin demonstrates 75% radar suppression in the frequency range of 8 to 10 gigahertz, making it suitable for electromagnetic frequency tuning, shielding and scattering suppression.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 7, 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.