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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 6


Page 6 of 41

An up-close view of bacterial 'motors'

Researchers used electron cryotomography to visualize bacterial 'motors' in three dimensions, revealing the complexity of type IVa pilus machine and flagellum structures. The study provides insights into pilus assembly, structure, and function, as well as correlations between motor strength and torque-generating protein complexes.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2016

Emotional distress in teens linked to later employment prospects

A new report by academics at the University of Stirling found that adolescents with emotional problems are 32% more likely to be unemployed and 26% more likely to be out of the workforce. The study suggests that investing in childhood and adolescent mental health services could have economic benefits, including reducing population-leve...

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 29, 2016

UGA, Sanofi Pasteur develop new vaccine for H1N1 influenza

Researchers at UGA and Sanofi Pasteur have developed a vaccine that protects against multiple strains of seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza in mouse models. The COBRA vaccine was designed to recognize H1N1 viruses isolated within the last 100 years, offering broader cross-protection.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 29, 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.

Synthesizing real-life tweets

A computer model mimics bird's syrinx to generate authentic sounding birdsong, utilizing Twitter updates for a unique crowd-generated audio-artwork. The system can manipulate acoustic space in real-time, offering an acoustically original experience.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Arts and Technology·DateMar 29, 2016

Revealing the ion transport at nanoscale

EPFL researchers demonstrate that ion channels can be explained by the Coulomb blockade law, a principle governing electron transport in quantum dots. The discovery sheds light on how ions travel through nanopores, a fundamental aspect of cellular function.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 29, 2016

Tel Aviv University study reveals how diet shaped human evolution

Researchers found that the Ice-Age diet triggered physical changes in Neanderthals, including an expanded liver and renal system. A high-protein intake led to a larger ribcage and wider pelvis, adapting to the limited availability of carbohydrates.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateMar 29, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sanofi Pasteur uses novel technology for development of a 2nd-gen influenza vaccine

Researchers at Sanofi Pasteur have published pre-clinical data on a novel, computationally optimized broadly reactive hemagglutinin vaccine for H1N1 influenza viruses. The vaccine strategy elicited a broad antibody response against seasonal and pandemic isolates in mice, demonstrating its potential as a 'subtype universal' vaccine.

SourceSanofi Pasteur·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 29, 2016

Children with Cushing syndrome may have higher suicide risk

A study by NIH researchers found that children with Cushing syndrome are at higher risk for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts months after successful treatment. The researchers screened the case histories of 149 patients and found 9 children had thoughts of suicide.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 29, 2016

Beach replenishment may have 'far reaching' impacts on ecosystems

A study by UC San Diego biologists found that beach replenishment with offshore sand can lead to a twofold reduction in the abundance of intertidal invertebrates after 15 months. The researchers also discovered that some species, such as sandhoppers and bean clams, recovered within a year, while others declined sharply.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMar 29, 2016

New tool mines whole-exome sequencing data to match cancer with best drug

A new tool, IMPACT, interprets whole-exome sequencing data to identify candidate genes linked to cancer and recommends FDA-approved targeted treatments. The tool has been validated in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, showing its potential to accelerate precision medicine.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMar 29, 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.

Sweet, tasty and healthy -- the new essence of juice?

Researchers at Aarhus University found that adding lime to fruit juice with stevia and β-glucans increases its nutritional value while promoting a sensory experience. The study's results show that the combination of ingredients can balance out the bitter aftertaste of stevia and improve the overall taste.

SourceAarhus University·JournalFood Research International·DateMar 29, 2016

Scientists unlock genetic secret that could help fight malaria

Researchers have discovered a long-hypothesized male-determining gene in the mosquito species that carries malaria. The isolated gene, YG2, is exclusive to the Y chromosome and holds promise for developing novel vector control strategies to combat diseases like malaria and Zika virus.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2016

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone 17S form

Tropical Cyclone 17S formed on March 28 with sustained winds near 40 knots, located about 726 nautical miles south-southeast of Diego Garcia. The storm is expected to continue moving south before being disrupted by dry air.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 29, 2016

How to make metal alloys that stand up to hydrogen

A team of MIT researchers has discovered a method to greatly reduce the damaging effects of hydrogen on metal alloys, which are widely used in nuclear reactors and other energy systems. By carefully engineering a layer of zirconium oxide on the surface of the alloy, they can inhibit hydrogen from entering the metal's crystal structure.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateMar 29, 2016

Food insecurity and hospital visits -- is there a link?

A recent study published in Population Health Management found that 30% of patients with high hospitalization rates are food insecure and struggle to shop for or prepare their own meals. The research highlights the impact of food insecurity on health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations with chronic diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateMar 29, 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.

Perfecting a viral pack mule

Scientists create a 'hollow' version of the plant virus cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) which can be used as a carrier for drug molecules. This finding opens up new possibilities for cancer treatment and vaccine design.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalStructure·DateMar 29, 2016

New scrolling technique accelerates skim reading

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new scrolling technique called Spotlights, which uses the spotlight metaphor of human visual attention. This technique significantly speeds up browsing of long texts by 60%, reduces time spent locating desired locations, and increases the probability of noticing points of interest.

SourceAalto University·DateMar 29, 2016

Release of the first Roadmap for European Astrobiology

The first European Astrobiology Roadmap has been published, outlining five key research topics and recommending a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. The roadmap prioritizes the study of life in the Solar System and beyond, including habitability, origins of organic compounds, and biosignatures.

SourceEuropean Science Foundation·JournalAstrobiology·DateMar 29, 2016

Effective graphene doping depends on substrate material

Researchers at Juelich's Peter Gruenberg Institute have discovered that effective graphene doping is influenced by the choice of substrate material. The scientists found that nitrogen atoms in the interface layer can dope the lattice without destroying it, leading to promising results for future applications in micro- and nanoelectronics.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 29, 2016

Uncertainty can cause more stress than inevitable pain

A UCL study found that uncertainty about receiving a painful electric shock leads to significantly more stress, even if the likelihood is low. The researchers tracked participants' stress levels and found they were better at guessing whether or not they would receive a shock when their uncertainty was high.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 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.

ACP recommends policies to stem rising prescription drug costs

The American College of Physicians (ACP) calls for policy changes to slow the rising cost of prescription drugs. Recommendations include price transparency, patient cost-sharing, and novel approaches such as price negotiation by Medicare. While some studies suggest potential prevention methods, more research is needed.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 28, 2016

Conspicuous consumption may drive fertility down

A new mathematical model suggests that competition for social status is a key driver of declining fertility rates worldwide. As the cost of achieving social status increases, people invest more in material goods and less in children, leading to lower family sizes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 28, 2016

New study finds we still perceive women to be incompatible with STEM

A new study by Wellesley College researcher Linda Carli found that people consistently perceive scientists as possessing qualities linked to male stereotypes, hindering women's success in STEM fields. The research suggests that exposure to prominent female scientists and attending an all-women's college can help shift stereotypes.

SourceWellesley College·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateMar 28, 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.

New target makes end run against therapy-resistant prostate cancer

Researchers have found that suppressing the nuclear receptor protein ROR-γ with small-molecule compounds can reduce androgen receptor levels in castration-resistant prostate cancer, stopping tumor growth. This novel approach targets the root cause of the problem - the overexpression of the AR gene and its protein.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 28, 2016

The non-driving millennial? Not so simple, says new research

A new study by University of Vermont researchers suggests that high school age teens' decisions to begin driving when they're of age are influenced by infrastructure and land use patterns in their community. The study found that teens from suburban areas with limited public transportation options obtained their driver's license earlier...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalAnnals of the Association of American Geographers·DateMar 28, 2016

Stem cells used to successfully regenerate damage in corticospinal injury

Scientists have successfully directed stem cell-derived neurons to regenerate lost tissue in damaged corticospinal tracts of rats. This breakthrough improves forelimb movements and upends the existing belief that corticospinal neurons lack internal mechanisms for regeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 28, 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.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) shown to form multiple types of functional lymphocytes in vivo

Researchers demonstrate that iPSCs can differentiate into multiple types of functional lymphocytes, including CD4+ T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. The ability to generate functional lymphocytes from somatic cell-derived hematopoietic stem cells supports the clinical application of iPSC technology.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateMar 28, 2016

CWRU researchers make biosensor 1 million times more sensitive

Case Western Reserve University scientists develop an optical sensor using nanostructured metamaterials, enabling detection of single lightweight molecules in dilute solutions. The device has been shown to be 1 million times more sensitive than current methods, with potential applications for early cancer diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 28, 2016

Atmospheric nitrogen leads to loss of plant diversity in sites across US

A US study has found that nearly one-quarter of sites across the US are threatened by high levels of atmospheric nitrogen pollution, leading to a loss of plant species richness. The research highlights the vulnerability of grassland ecosystems to nitrogen pollution, particularly those with acidic soil.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016

Study: Autism intervention studies lack diversity

A recent study found that only 17.9% of published autism intervention studies reported racial and ethnic diversity of participants, with white children making up a majority. This lack of diversity presents a problem as response to interventions is not guaranteed, and it's unclear why some children respond positively while others don't.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Special Education·DateMar 28, 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.

The 'Not Face' is a universal part of language, study suggests

A study published in Cognition reveals that a specific facial expression, known as the 'not face', is universally interpreted as a symbol of negative emotion across languages. The researchers found that this expression is identical across native speakers of English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and American Sign Language.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCognition·DateMar 28, 2016

GI tract bacteria help decrease stroke

Researchers found that certain gut bacteria can shield the brain from stroke by directing immune cells to protect it. Modifying the microbiotic makeup of the gut may become a novel method to prevent stroke, particularly for high-risk patients.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 28, 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.

Researchers develop new method of trapping multiple particles using fluidics

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method for trapping multiple particles in solution, which relies on fluid flow to manipulate and assemble particles. The Stokes Trap technique can trap a range of submicron- to micron-sized particles, including single DNA molecules, vesicles, drops or cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016

Gene blocking lettuce germination also regulates flowering time

Researchers at UC Davis found that a gene blocking lettuce germination also regulates flowering time. Suppressing the DOG1 gene increases seed germination at higher temperatures and flowers earlier, suggesting a molecular genetic mechanism coordinating adaptation to environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016

Water bears do not have extensive foreign DNA, new study finds

A recent study from the University of Edinburgh reveals that tardigrades have not acquired a significant proportion of their DNA from other organisms. The research found that nearly all of what was previously proposed to be foreign DNA was actually bacterial contamination.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 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.

New study shows desert mangroves are major source of carbon storage

Researchers found that desert mangroves in Mexico's Baja California store nearly 30% of the region's belowground carbon, exceeding estimates. The study highlights the importance of mangrove conservation and ecosystem services in mitigating climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016

Cloning of Northern Mexico cactus proves useful in conservation

Researchers have successfully cloned Terbinicarpus valdezianus, a species of cactus endemic to Northern Mexico threatened by habitat loss. The in vitro cloning method proved effective, with high shoot proliferation and root development rates.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMar 28, 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.

Reports suggest osteopathic manipulative treatment resolves concussion symptoms

Case reports published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association document improvements in concussion-related symptoms following osteopathic manipulative treatment. These treatments can help restore cerebrospinal fluid flow to promote healing and alleviate symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and tinnitus.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMar 28, 2016

Widespread sexual harassment persists in India

A recent study found that 40% of women in Delhi experienced sexual harassment in the past year, leading to a significant impact on their daily lives. The research highlights the importance of addressing women's safety in public spaces and implementing effective measures to prevent such incidents.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Criminal Justice Review·DateMar 28, 2016

Ocean temperatures predict US heat waves 50 days out

Researchers used a distinct Pacific Ocean pattern to forecast increased summer heat wave odds in the eastern US up to 50 days ahead. The study improved seasonal forecasts by predicting daily extremes, with results showing potential for early warnings on critical weather events.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 28, 2016

New nanoparticle reveals cancer treatment effectiveness in real time

Researchers developed a new technique using nanoparticles that deliver therapeutic payloads and glow green when cancer cells begin dying. This allows for early detection of treatment effectiveness, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 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.

Physicists 'undiscovered' technetium carbide

An international team of scientists has proven that technetium carbide cannot be synthesized, contrary to previous claims. The researchers used computational models to calculate the stability of various transition metal carbides and found that only low-carbon technetium compounds can exist.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalRSC Advances·DateMar 28, 2016

Fairy circles discovered in Australia by researchers at Ben-Gurion U. and Helmholtz

A team of researchers at Ben-Gurion University and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that fairy circles occur due to the way plants organize themselves in response to water shortage. The study, published in PNAS journal, provides new evidence on the cause of these barren circular patches of land.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016

Earlier warnings for heat waves

Researchers identified a pattern of anomalies in the Pacific Ocean's surface temperature that consistently precedes heat waves in the eastern US by up to seven weeks. The 'Pacific Extreme Pattern' is linked to a lack of precipitation, diverting moisture away from the region and drying the land surface.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 28, 2016

New terahertz source could strengthen sensing applications

A new type of security detection device has been developed, capable of detecting explosives and biological substances from safe distances. The device uses a single-component terahertz source that operates at room temperature and can emit up to multi-milliwatts of power.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 28, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Doubts about career potential can pave way for immoral professional conduct

Researchers found that negative feedback can prompt immoral behavior in high-achieving students pursuing careers in law, business, and STEM fields. Those who received negative feedback were more likely to endorse questionable behaviors, such as breaking contracts or disparaging others, to demonstrate their professional capabilities.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 28, 2016

Solved: First crystal structure of a transcription terminator protein

Researchers have resolved the first protein structure in a family of proteins called transcription terminators, revealing their role as traffic signals for coordinating transcription and gene replication. The study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying cellular aging and tumor growth.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016

Study offers efficient alternative for Ebola screening program for travelers

Researchers propose an alternative Ebola entry screening policy in the US that incorporates social contact tracing risk levels, potentially reducing costs and improving public health outcomes. The study suggests this approach may justify additional data collection efforts to enhance public health decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 28, 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.