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Science News Archive May 2016


Page 10 of 38

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The uncertain brain: Untangling ambiguity in neural circuits

A new study from RIKEN Brain Science Institute reveals that the brain processes ambiguous associations, like those between odors and food or sounds and predators. Researchers found that the amygdala stores both memories and uncertainty in neural circuits.

Rice de-icer gains anti-icing properties

Researchers at Rice University have developed a graphene-based de-icer that can prevent ice formation above 7 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for large applications like aircraft and power lines. The material is also conductive and can be heated with electricity to melt ice and snow in colder conditions.

Antihypertensive effect of fermented milk products under the microscope

Researchers reviewed scientific evidence on fermented milk's antihypertensive effects and identified opportunities to develop functional foods based on new lactic acid bacteria. The study found that some strains of Lactobacillus helveticus can reduce blood pressure, but more research is needed to confirm this.

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 finds breast and ovarian cancer may have similar origins

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found similarities in genetic and epigenetic alterations between breast and ovarian cancers. The study suggests that better understanding of these changes may lead to more effective chemotherapeutics and strategies to circumvent drug resistance.

Global data shows inverse relationship, shift in human use of fire

Research from the University of Colorado found an inverse relationship between fossil fuel emissions and biomass burning, with locations having high emissions being rare. The study suggests a shift towards more efficient combustion methods, potentially excluding open-fire use in landscapes.

Mutation protects against heart disease

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine identified a rare genetic mutation that protects against chronic coronary artery diseases. Individuals with this deletion (0.8%) have lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of arteriosclerosis, a key factor in heart disease.

Call to minimize drone impact on wildlife

University of Adelaide researchers recommend a 'code of best practice' to minimize the impact of drones on wildlife and mitigate potential disturbances. The guidelines cover various factors, including species, environment, and UAV operation, to ensure informed use of drones in field research.

Rice study decodes genetic circuitry for bacterial spore formation

Bacterial spore formation is triggered by the slowdown of cellular growth, according to a new study published in Molecular Systems Biology. The research reveals that stressed-out bacteria make life-or-death decisions to form spores due to the concentration of a key protein, which builds up during starvation.

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.

Networking lets sharks off the hook

A study by ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies found that fishers who communicate with their competitors can reduce shark catches and adopt more sustainable fishing methods. By sharing information about avoiding sharks, nearly 46,000 sharks could have been saved annually in the Pacific Ocean.

A peachy defense system for seeds

Researchers have developed a biodegradable seed coating that functions like nature's defense system, protecting plant seeds from insects without impairing germination. The coating has been shown to be effective against various cereal pests, including mealworms and beetles, but not against wheat weevils.

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.

Rare evolutionary event detected in University of Texas lab

Researchers at UT Austin detected a rare event of intron gain in the genome, which could expand our understanding of gene expression and its impact on diseases like cancer. The study found that only two instances of intron addition occurred over nearly half a trillion attempts.

A guide to CRISPR gene activation

A study by the Wyss Institute team provides a valuable guide to researchers on selecting synthetic Cas9 proteins for gene activation in various cell types. The findings identify top-performing activators and offer strategies to maximize gene expression.

Harnessing the 'Natural Killer' within us to fight cancer

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers have identified a protein 'brake' that controls Natural Killer cell activity, revealing a potential therapeutic target. The study showed that removing this brake improves Natural Killer cells' ability to fight metastatic melanoma, offering hope for new immunotherapies.

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.

Dartmouth team creates new method to control quantum systems

Researchers have designed a new class of faster adiabatic pulses that retain sensitivity to small errors, allowing for more efficient control of quantum devices. This breakthrough enables the creation of practical devices such as ultra-fast computers or precise quantum sensors.

Does sepsis keep killing months later?

Researchers investigated late mortality rates among sepsis survivors and found a high rate of death within two years. The study suggests that pre-existing health conditions do not explain the increased risk of late death after sepsis, implying that treatments may be more effective than previously thought.

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.

ISIS propaganda collected in real time

Researchers will collect and analyze ISIS propaganda to identify themes, claims, and polarizing language used to encourage political extremism and violence. The study aims to strengthen UK intelligence services' capabilities to combat violent organizations' initiatives.

Purdue research may expand engineered T-cell cancer treatment

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach to engineered T-cell cancer treatment, using adaptors to control the immune cells' activity. The technology has been tested in animal models and shows promise for treating multiple types of cancer simultaneously by targeting different tumor-specific proteins.

Discovery could energize development of longer-lasting batteries

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered new catalyst materials for lithium-air batteries that can increase capacity by five times. The breakthrough could enable electric cars to drive 400 miles on a single charge and mobile phones to last a week without recharging.

Programmable materials find strength in molecular repetition

Researchers create synthetic ring teeth proteins with varying repeats to achieve programmable materials with improved strength and flexibility. These self-healing polymers can be tailored for specific properties, such as elasticity and plasticity, making them suitable for various applications in textiles, cosmetics, and medicine.

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.

Hacking memory to follow through with intentions

The study found that reminders through association, such as a visible cue at the exact moment of need, can significantly increase follow-through on daily tasks. Participants who received these cues demonstrated higher rates of completion compared to those without reminders.

Colonoscopy prep may improve with some solid foods

A study found that patients who ate solid foods before a colonoscopy had better bowel preparation and higher patient satisfaction rates. The low-residue diet included foods like eggs, cheese, and chicken breast, which made the process easier and less uncomfortable for patients.

Little cost difference between tests to diagnose coronary heart disease

A prospective economic study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that computed tomographic angiography and functional diagnostic testing strategies for diagnosing coronary artery disease have similar costs through 3 years of follow-up. The study included 9,649 patients enrolled in a clinical trial between 2010 and 2013.

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.

How our emotions affect store prices

Retailers can boost profits by 7-10% by using higher prices with occasional sales for fashionable goods, according to a new study. The approach works because high-value customers are willing to pay more to avoid regret over not buying now, while lower-priced items attract price-conscious customers.

Supercrystals with new architecture can enhance drug synthesis

Researchers designed a helix-shaped supercrystal composed of quantum dots to separate organic molecules and enhance drug synthesis. The chirality of the supercrystal allows for accurate detection of chiral biomolecules, enabling precise identification of enantiomers in pharmaceuticals.

In changing oceans, cephalopods are booming

A new study reveals that cephalopod populations have consistently increased over the past six decades, with diverse groups exhibiting remarkable long-term trends. The research suggests that cephalopods' rapid growth and adaptability may be key factors behind their proliferation in changing ocean environments.

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.

Using cellphone data to study the spread of cholera

Researchers at EPFL used mobile phone records to reconstruct the spread of a cholera epidemic in Senegal in 2005, revealing critical roles of human mobility patterns and sanitation infrastructure. The study's findings highlight measures to improve sanitation at transmission hotspots as key to reducing future outbreak progression.

Study reveals success of text messaging in helping smokers quit

A recent study published in mHealth and uHealth found that text messaging interventions significantly increased the chances of smokers abstaining from smoking. The intervention provided health education, reminders, and support through short messages, yielding promising results.

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.

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.

Hearing snap, crackle, pop may help heal your knee

Researchers at Georgia Tech are creating a knee band that transcribes crackling knee sounds into moving graphs, which could help doctors determine if the joint is healthy or needs therapy. The device aims to provide valuable patterns from injured knees, potentially benefiting athletes and elderly patients with musculoskeletal injuries.

New technique controls autonomous vehicles on a dirt track

A novel technique called model predictive path integral control (MPPI) helps autonomous vehicles maintain stability at the edge of handling limits. By leveraging advanced algorithms and onboard computing, MPPI enables vehicles to optimize their trajectories in real-time, reducing the risk of accidents on hazardous roads.

KIT brings outstanding experimental physicist back to Germany

Wolfgang Wernsdorfer, a leading expert in molecular spin electronics, will establish the first center for molecular quantum spintronics at KIT. He aims to integrate small molecular processors into microelectronic chip technology, enabling faster and energy-efficient quantum computers.

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.

Listening to calls of the wild

A new study found that listening to human vocalizations helps infants form categories, while nonhuman primate vocalizations preserve their early link between signals and categorization. This research highlights the importance of language exposure in early development.

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.

UMass Amherst researchers untangle disease-related protein misfolding

A UMass Amherst research team discovered the folding mechanism of serpin antithrombin III, a key protein in the blood coagulation pathway. They found that this protein folds to a higher-energy state, allowing it to function as a 'molecular mousetrap' and generate the work required for physiological functions.

CWRU leads effort to replace prostheses with engineered cartilage

Researchers aim to create non-destructive tools to monitor and assess implantable cartilage, improving the quality of tissue and reducing variability caused by human cells. The center will serve as a resource for academic and industrial labs, disseminating findings and providing training.