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Science News Archive May 2016


Page 12 of 38

'Canaries' of the ocean highlight threat to world's ecosystems

A recent study by Newcastle University has found that finfish populations have declined drastically over the last 65 years due to uncontrolled fishing, with five species now fighting for survival. The research highlights the urgent need for action to protect coral reefs and the ecosystem as a whole.

Graphene makes rubber more rubbery

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a composite material that combines graphene with natural rubber and polyurethane, resulting in increased strength and elasticity by up to 50%. The added graphene enhances the materials' ability to stretch and withstand force without breaking.

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.

Nanotubes are beacons in cancer-imaging technique

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new cancer-imaging technique that uses carbon nanotubes tagged with antibodies to pinpoint the location of tumors. The technique, known as spectral triangulation, uses non-invasive optical measurements to determine the depth and coordinates of the nanotube beacons in tissue.

Flawed data behind regulation of high-risk women's health devices

A study from Northwestern University found that some FDA-approved high-risk medical devices used in obstetrics and gynecology were not effective in clinical trials. The authors recommend increasing the burden of proof required for device approval and relying on higher quality studies.

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.

Probiotic bacteria could provide some protection against cadmium poisoning

A new study finds that probiotic bacteria can reduce cadmium absorption in the intestines of mice by mitigating oxidative stress. The research provides evidence that probiotics can inhibit the toxic effects of cadmium on the gut barrier, potentially offering a solution to heavy metal contamination in public health.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ESC Guidelines on acute and chronic heart failure launched today

The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure, including the use of LCZ696 and adaptive servo-ventilation. The guidelines also introduce a new category for patients with mid-range ejection fractions and provide novel recommendations for preventing and treati...

Computing a secret, unbreakable key

The University of Waterloo's IQC developed software to assess QKD protocol security, achieving perfect agreement with previous results and enabling exploration of new protocols. The tool enables users to analyze any protocol in seconds, a significant improvement over months-long efforts.

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.

Researchers find that Earth may be home to 1 trillion species

A new study combines large datasets to estimate the number of microbial and non-microbial species on Earth, suggesting nearly 1 trillion species exist. The research uses universal scaling laws to predict species numbers, revealing simple yet powerful trends in biodiversity.

Researchers demonstrate size quantization of Dirac fermions in graphene

Scientists have successfully demonstrated size quantization of charge carriers in graphene nanoconstrictions, revealing key details relevant to future electronic devices. The study utilized high-quality samples and low temperatures to accurately measure the effects, closely following theoretical predictions.

An all-on-chip method for testing neutrophil chemotaxis

A team of researchers has developed an all-on-chip method for testing neutrophil chemotaxis directly from whole blood using a microfluidic system. The method enables rapid and accurate analysis of neutrophil migration in under 25 minutes, overcoming labor-intensive traditional cell preparation methods.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Resistance mechanism of aggressive brain tumors revealed

Researchers identified a specific enzyme and signaling pathway involved in resistance to treatment, which can be targeted by other drugs for improved outcomes. Glioblastoma multiforme tumors were shown to manipulate their surrounding environment to evade therapy, leading to longer survival when treated with combination therapies.

Combining radiation with immunotherapy showing promise against melanoma

Researchers combine radiation treatments with new immunotherapies to target melanoma, showing synergistic effects that improve treatment outcomes. The combination of radiation and immunotherapy has been shown to increase one-year survival rates for patients with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma.

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.

Return-to-learn as important as return-to-play after concussion

A new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center suggests that student-athletes who experience concussions often struggle academically, even after returning to school. The research found significant academic problems among students with concussions compared to those with other sports-related injuries.

Visual impairment, blindness cases in US expected to double by 2050

The US is projected to see a doubling of visual impairment and blindness cases by 2050, with the greatest burden on non-Hispanic white women and African Americans. The National Eye Institute predicts that 2.15 million non-Hispanic white women will be visually impaired by then.

Genes for nose shape found

A UCL-led study identifies five genes controlling nose and chin shape, providing new insights into human face evolution and potential forensics applications. The study analyzed over 6,000 individuals with varied ancestry and found specific genes influencing facial features.

SBA grant establishes UTA center to help veterans with entrepreneurial skills

The University of Texas at Arlington has established a new Veterans Business Outreach Center to provide educational and training services to veteran entrepreneurs. The center will offer collaborative learning opportunities, one-on-one counseling, and workshops on starting a business, leveraging a $500,000 SBA grant.

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.

Growth spurts lower teenage boys' coordination

A study of 88 teenage boys found that those who experienced sudden growth spurts had lower coordination and more irregular gaits than their peers, suggesting that the brain needs time to adjust to rapid height increases.

Mouse study: Triple-therapy cocktail shrinks triple-negative breast tumors

A new study using mice and lab-grown human cells shows a triple-drug cocktail can shrink triple-negative breast cancers by killing off cancer cells and halting new tumor growth. The combination treatment, EAD therapy, reduced the size of tumors in mice and decreased tumor growth in spheres grown from patients' metastatic cells.

Screening strategy identifies adults at risk for developing kidney disease

A targeted screening program in Canada identified a high proportion of individuals with risk factors for chronic kidney disease and many with unrecognized CKD. The See Kidney Disease (SeeKD) program successfully promoted good kidney health and provided early detection of CKD, emphasizing the importance of targeted screening.

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.

Can a healthy lifestyle prevent cancer?

A large proportion of US cancer deaths might be prevented through adopting healthy lifestyles, including quitting smoking and exercising regularly. The study found that individuals who met specific criteria for a healthy lifestyle pattern had a significantly lower risk of developing cancer.

Bright light alters metabolism

A new study found that bright light exposure increases insulin resistance compared to dim light exposure in both the morning and evening. This could lead to excess blood glucose, weight gain, and a higher risk of diabetes over time. The study suggests that lighting impacts health outcomes.

Malignancy-associated gene network regulated by an RNA binding protein

A study by Jeremy Sanford's lab at UC Santa Cruz identified an extensive malignancy-associated gene expression circuit regulated by IGF2BP3 in pancreatic cancer cells. The protein drives metastasis by influencing the expression of genes involved in cancer biology, including cell migration and proliferation.

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.

The science of the condolence letter

A survey of oncologists and palliative care consultants found that most believe writing condolence letters is important in cancer palliative care. The study suggests that this practice should remain personal and not be standardized.

Trapping individual cell types in the mouse brain

Brandeis scientists have developed a method to genetically identify and manipulate individual cell types in the mouse brain, revealing over 150 distinct brain cell types. This breakthrough enables researchers to activate or deactivate specific genes to study their function without affecting other cells.

Evolution and religion: New insight into instructor attitudes in Arizona

Most Arizona biology instructors prioritize teaching facts over helping students accept evolution, according to a new ASU study. The research found that many professors perceive barriers to discussing the topic and often stick to neutral facts, despite recognizing that science can coexist with religious beliefs.

Firearm ownership closely tied to suicide rates, BU study finds

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that firearm ownership is closely tied to suicide rates, with states having higher gun ownership levels experiencing higher gun-related suicides. The study analyzed 33 years of data and found that firearm ownership explained 71% of the variation in state-level g...

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.

What the New York Times gets wrong about PTSD

Drexel researchers found the New York Times' coverage of PTSD from 1980 to 2015 neglected civilian and non-military cases, negatively framing the disorder. This narrow focus can inhibit awareness about PTSD resilience and recovery, and constrain discourse on social determinants of traumatic stress.

Researchers identify super-oncogenic protein that promotes development of melanoma

A study by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute identified a super-oncogenic protein, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), that drives the formation of melanoma in mice with BRAF mutations. Inactive ATF2 was found to cause tumors to develop slower than expected, making it a potential indicator of tumor aggressiveness.

To operate or not to operate: A serious question with no clear answers

Researchers found that surgeons differ in recommending surgery based on how they perceive risks and benefits, rather than just the patient's diagnosis. A surgical risk calculator can lead to more accurate predictions, but does not change a surgeon's likelihood of recommending an operation.

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 research could personalize medicine for arthritis patients

Recent studies have identified biomarkers associated with cartilage degradation and new genes linked to osteoarthritis (OA) development. Researchers used a non-invasive mouse model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) to analyze whole-joint gene expression, providing insights into the disease's progression.

Genes discovered that enable birds to produce the color red

Researchers have identified the genes responsible for producing the red pigment in bird species, linking it to detoxification processes and suggesting a link between mate quality and genetic fitness. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution and ecology of red coloration in birds.

Intake of dietary fat in adolescence associated with breast density

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that consuming high amounts of saturated fat or low amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats during adolescence is associated with higher breast density in young adulthood. This increased risk of breast cancer was observed after adjusting for multiple variables.

Full extraction

Lomonosov Moscow State University scientists have developed a new method to extract DNA from various organisms. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of preventive vaccines against infectious diseases, allergies, and cancers.

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.

Factor preserves DNA integrity in bacteria despite assault from antibiotics

A study published in Science reveals that a molecule called ppGpp enables bacteria to repair damage to their DNA, including that caused by antibiotics. Adjusting the action of ppGpp may make bacteria more vulnerable to existing antibiotics, potentially yielding future solutions for antibiotic resistance and degenerative diseases.

Scent guides hawk moths to the best-fitting flowers

Researchers found that Manduca sexta moths prefer flowers with nectar that matches the length of their proboscis, resulting in optimal energy gain. The moths use scent to guide themselves to these ideal flowers, which is supported by an innate preference.

Brain scans of dementia patients with coprophagia showed neurodegeneration

A study published in the Journal of Neurology found that brain scans of dementia patients with coprophagia showed significant neurodegeneration, particularly in the medial temporal lobe and amygdala. The researchers also noted that behavioral modifications and antipsychotic medication were effective in treating the behavior.

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.

Simple public health intervention may prevent chronic kidney disease

A simple public health intervention helped prevent many cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Pakistan by training community health workers and general practitioners on healthy lifestyle advice. After 7 years, individuals with the combined intervention had preserved kidney function, while those who received usual care experienced a ...