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Science News Archive May 2016


Page 14 of 38

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

How is rattlesnake venom like fine wine? Both have regional varieties

A new study from Ohio State University reveals rattlesnake venom's regional variations effectively counter squirrel defenses, indicating co-evolutionary adaptation. The research found significant variation in venom activity and resistance across populations, with snakes best suited to their local opponents.

How plants conquered the land

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered a key gene, ANR, that enabled plants to tolerate extreme dehydration, allowing them to colonize land around 500 million years ago. The gene is unique to basal land plants and plays a crucial role in responding to stress hormones like ABA.

Plant cell wall development revealed in space and time for the first time

Researchers mapped changes in plant cell wall composition over space and time using Arabidopsis as a model organism, revealing key roles in plant developmental pathways. The study identifies essential genes involved in cellulose production and suggests selective breeding to enhance plant properties.

A global early warning system for infectious diseases

A global early warning system for infectious diseases is proposed to use computer models to forecast disease risk and inform targeted responses. This system could shift the paradigm from reactive to pre-emptive management of risk, minimizing damages and improving global health security.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Special issue: Urban Planet

Cities around the world are exploring innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint, from solar panels on buildings to optimized transportation systems. Researchers propose various strategies to improve water management, food supply chains, and air quality in urban areas.

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.

Identification of a chemotherapy resistance factor in breast cancer patients

A research team identified low expression of methylation-controlled J protein (MCJ) as a marker of poor response to chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer patients. They found that MCJ-expressing tumors had reduced relapse-free survival and that mice deficient in MCJ had larger tumors and increased chemoresistance.

Scavenging of inflammatory molecules improves sepsis in mice

Researchers have identified a method to scavenge inflammatory molecules that mediate sepsis in mice, using the protein haptoglobin. Haptoglobin-based therapies could potentially be used to treat HMGB1-mediated inflammatory diseases such as sepsis.

Penn Vet research suggests a way to identify animals at risk of blood clots

Researchers at Penn Vet found that a common blood test may also indicate hypercoagulability in animals. A study of hundreds of dogs found that shortened prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were associated with clinical signs of hypercoagulability, including clots and suspected pulmonary thromboembolism.

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.

An app knows if a beer has gone stale

A team of chemists from the Complutense University of Madrid has developed a simple and low-cost method to measure beer freshness using a polymer sensor and a smartphone app. The results show that the new system is comparable to more sophisticated methods, such as gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

'Sunscreen' gene may help protect against skin cancer

Researchers found that a tumor suppressor gene helps repair UV damage in cells, reducing the risk of skin cancers like melanoma. The study suggests this gene may serve as a biomarker for skin cancer prevention and offers hope for new drug targets.

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 did cardinals get those bright red feathers?

Researchers found a gene called CYP2J19 that converts yellow carotenoids into red ones in the skin and feathers of red birds. The study suggests that for a bird to grow red feathers, it needs not just the redness gene but also a special form of the gene involved in feather growth.

Zika virus protein could be vaccine target

Researchers identified Zika virus protein NS5 as a promising target for vaccines, inhibiting human interferon responses by blocking STAT2 protein. The study found altered or removed NS5 could trigger the human immune system to attack the virus, making it a potential vaccine candidate.

Switch and stick

Researchers at Max-Planck-Institute for Intelligent Systems have discovered a new reversible adhesive using gallium that can be controlled by temperature changes. The adhesive has potential applications in various fields such as biological samples handling and industrial pick-and-place processes.

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.

36,000 children already tested for early type 1 diabetes

The Fr1da study has detected an early stage of type 1 diabetes in 105 out of 26,760 children aged two to five years. The children have not shown signs of metabolic imbalance, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventive healthcare. Families are being offered comprehensive support and care.

Tropical Cyclone 01B named Roanu and is strengthening

Roanu is intensifying with defined eye and broad storm surge potential, threatening widespread flooding in Bangladesh. The cyclone has already caused massive landslides and flooding in Sri Lanka and could reach hurricane strength, posing a significant threat to the region.

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.

Making injectable medicine safer

University at Buffalo researchers have created a method to strip away excess surfactants from common injectable drugs, potentially making them safer and more effective for millions. The breakthrough removes potentially harmful additives, improving the formulation of anti-cancer medicine, testosterone, and other drugs.

Ancient tsunami evidence on Mars reveals life potential

Scientists found evidence of two mega-tsunamis on Mars, triggered by meteorite impacts, which formed cold salty oceans conducive to sustaining life. The research reveals ancient ocean characteristics, including icy lobes with briny waters, providing a potential refuge for life in extreme environments.

Why humans (and not mice) are susceptible to Zika

Researchers have identified a key protein in Zika virus that blocks the action of interferons in human cells, making humans more susceptible to infection. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches and vaccine development by blocking the activity of this protein.

Scientists getting warmer on mimicking anti-freeze in nature

Researchers from the University of Leeds have discovered a way to prevent ice crystals from forming in water as it is cooled to -35°C using glycerol. This breakthrough has important implications for improving cryoprotectants used in fertility treatments and food storage.

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.

A slick way to test artificial knees and hips

Researchers discovered that albumin and globulin proteins improve the tribology of artificial joint implants, suggesting a potential solution to reduce wear and tear. The findings have implications for extending the lifespan of prosthetic joints and improving patient quality of life.

Fighting cancer with the help of someone else's immune cells

Researchers developed a new approach to cancer immunotherapy by using donated immune cells to recognize and target cancer cells. The study found that adding mutated DNA from cancer cells into immune-stimulating cells from healthy donors can trigger an immune response in healthy cells, which can then be used to attack cancer cells.

'Piggybacking' mitochondrial DNA can compromise mitochondrial replacement therapy

A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that small amounts of mitochondrial DNA can override the mitochondria in donor cells after nuclear transfer, raising concerns about the therapy's safety and effectiveness. The researchers are now exploring strategies to avoid this carryover and ensure complete mitochondrial DNA replacement.

Tampering with the current in a petri dish

A PhD student at OIST Graduate University created a plastic insert that modifies the pathways of the electric current in a circular shape, making each current path of the same distance. This design enables researchers to study cells in a uniform electric field, even in circular-shaped environments like petri dishes.

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.

Mechanism that reduces effect of cocaine on brain discovered

A recent study by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that microglia can reduce the adverse changes to neural circuitry caused by chronic cocaine use. Microglia may be enticed to keep going by stimulating their production of TNF, which suppresses synaptic changes caused by cocaine.

Survey: 71 percent of hip fracture patients not told they have osteoporosis

A survey by Northwell Health found that nearly 7 in 10 older adults with hip fractures are not informed about osteoporosis, despite the disease being a common cause of hip fractures. The study suggests that improved education and treatment for osteoporosis could reduce re-fracture rates and improve patient outcomes.

Mouse study finds link between gut bacteria and neurogenesis

A mouse study reveals that antibiotics can kill off gut bacteria and stop new brain cell growth in the hippocampus. However, probiotics and exercise have been shown to improve memory and neurogenesis by balancing the communication between the brain, immune system, and gut.

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.

Early introduction of allergenic foods reduces risk of food sensitization

A study of 1,421 Canadian children found that early introduction of allergenic foods decreases the risk of sensitization to these foods. Early introduction of eggs was especially beneficial, reducing the risk of sensitization to any of the three tested foods. The study suggests a shift in thinking from delayed food introduction to earl...

Harnessing engineered slippery surfaces for tissue repair

A new method enables the rapid release of intact cell sheets from a culture dish to damaged tissues, revolutionizing tissue repair. The technique leverages Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces (SLIPS) to induce slipperiness and detach cell sheets in just five minutes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

NIH names Johns Hopkins a Center of Excellence for bioethics research

The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics will lead a university-wide team studying the ethical, legal and social implications of applying genomics to infectious diseases. The grant establishes a Specialized CEER with over $4 million in funding to explore genomic ELSI issues in infectious disease.

Strategies for dealing with the cuckoo mafia

Researchers found that host birds only tolerate brood parasite eggs when threatened with retaliation by the parasitic birds. This 'mafia hypothesis' explains why some hosts accept parasitic eggs despite the risk of losing their own young.

Large-scale HIV vaccine trial to launch in South Africa

A large clinical trial is set to begin in November 2016 to determine the safety and effectiveness of an investigational HIV vaccine regimen. The study, called HVTN 702, will enroll 5,400 adults at risk for HIV infection and assess the regimen's ability to prevent HIV infection among South African adults.

Colors of autism spectrum described by CanChild researchers

Researchers at CanChild Centre developed an autism classification system that defines levels of social communications ability among children with autism spectrum disorder. The new system, called the Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication, provides a standardized and simplified way for clinicians to talk about...

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.

Could hepatitis C treatments help prevent virus transmission?

A team of researchers suggests that increasing HCV treatment rates among people with mild disease could reduce transmission, while targeting those with severe disease has little impact. The studies also highlight the importance of increasing HCV treatments to prevent End Stage Liver Disease and related cancers or deaths

York U's OUCH lab pain study links children's fear of needles to parent behaviour

Researchers at York University's OUCH lab found that past and continuing behaviour of parents is the biggest reason for a child's suffering from needle-related anxiety. The study, published in the journal Pain, highlights the importance of developing interventions to help parents support their children during painful medical procedures.

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.

How depression and antidepressant drugs work

Researchers discover that depression results from deficiencies in both GABA and glutamate signaling, which can be restored with a single dose of ketamine. The study uses a mouse model to develop safer alternatives to current antidepressant medications.

Digital health intervention does not lower heart attack risk

A digital health intervention using email and text messages aimed at improving diet and physical activity had no effect on reducing heart attack risk among a South Asian population. The study found that knowledge of genetic risk was not a motivator for behavior change.