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Science News Archive May 2016


Page 17 of 38

Nudging health in food pantries

Researchers found that placing protein bars at the start of the dessert line increased selection by 46%, while keeping them in original packaging boosted selection by 59%. These simple changes made healthy foods more convenient and appealing to clients.

Long-term memory has back-up plan, researchers find

A team of scientists has identified a back-up mechanism for memory storage that takes over when the molecular mechanism of primary long-term memory storage fails. They found that mice engineered without an enzyme crucial to long-term memory storage still form memories because they deploy an alternative method, involving PKCλ/ι.

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.

How efficient can solar cells be? UNSW nudges closer to physical limits

Researchers at UNSW have developed a new solar cell configuration that delivers a world-record 34.5% efficiency in sunlight-to-electricity conversion, nudging closer to the theoretical limits of such devices. The device uses a four-junction mini-module with a hybrid receiver to extract maximum energy from unfocussed sunlight.

New insights into human rare disorders with dogs

A study by the University of Helsinki reveals three novel canine genes associated with human rare disorders, including Caffey disease and van den Ende-Gupta syndrome. The discovery highlights the potential of comparative research for developing diagnostics and treatments.

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.

Evolution: Building blocks of life

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified a plausible reaction mechanism for the production of key components of RNA under conditions similar to those on the young Earth. The discovery validates a pathway that could explain how chemical evolution proceeded before the formation of the first cells.

A narrow band of green light could improve migraines

A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that pure green light significantly reduces photophobia and headache severity in patients with migraines. The narrow band of green light is least likely to exacerbate migraine, providing a potential therapeutic option for sufferers.

Ocean acidification puts NW Dungeness crab at risk

A new study by NOAA Fisheries finds that ocean acidification may slow development and reduce survival of Dungeness crab larvae, which are key to the Northwest marine ecosystem. The research suggests that lower pH levels could extend vulnerable larval periods or jeopardize timing in relation to food sources.

Care for COPD: Could more be done?

A new report highlights seven areas of focus within COPD care, including improving access to education, medications, and non-medication interventions. The report also emphasizes the need for more research funding and development of cost-effective treatments.

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.

Fine-tuning for intestinal immune cells

A new study reveals that food components can significantly influence the intestinal immune system by binding to an important controller, the Ah receptor. The researchers found that the interaction between the Ah receptor and its repressor is crucial for balancing the immune response.

Mind your busyness

A new study finds that busier lifestyles are associated with better processing speed, working memory, and episodic memory in older adults. The research suggests that busyness may stimulate learning and improve cognition, but more experimental work is needed to confirm this association.

External stenting can relieve chronic airway obstruction in children

A novel technique called external stenting (ES) has been developed to relieve airway obstruction in children. The procedure involves suspending the airway wall to a rigid prosthesis, allowing for growth and stability. Long-term outcomes show high survival rates and successful weaning from ventilators.

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.

Simple screening test can predict heart failure severity

A simple screening test can accurately predict the severity of heart disease in patients with heart failure. The test calculates a patient's sarcopenia score based on their age, grip strength, and calf circumference, making it a useful evaluation method for daily clinical practice.

Plasma physics' giant leap

Researchers analyze MMS data to understand magnetic reconnection, a process that produces powerful phenomena including solar flares and large releases of plasma from the sun's corona. The mission provides high-resolution measurements of particles and electric and magnetic fields at the electron scale.

Middle-school kids see several alcohol ads a day

A new study found that middle-school kids ages 11-14 see two to four alcohol ads per day, with outdoor billboards and signs being the most common source. The findings suggest that policymakers should pay attention to outdoor alcohol advertising, which is under local communities' control.

Squeezing out mountains, mathematically, on Jupiter's moon Io

A computer model simulates the formation of Io's mountains through the compression of rocks due to volcanic activity. The study suggests that this mechanism could have operated on early Earth, explaining why mountains like those on Io might have emerged first as land.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mason researchers keep networks moving to stay safe from hacker attacks

Researchers at George Mason University are working on a new method called 'shuffling' to quickly separate hackers from legitimate users and isolate bad actors. The approach aims to prevent denial-of-service attacks that can cripple online businesses with downed websites, financial losses, and damaged client relationships.

Chronic fatigue patients more likely to suppress emotions

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that chronic fatigue syndrome patients are more likely to suppress their emotions due to a heightened fight-or-flight response. This suppression is associated with increased anxiety and distress, which can worsen fatigue symptoms.

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.

Plants display nature's optofluidic machinery

Plants utilize microfluidics and optics to control movement, photosynthesis, and water transport, highlighting the intersection of light and fluid in plant physiology. Researchers explore how plants optimize energy conversion, conserving water through stomata control.

Study advances understanding of colon cancer and colitis

A University of California, Riverside study explains how the balance of two transcription factor isoforms in the colon influences the risk of developing colon cancer and colitis. Maintaining a balance between these isoforms is crucial for reducing disease risk.

Dynamic DNA polymers can be reversed using biocompatible techniques

Scientists create synthetic polymers that decompose without harsh elements, opening doors for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and bioimaging. Preliminary testing shows growth and depolymerization of straight and branched polymers are possible in water and extracellular matrix.

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.

Relationship satisfaction depends on the mating pool, study finds

A study at the University of Texas at Austin found that relationship satisfaction depends on how a partner compares with other potential mates. Participants reported being happier and devoted more effort to relationships when their partners fulfilled their ideal preferences.

Critical shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons anticipated by 2035

Researchers warn of a looming crisis in cardiothoracic surgical services as the number of trained professionals dwindles and demand increases, particularly among an aging population. By 2030, there will be approximately 3,000 cardiothoracic surgeons needed to cover 854,000 cases, with each surgeon's workload projected to increase by 121%.

Making plants fit for climate change

Researchers are breeding barley to make it more resistant to drought and heat, helping farmers avoid yield loss due to climate change. By identifying key molecular switches, they aim to create crops that can efficiently manage water under extreme weather conditions.

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.

Study shows how neurons reach their final destinations

Researchers at Drexel University discover that motor proteins and sliding microtubules play a crucial role in guiding neurons to their correct destinations. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

Allan Sandage's last paper unravels 100-year-old astronomical mystery

Allan Sandage's last paper reveals that physicist George Gamow and astronomer Walter Adams had previously discovered subgiants in the 1940s, which would have accelerated the development of stellar evolutionary theory. The study shows that these early findings were largely ignored due to biases in the time.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

First peek into the brain of a freely walking fruit fly

UC San Diego scientists create innovative imaging system to study brain activity in free-moving fruit flies, providing first glimpse into neural processes underlying mating, learning, memory, and more. The 'Flyception' technique enables real-time monitoring of brain activity at unprecedented speed and precision.

Novel nicotine inhaler doubles smoking quit rates

A novel nicotine inhaler has been shown to double smoking quit rates compared to placebo inhalers. The study, published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, suggests that inhaled nicotine from a standard inhaler is highly effective in helping smokers quit.

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.

Altered purine metabolism linked to depression

People with major depressive disorder may have altered purine metabolism, with higher levels of xanthine and lower inosine and guanosine. This dysregulation may be the body's compensatory mechanism to combat increased oxidative stress caused by depression.

Cell division and inflammatory disease link revealed

Researchers have identified a new connection between inflammatory signals and cell division, revealing how cells adapt to environmental changes. The discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of diseases such as Crohn's disease and cancer.

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.

Simple, rapid TB diagnosis feasible in low-resource, high-burden settings

A streamlined TB diagnosis approach using a single sputum sample and rapid results proved feasible in rural Uganda, increasing treatment initiation rates. The method uses fluorescence microscopy for quick analysis and GeneXpert testing for accurate results, with 73% of patients diagnosed correctly.

HIV-infected patients more likely to lack cancer treatment

A new study finds HIV-infected patients are more likely to lack cancer treatment for various cancers, including head and neck, upper gastrointestinal tract, and lung cancers. The disparity remains after adjusting for insurance status and comorbidities.

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.

Asthma overdiagnosed in Canadian adults

A study of 701 Canadian adults found that 30% of those diagnosed with asthma did not have current asthma after medication withdrawal. Careful testing revealed no evidence of airflow obstruction or bronchial hyper-reactivity in 37.5% of subjects.

UW team first to measure microscale granular crystal dynamics

The University of Washington team observed and analyzed collective interparticle vibrations in two-dimensional microscale granular crystals for the first time. This understanding allows for designing materials with unique properties, such as customizable impact energy absorption.

Europa's ocean may have an Earthlike chemical balance

Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory found that Europa's ocean could have a comparable balance of hydrogen and oxygen to Earth's oceans, suggesting the presence of a habitable environment. This discovery draws attention to the complexity of Europa's rocky interior and its potential for supporting life.

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.

Increased vegetation in the Arctic region may counteract global warming

Increased Arctic vegetation may counteract global warming by reducing decomposition and releasing stored carbon, according to a Lund University study. The study found that warmer temperatures trigger bacteria and fungi to break down nutrient-rich shrubs rather than moss, leading to reduced soil nitrogen.

Vanderbilt University awarded $4 million grant to examine 'genetic privacy'

Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine have received a grant to examine the likelihood of genomic information being identified and how effective legal efforts can reduce these risks. The center will also explore the relationship between history, public opinion, and literature on privacy concerns.