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Science News Archive May 2016


Page 3 of 38

Phoenix Nest and LA BioMed receive over $1.7 million in grant funding

Researchers at Phoenix Nest and LA BioMed are working on developing therapies for treating different forms of Sanfilippo disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects children. The new grants will focus on recombinant enzyme therapy and stem cell treatment to combat devastating brain damage caused by MPS IIID and MPS IIIB.

Back to the future: Space-age exploration for pre-historic bones

Researchers used high-tech laser scanning, photogrammetry, and 3D mapping to create a detailed digital representation of the Rising Star Cave System and Dinaledi Chamber. The precise reconstruction provides new insights into the chamber's structure and location, as well as the fossil site's formation processes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Dirty Blizzard' sent 2010 Gulf oil spill pollution to seafloor

A new study found that contaminants from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill persisted in the subsurface water for months, eventually accumulating on the seafloor as a 'dirty blizzard' of marine debris. The remnants of oil and drilling mud combined with microscopic algae to descend to great depths, affecting deep-sea fish and corals.

Hydropower dams worldwide cause continued species extinction

A new study reveals that hydropower dams across the world are causing continued species extinctions on island habitats, with some communities losing up to 87% of their species. The research highlights the need for stronger environmental regulations and assessments to mitigate the impact of large-scale dam construction.

Premature babies may grow up to have weaker bones

Adults born prematurely with low birth weight have lower bone mass than those born full term but small for gestational age. Ensuring a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, combined with exercise, may help reduce the risk of bone fractures later in life.

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.

Quiet please in the intensive care unit!

A study found that ICU noise levels significantly exceeded recommended limits, with average sound levels above 45 dBA and peaks exceeding 52 dBA. The authors recommend measures to reduce sound levels, including earplugs for patients and smart alarm systems.

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.

Restoring chemotherapy sensitivity by boosting microRNA levels

A research team at Georgia Institute of Technology identified a specific miRNA molecule that controls the genes governing chemotherapy resistance in human pancreatic cancer cells. Increasing this miRNA's level restored sensitivity to the drug in vitro, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for battling chemotherapy resistance.

Journal of Dairy Science announces 2 new article collections

The Journal of Dairy Science has compiled two new collections of articles, one on stocking density for dairy cattle and the other on lactic acid bacteria. The stocking density collection includes 10 articles published between 2006 and 2015, while the lactic acid bacteria collection contains 30 articles published between 1962 and 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.

NASA looks at winds in developing tropical cyclone

NASA's RapidScat instrument measured surface wind speeds near 46.9 mph/75.6 kph northeast of the system's center in System 91L. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted that the system has a high chance, 90 percent, of becoming a tropical depression.

Baby talk words with repeated sounds help infants learn language

Researchers found that infants are better at learning words with repetitive syllables than those without. This bias may help explain why many baby-talk words have repeated syllables, such as 'choo-choo' and 'night-night'. The study suggests that repetition plays a key role in word learning from an early age.

Genomic study tracks African-American dispersal in the Great Migration

Researchers analyzed genetic data from 3,726 African-Americans to estimate patterns of ancestry, finding that 82.1% had ancestors in Africa prior to transatlantic travel. The study reveals regional differences in ancestry, with southern US residents having a greater percentage of African ancestry than those in the North or West.

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.

Study finds that protein puts the brakes on melanin

Scientists at Brown University have discovered a molecular 'brake' that regulates melanin production in the eyes, skin, and hair. The study found that TPC2, a protein channel, reduces melanin production by increasing acidity in melanosomes.

New model of T cell activation

Researchers from the University Freiburg have developed a new model of T cell activation, demonstrating that cholesterol prevents an immune response even when no antigen is present. The study reveals a specific interaction between cholesterol and inactive T cell receptors, regulating their conformation and activity.

At the top of their game

Research highlights factors necessary for successful apex predator recovery, including disease regulation and biodiversity maintenance. The study reveals that full recovery is the exception rather than the rule, with many species facing complex challenges in their recovery pathways.

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.

ANKRD55: A new gene involved in Multiple Sclerosis is discovered

A new gene, ANKRD55, has been discovered to play a significant role in the neuro-inflammation process of Multiple Sclerosis. The study found that genetic variants associated with MS increase the production of ANKRD55 transcripts in immune cells, suggesting a key gene involved in deregulation.

Study: Social media use may help identify students at risk of alcohol problems

A recent study by North Carolina State University and Ohio University found that college students with an 'alcohol identity' are more likely to experience drinking problems. The researchers also discovered that posting about alcohol on social media sites is a stronger predictor of these problems than actual alcohol use.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Tasty fat: X-rays finding the blueprint of why fat is yummy

Scientists study the molecular structure of edible fats using X-rays, discovering that the ratio of solids to liquids affects a fat's properties. They also investigate the impact of replacing saturated fats with unsaturated alternatives on taste and texture.

Study shows tax on plug-in vehicles is not answer to road-funding woes

Researchers at Indiana University argue that annual registration fees for plug-in vehicles are misguided due to their minimal impact on road infrastructure funding. The decline in federal tax revenue is primarily attributed to increased fuel efficiency and non-adjusted fuel taxes, not plug-in vehicles.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Research reveals that sharks have individual personalities

A new study reveals that Port Jackson sharks have distinct personality traits, including boldness and handling stress reactivity. These differences are repeatable in juvenile sharks and may influence their interactions with habitat and other species.

Hawk moths have a second nose for evaluating flowers

Researchers discovered that hawk moths can smell floral volatiles using olfactory neurons on their proboscis. This allows them to select flowers with sufficient nectar, leading to successful pollination and seed production. The study highlights the importance of scent in flower-pollinator interactions.

Expert urges voluntary family planning to mitigate climate change

A leading physician argues that family planning is highly cost-effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advocates for voluntary family planning as a crucial strategy. Studies show that having one less child can reduce carbon legacy by up to 9441 tonnes, more than other eco-actions.

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.

Imaging study shows promising results for patients with schizophrenia

A recent imaging study found a subtle increase in brain tissue volume in certain regions of patients with schizophrenia, indicating the brain's ability to reorganize and fight the illness. The study suggests that despite severe damage, the brain may constantly attempt to rescue itself or limit the damage.

Fast, stretchy circuits could yield new wave of wearable electronics

Engineers at University of Wisconsin-Madison created world's fastest stretchable, wearable integrated circuits, expanding Internet of Things capabilities. These powerful circuits can operate up to 40 GHz and are 25 micrometers thick, enabling biomedical applications like epidermal electronic systems.

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.

Rethinking hospital alarms

Researchers aim to develop optimum alarm systems by analyzing alarm errors and predicting their occurrence. The new models will prioritize alarms that reflect urgent situations while balancing staff alertness with patient recovery concerns.

Faster, more efficient CRISPR editing in mice

Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a faster and more efficient CRISPR-Cas9 editing method for mice, using electroporation instead of microinjection. The new technique resulted in higher success rates and reduced embryo damage.

Automating DNA origami opens door to many new uses

Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm that can build complex DNA nanoparticles automatically, allowing for a broader range of applications in fields such as vaccine development and gene editing. The algorithm, known as DAEDALUS, can build any type of 3D shape with a closed surface, including shapes with holes.

Music for the eyes

A study found that patients who listened to relaxing music before cataracts surgery experienced significantly reduced anxiety and required less sedation. Music-induced relaxation lasts for approximately 60 minutes after the music stops, making it a potential non-pharmacological method to reduce pre-operative anxiety.

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.

How Zika infects the placenta

Scientists have discovered that Zika virus can infect and replicate in immune cells from the placenta without killing them. This finding may explain how the virus passes through the placenta of a pregnant woman to infect developing brain cells in her fetus.

PNNL helps lead national microbiome initiative

Scientists at PNNL are part of a core group advising the White House on microbiome research. The National Microbiome Initiative aims to study microorganisms' impact on climate science, food production, and human health.

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.

Teenage brain on social media

A new UCLA study found that teenagers' brains activate the same reward circuitry when seeing high and low social media likes, influencing their behavior. The study suggests that social media can have a significant impact on teens' willingness to conform and engage in risk-taking behavior.

Telling irregularities

A clinical study confirmed a strong correlation between minor heart rate irregularities and the survival prospects of heart attack patients. The new method, measuring respiratory sinus arrhythmia, produces a specific picture of the body's functional condition.

Guarding the gatekeepers

Researchers at NCBS discovered Septin 7 as a 'molecular brake' regulating Orai proteins and maintaining dopamine levels. This discovery could lead to therapies for neurodegenerative disorders and immune system dysregulations.

Appalachian coal ash richest in rare earth elements

A study by researchers at Duke University found that coal from the Appalachian Mountains contains the highest amounts of rare earth elements. The team identified ash from this region as a potential source for extracting these critical materials, which are essential for clean energy and emerging technologies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Pharmacist prescribes education as key to curbing opioid abuse

A University of the Pacific professor argues that pharmacists must be part of the solution to curb opioid abuse, citing a grim diagnosis of increased misuse and alarming numbers of overdose deaths. The expert advocates for independent education and broader pain management training for prescribers and patients.

The dying child: Room for improvement in end-of-life care

A new study found that pediatric end-of-life care requires improvement, with 62% of parents' wishes for their child's death location not being fulfilled. Siblings also need more support after a family member's death, and healthcare staff experience logistical barriers to providing adequate bereavement care.

Spin glass physics with trapped ions

Researchers demonstrate how state-of-the-art quantum simulations with trapped ions can be used to solve complex problems like number-partitioning. By applying a strategy known as quantum annealing, they show a faster solution than other methods.

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.