Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive May 2016


Page 8 of 38

High performance golf club comes with annoying sound

Researchers at Penn State tracked the cause of a loud noise made by a type of golf club and found it was due to vibrations in the club head. The vibrations were strongest in the most sensitive range of human hearing, leading to an annoyingly loud sound that some players compared to a cookie tray hitting a car.

Health academics back EU remain campaign

A group of health academics warn that a UK exit from the EU would lead to cuts in health and social care spending, increasing pressures on hospitals. The authors also express concern about the impact on the NHS workforce and loss of access to free healthcare for UK citizens abroad.

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.

Prohibition 2016: Assessing the UK's Psychoactive Substances Act

The UK's Psychoactive Substances Act has been criticized by experts due to its broad definition of psychoactivity and lack of a clear way to establish it. The Act's blanket prohibition on new substances may not be feasible or effective in reducing harm, as judges lack evidence on specific drug harms, making sentencing challenges.

Obesity rising in least walkable Ontario neighborhoods

A new study found that highly walkable Ontario neighborhoods experienced a drop in diabetes cases, while less walkable areas saw a rise in obesity rates. The research, led by Dr. Gillian Booth, analyzed 9,000 neighborhoods over a decade and involved 3 million people.

Closing the evidence gap on public attitudes toward genetic data handling

A new global research project, Your DNA Your Say, aims to gather opinions from across the world on sharing genetic information. The survey, launched by the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), seeks to understand public attitudes on data sharing, its use in genomic medicine, and potential harms.

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.

Tiny wasp sniffs out, picks up 'good vibrations' to battle ash borer

Researchers discovered the optimal temperature of 25 degrees Celsius for Spathius galinae, a host-specific parasitic wasp targeting emerald ash borer. The wasp's unique ability to detect vibrations in bark allows it to locate larvae and is highly host-specific, minimizing the risk of impact on other species.

Closing in on the elusive rotational-vibrational CH5+ spectra

A team of theoretical chemists at Queen's University compared experimental and theoretical methods for interpreting the rotational-vibrational CH5+ spectra. They were able to develop a new assignment of the experimental results, reducing errors from 30 cm-1 to 2 cm-1.

Coral bleaching 'lifeboat' could be just beneath the surface

A UN report finds mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) may preserve some species and replenish shallow reef populations, providing a refuge from bleaching. Cooler, deeper water in MCEs could be more hospitable to many species than warmer surface water, offering a stable environment.

New study surveys genetic changes linked with Parkinson's disease

A recent study found that genetic modifications, such as differential gene expression and alternative splicing, contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. The research identifies specific genes implicated in the disease, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Optics breakthrough to revamp night vision

A new type of ultra-thin film can absorb almost 99% of light, revolutionizing night vision and sensing devices. This technology has the potential to save millions of dollars in defence and agriculture applications.

On target: University of Oklahoma researchers aim for Zika vaccine

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center are working to develop a vaccine for the Zika virus, using their experience with West Nile virus. They aim to identify specific parts of the virus that can be targeted by the immune system, and have received $230,000 in NIH funding for their research.

Low hormone levels linked to obesity in teens

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that obese teenagers have lower levels of the hormone spexin, which may contribute to weight gain and obesity. The study suggests that spexin may play a role in regulating body fat mass and energy balance.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study documents African monkeys eating bats

Researchers found that African monkeys in Tanzania and Kenya are consuming bats as a food source. This predation behavior could facilitate the transmission of zoonotic diseases between animals and humans.

Swallowable, gas-filled balloons aid fight against obesity

A new treatment option is being developed to help people with obesity - swallowing gas-filled balloons that reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. Patients using the Obalon 6-month balloon system lost an average of 6.81 percent of their weight, compared to 3.59 percent in the control group.

Silencing cholera's social media

A new study reveals how LuxO, a key response regulator in Vibrio cholerae's quorum-sensing cascade, regulates the pathogenicity of the disease-causing bacterium. The researchers discovered an unusual inhibitory mechanism that permanently switches on LuxO, opening doors for potential therapeutic interventions.

Can telehealth fill gap in autism services?

A federally funded pilot study shows telehealth training successfully improved social communication skills in children with autism, with parents seeing benefits regardless of coaching sessions. The study suggests that telehealth can fill a gap in autism services, especially for rural and underrepresented communities.

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.

Air pollution exposure may raise heart disease risk

A new study found that air pollution exposure can worsen blood sugar levels, cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease. Participants with diabetes experienced higher changes in blood glucose and cholesterol levels when exposed to higher levels of particulate matter.

Clue for efficient usage of low-cost nickel catalysts

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a method to form bonds between two butadiene molecules, an alkyl group, and benzene rings using a cheap nickel catalyst. This technique enables the synthesis of high-value terminal olefins from cheap butadiene, which can be used in various industrial applications.

Gaps in vaccine coverage highlighted with new report and online tool

A new data visualization platform, VIEW-hub, reveals stark numbers on where shortfalls exist in vaccine introduction and coverage. Globally, 72% of child deaths from pneumonia and diarrhea occur in just 15 countries, with India and Nigeria being the worst-affected. The platform provides real-time data updates to monitor introduction an...

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.

Deep learning enters the beauty industry

Insilico Medicine presents research on applying deep learning to biomarker development and cosmetics applications at INNOCOS World Beauty Innovation Summit. The company's app RYNKL evaluates anti-aging interventions using machine learning methods, minimizing animal testing.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Nonprofit exec turnover more turbulent than previously thought

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that nonprofit executive transitions are often plagued by problems and challenges. Most executives do not leave due to voluntary retirement, but rather for reasons such as dismissals for wrongdoing or new job opportunities. The study highlights the importance of a good fit between ...

How much can a mode-2 wave move?

Mode-2 waves can carry beneficial and detrimental materials between ecosystems, trapping them inside layers of different densities. Researchers found that larger bulges result in more material carried by the wave, while small regions of turbulence can cause it to break down.

Hubble finds clues to the birth of supermassive black holes

Italian researchers used Hubble data and computer models to identify two objects as potential seeds for supermassive black holes. These early black hole seed candidates are seen less than a billion years after the Big Bang and have an initial mass of about 100,000 times the Sun.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lessons today's banks should take from Great Depression Chicago

A new study by Dr Natacha Postel-Vinay shows that banks in 1920s Chicago, which experienced a severe real estate boom and bust, were more likely to fail due to their heavy investment in mortgages. The research suggests that today's banks should be cautious not to over-invest in real estate loans.

Zika conspiracy theories on social media putting vulnerable people at risk

Researchers monitored social media in real-time to identify Zika conspiracy theories that could be affecting people's health-related decisions. The study found nearly 140,000 Tweets with keywords 'vaccine' and 'Zika,' highlighting the need for public health authorities to address concerns and debunk unscientific claims.

Human trials of cancer drug PAC-1 continue with new investment

Clinical trials of the anti-cancer agent PAC-1 are continuing to expand, thanks to a $7 million angel investment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted PAC-1 orphan drug status for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly brain cancer with limited therapeutic options.

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.

Acupuncture used in clinical settings reduced symptoms of menopause

A new study published in the journal Menopause found that acupuncture significantly reduced hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. The treatment resulted in a 36.7% decline in frequency of hot flashes after six months, with benefits persisting for another year.

Sequencing analysis identifies genomic alterations in colorectal precancers

A study using whole-exome sequencing has identified genomic alterations in both colorectal adenomas and at-risk mucosa, shedding light on the evolution of normal mucosa to precancer. The research provides a catalog of genomic changes preceding colorectal cancer development in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

Footprints of baby planets in a gas disk

Researchers found two gaps in the gas disk that overlap with dust gaps, suggesting infant planets carve out the gaps. The team estimates a planet mass 0.8 times Jupiter's at the inner gap, but the outer gap's origin remains unclear.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Internet addiction and school burnout feed into each other

A longitudinal research project found a link between digital addiction and school burnout in Finnish adolescents, with excessive internet use contributing to school burnout and potentially leading to depression. The study suggests that promoting school engagement and motivation can prevent these issues.

Getting the most out of natural gas

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully upgraded methane into methyl bromide, a base material for fuels and chemicals, through oxybromination chemistry. The new catalyst, vanadium phosphate, enables closed-bromine recycling, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Can't resist temptation? That may not be a bad thing

Children raised in poverty exhibit a unique behavioral adaptation: they tend to seize opportunities quickly, rather than delaying for rewards. This counterintuitive finding is linked to high vagal tone, which may facilitate rapid decision-making in uncertain contexts.

Do dressings prevent infection?

A recent Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to conclude that dressings reduce surgical site infection. However, dressings may provide a barrier to direct injury and reduce patient anxiety. The authors recommend using basic, low-absorbency dressings at a cost of a few pence per dressing.

Diamonds closer to becoming ideal semiconductors

Scientists have developed a new technique to dope single-crystal diamonds with boron at relatively low temperatures without degrading the crystal. This breakthrough enables selective doping, allowing for more control when making devices.

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.

Single-step hydrogen peroxide production could be cleaner, more efficient

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new way to synthesize hydrogen peroxide in a single step, which could make it an economically feasible oxidant for various chemical processes. The method uses a palladium-based catalyst and avoids the decomposition reaction that typically occurs during synthesis.

Study shows which new moms post the most on Facebook

A study by Ohio State University found that new mothers who feel societal pressure to be perfect parents and strongly identify with their motherhood role tend to post more frequently on Facebook. This behavior can lead to stronger emotional reactions to comments, including feelings of validation or disappointment. The study also found ...

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.

Poverty marks a gene, predicting depression

A study by Duke University scientists reveals a biological pathway for depression in adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. The research shows that these individuals accumulate epigenetic tags on a gene linked to depression, leading to increased amygdala activity and higher risk of depression symptoms.

Depression lowers women's chances of pregnancy, BU study finds

Women with severe depressive symptoms have a decreased chance of becoming pregnant, while psychotropic medication use does not appear to harm fertility. The study found a 38% decrease in the average probability of conception among women with severe depressive symptoms.

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.

Wildfire -- it's not spreading like wildfire

A new analysis of global data reveals that global area burned has seen an overall slight decline over past decades, with around 4% of the global land surface affected by vegetation fires each year. The researchers also found that there is increasing evidence that there is less fire in the global landscape today than centuries ago.

Babies fed directly from breast may be at less risk for ear infections

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that breastfeeding for six months reduces the risk of ear infections by 30% and diarrhea by 25%. However, pumping breast milk from a bottle also provides some protection against ear infections and may reduce diarrhea risk compared to formula feeding.