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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 12


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.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCarbon·DateMay 20, 2016

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateMay 20, 2016
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.

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 20, 2016

Chemists settle longstanding debate on how methane is made biologically

Microbes produce methane by attaching a methyl radical to coenzyme M, contradicting previous ideas that relied on a nickel-based mechanism. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in designing energy-efficient catalysts for converting methane into fuels and chemicals.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2016
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 20, 2016

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...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 20, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A spherical brain mapping of MR images for the detection of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers propose Spherical Brain Mapping (SBM) to detect Alzheimer's disease, achieving 91% accuracy in differential diagnosis. The framework projects three-dimensional MR brain images onto two-dimensional maps, revealing statistical characteristics of tissue, and can be visually assessed for diagnosis.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateMay 20, 2016

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2016

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.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 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.

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.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateMay 20, 2016
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.

Lingcod meet rockfish: Catching one improves chances for the other

Scientists found that selectively fishing for lingcod in closed areas can help avoid harming other fish species, including rockfish listed as overfished. The approach aims to balance the needs of fishermen with conservation efforts, potentially benefiting both groups.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateMay 20, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Radiation Oncology·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 19, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2016

Researchers describe strategy to develop first broad-spectrum antiviral drug

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have developed a strategy to create the first broad-spectrum antiviral drug, which could provide protection against seven deadly viruses, including Nipah and Ebola. By targeting a single gene, the approach boosts immunity against viral infections.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBioMedical Engineering OnLine·DateMay 19, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 19, 2016

Nature vs. nurture? Both are important, anthropologist argues

Fuentes builds on the extended evolutionary synthesis, arguing that evolution is a complex mix of biology, ecology, behaviors, chemistry, and history. Anthropologists can combine these approaches for a more nuanced understanding of humanity.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 19, 2016
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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2016

Commissions that reflected on Ebola outbreak highlight overlapping conclusions in new PLOS piece

A new PLOS Medicine article highlights the need for strengthened national health systems, consolidated global emergency response activities, and enhanced research and development to prevent and respond to future infectious disease threats. The study's authors emphasize that system-wide accountability and continuous oversight are crucia...

SourceNational Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 19, 2016
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.

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.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceBrandeis University·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceArizona State University·DateMay 19, 2016

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...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateMay 19, 2016
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.

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateMay 19, 2016

Photon collisions: Photonic billiards might be the newest game!

Researchers from the Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics have observed elastic collisions between photons in heavy ion collisions. The study predicts that some deflected photons could hit detectors installed by ATLAS, CMS, and ALICE projects.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review C·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 19, 2016
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2016
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.

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2016

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Neurology·DateMay 19, 2016

Female members on corporate boards can lower number of mergers and acquisitions

Research by University of Notre Dame found that companies with higher female representation on boards engage less in mergers and acquisitions, identifying potential challenges in deals. The study suggests diverse board dynamics lead to more thorough discussions, increasing likelihood of deal delays or shelving.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateMay 19, 2016

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 ...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 19, 2016
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.