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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 16


Page 16 of 38

You were right: Rotational motion is relative, too, Mr. Einstein!

Researchers demonstrate that rotational motion in the universe follows general relativity principles, connecting it to dark energy content and inertial dragging. The study yields a prediction that 73.7% of the present content of the universe is in the form of dark energy.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateMay 18, 2016

Study shows GMU's Lyme disease early-detection test is effective

Researchers at George Mason University have successfully developed an early-detection urine test for Lyme disease that accurately identifies the bacteria protein, even in patients with active cases. The test has shown promise for diagnosing other diseases, including Ebola, malaria, and tuberculosis.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateMay 18, 2016

Scientists discover the evolutionary link between protein structure and function

Researchers discovered a crucial connection between protein structures and molecular functions by analyzing ancient genetic sequences. They found that tiny gene segments determine the formation of active sites in proteins, enabling them to perform specific functions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2016

Study links student loans with lower net worth, housing values after college

A new study suggests that student loan debt compromises young people's ability to accumulate wealth after college, particularly for black young adults. The researchers found that those with outstanding balances on their student loans when they graduated or dropped out of college had lower net worth, fewer financial and nonfinancial ass...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateMay 18, 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.

Educational debt for emergency medicine bigger than average mortgage

The study found that emergency medicine residents carry an average of $212,000 in educational debt, surpassing the national average mortgage of $168,000. This debt significantly impacts their career decisions and overall financial well-being.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 18, 2016

Syracuse University chemists add color to chemical reactions

Researchers design a perovskite nanoparticle that changes color when interacting with ions and small molecules during chemical reactions. This allows for qualitative monitoring of reactions with the naked eye and quantitative analysis with simple instrumentation.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 18, 2016

First evidence of icy comets orbiting a sun-like star

An international team of astronomers has detected icy comets and carbon monoxide gas around a nearby sun-like star using ALMA. The findings provide early insights into the properties of comet clouds in stellar systems just after their birth.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 18, 2016

Staying a step ahead of cancer

Researchers designed a novel mTOR inhibitor, Rapalink, to combat drug-resistant tumors. In animal experiments, Rapalink reduced the size of tumors resistant to earlier-generation inhibitors.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2016
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.

Bending hot molecules

A novel study reveals a method for controlling hot molecule reactions using precise temperature modulation and degree of bending. The researchers found that resonant energy positions decrease as molecular bending increases, affecting interaction likelihood with electrons.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMay 18, 2016

Drug used for pain, anxiety may be linked to birth defects

A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin, commonly used to treat pain and anxiety, is associated with a higher risk of major birth defects. Women taking pregabalin during pregnancy were three times more likely to have a child born with a major defect compared to those who did not take the drug.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 18, 2016

New study finds major earthquake threat from the Riasi fault in the Himalayas

A new study suggests that the Riasi fault in Indian Kashmir has been building up pressure for thousands of years, potentially leading to a magnitude 8.0 or greater earthquake. The fault's lack of recent seismic activity increases the likelihood of a major event, posing a significant threat to millions of people in the region.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateMay 18, 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.

How will the next leader of WHO tackle future health emergencies?

The next WHO director general must establish a well-coordinated system for preventing and responding to outbreaks, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and engage private sector foundations during public health emergencies. This is according to experts' analysis of key questions for prospective candidates.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 18, 2016

Panda poop study provides insights into microbiome, reproductive troubles

A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that captive giant pandas experience gastrointestinal problems when switching from bamboo stalks to leaves, leading to reproductive issues. The researchers analyzed the bacteria in the pandas' poop and discovered a unique population of microbes associated with digestive dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMay 18, 2016

Mechanism for herbicide resistance in Palmer amaranth identified

A new study by the University of Illinois reveals that Palmer amaranth populations are resistant to PPO-inhibiting herbicides due to a genetic mutation involving the deletion of three nucleotides. This mutation is expected to spread rapidly, making it essential for farmers to switch to alternative herbicides.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·DateMay 18, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ADHD may emerge after childhood for some people, according to new study

A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that nearly 70% of young adults with ADHD did not meet criteria for the disorder in childhood, suggesting that adult-onset ADHD may have different causes. Adults with late-onset ADHD had high levels of symptoms and impairment, as well as other mental health disorders.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2016

ADHD in young adulthood examined in JAMA Psychiatry studies

Two new studies from JAMA Psychiatry explore the causes and developmental patterns of ADHD in young adulthood. They found that many individuals with ADHD at age 18 did not have a childhood diagnosis, and those with 'late-onset' ADHD showed fewer externalizing problems but comparable symptoms to those with persistent ADHD. The findings ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2016

Calcium channels team up to activate excitable cells

A team of researchers has found that voltage-gated calcium channels open in unison to allow calcium ions into and activate excitable cells like neurons and muscle cells. This cooperative behavior could lead to improved therapies targeting aberrant calcium channels in malfunctioning cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateMay 18, 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.

How viruses infect bacteria: A tale of a tail

EPFL scientists have described the atomic-level mechanism of bacteriophage infection using state-of-the-art tools. The breakthrough reveals how the baseplate coordinates attachment and contraction of the viral tail, shedding light on a complex process that has major implications for medicine and research.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2016

Evidence of repeated rapid retreat of the East Antarctic ice sheet

Researchers have found direct evidence of past changes in the Totten Glacier's glacial history, revealing unstable zones prone to rapid collapse. This study sheds light on the region's vulnerabilities and warns of potential catastrophic consequences for sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 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.

Mille-feuille-filter removes viruses from water

A simple paper sheet can remove resistant viruses from water, improving access to safe drinking water for millions. The mille-feuille filter uses cellulose nanofibers and has a unique layered internal architecture.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateMay 18, 2016

First national study of US parks finds low use by adults, seniors and females

A new RAND Corporation study reveals that neighborhood parks in the US are underutilized by adults, seniors, and younger females, with those aged 65+ using walking loops as a primary source of physical activity. The study also highlights a gender gap in park use among children and teens, with females representing only 40% of observed y...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 18, 2016

Some antibiotics may worsen complications in transplant patients

A recent study found that broad-spectrum antibiotics can raise the risk of complications from stem cell transplantation, including graft-versus-host disease. The study suggests that selecting antibiotics that spare

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 18, 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.

Pursuing the destruction of HIV-infected cells

Researchers at Rutgers University and Dartmouth College find that oral drug deferiprone kills HIV-infected cells in lab cultures and suppresses the virus in patients in a limited clinical trial. The treatment approach has potential as a new strategy for destroying the DNA harbored in HIV-infected cells.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

NASA super pressure balloon begins globetrotting journey

The SPB is testing and validating its technology for long-duration flights at mid-latitudes, with the goal of 100+ days. The balloon is carrying a gamma-ray telescope and infrasound instrument to study galactic positrons and black holes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 18, 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.

Words, more words ... and statistics

Researchers used transitional probability to segment natural language and found it effective for 49-86% of word identification across languages. The method performed better on stress-timed languages, while mora-timed languages required relative thresholding.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateMay 17, 2016

Shape-shifting modular interactive device unveiled

The Cubimorph modular interactive device can change shape on-demand, featuring touchscreens on each of its six faces and a hinge-mounted turntable mechanism. Researchers from the University of Bristol presented their design rationale and prototypes demonstrating key aspects at ICRA 2016.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateMay 17, 2016

At attention, molecules!

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that molecules in ionic liquids reassemble without being prodded, taking time to complete. The team discovered a much thicker interfacial layer than previously known, with some layers reaching 1 micron thick.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 17, 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.

30 percent of female physicians report sexual harassment

A survey of high-achieving physician-scientists found that nearly a third of women reported experiencing sexual harassment, with 30% reporting incidents in their professional careers. Women were more likely to perceive and experience gender bias than men.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateMay 17, 2016

Is an insulin pump the best therapy for everyone with type 1 diabetes?

A commentary published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics suggests that insulin pump therapy can lead to better blood glucose control and may be beneficial for all patients with type 1 diabetes. The author highlights the importance of pump technology, including sensor-controlled feedback and artificial pancreas systems.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 17, 2016

Mortality outcomes for common surgical procedures at critical access hospitals

Studies found that patients undergoing surgery at critical access hospitals had lower heart failure, diabetes, obesity, and co-existing disease rates. Adjusted Medicare expenditures were also lower at these hospitals, with no significant difference in 30-day mortality rates or complication risks compared to non-critical access hospitals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 17, 2016
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.

'Virtual partner' elicits emotional responses from a human partner in real-time

Researchers develop virtual partner that elicits emotional responses from humans, exceeding intellectual capacity test. The study reveals coordinated motion between brains and machines can make therapeutic contributions to rehabilitation of diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Psychophysiology·DateMay 17, 2016

VA hospitals favor mitral valve repair vs. replacement

A study presented at the 96th AATS Annual Meeting found that VA hospitals have increased their use of mitral valve repair over replacement, with significant advantages in terms of mortality rates and complications. The rate of valve repair varied widely among centers, presenting an opportunity for quality improvement.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·DateMay 17, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

First clinical use of bioabsorbable vascular grafts in children shows promise

A team of surgeons from the Bakoulev Center for Cardiovascular Surgery successfully implanted bioabsorbable vascular grafts into five children born with single-ventricle congenital malformations. The grafts are designed to biodegrade, allowing the patient's own cells and proteins to reconstitute natural functioning tissue.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·DateMay 17, 2016

Sexual harassment and discrimination experiences of academic medical faculty

A recent study found that 52% of U.S. academic medical faculty women reported harassment in their careers, compared to 5% of men. Women were more likely to report perceptions and experiences of gender bias and sexual harassment, highlighting the need for efforts to mitigate unconscious bias and eliminate inappropriate behaviors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 17, 2016

Researchers may be one step closer to curing HIV

Scientists from KU Leuven discover a new way to treat HIV by blocking the virus's attachment to genetic material. Led by Professor Zeger Debyser and Doctoral student Lenard Vranckx, their research sheds light on eliminating the virus.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 17, 2016

How do trees go to sleep?

Researchers from Austria, Finland, and Hungary used laser scanners to measure the daily movement of fully grown trees. The results show that trees droop their branches at night, with changes not exceeding 10 cm, indicating they go to sleep.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 17, 2016

UTHealth receives $1.55 million grant from the New York Life Foundation

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has received a three-year, $1.55 million grant from the New York Life Foundation to establish the GIFT (Grief-Informed Foundations of Treatment) network. The network will refine, evaluate and validate assessment tools for grieving children to identify appropriate suppo...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateMay 17, 2016
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.

Adding microbial xylanase to diets containing rice bran increases energy value for pigs

Research at the University of Illinois found that adding microbial xylanase to diets containing rice bran can increase its energy value for pigs. The study confirmed that xylanase increased the concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in full fat rice bran and defatted rice bran.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateMay 17, 2016

Financial status affects success of students with learning disabilities

A University of Iowa study found that only one third of students with learning disabilities receive accommodations, with wealthier students being more likely to access these resources. The disparity may be attributed to a desire for independence and financial constraints.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalLearning Disabilities Research and Practice·DateMay 17, 2016

Higher consumption of potatoes may increase risk of hypertension

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found a significant association between eating four or more servings of boiled, baked, mashed potatoes or French fries per week and an increased risk of high blood pressure. Replacing potato consumption with non-starchy vegetables was associated with a lower risk of hypertension.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 17, 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.

Research finds skull condition thought extinct is actually widespread

New research from North Carolina State University finds cribra orbitalia, a condition with porous bone inside the eye sockets, is common in both North America and South Africa, affecting 12.35% of modern North Americans and 16.8% of modern South Africans. The high rates may be linked to iron-poor diet and intestinal parasites.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateMay 17, 2016