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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 6


Page 6 of 38

New NIH-EPA research centers to study environmental health disparities

The NIH has partnered with EPA to fund five new research centers studying environmental health disparities, including air and water pollution, housing conditions, and diet. The centers will work with community organizations to develop culturally appropriate strategies to reduce exposure to harmful environmental conditions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateMay 25, 2016

TGAC trains the next generation of rice breeders in Vietnam

The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) is training the next generation of rice breeders in Vietnam in advanced bioinformatics and genomics. The programme aims to characterise genetic diversity in Vietnamese native rice lines to accelerate crop breeding and improve yields, addressing climate change threats such as drought and rising sea levels

SourceEarlham Institute·DateMay 25, 2016

The future of sonar in semiheated oceans

Scientists studying climate change's impact on underwater sound propagation and sonar transmission. Warmer oceans increase sound speed, making detection of submarines more challenging.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 25, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Early use of 'hurricane hunter' data improves hurricane intensity predictions

Penn State researchers found that incorporating 'hurricane hunter' data into weather prediction models can reduce forecast errors for wind speed and sea level pressure. This improvement can lead to billions of dollars in savings and provide more notice to people in the path of a storm.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the Meteorological Society of Japan Ser II·DateMay 25, 2016

Neuroscientists illuminate role of autism-linked gene

A study by MIT neuroscientists reveals that the Shank gene plays a crucial role in the formation and maturation of synapses. In fruit flies lacking this gene, researchers found reduced functional synapses and improper development, which could impair neural circuit development and contribute to autism symptoms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 25, 2016

Study reveals protein that dials immune responses up and down

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a new regulator of immune responses, PSGL-1, which acts as a negative regulator of T cell function. The study found that PSGL-1 is required to increase levels of immune checkpoints, allowing T cells to remain active longer than normal.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalImmunity·DateMay 25, 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.

Ben-Gurion University study examines the 'gray divide' regarding mobile phone use

A Ben-Gurion University study found that most seniors use mobile phones for basic functions like calling and texting, but struggle with more advanced features. Researchers suggest improving mobile literacy can help older adults reap the benefits of mobile technology for better mental and physical health.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalMobile Media & Communication·DateMay 25, 2016

High altitude archaeology: Prehistoric paintings revealed

Archaeologists have published scans of prehistoric animal paintings from Abri Faravel in the Southern French Alps. The site's rock shelter has seen human activity from Mesolithic to medieval periods, featuring unique high-altitude Bronze Age structures and artefacts.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalInternet Archaeology·DateMay 25, 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.

Brit accents vex US hearing-impaired elderly

A study from the University of Utah finds that older Americans with hearing loss have more trouble understanding British accents when there is background noise. The study also explores how transgender women can adopt a clearer speaking style to sound more feminine and how fast-talking affects speech intelligibility.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMay 25, 2016

The next generation of carbon monoxide nanosensors

Researchers from OIST have created a new method to build sensitive CO sensors using copper oxide nanowires integrated with micro-hotplates. The approach enables controlled growth, integration, and measurement of CO concentrations, overcoming previous challenges in sensor production.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Sensors·DateMay 25, 2016

Boosting productivity at work may be simple: Stand up

New research from Texas A&M University finds that standing desks can increase productivity in adults by 46%, with workers completing more successful calls per hour. Standing for shorter periods also reduces body discomfort and improves cognitive functioning.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalIIE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors·DateMay 25, 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.

Which free web apps for collaboration are the most user-friendly?

A study evaluated 20 popular web apps for collaboration, ranking them based on usability. The top-rated apps include Google Drive, Skype, and Doodle Poll, which excelled in user control, error prevention, and aesthetics.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·JournalErgonomics in Design The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications·DateMay 25, 2016

New concept turns battery technology upside-down

A new concept in liquid battery design uses a passive, gravity-fed arrangement to eliminate the need for complex plumbing systems, reducing cost and increasing simplicity. The system can be adjusted by changing the angle of the device, allowing for faster or slower energy production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 25, 2016
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.

From Jungfraujoch Station: How new atmospheric aerosols form

Researchers at a high-altitude research station in Switzerland used state-of-the-art instruments to study new particle formation and its role as cloud condensation nuclei. They found that highly oxygenated organic compounds contribute to nucleation for a short window after vertical transport from the planetary boundary layer.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2016

Prenatal fruit consumption boosts babies' cognitive development

A recent study found that mothers who consumed more fruit during pregnancy gave birth to children with better cognitive development. The study, led by University of Alberta researcher Piush Mandhane, discovered that increased prenatal fruit intake was associated with higher IQ scores in one-year-old infants.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 25, 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.

Scientists block breast cancer cells from hiding in bones

Researchers have identified a molecular key that allows breast cancer cells to invade bone marrow in mice, where they may be protected from chemotherapy or hormonal therapies. The study found ways to outmaneuver this tactic by preventing cancer cells from entering the bone marrow and flushing them into the bloodstream for destruction.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 25, 2016

Is symptom expression a form of communication?

Research at Arizona State University suggests that symptom expression can be used to signal for aid, prevent exploitation, or attract potential mates. The study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the role of symptoms in communication.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateMay 25, 2016

Scientists create 'magnetic charge ice'

A team of scientists at Argonne National Laboratory created a new material called rewritable magnetic charge ice, allowing unprecedented control over local magnetic fields. This innovation could pave the way for smaller and more powerful computers or even play a role in quantum computing.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Exploring gender perception via speech

University of Utah researchers explore gender perception via speech, finding that adopting a clear speaking style can increase perceived femininity. However, the effect is small and variable, with male talkers showing larger changes in femininity ratings.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 25, 2016
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.

Forget peacock tails, fruit fly sperm tails are the most extreme ornaments

A new study in Nature found that fruit fly sperm tails are the most extreme ornament, with lengths of up to 6 cm, due to female preference for longer sperm. This preference is linked to genetic correlations between female reproductive tracts and male sperm length, as well as a trade-off between sperm length and number.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2016

What can Pavlov's dogs tell us about drinking?

A study by Concordia University researchers found that cues associated with alcohol can trigger behaviors leading to addiction. The study used lab rats conditioned to associate a visual cue with ethanol, showing the rats began interacting with the cue rather than waiting for the reward.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2016

Dose of transplanted blood-forming stem cells affects their behavior

A new study found that the dose of transplanted bone marrow affects hematopoietic stem cell behavior, impacting their ability to produce specialized blood cells. Only 20-30% of these cells took on a generalist role, producing most abundant types of white blood cells.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 25, 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.

Progranulin and dementia -- a blood sample does not tell the full story!

Researchers found progranulin levels in cerebrospinal fluid differ from those in blood, challenging its use as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery sheds new light on the biological processes underlying Alzheimer's and other common neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateMay 25, 2016

Clouds provide clue to better climate predictions

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have discovered a new process behind the formation and evolution of small atmospheric particles free from pollution, key to creating accurate models for global climate change. The findings suggest that up to half of the warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions may be masked by aerosol cooling.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2016

The taste or smell of foods can affect aging, say scientists

POSTECH researchers found sensory neurons modulate aging hormone activity through food smells and tastes, shortening lifespan. Insulin-6 produced by sensory neurons alters FOXO protein action, leading to reduced aging effects.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 25, 2016

Speech-language pathologists can help kids who struggle to read

Researchers at University of the Pacific found strategies to improve young readers' comprehension of expository writing, such as RAP and graphical organization. These techniques can increase reading comprehension by up to 36 percentage points among struggling students.

SourceUniversity of the Pacific·JournalTopics in Language Disorders·DateMay 25, 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.

Revealed mechanism for inhibiting bacterial invasion of colonic epithelia

Research at Osaka University reveals Lypd8's role in preventing intestinal bacteria invasion, shedding new light on ulcerative colitis pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. The study found that Lypd8 decreases in patients with ulcerative colitis, leading to increased susceptibility to inflammation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 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.

40-year math mystery and 4 generations of figuring

Mathematicians at Georgia Institute of Technology have finally solved the 40-year-old Kelmans-Seymour Conjecture in Graph Theory, a field used to model complex networks and optimize connections. The proof required collaboration from six mathematicians over four decades.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 25, 2016

Following tricky triclosan

A study found triclosan in nearly 58% of freshwater streams, contaminating crops and potentially harming humans. Triclosan degrades quickly but breaks down into more harmful compounds, affecting soil microbial communities and plant growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 25, 2016

Charismatic speaking strategies of presidential candidates

Scientists at UCLA's Voice Center for Medicine and the Arts studied Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump, and Carly Fiorina's speech patterns across various settings. They discovered that despite differing messages, the politicians employed similar voice modulation strategies to convey charisma.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateMay 25, 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.

Why fruit fly sperm are giant

Researchers found that larger males with more sperm are favored by females, driving the evolution of longer sperm. This study provides the first explanation for the development of giant sperm in fruit flies.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2016

What are the timing and risk factors for suicide attempts in the army?

A new US Army study found that soldiers who never deployed were at greatest risk for suicide attempts, with the highest risk occurring in the second month of service. The study also identified other factors contributing to increased risk, including deployment status, gender, and mental health diagnoses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 25, 2016

Parents favor boys over girls for free heart treatment in Northern India

Research reveals significant gender disparity in referrals to a cardiac center in Northern India, with boys outnumbering girls by more than two-to-one. The study suggests that societal attitudes towards the value of girls contribute to this disparity, prompting calls for medical professionals and policymakers to address these issues.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart Asia·DateMay 25, 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 make a key discovery in how malaria evades the immune system

A recent study by Penn State researchers has revealed how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum exploits the human immune response to infect red blood cells. The parasite uses the complement system, a key part of the immune response, to evade detection and invasion, making it more challenging to develop an effective vaccine.

SourcePenn State·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 25, 2016

Close encounters of a tidal kind could lead to cracks on icy moons

Researchers developed a new model that suggests strong tidal encounters could be responsible for cracks on icy moons. The model, which uses computer graphics code to simulate the behavior of icy moons, indicates that such encounters could lead to cracks in the surface.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalIcarus·DateMay 25, 2016

Lung cancer survival rate increases by 73 percent if caught early

A recent UK lung cancer screening trial found that patients with high-risk disease can be identified and have a 73% chance of surviving five years or more. The trial's results provide crucial evidence for implementing a national screening programme in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalHealth Technology Assessment·DateMay 25, 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.

Number of habitable planets could be limited by stifling atmospheres

Recent studies suggest that many planets orbiting M dwarf stars, which are similar in size to Earth, may retain thick atmospheres due to their strong gravity, making them inhospitable to life. However, smaller planets comparable to Venus or Mars could potentially lose these atmospheres through evaporation.

SourceImperial College London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 25, 2016