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Science News Archive November 2016


Page 1 of 38

Tracking terrestrial animals

Researchers developed a system using acoustic beamforming to detect and locate Mojave Ground Squirrels on Edwards Air Force Base. The technology, inspired by WWI-era sound detection, is unobtrusive and can pinpoint animal locations over a large area. This innovation aims to support conservation efforts in harsh environments.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 30, 2016

Promising results from new drug combination in patients with advanced solid tumors

A phase I clinical trial has shown that the experimental drug TAS-114 can increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy while reducing side effects. The drug, combined with S-1, resulted in tumor shrinkage and stable disease progression in patients with various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast c...

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateNov 30, 2016

First signs of weird quantum property of empty space?

Researchers have detected linear polarisation in the light passing through the vacuum surrounding a neutron star, suggesting that strong magnetic fields can affect the properties of empty space. This finding provides experimental support for predictions made 80 years ago about vacuum birefringence.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 30, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers identify cause for lower-extremity overgrowths in obese patients

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons has identified obesity-induced lymphedema as the cause of massive localized lymphedema. A new probability scale can help physicians identify patients at greatest risk for this condition, recommending weight loss as the preferred initial treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 30, 2016

£226 million UK investment in cancer research announced

Cancer Research UK is investing £226 million in cancer research over five years, focusing on translational research and supporting clinical trials. The investment aims to bring better treatments faster to cancer patients, with a particular focus on hard-to-treat cancers.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateNov 30, 2016

Princeton-led team finds new method to improve predictions

A Princeton-led team has created a new measure called the influence score, which can effectively differentiate between noisy and predictive variables in big data. This approach significantly improves prediction rates in various fields, including breast cancer diagnosis, terrorism, and financial markets.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 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.

Parkinson's disease and cognitive decline: A genetic connection revealed

A new study finds that GBA gene mutations are associated with increased cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients, who carry one defective copy of the gene. Patients with a more severe mutation showed a 217% increased risk of cognitive impairment within ten years of diagnosis.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateNov 30, 2016

Scientists find a molecule to fight chemoresistant cancer

Researchers at MIPT have synthesized an antitumor compound that can target and kill chemoresistant ovarian carcinoma cells. The new agent was found to destroy microtubules, which are involved in cell division, making it a potential treatment for this aggressive form of cancer.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateNov 30, 2016

Most people with depression receive inadequate treatment or no care at all

A new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that only one in five people with depression in high-income countries receive minimally adequate treatment. The global average for adequate treatment is even lower, with one in 27 people with depression in poorest countries receiving sufficient care.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 30, 2016
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.

GPM sees deadly tornadic storms moving through US Southeast

The GPM core satellite gathered data on severe storms that impacted the southeastern US, resulting in at least seven fatalities and significant damage. The storms, which included tornadoes, hail, and heavy downpours, affected several states, including Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 30, 2016

Just keep going

A cross-sectional study found that HIV-positive patients with chronic pain did not experience significant functional interference, maintaining high activity levels. This contradicts previous assumptions and highlights the complex relationship between HIV-related pain and physical activity.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 30, 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.

Loss of soil carbon due to climate change will be 'huge'

A new study predicts that climate change will release 55 trillion kilograms of carbon from the soil by mid-century, exacerbating global warming. The impact on the soil's storage capacity is expected to be equivalent to adding another industrialized country like the US to the planet.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2016

'Mic check' for marine mammals

Researchers have developed a new passive acoustic monitoring method using autonomous underwater vehicles, gliders, and floats to capture sounds of marine life. The method, which was tested in the US Pacific, has the potential to provide more accurate data on marine mammal density and abundance.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 30, 2016

Inflammatory complications of immunodeficiency disease may benefit from imaging technique

Researchers used FDG PET-CT to assess anatomical structure and metabolic activity in a patient with GLILD, showing widespread metabolic activity affecting lymph nodes throughout the body. The study reveals that GLILD is a complex, highly metabolically active condition requiring optimal monitoring and treatment timing.

SourceBritish Society For Immunology·JournalClinical & Experimental Immunology·DateNov 30, 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 sees Tropical Storm Nada affected by wind shear

Tropical Cyclone Nada is being significantly impacted by wind shear, causing clouds to be pushed west of the center. As a result, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts that Nada will not intensify before making landfall in southern India on December 1.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 30, 2016

Gluten-free diet may not reduce intestinal damage in all children with celiac disease

A new study by MassGeneral Hospital for Children-led team found that nearly one in five children with celiac disease sustained persistent intestinal damage despite a gluten-free diet. The study suggests that current guidelines need to be revised to include more aggressive monitoring of mucosal healing in all patients, not just adults.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateNov 30, 2016

World first MRI study sheds light on heart damage during kidney dialysis

A world-first MRI study has investigated the heart function of kidney patients undergoing dialysis treatment, revealing significant cardiovascular effects with both standard haemodialysis and hemodiafiltration. Both treatments caused falls in cardiac performance, with partial recovery after dialysis, highlighting the need for intervent...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 30, 2016

Certification would ensure quality welfare during cattle transport

A new article highlights the importance of best management practices for cattle transport, improving welfare and providing economic benefits. The study recommends implementing a transporter quality assurance program to ensure safe, humane, and expeditious shipping.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Professional Animal Scientist·DateNov 30, 2016

Less division of labor in the brains of people with autism

Researchers at SDSU found that brain connections in individuals with autism are more symmetrical across hemispheres, impacting cognitive development. This asymmetry may contribute to difficulties in assembling information into a cohesive narrative.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 30, 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.

An agent used to treat psoriasis may be aimed at the wrong target

Researchers found that IL-12 has a positive effect on skin affected by psoriasis, preventing pathogenic immune cell infiltration and inhibiting inflammatory reactions. The current treatment ustekinumab neutralizes both IL-23 and IL-12, potentially leading to counterproductive effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2016

Brain training video games help low-vision kids see better

A new study found that children with poor vision show vast improvement in their peripheral vision after eight hours of training via kid-friendly video games. The game trains players to pay attention to the entire visual field, not just where their vision is most impaired, resulting in up to 50% improvement in visual perception tasks.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 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.

Screening to blame for thyroid cancer 'epidemic' in South Korea

A study found a sixfold increase in thyroid cancer incidence in South Korea between 1999 and 2008, mainly due to overdetection by screening. The researchers call for reduced ultrasound examinations in the general population to mitigate the economic burden of unnecessary treatments.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 30, 2016

Physics, photosynthesis and solar cells

A team of researchers has developed a new type of quantum heat engine photocell that can regulate solar power conversion without active feedback or adaptive control mechanisms. This design is inspired by the natural regulation of energy flow in photosynthetic green plants, and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 30, 2016

People matter

A new study by Arizona State University reveals that changes in cooperation among communities and households are more impactful on system connectivity than the loss of key animal species. The researchers used a multiplex network analysis approach to understand how social relationships influence resource sharing and exchange.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 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.

Exploring why an anticoagulant might create blood clots

A new study found that oral thrombin inhibitors (OTIs) encourage blood clotting under flowing conditions, increasing the risk of heart attack. The researchers suggest considering this when designing individual therapies for patients taking OTI drugs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 30, 2016

Efficient catalysts key to turning water into fuel

Researchers at Griffith University have made significant progress in developing highly efficient catalysts for turning water into clean chemical fuel like hydrogen. The project aims to address high overpotentials hindering gas evolution reactions, which are critical for clean energy generation and storage technologies.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 30, 2016

Raju Venugopalan awarded prestigious Humboldt Research Award

Raju Venugopalan, a Brookhaven National Laboratory physicist, has been awarded the Humboldt Research Award for his work on quark-gluon plasma and ultra-cold atomic gases. The award will enable him to continue collaborations with German researchers and further explore connections between these systems.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 30, 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.

Sedentary lifestyle may impair academic performance in boys

A new study from Finland found that a sedentary lifestyle is linked to poorer reading skills in the first three school years of 6-8 year old boys. Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time may improve academic achievement in boys.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateNov 30, 2016

New research provides key insight about mitochondrial replacement therapy

A new study published in Nature provides key insights into mitochondrial replacement therapy, a gene-therapy technique that aims to prevent the transmission of harmful mitochondrial gene mutations from mothers to their children. By selecting egg donors with compatible haplotypes, clinicians may achieve higher success rates for producin...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2016

Suggestions for you: A better, faster recommendation algorithm

A new recommendation algorithm allows individuals and items to belong to multiple overlapping groups, making it more realistic than existing models. The algorithm's predicted ratings proved more accurate than those from existing systems on five large datasets.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2016

Laser technique boosts aerial imaging of woodlands

Scientists from the University of Exeter developed a groundbreaking technique using airborne laser scanning to create detailed 3D maps of vegetation. This allows for the mapping of small details beneath trees, such as woodland paths and urban shrubberies, promoting biodiversity and understanding its impact on human wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateNov 30, 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.

Tailor-made membranes for the environment

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Juelich have developed tailor-made ceramic membranes to efficiently separate gases, including harmful greenhouse gases, and produce high-purity hydrogen. The membrane's stability and hydrogen flow rate have been improved by inserting foreign atoms into the crystal lattice.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2016

New research: Feeling bad has academic benefits

A study published in Developmental Psychology found that students who experienced occasional negative moods had the highest GPAs at graduation, while those with high levels of negative moods and low positive moods tended to have lower GPAs. This suggests that managing negative emotions and stress is crucial for academic success.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 30, 2016

Vitamin D status in newborns and risk of MS in later life

A recent study found that newborns with low vitamin D levels were more likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life. The study analyzed data from over 500 Danish children born between 1981 and 2012, comparing their vitamin D levels to those of similar children without MS.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 30, 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.

Online group therapy may be effective treatment for bulimia nervosa

A study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that online group therapy can be as effective as face-to-face treatment for bulimia nervosa, with recovery pace slightly slower. The digital approach may help bridge the gap for patients without access to specialist care.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPsychotherapy and Psychosomatics·DateNov 30, 2016

Going against the grain -- nitrogen turns out to be hypersociable!

Researchers at Warsaw's Institute of Physical Chemistry discovered nitrogen capable of forming six chemical bonds, breaking the octet rule. The discovery suggests new possibilities for compounds and potentially interesting applications.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2016

Manmade earthquakes in Oklahoma on the decline

The rate of manmade, induced earthquakes in Oklahoma is expected to decline due to reduced wastewater injection, according to Stanford scientists. The probability of damaging earthquakes will remain elevated for several years.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 30, 2016

Study examines effect of privacy controls on Facebook behavior

A recent study published in INFORMS journal Information Systems Research assesses the impact of Facebook's granular privacy controls on user disclosure behavior. Results show that users increased their use of wall posts and decreased their use of private messages after introducing the new controls.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateNov 30, 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.

Aspirin regimen for older adults has long-term benefits

A new USC study found that taking low-dose aspirin every day can reduce the risk of heart attack, prevent some cancers, and extend life. The daily regimen is estimated to have a net health benefit worth $692 billion for the US population over 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 30, 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.

HIV patients showing signs of multidrug resistance in Africa

A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that HIV patients in Africa are developing resistance to both older generation drugs like thymidine analogues and modern drugs like tenofovir. This highlights the need for genetic testing before prescribing first-line treatments.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 30, 2016

Prohibiting sperm donor anonymity could reduce the number of donors

A study suggests that mandatory donor identification could reduce the number of donors by 30% and increase compensation demands by $60 per donation. This could have economic implications for the market, particularly with an already excess supply of donors.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Law and the Biosciences·DateNov 30, 2016