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Science News Archive November 2016


Page 12 of 38

Sunlight and oil spills may make deadly combination for wildlife

New research reveals that co-exposure to oil and UV radiation from sunlight significantly reduces survival rates of fish larvae in the Gulf of Mexico. Oil pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are toxic when combined with sunlight, posing a deadly threat to marine life.

Musical training creates new brain connections in children

A study found that musical training increases brain fiber connections in children, particularly in the minor forceps area of the frontal cortex, which is linked to cognitive abilities and disorders like autism and ADHD. This new understanding may lead to targeted strategies for intervention.

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.

Scientists reconstruct formation of the southern Appalachians

A team of geophysicists has reconstructed the terminal phase of the collision between North America and Gondwana, revealing a 300km-long shear zone that stretches from Alabama to Florida. This discovery provides new insights into the formation of the southern Appalachians and has implications for understanding mountain-building processes.

The cost of feeling like a fraud

A new study found that individuals who feel like impostors in their jobs are less likely to fulfill their full potential, undervaluing their talent and affecting their careers. However, this phenomenon can also encourage people to offer their best performance, highlighting the complex relationship between self-doubt and success.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

US record high temps could outpace record lows 15 to 1 before

New research indicates that the US will see a ratio of 15:1 record highs to lows by 2065 due to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that temperatures are expected to rise by around 3 degrees C over the continental US, leading to more frequent record-breaking heatwaves.

Flashy language doesn't fly with Supreme Court

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that Supreme Court justices are less likely to side with briefs using flashy adjectives and emotionally charged language. Using minimal emotional language increases a petitioner's chances of winning by 29%, while respondents can win with certainty when using objective tone.

El Niño conditions in the Pacific precedes dengue fever epidemics in South Asia

Researchers have found a strong association between El Niáo-Southern Oscillation conditions and observed weather in Sri Lanka, leading to exacerbated dengue epidemics. The study used the Oceanic Niño Index to quantify data associations and found an increasing relative risk of dengue with increasing rainfall and temperatures.

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.

New topical immunotherapy effective against early skin cancer

A new study shows that a combination of two topical drugs triggers a robust immune response against precancerous skin lesions, reducing their number by up to 88%. The therapy activates T cells to attack abnormal skin cells, offering a more effective and better-tolerated treatment alternative.

A(H5N8) risk to humans is very low

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) viruses have been reported in Europe via wild bird migration, primarily affecting poultry and wild birds. The risk of transmission to the general public is considered very low, but people handling infected birds may be at risk.

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 finds key protein that binds to LDL cholesterol

A Yale-led research team identified a protein called ALK1 that binds to LDL cholesterol, facilitating its transport into cells. This finding could lead to a new therapeutic approach for reducing atherosclerosis and slowing heart disease.

Tennessee wine and grape industry experiencing strong growth

The Tennessee wine industry has seen significant growth, with 435 direct workers in the winery industry, an increase of 20% from the previous year. The state now has 72 bonded wineries, providing well over 500 jobs, mainly in rural areas where job options are limited.

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.

Researchers reveal new test for cocaine in urine and oral fluid

Researchers at the University of Surrey have created a new diagnostic test for cocaine in urine and oral fluid, enabling sensitive and accurate detection. The compact mass spectrometer-based test offers quantitative data on cocaine levels, potentially revolutionizing scenarios requiring rapid drug testing.

Risk of hemorrhage with statins and stroke prevention drug combination

Using statins like lovastatin and simvastatin may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with dabigatran etexilate, a stroke prevention medication. Researchers found an increased risk of bleeding requiring hospital admission or emergency department visits with these statin combinations.

Common probiotics can reduce stress levels, lessen anxiety

Researchers found that common probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum decreases stress-related behavior and anxiety in zebrafish, leading to increased signaling of neurotransmitters. Probiotics may have a positive impact on human stress levels, as their effects on the central nervous system are being studied.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Decline in prevalence in dementia in United States between 2000-2012

A decline in dementia prevalence was reported in the US between 2000-2012, affecting an estimated 4-5 million older adults annually. The decline may be attributed to factors such as increased education levels and improved cardiovascular treatment, leading to a 24% reduction in dementia prevalence.

Only half of a chromosome is DNA, 3-D imaging study shows

A new study from the University of Edinburgh reveals that DNA accounts for only half of a chromosome's material, with the remaining 47% being a mysterious sheath that surrounds genetic material. This discovery could help prevent errors in cell division, which are linked to certain cancers and birth defects.

The end of biotechnology as we know it

The European Summit of Industrial Biotechnology 2016 highlights the growing importance of biotech, with a focus on innovative technologies like CRISPR/CAS and automated lab systems. However, severe challenges are emerging, including the potential automation of labs and the decline of human roles in scientific research.

Marine microalgae, a new sustainable food and fuel source

A study published in Oceanography presents a concept for large-scale industrial cultivation of marine microalgae to reduce fossil fuel use and generate nutritious animal feeds. Growing enough algae to meet current global liquid fuel demand would require an area roughly three times the size of Texas.

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.

Cooking and masculinity in Sweden

A Swedish study explores how everyday domestic cooking relates to masculinity, finding that it serves as a means of appreciation, self-fulfillment, and social connection. Cooking is seen as a key aspect of male homosociality and fathering responsibilities, with men valuing the act of cooking as much as sharing meals.

Reliance on reason, evidence as a moral issue measured in study

A new report from psychologists suggests that people can come to see a reliance on reason and evidence as a moral issue, leading to harsher judgments of those perceived as less rational. Individuals who moralize rationality view others as less moral and prefer to distance themselves.

Flavors influence appeal and use of most tobacco products, especially for youth

Research found that non-menthol flavors in most tobacco products play a vital role in how users perceive and use tobacco products. Banning these flavors could reduce tobacco product use, especially among adolescents. The study also highlights the detrimental public health impact of adolescent use of flavored tobacco products.

Plant compounds may boost brain function in older adults, study says

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that individuals with higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diets had better cognitive performance, as measured by fMRI technology. The researchers suggest that these compounds may help buffer age-related brain decline and improve neurocognitive function.

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.

Sniffing out cultural differences

A study at McGill University found significant differences in how people from different cultures perceive and react to the same scents. Providing odour names reduced these cultural differences, suggesting that mental representations activated by sensory information are more diverse than those activated by knowledge of what the scent is.

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.

Cellular starvation kills treatment-resistant breast cancer

Researchers found that triple-negative breast cancer cells are addicted to cystine and die rapidly when deprived of it, suggesting a potential new treatment. Cystine-blocking molecules may be effective in targeting this pathway, which is also used by other aggressive cancers.

Frontline attack against HIV infection is closer to reality

A new approach to an HIV vaccine has been developed by combining a common cold virus with a DNA-based vaccine, resulting in specific immune responses in mice. The vaccine targets the Tat protein that helps the virus replicate, preventing infection and replication.

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.

Catching molecular dance moves in slow motion by adding white noise

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology enhance atomic force microscopy by adding electronic white noise to detect molecular interactions in slow motion. This improvement allows for the measurement of varying shades of gray, enabling a more detailed understanding of molecule binding and unbinding.

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.

Ants and epiphytes: A longstanding relationship

A study by LMU researchers demonstrates that ants have cultivated their plant partners at least three million years ago, long before humans. The interaction is vital for the survival of both partners, with ants providing nutrients to epiphytes in exchange for nesting sites.

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.

Insight into the brain's control of hunger and satiety

The study reveals a rapidly-acting glutamate neurotransmitter called Vglut2 that suppresses feeding behavior in mice. The discovery suggests an important but unknown neural component of the satiety system is missing from current models, which could help researchers find solutions to obesity.

X-rays capture unprecedented images of photosynthesis in action

Researchers use ultrafast X-ray lasers to study photosystem II protein in action, capturing the first high-resolution 3-D view at room temperature. The study reveals that previous theories explaining the mechanisms may be incorrect and opens new avenues for understanding photosynthesis.

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.

Regular walking regimen can improve heart health

Researchers at Binghamton University found that a 10-week walking program improved cardiovascular risk factors in women, including weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The study suggested that incorporating challenges into exercise programs can increase motivation and success rates.