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Science News Archive November 2016


Page 2 of 38

Losses of soil carbon under global warming might equal US emissions

A new study predicts that global warming will drive the loss of at least 55 trillion kilograms of carbon from soils by mid-century, more than double projected human-related emissions. This loss is expected to be greatest in high latitudes, where cold conditions have allowed massive carbon stocks to build up over thousands of years.

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.

A method for storing vaccines at room temperature

Researchers have developed a simple and inexpensive method for stabilizing vaccines at room temperature using nanoparticles, polymers, or sugar. This approach could improve vaccine storage and distribution, especially in remote areas with limited refrigeration, reducing the cost of vaccination programs by nearly 80%.

How did web-based cognitive therapy work for insomnia?

A randomized clinical trial found that web-based cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improved sleep outcomes in adults. The fully automated and interactive SHUTi intervention was more effective than access to a patient education website alone, with participants showing significant improvements in sleep duration and quality.

UCLA astronomers watch star clusters spewing out dust

A team of UCLA astronomers observed a galaxy and found that stars are responsible for producing dust, a key component of rocky planets. The researchers focused on a galaxy with two young clusters of stars and constructed a map tracing the dust in the galaxy.

Peptides as tags in fluorescence microscopy

Scientists have created peptide probes that attach to proteins with comparable efficiency to antibodies, improving image resolution. These probes can help shed light on protein layout and quantification, opening new possibilities for neurobiological research.

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.

Mending a broken heart: New advanced heart patch developed

Researchers have created a polymer patch that improves conduction of electrical impulses in damaged heart tissue, showing long-lasting stability and minimal invasiveness. The suture-less patch uses green laser technology to adhere to the heart tissue and has been shown to work in animal models.

Benefits of daily aspirin outweigh risk to stomach

A Cardiff University study found that regular aspirin use does not significantly increase the risk of fatal stomach bleeds. The research suggests that the benefits of aspirin in reducing heart disease and cancer deaths outweigh the risks.

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.

Preschoolers' expectations shape how they interpret speech

New research found that preschoolers (4-5 years old) use their past experience with language to infer what speakers are going to say, just like adults. They can incorporate their learned expectations into ambiguous speech descriptions, adapting to noisy conditions.

Increased risk of blood clots soon after starting testosterone treatment

Starting testosterone treatment increases risk of serious blood clots, with the risk peaking within six months and declining gradually thereafter. Although the risks are temporary and low in absolute terms, researchers warn that investigating timing and duration of use may have masked conflicting findings.

ANU demonstrates 'ghost imaging' with atoms

Physicists at ANU have achieved ghost imaging with atoms, creating an image of the ANU logo without direct interaction. This breakthrough may lead to quality control methods for nanoscale manufacturing and could be a precursor to investigating quantum entanglement.

Shifts in mating strategies help herbicide-resistant 'superweeds' persist

Research from University of Michigan found that herbicide-resistant morning glory populations self-fertilize more than susceptible ones. This adaptation helps perpetuate resistance genes and blocks the flow of susceptibility genes from other plants. The study highlights unintended consequences of human activities on wild plant species.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New strategy may drop cancer's guard

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that a diabetes drug can halt the production of glycoproteins that make up the protective mucus lining cells, allowing immune cells to target tumors. The study suggests that reducing mucin levels may be enough to breach the tumor's protective shield and allow for cancer cell destruction.

Untangling fibril formation and dissociation in Parkinson's disease

Researchers have made a breakthrough discovery on the formation and dissociation of pathogenic α-synuclein fibrils in Parkinson's disease, providing new insights into its progression. The study shows how high hydrostatic pressure breaks apart these toxic fibrils, shedding light on potential strategies for treating PD.

Human ancestor 'Lucy' was a tree climber, new evidence suggests

A new study using CT scans of Lucy's bones reveals that she had heavily built upper limbs similar to chimpanzees, supporting the idea that she spent time climbing trees. The research suggests that Lucy may have nested in trees at night to avoid predators and spent one-third of her time above ground.

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.

Zika and glaucoma linked for first time in new study

A new study has found a possible link between the Zika virus and glaucoma in infants exposed to the virus during gestation. Researchers identified a three-month-old boy with symptoms of glaucoma caused by Zika exposure, leading to successful treatment via trabeculectomy.

Lack of sleep costing US economy up to $411 billion per year

A new report by RAND Corporation finds that the US loses 1.2 million working days annually due to sleep deprivation, leading to significant economic losses. Increasing nightly sleep from under six hours to seven hours could add $226.4 billion to the economy.

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.

Corals much older than previously thought, study finds

Researchers have estimated that elkhorn coral genotypes in Florida and the Caribbean are up to 5,000 years old, making them potentially the longest-lived animals. This study uses a genetic approach to estimate coral ages, which may provide hope for their survival under climate change.

Controlled electron pulses

Researchers at FAU successfully control electron pulses using laser delays, exhibiting quantum path interference and opening doors for time-resolved electron microscopy. The discovery could lead to complex electron pulses in the future, revolutionizing surface coherence research.

Springer launches new journal Reviews of Modern Plasma Physics

The journal aims to provide cutting-edge reviews and tutorials on plasma physics, benefiting graduate students and young researchers. Published exclusively online by Springer, it will cover various fields of plasma physics, including natural and laboratory plasmas.

Young cancer survivors have twice the risk of suicide

A national cohort study found that young cancer survivors (diagnosed before age 25) have a more than two-fold increased risk of suicide compared to their non-cancer peers. The study, led by Maria Winther Gunnes, analyzed data from over 1.2 million people born in Norway between 1965 and 1985.

Using ecosystem services in municipality planning: Lessons from Sweden

A new study explores the usability of ecosystem services as a tool for urban planning, highlighting its compatibility with existing methods. Municipalities can benefit from collaboration with research to adopt state-of-the-art ES assessment methods prioritizing human needs over environmental impact assessments.

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.

Bone scans suggest early hominin 'Lucy' spent significant time in trees

Australopithecus afarensis fossils suggest Lucy's arms were used for tree movement, while her leg bones indicate a less efficient walking gait, limiting mobility on the ground. This study provides direct evidence that early human ancestors spent time in trees, potentially for millions of years.

Potential new tool to aid breast cancer surgery

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed an optical fiber probe that can distinguish breast cancer tissue from normal tissue. This technology has the potential to reduce unnecessary follow-up surgery for 15-20% of patients.

Does metabolic syndrome affect cognitive abilities?

A new study of U.S. adolescents has found an association between metabolic syndrome and impairments in reading, attention, and working memory. The researchers found that treatment can control and reverse metabolic syndrome, which may help reduce cognitive effects.

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.

Tai Chi proves feasible and beneficial for vets with PTSD

A study published in BMJ Open found that Tai Chi significantly improved the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans, including managing intrusive thoughts and physiological arousal. The program was well-received by participants, with nearly 94% reporting favorable impressions.

Intensification of land use leads to the same species everywhere

A study by TUM and 300 scientists found that intensified land use leads to a decrease in species diversity and a loss of unique plant communities on grasslands. Even moderate land use results in the homogenization of species, with only a few species remaining across regions.

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.

It's a bird... It's a plane... It's the tiniest asteroid!

Astronomers have characterized the smallest known asteroid using Earth-based telescopes: Asteroid 2015 TC25 measures just 2 meters (6 feet) in diameter. The tiny space rock is bright, reflecting about 60% of the sunlight that falls on it.

Prescribing of baclofen for alcohol dependence 'should be reconsidered'

A recent randomized controlled trial found that high-dose baclofen added little to the effect of psychosocial treatment in patients with alcohol dependence. The study, involving 151 patients, showed no significant differences in relapse rates between groups receiving different doses of baclofen or placebo.

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.

Better understanding phagocytes

Researchers discovered a new signal path in the RAS that influences immune cells, specifically phagocytes, which play a key role in MS development. The Mas receptor's influence on macrophages could provide an anti-inflammatory treatment option for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Geographers provide new insight into commuter megaregions of the US

A study by geographers at Dartmouth College and the University of Sheffield maps out complex networks of economic systems, natural resources, and infrastructure in US megaregions. The analysis reveals functional regions within broader areas, emphasizing the role of economic geography in understanding community needs.

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.

Overlooked elements of language and literature play a key role

Researchers analyzed word frequencies in six Indo-European languages, finding that punctuation marks play a key role in shaping the distribution of words. The study used over a million words from literary texts and found that including punctuation marks significantly altered the results, revealing a more complex structure.

Scientists identify unique genomic features in testicular cancer

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a unique genomic signature and chromosomal changes that drive sensitivity to chemotherapy in testicular tumors. The findings suggest that testicular cancers are already primed for self-destruction, making them highly susceptible to treatment.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Throwing new light on printed organic solar cells

Scientists at the University of Surrey achieved record power conversion efficiencies for large area organic solar cells, outperforming traditional inorganic solar cells. The innovative cells can be printed in different colors and shapes, making them ideal for powering devices on-the-go, such as Internet of Things applications.

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.

Drug delivery modification sidesteps allergic responses

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new PEG delivery system that avoids immune responses and extends the duration of drugs in the bloodstream. The technology, which produces more uniform results, shows excellent efficacy in controlling glucose levels in diabetic mice.

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.

The economy of cold soil blues

A new study by University of Minnesota researcher Daniel Kaiser found that in-furrow starter fertilizer application has limited economic benefits for corn farmers in areas with cool spring temperatures. The practice, which aims to boost early-season growth, may not outweigh the costs of the fertilizer itself.