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Science News Archive November 2016


Page 23 of 38

Rip in crust drives undersea volcanism, says study

A recent study suggests that a tear in the Earth's crust is the primary driver of undersea volcanic eruptions. The research team analyzed seismic data and underwater microphones from an eruption at the East Pacific Rise, finding that violent popping noises were triggered by the emergence of lava on the seafloor.

Human actions influence fire regimes in the Sierra Nevadas

Researchers found that large decadal-scale shifts in the Sierra Nevada fire regime were related to changes in human activity, rather than climate change. Human land use patterns heavily influenced the fire regime, with four distinct time periods identified.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Survey finds patients with RA their doctors not always on the same page

A global survey found that patients with RA are often not involved in decision-making, despite doctors acknowledging the importance of patient engagement. The study highlights gaps in communication between healthcare providers and their patients, with few patients having shared treatment goals or feeling comfortable voicing concerns.

Zhao Dongyuan wins TWAS-Lenovo Prize

Zhao Dongyuan's work on mesoporous materials has led to the development of filters that can precisely manage chemical movement in water, improving water quality. His research also enables the delivery of medicine with pinpoint precision and the improvement of battery capacity and efficiency.

York U researchers find 'sweet' solution to kill E. coli in drinking water

York University researchers have discovered a novel approach to eliminate E. coli bacteria from contaminated water using paper strips laced with sugar. The 'DipTreat' solution has shown efficiency in removing nearly 90% of bacteria, offering a promising alternative to current silver nanoparticle-based systems.

Stronger gun laws tied to decreased firearm homicides

A narrative review of 34 studies found that stronger firearm laws, especially those with background checks and permit requirements, are associated with decreased firearm homicide rates. However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of these laws.

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.

Cellular 'cannibalism' may be fundamental to development across evolution

A study led by NYU Langone researchers found that cellular 'cannibalism' is a common mechanism in embryonic development, where cells sacrifice unwanted contents to reproduce. This process may be vital for many cell types across evolution and has implications for understanding brain disorders and reproductive issues.

$4.1 million grant to help principals improve safety in schools

A new $4.1 million grant will study a training program specifically for principals to improve school safety. The Safe and Civil Schools Leadership program aims to help principals create and maintain safe learning environments by collecting data, creating behavior leadership teams, and implementing clear expectations.

Atomic beltway could solve problems of cosmic gravity

Theoretical physicists suggest creating a ring of ultracold atoms to measure gravity at short distances, potentially clarifying the universe's accelerating expansion. This concept has practical applications in motion sensors and quantum computing.

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.

Oxidative stress induces senescence in cultured RPE cell

Researchers induced oxidative stress in cultured RPE cells to explore the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Oxidative stress led to cell senescence and proliferation inhibition, highlighting its potential role in AMD progression. The study suggests antioxidants may be a new treatment approach for AMD intervention.

Study reports progress in preventing bleeding in atrial fibrillation

A new study found that combining rivaroxaban with single or dual anti-platelet therapy reduces clinically significant bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation who undergo stenting procedures. The treatment strategy also lowers risks of rehospitalization and death from all causes.

Teenage binge drinking can affect brain functions in future offspring

Repeated binge drinking during adolescence can alter gene expression in the brains of future generations, impacting neurological health. The study found 159 gene changes in offspring of binge-drinking mothers, 93 in offspring of binge-drinking fathers, and 244 in offspring of both parents.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Attention, bosses: Why angry employees are bad for business

Research from the University of Arizona shows that anger can lead to impulsive and deviant behavior, while guilt promotes careful and deliberate processing. Angry employees are more likely to cheat and engage in unethical behavior, whereas guilty employees exhibit less deviance.

Mathematical algorithms calculate social behavior

Researchers developed mathematical models to simulate and improve group behavior, demonstrating the feasibility of predicting and controlling crowd movements. The approach involves reducing interactions to a small number of effective ones, allowing for forecasts and interventions in groups with generalized patterns of behavior.

iPhone camera application may detect atrial fibrillation

A smartphone application called Cardiio Rhythm uses facial signals to detect subtle beat-to-beat variations in heart rate, correctly identifying over 92% of cases with atrial fibrillation. The technology's convenience makes it attractive for large-scale community screenings.

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.

Buying experiences makes you more grateful, generous

Researchers found that people feel more gratitude for experiential purchases than material ones, leading to increased generosity. Experiences trigger fewer social comparisons, fostering a greater appreciation of one's own circumstances.

Immune cells identified as the culprit linking hypertension and dementia

A recent study published in JCI Journals reveals that immune cells, specifically perivascular macrophages, play a crucial role in the development of dementia in individuals with hypertension. The research suggests that targeting these cells may be a potential approach for preventing cognitive decline in high blood pressure patients.

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.

How lightning strikes can improve storm forecasts

University of Washington researchers have developed a method to transform lightning strikes into weather-relevant information, improving storm forecasts. The new method uses data from the WorldWide Lightning Location Network and has been tested on several cases, including a 2012 derecho thunderstorm system and a 2013 tornado.

Injectable biologic therapy dramatically reduces triglycerides

Researchers tested an injectable biologic drug therapy that inhibits Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) to lower triglyceride levels. The study showed a profound drop in triglyceride levels, with reductions of up to 73%, and dose-dependent reductions in cholesterol levels.

Researchers report new thermoelectric material with high power factors

Scientists have created a new thermoelectric material that can convert waste heat into electricity at an unusually high rate, producing 22 watts per square centimeter. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy conservation and reduced CO2 emissions by harnessing abundant and free fuel sources.

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.

International team decodes cellular death signals

A multidisciplinary international team of scientists solved the mystery of ferroptosis, a type of controlled cell death that uses iron to safely destroy and recycle malfunctioning cells. The study aims to develop potential therapies for conditions like radiation injury, cancer and radiation-induced cellular damage.

Inability to safely store fat increases risk of diabetes and heart disease

A large-scale genetic study found a strong link between the inability to safely store excess fat and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The study identified 53 regions of the genome associated with insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of peripheral fat tissue in energy storage.

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.

New study ties West Nile virus to risk of shorter life span

A new study found that deaths from West Nile virus can occur years after patients appear to have recovered from the initial illness. The researchers analyzed 4,144 cases and attributed 554 deaths to WNV during a 10-year period, with 268 of those dying soon after recovery due to delayed mortality.

Fetal movement proved to be essential for neuron development in rats

Researchers at Kazan University and INSERM discovered that spontaneous limb movements of newborn rats synchronize spinal neurons, hinting at similar movement patterns aiding human neuron development. The four-year study found activation of motor and sensor zones through sensory feedback during movements.

Footing the bill for a 'silent' sickness

A QUT study reveals foot disease affects 10% of hospital patients, with half hospitalized due to the condition. The study estimates $4.7 billion annual cost and fills nearly 5,000 hospital beds each night.

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.

SLU geologists discover how a tectonic plate sank

Researchers found that a divergent plate boundary can be forced to converge, leading to the formation of a new subduction zone. The study suggests that buoyant but weak plate material at a divergent boundary can resist subduction, but eventually gives way to denser older material, creating a self-sustaining subduction zone.

Inherited taste perceptions may explain why some people eat too much salt

A study found that individuals with a gene variant that enhances bitter taste perception were nearly twice as likely to consume excessive sodium. This genetic variation also influenced food choices, but not sugar or alcohol intake. The research may help people make better food choices tailored to their individual preferences.

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.

Cardiovascular health linked to cellular aging

Researchers found that shorter leukocyte telomere length is associated with poorer cardiovascular health and reflects cardiovascular health more accurately in women and white people. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to measure telomere length and overall cardiovascular health in 5,194 subjects.

'Back to the Future' inspires solar nanotech-powered clothing

A UCF scientist has developed filaments that can harness and store sunlight, weaving them into textiles for a breakthrough in wearable technology. The innovation could revolutionize military and civilian applications, including powering smartphones and electric cars.

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.

Sugary drink sales drop nearly 20 percent after multi-faceted campaign

A community-led campaign that included policy changes, education efforts and culture-shifting initiatives reduced sugary drink sales by nearly 20 percent in Howard County, Maryland. The campaign, led by the Horizon Foundation and partners, also improved food choices and reduced obesity risk.

Low growth in global carbon emissions continues for third successive year

Global carbon emissions have shown almost no growth for three years, with a projected rise of only 0.2% in 2016. The slowdown is attributed to decreased coal use in China, which saw emissions decrease by 0.7% in 2015. However, the reduction is not enough to limit climate change below 2 degrees Celsius.

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 large decrease in coronary heart disease in US

A recent study found that the incidence of coronary heart disease in the US declined by nearly 20% between 1983 and 2011. The decline was attributed to improvements in diabetes treatment and control, as well as changes in awareness and prevention efforts.

Study reveals role of spleen in prolonged anxiety after stress

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that an abundance of white blood cells in the spleen can send messages to the brain leading to behavioral changes long after mice experience repeated stress. The study suggests that the immune system may represent a novel therapeutic target for treating mental health conditions.

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.

Competitive males are a blessing and a curse, study reveals

A recent study from Queen Mary University of London found that sexually selected species can adapt faster to new environments, but only when population sizes are large. Competitive males pay a high price for their displays, increasing the risk of extinction when populations are small.

Personalized breast cancer program launches in Cambridge

The project aims to improve diagnosis and tailor treatment by analyzing the genome and expressed genes of tumour cells from 250 breast cancer patients. This personalized approach will help doctors choose the best treatment for individual patients, potentially increasing survival rates and reducing side effects.

Moderate alcohol intake may slow good cholesterol's decline

A study of 80,000 healthy adults found that moderate drinking was associated with slower declines in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels over time. Moderate drinkers had the slowest decline in HDL levels, with heavy drinking nearly eliminating this benefit.

Marijuana use may be linked to temporarily weakened heart muscle

Active marijuana use was linked to an increased risk of developing stress cardiomyopathy, a sudden weakening of the heart muscle reducing its ability to pump. Marijuana users were more likely to experience cardiac arrest and require implanted defibrillators compared to non-users.

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.

Physically fit adults have lower statin-induced diabetes risk

Researchers found that patients with high cholesterol who take statins have a 20% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. However, those in the fit and highly fit categories had significantly lower diabetes risk, with reductions of 22% and 42%, respectively.