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Science News Archive November 2016 - Page 33


Page 33 of 38

Coastal resiliency researchers awarded $1.3 million in grants

The LSU Center for Coastal Resiliency has received $1.3 million in grants to support research on coastal resiliency and sea level rise risks. The projects aim to develop large-scale computer models that can predict coastal dynamics and assess hydrodynamic and ecological impacts.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateNov 4, 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.

Study finds female faculty are underrepresented in genomics

A Northwestern University study found that female faculty are underrepresented in genomics, with unequal collaboration patterns and negative cultural milieus detected. The researchers found that women have as many collaborators as men but tend to return to the same collaborators less often.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 4, 2016

Nanostructures made of pure gold

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully created nanostructures made of pure gold using an additive direct-write lithography technique. The new method allows for the fabrication of three-dimensional gold structures, which are essential for various applications in electronics and sensor technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 4, 2016

Genetic mutations that lead to macular degeneration blindness mapped by new research

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified two gene mutations that trigger a rare retinal disease causing blindness in males. These findings offer promising insights into the development of gene therapy and potential treatments for X-linked Retinoschisis, a genetic disease leading to macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 4, 2016
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.

E-cig vapor does not induce genetic mutations associated with cigarette smoke exposure

In a lab-based test using the Ames assay, scientists found that e-cigarette vapour did not cause DNA mutations in bacteria, unlike tobacco smoke. The results suggest that e-cigarettes may be less harmful than cigarettes, supporting growing evidence of their potential as a safer alternative.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis·DateNov 4, 2016

On-chip observation of THz graphene plasmons

Scientists developed a technique to image THz photocurrents with nanoscale resolution, visualizing strongly compressed THz waves in a graphene photodetector. The imaging technique, called THz photocurrent nanoscopy, provides unprecedented possibilities for characterizing optoelectronic properties at THz frequencies.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 4, 2016

New winners to be announced at Quantum Technologies showcase

The UK Quantum Technologies Innovation Fund has announced its latest funding recipients, with over 30 live demonstrations showcasing cutting-edge technologies. The joint investment by Innovate UK and EPSRC aims to accelerate the application and exploitation of these technologies.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateNov 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research finds brain changes, needs to be retrained after ACL injury

Researchers found that ACL injuries alter brain activity related to leg movement, relying on visual systems instead of instinctive movement. This study suggests a new rehabilitation approach using strobe glasses to help patients rewire their brains and regain natural movement.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·DateNov 4, 2016

Sandfly spit vaccinates mice against leishmaniasis infection

A vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis has been developed using sand fly saliva, which induced antibodies in mice and reduced parasite levels. The study also found lower antibody levels in humans with active cutaneous leishmaniasis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 3, 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.

Two genetic markers that predict malaria treatment failure found

Scientists have identified two genetic markers associated with piperaquine resistance in malaria parasites, allowing for early detection and alternative treatment options. The markers are linked to increased production of plasmepsin enzymes, which the parasite uses to digest human blood.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 3, 2016

GRAPES-3 indicates a crack in Earth's magnetic shield

The GRAPES-3 muon telescope detected a burst of galactic cosmic rays that temporarily cracked Earth's magnetic shield, allowing lower energy particles to enter the atmosphere. The event triggered severe geomagnetic storms and radio signal blackouts in high-latitude countries.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2016

Picture release: Spiral growth

Researchers at EMBL discovered a molecular feedback loop that creates regular spacing between leaves, resulting in spiral patterns. This loop involves cells coordinating with neighbors to transport auxin hormone, which builds up and triggers the formation of new hotspots.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 3, 2016

For smokers with HIV, smoking may now be more harmful than HIV itself

A new modeling study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that smoking may shorten the lifespan of people living with HIV more than the virus itself. Smoking cessation is crucial to improve life expectancy and overall health among this population, with significant health and economic benefits.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 3, 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.

When dictators die, stability reigns

A study found that dictatorships remain stable 87% of the time following a leader's death, whereas other forms of leadership exit result in stability only 43% of the time. This is likely due to loyal followers who support the status quo and have an incentive to preserve their privileged access to office.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Democracy·DateNov 3, 2016

Kids most likely to suffer sport-related eye injuries

Every year, approximately 30,000 sports-related eye injuries in the United States result in ER visits, with most cases occurring among children under 18. Basketball and cycling are identified as the most common causes of these injuries. Protective eyewear can significantly reduce the incidence of such injuries.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 3, 2016

Mixtec evangelicals

UCSB scholar Mary I. O'Connor's new book highlights how economic migration and religious conversion have changed the social and cultural makeup of predominantly folk-Catholic communities in rural Mexico. Globalization is at the heart of this process, affecting the home communities of Mixtecs who travel to northern Mexico and the U.S.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateNov 3, 2016

A system for predicting scientific impact over time?

A new study analyzed thousands of scientists' careers to understand how scientific impact emerges and changes over time. Despite previous assumptions, the research found that many creative papers are published within two decades of starting a career, but not necessarily by the most productive or youngest scientists.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016
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.

Trace metal recombination centers kill LED efficiency

Researchers at UCSB found that trace metals like iron can act as nonradiative recombination centers in gallium nitride semiconductors, reducing LED efficiency. The study highlights the importance of controlling growth and processing to prevent metal impurities from affecting device performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 3, 2016

Study details rare cardiac side effects of immune checkpoint cancer therapies

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine details two cases of acute and unexpected fatal myocarditis that occurred in melanoma patients following treatment with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. High-dose corticosteroids were initially administered, but both patients died due to the severe immune reaction.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 3, 2016

Here's how your body transports zinc to protect your health

Scientists have discovered a complex interaction between zinc and serum albumin, revealing multiple binding sites that facilitate the transport of zinc throughout the body. This finding provides new insights into how the body maintains delicate balances necessary for good health, known as homeostasis.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 3, 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.

Scientists find key protein for spinal cord repair

Researchers at Duke University have identified a crucial protein, CTGF, essential for spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. By introducing the human version of CTGF, they were able to boost regeneration and improve swimming abilities in fish.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

Buildup of 'toxic fat' metabolite could increase diabetes risk

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that accumulation of ceramides may make people more prone to type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that patients with higher ceramide levels were more likely to develop the condition, even if they were obese.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 3, 2016

Studies examine racial bias in pollution, devaluation of black communities

Studies examine racial bias in pollution, devaluation of black communities. Researchers found that physical spaces associated with black Americans are subject to negative stereotypes, leading to lower quality characteristics, monetarily devaluing them, and increased exposure to environmental pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateNov 3, 2016
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.

New computational tool may speed drug discovery

A new computational tool called fABMACS helps scientists understand how proteins function and develop targeted therapies for diseases like cancer. By simulating chemical changes to drugs, fABMACS predicts improved drug potency and efficacy.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 3, 2016

Study puts Weight Watchers to the test for type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in the Obesity Journal found that participants who used Weight Watchers for one year showed significant improvements in blood sugar control and weight loss compared to those receiving standard care. The program helped participants reduce their medication needs and improve long-term diabetes management.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateNov 3, 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.

Kent research on pigment production reveals Achilles' heel for MRSA

Kent's Dr Mark Shepherd and PhD student Charlie Hobbs provide new insights into the HemQ enzyme of haem synthesis, a key process in MRSA's rapid growth. The discovery could lead to alternative strategies to combat resistant bacteria by targeting this pathway with new drugs.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateNov 3, 2016

Molecular conductors help plants respond to drought

Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered key molecular conductors in plant stress responses, enabling a better understanding of how plants cope with environmental hardships. By controlling these conductors, researchers can potentially develop new technologies to optimize water use in plants and help agriculture adapt to drought.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

Adding hydrogen to graphene

Researchers at IBS discovered that hydrogenation of single-layer graphene proceeds rapidly over the entire surface, while few-layer graphene reacts slowly from the edges. Hydrogenation changes graphene's optical and electric properties. The study also found that defects or edges are necessary for the reaction to occur.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 3, 2016

Frog and toad larvae become vegetarian when it is hot

Researchers found that amphibian larvae increase their vegetable consumption during heat waves, leading to a reduction in carnivorous diet effectiveness. This adaptability may become common among species living in continental environments as heat waves intensify due to climate change.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEcology·DateNov 3, 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.

Lehigh scientists fabricate a new class of crystalline solid

Researchers at Lehigh University have created a new type of synthetic single crystal and bio-inspired materials with unique electronic and optical properties. The team used a subtle laser heating technique to induce atoms to assemble into a rotating lattice without affecting the macroscopic shape of the solid.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 3, 2016

Breast-friendly, radiation-free alternative to mammogram in the making

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have created a breast-friendly method for detecting cancer without radiation, generating 3D images with improved accuracy. The new technology uses echography and blood vessel structure analysis to identify cancerous tumors.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 3, 2016

Iowa State physicists help demonstrate existence of new subatomic structure

Researchers at Iowa State University have helped demonstrate the existence of a subatomic structure called the tetraneutron, comprised of four neutrons. The new finding provides a new avenue for exploring interneutron forces and has implications for our understanding of unstable neutron systems and neutron stars.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2016

Plant roots in the dark see light

Researchers found that plant roots can detect light through vascular bundles, activating photoreceptors and influencing root architecture. This discovery reveals a new sensory modality for roots, potentially enhancing plant performance in natural environments.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 3, 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.

Soda tax falls flat

A new study by Cornell University economist John Cawley found that the Berkeley soda tax resulted in price increases of less than expected, indicating consumer sensitivity. The study also showed that proximity to untaxed rival stores affects the pass-through of taxes to consumers.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateNov 3, 2016

Electron kaleidoscope: New technique visualizes multiple objects in many colors

Researchers at University of California San Diego developed a new form of multicolor electron microscopy allowing simultaneous visualization of multiple molecular species. This technique reveals details and processes not visible in grayscale images, providing new insights into cellular ultrastructure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateNov 3, 2016

Smells like teen spirit

A recent meta-analysis found that all three sensory agents affect shoppers, but in different ways. Music is positively related to pleasure and satisfaction, while scent affects arousal, pleasure, and behavioral intentions. Retailers can tailor their environments using these stimuli to increase appeal.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateNov 3, 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.

Physicists reveal cocktails with Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde features

Researchers discovered that two-liquid cocktails exhibit long-range correlations at equilibrium and when disturbed, resulting in coexistence of different characteristics within the same fluid. Understanding these effects is crucial for studying diffusion mechanisms in various physical and biological processes.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 3, 2016

Both providers and patients drive health care spending, study finds

A new study finds that both patients and healthcare providers account for half of the regional spending differences in medical costs. Patient characteristics, such as basic health and care preferences, contribute to nearly 50% of these disparities, while provider practices and incentives drive the remaining 50%. The research provides i...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateNov 3, 2016

Prize-winning research reveals every brain a mosaic of somatic mutations

A pioneering study by Gilad Evrony and colleagues found that every brain cell has a unique genome resulting from somatic mutations during development. These findings hold promise for understanding unexplained neurologic diseases such as epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateNov 3, 2016

Georgetown researchers describe method to study real time cancer invasion

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have developed a method to study cancer cell invasion and metastasis in real-time using zebrafish embryos. This approach allows for faster analysis of cancer questions, potentially leading to new treatments.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateNov 3, 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.

Impact of sea smell overestimated by present climate models

Scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research have published a comprehensive study revealing that current climate models overestimate the impact of dimethyl sulfide on oceanic clouds. The study found that aqueous-phase chemistry significantly reduces sulfur dioxide emissions, contradicting earlier projections.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2016

Can you smell through your lungs?

Researchers discovered two olfactory receptors in human lung tissue that regulate airway smooth muscle cell contraction. Activation of these receptors may help constrict or prevent airway constriction in diseases such as asthma and emphysema.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateNov 3, 2016

Dental occlusion and ophthalmology: A literature review

Research investigates links between dental occlusion, temporomandibular joints, and vision. Malocclusions, myopia, astigmatism, and cross-bite prevalence found in patients with malocclusions, suggesting a clinical connection.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Dentistry Journal·DateNov 3, 2016

High number of sports-related eye injuries in US

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology estimates that approximately 30,000 individuals per year report to US emergency departments with sports-related eye injuries. The majority of these cases involve males playing basketball or baseball, with the latter leading to significant blowout fractures and impaired vision.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 3, 2016
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.