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Science News Archive October 2016


Page 1 of 44

Stimulating neurons could protect against brain damage, research shows

Researchers at the Universities of Dundee and Strathclyde have identified a mechanism that allows neurons to protect against spreading brain damage. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that stimulating this network activity could limit major brain damage and shorten recovery periods.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIST collaboration heats up exotic topological insulators

Researchers from NIST and UCLA have successfully created exotic topological insulators with improved stability at room temperature by infusing magnetic materials. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient quantum computers and other electronic devices that harness unique properties of electrons.

Jumping spiders can hear sound without eardrums

Researchers discovered that jumping spiders can detect sounds in the 80-380 Hertz range at distances up to 10 feet, even without ears or ear drums. This ability helps them respond to predators like the Mud Dauber wasp.

Delayed gratification associated with fast food frequency

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that people who can delay immediate gratification are less likely to eat at fast food establishments. The research suggests that assessing an individual's ability to wait for a larger sum of money may help prevent unhealthy behaviors and improve healthy food choices.

Seven research teams receive Intermountain-Stanford grant award

The Intermountain-Stanford grant program aims to accelerate research and improve patient care through seven seed grants focused on genomics, machine learning, biomarkers, and more. The grants will support innovative projects in research, education, and medical education.

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.

Artificial muscles show more flex

Researchers have developed a new fiber that offers higher tensile stroke and is triggered at temperatures lower than its predecessors, with potential applications in medical devices and self-healing materials. The fiber's unique geometry provides greater flexibility and thermal expansion/contraction properties.

Fossils reveal approaching relocation of plants on Earth

Scientists use fossilized pollen to forecast profound changes in plant abundance and composition globally by the middle of this century. One third of North American plants and more than half of European plants may face increased threat status due to climate change.

To treat or not to treat (to target) in gout

Researchers argue that treating gout to avoid symptoms may not effectively address the underlying high uric acid levels causing the condition. They propose a 'treat-to-target' approach to reduce uric acid levels to prevent crystallization and alleviate symptoms.

Where is my mind?

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University used network theory to map the human cortical network, revealing a hierarchical structure with different shells of low and high connectivity. The 'nucleus' shell, comprising 20% of nodes, supports global information integration and is linked to consciousness.

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.

Hospitalizations for children, teens attributed to opioid poisoning jump

Hospitalizations for prescription opioid poisonings in children and adolescents have increased dramatically over the years, with a significant rise in deaths and intentional overdoses among younger age groups. The study also found that opioid poisonings attributed to heroin and methadone increased substantially in this age group.

Zika infection damages mouse testes, NIAID-Supported study finds

Researchers found that Zika virus infection can severely damage the testes of male mice, causing shrinkage and reduced sperm count. The study suggests that this may have important implications for human males infected with the virus, highlighting the need for further research on reproductive health.

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.

Study shows link between mitochondrial DNA and autism

Researchers at Cornell University have confirmed a genetic link between mitochondrial DNA and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study found that autistic children had more than twice as many harmful mtDNA mutations compared to their non-autistic siblings. This finding may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of children with ...

ACP releases clinical practice guidelines for acute gout

The American College of Physicians recommends using corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or colchicine to treat patients with acute gout. The guideline also emphasizes the importance of diagnosing gout accurately to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Additionally, researchers found that industry-...

Making every cell matter

A new microfluidic method enables the encapsulation of individual cells within microgel capsules, reducing the size and increasing the specificity of control. This breakthrough has the potential to boost efficacy of cell-based therapies and tissue engineering by allowing for more precise targeting and survival of encapsulated cells.

Making lasers cool again

Sushil Kumar aims to create terahertz semiconductor lasers with precise emission frequency, improving power output and beam quality. His goal is to enable various applications including chemical sensing, disease diagnosis and remote-sensing in astronomy.

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 show how mutation causes incurable premature aging disease

A team of researchers discovered that a specific mutation in the telomere protein TPP1 causes an incurable premature aging disease called dyskeratosis congenita. The mutation compromises telomerase function, leading to stem cell division slowdowns and tissue breakdown. This breakthrough provides a potential drug target for the disease.

Researchers nearly reached quantum limit with nanodrums

A new method for measuring microwave signals was developed by researchers at Aalto University, achieving the most accurate measurement with nanodrums so far. This technology enables efficient transformation of quantum information between different frequencies, potentially enabling data encryption based on quantum mechanics.

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.

Raising 'good cholesterol' not as effective as lowering 'bad cholesterol'

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that low and very high levels of 'good cholesterol' are associated with an increased risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. Raising HDL levels does not appear to reduce a person's risk of heart disease.

Data indicate significant impact of NIH African bioethics training programs

A Johns Hopkins study reveals that former trainees from sub-Saharan Africa are leaving a positive mark on the African bioethics landscape, with many becoming instructors, serving on IRBs, or publishing bioethics-related research. The training programs have built sustainable capacity in Africa and fostered lasting networks of profession...

In communicating wildlife conservation, focus on the right message

Researchers found that statistics on endangered species, such as population decline and territory size, can elicit varying levels of fear among the public. Those with rational thinking styles perceived all five criteria as similar in terms of risk, while those with low rationality scores viewed differences between them.

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.

Key protein implicated in negative side effects of senescence

Researchers identified HMGB2 as a critical regulator of cytokine and chemokine expression during senescence, which may have detrimental effects on tumor growth. Silencing HMGB2 suppresses the expression of pro-tumorigenic factors, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate negative side effects of senescence.

Rett Syndrome study finds mechanisms underlying its visual deficits

Researchers at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research used precise genetic tools to track neurophysiological deficits resulting from Rett Syndrome. They found that recombinant human Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 (rhIGF1) and bumetanide can reverse such deficits in a cell-type specific manner.

Social media photos priceless for natural resources research

Researchers found that geotagged social media photos on Instagram, Flickr, and Panoramio provide valuable data for predictive models to guide land use decisions worldwide. The study shows that landscapes with mountainous areas, rivers, lakes, and population centers are most valued by society.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

CU Boulder: A new window on mitochondria division

A recent CU Boulder study has shown that mitochondrial division is a complex process involving at least three constriction steps and two proteins, Drp1 and Dyn2. The discovery changes the understanding of mitochondrial function and its role in cellular processes such as energy generation and longevity.

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.

Satellites help scientists see forests for the trees amid climate change

Scientists use satellites to monitor seasonal changes in evergreen trees, providing a new tool to track the impact of climate change on northern forests. The research reveals subtle colour shifts that indicate changes in photosynthetic activity, which could accelerate or slow down global warming.

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.

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.

Fruits and vegetables may slow ALS

Researchers found that patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who consumed more fruits and vegetables experienced better function around the time of diagnosis. The study suggests that a diet high in antioxidants and carotenoids may help minimize ALS severity.

Model expands landscape for signaling protein mutations

A computational model helps biologists predict minimal mutations for efficient reprogramming of signaling proteins, expanding the landscape for two-component systems in bacteria. The model connects interaction specificity and promiscuity, enabling researchers to design novel interactions.

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.

Complete sanitation of robotic surgical instruments virtually impossible

A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that robotic surgical instruments are difficult to clean completely, with a protein residue remaining despite multiple cleanings. The researchers suggest establishing new standards for cleaning these instruments using repeated measurements of residual protein.

New theory explains how the moon got there

A new theory proposes a single high-energy collision as the origin of the Moon's formation, explaining its unusual composition and orbit. The alternative model suggests that the Moon condensed from the same material as Earth, resulting in their similar chemical makeup.

Penn study shows how some intestinal cells resist chemotherapy and radiation

A Penn-led team has discovered how some intestinal cells can withstand chemotherapy and radiation, providing new insights into the regenerative capacity of these reserve stem cells. The study found that these cells are in a dormant state, protected from damage, but can be activated by RNA-binding proteins to proliferate.

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.

Wild cat brains: An evolutionary curveball

Research suggests factors beyond sociality influence brain anatomy in carnivores, contradicting the 'social brain' hypothesis. Female lions have larger frontal cortices due to their social demands, while cheetahs have smaller brains that support their high-speed pursuits.

Scientists identify missing link between smoking and inflammation

Researchers found that nicotine activates neutrophils, leading to the release of inflammatory molecules and increased inflammation throughout the body. This discovery has implications for tobacco-related diseases and may suggest alternative forms of nicotine inhalation have detrimental effects.

New sperm research could lead to cut in infertility rate

Researchers are developing a system using phase-contrast imaging and mathematical analysis to identify the best-fitting sperm, leading to improved fertility treatment decisions. This new approach aims to reduce distress and expense associated with infertility treatments like IVF.