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Science News Archive October 2016


Page 23 of 44

A new spin on superconductivity

Researchers have made a breakthrough in transmitting spin information through superconducting materials, solving a major challenge for quantum computing. The discovery could lead to the development of more powerful computers capable of processing multiple spin states simultaneously.

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.

America ranks in top 10 in empathy

A study ranking nations by empathy places the US at No. 7, behind countries like Peru and Saudi Arabia. The researchers analyzed online surveys of over 104,000 people, finding that Americans are struggling to form meaningful close relationships due to changing psychological states.

Substance with the potential to postpone aging

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have found that adding the substance NAD+ to mice and roundworms can extend life and delay aging processes. The study suggests that NAD+ plays a key role in maintaining cellular health and repairing genes, with potential benefits for patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

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.

Greenland ice is melting 7 percent faster than previously thought

A new study reveals that Greenland's ice sheet lost nearly 2,700 gigatons of ice from 2003-2013, 7.6% more than previously thought, due to mantle softening caused by the Iceland hotspot. This correction refines understanding of modern ice loss patterns and their evolution.

NIH Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program expands to California

The NIH has expanded its Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program to California, partnering with eight regional medical centers. The program aims to engage one million or more US participants in a longitudinal research effort to improve disease prevention and treatment based on individual differences.

Germs in wastewater often become airborne

A new study reveals that household wastewater can release disease-causing pathogens into the air during irrigation, contaminating crops. On moderately windy days, up to 89% of these pathogens were released within half an hour of soil irrigation.

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.

Scientists simplify model for human behavior in automation

Researchers create a closed-loop system to test their proposed method, which is a better fit for how humans actually behave compared to traditional models. The new model uses fractional order calculus to describe human operator behavior, providing a unified and formalized description.

Coronary artery disease tests prompt patients toward healthier habits

Researchers found that CTA tests led to higher adoption of preventive measures and healthier lifestyle practices compared to exercise electrocardiography and stress tests. After 60 days, more people who underwent CTA tests started taking aspirin, statins, and beta-blockers, and eating healthier, with lower rates of obesity.

Many alcohol-related injuries occur at home

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that alcohol-related injuries occurred predominantly at home, accounting for 36.1% of cases. Men were more likely to be seen at emergency departments for at-home injuries compared to females.

How UFOs can improve sweet cherry production

Planting angle, cordon height, and bud selection significantly impact canopy establishment in UFO trees. Effective practices can increase grower success and reduce crop load potential, optimizing labor efficiency and uniformity.

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.

Migration routes hold key to bird flu spread, global study finds

A global study suggests that tracking migrating birds' routes could provide early warning of potential bird flu outbreaks. Researchers found that long-distance flights of infected birds from Asia to Europe and North America via their breeding grounds in the Arctic are a key factor in spreading deadly strains of avian flu.

UBC identifies bacteria linked to acid produced at mining sites

Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus have identified three types of sulphur oxidizing bacteria and two types of iron-oxidizing microbes that contribute to acid-rock drainage. The study aims to develop a new method of managing mining waste by returning it to its natural state without ponds or caps.

How water flows near the superhydrophobic surface

Scientists investigate how water flows near superhydrophobic surfaces, finding that liquids can exhibit unusual properties like hydrodynamic slip. The research uses an atomic-force microscope to measure the slip length and develop new theories for these systems.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research examines how beardedness affects women's attraction to men

Beardedness is associated with increased attractiveness in women when evaluating long-term relationships due to its signal of formidability and potential benefits. Stubble appears most appealing for short-term connections, while full beards are preferred for long-term partnerships.

Ornamental plants for conserving bees, beneficial insects

Researchers found that flowering ornamentals can provide critical biological services such as pollination and biological controls. The study identified 74 commercially available annual and perennial plant species that attracted a diverse population of pollinators and beneficial insects, including hoverflies, skippers, and native bees.

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.

Novel target for diabetes drug identified as ion exchanger

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified a novel potential target of the type 2 diabetes drug metformin: the ion exchanger protein NHX-5. In nematode worms and fruit flies, metformin targets NHX-5 to disrupt autophagy and related subcellular processes.

NASA sees Tropical Depression 24W moving toward Philippines

Tropical Depression 24W formed on Oct 12 and moved west toward the Philippines on Oct 13, with NASA's Aqua satellite revealing cold cloud tops indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The depression is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon and make landfall in eastern Luzon late on Oct 15 or early on Oct 16

Better insights into drivers of avian flu outbreak

Researchers analyzed viral samples and wild bird migration patterns to understand the spread of H5N8 avian influenza. The study found two main migration routes for the virus, suggesting direct or indirect contact with infected birds as likely transmission methods.

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.

Comet hit Earth during ancient warm period, glassy spherules suggest

Scientists have discovered silicate glass spherules at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary that suggest a comet impact occurred during this time period. The results provide direct evidence for an extraterrestrial impact on Earth, which may have contributed to the observed global warming event.

ROI announces winners of innovative research projects in radiation oncology awards

Two researchers will receive funding to explore the use of smartphone-connected technology and wearables to predict radiation toxicity in lung cancer patients. A randomized trial will investigate whether a simple walking program can reduce treatment interruptions and improve outcomes among cancer patients undergoing concurrent chemothe...

Technology may aid at-home heart attack diagnosis, patient monitoring

Researchers have developed a flexible, disposable sensor for monitoring proteins in the blood released from damaged heart muscle cells after a heart attack. The sensor uses nanostructures to detect low concentrations of troponins with high accuracy, enabling quick diagnosis and treatment at home.

Untangling a cause of memory loss in neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that the cutting of tau by caspase-2 may play a critical role in the disordered brain circuit function of tauopathies. Blocking caspase-2 activity restored some learning and memory deficits in animal models, suggesting reversible cognitive loss.

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.

Study finds link between marriage attitudes and risky sexual behaviors

Researchers found that positive attitudes towards marriage dampen risky behaviors among lighter-skinned African Americans and Asians, but have little effect on darker-skinned individuals. The study suggests that promoting healthy attitudes toward romantic relationships could encourage better decision-making and behaviors.

UT Dallas researchers examine construction accidents in Gulf region

A UT Dallas study found that construction firms in the Gulf region operate with limited safety regulations or enforcement, leading to a high risk of accidents among migrant workers. The study identified inadequate training, language barriers, and a lack of effective communication as key causes of these accidents.

Sleeping cells' survival instincts: A double-edged sword?

Quiescent human cells exhibit an inflammatory profile similar to acute infections when energetically stressed, suggesting a pro-survival strategy may not be well-suited for long-term chronic stresses. This could impair genome repair and increase cancer risk.

Drivers of evolution hidden in plain sight

Changes in protein modifications generate biological diversity needed for evolution, allowing species to adapt to environments. Most phosphorylation sites arose relatively recently in evolution, contributing significantly to evolutionary diversity and highlighting potential avenues for therapeutic research.

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.

UA uses big data to solve bus woes in Brazil

The University of Arizona's INSITE Center helps Fortaleza city planners use big data to understand bus delays and overcrowding. The team developed an online dashboard with real-time data on bus movements, passenger numbers, and weather conditions to inform decision-making.

Antifungal RNA spray could help fight barley crop disease

A new study found that spraying barley crops with an RNA molecule inhibits fungus growth, while the plant's vascular system transports it to distant infection sites. The researchers also identified a key protein involved in the process.

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.

Engineers reveal fabrication process for revolutionary transparent sensors

Researchers from University of Wisconsin-Madison have revealed a fabrication process for revolutionary transparent sensors, which can be used for brain imaging, electrophysiology, fluorescent microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and optogenetics. The technology has the potential to expand its applications into areas such as stroke...

Big data invigorates debate over 'good' science

Interdisciplinary research highlights changing scientific landscape, where large data sets and computational methods encourage an iterative approach. The authors note that despite new technology, the reinvigorated approaches are rooted in centuries-old debates over iterative and hypothesis-driven science.

Invasive tropical legume alters soil nitrogen dynamics

A recent study found that an invasive tropical legume tree, Leucaena leucocephala, alters soil nitrogen dynamics in Guam ecosystems, reducing soil nitrogen levels. The research also revealed changes in microbiological processes that control soil chemistry transformations.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

FSU geologist explores minerals below Earth's surface

Florida State University geology researcher Mainak Mookherjee explores feldspar elasticity to explain seismic discontinuity. At extreme pressures, feldspar decomposes into denser mineral phases, which could partially explain this phenomenon.

Depriving deadly brain tumors of cholesterol may be their Achilles' heel

Researchers found that depriving brain tumor cells of cholesterol specifically kills them and causes tumor regression. This alternative method targets glioblastomas, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, which are difficult to treat due to their biochemical composition and blood-brain barrier.

NASA adds up deadly Hurricane Matthew's total rainfall

Hurricane Matthew's heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding and deaths in North Carolina, with rivers still rising on Oct. 12. The NASA rainfall analysis used IMERG data to estimate the storm's total rainfall, which was over 20 inches in some areas.

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.

Scientists create 'floating pixels' using soundwaves and force fields

Researchers have created mid-air displays of 'floating pixels' using soundwaves and force fields, opening up new possibilities for computer and mobile displays in the 3D space above the screen. The technology, called JOLED, can be used to create interactive displays and bring digital information to life as physical objects.

How shoot removal, rootstock cultivar affect grafting tomatoes

Research on grafting tomatoes in high tunnels found that grafted plants yielded significantly more than nongrafted controls, with yield increases ranging from 18% to 126%. The effect of scion shoot removal was not as consistent, but some trends suggest that rootstock vigor plays a role.