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Science News Archive October 2016


Page 27 of 44

Ultra-thin ferroelectric material for next-generation electronics

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a ultra-thin ferroelectric material called hafnium oxide (HfO2) that exhibits ferroelectricity below 450°C, making it compatible with silicon-based semiconductors and suitable for applications in novel random-access memory and transistors.

Nature: No single protein determines queen development in honeybees

A recent study found that no single protein in royal jelly determines a honeybee's queen development. Instead, the nutrient mix is essential for larval growth and caste determination. The researchers' experiments produced intercastes with characteristics of both workers and queens.

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.

Soft robots that mimic human muscles

Researchers have developed soft robots that mimic human muscles, using muscle-like actuators to provide safe and efficient movement. These robots have the potential to be used in patient rehabilitation, handling fragile objects, biomimetic systems, and home care, among other applications.

Modern roof shapes tested against big blows

Researchers at James Cook University found that complex roof shapes can lead to high forces on connections between the roof and house frame, increasing the risk of roof cladding loss. Poorly maintained houses or minor construction defects can exacerbate this issue.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Waterloo-led experiment achieves the strongest coupling between light and matter

Researchers at University of Waterloo's IQC recorded interaction 10 times larger than previously seen between photons and qubit, enabling investigation of light-matter interactions in a new domain. The ultrastrong coupling may lead to exploration of new physics related to biological processes, exotic materials, and relativistic physics.

Dysfunction in neuronal transport mechanism linked to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have confirmed that mutation-caused dysfunction in a process cells use to transport molecules within the cell plays a previously suspected but underappreciated role in promoting Alzheimer's disease. The study found that treating mutated neurons with a beta-secretase inhibitor rescued endocytosis and transcytosis functions.

NASA sees large eye in Hurricane Nicole

Hurricane Nicole strengthens as it approaches Bermuda, with a large eye detected by NASA's GOES Project. The storm is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Thursday, Oct. 13, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph and higher gusts.

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.

Academic 'gender gap' similar in US, India

Academically talented US girls outperform boys in verbal abilities, while India's gifted girls trail behind in math but excel in language. The study analyzed 320,554 and 7,119 top-performing students from the US and India, respectively.

Perceived obesity causes lower body satisfaction for women than men

A study by University of York psychologists found that perceiving oneself as obese triggers lower body satisfaction in females compared to males. Brain activity monitoring revealed a link between body perception and emotional processes, shedding light on eating disorder vulnerabilities.

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.

Stiffening a blow to cancer cells

Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a way to analyze the effect of mechanical stiffness on chemotherapy treatment. The new method uses alginate hydrogels to mimic tumor and normal tissue environments, revealing that softer matrix conditions lead to increased resistance.

A new 'king' -- New, gigantic, ancient armored fish discovered

A new species of ancient armored fish, Bothriolepis rex, was discovered by a team of scientists from Drexel University and other institutions. The fish is estimated to be around 5.5 feet long, making it the largest known member of the Antiarchi group, which dates back to the Devonian Period.

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.

NREL to lead one exascale computing project, support three others

Scientists at NREL are leading an effort to model complex wind flow through large wind plants as part of the Exascale Computing Project. The project aims to advance our fundamental understanding of whole wind plants and reduce the cost of electricity derived from wind energy.

Roadmap to get new cancer scans into clinic

A team of international scientists has outlined 14 recommendations to improve the adoption of new cancer scans in clinics. The guidelines aim to address challenges such as variability in methodologies and lack of reproducibility across laboratories.

Combination therapy shows promise in fighting neuroblastoma

A study published in Clinical Cancer Research suggests that combining dinutuximab with galunisertib inhibits TGFβ1 and allows NK cells to effectively kill neuroblastoma tumors. This combination therapy has shown promise in reducing tumor growth and increasing mouse survival.

Study: Medieval cities not so different from modern European cities

A new study reveals that medieval cities in Western Europe had statistically indistinguishable community grouping patterns compared to younger European cities. The research suggests that social dynamics enabled by medieval cities were fundamentally similar to those of contemporary cities.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New permafrost map shows regions vulnerable to thaw, carbon release

A new mapping project identifies 20% of the globe's northern permafrost region as potential thermokarst landscape, storing twice as much carbon as currently in the atmosphere. Scientists can use the map to estimate greenhouse gas emissions and test assumptions about permafrost thaw.

How to measure oxygen coefficient in complex oxides

Scientists developed a method to measure the oxygen coefficient of uranium in complex oxides using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The new technique provides accurate information on uranium oxidation state, essential for creating nuclear reactor fuel, waste disposal templates, and environmental rehabilitation technologies.

New study reveals major racial bias in leading genomics databases

A recent study found a measurable bias toward European ancestry data in top genomic databases, with African ancestry data underrepresented. This bias can lead to inaccurate medical genetic diagnoses and higher costs, highlighting the need for greater diversity in genomic databases.

Chaos in cosmos: Stars with three planet-forming discs of gas

Researchers have observed a binary star system with two stars and three rotating planet-forming accretion discs, all misaligned with each other. The discovery challenges current understanding of planetary system formation and prompts further study to understand the physics behind this unusual system.

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.

Annual UK cancer cases set to soar to half a million in less than 20 years

A study published in the British Journal of Cancer predicts that more than 352,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK by 2035, a rise of 150,000 cases annually. The projected increase is largely attributed to an ageing and growing population, as well as lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking.

Networking can cut 2 ways for employers, employees

Research found that internal networking behaviors promote job satisfaction and reduced turnover, while external networking increases the likelihood of leaving a company. Employers can increase opportunities for internal networking to retain talent, balancing work-life interaction.

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.

New approach may be key to improving US population health

Researchers propose a national systems-thinking approach to population health, considering how components interact and optimizing the design of the system. This approach aims to share metrics across federal, state, and local levels, improving quality and quantity of life.

Eggs from small flocks just as likely to contain Salmonella enteritidis

A six-month study in Pennsylvania found that eggs from small flocks have a higher prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis than those from large commercial flocks. The bacteria was present in internal and external egg contents, highlighting the need for education and quality-assurance practices in backyard and small layer flocks.

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.

Recharging on stable, amorphous silicon

Researchers have developed a porous amorphous silicon modification that compensates for the disadvantages of crystalline silicon in lithium ion batteries. The resulting material exhibits excellent electrochemical characteristics with a capacity three times better than graphite and much longer cycling stability.

It pays to go beyond the last word when advertising using Google AdWords

A study by Indiana University researchers found that using a combination of first touch and last touch keyword metrics improves ROI by 5%. First touch bidding prioritizes broad keywords, attracting early searchers, while last touch bidding targets specific keywords used by consumers late in the search process

Study: Shakespeare play helps children with autism communicate

A new study found that using Shakespeare's rhythmic language paired with physical gestures improved social interaction and language skills in children with autism. The 'Hunter Heartbeat Method' intervention showed significant improvement in facial expression recognition and social relationships.

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.

Genome of fiercely protective Fonni's Dog reflects human history of Sardinia

The Fonni's Dog genome study sheds light on the history of Sardinia's fiercely protective canine breed, tracing its development through unregulated selection for behavior. The research also highlights the potential of isolated dog breeds as a powerful resource for finding genes that influence health and behavior.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Real-time imaging uncovers mTORC1 dynamics

Researchers at the Babraham Institute successfully tagged a protein in the mTORC1 complex to observe its movement in real time. The discovery sheds light on how mTORC1 regulates cell growth and ageing, revealing new insights into its dynamics and signalling pathways.

Machine learning technique helps identify cancer cell types

Researchers developed a new image analysis technique to distinguish between epithelial and mesenchymal cells in tumors. The algorithm achieved over 92% accuracy in categorizing individual cells, revealing potential insights into cancer drug resistance and treatment.

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 gives doctors guidance on reproductive coercion

Researchers found that men are pressuring female partners to get pregnant by breaking condoms and manipulating birth control. A new study provides doctors with a streamlined set of questions to discuss with patients about reproductive coercion, which can lead to unintended pregnancies and other health issues.

It takes patience to restore watercourses

A group of researchers at Umeå University studied the effects of improved methods for restoring Swedish streams, including adding large boulders and trees. The results showed that while complex channels and watercourses can be easily created, reintroducing plants and aquatic animals takes time and patience.

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.

Females react differently than males to social isolation

Research reveals females react differently than males to social isolation, experiencing stress and releasing corticosterone. In contrast, male mice show no similar reaction to physical stress, such as swimming, suggesting a lack of sensitivity towards stressors.

Research findings may lead to promising Zika virus drug targets

Researchers have discovered peculiarities in the NS3 protease of the Zika virus, a key enzyme that can be targeted for effective inhibition. This understanding may lead to the development of highly specific inhibitors with minimal effects on nonviral proteases.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Dementia study lists everyday factors that may influence risk

A new study suggests that air pollution, vitamin D deficiency, and occupational exposure to certain pesticides may contribute to dementia risk. The research highlights the importance of addressing environmental factors in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.