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Science News Archive October 2016


Page 35 of 44

Apes demonstrate human-like understanding of what others believe

New ape study demonstrates nonhuman primates can recognize others' beliefs, desires, and intentions, a phenomenon called Theory of Mind (ToM), previously thought to be exclusive to humans. Apes correctly anticipated that humans would search for an object in the wrong location based on their knowledge.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Simple blood test could vastly improve detection rates of severe liver disease

Researchers at Cardiff University developed a method to predict non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) through blood analysis, offering an early warning for potentially life-saving medical intervention. NASH is the most extreme form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with inflammation causing scarring and cirrhosis.

Methane muted: How did early Earth stay warm?

A team of scientists has discovered that sulfate in the ocean limited atmospheric methane to a tiny fraction, contradicting previous climate models. This finding suggests that oxygen levels were much lower than initially thought, and changed the way methane behaved in the atmosphere.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UA psychologist creates tool for measuring memory

A UA psychologist has developed a tabletop version of an interactive game that tests memory, which was later translated into an Android touchscreen-based battery of tests. The tool aims to measure memory in younger children and those with intellectual disabilities, addressing the lack of standardized tests in these populations.

Touchscreens may boost motor skills in toddlers

UK toddlers show increased fine motor control when using touchscreens from a young age, with actively scrolling screens correlating to improved skill development. The study found no link between touchscreen use and language development or walking abilities.

Brain cell 'executioner' identified

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as the final execution step in parthanatos, a form of programmed brain cell death. MIF's ability has been linked to stroke but also may be involved in other neurodegenerative diseases.

PSA for prostate screening unaffected by changes in screening guidelines

A five-year review of over 275,000 visits at UT Southwestern Medical Center showed that PSA testing remained unchanged despite revised guidelines discouraging its use. The study found slight increases in PSA levels after the guidelines were revised, but these had little clinical impact on treatment or results.

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.

Harnessing algae for the creation of clean energy

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found that microalgae produce hydrogen all day long, not just in short bursts. They increased production by 400% through genetic engineering and discovered effective mechanisms to remove oxygen, making it clear algae have huge potential for clean energy production.

Solving a cryptic puzzle with a little help from a hologram

Researchers from Bar-Ilan University and Harvard University developed a mathematical tool to visualize electron shapes in superconducting materials. This innovation helps gain a better understanding of complex material properties, paving the way for future discoveries.

One-pot synthesis towards sulfur-based organic semiconductors

Researchers have developed a simple and effective method for synthesizing thiophene-fused PAHs, reducing the number of required steps and reagent costs. The new approach uses elemental sulfur to induce thienannulation reactions on arylethynyl-substituted PAHs.

How plants grow new lateral roots

Researchers used 3D live imaging to study the formation process of lateral roots in plants, clarifying part of the mechanism that creates new meristematic tissue. This discovery could potentially be used to control plant growth by artificially altering root system architecture.

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.

This flower smells like a bee under attack

Researchers found that Giant Ceropegia flowers mimic the scent of honeybees under attack to fool freeloading flies into pollinating them. The study reveals a complex reproductive strategy where plants use alarm pheromones to lure in insects.

Tornadogenesis

Amy McGovern uses high-resolution simulations, data mining, and visualization techniques to identify precursors of tornadoes and improve warning lead times. Her goal is to reduce false alarms and increase prediction accuracy.

How airlines are cutting their carbon footprint

The global aviation industry aims to halve its net carbon emissions by 2050 through improved engines and biofuels, with over 2,500 flights using alternative fuels already completed. The transition is underway, but more funding and policy support are needed for biofuel production

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Enhancing the superconducting properties of an iron-based material

Researchers have developed a way to increase the amount of electrical current an iron-based material can carry while maintaining its superconducting properties and raising its critical temperature. The method uses low-energy proton bombardment to introduce defects in the material's crystal structure, pinning magnetic vortices and impro...

Vigilin, the lock keeper

Researchers have discovered vigilin, a 'lock keeper' protein in liver cells that regulates fat release and influences transport proteins. The study found a strong correlation between vigilin levels and fatty liver percentage.

Smallest. Transistor. Ever.

Researchers at Berkeley Lab break major barrier in transistor size by creating a gate only 1-nanometer long, challenging the conventional 5-nanometer threshold. The achievement enables electrons to be controlled with smaller gate lengths using carbon nanotubes and molybdenum disulfide.

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.

Holographic imaging and deep learning diagnose malaria

A new technique using computer 'deep learning' and light-based, holographic scans can spot malaria-infected cells from simple blood samples, offering fast and reliable diagnosis in resource-limited areas. The method was tested on hundreds of cells and accurately identified malaria 97 to 100 percent of the time.

Newly discovered gut organism protects mice from bacterial infections

A newly discovered protozoan parasite, Tritrichomonas musculis, has been found to protect mice from intestinal bacterial infections by activating the inflammasome in gut epithelial cells. This discovery highlights the importance of considering non-bacterial microorganisms in studying the microbiome.

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.

Retroviral diseases: Children who keep HIV in check

A new study reveals that some HIV-infected children control the virus by activating low levels of immune activation and producing potent antibodies. This differs from adults who develop AIDS despite effective antiretroviral therapy.

Can older adults with dementia continue to drive? More study is needed

Researchers found that current testing procedures are only 77% accurate in predicting driving safety for people with dementia, highlighting the need for better tools to assess their ability to drive safely. Healthcare professionals should work closely with older adults and caregivers to determine when it's time to stop driving.

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.

Conservation decisions rely on balancing incentives with unpredictable variables

Researchers examine how large payments are necessary to induce landowners to accept conservation contracts, considering permanent and temporary options. The study reveals that permanent lump-sum payments need to be higher due to 'loss of option value,' while linking carbon payments to profits reduces uncertainty and hesitation.

Coolness, control and community draw people to Pinterest

A new study by Penn State researchers found that Pinterest users are drawn to the platform's unique features, including easy-to-follow instructions and intuitive navigation. The study also revealed that users pin content to express their interests and creativity.

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.

Most gay men not aware of treatment to protect them from HIV

Only four in 10 gay and bisexual men in Baltimore are aware of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that reduces HIV incidence by 92 percent. Despite its effectiveness, PrEP is underused due to lack of education among healthcare providers and patients.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Do proactive primary health-care programs preserve functioning for older adults?

A recent study found that personalized primary care programs can improve daily functioning in older adults, particularly those with higher levels of education. After six months, participants in the treatment groups experienced fewer problems compared to the control group, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.

A tough day could erase the perks of choosing 'good' fat sources, study finds

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that stress can cancel out the benefits of choosing healthier fats, such as monounsaturated sunflower oil. Women who consumed a high-unsaturated-fat breakfast fared better in blood tests looking for precursors to disease than those consuming a high-saturated-fat meal, but this a...

Pokémon Go and the potential for increased accidents

Researchers report two cases of accidents caused by playing Pokémon Go while driving and walking. Players became distracted by the game and lost control of their vehicles or swerved into obstacles. The study highlights the potential risks of augmented reality games on physical safety.

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.

Smartphone microscope creates interactive tool for microbiology

The LudusScope, a 3D printed smartphone microscope, enables kids to play games and make serious observations with miniature light-seeking microbes called Euglena. The device allows students to build their own instrument and collect data on Euglena behavior, swimming speed, and natural biological variability.

NASA sees Tropical Depression 22W form

Tropical Depression 22W has formed and its center is elongated due to moderate vertical wind shear. The storm is moving northwest at 24 mph and forecast to pass over open waters near Taiwan.

Hard-to-control asthma has distinct features, study shows

Children with hard-to-control asthma have distinct features that distinguish them from those with easy-to-control asthma. These include bronchodilator responsiveness, nasal inflammation, and allergy, which impact response to treatment. Early identification of key assessments may help personalize treatment approaches for these patients.

Scientists find new path in brain to ease depression

Scientists at Northwestern University discovered a new brain pathway that can be manipulated to alleviate depression. The BMP signaling pathway plays a key role in depression and can be targeted by a new molecule called Noggin, which stimulates neurogenesis and blocks the pathway.

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.

Most Americans want government to combat climate change

A recent survey found that most Americans (65%) think climate change is a problem that needs addressing, with 43% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats agreeing. The survey also revealed that 42% are unwilling to pay even $1 per month for their electric bill to combat climate change, while 20% would be willing to pay up to $50.

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.

Reservoirs are a major source of greenhouse gases

Researchers estimate that dams and reservoirs release 1.3% of total human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, a quantity that should be included in global inventories. The authors suggest that careful dam siting and management can help balance the positive ecosystem services of reservoirs against greenhouse gas emission costs.

Research to answer a 'crushing' evolutionary question

Researchers studied placodont teeth to understand how evolution shaped traits for survival. They found that despite predictions, later placodonts developed unique and complex teeth structures, possibly similar to early human molars.

For normal heart function, look beyond the genes

Researchers discovered that missing enhancers result in abnormal heart function, a finding that bolsters the significance of noncoding regions. A comprehensive genome-wide map of 80,000 human heart enhancers was also provided to facilitate interpretation of human genetic data sets.

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.

Strange 'chimeras' defy science's understanding of human genetics

Scientists have long assumed chimeric RNA indicates cancer, but new research reveals these fusions can also be a normal part of human genetics. Researchers are working to develop more accurate biomarkers and therapeutic targets by understanding the complexities of normal genetic programming.