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Science News Archive October 2016


Page 4 of 44

Ancient strain of cholera likely present in Haiti since colonial era

Researchers discovered a non-virulent variant of Vibrio cholerae O1 strain in Haitian aquatic environments dating back to the 1500s, sparking concerns about its potential virulence through gene transfer with toxigenic strains. The study sheds light on the history of the pathogen and highlights the need for increased surveillance.

Always-deadly measles complication more common than believed

Researchers identified 17 cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in California between 1998 and 2016, most developed symptoms after getting measles as infants before being vaccinated. Vaccinating everyone against measles can prevent SSPE, which is fatal and has no cure.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Activation of 2 genes linked to development of atherosclerosis

PARP9 and PARP14 have been identified as regulators of macrophage activation, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. The study found that silencing these genes had opposite effects on macrophage activation, with PARP14 increasing and PARP9 decreasing activation.

Science: Public interest high, literacy stable

A US survey finds that while 51% of Americans are interested in science, only 28% have a sufficient level of scientific understanding. The adult literacy rate is driven by completion of college-level science courses and baccalaureate degrees. NASA's educational programs aim to boost science literacy among learners of all ages.

A tiny machine

Researchers at UCSB have developed a functional nanoscale computing device, operating on an unconventional type of logic that could be packed into a block no bigger than 50 nanometers. This technology has the potential to store and process data much faster, reducing energy consumption and increasing computing efficiency.

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.

When fat cells change their color

Researchers found that epigenetic enzyme Lsd1 maintains brown fat tissue's metabolic properties. Inhibiting Lsd1 leads to whitening of brown adipose tissue, storing energy instead of expending it.

Can we put a price on healthcare innovation in cancer?

The article explores the economic aspects of cancer care, highlighting the need to assess the value of healthcare innovation. It discusses the rising costs of new treatments and the potential impact on healthcare budgets. The Special Issue provides a review of health economics in cancer research and care.

Alcator C-mod bows out with a new world record

The Alcator C-Mod tokamak achieved a record-breaking plasma pressure of 2.05 atmospheres, exceeding previous values by approximately 70 percent. This result validates the high-field approach to fusion energy, which could lead to smaller and cheaper fusion power plants.

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.

To treat one rare blood disorder, scientists exploit another

Researchers develop a new therapy that prolongs thrombin production, potentially treating both hemophilia A and B, including those with antibodies against standard therapy. The treatment could also accelerate clot formation in patients with factor V Leiden, offering a more effective and long-acting alternative to current therapies.

It's what underneath that counts

New research reveals that ancient rocks can supply energy to microorganisms kilometers below Earth's surface through reactions between water and minerals. This discovery has significant implications for the search for life on Mars, where similar geological settings may support microbial life.

50-year-old bacteria could be alternative treatment option for cancer

Scientists have developed a non-toxic strain of Salmonella to target and kill cancer cells, reducing tumor size by 20% in mice with prostate cancer. The bacteria's ability to penetrate cell barriers makes it an ideal candidate for bacteriotherapy, a promising new approach to treating cancer.

A new method to help solve the problem of nuclear waste

Researchers have developed a simple process to create reactive actinide oxide nanocrystals, enabling the production of dense nuclear fuels and potential applications in waste management. This new approach could lead to more efficient and sustainable solutions for nuclear energy.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Want to exercise more? Get yourself some competition

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that competition significantly motivates people to exercise more than friendly support. The study, which recruited nearly 800 Penn students, showed that attendance rates were 90% higher in competitive groups compared to a control group. Meanwhile, team support actually led to lower ...

For 10 months out of the year, common swifts live in mid-air

Researchers attached data loggers to common swifts to track their flight activity, confirming they spend over 99% of their non-breeding period in the air. The birds likely save energy during the day by soaring on upward currents and ascend at dawn and dusk.

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.

Effect of facial expression on emotional state not replicated in multilab study

A coordinated replication effort across 17 labs failed to replicate the 1988 study suggesting that facial expressions can trigger emotional reactions. The multilab study used a standardized protocol with over 1,900 participants but found no evidence that inducing particular facial expressions affected their emotional state.

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 develop 'world-first' 3-D mammary gland model

Researchers developed a three-dimensional mammary gland model that mimics healthy breast tissue structure and function. The model enables the study of disease mechanisms and drug screening, providing a significant breakthrough in understanding breast cancer.

Prognostic role of side where colon cancer occurs

A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that left-sided primary tumor location is associated with a nearly 20 percent reduced risk of death. This difference was independent of many clinical factors like tumor stage and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy.

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.

Researchers root for more cassava research

A recent Tansley Review found that cassava yields have stagnated since 1961, with potential for 25-100% improvements in yield, water, and fertilizer use efficiency. Researchers highlight the importance of improving photosynthesis to increase sustainable food productivity.

NASA analyzes Tropical Cyclone Kyant before its demise

Tropical Cyclone Kyant formed in the Bay of Bengal on October 25, 2016, and was analyzed by NASA's GPM core satellite. The satellite detected intense storms with heavy rainfall rates of over 215 mm per hour, and some thunderstorms had unusually high storm tops reaching above 20 km.

Prescription medication tragedies could be prevented by simple pictures

Simple images designed to convey information about prescription drugs could help save lives by reducing non-adherence to treatment. The study found that including pictograms on written medication instructions helps seniors take their drugs correctly, especially those with lower education levels.

Bioluminescent sensor causes brain cells to glow in the dark

A team of Vanderbilt scientists has developed a bioluminescent sensor that causes brain cells to glow in the dark, enabling researchers to track the interactions within large neural networks. The new technique uses calcium ions to detect neuron activity, offering a powerful tool for studying brain function.

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.

Neurobiology: Supporting the damaged brain

Researchers successfully integrated transplanted embryonic nerve cells into the visual cortex of adult mice, demonstrating functional connectivity and restoration of network function. This breakthrough holds promise for treating acquired brain diseases, including neurodegenerative illnesses and stroke-induced damage.

A culprit cell that drives plaque buildup in arteries

Researchers found that removing aging macrophages from atherosclerosis-prone mice reduced plaque buildup by 60%, suggesting a potential cellular target for therapy. The study also showed that suppressing senescence limited disease progression and reduced markers of plaque instability.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Fixing deficits in boundary plasma models

Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility have successfully reproduced radiation patterns in simulations, providing a breakthrough in fusion research. By eliminating molecular physics and accurately accounting for divertor plasma parameters, researchers have made significant progress towards designing radiating exhaust solutions.

NASA missions harvest a passel of 'pumpkin' stars

Astronomers using Kepler and Swift missions discover 18 stars that rotate rapidly, producing X-ray emissions at more than 100 times the sun's level. These stars are believed to have formed from the merger of two sun-like stars in close binary systems.

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.

Gamma ray camera offers new view on ultra-high energy electrons in plasma

Researchers at General Atomics have developed a gamma ray camera to image energetic electrons in ultra-hot fusion plasma, providing unprecedented insights into their behavior. The device reveals that radiation forces can sap high-energy electrons, while collisions with other electrons are more effective at lower energies.

Biological Station lands $2 million grant to explore floodplain biodiversity

The University of Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station has been awarded a $2 million grant to explore the diversity of insects, crustaceans, and other arthropods in river floodplains. The project aims to assess the genetics, populations, and functional trait diversity among floodplain arthropods using novel genomic tools and mode...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mutant plants reveal temperature sensor

Scientists have discovered that plant light sensors also respond to temperature, allowing plants to detect changes in growth conditions. Mutant plants revealed a previously unknown conversion process where thermal reversion occurs without light, affecting the plant's response to temperature and light intensity.

R. Goldston receives 2015 Nuclear Fusion Award

Goldston's paper presented a new model for estimating scrape-off layer width, which depends on plasma drift rate across closed surfaces, and has been largely confirmed by experiments worldwide.

Male birth control shots prevent pregnancy

A new study found that injectable contraceptives for men can reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies in their female partners. The hormone-based method, which involves injecting a combination of progestogen and testosterone, was effective in nearly 96% of continuing users.

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.

Battle hymns and lullabies: SLU scientist sheds light on the T cell orchestra

Researchers discover that tolerance is induced only when antigens are acquired and presented to T cells by specialized dendritic cells. Dendritic cells also cause short-term activation of T cells under non-infection conditions, but without long-term effects. This improved understanding may lead to new ways to control the immune response.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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