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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 10


Page 10 of 44

UBC researcher worries global warming may harm predator and prey connections

A UBC study suggests that climate change could disrupt predator-prey relationships, leading to the extinction of some species. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding seasonal animal relationships and their vulnerability to changes in temperature.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateOct 25, 2016

Brain scans of children with Tourette's offer clues about disorder

Researchers have identified changes primarily in brain regions connected to sensation and sensory processing in children with Tourette's syndrome. The findings suggest that the condition may be related to unusual sensations, leading to involuntary movements and vocalizations.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 25, 2016
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.

NASA's Aqua satellite sees Tropical Cyclone 3B developing in Bay of Bengal

Tropical Storm 3B is consolidating into a defined low-level circulation center, with strong thunderstorms wrapping tightly curved banding around the storm. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts the storm will strengthen and move west across the Bay of Bengal, making landfall north of Chennai, India on October 27.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 25, 2016

After blindness, the adult brain can learn to see again

A new study published in PLOS Biology shows that the adult brain retains residual capacity to process restored or artificial visual inputs. Blind individuals who received a prosthetic implant were able to recognize unusual visual stimuli and improve their perception over time with extensive training.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2016

Genome editing: Efficient CRISPR experiments in mouse cells

A new program called CrispRGold helps scientists identify the most effective and specific RNA sequences for CRISPR-Cas9 system. This allows for efficient inactivation of genes in primary cells, enabling researchers to discover new genes involved in immune cell regulation.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Indian roadside refuse fires produce toxic rainbow

A Duke University study found that roadside garbage fires in India produce a toxic rainbow of pollutants, with concentrations 1,000 times greater than ambient air. The variability in emissions stems from the diverse trash materials and smoldering combustion, highlighting the need for improved waste management practices.

SourceDuke University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateOct 25, 2016

A new look at vitamin D challenges the current view of its benefits

Research shows vitamin D engages with genes influencing longevity, slowing aging-related protein misfolding and increasing lifespan by 33%. The study provides a link between aging and disease, offering new insights into the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 25, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study uncovers brain changes in offending pedophiles

Researchers found altered brain activation patterns in pedophiles with and without a history of child sex offenses, suggesting non-offending pedophiles employ self-control mechanisms. Interventions targeting inhibitory control may help prevent child sex offenses.

SourceWiley·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateOct 24, 2016

Calcium induces chronic lung infections

Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that calcium induces the transition from acute to chronic infections in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a life-threatening pathogen. This shift enables the bacteria to adapt and survive in the lungs, making treatment more challenging for patients with cystic fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 24, 2016

Abaloparatide benefits a wide range of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

A recent analysis of the ACTIVE trial results shows that abaloparatide-SC provides consistent protection against bone fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, regardless of baseline bone density or age. The therapy has been found to reduce fractures and increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateOct 24, 2016

How even our brains get 'slacker' as we age

Research from Newcastle University found that aging brains lose their youthful folding pattern due to decreasing cortical tension. The study provides a new method for measuring brain folding and could help diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016
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.

Report reveals a big dependence on freshwater fish for global food security

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that 90% of globally caught fish are from rivers with high environmental stress levels. Freshwater fish provide animal protein for 158 million people worldwide, particularly in countries like Cambodia and Bangladesh.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016

Scientists trace plant hormone pathway back 450 million years

Researchers discovered that abscisic acid (ABA) promotes femaleness in ferns, which is linked to spore dormancy. ABA also plays a key role in regulating stomate function in flowering plants, allowing them to conserve water during drought. This study sheds light on the evolution of plant hormones and their roles in ancient species.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

What the ancient CO2 record may mean for future climate change

Researchers reconstructed ancient atmospheric carbon dioxide record and found fluctuations projected for the 21st century. The study highlights the potential impact of losing tropical forests on climate, with potential thresholds leading to rapid and irreversible biological change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 24, 2016

International study proves old blood is as good as new

A large international study of almost 31,500 patients showed that using older blood for transfusions does not increase the risk of death. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, provides strong evidence that stored blood can be safely used to ensure a stable blood supply.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 24, 2016

Increasing muscle strength can improve brain function: Study

A recent study published in Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that increasing muscle strength can improve brain function in adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment. The SMART trial involved 100 community-dwelling adults who performed resistance exercise and showed significant improvements in global cognition and brain function.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 24, 2016

AAP announces new safe sleep recommendations to protect against SIDS

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sharing a bedroom with parents but on separate surfaces, avoiding soft bedding and exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs. The updated policy also emphasizes skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding for added protection against SIDS.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 24, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Maze Runners

A Harvard Medical School study has found that mice navigate mazes by weighing all available cues before making a decision, suggesting a more complex process than previously thought. The researchers used virtual-reality maze experiments and injected mice with a virus to visualize neuronal activity in real-time.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 24, 2016

Remote and poor Australians at greater risk of infectious disease

A 21-year study found people living in remote areas were three times more likely to have a notifiable disease, with STIs six times higher. Indigenous Australians make up only 3% of the population but represent 8% of notified cases, highlighting significant under-reporting.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 24, 2016

Surgical repair of phrenic nerve injury improves breathing

Researchers found that surgical reconstruction of the phrenic nerve can lead to significant improvement in breathing and an increase in regular physical activities. Eighty-nine percent of patients reported overall improvement in breathing function.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Reconstructive Microsurgery·DateOct 24, 2016

Precision medicine test helps guide breast cancer patients' chemotherapy decision

A new study found that a genetic test assessing breast cancer recurrence risk is being used to guide chemotherapy decisions in early-stage breast cancer patients. The test, which looks at 21 genes known to increase the risk of cancer recurrence, has been shown to align treatment recommendations with individual patient profiles.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateOct 24, 2016
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.

New guideline on calcium and vitamin D supplementation

The new evidence-based clinical guideline from the National Osteoporosis Foundation and American Society for Preventive Cardiology says that calcium with or without vitamin D intake should be considered safe for generally healthy adults. Obtaining calcium from food sources is preferred, but supplements can be used to address dietary sh...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 24, 2016

Long-term exposure to air pollution linked to high blood pressure

The largest study to investigate the effects of air pollution and traffic noise found that long-term exposure is linked to a greater incidence of high blood pressure. For every 5 μg/m3 of PM2.5, the risk of hypertension increased by 22% in people living in the most polluted areas.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateOct 24, 2016

Atom-by-atom growth chart for shells helps decode past climate

Researchers created an atomic-scale map of a foraminifera shell's chemistry, uncovering elevated sodium and magnesium levels in the organic layer. This discovery will improve our understanding of environmental change and climate reconstructions using ancient shells.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016
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.

Kent study recommends solution to end unsustainable agricultural practices

A University of Kent study suggests that rural areas can provide for both people and wildlife if agriculture is administered sustainably. The study recommends a policy mix combining regulatory and non-regulatory approaches, including strategic land use planning and incentives for sustainable agricultural practices.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalLand Use Policy·DateOct 24, 2016

Weather forecasts for the past

A new study has found that features in animal teeth can detect unfavourable weather conditions, such as long dry periods or heavy rains. This method, known as reverse engineering, allows researchers to infer annual rainfall and average temperatures from fossil records, providing valuable information about past environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016

Maternal blood test may predict birth complications

A new study led by Queen Mary University of London found a protein in pregnant women's blood could predict fetal growth and pregnancy complications. Low levels of DLK1 are associated with poor foetal growth and reduced nutrient supply to the baby.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 24, 2016

Elderly may face increased dementia risk after a disaster

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that elderly people displaced by disasters may experience increased symptoms of dementia. Those who lost touch with neighbors and reported depression had the highest levels of cognitive decline.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016
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.

3-D-printed organ-on-a-chip with integrated sensors

Harvard researchers develop a 3D-printed heart-on-a-chip with integrated sensors, enabling easy data collection and customization. The device mimics the structure and function of native tissue, opening new avenues for in vitro tissue engineering and drug screening research.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 24, 2016

The quantum sniffer dog

A microscopic sensor has been developed at TU Wien that can identify different gases simultaneously using a laser and detector in one. The sensor, made of a sophisticated layered system of materials, emits light in the infrared range and measures its strength to detect gases with unique 'fingerprints'.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Photonics·DateOct 24, 2016
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.

Hybrid nanostructures hold hydrogen well

Rice University scientists have discovered a new material that can store large amounts of hydrogen efficiently, making it suitable for next-generation green cars. The pillared boron nitride and graphene hybrid outperforms other materials in terms of surface area and recyclable properties.

SourceRice University·JournalLangmuir·DateOct 24, 2016

A key to unlocking the mystery of triple negative breast cancer

A study at McGill University Health Centre found that women with tumors expressing the prolactin receptor had a less aggressive breast cancer and better prognosis. The research suggests screening for the prolactin receptor could indicate which patients might benefit from new treatments, potentially revolutionizing breast cancer therapies.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 24, 2016

New maps show where to generate solar energy in South Carolina

Researchers at Clemson University created maps showing the suitability of lands in South Carolina for generating solar energy, with a focus on five-megawatt and one-megawatt developments. The study found that about 4.2% of state land area is suitable for five-megawatt developments, enough to install 69.6 gigawatts of capacity.

SourceClemson University·JournalBioPhysical Economics and Resource Quality·DateOct 24, 2016

Conclusions based on PISA results deserve further attention

Researchers argue that PISA tests only capture a snapshot of students' math skills, neglecting earlier assessments and socio-economic factors. They also suggest that better-qualified teachers can improve student performance in formal mathematics.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateOct 24, 2016

MRSA uses decoys to evade a last-resort antibiotic

Scientists at Imperial College London discovered that MRSA releases decoy molecules to escape being killed by daptomycin. The decoys are made of the same type of fat as MRSA cells and allow the bacteria to evade destruction. Further experiments showed that a second antibiotic, oxacillin, can partially prevent decoy release.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 24, 2016
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.

Uber service faster in low income Seattle neighborhoods, initial study finds

A University of Washington study found that wait times for an Uber ride are shorter in lower-income neighborhoods, with average waiting times ranging from under four minutes to over 10 minutes across the city. Lower-income areas have a shorter average waiting time compared to wealthier neighborhoods.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateOct 24, 2016

New target identified to combat deadly allergic reactions

Scientists have discovered a new target to combat severe and fatal allergic reactions by identifying a molecular motor that controls the release of inflammatory factors. Researchers found that depleting this motor reduces mast cell granule transport and release, potentially leading to new treatment options for anaphylaxis.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 24, 2016

Brain changes seen in youth football players without concussion

A new study has found measurable brain changes in children after a single season of playing youth football, even without a concussion diagnosis. The research team analyzed head impact data and multimodal neuroimaging to determine the risk-weighted cumulative exposure associated with a single season of play.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 24, 2016

Modeling belief systems

A new mathematical model describes the relationship between belief systems and interpersonal influence, revealing an underlying cognitive consistency that links multiple beliefs. The model has the potential to study overlooked complex issues by analyzing the structure of logic constraints.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateOct 24, 2016

New bacteria groups, and stunning diversity, discovered underground

Researchers reconstructed the genomes of over 2,500 microbes from sediment and groundwater samples, revealing an incredible 80% of known bacterial phyla. The discovery sheds new insights into the importance of subsurface microbes in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2016
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.