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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 18


Page 18 of 44

Population analysis suggests Grauer's gorilla is Critically Endangered

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests Grauer's gorillas are Critically Endangered due to a 77% population decline over one generation. The research identifies three key areas critical for the remaining population and calls for greater conservation efforts, including halting mining and protecting wildlife.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 19, 2016

Researchers identify breast cancer risk factors for younger, black women

African American women are diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages and face higher mortality rates due to more aggressive ER-negative tumors. Researchers identified modifiable risk factors, including breastfeeding and waist-to-hip ratio, that may help reduce personal risk of ER-negative breast cancer.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateOct 19, 2016

How plants make friends with fungi

Researchers identified MIG1 gene controlling root cortex development and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi symbiosis. This enables plants to extract nutrients from the ground, leading to improved growth and health.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 19, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neurodevelopmental model of Zika may provide rapid answers

Researchers developed a neurodevelopmental chick model that demonstrates fetal death and brain damage similar to microcephaly caused by the Zika virus. The study suggests that identifying critical windows of susceptibility could lead to therapeutic innovation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateOct 19, 2016

Does it matter how long you sit -- if you are fit?

A study by NTNU researchers found that older adults who were fit and had the highest fitness levels had lower cardiovascular risk factors despite spending more hours sedentary. Conversely, meeting physical activity guidelines alone was not enough to eliminate these risks if an individual lacked cardiorespiratory fitness.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateOct 19, 2016

NASA sees Tropical Storm Nicole going 'extra-tropical'

Tropical Storm Nicole has transitioned into an extra-tropical storm, characterized by a change in primary energy source from latent heat release to baroclinic processes. The storm is expected to bring rough surf and strong winds to Bermuda and the US East Coast, particularly through Wednesday night.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 18, 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.

After privatization, link found between new liquor establishments, violence

Research by Drexel University's Loni Philip Tabb found a significant increase in violent assaults for each additional establishment with a liquor license added to the area. Aggravated assault rates rose 8% in areas where new off-premises outlets were granted, and 5% for every on-premises outlet.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSpatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology·DateOct 18, 2016

More support needed for nurses facing mistreatment at work

New research highlights the need for nurses to receive more support when dealing with disrespectful behavior from colleagues. The study, led by Dr. Roberta Fida, found that self-efficacy plays a protective role in mitigating the negative effects of workplace incivility and burnout.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalHealth Care Management Review·DateOct 18, 2016

Obtaining of silicon nanowires becomes eco-friendly

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed a new, eco-friendly method for obtaining silicon nanowires, replacing hydrofluoric acid with ammonium fluoride. The produced nanowires show promising applications in micro- and optoelectronics, photonics, PV, sensorics, and biomedicine.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNanoscale Research Letters·DateOct 18, 2016
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.

Peptides vs. superbugs

A team of researchers has successfully developed liquid-crystalline nanostructures that protect antimicrobial peptides, allowing them to target and destroy bacteria without being degraded. This innovative approach could provide a new weapon in the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateOct 18, 2016

Study shows significant cost savings with a home-based palliative care program

A home-based palliative care (HBPC) program for individuals with advanced illnesses was associated with significant cost savings and improved quality of care. The study found a mean total cost of care per person reduced by $12,000, fewer hospital admissions, and greater use of hospice during the final three months of life.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateOct 18, 2016

Tuberculosis and HIV co-infection

A study published in the American Journal of Pathology reveals that HIV co-infection reduces dendritic cell function, leading to increased tuberculosis risk. The research suggests a new treatment strategy using host-directed therapy to strengthen immune cells.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 18, 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.

Microbial life on Mars: The possibility must be considered conclude researchers in Astrobiology

Recent findings from the 1976 Viking mission and ongoing research suggest that microbial life on Mars is a possibility worth exploring. The presence of water, complex organic molecules, and methane in the Martian environment support a biological explanation for the results of the Viking Labeled Release experiment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateOct 18, 2016

Study reveals high levels of vitamin D inadequacy in UK adolescents

UK adolescents are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency due to limited sun exposure and northern latitudes' insufficient sunlight during winter. A study revealed the necessary vitamin D intake for adolescents is between 10-30 ug/day to maintain adequate levels and avoid deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 18, 2016

Impaired recycling of mitochondria in autism?

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a defect in mitochondrial recycling in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder associated with autism. The study found that two existing classes of drugs, carbamazepine and mTOR inhibitors, can enhance autophagy and replenish healthy mitochondria.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 18, 2016

Inspiration from the ocean

The UCSB team created a bio-inspired coating mechanism using zwitterionic molecules from mussel proteins, reducing processing time and energy requirements. This new method enables continuous roll-to-roll dip coating of organic electronic devices without toxic chemicals.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 18, 2016

A major challenge for young heart attack patients: Affordable health care

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that financial barriers to healthcare services and medication significantly worsened quality of life, depressive symptoms, and stress among young adults with myocardial infarction. Despite the expansion of insurance coverage, young adults still struggle to access affordable care.

SourceYale University·DateOct 18, 2016
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.

Gene links risk of psychiatric disease to reduced synapse numbers

New research reveals that gene DIXDC1 may act as a general risk factor for psychiatric disease by interfering with brain connection regulation. Mutations in this gene are linked to reduced synapse numbers and impaired WNT signaling in neurons, leading to heightened anxiety, loss of motivation, and social interaction deficits.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 18, 2016

Protein network linked to cancer is critical to male fertility

Researchers discovered a network of proteins often linked to cancer plays a crucial role in male fertility and the birth of healthy offspring. The study, published in Cell Reports, sheds light on the precise epigenetic regulation of sex chromosomes and their impact on germline cells that produce male sperm.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 18, 2016

Study finds 'lurking malice' in cloud hosting services

A study of 20 major cloud hosting services found that up to 10% of repositories hosted by them had been compromised with hundreds of active malware buckets. Researchers created a scanning tool called BarFinder to identify bad content using unique features such as redirection schemes and gatekeeper elements.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 18, 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.

It's not your ears, it's your brain

Researchers found that older adults' brains degrade speech processing in quiet environments, making it harder to comprehend speech amidst background noise. The study suggests that brain training techniques may help improve speech comprehension in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateOct 18, 2016

Space-based droplet dynamics lessons?

Researchers studying giant space droplets develop simple experimental device to predict their behavior, shedding light on fluid dynamics in low-gravity environments. The findings have potential applications in water processing, fuel systems, and habitats.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 18, 2016

Cell softness predicts corneal transplant success

A study found that corneal cells' softness indicates their potential for stem-like activity, enabling rapid and cost-effective enrichment of limbal stem cells. This biomarker could improve clinical success rates for corneal transplant patients with naturally low limbal stem cell percentages.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 18, 2016

UT Dallas study: Resolving border issues is best step to peace for rival nations

A new UT Dallas study concludes that settling territorial conflicts has a greater impact on rival nations' relations than democratization or ending civil wars. Nations with settled boundaries are 30% more likely to be at negative peace, which reduces the risk of transitioning back into contentious relationships.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalConflict Management and Peace Science·DateOct 18, 2016
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.

Today's self-taught typists almost as fast as touch typists

A recent study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that self-taught typists can type almost as quickly and accurately as touch typists, as long as they can see the keyboard. This challenges traditional typing techniques taught in schools, which may not be effective for nonstandard typists.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateOct 18, 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.

Depression's physical source discovered; potential for new treatments

Depression affects the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, leading to feelings of loss and disappointment. Reduced connectivity between reward and memory systems may also contribute to negative thoughts. The study provides new insights into depression's root cause, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatment.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBrain·DateOct 18, 2016

Breaking up: a convoluted drama at nuclear scale, too

Scientists from Aarhus University used a state-of-the-art detector to measure the precise disintegration of carbon into three helium nuclei. Their findings reveal a sequence of fragmentations, relevant to developing aneutronic fusion reactions and improving our understanding of astrophysics phenomena.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateOct 18, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Bacterial genes boost current in human cells

Researchers at Duke University have successfully delivered bacterial genes to human cells, enhancing electrical signaling and making cells more excitable. The technique could one day be used to treat cardiac arrhythmia, restore electrical functions to scarred tissues, or improve conductivity in genetic diseases.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2016

Full-circle viewing: 360-degree electronic holographic display

A South Korean research team has developed a novel tabletop display system allowing multiple viewers to view a full 3-D image from any angle, giving complete 360-degree access. The system uses an aspheric lens to solve visual distortion and aims to create high-quality holographic images in the near future.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 18, 2016
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.

Unraveling the science behind biomass breakdown

Scientists at ORNL discovered a chemical reaction that enhances the breakdown of cellulose in lignocellulosic biomass. The THF-water cosolvent phase separates on the faces of crystalline cellulose fibers, allowing certain enzymes to interact and increase hydrolysis.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 18, 2016

A protein makes the difference

Researchers discovered that a protein called SPARCL1 can prevent the formation of new blood vessels, inhibiting tumor growth in patients with a good prognosis. In contrast, tumors with poor prognoses lack this protein, leading to continued tumor growth.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 18, 2016

UM researchers study vast carbon residue of ocean life

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School used data from international scientific cruises to map the distribution of dissolved organic carbon in the Atlantic Ocean. They found that one third of global ocean net production comes from this basin, with nutrient arrival predicting DOC production.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2016

Debates: Linguistic trick boosts poll numbers

A study by University of Michigan professor Daniel Romero found that matching an opponent's linguistic style in presidential debates can lead to a bump in polls. Function words like conjunctions and quantifiers play a crucial role in this phenomenon, which is linked to processing fluency and easier understanding for third-party viewers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 18, 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.

Impact of the Fukushima accident on marine life, five years later

Recent studies have shown variable levels of radioactive contamination in fish, but population-level effects have not been observed. The long-term fate of the contamination remains unknown, with further research needed to understand its effects on marine ecosystems.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalIntegrated Environmental Assessment and Management·DateOct 18, 2016

First dinosaur bones found in Denali National Park

Paleontologists discover dinosaur bones and trackways in Denali National Park, providing new insights into the region's ancient ecosystem. The finds are significant as they confirm the presence of dinosaur fossils in the area, supporting the hypothesis that a distinct polar fauna existed during the Late Cretaceous Period.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateOct 18, 2016

New 3-D wiring technique brings scalable quantum computers closer to reality

Researchers at University of Waterloo developed a new extensible wiring technique for controlling superconducting quantum bits, enabling the creation of scalable quantum computers. The technique, called the 'quantum socket,' connects classical electronics with quantum circuits and can be extended to thousands of qubits.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateOct 18, 2016

A special bond: New receptors discovered for Helicobacter pylori

Researchers have identified a highly specific adhesion between Helicobacter pylori and human cells, which could be used diagnostically and therapeutically. This new approach aims to prevent the bacterium's attachment to stomach cells, potentially suppressing its damaging effects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 18, 2016
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.

A window into battery life for next-gen lithium cells

A team of researchers at the University of Michigan created a window in a battery to study dendrites, which cause fires in next-generation lithium metal batteries. They observed that small dendrites can be stable and even help prolong battery life, but large ones can reduce performance and raise safety concerns.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 18, 2016

The Higgs Bison -- mystery species hidden in cave art

A team of researchers discovered a previously unknown hybrid species of bison and cattle, known as the Higgs Bison, through ancient DNA analysis. The mystery species dominated European records for thousands of years before alternating with the Steppe Bison due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 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.