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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 35


Page 35 of 44

Adults with disabilities on Medicaid wait list most likely to have unmet service needs

A new study found that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Illinois' Medicaid wait list are more likely to have unmet service needs, including preventive health care, dental services, and physical therapy. The survey of 230 caregivers identified disparities based on race, income, and health status.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities·DateOct 6, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceCardiff University·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2016
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 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.

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 6, 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.

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.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceKobe University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateOct 6, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

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

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 6, 2016

Smallest-reported artificial virus could help advance gene therapy

Researchers have engineered a novel, virus-like shell that can self-assemble and carry therapeutic DNA or RNA into human cells. This breakthrough could advance gene therapy treatments for rare genetic diseases and common conditions like diabetes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 6, 2016

UV light disinfection significantly reduces Clostridium difficile incidence

A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology shows that automated UV light device curbs CDI by 25 percent. The no-touch device also resulted in substantial healthcare savings, estimated between $350,000 and $1.5 million annually.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 6, 2016

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...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 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.

NIFA awards $382,650 in grants through the Women and Minorities in STEM program

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $382,650 in grants through the Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program. The program aims to increase participation of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields, with a focus on rural areas.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 6, 2016
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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 6, 2016

Breast milk protein safely reduces hospital infections in preemies

Researchers found that lactoferrin, a protein in breast milk, reduced hospital-acquired infections by 50% among premature infants. The study also measured the safety of feeding lactoferrin to newborns, with no adverse effects identified.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 6, 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.

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2016

Certain healthy habits may shorten the time older adults spend disabled at end of life

Research found that healthy lifestyle habits like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and staying socially connected can potentially compress the period of disability in older adults before death. However, factors such as smoking, being inactive, and unhealthy diets were associated with longer periods of disability.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateOct 5, 2016
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.

The Lancet: Policies and programs to support early child development a 'wise investment' as 250 million children at risk of not reaching their full potential

A study published in The Lancet highlights the importance of providing nurturing care and supporting parenting practices to help children reach their full potential. The analysis estimates that 250 million children are at risk of poor development due to extreme poverty and stunting, with significant costs for countries and individuals.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Media + Society·DateOct 5, 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.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2016
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.

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...

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOxford Medical Case Reports·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourceStanford University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 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.

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.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 5, 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.

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.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalPaleobiology·DateOct 5, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2016

Leadership expert says political skills important to leader satisfaction

A Kansas State University researcher found that political skill is the only interpersonal skill to have an independent positive relationship with transformational leadership and job satisfaction. Developing this skill can increase work engagement and satisfaction, benefiting organizations.

SourceKansas State University·JournalLeadership & Organization Development Journal·DateOct 5, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalTrends in Cancer·DateOct 5, 2016