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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 38


Page 38 of 44
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Using nanotechnology to target inoperable tumors from the inside out

Scientists have created biocompatible nanoseeds that can be injected into tumors to deliver radioactive isotopes, reducing damage to surrounding tissue. This innovative approach has the potential to improve radiation therapy for cancer patients, particularly those with inoperable solid tumors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 4, 2016

Study identifies a potential biomarker for pancreatic tumor grade

A recent study has identified a potential biomarker for assessing pancreatic tumor grade, which could improve diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies. Annexin 6-expressing vesicles were found to support increased tumor growth and metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 4, 2016

Invasive insects cost the world billions per year

A new study estimates that invasive insects globally incur at least US$70 billion in annual costs to goods and services, while also resulting in significant health expenses. The researchers stress that these figures are likely underestimates due to the lack of research on the topic in many regions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016

Are red imported fire ants all bad?

A study published by Texas A&M scientists found that red imported fire ants can increase the abundance of small mammals and reduce the number of ticks in an ecosystem. This could lead to a decrease in tick-borne disease transmission to humans and animals.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateOct 4, 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.

Male mutations are driving evolution. How's that working out?

Researchers studied rates of mutation in a range of organisms and found that males contribute more genetic mutations than females. This male mutation bias may arise from errors in DNA replication and is critical for understanding disease-associated mutations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateOct 4, 2016

Toxicant levels are on average 95 percent less in e-cig emissions compared to smoke

A recent study by British American Tobacco found that e-cigarette vapour contains toxicant levels on average 95% lower than conventional cigarette smoke. The study measured 142 compounds in e-cigarette vapour and found substantial reductions in toxicant groups, with most cigarette smoke toxicants undetectable.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateOct 4, 2016

Networking is the way to go

Networking is crucial for spreading integrated pest management in agriculture. The article suggests three ways to improve networking: enhancing communication between research organizations, involving advisors in defining research projects, and structuring knowledge generation approaches. By following these recommendations, farmers can ...

SourceAarhus University·JournalCrop Protection·DateOct 4, 2016

Soil microbes flourish with reduced tillage

A meta-analysis of 62 studies found that no-till agriculture increases microbial biomass and enzymatic activity compared to tilled systems. Chisel plows associated with greater microbial biomass in conservation tillage systems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry·DateOct 4, 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.

Sex before sport doesn't negatively impact performance

A recent review published in Frontiers in Physiology challenges long-held views that abstinence from sexual activity can improve athletic performance. Research suggests that sex before competition may have a beneficial effect on marathon runners' performance and does not negatively impact performance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateOct 4, 2016

Repeated exposure to community violence associated with violent behavior

New research finds a positive association between community violence exposure and subsequent violent behavior among African American and Latino male youths. The study suggests that repeated exposure can lead to emotional desensitization and increased aggressive behaviors.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateOct 4, 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.

Making medications safer for newborns

Researchers are working to develop safer drug treatments for newborns through increased clinical trials and improved efficiency. Currently, most medication treatments in newborns are based on adult studies, which can lead to uncertainty about their effectiveness.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 4, 2016

Great hammerhead sharks swim on their sides to reduce energy expenditure

Researchers found that great hammerhead sharks swim on their sides at approximately 60° roll angles, allowing them to minimize energy expenditure. This unique swimming style enables the sharks to avoid sinking and continue swimming efficiently due to lift forces produced by their dorsal fins.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016

How gut microbes help chemotherapy drugs

Researchers identify two gut bacteria that activate cancer-fighting T cell immune responses, enhancing the effects of cyclophosphamide. These microbial-driven immune responses predicted longer progression-free survival in advanced lung and ovarian cancer patients treated with chemo-immunotherapy.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateOct 4, 2016

Invasive insects: An underestimated cost to the world economy

A recent study reveals that invasive insects cause significant damage to agriculture, health care, and infrastructure, resulting in estimated annual losses of 69 billion euros. The majority of these damages are attributed to North America, with Europe and Asia also experiencing substantial financial losses.

SourceAgence F·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 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.

Scientists triple known types of viruses in world's oceans

Researchers have cataloged 15,222 genetically distinct viruses and grouped them into 867 clusters, revealing their role in nature. The study could lead to ways to fine-tune viruses to sink carbon into the deep ocean, a potential strategy for managing climate change.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2016

'Goldilocks fires' can enhance biodiversity in Western forests

A recent study found that mixed-severity fires, also known as 'Goldilocks fires,' can increase biodiversity of birds in California forests over time. The research suggests that forest managers should prioritize managing forests to promote a mixture of intensities, resulting in a mosaic of patches with different burn severities.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateOct 4, 2016

A cooperative way to make ammonia

Bacterial nitrogenase produces ammonia by combining atmospheric nitrogen with protons and electrons, moving one electron at a time between symmetrical halves. The enzyme's two-stage engine works efficiently through complex communication between the two halves.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 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.

Failed replication shows literary fiction doesn't boost social cognition

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania failed to replicate a 2013 study's finding that reading literary fiction improves social abilities. They tested using the original study materials and methodology but found no significant difference between literary and popular fiction.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 4, 2016

Stanford researchers show air bag bike helmets have promise

A new type of bike helmet with an air bag system shows promise in reducing the risk of skull fracture and other brain injuries. The helmet's larger size and cushioning provide added protection, but initial pressure is crucial for optimal performance.

SourceStanford University·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 4, 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.

Metagenomic study links microbes to flavors in kefir

A team of food scientists and microbiologists analyzed microbial populations in kefir using metagenomics, finding correlations between specific bacteria and flavor compounds. The study suggests optimizing production, customizing flavor, and improving health benefits by tweaking the microbial mix.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateOct 4, 2016

New genes linked with bigger brains identified

Scientists have identified new gene families linked to larger neocortex sizes in various mammal species, including humans. The study reveals genes involved in cell signaling and immune response that may contribute to brain development.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalOpen Biology·DateOct 4, 2016

When push comes to shove: Size matters for particles in our bloodstream

A new study by University of Connecticut researchers reveals that larger particles, approximately 2 microns in size, are most effective for delivering cancer drugs to tumor sites. Smaller particles, however, tend to skip through blood cells and reach the target site less frequently.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 4, 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.

Detonating white dwarfs as supernovae

Astrophysicists propose that inspiraling white dwarfs could produce a type of explosion that matches Type Ia supernovae. The model suggests that resonance in the binary orbit of the stars causes rapid jumps in energy that can lead to detonation.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 4, 2016

Coral study reveals secrets of evolution

Researchers from OIST uncovered crucial role of brachyury gene in coral development, suggesting ectodermal origin of mesoderm. Brachyury inhibition resulted in loss of mouth structures in corals, mirroring vertebrate phenotypes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 4, 2016

26 jaguars killed in Panama so far this year

A recent study reports a surge in jaguar killings in Panama, primarily due to retaliatory attacks by cattle ranchers on the big cats' prey species. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation measures, including education and economic incentives, to protect the endangered jaguar population.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal for Nature Conservation·DateOct 4, 2016

Astronomers capture best view ever of disintegrating comet

Astronomers captured the best view yet of a breaking apart comet using NASA's Hubble telescope. The images show 25 fragments drifting away from the comet at walking speed, suggesting it may be spinning so fast that material is ejected from its surface.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 4, 2016
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.

Infants use prefrontal cortex in learning

Researchers found that infants as young as 8 months use the same circuits as adults when learning simple hierarchical rules. Their brains are properly adapted to handle essential elements in their world, suggesting a more mature prefrontal cortex than previously thought.

SourceBrown University·DateOct 4, 2016

Studies address improving care for Chinese American immigrants with depression

Two recent studies by MGH psychiatrists improve treatment outcomes for Chinese American immigrants with depression. Culturally sensitive treatment combined with telepsychiatry shows significant improvement in depression symptoms, while stigma can reduce effectiveness. The studies suggest that stigmatizing attitudes may exert an indepen...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateOct 4, 2016

Queens, sex and colony collapse

Scientists found that queen bees infected with deformed wing virus can transmit the disease through natural mating, leading to colony collapse. The study suggests that a significant portion of failed bee colonies is due to queen failure, highlighting the importance of managing queen health.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 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.

Ben-Gurion U. study highlights gene that could lead to therapies for ALS

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev discovered a novel molecular mechanism that could lead to new therapies for ALS. They found that endogenous multifunctional protein macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) acts as a chaperone for misfolded SOD1 proteins, which accumulate and cause cell death in ALS patients.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2016

New fault discovered in earthquake-prone Southern California region

A new fault has been identified in the Salton Sea area of Southern California, which could impact current seismic hazard models and earthquake risk assessment. The discovery provides much-needed information on the intricate structure of earthquake faults beneath the sea and may offer new insights into the region's earthquake cycle.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 4, 2016

NASA sees Hurricane Matthew making landfall in Haiti

Hurricane Matthew made landfall in western Haiti on October 4, with NASA tracking its movements and intensity. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached near 145 mph, making it a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 4, 2016

OU study links entrepreneurial optimism with business success

A University of Oklahoma study reveals that widespread collective entrepreneurial optimism predicts new venture startups and small business growth. The research found that media coverage plays a key role in spreading optimistic attitudes, and this effect is more pronounced in turbulent economic environments.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalEntrepreneurship Theory and Practice·DateOct 4, 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.

Study may help reassure women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer

A recent study published in npj Breast Cancer found that postmenopausal breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen have a lower risk of uterine cancer than expected. The study suggests that a normal ultrasound before treatment may provide additional reassurance for women concerned about endometrial side effects.

SourceLoyola Medicine·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·DateOct 4, 2016

Do older people take fewer risks?

Research by University of Basel found that older people do not necessarily take fewer risks than younger people, but rather their risk-taking behavior depends on the type and complexity of tasks. The study used both self-report and behavioral measures to investigate age-related changes in risk-taking propensity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateOct 4, 2016

Clever fish keep cool

A study suggests that coral reef fish can opt for cooler temperatures instead of adapting to warmer ocean conditions. This could be a survival mechanism to mitigate the impact of global climate change.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 4, 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.

Discovery of an extragalactic hot molecular core

Astronomers have detected a 'hot molecular core,' a cocoon of molecules surrounding a newborn massive star, for the first time outside our Galaxy. This discovery reveals significantly different chemical compositions compared to similar objects in our own Galaxy, suggesting potential difficulties in producing large organic species.

SourceTohoku University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 4, 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.

Make an October weight resolution

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that individuals tend to gain weight between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with a peak around the New Year. By setting an October weight resolution, individuals can avoid gaining holiday weight altogether, as it may take over 5 months to lose gained pounds.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2016

Using nature's own solvents for the preparation of pure lignin

Lignin can be efficiently separated from sawdust using eutectic solvents, retaining its natural chemical structure. This breakthrough enables various industrial applications, including forest, food processing, pharmaceutical and mining industries.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2016

Study shows majority of US students can now choose non-animal teaching methods

A new study from PETA finds that 63% of US public schools allow students to opt out of animal dissection. Non-animal teaching methods have been shown to teach biology better and save time and money. The study's findings support the growing trend towards compassionate education, backed by the National Science Teachers Association.

SourcePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)·JournalThe American Biology Teacher·DateOct 4, 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.

The psychology behind climate change denial

Research finds climate change denial correlates with political orientation, authoritarian attitudes, and a tough-minded personality. Climate change is often framed as a threat to the poor or weak, which may not be convincing for those who prioritize hierarchical power structures.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateOct 4, 2016