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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 39


Page 39 of 44
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.

'Atomic sandwiches' could make computers 100X greener

Researchers have engineered a magnetoelectric multiferroic material that combines electrical and magnetic properties at room temperature. This new material could enable devices with lower energy consumption, addressing the growing concern of electronics being the fastest-growing consumer of energy worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2016

Scientists make structure analysis of protein molecules several times faster

Researchers at MIPT and several universities create technology to determine spatial structure of receptor proteins, crucial for human health. By using sulfur atoms and Serial Femtosecond Crystallography, scientists solve the problem of radiation damage, enabling precise analysis of protein structures with a resolution of 1.9Å.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 4, 2016

Omnidirectional mobile robot has just 2 moving parts

The new motor uses a precisely machined hollow iron ball to move in any direction using electronic controls, reducing mechanical failures and maintenance. SIMbot can maintain its balance while moving at speeds of up to 1.9 meters per second, making it capable of navigating through doorways and furniture.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

HKU Earth Sciences student research on metamorphic rock in North China

A HKU undergraduate student applied THMOCALC phase-equilibrium modeling technique to determine pressure-temperature conditions of Eastern Hebei mafic granulites. Her research yielded accurate results, reflecting an origin related to underplating of mantle-derived magmas.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalGondwana Research·DateOct 4, 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.

Gum disease genes identified by Columbia researchers

Columbia researchers have identified 41 key genes that may contribute to gum disease, offering a promising approach to developing individualized treatments. The study's findings could lead to new compounds that target specific genetic pathways involved in the disease process.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateOct 4, 2016

Are planets setting the sun's pace?

Researchers at HZDR propose a new mechanism linking planetary tidal effects to the Sun's dynamo, which could drive the 11-year solar cycle. The theory suggests that small forces from Venus, Earth, and Jupiter can initiate oscillations in the alpha effect, leading to polarity reversals.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalSolar Physics·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.

'Connectosomes' create gateway for improved chemo delivery, fewer side effects

Engineering researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method for delivering chemotherapy directly and efficiently to individual cells using nanoparticles called 'connectosomes.' This approach has been shown to reduce the dose required to kill cancer cells by up to 10 times, potentially decreasing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 4, 2016

Conclusions on brain-machine interfaces for communication and rehabilitation

The paper explores various techniques for brain-machine control, including EEGs and near infrared spectroscopy, to facilitate communication and rehabilitation in paralysed patients. Brain-machine assistive interfaces enable patients to communicate or control external devices such as prostheses.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Reviews Neurology·DateOct 4, 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.

Disease-causing gut bacteria common in children

A study found that disease-causing gut bacteria, Enteroaggregative E. coli, are prevalent in 14% of children, even in industrialized countries with mild symptoms. The researchers hope to investigate factors contributing to diarrheal disease and explore probiotic agents for maintaining gut balance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateOct 4, 2016

Future therapeutics: Drugs that stop free radicals at their source

Researchers have discovered molecules that prevent free radical production by cells, which are implicated in human diseases and the aging process. The findings offer a precise tool to test the free radical theory of aging and could lead to new therapeutic leads for drugs.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 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.

Novel 3-in-1 'Rheo-Raman' microscope enables interconnected studies of soft materials

The novel 'Rheo-Raman' microscope allows for interconnected studies of soft materials by correlating their microstructure, composition, and flow behavior. This enables the understanding of how structural make-up dictates macroscopic properties like strength, hardness, or electrical conductivity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 4, 2016

The effectiveness of activity trackers and rewards to encourage physical activity

A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found that activity trackers alone or with rewards did not increase physical activity levels. However, those who received cash rewards showed significant increases in activity. The benefits of tracking were short-lived, and participants returned to their previous activity levels after the incentives...

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 4, 2016

Curing inherited disease by running a stop sign

Scientists have discovered how ataluren works to treat genetic disorders by allowing the cell's machinery to 'run' over premature stop signs. The drug inserts amino acids similar to those in non-mutated genes, enabling proteins to function normally.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 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.

Breast density matters in detection of breast cancer

Women with extremely high breast density are more likely to develop breast cancer, and current mammography technology may miss tumors. Researchers are working to improve breast cancer diagnosis and health outcomes for women through education and better utilization of screening methods.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateOct 4, 2016

A breakthrough in the study of how things break, bend and deform

Researchers at Drexel University have made a breakthrough in the study of how things break, bend and deform. They discovered that layered materials form internal buckles, or ripples, as they deform under stress, dubbed 'ripplocation'. This new paradigm explains non-linear elastic behavior within the constraints of dislocation theory.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2016

Study reveals the protein structure of the human apoptosome

Researchers mapped the first active human apoptosome, a wheel-like structure that recruits proteases to dismantle proteins and induce cell death. The study provides insights into how this process is regulated and may lead to treatment options for cancer, AIDS, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2016

Understanding how the 'blood-brain barrier' is breached in bacterial meningitis

A team of researchers has uncovered the detailed structure of a Type IV pilus, revealing how it binds to and disrupts endothelial cell junctions to breach the blood-brain barrier. This discovery could lead to new ways of treating meningococcal infection and potentially even therapies that deliberately open the blood-brain barrier.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 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.

Penn scientists receive $24 million for mechanobiology center

The University of Pennsylvania has been awarded a $24 million grant to establish a Science and Technology Center focused on engineering mechanobiology. This research will provide insights into embryonic development, stem-cell differentiation, cancer metastasis, and other clinically relevant topics.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2016

Concussion can now be diagnosed with 95 percent specificity

Researchers developed an objective test to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) using the I-Portal goggle, achieving 95% specificity and 89% sensitivity. This technology has the potential to revolutionize concussion diagnosis and treatment in sports, leading to better outcomes for athletes.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 4, 2016

Study suggests a new tool for diagnosing post-concussion syndrome

A systematic review of 10 international studies suggests that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may be an effective diagnostic tool for identifying and predicting the likelihood of post-concussion syndrome (PCS). DTI scans can detect micro abnormalities in the brain not picked up by routine imaging methods, potentially leading to earlier ...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateOct 4, 2016

An appetite suppressant with side effects

Researchers identify peptide allatostatin A in Drosophila that regulates feeding behavior and promotes sleep, with effects comparable to human galanin receptor. The study provides insights into the complex interactions of hunger, sleep and digestion.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 4, 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.

Motion-directed robots on a micro scale

Researchers created simple microswimmers with a phototaxis system, enabling them to move towards darker areas. By using a laser-generated light field with saw-tooth profiles, the microswimmers can be steered reliably over long distances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016

Botox may beat neural stimulation for urge incontinence, but has risks

A new study compares Botox to sacral neuromodulation as treatments for urge incontinence, finding that Botox provides more daily relief but may be associated with more adverse events. The study analyzed data from 381 women and found a significant reduction in symptoms with botulinum toxin.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateOct 4, 2016

Johnson announces £17.7 million for new Healthcare Technologies research

The UK government is investing £17.7 million in four new healthcare technology research programmes to tackle the growing need for treatments of diabetes, dementia, and cancer. The programmes will develop innovative solutions for wound care, neural rehabilitation, cell therapeutics, and immunotherapeutics.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateOct 4, 2016

Canine hyperactivity reflected in the blood count

Researchers found significant links between hyperactivity, lower blood phospholipid levels, and a negative correlation with tryptophan metabolites in hyperactive dogs. This study suggests that intestinal health impacts canine behavior and provides new clues for studying behavioral disorders.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBehavioral and Brain Functions·DateOct 4, 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.

Research resolves a debate over 'killer electrons' in space

Researchers discovered that ultra-relativistic electrons are scattered into the atmosphere by electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, while relativistic particles remain intact. This finding resolves a long-standing debate on electron loss mechanisms in the Van Allen Radiation Belts.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016

Extending cervical screening beyond 5 years for some women is safe

Extending cervical screening intervals for HPV negative women aged 40+ is safe due to low risk of CIN3+, but not recommended for those testing positive for HPV. Tailoring screening to individual risks using HPV test results and age may improve efficiency and optimal prevention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·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.

'Churning' following the Affordable Care Act hasn't worsened, but remains a problem

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that nearly 25% of low-income adults in three US states switched their health coverage within the previous 12 months, resulting in significant negative effects on healthcare, including frequent gaps in insurance, skipped medications, and low-quality care.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 4, 2016

New device detects bacteria and tests for antibiotic resistance

A new device can rapidly identify harmful bacteria and determine its susceptibility to antibiotics in a matter of minutes. The device uses nano-scale technology to detect bacteria in extremely small fluid samples, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of drug-resistant strains.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Communications·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.

Can you zap your brain back to health?

A new study by USC scientists has mapped the electric current induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the human brain. The research provides solid data to develop science-based treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression and chronic pain.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2016

Nanotechnology for energy materials: Electrodes like leaf veins

Researchers developed a transparent metal electrode with improved efficiency, using fractal-like nano-features inspired by leaf veins. The new design combines low surface coverage and ultra-low resistance, surpassing conventional indium tin oxide layers.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016

Overlooked plants defy drought

Scientists have discovered that certain plants resistant to a hormone called abscisic acid (ABA) can grow better than normal neighbors during droughts. ABA-resistant varieties may hold the key to breeding 'stay green' traits in crops, which could help them retain their leaves and continue to produce food and other essential resources.

SourceeLife·DateOct 4, 2016

Clinton's contrasting memoir writing styles linked to public perception problems

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers analyzed Hillary Clinton's two political memoirs, revealing links to her public perception problems. The analysis found that Clinton's writing styles were influenced by the 'double bind' women face in politics, with a tendency to be pragmatic and avoid personal revelations.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalQuarterly Journal of Speech·DateOct 4, 2016

New device enables rapid identification of brain cancer type and tumor margin

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a micro-sized device that can detect the IDH1-R132H mutation in glioma tumors, enabling real-time identification of tumor margins during surgery. The device takes less than 15 minutes to produce results and requires only small sample sizes.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials·DateOct 4, 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.

Marshall University research team publishes study on cell signaling mechanism

Researchers at Marshall University have discovered a peptide, pNaKtide, that can reduce oxidant stress and ameliorate experimental uremic cardiomyopathy. This finding has significant implications for treating patients with kidney disease, which affects millions of people worldwide.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2016

Understanding chromatin's cancer connection

A new imaging technique enables researchers to visualize chromatin's dynamic processes in live cells, revealing its organization and response to stimuli. This breakthrough offers insights into the complex relationship between chromatin and gene expression, with potential implications for understanding cancer development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2016

The first urban park butterfly study in HK: HKU ecologists reveal causes of butterfly diversity

Researchers found that environmental factors like plant cover and floral density determine common urban butterfly species, while spatial properties influence rare species. Urban park design can encourage or discourage certain species, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of surrounding landscape and disturbance features.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateOct 4, 2016