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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 6


Page 6 of 44

Nurses' scrubs often contaminated with bad bugs

A study found that nurses' scrubs are frequently contaminated with bacteria, including MRSA, spread from patients and hospital rooms. This highlights the importance of infection control strategies, such as hand washing, using disposable gloves, and regular cleaning of patient rooms.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·DateOct 27, 2016

New warning over spread of ash dieback

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered that asexual spores of the ash dieback fungus can germinate on leaves or infect seedlings via soil, spreading the disease more quickly than previously thought. This finding reveals additional routes for the fungus's spread and increases the risk to trees and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 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.

A turbulent solution to a growing problem

Researchers at UCLA's DIII-D National Fusion Facility discovered that plasma turbulence weakens inside large magnetic islands, allowing small islands to grow instead. This finding could lead to improved control of harmful magnetic islands and more efficient operation of fusion devices like ITER.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

New tool detects malicious websites before they cause harm

Researchers developed a system called PREDATOR that identifies potentially malicious website registrations and blocks them, reducing the window for harm. The tool detected 70% of known blacklisted sites based on registration data alone with a false positive rate of 0.35%.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateOct 27, 2016

'Neighbor maps' reveal the genome's 3-D shape

Researchers created a three-dimensional map of chromosomes, revealing their complex 3D structure. The 'neighbor maps' method uses proximity pairs to infer chromosome organization and geometry.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 2016

Placebo sweet spot for pain relief found in brain

Researchers pinpoint unique brain region for placebo response in pain relief, enabling targeted pain therapy and more accurate clinical trials. This finding could lead to personalized medicine for the 100 million Americans with chronic pain.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 27, 2016

Fighting the gram-negatives

A team of scientists from Germany has identified a class of quinone-like substances with an epoxide functional group that can kill problematic Salmonella pathogens. The compounds work by interfering with the bacterial stress response system, making them a potential tool in the fight against multidrug resistance.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 27, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Steering a fusion plasma toward stability

Researchers have created a 'stability map' to track fusion plasma rotation and collisionality in real-time. This allows for the detection of potential instability and control over the plasma, potentially avoiding disruption of fusion reactions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

Political polarization among voters likely to have effect on future health policy

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analysis found that Republican and Democratic voters have vastly different views on future health policy issues, influencing potential policy changes. The study suggests that party control will heavily impact future policies, including the Affordable Care Act.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Precise quantum cloning: Possible pathway to secure communication

Researchers at ANU and UQ have developed a cloning method that produces higher-quality quantum clones than existing methods, with a success rate of about 5%. This breakthrough could enable ultra-secure encryption over long distances, overcoming the limitations of current quantum communication systems.

SourceCentre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 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.

Facebook updates could help understand -- and potentially treat -- mental health disorders

Researchers from the University of Cambridge suggest that social networks like Facebook can provide valuable data to improve knowledge of mental health disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The study proposes using Facebook data to detect early signs of mental illness and potentially even offer support and interventions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2016

Yale scientists edit gene mutations in inherited form of anemia

Researchers developed a novel gene editing strategy to correct thalassemia mutations in mice, alleviating symptoms and normalizing hemoglobin levels. The technique, which uses nanoparticles and synthetic DNA, has the potential to treat people with inherited blood disorders like sickle cell anemia.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 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.

Children should be screened to prevent early heart attacks

A new screening strategy could prevent approximately 600 heart attacks in people under the age of 40 if implemented nationwide. The strategy identifies children with familial hypercholesterolaemia, a genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels and increased risk of early heart disease.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Arctic found to play unexpectedly large role in removing nitrogen

A new study by the University of Texas at Austin reveals that seabed microbes in the Arctic Ocean remove substantial quantities of nitrogen, accounting for 5% of global ocean nitrogen removal. The finding highlights the critical role of the Arctic in maintaining a balanced global nitrogen budget.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2016

Mulberry extract activates brown fat, shows promise as obesity treatment

Researchers found that rutin extracted from mulberries activates brown adipose tissue to mimic cold-induced thermogenesis, enhancing energy metabolism and weight loss. This natural compound was tested on genetically obese mice and diet-induced obesity models, reducing adiposity and improving glucose homeostasis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 26, 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.

Understanding essential tremor

A large international collaborative study sheds new light on the genetics behind essential tremor, finding a strong correlation between the disease and the gene STK32B. The study aims to recruit 10,000 additional patients to understand how these genes contribute to the development of the disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBrain·DateOct 26, 2016

Wayne State awarded $2.28 million from NIH to study buprenorphine

Researchers led by Mark Greenwald will explore whether buprenorphine can decrease stress responses in recovering addicts, potentially helping avoid relapse. The four-year study aims to identify new therapeutic features of the medication and its impact on stress reactivity.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateOct 26, 2016

Why does our planet experience an ice age every 100,000 years?

Experts from Cardiff University propose that deep ocean storage of carbon dioxide may be responsible for the planet's 100,000-year ice age cycle. By analyzing tiny fossil remains, researchers found more CO2 stored in the oceans during ice ages at regular intervals every 100,000 years.

SourceCardiff University·JournalGeology·DateOct 26, 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.

Researchers identify new species of dragonfly in Brazil

Brazilian researchers have identified a new species of dragonfly named Erythrodiplax ana, characterized by its brown spot on each wingtip and bluish waxy body coating. The discovery highlights the importance of urban areas as habitats for biodiversity, with the species found near a spring used to draw off water in an urban area.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalZootaxa·DateOct 26, 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.

Soft or firm touch? Study reveals how amputee patients tell the difference

A new study explores the neural decoding of touch intensity in amputee patients, revealing that activation charge rate controls perceived sensation magnitude. This finding could lead to improved artificial touch in next-generation neuroprosthetics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Integrated neighborhoods more common across the US, study finds

A new study by Brown University researchers found that integrated neighborhoods, where black, white, Asian, and Hispanic residents coexist, are becoming more common in the US. This trend is seen in both diverse and less diverse metropolitan centers, with global neighborhoods emerging as a result of Hispanic and Asian immigration.

SourceBrown University·JournalDemography·DateOct 26, 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.

Reading the right sexual cues

A study found that male and female college students focus on nonverbal emotional cues when making quick judgments about a woman's sexual interest. However, those with rape-supportive attitudes relied more on attire and attractiveness. Cognitive training can improve perceptions of women's momentary sexual interest.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateOct 26, 2016

The buzz about edible bugs: Can they replace beef?

Research finds that insects can contribute well-rounded meals with essential minerals like calcium, copper and zinc. Crickets have higher levels of iron than other insects, making them a promising source of this crucial nutrient.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 26, 2016

Enabling direct carbon capture

Researchers develop fluorine-containing MOF for selective carbon dioxide capture, suitable for air and industrial applications. The material's unique geometry allows for efficient trapping of CO2 even at very low concentrations.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 26, 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.

Extreme cold winters fueled by jet stream and climate change

A new study found that climate change may be amplifying the effects of wavy jet stream patterns, contributing to severe cold winters. The research improves long-term forecasting of winter weather in populous regions, benefiting communities and economies.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 26, 2016

ECHO Program explores how environment affects kids' health

The ECHO Program aims to understand the early environmental origins of childhood health outcomes, including obesity and neurodevelopment. Researchers will track over 50,000 children across diverse backgrounds for seven years, analyzing existing data and combining standardized approaches.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateOct 26, 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.

First direct visualization of archaella's rotation using cross-kymography

A team of scientists at Gakushuin University has developed a novel 'cross-kymography' method to visualize the rotation and morphology of archaella, which enables the direct observation of these structures for the first time. This breakthrough reveals new insights into the swimming mechanism of archaea.

SourceGakushuin University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 26, 2016

Additional benefit of omega-3 fatty acids for the clearance of metabolites from the brain

Research suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can enhance the glymphatic system, facilitating clearance of waste from the brain, including amyloid-β peptides. This improvement may provide benefits for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, traumatic brain injury, and sleep impairment.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 26, 2016

Insight into neural language enables amputees to discern light touch to intense pressure

Researchers have developed a system that enables amputees to feel a range of intensity levels on their prosthetic hands, allowing them to hold objects, operate machinery, and interact with others. The system uses electrical stimulation to mimic natural touch, decoding the intensity of pressure in the nervous system.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Imaging where cancer drugs go in the body could improve treatment

Researchers developed a way to attach labels to cancer drugs packaged in liposomes, allowing for imaging with PET to see where they accumulate in the body. This method shows promise in predicting drug delivery to cancer tissues in specific patients, potentially leading to more effective treatments and reduced side effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 26, 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.

Threatened by diversity

A study by UC Santa Barbara psychologist Brenda Major found that highly identified white Americans who feel threatened by diversity are more likely to support Donald Trump and endorse anti-immigrant policies. However, those less identified with their ethnicity tend to oppose Trump and support anti-bias norms.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateOct 26, 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.

Wayne State awarded $3.2 million NIH grant for schizophrenia research

Researchers at Wayne State University will use a new $3.2 million NIH grant to investigate impaired learning and memory in schizophrenia from the perspective of brain plasticity, function and network dynamics. The study aims to explore interventions that may normalize abnormal markers of the illness.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateOct 26, 2016

FAU receives $4.4 million grant to increase Hispanics in computer-related careers

Florida Atlantic University has received a $4.4 million grant from the US Department of Education to increase degrees awarded to Hispanic and low-income students in computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering. The project aims to improve student success rates and provide employment opportunities in various settings.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateOct 26, 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.

Skin patch to treat peanut allergy shows benefit in children

A wearable patch delivering small amounts of peanut protein through the skin has shown safety and efficacy in treating peanut allergy in children aged 4-25 years. The low-dose and high-dose regimens offered similar benefits, with significant treatment effects seen in younger children.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 26, 2016