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Science News Archive September 2016


Page 9 of 12

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.

Biobank storage time as important as age

A new study from Uppsala University found that biobank storage time is a crucial factor in medical research, rivalling the importance of blood donor age. The researchers analyzed 380 samples from 106 women, isolating the impact of storage time to show its significant influence on test results.

Promising drug leads identified to combat heart disease

A research team from UC San Diego and Monash University identified 38 lead compounds that exhibit strong affinity and high selectivity for the M2 mAChR binding site. These compounds target allosteric binding sites, which are built around a more diverse genetic sequence and structure than orthosteric binding sites.

Lizard study finds global warming data not enough to predict animal extinction

A new study found that current climate models may be too simplistic in their predictions, as the spatial distribution of shade plays a crucial role in an animal's ability to regulate its body temperature. The research uses lizards as test subjects and found that smaller patches of shade allowed for more efficient thermoregulation.

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.

Butterflies: Agonistic display or courtship behavior?

A study by Tsuyoshi Takeuchi found that aerial displays in butterflies are not due to a war of attrition between males, but rather an inability to distinguish the sex of their opponents, leading to prolonged courtship behavior.

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.

Obesity linked to improved survival in kidney

Researchers found that overweight patients with metastatic kidney cancer had significantly longer survival and decreased risk of death compared to normal-weight counterparts. FASN gene expression was also found to be decreased in obese patients, which could explain their better treatment outcomes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biochemists' discovery could lead to vaccine against 'flesh-eating' bacteria

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have made a breakthrough in developing a vaccine against group A Streptococcus, responsible for over 500,000 deaths annually. By identifying common sequence patterns in the M protein, the team aims to create an antibody response that targets multiple strains of the bacteria.

High quality evidence suggests vitamin D can reduce asthma attacks

A new Cochrane Review found that taking an oral vitamin D supplement can reduce severe asthma attacks requiring hospital admission or emergency department attendance. The review of seven trials involving 435 children and 658 adults with mild to moderate asthma showed a significant reduction in risk, with no increase in side effects.

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.

Good microcirculation indicates increased lifespan

Italian researchers identified a biomarker bio-Adrenomedullin that correlates with good microcirculation and longevity in centenarians. The study found that low levels of this peptide hormone are associated with efficient blood perfusion, similar to that in younger individuals.

Browsing antelope turned ancient African forests into grassy savanna ecosystems

A recent study suggests that the arrival of browsing medium-sized antelopes in Africa was a key factor in replacing ancient forests with open savannas. The researchers found that thorn trees evolved around the same time as antelope, coinciding with the diversification of spiny plants and the opening up of forests to grass invaders.

Gamblers more prone to violent behavior

A study found that men who gamble are more likely to act violently towards others, with the most addicted gamblers at greatest risk. The research also showed a strong association between gambling and violence, even after adjusting for other factors.

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.

Device rapidly measures growth of single cells simultaneously

A new technique invented at MIT can precisely measure the growth of many individual cells simultaneously, offering insights into growth variation across single cells within larger populations. The device's increased throughput enables fast drug tests and tracking of dynamic cell growth to changing environmental conditions.

Warmer, wetter climate would impair California grasslands

A new study reveals that warmer, wetter climate conditions in California would impair grassland productivity. The research found that average conditions from the past 40 years are near optimal for grass production, and any significant deviation toward warmer or wetter conditions will cause land to be less productive.

New research method questions traditional efficacy trial model

A new study challenges the traditional efficacy trial model by using real-world patients and GP practices to test COPD treatments. The Salford Lung Study found that a once-daily treatment regimen was associated with lower rates of exacerbations without increased risk of serious adverse events.

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.

Four out of 6 great apes one step away from extinction -- IUCN Red List

Four out of six great apes are listed as Critically Endangered due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. The Eastern Gorilla population has declined by over 70% in 20 years, while the Plains Zebra is threatened by hunting for bushmeat and skins. Invasive species are also destroying native Hawaiian plants, with 87% of endemic species thr...

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.

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.

Experts warn booming seaweed industry

The global seaweed industry is driving growth with valuable uses in food, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. However, rapid expansion poses ecological and societal risks, including disease outbreaks and environmental degradation.

One vent just isn't enough for some volcanoes

Mount Etna's unusual crater formation is attributed to eastern flank instability, causing new stresses and pressures on the volcano's structure. This makes it a prime subject for study, with recent research monitoring its behavior over ten years to predict future eruptions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Crop domestication is a balancing act

A new study reveals that leaf-cutter ants have not fully domesticated their fungal symbionts, despite having a mutually beneficial relationship. The ants adjust the nutrient content of their mulch to minimize mushroom production, but this strategy has constraints on productivity.

Babies chew on subtle social, cultural cues at mealtime

One-year-olds expect people from different cultural backgrounds to have varying food preferences unless they belong to the same group. This study highlights infants' sensitivity to subtle social cues and their ability to think in sophisticated ways about these differences.

Memory for future wearable electronics

Researchers at IBS developed a two-terminal tunnelling random access memory (TRAM) with highly reliable performance, long retention time, and flexibility. The device stores data by keeping electrons on its graphene layer, enabling flexible and stretchable applications for wearable smartphones, eye cameras, and biomedical devices.

Large investment into brain research at Umeå University

Anna Rieckmann at Umea University has received a 5-year ERC Starting Grant to study the neural basis of cognitive functions using a new imaging technique combining fMRI and PET. This project aims to understand biological processes underlying brain activity, with potential implications for aging-related cognitive decline.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New knowledge about the building blocks of life

Researchers at Lund University have discovered the binding mechanism of DNA building blocks to an enzyme, a key step in controlling its function. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs targeting nosocomial infections, with potential applications for treating chlamydia.

NASA animation shows landfall and progression of Hurricane Hermine

Hurricane Hermine made landfall near Saint Marks, Florida with 80 mph winds, and then moved into Georgia where it weakened to a tropical storm. The NASA/NOAA GOES Project created an animation showing the development of Hermine into a hurricane during the afternoon of Sept. 1.

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.

A strange thing happened in the stratosphere

The quasi-biennial oscillation, a 60-year wind pattern in the tropical stratosphere, has been observed to suddenly change, sparking interest among scientists. The disruption does not have immediate impact on weather or climate but raises questions about its causes and potential effects.

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.

Osteoporosis: Antibody crystallized

Scientists at University of Würzburg have crystallized an antibody effective against Sclerostin, a protein involved in bone metabolism. The findings offer a promising treatment option for osteoporosis, a condition that affects elderly women and increases the risk of fractures.

'Ghost snake' discovered in Madagascar

Researchers have identified a new snake species, the 'ghost snake,' in Madagascar's Ankarana National Park. The snake's pale grey coloration and distinct genetic profile set it apart from other cat-eyed snakes found in the region.

Important signaling pathway for leukemia cells discovered

Researchers have identified a specific signaling pathway in leukemia cells that enhances their viability and reproduction. The discovery highlights the potential for targeting this pathway to develop new treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL).

DNA structure influences the function of transcription factors

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discovered that DNA segment to which a transcription factor binds can assume various spatial arrangements, altering the transcription factor's shape and controlling its activity. Neighboring DNA segments also play a significant role in modulating gene activity.

Early-onset spring models may indicate 'nightmare' for ag

A new study published in Climate Dynamics suggests that early-onset spring models may indicate a 'nightmare' for agriculture in the affected regions. The analysis of climate model data shows an increased frequency of nearly one in every three years by the end of this century.

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.

NASA sees Hermine's twin towers

A joint NASA-JAXA mission observed two persistent hot towers south and east of Hermine's center, influencing its strengthening. Repeated cloud-top height measurements suggested these towers, lasting 9-12 hours, could eject energy into the atmosphere.

Turn down the volume

A new IUCN guide outlines environmentally responsible seismic survey practices to minimize negative impacts on marine species. The guide provides a structured approach for planning and conducting low-noise surveys, reducing disruption of communication, stress, and behavioral changes in whales and other cetaceans.