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Science News Archive September 2016 - Page 5


Page 5 of 12

Calculating the role of lakes in global warming

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers develop a model to forecast the impact of rising temperatures on lakes' carbon cycle, with potential implications for global warming. By analyzing 2,000 lakes across the US, they aim to understand how lakes will respond to changing weather patterns and emissions.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 7, 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.

Does recent isolation of Zika virus from Culex mosquitoes point to a new transmission source?

Researchers have identified Zika virus in mosquito species other than Aedes aegypti, raising concerns about alternative transmission sources. However, studies show that Culex species mosquitoes are highly unlikely to transmit the infection to humans, highlighting the need for targeted mosquito control efforts.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateSep 7, 2016

Physical activity may offset some of alcohol's lethal harms

Research from the University of Sydney found that physical activity can decrease cancer and all-cause mortality risks in drinkers. The study found moderate to heavy drinking increased cancer risk, but regular exercise offset this risk.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 7, 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.

Humans may be uniquely identified by the proteins in their hair

Researchers have identified a unique set of protein markers in human hair that could be used to distinguish individuals. The findings demonstrate the robustness of these proteins and estimate that they would be sufficient to provide a unique pattern for an individual among a population of one million.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 7, 2016

Earned income tax credit program is a boon for health

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program is more cost-effective than many health interventions, with a net gain of 2.2 Quality of Life Years over an average lifetime for those who supplemented the program relative to those who did not.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 7, 2016

Medication against schizophrenia inhibits pancreatic cancer

Researchers identified dopamine receptor DRD2 as a key molecule in pancreatic cancer. Blocking the receptor inhibited cancer growth, while its blockade also slowed tumor growth in mice.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 7, 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.

Computerized tissue image analysis reveals underlying genomics of ER+ breast cancer

Researchers developed a computer program to automatically count the number of tubules in breast cancer tissue specimens, finding a correlation with Oncotype DX gene expression test risk scores. The study aims to provide an affordable and quick alternative to current genomic tests for predicting chemotherapy needs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 7, 2016

Mount Sinai researchers pinpoint when cocaine-addicted individuals are most vulnerable to relapse

Mount Sinai researchers used EEG to study cue-induced craving in cocaine addicts and found that vulnerability to relapse peaks between one and six months of abstinence. This period coincides with patients' release from treatment programs, highlighting the need for alternative interventions to prevent relapse.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 7, 2016

Ross River virus battle breakthrough

Researchers at Griffith University have discovered a potential new therapeutic treatment for mosquito-borne alphavirus infections, including Ross River Virus and Chikungunya Virus. Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) has shown promising results in treating acute and chronic disease manifestations of alphavirus infections.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateSep 7, 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.

Introducing diversity in online language analysis

Researchers created the largest data set for studying African-American English from online communication, analyzing 59 million tweets. They found that current NLP tools poorly identify African-American English as 'not English', implying worse information access for texts authored by African-Americans.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateSep 7, 2016

Neutron crystallography aids in drug design

Researchers used neutron crystallography to study the binding of acetazolamide to human carbonic anhydrase isoform II, gaining insights into H-bonding networks and hydrophobic interactions. This technique provides missing details that X-ray crystallography couldn't capture, enabling more effective drug design.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·DateSep 7, 2016

The perfect car, according to science

A study published in the Journal of Marketing found that consumers prefer cars with a unique design that mimics luxury car aesthetics, but not those that are too similar to the market average. The researchers used a morphing technique and consumer choice model to quantify how aesthetic design affects consumer preferences.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 7, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

No consensus on how the microbiome affects tuberculosis, review finds

Recent studies on tuberculosis have yielded conflicting results, leaving questions about the role of the lung microbiome in the disease. The variability in study methods, particularly in sampling techniques, may be a major contributor to these discrepancies.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·JournalClinical Microbiology Reviews·DateSep 7, 2016

Why bones don't heal: Researchers identify risk factors for nonunion of fractures

A national team of orthopaedic surgeons identified risk factors contributing to fracture nonunion in adults, including the severity and location of the fracture, presence of diseases, and medication use. Nonunion rates varied by bone type, with scaphoid and tibia/fibula showing the highest rates.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 7, 2016

Atomic scale pipes available on demand and by design

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a method to create artificial capillaries with atomic-scale precision, opening up new avenues for filtration, desalination, and gas separation. The technology uses graphene as a template to produce ultra-thin cavities with tailored properties.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateSep 7, 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.

Combination therapy shows promise for chronic myeloid leukemia

Researchers discovered a combination of two inhibitor drugs that can stop CML completely and significantly lower treatment costs. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, found encouraging response and cure rates for both chronic phase and blast crisis, offering new hope for patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 7, 2016

Transgender youth are as likely to become pregnant as other adolescents

A recent UBC study found that 5% of sexually active transgender youth have been pregnant, similar to the general adolescent population. This challenges common assumptions about trans youth and highlights the need for improved sex education and healthcare.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Transgenderism·DateSep 7, 2016

Humira provides effective, non-steroid alternative for eye inflammation

A new study has found that adalimumab (Humira) is an effective, non-steroid alternative for treating eye inflammation in patients with non-infectious uveitis. The medication targets a protein that promotes inflammation, delaying treatment failure and reducing symptoms.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 7, 2016

Cord blood transplant associated with high survival rate in high-risk leukemia patients

A recent study found that cord blood transplants may be the best option for high-risk leukemia patients, offering a lower risk of relapse compared to traditional transplants. Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that these patients have better outcomes against leukemia and related bone marrow disorders.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 7, 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.

NASA sees a much weaker Tropical Storm Lester

Tropical Storm Lester has weakened, with a lack of thunderstorm development around its center of circulation. The storm is forecast to dissipate on Thursday as it becomes absorbed into a larger extra-tropical low near the Gulf of Alaska.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 7, 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.

Has the Affordable Care Act accomplished its goals?

The Affordable Care Act has significantly reduced the number of uninsured individuals through expanded Medicaid and health insurance exchanges. Early evidence also suggests improvements in access to and affordability of healthcare, despite ongoing disparities by geography, race/ethnicity, and income.

SourceWiley·JournalHealth Services Research·DateSep 7, 2016

Antidepressant bone loss could be prevented with beta-blockers

Researchers discovered that fluoxetine, an antidepressant, causes bone loss by increasing epinephrine levels and impairing bone formation. However, co-treating with low-dose beta-blockers may prevent this effect. This finding has significant implications for preventing fractures in peri- and postmenopausal women.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 7, 2016

Exercise can help keep medical costs down

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that regular exercise can lead to lower healthcare costs, even for those with established cardiovascular disease. Participants who met exercise guidelines had average yearly medical costs $500 lower than those who didn't.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 7, 2016

How does your garden grow?

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that converting lawns to vegetable gardens can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study modeled the effect of household gardens on emissions, finding a reduction of 2 kilograms for every kilogram of homegrown vegetables compared to store-bought counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateSep 7, 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.

New research supports hep C treatment for people who use drugs

The new study debunks myths about treatment efficacy and adherence in people who use drugs, highlighting its benefits in disease elimination. Treatment uptake among people who inject drugs could halve hepatitis C prevalence in 15 years.

SourceInternational Network for Hepatitis C in Substance Users·DateSep 7, 2016

New research reveals hundreds of undiscovered black holes

Researchers at the University of Surrey have discovered hundreds of undetectable black holes within a globular cluster, overturning old theories on their formation. The study uses advanced simulations to map the cluster and its behavior, revealing the effects of these massive objects on the surrounding stars.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 7, 2016

Flying the flag for an airship revolution

Researchers propose a new conceptual model to analyze airship cargo capabilities, highlighting benefits over traditional vehicles in terms of access to coastal ports, airports, and remote regions. The value-density cargo pyramid could disrupt freight transport markets and alter world trade patterns.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Aviation Management·DateSep 7, 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.

Recommended weekly physical activity level may offset some of alcohol's lethal harms

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that engaging in regular physical activity may help mitigate the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The research analyzed data from eight British population cohorts and discovered a positive correlation between moderate to high levels of physical...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 7, 2016

Americans more politically polarized than ever; independents at an all time high

A study by Florida Atlantic University and San Diego State University found that Americans are increasingly identifying as independents, with 46% of adults now self-identifying as independents. Millennials are leading this trend, with nearly 30% marking themselves as having extreme affiliations with either party.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateSep 7, 2016

Model maps out molecular roots of learning and memory formation

A team of researchers has built a mathematical model that describes the molecular events associated with the beginning stage of learning and memory formation. The study focuses on dendritic spines, which are dynamic structures changing in size, shape, and number during development and aging.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Bringing graphene speakers to the mobile market (video)

Scientists have created graphene audio speakers for mobile devices with a sound quality comparable to existing systems. The new fabrication method uses ultra-thin graphene aerogels that don't vibrate and can be mass-produced for use in mobile devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 7, 2016

Scientists work to turn up the heat of brown fat to combat obesity

Researchers are working to enhance the heat-burning ability of brown fat to combat obesity. They discovered a gene, BSCL2, that regulates brown, white, and beige fat. Deleting this gene in mature brown fat surprisingly increased its efficiency at burning fat, while mice on high-fat diets still lost weight.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 7, 2016

New service improves cloud storage usage on mobile devices

A new service called StoArranger has been developed to optimize cloud storage requests on mobile devices, reducing battery drain and synchronization times. By intercepting and coordinating app requests, StoArranger improves performance without changing how apps run, making it a promising solution for millions of users.

SourceBinghamton University·DateSep 7, 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.

Study examines risk, risk factors for depression after stroke

A study of over 135,000 patients with stroke found that the risk of depression within two years was eight times higher than in a reference population, with half of cases appearing in the first three months after stroke. Major risk factors for depression included older age, female sex, and history of depression or severe stroke.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 7, 2016

Call time on costly drug to curb excess drinking, say dtb editors

Researchers and editors of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin express concerns about the clinical and cost-effectiveness of nalmefene, a drug approved to curb excess drinking. The authors argue that the limited data on its effectiveness raises questions about its continued use in the NHS.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin·DateSep 7, 2016

National education reformers target local school boards

A new study finds that outside donors are playing a large role in school board elections, often supporting reform-minded candidates over those backed by teacher unions. This trend suggests that local democracy may be influenced by national education reform groups and wealthy donors with differing views on education policy.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalUrban Affairs Review·DateSep 7, 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.

Tooth decay -- drilling down to the nanoscale

Researchers from the University of Sydney have created three-dimensional maps showing the positions of atoms critical in the decay process using atom probe tomography. The study reveals magnesium-rich regions between hydroxyapatite nanorods, which play a key role in governing tooth behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 7, 2016

Do teachers' climate change beliefs influence students?

A North Carolina State University study found that teachers' beliefs about climate change affect students' perceptions, with 92% of students mirroring their teacher's belief in global warming. However, students diverge from their teachers when it comes to understanding the human causes of climate change.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 7, 2016

Ginger and chili peppers could work together to lower cancer risk

Researchers found that a ginger compound, 6-ginergol, can lower cancer risk when combined with capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers. In mouse studies, only 20% of mice developed lung carcinomas after receiving both compounds, compared to 50% with capsaicin alone.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 7, 2016