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Science News Archive September 2016 - Page 8


Page 8 of 12

Some islands started in diamond-bearing regions under continents, geochemists say

Researchers found high calcium-to-aluminum ratios in olivine and diamond inclusions, suggesting a connection between the chemistry of tiny carbon-rich fluids trapped within diamonds and those that form HIMU islands. The study suggests that material from diamond-forming regions journeys to earth's core and back up to form such islands.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateSep 6, 2016

Orientation without a master plan

Studies show that when learning objects in an open space, spatial memory is accessed step-by-step, while environmental spaces require more time to recall objects from neighboring corridors. This research has implications for understanding navigation and the neuronal basis of wayfinding.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCognition·DateSep 6, 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.

Tuning the instrument: Spider webs as vibration transmission structures

Research confirms spider webs are superbly tuned instruments for vibration transmission, with web tension and stiffness controlling information sent. Spiders use web vibrations to detect prey and predators, with their 'view' relying almost exclusively on this sensory input.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 6, 2016

New breed of optical soliton wave discovered

Researchers at Caltech have discovered a new breed of optical soliton wave that can travel in the wake of other solitons, hitching a ride on their energy. This phenomenon has been observed in light waves and has applications in highly accurate optical clocks and microwave oscillators.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 6, 2016

Over-the-counter head lice treatments are likely to fail

A recent review found that over-the-counter head lice treatments have declined in effectiveness, likely due to widespread use leading to pyrethroid resistance. Prescription products such as malathion and spinosad are safer alternatives with proven efficacy.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Dermatology·DateSep 6, 2016

Age before youth: Older cranes lead the way to new migration patterns

Researchers found that older Whooping cranes are leading the way in changing migration patterns due to climate and land use change. The birds' long-term memory and ability to learn from experience enable them to innovate new behaviors, such as shortstopping, which involves shifting wintering grounds closer to breeding grounds.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 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.

Genetics of African KhoeSan populations maps to Kalahari Desert geography

Researchers found that genetic clustering of southern African populations is closely tied to the ecogeography of the Kalahari Desert region. The study analyzed genome-wide data from 21 KhoeSan groups and identified five primary ancestries, suggesting a geographically complex set of migration events.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateSep 6, 2016

Flowers critical link to bacteria transmission in wild bees

Researchers found that flowers are a hot spot for bacterial transmission to wild bees, with multiple flower and bee species sharing the same types of bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding wild bees as an alternative pollination option due to declining honey bee populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMicrobial Ecology·DateSep 6, 2016

A minimalist theory to predict protein movements

Researchers developed a novel simulation technique called eBDIMS to predict protein movements, which can be done on standard PCs. This approach uses low-resolution models, simplifying the structure of proteins, allowing for precise predictions in minutes, not months.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 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.

YouTube videos promote positive associations with alcohol use

A recent study found that YouTube music videos often glamorize excessive drinking and link it to sexual attractiveness and luxury lifestyles. The research analyzed 49 UK Top 40 videos containing alcohol content, revealing a strong association between alcohol consumption and sociability, personal image, and lifestyle.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Medicine·DateSep 6, 2016

Study to examine value of ECG testing for high school athletes

A randomized clinical trial will assess whether electrocardiograms (ECGs) can identify high-risk students among Texas high school athletes, who are at risk of sudden cardiac death. The study aims to balance the potential benefits of ECG testing against its costs and risks.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateSep 6, 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.

Fish 'biowaste' converted to piezoelectric energy harvesters

A team of researchers at Jadavpur University in India has devised a way to recycle fish byproducts into an energy harvester that can generate electricity from mechanical stress. The energy harvester, made from fish scales, is capable of scavenging various types of ambient energies and powering small devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 6, 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.

Research shows it may be time to abandon dreaded digital rectal exam

A recent study suggests that the digital rectal exam (DRE) is no longer necessary for prostate cancer screening due to its limited effectiveness and potential risks. The DRE has been shown to capture an additional small population of men with significant prostate cancer, but it also subjects a large number of men to unnecessary tests.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·DateSep 6, 2016

Nutrient pollution is changing sounds in the sea

A new study by the University of Adelaide found that nutrient pollution from cities and agricultural land is altering marine sounds, including snapping shrimp and sea urchin noises. This degradation may negatively impact fish populations and their ability to find sheltering habitats.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateSep 6, 2016

Nanotechnology supports treatment of malignant melanoma

Researchers use nanosensors to detect genetic mutations in tissue samples from patients with malignant melanoma. This enables the identification of specific mutations and targeted treatment, significantly extending patients' life expectancy. The new method detects changes quickly and easily using coated microcantilevers.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 6, 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.

Gentle vibe designed to give docs smoother moves

A team at Rice University is creating a haptic cueing system that provides real-time vibration feedback to medical students during endovascular surgeries. The system aims to improve the smoothness of tool movements, reducing errors and improving training efficiency.

SourceRice University·DateSep 6, 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.

PSA failure predicts risk of death only in healthy men

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that PSA failure increases the risk of death by 1.6-fold in healthy men, but not those with comorbidities like heart disease or stroke. The study suggests healthy men should be informed about clinical trials showing reduced PSA failure benefits.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 6, 2016

ESMO rewards outstanding oncologists

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded four distinguished recipients for their outstanding contributions to cancer treatment and research. Alberto Sobrero received the ESMO Award for his world-renowned research on gastrointestinal cancer, while Sir Richard Peto was recognized for his important contributions to bre...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateSep 6, 2016

ESMO Women for Oncology awards Sumitra Thongprasert

Sumitra Thongprasert has been awarded the second ESMO Women for Oncology award for her role as a role model for women in oncology. The award acknowledges her advocacy across Asia for female participation in the oncology workforce and promotion of women in leadership positions.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateSep 6, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Speech technology enables kids to control video game

Disney researchers developed a speech technology system that can sort through overlapping speech, social side talk, and creative pronunciations of young children to make it work. The system was 85% accurate in recognizing keywords, outperforming commercial speech recognition systems.

SourceDisney Research·DateSep 6, 2016

A new angle on anxiety

A new study from Boston Children's Hospital reveals that specific neurons in the hypothalamus play a central role in triggering anxiety. Blocking these neurons selectively erased natural fears in mice, suggesting a potential more effective treatment for anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 6, 2016

Infrared light to detect early signs of esophageal cancer

Researchers at Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute developed an endoscope using near-infrared light to spot early warning signs of oesophageal cancer. The new technique could be used to monitor people with Barrett's oesophagus and prevent some cases of oesophageal cancer.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateSep 6, 2016

Incubating climate change

A group of James Cook University scientists has designed an inexpensive incubator to study the effects of climate change. The incubators, costing under $160 each, allow researchers to replicate realistic experiments with controlled temperature regimes.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 6, 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.

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.

Beat the stock market by satisfying customers

Researchers from Michigan State University found that creating a stock portfolio based on customer satisfaction data achieves cumulative returns of 518 percent. This surpasses the 31 percent increase for the S&P 500 Index in the same time period, with the customer satisfaction portfolio outperforming the benchmark in 14 out of 15 years.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 6, 2016

During drought, dry air can stress plants more than dry soil

Research finds that low atmospheric humidity is a significant cause of plant stress in hot, dry weather, reducing their ability to offset climate change. Models should be refined to account for this effect, which will become increasingly important as the Earth's climate warms.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 5, 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.

Helpers for energy acquisition from plants

Scientists at Universität Bonn have discovered a lipid transfer process crucial for plant cell survival. This process enables the exchange of galactolipids between chloroplast membrane envelopes, facilitating photosynthesis and plant growth.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2016

New genus of bacteria found living inside hydraulic fracturing wells

Researchers discovered a new genus of bacteria, Frackibacter, thriving in hydraulic fracturing wells alongside other microbes. The microbes form self-sustaining ecosystems providing their own food sources, and some are even producing methane, a potential supplement to the wells' energy output.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 5, 2016

Study opens door to targeted treatments for esophageal cancer

Researchers have identified three distinct subtypes of esophageal cancer based on genetic signatures, paving the way for tailored treatments. The study suggests patients with specific weaknesses in their DNA repair pathways or immune systems may benefit from targeted therapies, including PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy drugs.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 5, 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.

Grassland tuned to present suffers in a warmer future

The Jasper Ridge Global Change Experiment found that warming had negative effects on plant growth, while elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide showed no consistent response. Plant growth peaked when precipitation was close to historic averages, highlighting the need for ambitious climate action to stabilize warming and protect ecosystems.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2016

Study: Earth's carbon points to planetary smashup

A study by Rice University researchers proposes that the origin of Earth's volatile elements, including carbon, can be explained by a massive collision between Earth and an embryonic planet similar to Mercury. This collision may have led to the exclusion of carbon from Earth's core and its incorporation into the silicate mantle.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 5, 2016

European earthworms decrease species diversity in North America

The spread of European earthworms is altering the physical and chemical properties of North American soils, disrupting symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi. This has led to a decline in species diversity, with many native plants threatened by the invasion.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 5, 2016

From DNA to disease, study describes rare, new brain disorder

Researchers have identified a rare neurological disorder caused by GPT2 gene mutations, replicating the disease in lab cultures and mouse models. The study reveals insights into brain development, neurotransmitter function, and metabolic pathways, providing new opportunities for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 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.

Study: Future drought will offset benefits of higher CO2 on soybean yields

A new study finds that while elevated CO2 concentrations boost plant growth under ideal conditions, drought will outweigh those benefits and cause yield losses sooner than anticipated. Soybeans grown in a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere used more water under hot and dry conditions, leading to reduced yields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 5, 2016

Heavy burden of EHRs could contribute to physician burnout

Physician burnout may be linked to heavy electronic health record (EHR) use. A recent study found that doctors spend nearly two additional hours on EHRs for every hour spent directly caring for patients, contributing to their physical and mental exhaustion. The burden of EHRs is a significant concern in the medical field.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 5, 2016