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Science News Archive 2015


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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.

CRISPR treats genetic disorder in adult mammal

Duke University researchers successfully treated an adult mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy using CRISPR gene editing. The treatment involved delivering the gene-editing system directly to the affected tissues through a non-pathogenic carrier called adeno-associated virus, overcoming several delivery challenges.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 2015

New technique offers strong, flawless 3-D printed ceramics

Researchers developed a method to create ceramic materials using 3D printing with minimal cracking, enabling complex shapes and high temperatures. The resulting silicon carbide material can withstand 1,400°C temperatures without cracking, making it suitable for hypersonic vehicles and jet engines.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 2015
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.

A father's diet affects the RNA of his sperm, mouse study shows

Research reveals that a father's diet can impact the RNA of his sperm, which in turn can affect gene regulation in offspring. Studies found that high-fat diets and low-protein diets can lead to changes in specific small RNAs, including tRNA-Gly-GCC, which suppresses genes related to metabolic disorders.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 2015

Creating safer polio vaccine strains for the post-eradication era

Researchers developed new vaccine strains that are effective, stable, and non-infectious, addressing concerns about live virus escape and disease transmission. The new strains are suitable for mass production in the post-eradication world, reducing risk to humans and environment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 31, 2015

How epigenetics can affect ants' behavior

Scientists used compounds to alter epigenetic marks in ant colonies, demonstrating lasting effects on behavior. Epigenetic modifications, such as histone acetylation, influenced caste-based systems and worker responsibilities.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 2015
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.

New genes born by accident lead to evolutionary innovation

A new study reveals that random mutations can give rise to novel genes, leading to the evolution of new molecular functions. The researchers identified thousands of human-specific genes and found that certain macaque genome elements are less present than expected.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 31, 2015

Human-machine superintelligence can solve the world's most dire problems

Researchers from Human Computation Institute and Cornell University propose a new vision of human computation that combines human and computer intelligence to solve complex, interconnected problems. This approach enables the construction of flexible collaborative environments that can address challenging issues.

SourceHuman Computation Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetically correcting a muscle disorder

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a debilitating genetic disease. By deleting exon 23 and restoring dystrophin protein levels, the therapy improved muscle function in mice with DMD, including cardiac and pulmonary health.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Penn-led team reprograms social behavior in carpenter ants using epigenetic drugs

A Penn-led team has discovered that caste-specific behaviors in ant colonies can be directly altered by changing the balance of epigenetic chemicals. The study found that compounds inhibiting histone acetylation increased foraging behavior in minors, while injecting these inhibitors into young major ants also boosted foraging activity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 2015

Melting, coating, and all-solid-state lithium batteries

Researchers created a new way to coat solid electrolyte around electrodes, solving problems of gasification and poor permeability. The breakthrough enables high-ion conductivity and air stability in all-solid-state lithium batteries.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 31, 2015

Late-season Central Pacific tropical depression forms

Tropical Depression 9C formed in the Central Pacific on Dec. 31, with an elongated structure suggesting a weaker system. The depression is moving northwest at 3 mph, with little change in intensity expected due to strong easterly wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 31, 2015

Seeing DROSHA for the first time

Scientists at IBS Center for RNA Research have elucidated the three-dimensional image of DROSHA, one part of the Microprocessor complex. This discovery confirms previous findings and reveals unique physical characteristics of DROSHA, including a 'bump' that may act as a measuring guide for cleaving pri-miRNA.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell·DateDec 31, 2015

Taking vitamin D may benefit people with MS

A study found that taking high-dose vitamin D3 supplements can reduce the percentage of T cells related to MS activity, leading to a decrease in interleukin 17 levels. The results suggest that vitamin D may be an inexpensive, safe, and convenient treatment option for people with multiple sclerosis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 30, 2015
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.

Roger D. Borcherdt wins the 2016 Bruce A. Bolt Medal

Roger D. Borcherdt receives the 2016 Bruce A. Bolt Medal for his exceptional contributions to seismology and engineering seismology, including pioneering site-response studies and theoretical solutions for wave propagation problems.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateDec 30, 2015

Increasing LNG exports 'marginally positive' for US economy

Increasing US LNG exports will allow domestic natural-gas-intensive industries to remain competitive globally. The study found that LNG exports are associated with a net increase in domestic natural gas production, and their impact on the macroeconomy is marginally positive.

SourceRice University·DateDec 30, 2015

What are the risks of giving birth inside and outside a hospital setting?

A new study found that out-of-hospital births in Oregon were associated with a higher risk of perinatal death, while in-hospital births were linked to increased cesarean deliveries and other obstetric interventions. However, the overall risk for perinatal death was low in all settings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 30, 2015

New method for better treatment of breast cancer

A novel PET/CT imaging method has been shown to accurately measure HER2 expression in metastatic breast cancer, potentially leading to more optimal individualized treatments. This non-invasive technique may one day substitute traditional tissue sampling.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTheranostics·DateDec 30, 2015
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.

T cells that recognize HER2 teceptor may prevent HER2+ breast cancer recurrence

Researchers have identified a specific weakness in the immune system of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, which may be corrected with a HER2-targeted vaccine. T cells from patients with recurrent cancer showed weaker response to the HER2 receptor protein compared to those without recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 30, 2015

Virtual colonoscopy an alternative to FOB test & colonoscopy for colorectal cancer?

A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that virtual colonoscopy had higher detection rates than traditional methods like FIT and OC. The researchers concluded that combination of lower attendance and higher detection rate makes CTC a key factor for optimization of its role in population screening.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 30, 2015
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.

Research finds parents can play a role in preventing teen fighting

A study by LA BioMed suggests that involving parents in violence prevention programs and tailoring them to specific racial/ethnic groups can improve their effectiveness. The research found that Latino parents condoned fighting only as a last resort, while African American parents sometimes saw it as necessary.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateDec 30, 2015

Travel distance is still a barrier to breast reconstruction after mastectomy

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that long travel distances continue to be a significant barrier to breast reconstruction after mastectomy for US women. Reconstruction rates varied by type of hospital and distance traveled, with greater disparities observed at academic hospitals and high-volume centers.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 30, 2015

Let hunger be your guide

Research found that eating moderately hungry reduces blood glucose levels after meals, whereas eating when not hungry may be detrimental to health. This study suggests that individuals should listen to their hunger cues and eat when they're truly hungry rather than relying on convenience foods.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateDec 30, 2015
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.

NASA analyzes Paraguay's heavy rainfall

NASA analyzed rainfall totals in Paraguay and found the highest amounts occurred northeast of Asuncion, with over 400 mm recorded in central and southern parts. The strong El Niño phenomenon is believed to be the cause of the heavy flooding, affecting over 150,000 people across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 30, 2015

With Botox 'chemodenervation,' dermal fillers last longer

A study found that combining botulinum toxin with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers reduces degradation and increases remaining volume, leading to longer-lasting cosmetic improvements. Chemodenervation using Botox results in a 42% decrease in degradation rate and a 50% increase in HA filler volume at three months.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 30, 2015

3-D footage of nematode brains links neurons with motion and behavior

Scientists recorded 3-D footage of neural activity in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a worm species with a nervous system containing just 302 neurons. The study revealed surprising correlations between neural activity and behavior, including turning movements.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2015
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Extinguishing thirdhand smoke

Thirdhand smoke is a persistent and hazardous environmental contaminant left behind by smoking. Researchers at San Diego State University are studying its spread and effects on human health, with a focus on vulnerable populations like young children and those with compromised immune systems. The team has found links between thirdhand s...

SourceSan Diego State University·DateDec 30, 2015

ORNL cell-free protein synthesis is potential lifesaver

A cell-free protein synthesis system developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory uses microfabricated bioreactors to produce therapeutic proteins for medicines and biopharmaceuticals. This technology simplifies the process, lowers cost, and enables point-of-care use.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalSmall·DateDec 29, 2015

Factors predicting low patient accrual in cancer clinical trials

A study analyzed 787 phase II/III clinical trials sponsored by the National Clinical Trials Network, finding that increased competition, planning to enroll a larger proportion of the available population, and lack of new agents were associated with poor accrual. The researchers developed a multivariable prediction model to identify tri...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 29, 2015
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.

Temple study finds opioid prescribing guideline significantly decreases prescription rates

A Temple University study found that an opioid prescribing guideline significantly decreased prescription rates for minor conditions and chronic noncancer pain in acute care settings. The guideline was implemented in January 2013 and resulted in a high degree of statistical significance across all age groups and complaint categories.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 29, 2015

New breast cancer drug may be effective against other types of cancer

The new oral drug Palbociclib has shown promise in combating various types of cancer beyond breast cancer, including lymphoma, sarcoma, and teratoma. Early trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates in patients with these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 29, 2015

Reptile fossils offer clues about elevation history of Andes Mountains

The discovery of ancient tortoise and turtle fossils in the Andes Mountains suggests that the region was less than a kilometer above sea level 13 million years ago. The findings support alternative estimates to a recent study and provide insights into climate change caused by rising mountains.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of South American Earth Sciences·DateDec 29, 2015

Plain packaging effective in reducing misperceptions of tobacco products among Australian Indigenous

A study found that plain packaging decreased overall perceptions of healthier tobacco brands by 12%, as well as reduced prestige perceptions among young Indigenous smokers. The findings support the effectiveness of health warnings in reducing global tobacco use, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateDec 29, 2015
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.

NASA looks at deadly weather over the US

The NASA GPM mission analyzed extreme weather in the US from December 2015, detecting heavy rainfall, tornado outbreaks, and record-breaking flooding. The analysis revealed a line of tornadic thunderstorms moving through the Midwest, generating two tornadoes and 14 deaths.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 29, 2015

PRO as a sustainable energy production system is crippled by biofouling

Pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) technology is not feasible due to biofouling, which clogs membrane structures and feed channels. Researchers found that organic matter and bacteria in wastewater streams result in extreme biofouling development.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 29, 2015
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.

Physicists come up with a way to make cleaner fuel cells

Researchers have created a new type of membrane that can efficiently convert chemical reactions into electrical current, potentially revolutionizing the fuel cell industry. The development has the potential to replace internal combustion engines and reduce harmful emissions.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 29, 2015

Improving accuracy in genomic mapping with time-series data

Scientists at the University of Minnesota and BioNano Genomics have developed a new method to analyze DNA sequences in nanochannels, enabling more accurate genome mapping. By analyzing the probability distributions of DNA barcode label separations, researchers can identify structural oddities and improve the accuracy of genome maps.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateDec 29, 2015

Technology aids kidney transplant patients

A study using mobile health technology has shown that patients taking kidney transplants can improve their medication adherence and blood pressure levels, leading to better patient outcomes. The innovative approach aims to reduce premature graft loss by providing personalized computer-automated monitoring systems.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateDec 29, 2015

Thermal microscopy of single cells

A team of researchers developed a new imaging approach that provides images of a single cell with micrometer resolution using a contrast based on the cell's thermal properties. This technique allows for unprecedented sensitivity in detecting diseased conditions at the sub-cell scale and may aid in optimizing cryopreservation processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 29, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Clinical research experts comment on the state of their fields

Clinical research experts discuss various topics, including the impact of personalized genomic data on healthcare systems, strategies to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, and population approaches to reduce diabetes incidence. They also highlight the need for improved cancer diagnosis and treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 29, 2015