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Science News Archive 2015


Page 108 of 402

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.

Brain FM: Purkinje cells sing different tunes

Researchers at NCBS discovered that Purkinje cells have two modes of electrical signaling based on voltage: a constant 'up' state and a burst-like 'down' state. This allows the cells to choose whether to respond to instructions or not, and the study suggests that this mechanism may play a role in motor learning.

Satellite view of remnants of post-Tropical Cyclone Niala

The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Niala were captured in a NASA infrared satellite image taken on September 29, 2015. The storm had ceased to qualify as a tropical cyclone by the time it was located approximately 405 miles south of Honolulu, Hawaii and moving west-northwest.

Scientists control rats' senses of familiarity, novelty

Researchers at Brown University used optogenetics to manipulate the brain's perception of novelty and familiarity in rats. They found that different frequencies of light stimulation could alter the rats' behavior, with 30-40 hertz inducing a sense of novelty and 10-15 hertz inducing a sense of familiarity.

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.

New water-tracing technology to help protect groundwater

Researchers used new water-tracing technology to determine how groundwater moves in the Sydney Basin, identifying four distinctive layers of rock that control groundwater movement. The study provides a baseline for assessing future impacts from mining operations, climate change, and groundwater abstraction.

New irrigation strategies for pecans in humid climates

Researchers found that a reduced early season irrigation schedule improves water efficiency in Georgia's humid climate while maintaining pecan tree health. The study showed a 38% reduction in irrigation water use with no significant impact on pecan quality or yield.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA's GPM analyzes rainfall in Tropical Storm Marty

Tropical Storm Marty is being closely monitored by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, which has detected substantial areas of rain on the eastern half of the storm. Heavy rainfall is expected to be a major threat to residents in western Mexico, with estimated amounts ranging from 2-12 inches.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Tools for illuminating brain function make their own light

Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech have developed inhibitory luminopsins that can modulate neuronal firing in culture and in vivo, enabling the study of ways to halt or prevent seizure activity. The tools use a glowing protein from coral as a light source, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional optogenetics.

Researchers create first entropy-stabilized complex oxide alloys

North Carolina State University researchers created an entropy-stabilized material made up of five different oxides in roughly equal amounts. The constituent atoms were evenly distributed and their placement in the crystalline lattice structure was random, proving that entropy can stabilize complex oxide alloys.

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.

Reducing our own pain is also reducing empathy for pain in others

Researchers found that manipulating self-experienced pain affects empathy for pain in others through the endogenous opioid system. The study suggests empathy relies on simulation and is grounded in our own experiences, which may explain why feelings of others can affect us so immediately.

Nanomachines: Pirouetting in the spotlight

Researchers have created a new class of molecular motors that rotate unidirectionally at speeds of up to 1 kHz when exposed to sunlight at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the development of more versatile and precise nanomachines with unprecedented control over mechanical motion.

Study examines impact of global food consumption on heart disease

A State-of-the-Art review examines the impact of global food consumption on cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for dietary patterns that reduce risk. The traditional Mediterranean diet is identified as an optimal choice, with suggestions to recreate it in other regions using similar food replacements.

New research into completers and non-completers of offending behavior programs

A University of Leicester study found that high-risk and impulsive offenders require extra support to complete rehabilitation programs, with non-completers exhibiting higher levels of non-planning impulsivity. The research suggests that these offenders may benefit from additional pre-programme work or ongoing support during the program.

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.

Smoking increases hospitalizations, costs of peripheral artery disease

A study by researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School found that health care costs in one year were $18,000 higher in smokers with peripheral artery disease than non-smokers. Hospitalization rates among tobacco users with PAD were also significantly higher, at 49% within one year.

How sign language users learn intonation

Native ASL signers acquire intonation in three stages: appearance, reorganization, and mastery. Young signers use certain features with different frequencies than adults.

Universal TB screening of immigrants to Canada costly, inefficient

Research suggests that universal TB screening of immigrants to Canada is costly and inefficient, with most cases detected from a small number of high-risk countries. The study recommends targeting screening on immigrants from countries with high TB rates, rather than universally.

How ocean circulation changed atmospheric CO2

Research found that changes in ocean circulation due to Antarctica's temperature had a profound impact on the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere. When temperatures dropped, nutrient-rich waters rose closer to the Antarctic continent, allowing phytoplankton to thrive and absorb more CO2.

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.

Connecting Alzheimer's disease and the immune system

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have found a link between genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and key immune cells, paving the way for new diagnostic tools and treatments. The study suggests that higher levels of TREM2 may be associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Men more likely to be seen as 'creative thinkers'

Research finds that men are associated with creativity and innovative thinking in the workplace, while women's achievements are often undervalued. This bias is perpetuated by stereotypes and can impact career advancement and recognition.

Computer-aided mammography detection not associated with improved accuracy

A large study found that computer-aided detection (CAD) for mammography did not improve diagnostic accuracy in radiologists' interpretations. Despite increased use and FDA approval, CAD's effectiveness was not supported by the results, leading to calls for reduced reimbursement or reconsideration of its continued coverage.

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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Marty along west coast of Mexico

Tropical Storm Marty is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds along the Mexican west coast, posing a threat of flooding and mudslides. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph, with higher gusts and estimated central pressure at 990 millibars.

NIH invests $46 million in technologies to monitor placental health

The NIH has announced a significant investment in research technology to better understand the placenta's function during pregnancy. This initiative aims to identify problems with the placenta earlier, enabling physicians to intervene more quickly and improve pregnancy outcomes.

New drug improves outcome in treatment resistant kidney cancer

A new clinical trial has found that cabozantinib, a second-line therapy, controls the growth of advanced kidney cancer more effectively than everolimus. The results show improved progression-free survival and lower tumor growth rates, indicating potential for prolonged survival.

Study: Ancestral background can be determined by fingerprints

A study found that fingerprint characteristics can identify an individual's ancestral background, with significant differences between European American and African American ancestry. Researchers analyzed right index-finger fingerprints of 243 individuals from diverse backgrounds to determine if patterns were specific to sex or ancestry.

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.

Novel tag developed for squid, jellyfish

Researchers developed a novel data-logging tag called ITAG to study small invertebrates' behaviors and physiology. The tag measures ocean conditions and animal responses at high resolution, providing valuable insights into their natural behaviors and adaptations.

Identifying problems with national identifiers

Researchers from Harvard University found that Resident Registration Numbers in South Korea can be easily decrypted using computation and logical reasoning. The study reveals vulnerabilities in the encoding system, compromising individual privacy and urging a more robust redesign.

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.

Scientists use microchip approach to visualize human breast cancer proteins

Scientists have developed a new toolkit to examine the BRCA1 protein and its associated parts in near-native environments. This allows for direct visualization of macromolecular regulatory complexes in human patient-derived cancer cells, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer.

Legal drinking age of 18 tied to high school dropout rate

A new study found that lowering the minimum drinking age to 18 in the US was associated with a rise in high school dropout rates. The research suggests that this policy change may have disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, including minority students. The study's lead author notes that state policies on drinking ages were ofte...

ACP: Not all patients need imaging for suspected PE

For patients with low pre-test probability of PE, applying PERC rule should guide diagnostic strategy. Imaging and testing can be reserved for those with high pre-test probability or contraindications to CT pulmonary angiography.

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.

NYC risks future flooding during hurricanes

Researchers found that the return period for a storm producing a surge of 2.81 meters or greater has been reduced from 3,000 years to just 130 years since human-caused climate change began. This increase in storm surges is attributed to rising sea levels and more intense tropical storms.

Active senior travelers have different approaches to technology

A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that active senior travelers can be divided into three groups: Adventurous Experimenters, Meticulous Researchers, and Fumbling Observers. The use of technology is closely linked to travel behavior, and each group has unique preferences for destination choice and information technology ...

Monkeys and humans see visual illusions in similar way, study finds

Researchers found that monkeys and humans perceive the Delboeuf illusion in a similar way, with both species misjudging dot size depending on outer ring size. This suggests that primates share similarities in their perceptual systems, making them an appropriate model for studying human perception.

NASA satellites dissect Typhoon Dujuan affecting Taiwan

Typhoon Dujuan approached Taiwan with sustained winds near 100 mph and cloud top temperatures of -81F, generating heavy rainfall. NASA satellites provided detailed data on the storm's clouds and winds, helping forecasters track its movement and expected landfall in southeastern China.

Preventing cerebral palsy in preterm infants through dermal monitoring

Researchers at Kobe University have developed a painless dermal monitoring method to detect neonatal jaundice in preterm infants. The study identified the optimal skin area for monitoring, allowing for continuous long-term tracking of bilirubin levels and reducing cases of cerebral palsy and hearing loss.

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.

Biotechnology: Tweaking proteins with 'Tub-tag'

Researchers develop rapid and efficient method to target protein modification, enabling precise attachment of synthetic molecules. This technique has potential applications in antibody-drug conjugates for tumor therapy, outperforming existing methods.

Scientists decode structure at root of muscular disease

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have successfully mapped the structural details of leiomodin 2, a protein critical to muscle cell function. The discovery offers a path forward for studying and treating nemaline myopathy, a hereditary disorder that weakens muscles.

King crabs threaten Antarctic ecosystem due to warming ocean

Researchers found no barriers to prevent king crab populations from arriving on the shallow continental shelf if the water becomes warm enough. The arrival of these crustaceans could radically alter the ecosystem and diminish marine biodiversity globally.

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.

Flu infection reveals many paths to immune response

A recent animal study broadens understanding of the flu virus's impact on the immune system, revealing a more dynamic process that engages multiple biological pathways. This research may lead to the development of more effective vaccines against influenza and other viruses.