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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 118


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Chronic diseases may increase risk of dementia

A study of 2176 cognitively normal participants found that those with multiple chronic conditions were 38% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Preventing chronic diseases may help maintain mental health in aging adults.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 21, 2015

Experiment confirms fundamental symmetry in nature

The ALICE experiment confirms a fundamental symmetry between nuclei and antinuclei in terms of charge, parity and time. The measurements were made possible by the ALICE experiment's high-precision tracking and identification capabilities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 21, 2015

Genetic link between being tall and being slim, study shows

A study of nearly 10,000 people from 14 European countries found a strong correlation between genes that increase height and those that produce reduced body mass index. This discovery could help explain why people from northern Europe are often taller and slimmer than others.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blue crabs more tolerant of low oxygen than previously thought

New study reveals blue crabs can survive at oxygen levels as low as 1.3mg/L, contrary to previous findings. Rising water temperatures exacerbate the effects of hypoxia on blue crabs, threatening their populations and management.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateSep 21, 2015

Van Andel Research Institute, University of Toledo find way to combat brain cancer

Scientists at Van Andel Research Institute and University of Toledo have discovered a way to stop the spread of glioblastoma multiforme by activating a family of proteins. This innovative approach may lead to a novel treatment for this deadly brain cancer, which affects 22,000 people in the US each year.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateSep 21, 2015

As polar ice melts, seabed life is working against climate change

A recent study reveals that life on the seafloor in Antarctica is acting as an important carbon sink, absorbing nearly 2.9 ? 106 tons of carbon per year. This discovery suggests a new and unexpected way to combat climate change, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 50,000 hectares of tropical rainforest.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 21, 2015

Obamacare saps enthusiasm for government health-care spending

A Johns Hopkins University study found that Obamacare led to a decline in support for government health-care spending among Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Before the law's passage, about two-thirds of independents and Republicans supported increased health spending, but this dropped significantly after its enactment.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalSociological Science·DateSep 21, 2015

Pushing the limits of lensless imaging

Scientists from Friedrich Schiller University Jena have created a custom-built ultrafast laser that can produce extremely high-resolution images of materials in real time. By using extreme ultraviolet light streaming at a 100,000 times per second, the researchers achieved an image resolution of 26 nanometers, surpassing previous limits.

SourceOptica·DateSep 21, 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.

Identifying the 'dimmer switch' of diabetes

A study by University of Alberta researchers discovered a new molecular pathway that manages insulin production, offering hope for restoring the 'dimmer switch' in Type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that this pathway can be revived to control insulin secretion from islet cells.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 21, 2015

GPM sees powerful storms within Tropical Storm Ida

The GPM mission satellite detected extremely high-altitude thunderstorms and heavy rainfall within Tropical Storm Ida. The storm's powerful convective storms reached altitudes above 17 km, indicating potential intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 21, 2015

'SafePay': First anti-fraud system to use existing credit card readers

Researchers at Lehigh University have developed an inexpensive and secure method to prevent mass credit card fraud using existing magnetic card readers. The SafePay system transforms disposable credit card information into electrical current and simulates a physical magnetic card, making it backward compatible with existing readers.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

Emissions from melting permafrost could cost $43 trillion

The study predicts that increased greenhouse gas emissions from thawing permafrost will result in significant economic losses. Researchers estimate that the total predicted impact of climate change by 2200 could be as high as $369 trillion, with $43 trillion in additional damage expected by end of century.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 21, 2015

UCLA physicists determine 3-D positions of individual atoms for the first time

Scientists at UCLA used a microscope to image the 3D positions of individual atoms with precision of 19 trillionths of a meter. This breakthrough enables researchers to infer macroscopic material properties from atomic arrangements, guiding the development of aircraft components and other applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Insects passed 'the Turing Test'

Russian scientists confirm Turing reaction-diffusion model's predictions in insect corneas, revealing four main morphological patterns and their universal presence among arthropods. The findings demonstrate a promising future for designing artificial antireflective nanosurfaces.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015

Selectively logged Amazon forests play important role in climate

Researchers found that sustainably logged tropical Amazonian forests can recover their carbon stocks within a cutting cycle of 20 to 30 years. The study suggests that the time to recover initial carbon stocks depends almost exclusively on logging intensity, providing useful insights for forest managers and policy makers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 21, 2015

Alzheimer's drug could prevent bone fractures

Researchers found that the Alzheimer's drug donepezil increases bone mass in mice by preventing osteoclasts from being made, reducing the risk of bone fractures. The study suggests that treating Alzheimer's disease with donepezil may also be beneficial for patients with osteoporosis.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateSep 21, 2015

Astronomers identify a new mid-size black hole

A team of astronomers at the University of Maryland and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has found evidence for a new intermediate-mass black hole about 5,000 times the mass of the sun. The discovery adds to the list of potential medium-sized black holes and strengthens the case for their existence.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 21, 2015
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Pioneer ACO program sees modest reduction in low-value services

The Medicare Pioneer ACO program saw a modest reduction of 0.8 low-value services per 100 beneficiaries, with a 1.9% decrease in service quantity and a 4.5% reduction in spending on these services. Organizations providing more low-value care saw greater reductions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 21, 2015

Acoustic imaging with outline detection

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new type of acoustic imaging device that extracts contour information during measurement, creating detailed outline images of objects. The method uses evanescent waves and is useful for quickly recording relevant information about objects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 21, 2015

How mercury contamination affects reptiles in the Amazon basin

Researchers found high mercury levels in Amazonian reptiles, with liver concentrations above recommended limits for pregnant women and children. The study suggests using reptiles as indicators of environmental mercury concentrations, shedding light on the region's mercury cycling.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateSep 21, 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.

Secret unlocked to rice seed survival when underwater

A team of scientists identified the AG1 gene, which helps seeds survive under flooded conditions by efficiently moving energy reserves. This finding has implications for direct seeding, a method that allows seeds to be sown directly into fields without pre-germination.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 21, 2015

Public health must be top priority if cannabis is legalized in Canada

If Canada legalizes cannabis, public health must be the top priority to prevent commercialization and potential harms. Experts argue that policy-makers should draw from research on tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis to create a regulatory framework that maximizes benefits and minimizes harm.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 21, 2015

Study: It's not cheating unless a species gets hurt

A review of dozens of ecological studies found little proof of cheating among cooperating species, challenging a commonly held belief. The study's authors provided a scientific definition of cheating that ecologists can use to determine whether one species is cheating its mutualist partner.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 21, 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.

Exercise reduces suicide attempts by 23 percent among bullied teens

A new study finds that regular exercise significantly reduces both suicidal thoughts and attempts among students who are bullied. Being physically active four or more days per week resulted in a 23 percent reduction in suicidal ideation and attempts in bullied students. Exercise is also associated with significant reductions in sadness.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 21, 2015

Eye-tracking glasses reveal the learning process

Researchers developed a method to measure cognitive load in medical assessments using eye-tracking glasses. Novices expend more mental effort than experts when answering medical questions, even when the answers are correct.

SourceQueen's University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

Task force releases recommendations for smoking cessation

The American College of Physicians task force recommends counseling and pharmaceutical interventions to help adults and pregnant women quit smoking. Behavioral therapy or medications with FDA approval are recommended for nonpregnant adults, while pregnant women receive only behavioral interventions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 21, 2015

Proteins assemble and disassemble on command

Researchers at Duke University have deciphered the genetic code that instructs proteins to assemble or disassemble in response to environmental stimuli. This discovery provides a new platform for designer proteins and investigations into nanotechnology, biotechnology, and medical treatments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 2015

Printing lightweight, flexible, and functional materials

Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created a new multimaterial printhead that enables the simultaneous control of composition and geometry during printing, paving the way for entirely 3D-printed wearable devices, soft robots, and electronics.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

Five ways individualized medicine is impacting health care

Individualized medicine is revolutionizing patient care through precision diagnostics, such as preventing drug-related adverse effects and identifying disease susceptibility. Whole exome sequencing is also offering new diagnoses for patients with undiagnosed diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateSep 21, 2015

Unemployment takes its toll on young people's mental health

A study of over 2,000 British young people found that those not in education, employment or training (NEET) were more likely to experience mental health problems and substance abuse disorders. However, when interviewed, NEET youths reported higher levels of commitment to work and job searching behaviors compared to their non-NEET peers.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateSep 21, 2015

Stanford team re-engineers virus to deliver therapies to cells

A Stanford team re-engineered a virus to create a smart particle that can deliver therapeutic payloads to specific cells. By adding molecular tags, the particles can target diseased areas while leaving healthy tissue alone.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 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.

DNA sequencing improved by slowing down

EPFL scientists have developed a method that improves the accuracy of DNA sequencing up to a thousand times by slowing down the process using nanopores and viscous liquids. This breakthrough paves the way for better and cheaper DNA sequencing, enabling scientists to detect mutations and identify different organisms with greater precision.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 21, 2015

Atomic fractals in metallic glasses

Scientists have discovered a fractal pattern at the atomic level in metallic glasses, contradicting previous assumptions about empty space. This finding enables the study of material properties and has implications for fields like mathematics, physics, and computer science.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2015

How a frog's molecules 'leaped,' and 'crawled,' to evolve violet vision

The African clawed frog's evolution to violet vision involved rapid and controlled molecular changes, with five classes of opsin genes playing a crucial role. The study identified 12 mutations, including site 113, which shifted from glutamic acid to aspartic acid, leading to the frog's unique visual adaptation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

Study looks at whether daily limb compressions reduce dementia

Researchers investigate remote conditioning, a technique that uses blood pressure cuffs to restrict blood flow to limbs and activate natural protective mechanisms in the brain, potentially reducing dementia symptoms. The approach has shown promise in improving white matter health and may help prevent dementia.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 21, 2015

Risk of stroke at time of carotid occlusion

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis are not significantly harmed by medical therapy and may even benefit from more intensive treatment. The study's findings suggest that preventing carotid occlusion may not be a valid indication for stenting or endarterectomy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 21, 2015

Study: Fukushima disaster was preventable

The study found that critical backup generators were built in low-lying areas at risk for tsunami damage despite warnings from scientists. The researchers identified arrogance, ignorance, design flaws, and regulatory failures as key factors leading to the disaster.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateSep 21, 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.

Study examines gun control policies and effect on youth gun carrying

A study found that more restrictive gun laws were associated with lower rates of youth gun carrying in the US. The analysis of state-level gun law scores and adult gun ownership levels revealed a 10-point increase in gun law score was linked to 9% lower odds of youth gun carrying.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 21, 2015

Mice exposed to environmental chemicals may show decreased physical activity in offspring

A University of Missouri study found that female mice exposed to endocrine disruptors like BPA and EE showed decreased physical activity in their daughters, which can predispose them to obesity and other metabolic disorders. The chemicals can affect metabolism, energy expenditure, and voluntary exercise patterns.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease·DateSep 21, 2015

Reduced conflict-related brain activity may indicate risk for psychosis

A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found lower conflict-related brain activity in adolescents at high risk for psychosis, indicating a potential predictor of psychotic disorders. The researchers used fMRI scans to measure cognitive flexibility and detected reduced activation in key brain regions.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateSep 21, 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.

Study: Social responsibility promotes conservative risk behavior

A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that social responsibility leads to more conservative risk behavior in group decision-making. This means individuals become more cautious when making decisions that affect others, as they consider the potential impact on their reputation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateSep 21, 2015