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Science News Archive 2015


Page 119 of 402

Targeting DNA

A modular system of proteins can detect a specific DNA sequence in a cell and trigger a response, such as cell death. The system can be customized to detect any DNA sequence and trigger a desired response, including killing cancer cells or cells infected with a virus.

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.

Laser pulses for ultrahigh molecular sensitivity, in Nature Photonics

Researchers at ICFO have developed a new light source that detects minute changes in spectral features, ideal for identifying DNA mutations and cellular malfunctions. The mid-wave infrared range is crucial for resonantly exciting molecular vibrations, leaving fingerprints in the spectrum for identification.

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.

El Niño and La Niña will exacerbate coastal hazards across Pacific

A multi-agency study found that severe El Niño and La Niña events will cause an increase in storm events leading to extreme coastal flooding and erosion across the Pacific. The research analyzed data from 48 beaches across three continents, suggesting the predicted increase will exacerbate coastal erosion irrespective of sea level rise.

Malaria: Multi-drug resistance more alarming than ever

Researchers have found that parasites resistant to artemisinin-based therapies can also resist other antimalarial drugs, making combination therapies less effective. This new multi-drug resistance is a serious threat to malaria treatments in Southeast Asia.

Connecting phytobiomes with soil and plant health symposium planned

The upcoming Connecting Phytobiomes with Soil and Plant Health symposium aims to understand the interactions between plants and soils as they relate to crops, agronomy, and entomology. This research focuses on the importance of the microbiome in enhancing soil and water sustainability.

ACO model associated with reduction in use of low-value services

A new study found that a Medicare payment model reduced the number of low-value services used by patients, with a 4.5% reduction in spending on these services. Providers targeted low-value services to lower spending, and those who previously used more of these services saw the greatest reductions.

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.

Stem cell-derived 'organoids' help predict neural toxicity

A team of scientists developed a new system using stem cells to model features of the developing human brain that could be targeted by toxic chemicals or drugs. The approach, described in PNAS, uses machine learning to build a predictive model from RNA sequencing data collected from neural tissue constructs exposed to different chemicals.

Childhood kidney stones associated with atherosclerosis, study shows

A recent study identified a significant association between childhood kidney stones and thickened arteries, a precursor to cardiovascular diseases. The research found that children with kidney stones showed increased thickness of key arteries, potentially leading to future cardiovascular complications.

Earliest evidence of ancient North American salmon fishing verified

Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks discovered 11,500-year-old chum salmon bones indicating Ice Age humans in North America used salmon as a food source. The findings suggest ancient Beringian diets were broader and human colonization of North America may have been influenced by salmon fishing.

A*STAR scientists reveal how stem cells defend against viruses

Researchers from IMCB identified 303 genes linked to proviral silencing, revealing coordinated mechanisms involving multiple cellular pathways. The study found that Chaf1a and Sumo2 are the key factors controlling this process, with potential implications for stem cell therapy and disease diagnosis.

Finafloxacin for the treatment of urinary tract infections

A phase 2 clinical study shows finafloxacin was more effective than ciprofloxacin in treating complicated urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis. Finafloxacin demonstrated rapid antimicrobial activity against resistant pathogens, including ESBL-producing bacteria.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Into the mix: Harnessing the energy when freshwater meets the sea

A new study explores the potential of Pressure Retarded Osmosis technology to extract energy from salinity gradients in Australian waters. The research suggests that brine, rejected during desalination, can be used as a source of osmotic energy, offering a carbon emission-free alternative to fossil fuels.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

DNA sequencing to improve treatment of urinary infections

Researchers developed a DNA sequencing device that can detect bacteria and antibiotic resistance in urine samples four times faster than traditional methods. The new method allows for quicker treatment and better stewardship of diminishing antibiotic reserves.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A new understanding of dengue virus

Researchers mapped antigenic differences in dengue virus strains, finding overlap among previously thought distinct groups. The findings suggest a continuum rather than separate groups, making vaccine development harder.

'Living fossil' genome decoded

Scientists from OIST and Nagoya University have decoded the first lingulid brachiopod genome, showing that despite being referred to as 'living fossils', these animals are actively evolving. The study highlights significant changes in genomic structure and gene families, contradicting the idea of a genuine living fossil.

Unexpected role for the IKK complex in protecting cells from death

The IKK complex plays an unexpected role in protecting cells from death by inactivating RIPK1. This discovery reveals a new mechanism of action for the IKK complex beyond its well-known NF-kB-dependent functions, providing potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory conditions.

Captain Trevor Greene partners with SFU to walk again

Trevor Greene, a former Canadian soldier who survived a debilitating brain injury in Afghanistan, has recovered his ability to walk again with the help of a customized exoskeleton. Dr. Ryan D'Arcy's research team discovered that physical functions can be recovered through rehabilitation even six years after an injury.

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.

Repairing the brain

Research led by Duke-NUS scientists has linked abnormal behavior of BDNF and DTNBP1 genes to the underlying cause of schizophrenia. By understanding how these genes interact, researchers have identified potential treatments that could rescue signalling balance in the brain, offering new hope for schizophrenia patients.

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.

TSRI study identifies novel role of mitochondria in immune function

A recent study by TSRI researchers has uncovered a novel pathway between the cell's powerhouses (mitochondria) and the immune system. RIPK3, an enzyme involved in cell death, relays signals between mitochondria and NKT cells, regulating both cancer and inflammatory responses.

Beetroot juice improves sprinting and decision-making during exercise

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that high nitrate beetroot juice improved both sprint performance and decision-making during prolonged intermittent exercise. The study showed a 3.5% increase in sprint performance and a 3% improvement in decision speed for athletes consuming the nitrate-rich version.

A new analysis and approach to watershed management

Researchers at UMass Amherst propose a multivariate simulation approach to assess climate-land use effects on watersheds. The study recommends increased green infrastructure and best management practices to enhance watershed resilience.

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.

AFL, NRL, and cricket promoting alcohol to children

New research from Monash University finds that Australian children and adolescents receive millions of exposures to alcohol advertising during daytime TV viewing of AFL, NRL, and Cricket. The study suggests removing a clause allowing alcohol advertising during daytime in sport could halve children's exposure.

58,046 fruit flies shed light on 100-year old evolutionary question

Researchers found that artificial breeding created extreme wing shape and size relationships in fruit flies, but natural selection corrected these changes within just 15 generations. This study suggests that evolution is constrained by fundamental biological processes, such as developmental links between traits.

Imaging method has potential to stratify head and neck cancer patients

Researchers have identified a potential new way to predict which patients with head and neck cancer may benefit most from chemotherapy. The use of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI scans has shown that tumour blood flow can predict response to treatment, with patients having high blood flow more likely to respond.

Satellite shows Tropical Depression 9 weakening

Tropical Depression 9 is battling strong vertical wind shear and dry air, leading to its weakening. The depression is expected to degenerate into a remnant low pressure area in 24 hours or less due to persistent environmental conditions.

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.

Identifying typical patterns in the progression towards Alzheimer's disease

A recent study by Dr. Sylvie Belleville and her team has identified typical patterns of brain progression towards Alzheimer's disease, revealing a complex path characterized by periods of stability followed by accelerated decline. The study suggests that rapid memory decline is a key indicator of risk, allowing for earlier treatment.

Discovery of a triple barrier that prevents cells from becoming cancerous

UAB researchers discovered a triple mechanism that stops chromosome separation in response to DNA injuries, preventing cancerous transformation. The three control pathways, mediated by genes Wee1, Pds1/securina and Rad53/Chk2, must be eliminated simultaneously for damaged chromosomes to be segregated.

The structural memory of water persists on a picosecond timescale

Scientists have found that local structures in liquid water persist for longer than a picosecond, contradicting the general perception of water as a solvent. This discovery was made using ultrafast vibrational spectroscopies and has significant implications for understanding chemical and biological reactions on Earth.

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.

In-hospital nocturnal dialysis may be good for the heart

A new study suggests that in-hospital nocturnal dialysis may be beneficial for patients' hearts as well as their kidneys. The procedure was found to reduce left ventricular mass by a significant margin after one year, which is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

'Tree of life' for 2.3 million species released

The 'Tree of Life' for 2.3 million species has been released, depicting relationships among living things over time. The collaborative effort combines smaller trees from various sources, with the goal of creating a comprehensive and editable online resource.

One size doesn't fit all

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that patients with metastatic cancer are at high risk of venous thromboembolism after surgery, and a personalized approach to anticoagulation therapy is needed. The study suggests that the primary type of cancer may play a role in determining the risk for blood clots.

Harvesting clues to GMO dilemmas from China's soybean fields

Researchers at Michigan State University found that Chinese farmers are adapting to shrinking domestic soybean fields by planting more profitable crops like corn, but this shift has environmental implications. Meanwhile, pockets of resilience in soybean cultivation suggest potential solutions for China's burgeoning food demand.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

The precision of solar photovoltaic power measurements doubled

The European Commission Joint Research Centre has found that the uncertainty in solar photovoltaic power measurements can be reduced by more than half, allowing for tighter margins and increased accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and faster calibration of secondary reference devices, benefiting both industry and research.

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.

Flowing electrons help ocean microbes gulp methane

Researchers at Caltech found that ocean microbes can consume large amounts of methane using electrons to share energy over long distances. The microbes use a symbiotic relationship to break down methane, which could help mitigate climate change.

Beef vs. bean meals: Both provide similar feeling of fullness

A study published by the Institute of Food Technologists found that a bean-based meal provided a similar feeling of fullness compared to a beef-based meal. The researchers discovered that plant-based proteins with high fiber content may offer similar appetite regulation as animal protein.