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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 121


Page 121 of 402

Apes know a good thriller when they see one

Researchers found that great apes can remember and anticipate memorable events from a single viewing of a movie, using anticipatory looks to track impending events. The study used eye-tracking technology to test the apes' ability to recall and anticipate events in two different films.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 17, 2015

Study of leukemias in children living close to heavily used roads

Researchers found a 30% increased risk of myeloblastic leukemia in children living within 150m of heavily used roads with combined road lengths over 260m. However, no association was observed for the more common lymphoblastic type of leukemia.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 17, 2015
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.

Seen once, never forgotten

Researchers adapted eye-tracking technology for apes, showing they could recall video clips after a 24-hour delay and anticipate what came next. The study suggests great apes can use their memories to avoid danger, interact socially, and navigate complex environments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 17, 2015

Dynamic braces for kids with scoliosis now in development

A team of experts is working on developing a dynamic spine brace that can modulate corrective forces while allowing users to perform everyday activities. The new design aims to improve the quality of life for children with scoliosis, which affects 2-3% of adolescents each year.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateSep 17, 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.

Global consortium rewrites the 'cartography' of dengue virus

Researchers found significant antigenic difference within each dengue serotype, suggesting individuals infected with one type may not be protected against different strains. The study's findings have implications for vaccine design and understanding of the virus's evolution.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2015

'Being Sigmund Freud'

Researchers used immersive virtual reality to explore the effect of embodiment on thought processes. The results show that embodying a trusted authority figure, such as Sigmund Freud, leads to more effective self-advice and improved problem-solving skills.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 17, 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.

Romidepsin can reverse HIV latency in patients on long-term ART

A clinical trial of romidepsin, an HDAC inhibitor, found that it can reverse HIV latency in individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy. The treatment did not negatively affect T-cell function, and increased plasma HIV-1 RNA was detectable in five of six participants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 17, 2015

Vaccine clears some precancerous cervical lesions in clinical trial

In a clinical trial, a genetically engineered vaccine successfully eradicated high-grade precancerous cervical lesions in 48.2% of women who received the vaccine, compared to 30% of those who received saline injections. The vaccine also cleared the virus from the cervixes of 56 women, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 17, 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.

Small rural owl fearlessly colonizes the city

Researchers found that burrowing owls colonizing cities exhibit the same levels of stress as rural populations, suggesting a high tolerance to human disturbances. Urban individuals with intermediate levels of corticosterone hormone have better survival rates.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 17, 2015

NASA sees Marianas Islands at 5 o'clock within Typhoon Krovanh

NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of Typhoon Krovanh on September 17, 2015, showing the storm's southeastern quadrant with the Marianas Islands resembling five o'clock in the sky. The typhoon had intensified into a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds near 95 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 17, 2015

Making 3-D objects disappear

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have devised an ultra-thin invisibility 'skin' cloak that can conform to the shape of an object and conceal it from detection with visible light. The cloak, made of gold nanoantennas, reroutes reflected light waves to render the object invisible to optical detection.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists: Let wildfires burn when prudent

Researchers propose using prescribed fires, mechanical thinning, and less suppression of wildfires in specific conditions to restore resilient forests. This approach could reduce catastrophic fires and their costly consequences.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2015

Study shows racial disparities in environmental health hazards

A recent study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that neighborhoods with higher percentages of Hispanic and African American residents had poorer air quality and closer proximity to hazardous waste sites. The study reveals stark racial disparities in environmental health hazards across California communities.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 17, 2015

NOAA's Marine Debris Program funds 13 new community-based removal projects

The NOAA Marine Debris Program has funded 13 new community-based removal projects, distributing nearly $1.4 million to remove large debris such as derelict vessels and abandoned fishing gear from shorelines and coastal waters. The projects also focus on prevention initiatives and raise local awareness about marine debris.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateSep 17, 2015

Maternal chronic stress linked to more dental cavities in children

A study by King's College London and University of Washington found that maternal chronic stress is associated with a higher prevalence of dental cavities among children. The study also found that mothers who did not breastfeed their children were more likely to have them develop cavities.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 17, 2015

How the chameleon climbed to the top of the tree

Researchers discovered that chameleons have twice the number of wrist and ankle skeletal elements than previously thought, enabling greater rotation and flexibility. This adaptation allowed species to leave ground cover and occupy trees, revolutionizing their climbing ability.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 17, 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.

Down syndrome research untangles therapeutic possibilities for Alzheimer's

A study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has confirmed the pathogenic role of beta amyloid in dementia, both in Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that people with Down syndrome develop abnormal protein at twice the rate, providing insights into how Alzheimer's naturally progresses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateSep 17, 2015

NASA's GPM analyzes Tropical Depression 9 rainfall

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission core satellite collected data on TD9's rainfall, revealing intense rain rates of 58.2 mm/hour and towering thunderstorms up to 14.9 km high. Tropical Depression Nine is expected to degenerate into a remnant low pressure area by Saturday, September 19.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 17, 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.

Closer look reveals true cost of coal

The true cost of coal usage is higher than expected due to government subsidies and environmental side effects, argues Ottmar Edenhofer. These subsidies not only divert funds away from other important uses but also discourage investments in low-carbon alternatives.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2015

Northwestern receives $5 million for nanoscale research

Northwestern University has received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a national resource for nanotechnology facilities and expertise. The Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource provides integrated capabilities for researchers, including small businesses and industry users.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateSep 17, 2015

A look into why the horrifying is so very intriguing

The TV show 'Freak Show' forces audiences to confront intellectual fears about difference, diversity and change, from voyeuristic appeal to reflection on who might be the 'real' freak. The series explores what it means to be 'abnormal' or an anomaly, challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateSep 17, 2015
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.

A barrier against brain stem cell aging

Scientists at the University of Zurich discovered a novel mechanism that helps neural stem cells resist aging-induced damage. A diffusion barrier in the endoplasmic reticulum regulates the sorting of damaged proteins, allowing for rejuvenation and longer lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2015

Laser ablation boosts terahertz emission

Researchers at OIST have developed a method to increase efficiency of THz emission in gallium arsenide-based devices using femtosecond-laser-ablation. This technique improves the material's properties, leading to near 100% photon absorption and broader absorption bandwidth.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalOptics Letters·DateSep 17, 2015

Sure as the wind blows

A recent study published in Renewable Energy predicts that the Midwest region will experience a 2% increase in wind energy density by 2038-2070 due to climate change. This is expected to provide additional power for residents, with some counties projected to gain enough energy to run multiple appliances continuously.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalRenewable Energy·DateSep 17, 2015

When Fed locks up funds, small businesses suffer

New research from Binghamton University reveals that federal accounting rules can lock up funds for small banks, particularly hurting their customers. This limits access to lending resources, such as commercial paper and exotics, for small businesses with greater growth potential.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateSep 17, 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.

Now you see it: An ultra-thin invisibility cloak

Scientists have developed a new ultra-thin invisibility cloak that can render small objects undetectable by rerouting incoming light waves. The cloak is designed with a reflective metasurface and light-scattering antennae, allowing it to conceal objects with sharp edges and peaks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2015

Human genes adapted to life in the Arctic

Researchers discovered genetic adaptations in Greenlanders that allow them to thrive in extreme environments, including changes related to fat synthesis and a mutation affecting height. The study highlights the importance of studying small and historically isolated populations like the Inuit.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2015

New prostate cancer screening review article advocates for active surveillance

Active surveillance can reduce overtreatment by almost 50 percent at 15 years, according to a new review article. The approach involves monitoring and testing patients with regular intervals, rather than immediate treatment. The authors found that this strategy can balance the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment in prostate cancer.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalSurgical Clinics of North America·DateSep 17, 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.

Can DNA evidence fill gaps in our history books?

Researchers used DNA to reconstruct past events that brought European populations together, shedding light on the lives of 'regular people.' The study found evidence of multiple migrations, including from Central Asia to Europe and from West Africa to the Mediterranean.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 17, 2015

Molecular imaging study reveals improved detection of early recurrent prostate cancer

A new imaging agent, Ga-68 PSMA, significantly improved detection of early recurrent prostate cancer in a study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. The agent was found to detect sites of possible recurrence in 50% of patients with low PSA levels, compared to only 12.5% for another widely used agent.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 17, 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.

New catalyst yields more accurate PSA test

A new catalyst developed by Michigan Technological University researchers has improved the sensitivity of the PSA test for prostate cancer detection. The palladium-iridium catalyst is 110 times more sensitive than traditional peroxidase-based tests, reducing false negatives and potentially delaying treatment.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 16, 2015

Counting underwater vital for marine conservation

The study found regions with high multi-species genetic diversity could be included in marine reserve design to help species adapt to climate change. Understanding patterns within species is also key to understanding how species form and evolve.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 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.

The influence of citizen science grows despite some resistance

The influence of citizen science is growing, with some states actively encouraging local residents' participation in environmental monitoring. However, not all states share this enthusiasm, with laws limiting or prohibiting citizen scientists from collecting data near agricultural sites.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 16, 2015

New approach to mammograms could improve reliability

Researchers developed a new method using gold nanoparticles to enhance mammogram imaging, improving the detection of early signs of breast cancer. The technique boosts contrast and makes microcalcifications brighter on X-rays, potentially leading to more reliable diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 16, 2015
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.

Uniquely human brain region enables punishment decisions

A recent study revealed that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) integrates information about a suspect's blameworthiness and harm to others, enabling humans to decide on appropriate punishment levels. The DLPFC is specialized for integrating multiple streams of information to select responses.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 16, 2015

Penn team pinpoints immune changes in blood of melanoma patients on PD-1 drugs

A simple blood test can detect early markers of reinvigorated T cells and track immune responses in metastatic melanoma patients after initial treatment with pembrolizumab. The study found increased levels of proteins characteristic of reinvigoration in CD8+ T cells, suggesting a potential biomarker to predict patient response.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateSep 16, 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.