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Science News Archive 2015


Page 123 of 402

What happens on the molecular level when smog gets into the lungs?

New research reveals that smog exposure can cause the formation of free radicals in lung proteins, leading to damage, inflammation, and breathing difficulties. The study, conducted in a controlled environment, suggests that ozone reacts with amino acids in lungs, triggering the creation of highly reactive species.

How much water do US fracking operations really use?

US fracking operations consume nearly 250 billion gallons of water between 2005 and 2014, which is lower than other energy-related extraction methods. However, in drought-stricken areas, local water shortages could limit future use of hydraulic fracturing.

How your brain decides blame and punishment -- and how it can be changed

Researchers found that disrupting brain activity in a specific area can change punishment decisions without affecting blame judgments. This study suggests that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex integrates information from other parts of the brain to determine punishment and moral responsibility.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A quantum lab for everyone

The University of Vienna has created a photorealistic online game, called a 'quantum lab', allowing users to virtually access unique instruments and conduct experiments. The virtual laboratory is designed to make modern science accessible to the general public, university students, and high-school students.

Researchers isolate possible ovarian cancer biomarkers

Researchers at NC State University isolated possible ovarian cancer biomarkers using a highly sensitive mass spectrometry analysis. The study found that the level of biomarkers associated with ovarian cancer does not simply increase or decrease over the course of the disease, but can rise and fall during different stages.

UI Health validates cure for sickle cell in adults

Researchers at UI Health have successfully transplanted stem cells from healthy siblings into adult patients with sickle cell disease, achieving a 92% cure rate and eliminating the need for chemotherapy. The procedure offers a new prospect for adults with the disease, who previously had limited treatment options.

Unlocking secrets of how fossils form

Researchers use large-field scanning electron microscopy to analyze a shrimp fossil from Brazil's Araripe Basin, discovering rare fossilization process and fractal characteristic. The study provides new insights into the formation of ancient fossils.

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.

Crime ties are relative in youth offenders' substance abuse

A new study found that family arrest histories and delinquent friends were the best predictors of heavy drinking or long-term marijuana use among youth offenders. The researchers emphasized the importance of training youths to strengthen impulse control and resist peer pressure as part of drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs.

Robots help to map England's only deep-water Marine Conservation Zone

A team of UK scientists has created the first three-dimensional picture of a submarine canyon habitat using marine robotics and ship-based measurements. The expedition used unique robot technology to collect data in hard-to-reach areas, leading to a better understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes.

Report: Cancer remains leading cause of death in US Hispanics

According to a comprehensive report by the American Cancer Society, cancer is the second leading cause of death overall in the US, but it remains the leading cause of death among US Hispanics. Lung cancer is the primary concern, particularly for Hispanic men, who are more likely to die from this disease.

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.

Surgical probe seeks out where cancer ends and healthy tissue begins

A new hand-held probe using optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology has been found to correlate well with traditional pathologists' diagnoses in a clinical study, enabling reliable real-time guidance for surgeons. The device can identify differences between cancer cells and normal tissue with high sensitivity and specificity.

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.

Researchers pursue ideal ingredients for cartilage recipe

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Harvard University are developing a microfactory to produce a formula for joint cartilage. The project aims to identify key cues that steer stem cell behavior towards cartilage production, with the ultimate goal of engineering functional tissue.

Scientists create immunity to deadly parasite by manipulating host's genes

Researchers successfully silenced genes in human cells to induce immunity against the parasitic disease caused by E. histolytica, which affects 50 million people worldwide. The study identified key genes involved in managing potassium flow into and out of human cells, paving the way for new drug targets.

Beet juice boosts muscle power in heart patients

Researchers found that concentrated beet juice increases muscle power in patients with heart failure by up to 13% within two hours, benefiting activities of daily living. The study suggests dietary nitrates may be a valuable strategy for improving quality of life in this population.

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.

Equity gap

A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that women are nearly 13% less likely to be full professors than their male peers with identical age, experience, and research productivity. Despite efforts to increase equity, the proportion of women at this rank has remained unchanged since 1980.

Making a smart material smarter

A team of researchers from Michigan State University has manipulated vanadium dioxide to make it usable in small devices, allowing for smart antennas with tunable properties. This technology could enable applications such as switching between communication bands or precise microsurgery.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The saying 'It never rains but it pours' is truer than ever in Scotland

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters has identified changes in the shape of rainfall across Europe, making it challenging to determine local climate change. In Scotland, researchers found that heavy rainfall days have increased by over 50%, leading to more intense rain events.

New mouse brain map may illuminate origins of mental illnesses

A highly detailed model of mouse brain connections may provide new insights into mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. The study used diffusion MRI scans to create a 3D digital map of the brain's circuitry, exceeding previous resolution by 1,000 times.

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.

ESA/NASA Solar Observatory discovers its 3,000th comet

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory has discovered its 3,000th comet, thanks to a volunteer astronomer in Thailand. This milestone marks a significant achievement for SOHO's comet project, with over 200 comets found annually by citizen scientists.

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.

Forest-mapping instrument for space station passes major milestone

The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) has successfully transitioned to Phase B, paving the way for the deployment of a laser-based instrument on the International Space Station. This mission aims to provide high-resolution measurements of Earth's forest vertical structure, enabling scientists to better understand the globa...

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.

In first, Salk scientists use sound waves to control brain cells

Salk scientists use ultrasonic waves to selectively activate brain, heart, muscle and other cells, offering an alternative to optogenetics for human therapeutics. The technique, dubbed sonogenetics, has the potential to noninvasively reach any tissue of interest in the body.

Research breakthrough in fight against muscle wasting diseases

A new study identifies USP19 as a potential drug target for muscle wasting diseases in cancer patients, improving quality of life and longevity. The research team discovered that inhibiting the USP19 gene could protect against muscle wasting in mice models.

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.

One step closer to a new kind of computer

Researchers found that the sample's resistance changes nonlinearly with an increasing magnetic field, suggesting a liquid-to-gas-like transition. This discovery could lead to the creation of faster and more compact electronics using Mott transition.

The black box at the beginning of life

Researchers at Kyoto University have created a lab-based human germ cell development model, revealing specific key elements and events that occur at the beginning of human life. This breakthrough provides insight into how epigenetic marks are erased during early germ cell development, shedding light on conditions such as infertility.

'Our chairs are killing us,' say researchers

A large study of middle-aged Koreans reveals that both sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity contribute to the prevalence of NAFLD. The findings support increasing physical activity and reducing sitting time as crucial in reducing the risk of NAFLD.

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.

Scientists discover how cells overpower cancer drug

Cancer Research UK scientists found that some cancer cells can survive gene damage caused by HDAC inhibitor drugs, triggering a 'survival' response. This mechanism rebalances tags and maintains normal gene activity, making it harder for the drug to kill cancer cells.

Immune cells may help fight against obesity

A new study found that mice lacking certain immune cells gained excess weight and developed metabolic abnormalities even on a standard diet. Removing these cells prevented weight gain and metabolic issues. The study indicates that immune cells may help control fat tissue's energy storage and reduce inflammation.

Specific fatty acids may worsen Crohn's disease

Researchers found that palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid found in olive oil and meat, worsened inflammation in Crohn's disease. Omega-6 fatty acid, present in vegetable oils, actually reduced inflammation in the condition.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New perspectives for long-term climate predictions?

A new study reveals that solar activity affects the development of large-scale pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere, influencing long-term climate predictions. The researchers found a time lag between solar irradiance and atmospheric pressure patterns, which can be used to improve predictability of decadal climate variability.

Dealing with climate change and local beliefs in Africa

Research in Malawi and Zambia highlights the importance of considering local knowledge and beliefs when addressing climate change. In two rural communities, differing responses to changing climates were observed depending on co-existing traditional and Christian beliefs.

Dew helps ground cloud computing

A new cloud-dew architecture offers a way to counteract cloud downtime and communication difficulties by providing a buffer between the local user and cloud servers. This lightweight local server retains a copy of the given user's data, making it available with or without an internet connection.

Previously unknown flea genus and species discovered in fossilized dominican amber

Entomologist Dr. George Poinar Jr. discovers a previously unknown flea genus and species in fossilized Dominican amber, characterized by unique features such as five-segmented maxillary palps. The discovery also reveals the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria similar to plague-causing pathogens and trypanosomes.

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.