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Science News Archive 2015


Page 124 of 402

New synthetic route to potential medicines for type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Toyohashi Tech have successfully demonstrated the enantioselective phenoxylation of β-keto esters, allowing for the synthesis of α-aryloxy-β-keto esters with high enantioselectivity. This method enables the creation of biologically active compounds for potential treatment of type 2 diabetes.

A small, inexpensive high frequency comb signal generator

Researchers from Italy have devised a novel method to convert low-frequency signals into higher frequencies using Nobel Prize-winning Josephson junctions. The approach produces voltage pulses containing hundreds of harmonics, enabling the creation of smaller and more efficient signal generators.

Electronic reminders can help tuberculosis patients stay on medication

A cluster randomized controlled trial found that electronic reminders via medication monitors and text messages improved tuberculosis treatment adherence, with non-adherent rates decreasing from 29.9% to 17.0%. The study suggests innovative approaches to improve TB treatment outcomes in remote areas.

Students in credit crisis

Despite being aware of their financial responsibilities, many college students accumulate excessive debt due to a lack of self-control and limited expertise. The researchers suggest that education on financial management should be integrated into the curriculum at an early stage.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists report earlier date of shift in human ancestors' diet

Scientists have discovered that the shift from a tree-based diet to one based on grass occurred around 3.8 million years ago, allowing early humans to be more mobile and adaptable. This finding provides new insights into the interactions between morphology and behavior among Pliocene primates.

Arctic mosquitoes thriving under climate change, Dartmouth study finds

A Dartmouth College study found that Arctic mosquitoes are thriving under climate change, emerging earlier and growing faster due to warmer temperatures. This boosts their population, threatening caribou and other wildlife, with a predicted 53% increase in survival probability by 2°C warming scenario.

Social media data could contribute to conservation science

Using social media data can provide comprehensive information for conservation decisions, revealing species sightings and landscape preferences. Social media data may also be used to track mobile populations of species at higher accuracy than traditional sources.

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.

Number of people at high risk of fracture set to double by 2040

A study projects that over 319 million people will be at high risk of fracture by 2040, doubling the current number. This increase is expected in all regions, but particularly marked in Africa and Latin America, with Asia bearing the highest proportion of the global burden.

A better look at religion's influence on political attitudes

University of Cincinnati researchers have developed a new method to measure the influence of Biblical interpretation on political attitudes, providing more nuanced insights into religion's impact on politics. The study found that respondents' opinions about biblical error were the strongest predictor of political conservatism.

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.

Electronic reminders keep TB patients on track with medication in China

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that electronic reminders can significantly improve tuberculosis treatment adherence in China. Patients who received electronic medication monitors missed only 17% of their doses, compared to 29.9% for those with no reminders and 27.3% for those receiving text message reminders.

Scan may identify best candidates for fetal spina bifida surgery

A recent NIH-funded study found that fetuses with enlarged ventricles may be less likely to benefit from in-utero surgery for spina bifida, suggesting a wait-and-watch approach may be better. Enlarged brain cavities are associated with a higher risk of needing a second surgery after birth.

Virus in cattle linked to human breast cancer

Researchers analyzed breast tissue from 239 women, comparing samples with and without breast cancer for the presence of bovine leukemia virus. They found a significant association between BLV infection and an increased risk of breast cancer, with odds ratio higher than obesity, alcohol consumption, and post-menopausal hormone use.

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.

NASA's LRO discovers Earth's pull is 'massaging' our moon

Researchers using NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter images discovered thousands of faults on the lunar surface influenced by Earth's gravity, reshaping them. The moon is shrinking due to cooling interior, but tidal forces from Earth also play a role in forming and realigning these faults.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Tracking slow nanolight in natural hyperbolic metamaterial slabs

Researchers have imaged ultraslow pulse propagation and backward propagating waves in deep subwavelength-scale thick slabs of boron nitride, a natural hyperbolic material. The study provides insights into the behavior of light inside these materials, laying the foundations for future nanophotonic devices.

Cohort study explores association between SSRI use and violent crime

A cohort study found a modest association between SSRI use and violent crime among individuals aged 15-24, with increased risks of violent arrests and non-fatal injuries. In contrast, no significant associations were found for older adults, suggesting potential age-related differences in the link between SSRI use and violent behavior.

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.

Teen marijuana use down despite greater availability

According to a new study, teen marijuana use has decreased significantly since 1999, from 47% to 37%, but is still higher than other illicit drugs. The study found a narrowing gender gap and increased usage among black teens, with rates of marijuana use surpassing those of methamphetamine.

New school-evaluation method fails to affect housing prices

A new school-evaluation method called value-added has been found not to affect housing prices, according to research by economists at Michigan State University and Cornell University. The public release of such data did not influence property values in Los Angeles, contradicting previous research that linked test scores to housing pric...

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.

A glimpse into the nanoworld of lymphocyte cell membranes

Scientists have discovered compartmentalized protein islands for IgM and IgD receptors on resting B cells, which change upon activation. This study provides direct evidence for the nanoscale organization of the lymphocyte membrane and may aid in vaccine design and treatment development.

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.

Elsevier's IGGC publishes special issue on CO2 capture and storage

The special issue marks the 10th year anniversary of IPCC SRCCS and outlines significant progress made in CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) in the last decade. The reviews suggest that CCS is now a mature technology, ready for large-scale deployment to combat climate change.

NASA gets infrared view of new Tropical Storm 20W

NASA's Aqua satellite captures powerful thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures around -63F/-53C in Tropical Depression 20W, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to strengthen and potentially affect the Northern Marianas Islands and Japan by September 19.

How much water does US fracking really use?

A new Duke University study finds that energy companies used nearly 250 billion gallons of water for US fracking between 2005 and 2014, while generating about 210 billion gallons of wastewater. The study's findings highlight the need for better treatment and disposal methods for chemical-laden flowback water and brine-laden wastewater.

New method could help nurses spot delirium quickly

Researchers have developed a two-item bedside test for detecting delirium, which takes an average of 36 seconds to perform and has a sensitivity of 93 percent. The test uses simple questions to assess cognitive function and can help doctors catch the condition earlier.

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.

'Deadly' maths program sees prime future for Indigenous students

QUT's YuMi Deadly Maths program is expanding to reach more Indigenous students, aiming to improve their understanding of mathematics and increase representation in STEM careers. The program, developed by CSIRO and the BHP Billiton Foundation, uses a unique kinaesthetic approach to learning.

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.

Understanding nature's most striking colors

Plant cellulose can self-assemble into wrinkled surfaces that produce striking optical effects, such as iridescence and color changes. The researchers found that the twisting structure of cellulose creates a pattern of parallel ridges that split light into its colored components, producing an iridescent sheen.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Skin microbiome influences common sexually transmitted disease

Researchers found that individuals with distinct skin microbiomes can effectively clear chancroid-causing bacteria. The study suggests that specific bacteria in the skin microbiome may help the immune system clear pathogens, paving the way for potential probiotic therapies.

Mayo Clinic receives federal grant to fund clinical test of breast cancer vaccine

Researchers at Mayo Clinic's Florida campus have been awarded a $13.3 million grant to conduct a national, phase II clinical trial testing the ability of a folate receptor alpha vaccine to prevent recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer following initial treatment. The vaccine was designed by Dr. Keith Knutson and exploits the need...

A study of antidepressants reveals how treatment helps depression management

Researchers discovered that antidepressant amitriptyline increases FGF2 mRNA expression in astrocytes through RTK activation. This signaling cascade could guide the development of novel antidepressants with new mechanisms. The study expands on previous findings, identifying EGR1 as a necessary protein for FGF2 expression.

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.

Large-scale treatment of parasitic-worm disease cost-effective

A new study suggests that expanding treatment programs to include preschool children and adults is more beneficial, reducing transmission and disability. The study found that a broader scope of treatment would be cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $167.

UT Arlington research will lead to more efficient computer modeling

Researchers at UT Arlington are developing a hybrid software/hardware approach to create highly accurate models of electric motors. The new method aims to reduce the time and expense of modeling prototypes by speeding up model simulations by as much as 1 million times, making it easier to create more efficient motors.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Optogenetics: Light switch generates cellular second messenger

Researchers have developed a new optogenetic tool, CyclOp, which produces the second messenger cGMP when exposed to light. This allows for precise control of cellular signals involved in vision, blood pressure regulation and cell death, enabling new studies on signal pathways.

Drug prevents type 1 diabetes in mice, Stanford study finds

Researchers developed a drug that blocks hyaluronan buildup in pancreatic islets, preventing immune cell infiltration and destruction of insulin-producing cells. The study suggests a potential preventive treatment for type 1 diabetes in humans if initiated before the onset of the disease.

Tall and slim: They go together, genetic study shows

A genetic study by University of Queensland researchers found a strong correlation between genes that result in greater height and those that reduce body mass index. The study, published in Nature Genetics, suggests that genetic variation may play a role in creating national differences in disorders such as dementia and heart disease.