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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 124


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.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 15, 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.

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioural Accounting and Finance·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateSep 15, 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.

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.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateSep 15, 2015
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeology·DateSep 15, 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.

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.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015
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.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 15, 2015

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...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Urban Economics·DateSep 15, 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.

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.

SourceBIOSS - Centre for Biological Signalling Studies·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 15, 2015

Hookah tobacco smoking seems to be increasing in both prevalence and frequency

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 high school seniors reported hookah smoking in the past year, with a significant proportion being regular users. The increasing prevalence of hookah use among adolescents is a growing public health concern, necessitating targeted interventions and surveillance efforts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015

Twenty-five years ago Professor Thomas Jentsch opened up a new field of research

Professor Thomas Jentsch's discovery of the Torpedo chloride channel in 1990 marked a breakthrough in understanding ion transport processes. He identified nine different CLC chloride channels and transporters, which are essential for human function and contribute to various genetic diseases.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateSep 15, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 15, 2015

New tool for studying magnetic, self-propelled bacteria that resemble compass needles

Researchers have developed a simple mechanism to control the swimming direction of magnetotactic bacteria, which can provide insight into the earth's sedimentary layers and potentially be used as indicators of climate change. The new tool uses a rotating permanent magnet to generate a controlled magnetic field.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateSep 15, 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.

Nearby red dwarves could reveal planet secrets: ANU media release

Astronomers discovered large discs of dust around two young red dwarf stars near our solar system, hinting at potential new planetary systems forming. The discovery challenges current theories on planet formation and suggests a longer lifespan for such discs.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 15, 2015

'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.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateSep 15, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateSep 15, 2015
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.

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.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateSep 15, 2015

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.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateSep 15, 2015
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 15, 2015

Molecule made by muscle shown for first time to build bone

Researchers have discovered a molecule produced by skeletal muscle that increases bone mass and strength. This finding has significant implications for treating sarcopenia and osteoporosis, two conditions that often occur together.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2015

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.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 2015

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.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 14, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 14, 2015