Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2015 - Page 137


Page 137 of 402

UM scientist earns grant to study carbon across North America

Researchers will investigate how disturbances like fire and insect infestation are changing the Earth's carbon absorption, and use models to optimize observation networks for detecting impact on ecosystem carbon balance. The project aims to understand how terrestrial landscapes are shifting from being a net carbon sink to a source.

SourceThe University of Montana·DateSep 2, 2015

Scientists discover key clues in turtle evolution

Researchers analyze 260-million-year-old skull of Eunotosaurus africanus to understand turtle origins. They find evidence of diapsid condition, a characteristic shared with modern reptiles and birds.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2015

International research project gets high level of funding

A team of researchers from the USA, England, Australia, and Germany will collaborate on a three-year project to better understand the information processing in germinal centres of lymph nodes. The goal is to gain insights into antibody formation and develop targeted therapeutics for infections.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·DateSep 2, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Texas A&M team finds neuron responsible for alcoholism

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience by Texas A&M Health Science Center researchers found that a specific type of brain cell plays a crucial role in addiction. The findings suggest that periodic consumption of alcohol alters the structure and function of these cells, leading to increased cravings and cycle of alcoholism.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateSep 2, 2015

First ancient genome recovered from the Mediterranean area

Researchers have sequenced the first complete ancient genome from the Mediterranean area, shedding light on the genetic changes of Neolithic migration in Southern Europe. The study reveals a common ancestral population among Mediterranean route farmers, who had distinct physical characteristics compared to inland route farmers.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 2, 2015

Biodiversity belowground is just as important as aboveground

A new study reveals that soil bacteria and animal species below ground regulate ecosystem functions, including carbon storage and nutrient availability, with below-ground biodiversity explaining 32% of variation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2015
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.

Tracking down the causes of Alzheimer's

A specific group of genes controls calcium ion concentration, crucial for memory performance and Alzheimer's development. The study provides new insights into the origins of the neurodegenerative disorder.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 2, 2015

Fire in the Amazon

A six-year controlled burn experiment in an Amazonian rainforest found that trees can survive initial fire disturbance but not repeated or coupled disturbances. The study highlights the potential for grassland incursion to fuel future burns and reduce forest carbon stocks by up to 90%.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 2, 2015

Ancient new guinea pot makers surprising innovation

Archaeologists have found the oldest known pottery from Papua New Guinea, dating back 3,000 years, in a remote region of the highlands. The discovery sheds light on how technology spread among cultures and provides insights into early civilizations.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 2, 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.

Newly discovered protein may protect kidney cells from injury

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a new protein, TMIGD1, that protects kidney epithelial cells from injury. Increasing expression of this protein can reduce cell death and potentially prevent kidney failure. The findings could lead to the development of therapeutic agents that target these cells.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 2, 2015

Decade-long Amazon rainforest burn yields new insight into wildfires

A decade-long study in the Amazon rainforest found that forests can withstand initial, low-intensity burns but are vulnerable to repeated fires, especially during drought years. The research also highlights the role of leaf-cutter ant colonies in creating natural fire breaks and mitigating forest damage.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalBioScience·DateSep 2, 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.

From sounds to the meaning

Infants at 4 months old can associate words with objects, suggesting early knowledge of language's relation to the world. This ability is crucial for language acquisition and learning about surroundings.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 2, 2015

Silk bio-ink could help advance tissue engineering with 3-D printers

Scientists developed a silk-based ink that can be used to print complex tissues with versatile functions, including loading with pharmaceuticals. The novel material is biocompatible, flexible, and stable in water, avoiding harsh processing conditions that damage cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateSep 2, 2015

Exposure to phthalates could be linked to pregnancy loss

A new study of over 300 women suggests that phthalate exposure may be associated with miscarriage, particularly between 5-13 weeks of pregnancy. Higher levels of urinary phthalate metabolites were found to be linked to pregnancy loss, supporting an association that warrants further research.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 2, 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.

Food insecurity linked to adolescent obesity, metabolic syndrome

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association reveals a strong link between food insecurity and the development of metabolic diseases in children. The research found that adolescents from households with low to very low levels of food security were more likely to be overweight and have central obesity,...

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateSep 2, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Storm Fred losing its punch

Satellite imagery shows Tropical Storm Fred losing its punch, with no strong thunderstorms developing in the storm. The RapidScat instrument measured the strongest winds tightly circling the center, but they are not indicative of a strengthening storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 2, 2015

WSU scientists discover mechanism for air pollution-induced liver disease

Exposure to high-concentration airborne particulate matter PM2.5 has been shown to directly affect the liver, triggering liver fibrosis in animal models. The study highlights air pollution as an independent risk factor for liver fibrosis, with implications for medical care and health policy-making.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateSep 2, 2015

The Lancet Psychiatry: Long-term study links common psychiatric disorders with increased risk of violent reoffending in ex-prisoners

A long-term study published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal found that ex-prisoners with common psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse are more likely to commit violent crimes after release. The study estimated that up to a fifth of violent reoffending by former male prisoners can be attributed to diagnosed p...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateSep 2, 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.

The symmetry of the universe

Researchers at the Large Hadron Collider investigate the properties of particles and their antiparticles to understand the universe's matter-antimatter asymmetry. The ALICE experiment confirms the CPT theorem with the most accurate measurements to date.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 2, 2015

FSU researcher: Change in environment can lead to rapid evolution

A study published in Nature found that guppies evolved 135 genes in response to a new environment, with most changes affecting biological processes like metabolism and immune function. However, the initial response was often opposite to the eventual evolutionary change, suggesting that genes can adapt quickly in the short term.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 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.

CT scan of Earth links deep mantle plumes with volcanic hotspots

A new CT scan of Earth's interior connects deep mantle plumes to surface volcanoes like Hawaii, showing plumes are five times wider than previously thought. The scan reveals the connections between lower-mantle plumes and volcanic hotspots, including anchors at the core-mantle boundary.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2015

Making fuel from light

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have made breakthroughs in manipulating photosynthesis to create a robust and renewable energy source. By storing sunlight in chemical bonds, they can produce hydrogen, a clean-burning fuel that could power cars and households.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalChemical Communications·DateSep 2, 2015

Study shows how fracking documentary influenced public perception and political change

A study by University of Iowa sociologist Ion Bogdan Vasi found that local screenings of Gasland led to increased anti-fracking mobilizations and influenced policymakers to ban hydraulic fracturing. The documentary film reshaped public perception and sparked significant interest in the topic among the general public.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateSep 2, 2015

Flu study, on hold, yields new vaccine technology

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new method for making flu vaccines using cell culture, which could lead to faster and more efficient vaccine production. This technology could potentially replace traditional egg-based vaccine production methods, which are limited by avian influenza outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 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.

Cellular recycling complexes may hold key to chemotherapy resistance

Researchers discover that altering protein recycling complexes in human cells enables cancer cells to resist treatment with proteasome inhibitors, a class of drugs used to kill cancer cells. The discovery highlights the potential for targeting this resistant state to develop new cancer treatments.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·DateSep 2, 2015

Blueberry extract could help fight gum disease and reduce antibiotic use

A recent study by American Chemical Society found that wild blueberry extract has antibacterial properties against Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key bacteria associated with periodontitis. The extract successfully inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum and its ability to form biofilms, blocking a molecular pathway involved in inflammation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 2, 2015

The power of film

A University of Iowa researcher found that local screenings of Gasland led to an increase in anti-fracking mobilizations and influenced local policymakers to ban hydraulic fracturing. The study used online searches, social media chatter, and mass media coverage to measure the impact of the documentary on public perception.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateSep 2, 2015

Researchers identify a new approach for lowering harmful lipids

Researchers at SUNY Downstate Health Science University have identified a new approach to lowering harmful lipids in blood circulation. The study found that LPCAT3 enzyme deficiency reduces lipid absorption and decreases levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids in the bloodstream.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 2, 2015

New genetic mutation identified in melanoma cancer cells

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a genetic mutation in melanoma cancer cells that may predispose humans to developing the disease. The study highlights the importance of protein complex APC/C and its interactions with Cdh1 and PAX3, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for melanoma treatment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 2, 2015
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.

Childhood coeliac disease discovery opens door for potential treatments

A new study has found that children with coeliac disease react to the same key toxic proteins in gluten as adults, suggesting a potential breakthrough in treatments. The research supports the use of existing treatments and diagnostic tests for adults with coeliac disease for children.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 2, 2015

Men in China face increasing tobacco-related cancer risks

Men in China face increasing tobacco-related cancer risks due to high cigarette smoking rates among teenagers and continued use in adulthood. The country now produces and consumes nearly 40% of the world's cigarettes, primarily driven by men's smoking habits.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 2, 2015

New symptom may help ID sleep apnea in older women

A new study suggests that nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting, may be an additional symptom to look for when assessing post-menopausal women for obstructive sleep apnea. The study found a strong association between OSA risk factors and nocturnal enuresis in postmenopausal women.

SourceBrown University·JournalMenopause·DateSep 2, 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.

Study shows that nutrient shortfalls are a serious and persistent health disparity

A recent study published in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved reveals that Non-Hispanic Black Americans have significantly higher rates of nutrient shortfalls compared to Non-Hispanic Whites. The analysis, conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found that Blacks we...

SourcePorter Novelli·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateSep 2, 2015

Microbial diversity insights are often strongly biased

Researchers found that high-throughput molecular methods used to analyze soil fungi often produce biased results due to limitations in taxonomic resolution and primer-template mismatches. Despite these biases, the study suggests that PCR-free methods have potential for understanding functional capacity of microorganisms.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMycoKeys·DateSep 2, 2015

Soil area the size of Berlin lost each year due to water erosion in the EU

The EU loses approximately 970 million tonnes of soil annually due to water erosion, equivalent to a one-metre-depth loss from Berlin-sized area. Soil erosion by water accounts for the greatest loss in Europe, with agricultural lands accounting for 68.3% of total losses.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateSep 2, 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.

How protein tangles accumulate in the brain and cause neurological disorders

A recent study published in Neuron highlights a novel role for the appoptosin protein in initiating tau aggregation, a key component of brain lesions. Elevated levels of appoptosin increase caspase-mediated tau cleavage, leading to synaptic dysfunction and progressive deterioration of the central nervous system.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNeuron·DateSep 2, 2015

Risk of financial crisis higher than previously estimated

Researchers estimate systemic risk to be 90% higher than previous estimates by expanding layers of connectivity, including derivatives and foreign exchange. The new method provides a way to create systemic risk profiles for markets and individual institutions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalJournal of Financial Stability·DateSep 2, 2015

How does your microbiome grow?

A new computational method suggests that analyzing the relative amounts of starting DNA and ending DNA can be translated into the growth rate for each strain of bacteria. This approach has been found to reveal intriguing links between bacterial growth rates and conditions such as type II diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateSep 2, 2015

Ancient hybridization key to domestic dog's origin, wolf conservation efforts

A new study proposes a logical classification scheme for dogs and wolves, revealing that domestic dogs are descendants of two interbred species: an extinct Asian wild dog and the grey wolf. This finding has implications for wolf conservation, as some hybrids have evolved into full species.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalVavilov Journal of Genetics and Breeding·DateSep 1, 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.

Understanding the deep sea is key to a sustainable blue economy

A new European Marine Board paper highlights the need for major progress in deep-sea research to underpin future management and exploitation of living and non-living deep-sea resources. The report identifies deficiencies in basic knowledge of deep-sea systems, which could hinder ecosystem-based management and limit sustainability.

SourceEuropean Science Foundation·DateSep 1, 2015

Studying the outliers

Scientists have identified a gene variant that slows Alzheimer's disease progression by preventing eotaxin levels from increasing with age. The study found that individuals carrying this variant experienced a modest delay in disease onset, suggesting a potential protective mechanism against the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 2015

Male seahorse and human pregnancies remarkably alike

Researchers found male seahorses play a crucial role in nourishing and protecting embryos during pregnancy, delivering energy-rich lipids and calcium. Their gene expression during pregnancy was also similar to that of humans, suggesting a common genetic mechanism for managing pregnancy across species.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 1, 2015

Why do certain hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of HIV?

Researchers found that DMPA use is associated with an increased risk of HIV infection, especially in women with vaginal infections or disturbed microbiota. The study suggests that hormonal contraceptives can exacerbate the suppression of immune systems, making women more vulnerable to HIV.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateSep 1, 2015
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.