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Science News Archive 2015


Page 140 of 402

How neurons get their branching shapes

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals how the protein centrosomin controls the growth of microtubules within neurons, influencing dendritic branching. The researchers found that centrosomin acts as a 'glue' to fix microtubules, preventing excessive branching and promoting more complex arbors.

Men who buy sex have much in common with sexually coercive men

A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that men who buy sex have less empathy for women in prostitution and view them as intrinsically different from other women. This aligns with research on sexual aggression, which suggests a lower level of empathy among perpetrators.

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.

DNA-guided 3-D printing of human tissue is unveiled

Researchers have created a technique to build tiny models of human tissues, called organoids, using a process that turns human cells into biological equivalents of LEGO bricks. These mini-tissues can be used to study how structural features affect normal growth or go awry in cancer.

NASA sees Hurricane Jimena's large eye

Hurricane Jimena maintained its large eye and powerful thunderstorms around it, with cloud-free eyes revealed by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm's warm sea surface temperatures fueled its intensification, with NHC predicting little change in strength over the next day.

We've all got a blind spot, but it can be shrunk

Scientists have found that training can effectively reduce the size of the human blind spot, improving vision in individuals with age-related macular degeneration. The researchers trained participants on a direction-discrimination task for 20 consecutive weekdays, resulting in a 10% reduction in functional blindness.

ELIXA trial shows CV safety of lixisenatide

The ELIXA trial demonstrated that lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, did not increase or decrease the rate of cardiovascular events compared to placebo. The study found a modest benefit in weight gain, but also identified patients with heart failure as being at high risk of all-cause death.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Older people getting smarter, but not fitter

A new study found that older populations in Germany and England are scoring better on cognitive tests, while physical functioning and mental health have declined. The increasing use of modern technology and higher education levels contribute to the improvement in cognitive abilities.

Close friendships in adolescence predict health in adulthood

A new study suggests that maintaining close relationships with peers in adolescence can have long-term benefits for adult physical health. The research found that both high-quality friendships and a drive to fit in with peers were associated with lower anxiety, depressive symptoms, and improved overall health.

Plastic in 99 percent of seabirds by 2050

Researchers predict that 90% of all seabirds alive today have eaten plastic, with the majority having it in their gut. Plastic ingestion causes gut impaction, weight loss and death, affecting marine biodiversity.

Preventive medicine experts speak out about reducing firearm violence

A special issue of Preventive Medicine addresses firearm violence, highlighting its impact on public health and the need for increased funding. The article presents key findings on the relationship between alcohol abuse, gun ownership, self-defensive gun use, and criminal acquisition of firearms.

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.

Giant 'sea scorpion' fossil discovered

A newly discovered species of eurypterid, a giant 'sea scorpion', has been found in Iowa, measuring over 1.5 meters long and dating back to 460 million years ago. The fossil provides unique insights into the anatomy and behavior of these ancient predators.

Using ultrathin sheets to discover new class of wrapped shapes

Using ultrathin sheets, researchers have discovered a new regime of wrapped shapes that can efficiently contain toxic or corrosive liquids. The technique, which uses capillary action to wrap droplets in film, enables the creation of non-spherical shapes with minimal material waste.

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.

'But doctor, I'm not ill' -- insight in psychotic patients

A study investigated the link between brain cell dysfunction and poor insight in psychotic patients, finding a correlation between reduced NAA levels and impaired awareness of illness. The research may help develop new treatment options for improving insight and patient outcomes.

Come here and be quiet!

A novel technique identified an unusually strong 3D network of developmental genes in ESCs, physically clustered and silenced by Polycomb repressive complex (PRC1) to maintain the undifferentiated state. This mechanism allows for selective release of genes, controlling early development decisions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Tiny drops of early universe 'perfect' fluid

New RHIC data reveals clear-cut evidence of primordial soup's signature particle flow in collisions of 3-particle ions with gold nuclei, confirming earlier suspicions that smaller particles can create droplets of free-flowing QGP. The analysis shows a triangular pattern consistent with the creation of three tiny droplets of QGP.

Raising pay can reduce smoking rates

A 10% increase in wages leads to a 5% drop in smoking rates among male workers with low education levels. Increasing the minimum wage could improve quitting rates for smokers and has significant health benefits.

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.

Dialect influences Appalachian students' experiences in college

A study by NC State University researchers found that rural Appalachian students who speak a stigmatized dialect may feel like they're at a disadvantage in the classroom. They reported being met with snickers or feeling singled out, which led to hesitation in speaking up and trying to change their way of talking.

A technique designed to predict how much energy waves will be bringing

The EOLO group has developed a novel method for predicting wave energy up to 16 hours in advance, using a combination of historical measurements and machine learning algorithms. This technique has shown higher reliability than existing methods for forecasting swell and storms in the Bay of Biscay.

Religion, physicians and surrogate decision-makers in the intensive care unit

A study analyzed 249 audio-recorded conversations between surrogate decision-makers and healthcare professionals, finding that religious or spiritual considerations were discussed in 40 cases, mostly initiated by surrogates. The discussions focused on beliefs, practices, community, miracles, and the end-of-life as a new beginning.

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.

Cardiologists fail to identify basic and advanced murmurs

A recent study found that cardiologists failed to identify over half of basic and nearly 35% of advanced pre-recorded murmurs. However, a 90-minute training session significantly improved their ability to recognize indications of heart conditions.

Parents' views on justice affect babies' moral development

A new study from the University of Chicago shows that babies' neural responses to prosocial and antisocial behavior are influenced by their parents' attitudes toward justice. Children as young as 12-24 months old exhibit strong individual differences in moral development, which are predicted by parental sensitivity to justice.

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.

Northwestern, partners launch AIDS research center to stop HIV

The Third Coast Center for AIDS Research aims to slow and stop HIV in young gay men, a demographic group experiencing rising infections at 5% annually. The center will unite HIV researchers from different disciplines and provide services through five cores.

Millipede research 2.0

The first new species of millipede is described using high-detail 3D images, providing unprecedented access to anatomical information. The cybertype-enhanced description allows for widespread sharing and study of the digital specimen, enabling researchers to analyze its unique traits without dissecting the original holotype.

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.

Epigenomic changes are key to innate immunological memory

Researchers have discovered that epigenomic changes induced by pathogen infections, mediated by a transcription factor called ATF7, are the underlying mechanism of innate immunological memory. This finding could increase our understanding of the hygiene hypothesis and lead to the development of more efficient vaccines.

New type of prion may cause, transmit neurodegeneration

Researchers have identified a new type of prion causing Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a neurodegenerative disorder with similarities to Parkinson's disease. The discovery raises concerns about treatments and research involving contact with brain tissue from MSA patients.

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.

Evidence of ancient life discovered in mantle rocks deep below the seafloor

Researchers found fossilized microbes in ancient rock samples from the Iberian continental margin, confirming a long-standing hypothesis that interactions between mantle rocks and seawater can create conditions for life. The discovery provides important insights into the possibility of 'intraterrestrial' life in rocks below the seafloor.

Quantifying the impact of volcanic eruptions on climate

A new method reconciles observational proxy and model evidence, demonstrating that the Tampora and Samalas eruptions generated an average drop in temperature in the Northern Hemisphere fluctuating between 0.8 and 1.3°C during the summer of 1258 and 1816. This cooling did not last for more than three years at a hemispheric scale.

Examining service delivery, patient outcomes in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

A study found that RWHAP-funded facilities provided more comprehensive services, including case management and mental health support, compared to non-funded facilities. Despite this, nearly 75% of patients at RWHAP-funded facilities achieved viral suppression, while some subgroups benefited from these services.

NASA finds 'hot towers' in Fred, now a hurricane

NASA's GPM mission detected intense rainfall near the center of Hurricane Fred on August 30, suggesting rapid intensification. The storm's 'hot towers' reached heights of up to 10 miles, releasing latent heat and fueling its growth into a hurricane.

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.

Study: Some with low-risk prostate cancer not likely to succumb to the disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine analyzed survival statistics of 1,298 men with low-risk prostate tumors and found that only two died of prostate cancer after 15 years, while three developed metastatic disease. This suggests that carefully selected patients in active surveillance programs are unlikely to be harmed by their disease.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Television viewing linked to higher injury risk in hostile people

Research found that people with hostile personalities who watch more TV are at a greater risk for injury. The study, which analyzed data from 4,196 adults, suggests that reducing TV viewing and improving content rating systems could lower injury rates among these individuals.

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.

Knee and hip replacements may be bad for the heart

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that osteoarthritis patients who underwent total knee or hip joint replacement surgery were at increased risk of heart attack immediately following arthroplasty. However, long-term risk was insignificant, while the risk for venous thromboembolism remained years after the procedure.