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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 143


Page 143 of 402

Cervical pessary doesn't reduce rate of preterm birth or neonatal complications in twin gestatations

A large international randomized clinical trial found that cervical pessary insertion did not reduce spontaneous preterm births or neonatal complications in women with twins. The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, included 1,180 twin pregnancies and showed no significant differences between groups.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 27, 2015

Intensity of desert storms may affect ocean phytoplankton

A new MIT study finds that large seasonal changes in desert dust can dramatically affect surface phytoplankton, which rely on iron as a main nutrient for growth. The team determined that iron has a very short residence time in ocean waters, lasting only six months before sinking into the deep ocean.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateAug 27, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Storm Kilo wrapped halfway around itself

Tropical Storm Kilo has bands of thunderstorms wrapped more than halfway around the system, affecting Johnston Island and expected to bring 5-10 inches of rainfall. Sea surface temperatures are near 29C, promoting strengthening and potential hurricane formation after passing the island.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 27, 2015

New strategy improves detection of genetic mutations in hereditary colorectal cancer

A new testing method developed to accurately detect PMS2 gene mutations has been shown to improve diagnosis and support genetic counseling and medical management for individuals with Lynch syndrome. The approach combines targeted capture next-generation sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and long-range PCR fo...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 27, 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.

Experts stress need for sufficient iodine nutrition during pregnancy

A Swedish study found inadequate levels of iodine among pregnant women, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to optimize nutrition during pregnancy. The median urinary iodine concentration was significantly lower than recommended minimum levels.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateAug 27, 2015

Study shows plant species' genetic responses to climate change

A study found that climate change can rapidly alter plant genetic diversity, but also enable an 'evolutionary rescue' through increased adaptability. The research suggests that genetic diversity may buffer plants against harmful effects of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 27, 2015

Fishermen discards could increase prevalence of turtle disease in Turks and Caicos

Research finds that fishermen in Turks and Caicos Islands are increasing the local prevalence of a disease affecting turtle populations worldwide by selectively harvesting healthy creatures and throwing back infected animals. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that this practice has the opposite effect of cul...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 27, 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.

Link between gene variant and aggression in children

Researchers found a correlation between gene variants and aggression in children, particularly those who react strongly to negative experiences. The study supports the 'differential susceptibility' theory, suggesting some individuals are more susceptible to environmental conditions partly due to their genotype.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateAug 27, 2015

A new virus in liver cancer

Researchers identified a new virus, AAV2, associated with rare liver cancer cases without cirrhosis or known risk factors. The virus targets genes involved in cell proliferation, leading to excessive expression and potentially favoring tumor development.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 27, 2015

Cell mechanics are more complex than previously thought

Research reveals that cytoskeletal tension can alter the structural organisation of the nuclear envelope, affecting chromatin structure and gene reading. This complex process, known as mechanotransduction, has significant implications for understanding cellular differentiation and development.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 27, 2015

Discovering dust-obscured active galaxies as they grow

A team of astronomers discovered 48 Dust Obscured Galaxies (DOGs) using the Hyper Suprime-Cam instrument on the Subaru Telescope. These rare galaxies are thought to harbor rapidly growing black holes, providing insights into the co-evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateAug 27, 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.

Researcher develops cheaper, better LED technology

A Florida State University engineer has developed a highly efficient and low-cost LED technology using organic and inorganic materials. The new material requires only one layer to create the desired product or effect, making it simpler to manufacture than existing products.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 27, 2015

Data backs limits on deep-sea fishing by depth

Researchers found a clear transition in catches at depths of 600 to 800 meters, with significant increases in biodiversity and discarded biomass. The study suggests that a depth limit at around 600 meters could have specific conservation benefits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 27, 2015

The DNA damage response goes viral: A way in for new cancer treatments

Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a critical difference in how cells respond to DNA breaks versus viral infections. The discovery reveals that cells can selectively neutralize viral DNA without triggering a global response, which could lead to the development of new cancer-selective viral therapies.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 27, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Interrupting sitting with walking breaks improves children's blood sugar

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that interrupting sedentary behavior with short walking breaks can improve children's blood sugar levels. This benefit was observed even after a sugary drink was consumed, suggesting potential long-term benefits for metabolic health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

Astronomers unravel the history of galaxies for the first time

Researchers have observed a massive transformation in galaxy structure, with disc-shaped galaxies becoming oval-shaped galaxies. The study provides the first direct evidence of this 'metamorphosis' and sheds light on the processes that caused it.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 27, 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.

Antibiotic use linked to type 2 diabetes diagnosis

A new study found that people with Type 2 diabetes took more antibiotics in the years leading up to their diagnosis compared to healthy controls. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics like penicillin V were particularly associated with a higher risk of diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

UEA research shows high protein foods boost cardiovascular health

A new study from UEA reveals that high protein intake from plant-based sources is associated with lower blood pressure, while animal-derived amino acids are linked to reduced arterial stiffness. Increasing protein-rich food consumption could be a valuable way to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 27, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pitt team identifies cause of resilience to tinnitus, potential drug therapy

A team from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified the molecular mechanisms behind resilience to tinnitus and a possible drug therapy that could reduce susceptibility. The study found that mice exposed to loud noise but not developing tinnitus show a transient reduction in KCNQ2/3 channel activity.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateAug 27, 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.

Frogs' irrational choices could reform understanding of animal mating

A study on túngara frogs reveals the 'decoy' effect, where females choose less attractive mates over more appealing options when a third, inferior mate is introduced. This challenges rational choice models used in sexual selection theory and highlights the influence of context on mating decisions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

Getting a picture of the molecules in a cell in just minutes

Researchers at RIKEN and Hiroshima University create technique to analyze metabolites, hormones, nutrients, and lipids in individual cells using nanospray tip and mass spectrometer. This breakthrough could speed up understanding of molecular distribution in time and space, transforming agricultural science.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Protocols·DateAug 27, 2015

Researchers mimic viral infection in colon cancer stem cells

A research team has discovered a mechanism to mimic a viral infection in colon cancer stem cells, which could potentially trigger an immune response to fight the disease. Decitabine, a chemotherapy drug, is identified as a potential target to induce viral mimicry and activate an anti-viral response.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell·DateAug 27, 2015

To track winter flounder, UNH researchers look to ear bones

Researchers at UNH have developed a new method to identify the nursery grounds of winter flounder using otoliths, revealing regional groupings for stocks from Cape Cod to New Jersey. This technology could help restore plummeting populations along the East Coast and protect essential habitats.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalTransactions of the American Fisheries Society·DateAug 27, 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.

How the mind sharpens the senses

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that mental focussing can improve tactile acuity by 17 percent after a four-day Zen-retreat. This improvement is comparable to those achieved through intense long-term training or physical stimulation, challenging the current understanding of neuroplasticity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2015

Degenerating neurons respond to gene therapy treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that degenerating neurons in patients with Alzheimer's disease responded to gene therapy treatment by showing heightened growth, axonal sprouting, and activation of functional markers. The study suggests that nerve growth factor is safe over extended periods and merits continued testing as a potential AD treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateAug 27, 2015

Researchers find way for eagles and wind turbines to coexist

A new study maps potential wind-power sites and nesting patterns of golden eagles, revealing 'sweet spots' where wind power can coexist with eagle habitats. The research provides a framework for industry and managers to assess potential development and minimize bird deaths.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2015

Life histories may explain songbird paradox

Research suggests tropical songbirds invest more resources in their offspring, leading to higher survival rates, whereas temperate species prioritize quantity over quality due to high mortality rates among young adults.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

Humus depletion induced by climate change?

A new study by TUM scientists links climate change to declining crop yields and humus stocks in arable soils. The researchers found that the stagnation in yields coincides with a decline in organic matter input into the soil, leading to a depletion of humus.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 27, 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.

Study finds fair trade logo boosts consumer's willingness to pay

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that the Fair Trade logo increases consumer's willingness to pay by 30% on average. The study also discovered that the logo influences subjective evaluations of products and activates the brain's reward system.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateAug 27, 2015

Study aims to reproduce 100 published journal papers

Researchers successfully replicated 95 of the original experiments but could only reproduce results in under half of the cases. The study's findings suggest that initial evidence strength is a key predictor of replication success, and that surprising effects are generally harder to replicate.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

A CNIO team finds the way to generate potentially safer stem cells in the laboratory

A CNIO team has identified the origin of damage to induced pluripotent stem cells and developed strategies to reduce it, resulting in cells with less damage to their genome. This breakthrough improves the safety of iPS cells for use in biomedicine, potentially treating cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 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.

Pigments, organelles persist in fossil feathers

Researchers have found evidence that melanosomes, which produce melanin pigment, are preserved in the fossil record of Anchiornis huxleyi, a bird-like dinosaur. The study uses electron microscopy and chemical analysis to demonstrate that the microbodies are indeed melanosomes, not microbes.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2015

Improved microscopy technique reveals new insights into cell processes

Researchers have improved Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) to achieve 62-nanometer resolution, reducing phototoxicity and improving imaging of proteins interacting. This breakthrough has provided new insights into cell processes, such as the role of actin in clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

Political polarization on Twitter depends on the issue

Researchers found that Twitter users shared messages from people with different ideological views for non-political issues like sports events, but converged on similar ideologies for overtly political topics. The study also revealed dynamic shifts in polarization over time for certain issues, such as the Newtown school shooting.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 27, 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.

Successful boron-doping of graphene nanoribbon

Researchers at the University of Basel have synthesized boron-doped graphene nanoribbons with controlled band gaps, enabling the development of highly sensitive gas sensors for nitrogen oxides. The material's chemical properties were characterized using atomic force microscopy, revealing high selectivity towards adsorption.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2015

NASA's GPM satellite analyzes Tropical Storm Erika's rainfall

The GPM satellite captured intense rainfall rates of up to 52.8 mm per hour, with embedded convection necessary for storm strengthening, but displaced due to wind shear. The storm's low-level center was located northwest of the rain field, hindering intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 27, 2015
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.

Probiotics show no impact preventing gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant bugs

A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that probiotics do not prevent or eliminate gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant organisms in critically ill patients. The research followed 70 patients and showed no significant difference in overall acquisition of any MRDOs between the two groups.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 27, 2015

Dry eyes -- researchers report progress in diagnosis and treatment

The September special issue of Optometry and Vision Science presents significant strides in managing patients with dry eye symptoms. Key findings include new treatments such as omega-3 supplements and heat therapy, as well as emerging approaches to diagnosis and management.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateAug 27, 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.

Scientists identify possible key in virus, cancer research

Florida State University researchers have identified a viral protein that inhibits the major DNA sensor, suggesting a new pathway for fighting infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. By manipulating this protein, scientists may be able to enhance or tune down the immune response.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 27, 2015

New fossil skulls reveal insights about penguin brain evolution

Fossil skulls from 35 million year old sediments in Antarctica have shed light on the changes in penguin brains that accompanied their transition to water. The findings indicate that early penguins had many of the adaptations of living forms, while having a few unique traits not seen in modern ones.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 27, 2015