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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 144


Page 144 of 402

Imaging techniques set new standard for super-resolution in live cells

Researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus have developed new imaging techniques that dramatically improve spatial resolution in living cells. The new methods offer extraordinary visual detail of structures inside cells with unprecedented clarity and speed.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

'Brainbow' reveals surprising data about visual connections in brain

Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute used 'brainbow' technique to tag retinal ganglion cell terminals, revealing individual terminals from multiple cells in mature mouse brains. The study challenges traditional understanding of neural development and connections between the retina and brain.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCell Reports·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.

Survey finds many physicians overestimate their ability to assess patients' risk of Ebola

A survey of primary care physicians found significant variation in how doctors make decisions in situations of uncertainty, with those least likely to encounter Ebola patients being most likely to choose overly intense management. The results highlight the need for additional resources and responsible reporting by news media.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 27, 2015

Study links air pollution to children's low GPAs

A University of Texas at El Paso study found that fourth and fifth graders exposed to toxic air pollutants at home have lower GPAs. The researchers used data from 1,895 children living in El Paso, estimating their exposure to air pollutants like diesel exhaust.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalPopulation and Environment·DateAug 27, 2015

New theory leads to radiationless revolution

Physicists have developed a radical new theory that confines electromagnetic energy without leaking away, with potential applications in explaining dark matter and combating energy losses. The theory contradicts fundamental principles of electrodynamics but could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computers and laser technology.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2015

Researchers thwart cancer cells by triggering 'virus alert'

Researchers found a core group of genes related to both viral defense and susceptibility to demethylating drug 5-azacytidine. The study suggests that triggering this pathway may improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs in patients with certain types of cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·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.

In very ill, probiotics don't prevent 'superbugs' from colonizing intestinal tract

A new study at WashU Medicine found that probiotics did not prevent the colonization of drug-resistant microbes in the intestinal tract of critically ill patients. Researchers followed 70 patients and administered them either probiotics or routine care, but no significant difference was seen in colonization rates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 27, 2015

Interstellar seeds could create oases of life

A new study proposes that if life can travel between stars through panspermia, it would spread in a characteristic pattern, creating clusters of life-forms. These clusters could resemble bubbles in a pot of boiling water, growing and overlapping with each other.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 27, 2015

At the origin of language structure

A study by Hanna Marno and colleagues found that languages with SVO structures prefer simplicity due to cognitive load constraints. In experiments where participants were not required to invent their own gestures, a preference for the SVO form emerged in both Italian-speaking and Farsi-speaking groups.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 27, 2015
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.

Is neuroticism fueled by overthinking?

A new theory proposes that neuroticism is driven by high activity in the brain's self-generated thought centers, which can lead to both creative breakthroughs and negative emotions. The study suggests that overthinking may be a key factor in experiencing intense negative emotions even when there is no apparent threat.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateAug 27, 2015

Modified bacteria become a multicellular circuit

Rice University scientists have created a multicellular bacterial circuit that allows bacteria to cooperate and control protein expression. This breakthrough enables the development of biological computers that can be programmed through diet, with potential applications in treating diseases and manipulating the gut microbiome.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

To get girls more interested in computer science, make classrooms less 'geeky'

A new study of high school students reveals that classroom design plays a significant role in engaging girls in computer science. The research suggests that making classrooms less 'geeky' and more inviting can increase girls' interest in enrolling in computer science courses, with 68% preferring non-stereotypical classrooms.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·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.

Health workers wasting expensive malaria drugs in Nigeria

A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that health workers trained to use malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) still prescribe valuable malaria medicines to patients without testing for malaria. The researchers tested 5,000 participants across 40 communities and found that RDT use remained less than 50% desp...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2015

Short bouts of activity may offset lack of sustained exercise in kids

Researchers found that brief intervals of exercise during sedentary periods can lower children's blood glucose and insulin levels, and may protect against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study suggests that even short activity breaks can help overcome negative effects on the body.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

Impact origin of archean cratons: Learning from Venus

A new hypothesis suggests that large bolides pierced early thin lithosphere, causing massive partial melting and forming cratonic crust. This process is thought to have occurred on a Venus-like Earth, which preserved a more complete geological record of its infancy.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·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.

Glial cells use lipids to direct neuron organization in the spinal cord

Scientists at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered that glial cells release phospholipid LysoPtdGlc, which repels pain-sensing axons and directs position-sensitive neurons to specific regions in the spinal cord. This lipid-based signaling system has potential as a therapeutic target for spinal cord injury.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

Mystery of polar bear Knut's disease finally solved

Scientists solve the mystery of polar bear Knut's encephalitis, a rare autoimmune disease previously known only in humans. The discovery provides new insights into the possible prevalence of autoimmunity in humans and other mammals.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2015

Evidence suggests subatomic particles could defy the standard model

A team of physicists has found new hints of particles being treated in strange ways not predicted by the Standard Model, suggesting evidence for non-standard physics. The discovery could be a significant lead in the search for new phenomena and potentially shed light on dark matter and dark energy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 27, 2015

Queen's researcher playing an important role improving psychology research

A study co-authored by Queen's University professor Stanka Fitneva found that the replicability rate for psychology research is lower than expected. The researchers' most important finding was that less than half of their studies produced the same findings as the original study, suggesting that publication bias may be a major issue in ...

SourceQueen's University·JournalScience·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.

A new technique to make drugs more soluble

Researchers have developed a system to produce stable, amorphous nanoparticles that dissolve quickly and can be made from a wide range of materials, including inorganic substances with high crystallization propensity. These nanoparticles exhibit different electronic, magnetic, and optical properties than their crystalized counterparts.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

CanDL database shines light on clinically important cancer gene mutations

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have designed an online database called CanDL to help molecular pathologists identify key cancer gene mutations. The freely accessible database includes information on 60 genes, 334 distinct variants and 169 unique matching literature references across multiple cancers.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 27, 2015

Optimal exercise regimen could aid pulmonary hypertension patients

Researchers aim to optimize aerobic exercise training for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, which could improve blood pressure in the lungs, skeletal muscle, and heart metabolism. High-intensity interval training has shown promising results in reversing enlargement of the right ventricle and improving blood pressures.

SourceIndiana University·DateAug 26, 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.

DNA sequencing used to identify thousands of fish eggs

A team of researchers used DNA barcoding to accurately identify over 13,000 fish eggs collected from the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. The study provides a detailed picture of fish spawning patterns and creates a baseline for assessing future changes in spawning due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 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.

CWRU, NASA and fire departments team to protect firefighters

Case Western Reserve University researchers are developing sensors to alert structural and wildland firefighters of hazards in the air after they've entered the 'fire overhauling or mop up' phase. The sensors will expand on NASA's compact particulate and gas sensors to detect toxic gases, including formaldehyde and acrolein.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateAug 26, 2015

New survey on Americans' views on papal encyclical on climate change

A recent survey found that fewer than 1 in 3 Americans are aware of Pope Francis's efforts to publicize global warming as a priority issue for the Catholic Church. Most Americans support the pope's stance on the issue, despite few considering it a religious or social justice concern.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateAug 26, 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.

Searching big data faster

A new theoretical analysis by MIT researchers demonstrates how their compression techniques can expand applications of accelerated searching in biology and other fields. The algorithms cluster similar genomic sequences, then choose one representative sequence to focus on, significantly reducing the search time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Systems·DateAug 26, 2015

EORTC presentations at ECC2015 in Vienna

The EORTC will present on precision medicine, including a discussion of molecular subgroups and randomized trials. The organization will also focus on survivorship care, exploring the importance of long-term follow-up and evidence-based approaches.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateAug 26, 2015

NSF awards $12 million to establish urban water sustainability research network

The Urban Water Innovation Network will develop technological, institutional, and management solutions to enhance urban water resilience. The network, led by Colorado State University, aims to create an enduring research network for integrated water systems and sustainable cities.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateAug 26, 2015

Pacific Northwest wildfires severe in intensity

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing severe wildfires in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, with over 27 fires listed in the Inciweb database for Washington state. The largest active fire, Okanogan Complex Fire, has grown to 256,567 acres and is only 10% contained.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2015

NASA awards $1 million for development of platform to detect amino acids

A University of Texas at Arlington researcher will receive a grant from NASA to further the search for amino acids, which are considered the building blocks of life. The platform aims to detect and separate ions with high precision, using extremely small volumes of samples, in order to identify potential signs of life beyond Earth.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 26, 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.

High use of alternative medicine in senior oncology patients

A recent study published in the Journal of Geriatric Oncology found that 26% of senior oncology patients use complementary or alternative medicines, which can interact with cancer treatments. The study highlights the need for comprehensive screening and documentation of CAM use in older cancer patients.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Geriatric Oncology·DateAug 26, 2015

Supercomputers enlisted to shed light on photosynthesis

Scientists have successfully simulated significant parts of the LHC-II molecule using supercomputers, proving that theories align with reality. This breakthrough enables understanding of reactions during early stages of photosynthesis for the first time.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateAug 26, 2015

Self-control saps memory, study says

A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that self-control can weaken memory. The study found that when participants had to cancel an intended action, their ability to remember specific details was impaired. This finding may have implications for understanding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addiction.

SourceDuke University·DateAug 26, 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.

Earth's mineralogy unique in the cosmos

Research predicts Earth's mineralogy is unique in the cosmos, with over 1,500 undiscovered minerals, influenced by physical characteristics, geological activity, and biological processes.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateAug 26, 2015

Scientists discover mechanism behind 'strange' earthquakes

Researchers have identified a key factor driving intraplate seismicity: convective currents of semi-liquid rock beneath the Earth's crust. This process interacts with surface motion, influencing earthquake locations and frequency. The study's findings offer new insights into seismic hazard mapping in plate interiors.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2015

Researchers receive $3.5 million to improve students' classroom behaviors

University of Missouri researchers are using a self-management and mindfulness skills program called STARS to help fifth-grade students exhibit improved classroom behavior, social-emotional learning, and academic achievement. The four-year study aims to address the growing need for mental health support in schools.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateAug 26, 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.

Antimatter catches a wave at SLAC

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have developed a new method to accelerate positrons using plasma wakefield acceleration. This breakthrough could lead to the construction of smaller and more efficient electron-positron colliders, which would help unravel the fundamental building blocks of nature.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2015

Even cockatoos conclude

Researchers tested Goffin cockatoos' ability to infer by exclusion, a cognitive capacity where animals choose between known and unknown stimuli. More than half of the birds showed evidence of this ability, indicating they could distinguish between rewarded and unrewarded stimuli.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2015

ESA recognizes 2015 Fellows

The Entomological Society of America has elected 10 new Fellows, including Dr. Serap Aksoy and Dr. Deane Bowers, for their research on vector genomics, disease control, and insect-plant interactions. The Fellows will be recognized at the ESA's 63rd Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateAug 26, 2015

Neurodegenerative disease clogs nuclear pores

Researchers found that the most common genetic defect in ALS causes nuclear pore dysfunction, leading to cell death. This discovery empowers the search for genetic causes of sporadic ALS and offers new hope for treatment options.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 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.

ESMO launches Women for Oncology Award

The ESMO Women for Oncology Task Force aims to address inequalities among women oncologists, and the new award will be presented to Enriqueta Felip, who kick-started awareness of the lack of women oncologists in leadership roles. The award recognizes contributors who support the development of women in oncology.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateAug 26, 2015

3-D vision for the next generation of biomaterials

The University of Nottingham leads a £6.5m research project to create bespoke biomaterials for specific applications in regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and medical devices. The team aims to identify new materials that can control cell response and address unmet clinical needs.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateAug 26, 2015