Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2015


Page 146 of 402

Earth's extremes point the way to extraterrestrial life

Researchers explore Earth's most extreme lifeforms to predict what life could be like elsewhere in the universe. They suggest water-hydrogen peroxide mixtures for Mars-like environments and liquid hydrocarbons for Titan-like planets, with organisms adapting to frigid temperatures and slow metabolisms.

ORNL chemical sampling interface features simplicity, speed

A system developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory can identify and characterize solid or liquid samples in seconds, providing a valuable tool for material science, forensics, pharmaceuticals, biology, and chemistry. The device is self-cleaning, requires no sample preparation, and is cost-effective.

Obesity-related causes of stillbirth detailed in Pitt analysis

A new University of Pittsburgh analysis found that obese women are more likely to experience stillbirths due to placental diseases and hypertension. The study suggests that monitoring these complications and promoting weight loss before pregnancy can reduce the risk of stillbirth.

Neurobiology -- tuning of timing in auditory axons

A team of researchers has found that variations in the morphology of auditory axons, particularly the length of internodes and diameter, impact the speed and precision of signal transmission. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about axon structure and function.

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.

LSU researchers conduct post-hurricane recovery analysis

LSU researchers analyzed the impact of CDBG-DR funds on housing, infrastructure, and economic development recovery since Katrina and Rita. The study found that investments led to increased solvency and population growth in parishes with higher disbursements, while also improving fiscal health and reducing debt-to-asset ratios.

New fungi behind emerging wheat disease

Scientists at Australian National University discovered three previously undiscovered fungi causing the disease, which affects Southern Queensland and South Australia's wheat crops. The finding provides growers with confidence in managing the disease, crucial for a $6 billion industry.

Playing adaptive sports linked to higher employment, economic impact

A study from the University of Houston found that playing an additional year of adaptive sport is associated with a 4% increase in employment likelihood every year for 10 years. This can lead to an estimated $40 million addition to the economy through household income if 2% of the working-age wheelchair population participates.

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.

Many parents unaware of e-cigarette dangers to children?

A new study at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that nearly all parents who use e-cigarettes are not aware of the risks to their children, including lethal ingestion and skin exposure. The researchers emphasize the need for pediatricians to ask about nicotine use and discuss safe storage practices.

NASA sees Hurricane Loke moving north

Hurricane Loke is moving north in the Central Pacific, producing rough surf and large swells that will affect reefs and shorelines. The storm is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by Wednesday, August 26, as it moves towards the northwest.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Promising target for new drugs found in pancreatic cancer cells

University of Houston researchers identify liver X receptors as a promising target for developing new pancreatic cancer treatments. The study, led by Chin-Yo Lin, shows that targeting these receptors can slow the growth of tumors and is expected to lead to the development of new drugs.

Drones used to track wildlife

Scientists at Australian National University have developed a world-first radio-tracking drone to locate radio-tagged wildlife. The system has successfully detected tiny radio transmitters and has been tested by tracking bettongs at the Mulligan's Flat woodland sanctuary.

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.

Is incense bad for your health?

A recent study found that incense smoke contains mutagenic properties, causing genetic mutations and potential cancers. Incense was compared to cigarette smoke in a comparison of indoor use, revealing surprising results.

Lemon juice and human norovirus

A study by German Cancer Research Center discovered that citric acid from lemon juice can alter the morphology of norovirus particles, reducing their infectivity. The researchers found that citrate binds to specific proteins on the virus, preventing it from attaching to host cells.

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.

Delay in administration of adrenaline and survival for children with cardiac arrest

A study found that delayed administration of epinephrine was associated with a decreased chance of 24-hour survival and survival to hospital discharge among children with cardiac arrest. The researchers analyzed data from the Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation registry and included U.S. pediatric patients who received at least one d...

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.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Atsani bow out

Tropical Cyclone Atsani transitioning into an extra-tropical low with potential for heavy rainfall in eastern Russia. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center issued its final bulletin on August 26, predicting landfall south of eastern Russia.

Researchers study tall larkspur toxicity in cattle

Researchers found that a 1,102-pound steer can safely consume up to 2.8 pounds of fresh tall larkspur daily without severe poisoning. The study also identified the importance of non-MSAL-type alkaloids in determining toxicity potential.

Debut of the global mix-master

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current began its eastern flow through the Southern Ocean 30 million years ago, driven by the Tasmanian gateway's alignment with mid-latitude westerly wind bands. This massive ocean current transports heat and salt around the world, shaping regional climates.

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.

Optimal breastfeeding practices may help save infants' lives

Breastfeeding from 0-5 months significantly reduces infant mortality risk, with exclusively breastfed infants having a lower risk of dying compared to those who were not breastfed. Continued breastfeeding up to 23 months also lowers the risk of infant mortality.

Project in West Africa sees dramatic drop in TB death rates

A project in Togo saw a 10% drop in TB death rates by increasing the treatment success rate to 95%, while mortality dropped from 13% to 3%. The redesigned system improved coverage, quality, and patient participation, highlighting the importance of data analysis and skilled workforce.

NASA finds vegetation essential for limiting city warming effects

A new NASA study reveals that the presence of vegetation is crucial in mitigating urban heat island effects, which can raise temperatures by 1.9°C in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas. The study found that replacing impervious surfaces with vegetation can reduce temperature differences by up to 1.3°C.

Hepatitis A-like virus identified in seals

Researchers identified a new virus, phopivirus, in seals genetically similar to hepatitis A, suggesting it may have originated in animals. The discovery provides clues on the emergence of hepatitis A and highlights the importance of studying wildlife reservoirs of zoonotic viruses.

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.

Gut feeling restored by growth outside the body

Researchers successfully joined two separate pieces of embryonic mouse intestine using growth supports, allowing nerve signals to pass through and promoting growth. The breakthrough could lead to treatment for conditions like short bowel syndrome, a condition causing damage to the bowel that prevents nutrient absorption.

How TV's subliminal influence can affect women's perception of pregnancy, birth

A UC sociology study reveals that reality TV and fictional programs have a significant impact on pregnant women's expectations of pregnancy and birth. Women with lower educational attainment tend to view TV as an alternative to traditional childbirth education, while highly educated women frame it as entertainment for young children.

'Targeted punishments' against countries could tackle climate change

New research suggests that targeted punishments could provide a path to international climate change cooperation. By devising rules for small groups of 'defectors' to focus pressure, cooperation can build up gradually, ultimately leading to collective action against climate change.

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.

A community of soil bacteria saves plants from root rot

Researchers found that a protective mix of root bacteria can prevent sudden wilt disease in wild tobacco plants. The right combination of soil microbiota is crucial for plant survival, and crop rotation plays a vital role in preventing the buildup of soil-borne diseases.

Study finds major lack of resources for rehab patients in Malawi

A study in Malawi found that patients with stroke and spinal cord injuries faced significant obstacles upon return home, including physical barriers and social exclusion. The lack of rehabilitation services after discharge has severe consequences for patients' mental health and ability to reintegrate into society.

Longer colonoscopies linked to lower cancer rate

A Veterans Affairs team found that longer-lasting colonoscopies are associated with lower cancer rates. Doctors with average withdrawal times of under six minutes had patients more than twice as likely to have cancer. Experts recommend focusing quality-improvement efforts on withdrawal times of under six minutes.

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.

How plant sensors detect pathogens

A team of scientists has discovered how a plant sensor detects pathogens, bringing unprecedented detail to the 'gene-for-gene' hypothesis. The study reveals that the strength of binding between the sensor and pathogen proteins correlates with the plant's response, opening up new strategies for engineering enhanced resistance.

UT Dallas criminologist tackles perception of NFL players

A new study by UT Dallas refutes the notion that NFL players are more criminal than the general population. The research found that the overall arrest rate for the general population was nearly twice as high as the rate for NFL players from 2000 to 2013.

Development of new class of photodetectors funded by US Air Force

Researchers have successfully created a new class of uncooled photodetectors that can operate at room temperature, overcoming limitations of existing inorganic detectors. These breakthrough devices will enable various industrial and scientific applications such as optical communications and chemical sensing.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Record-high pressure reveals secrets of matter

Researchers have achieved record-high pressure to study osmium, finding that innermost electrons start interacting with each other due to extreme pressure. This phenomenon opens up new possibilities for discovering brand new states of matter.

Water covers 70 percent of the Earth's surface, but only a fraction is fresh

The current issue of Technology and Innovation highlights the challenges of ensuring water security due to growing concerns over fresh water availability. Advances in analytical techniques, nanobiotechnologies, and monitoring methods are being explored to develop innovative solutions for water conservation and quality improvement.

One dose or 2? Cholera vaccination strategies

A new modeling study suggests that a single dose of cholera vaccine could be as effective as the traditional two-dose regimen in preventing deaths. The researchers estimate that a one-dose campaign reaching half the population would have averted over 78,000 cases and prevented 738 deaths.

Predicting who will murder his wife or his family

Researchers identified a similar profile among murderers of intimate partners and family members, including severe mental illness and few previous convictions. Early intervention is crucial to prevent these murders, which are often driven by jealousy or revenge, experts warn.

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.

Something to crow about

Researchers found that New Caledonian crows use a combination of social learning and trial-and-error methods to acquire tool shapes. The birds observe another crow's actions, then mimic the end result, rather than copying specific actions, suggesting an alternative explanation for their cumulative technological culture.

Foes can become friends on the coral reef

Seaweeds appear to protect coral from invasive sea stars by reducing predation and providing a physical barrier. This complex relationship highlights the intricate dynamics of ecosystems and has implications for coral reef conservation.

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.

NASA looks at Tropical Storm Erika inside and outside

NASA's GPM and NOAA's GOES satellites provide insights into Tropical Storm Erika's rainfall patterns and cloud structure. The storm is expected to approach the Leeward Islands on Wednesday night, prompting a Tropical Storm Watch for several Caribbean islands.

NASA sees Typhoon Goni cover southern half of Sea of Japan

Typhoon Goni covered the southern half of the Sea of Japan, with its center located near 35.3 North latitude and 131.0 East longitude. The storm was expected to weaken and become extra-tropical as it moved north, making landfall near Vladivostok, Russia on August 26.

New Yorker cartoons reveal attitudes toward parenting

Researchers analyze New Yorker cartoons from 1925 to 2006 to show changing portrayals of children and child-rearing, with a shift from mixed attitudes to increasingly intense parental involvement. The study highlights the paradox of modern, privileged parenting, where parents may opt out due to high costs associated with childcare.