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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 147


Page 147 of 402

Researchers combine disciplines, computational programs to determine atomic structure

A team from the University of Illinois and Indiana University combined techniques to determine the structure of cyanostar, a symmetrical macrocycle that can capture negative ions. The collaboration used xMDFF and PHENIX programs to overcome challenges of disorder in the molecule.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 25, 2015

IRIS and Hinode: A stellar research team

Researchers confirm coronal heating mechanism using observations from NASA's IRIS and Japan's Hinode solar observatory. Resonant absorption process converts magnetic waves into heat energy, explaining why the sun's corona is hotter than its surface.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 25, 2015

GPM sees energetic Tropical Depression Kilo

Tropical Depression Kilo has recently become more energetic, with heavy rainfall rates of almost 65 mm/hour detected by NASA's GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar. The depression's storm tops were also found to be very tall, measuring over 15.4 km altitude.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 25, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA's Terra Satellite sees birth of Tropical Depression 12E

The 12th tropical depression of the 2015 Eastern Pacific hurricane season was born on August 25, 2015. NASA's Terra satellite gathered infrared data revealing a circulation center with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph, located approximately 1,610 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 25, 2015

Is too much fresh water used to water Florida lawns?

A recent study found that Florida homeowners waste a significant amount of fresh water on their lawns, with some using as much as 64% or more. The main barriers to conservation are a lack of knowledge and pressure from Home Owner's Associations (HOAs) to maintain perfect lawns.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateAug 25, 2015

Injectable cryogel-based whole-cell cancer vaccines

A new minimally invasive vaccine combines cancer cells with immune-enhancing factors, evoking an immune response in a simpler and more economical way. The approach has shown promising results in experimental animal models, shrinking tumors and protecting animals from tumor growth.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 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.

Sequencing of barley genome achieves new milestone

A team of researchers has sequenced nearly two-thirds of barley's genes, revealing new insights into the grain's DNA and its applications in wheat and other food sources. The advancements will aid in precision plant breeding by identifying specific markers for traits like malting quality and stem rust resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateAug 25, 2015

Study of 'fountain of youth' protein points to possible human health benefit

A new study led by UCSF researchers found that individuals with higher blood levels of growth factor proteins GDF11 and myostatin have a lower risk of cardiovascular problems and death from these events. This association suggests the possibility of using drugs to increase GDF11 levels as a treatment for heart disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 25, 2015
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.

Rare nautilus sighted for the first time in 3 decades

A University of Washington biologist has spotted a rare nautilus species, Allonautilus scrobiculatus, for the first time in three decades. The sighting highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect this ancient lineage from illegal fishing practices and potential extinction.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 25, 2015

Making a mistake can be rewarding, study finds

A new MRI study found that having the opportunity to learn from failure can turn it into a positive experience. The study showed that certain circumstances can prompt the brain's reward mechanism instead of avoidance learning, leading to improved understanding and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2015

Glitter from silver lights up Alzheimer's dark secrets

Researchers have identified a key feature of the Alzheimer's disease-causing Amyloid beta molecule using laser light and fat-coated silver nanoparticles. The study suggests that designing a drug molecule to attack this specific shape could lead to a breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 25, 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.

Quantum diffraction at a breath of nothing

Researchers successfully fabricated stable and large gratings in single layer graphene, enabling the study of massive objects' quantum mechanical nature. The team's achievement reduces material thickness to the ultimate limit, increasing interaction time between molecules and masks.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 25, 2015

Hepatitis A-like virus identified in seals

Scientists have discovered a new virus in seals that is closely related to human hepatitis A virus, raising concerns about the emergence of hepatitis A. The researchers found the virus in harbor seals off the coast of New England and suggest it may be present in other wildlife species.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateAug 25, 2015

Flu remedies help combat E. coli bacteria

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered that an overproduction of E. coli bacteria is triggered by the availability of sialic acid, leading to intestinal inflammation. A sialidase inhibitor can prevent excessive E. coli formation and alleviate disease symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2015

Biophysicists take small step in quest for 'robot scientist'

Researchers have created an algorithm that can efficiently search for the laws underlying complex dynamical systems, including biological processes. The algorithm, dubbed 'Sir Issac', was tested on artificial and real-world systems, demonstrating its ability to infer universal gravitational force and model chemical transformations.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2015

Pitt, Drexel, and NIH team up to study persistence of Ebola virus in wastewater

A team of researchers from Pitt, Drexel, and NIH found that the Ebola virus can survive in detectable concentrations in wastewater for at least a week or longer. The study suggests that procedures for disposing of contaminated liquid waste might underestimate the virus' ability to persist.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateAug 25, 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.

'Lazy eye' may bully the brain into altering its wiring

A study published in Vision Research found that amblyopia, or 'lazy eye,' alters the brain's visual pathways, making it harder for the brain to adapt to using the weaker eye. The research suggests a potential new approach for treating vision disorders, including adults.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalVision Research·DateAug 25, 2015

Funding for toddlers' oral health pilot study

A pilot study aims to address the national crisis in children's oral health by providing support for parents to prevent tooth decay in their toddlers. The study will develop an intervention that links a dental nurse with young mothers, offering them guidance and materials to protect their child's teeth.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateAug 25, 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.

Study investigates whether blind people characterize others by race

A recent study investigates how blind individuals characterize others by race, revealing a slower and less automatic process than sighted individuals. Blind participants categorized fewer people by race due to the slower pace of assigning race, which typically occurs with extensive interactions rather than casual encounters.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 25, 2015

New Moffitt study finds black women have higher frequency of BRCA mutations than previously reported

A recent study by H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center researchers found a significantly higher frequency of BRCA mutations in young black women with breast cancer, particularly among those under 50. This discovery may contribute to the disparity in aggressive breast cancer rates among black women compared to non-Hispanic white women.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer·DateAug 25, 2015

Less may be more in slowing cholera epidemics

A mathematical model shows that using one dose of the oral cholera vaccine can prevent more cases and save more lives than the recommended two doses, especially in crisis situations. The study found that a single dose could protect more people in the long run and improve herd immunity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 25, 2015
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.

Algorithm helps identify elusive genes that express like clockwork

A new statistical approach, called Oscope, identifies oscillating genes in single-cell RNA-sequencing experiments by examining cells from an unsynchronized population. The technique captures one base cycle of each group of cyclic genes, offering a practical way to profile distinct groups of genes that play a cyclical role.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 25, 2015

EPSRC funding boost to aid discovery of new advanced materials

A £6.65 million grant will support a programme at the University of Liverpool and University College London to design and test new materials at the atomic level. The project aims to address challenges in sustainable energy production, battery technologies, and solar energy efficiency.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateAug 25, 2015

Women undergoing fertility treatment can succeed with fewer hormones

A new study by Aarhus University found that women undergoing fertility treatment can achieve similar pregnancy rates without daily hormonal vaginal gel, instead receiving a small injection of pregnancy-stimulating hormone HCG. This more natural treatment option reduces discomfort and side effects, providing a patient-friendly alternative.

SourceAarhus University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateAug 25, 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.

Molten glass 3-D printer produces optically transparent glass

A new additive manufacturing technique prints molten glass at high temperatures to produce strong, optically transparent glass objects. The modular printer allows for customization of the printed glass parts, opening up opportunities for high-value applications in industries such as aerospace.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateAug 25, 2015

A noninvasive test for surgical site infections in orthopedic implants

Researchers develop an antigen-sensitive hydrogel integrated into a small wireless sensor to detect early surgical site infections in orthopedic implants. The test has the potential to guide therapy, improve outcomes and reduce readmissions and costs associated with implant-related infections.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateAug 25, 2015

Brown widow spider reported for the first time in Tahiti

Researchers report brown widow spider discovery in Tahiti and Cook Islands, but caution against alarm. The non-aggressive nature of the spider and a natural control agent make it less of a concern.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateAug 25, 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.

Smart phone not a smart choice when facing depression

Research at Michigan State University suggests that using smartphones to alleviate depression can have negative effects. Lead authors argue that face-to-face interaction is a more effective antidote to problematic mobile phone use.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 25, 2015

MouthLab: Patients' vital signs are just a breath away

A handheld device called MouthLab tracks vital signs such as blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate by analyzing data from a mouthpiece and thumb pad sensor. The device has shown promising results in studies, with its measurements matching those taken with standard hospital monitors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 24, 2015

Danny the 'degenerate' followed by 2 lows

Danny degenerated into an elongated area of low pressure near the Windward Islands, producing 2-4 inches of rain over several islands. A second low-pressure system is developing in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, with potential for tropical depression or storm formation

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 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.

Compound found in red wine causes conflicting changes in dogs' immune systems

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that resveratrol simultaneously increases and decreases dog's immune systems, leading to mixed signals. The study aims to better understand how this chemical affects human diseases, potentially leading to valuable treatments like cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalVeterinary Immunology and Immunopathology·DateAug 24, 2015

Blood vessel cells help tumours evade the immune system

Researchers found that tumour pericytes manipulate the tumour environment to help cancer cells escape immune surveillance. Increasing pericyte numbers could potentially decrease IL-6 expression and improve cytotoxic T-cell activity.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 24, 2015

Smoke from western fires wafts eastward

Smoke from western fires mixes with atmospheric particles to obscure landmasses in eastern states, altering sunset colors. Residents notice increased reddish hues due to filtering of shorter wavelength light by smaller smoke particles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 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.

Fertility concerns impact breast cancer treatment decisions

A study found that fertility concerns led a third of young women with breast cancer to decline or discontinue tamoxifen. The study also showed that a quarter of women who started tamoxifen stopped taking it before the recommended treatment period ended.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 24, 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.

How zebrafish rebuild the skeleton of amputated fins

Researchers have discovered how zebrafish rebuild their skeleton after losing parts of their fins. A critical enzyme called Cyp26b1 helps to regulate retinoic acid levels, allowing osteoblasts to revert and form new bone tissue. The regeneration process relies on a complex navigation system involving signaling proteins and cell types.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalDevelopment·DateAug 24, 2015

Scientists discover electrical control of cancer cell growth

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have identified a new electrical mechanism that controls molecular switches regulating cell growth. The study focuses on K-Ras mutations found in 20% of human cancers, which can lead to uncontrolled cell division and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalScience·DateAug 24, 2015

New research sheds light on end of Snowball Earth period

Scientists discovered that the end of the Snowball Earth period was marked by regular ice advances and retreats, contrary to previous thought. The constant changes were caused by the Earth wobbling on its axis, leading to subtle shifts in climate change.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 24, 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.

Promising class of new cancer drugs might cause memory loss in mice

Researchers discovered that a promising class of cancer drugs can lead to memory loss in mice due to molecular changes in the brain. The findings suggest the potential risks of these therapies and highlight the need for further investigation into their brain effects.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 24, 2015

ESMO honors exceptional oncologists

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) announced the award of its esteemed prizes to three exceptional medical oncologists: Nathan Cherny, Nagahiro Saijo, and Cornelis Punt. These pioneers have made groundbreaking contributions to palliative care integration, medical oncology in Asia, and immunotherapy approaches.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateAug 24, 2015