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Science News Archive 2015


Page 148 of 402

Chimpanzees found to survive in degraded and human-dominated habitats

Research reveals a significantly larger-than-estimated chimpanzee population in Uganda's fragmented habitats, with populations of up to 319 individuals found across 633 km2. The study suggests that chimpanzees' adaptability and behavioral flexibility enable them to survive in degraded environments.

New blood test for colon cancer improves colonoscopy screening results

Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect precancerous polyps in the colon, potentially improving colonoscopy screening results. The test uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to identify molecular traces in blood plasma, offering a cheaper and less invasive initial screening option.

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.

EARTH -- Geology for everyone: Making the field accessible

The geosciences are becoming more inclusive, thanks to initiatives like the first fully accessible field trip in 2014. Researchers found that focusing on students' abilities rather than challenges can create a rewarding experience for all. The American Geosciences Institute is promoting this approach through its efforts.

Young adults believe hookah, e-cigs are safer than cigarettes

A study of 2,871 young adults found that many believe e-cigarettes and hookah are less risky than cigarettes. Younger respondents (18-24) were more likely to rate e-cigs and hookah as safer, while older respondents (25-34) were more cautious. Despite this, most respondents continued to use tobacco products.

Record high pressure squeezes secrets out of osmium

Researchers achieve unprecedented pressures of up to 770 GPa, revealing osmium's structural stability and interaction between core electrons. The findings have implications for understanding physics and chemistry of highly compressed matter.

Association between transient newborn hypoglycemia, 4th grade achievement

A recent study suggests that early transient newborn hypoglycemia may be associated with lower fourth-grade achievement test scores. The research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that newborns who experienced low blood sugar levels had decreased literacy and mathematics proficiency rates at age 10.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Young adults, women experience only slight declines in heart disease deaths

Research reveals that young adults, especially women, are not benefiting equally from declining heart disease death rates. Despite improvements in older adults, the annual percentage change in death rates for young men and women showed no improvement between 1990-1999 and has only fallen one percent since 2000.

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.

FSU researcher identifies protein with promise for cancer therapy

Researchers at Florida State University have identified a protein called Treslin that shows promise in stopping the unregulated division of cancer cells. Treslin stimulates the activation of helicase, a key enzyme involved in DNA replication, and assembles it for cell division.

The mending tissue -- Cellular instructions for tissue repair

A collaborative study led by NUS scientists has identified a universal mechanism that regulates forces during epithelial tissue repair. The researchers found that cells respond to the shape and geometry of gaps in the tissue, with convex edges facilitating faster movement than concave edges.

Cameras delivered for NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission as launch prep continues

The OSIRIS-REx camera suite, consisting of PolyCam, MapCam, and SamCam, will enable the spacecraft to image and map Bennu, select a safe sampling site, and collect a sample. The mission is scheduled to launch in September 2016 and will return the largest sample from space since the Apollo lunar missions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NASA SDO: Images of a mid-level solar flare

A mid-level solar flare, peaking at M5.6, occurred on Aug 24, 2015. The flare emitted powerful bursts of radiation, potentially affecting Earth's atmosphere and disrupting GPS and communications signals.

UI and WSU to help communities prepare for, recover from wildfires

Researchers are studying ways to increase communities' ability to withstand and recover from wildfires with the support of a $2.8 million grant. The team will create a virtual early warning system to identify vulnerable communities and ecosystems, and work with stakeholders to develop action plans for at-risk areas.

Another milestone in hybrid artificial photosynthesis

A team of researchers at Berkeley Lab has achieved another milestone in hybrid artificial photosynthesis by generating renewable molecular hydrogen and synthesizing carbon dioxide into methane. The new system uses solar energy to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, which is then used by microbes to produce methane.

Scientists from NTU Singapore find electrifying solution to sticky problem

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel adhesive called Voltaglue that can be activated by electricity, allowing for the creation of strong yet reversible bonds. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for various industries, including transportation and medicine, and could potentially revolutionize the way adhesive...

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 antibodies point to vulnerability in disease-causing parasites

Researchers identified a nanobody that stabilizes an enzyme essential for parasite invasion and reproduction. The discovery reveals a previously unappreciated feature of the enzyme's activation, making it a potential target for prevention and treatment of diseases like malaria.

Catastrophic landslides post-earthquake

Large earthquakes cause catastrophic landslides that can persist up to 20-fold after the earthquake, then gradually decrease over time. The magnitude of this response is linked to the size of the earthquake, with shaking-induced damage near Earth's surface and active healing processes playing a key role.

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.

Ants do drugs

Researchers at University of Helsinki found that black ants can change their food taste in response to fungal pathogens. By consuming a diet with high levels of free radicals, the ants show improved resistance to infections.

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.

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.

NIMBioS receives NSF grant to assess student learning in mathematics

The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) has been awarded a two-year NSF grant to create the Quantitative Biology Concept Inventory (QBCI), an instrument to assess learning comprehension and skill development in college-level math courses with real-world examples versus abstract methods. The project ai...

Climate impacts on marine biodiversity

A recent study models the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, predicting that warming oceans will lead to significant changes in species distribution. The researchers found that some species will expand into new regions, while others with restricted ranges are likely to face extinction.

Crying has its perks

Researchers found that tears help to relieve emotions, leading to an improvement in mood, even if it takes time for the feelings to recover

CONRAD to receive USAID funding for Project EMOTION

Project EMOTION aims to develop user-centered strategies for creating market demand for microbicides and PrEP products among high-risk women. The project will work with local partners to identify drivers and barriers to product use, and design new product attributes, packaging, and messaging.

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.

Voter ID law effects hard to pinpoint

A study by Indiana University doctoral student Adam Nicholson examined county-level voter turnout in Indiana and Nebraska/Pennsylvania without voter ID laws. Turnout declined in counties with high elderly populations, but the overall effect of the law on large numbers of voters remains uncertain.

UTHealth's Gerard Francisco to be honored by physical medicine academy

Gerard E. Francisco, a renowned expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, is being honored by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). His research focuses on developing innovative treatments to help stroke survivors regain hand movement and speech.

Sexual-minority men more empathic towards fellow minorities

A new study from the University of Houston found that white sexual-minority men have higher positive racial attitudes and empathy than their heterosexual peers. This increased empathy may stem from their personal experience of discrimination, which allows them to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Loke strengthening

Tropical Storm Loke is strengthening in the Central Pacific, with NASA's Terra satellite gathering data on its powerful storms. The storm is expected to reach hurricane strength later today, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to affected areas.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Penn/Baylor Med study describes underlying cause of diabetes in dogs

Researchers from Penn and Baylor have precisely quantified the loss of insulin-producing beta cells in dogs with diabetes, revealing a key similarity with human type I diabetes. The study also identifies features unique to canine diabetes, highlighting potential insights into treating human patients.

Long-term NSAID use may reduce CRC risk

A population-based case-control study found that long-term, continuous use of low-dose aspirin and nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk. The study also suggests that higher COX-2 selectivity in nonaspirin NSAIDs may offer greater protection.

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.

Why do so many children born with heart defects have trouble in school?

Researchers at the University of Utah are exploring the link between congenital heart defects and neurological disorders in children, discovering genetic mutations that affect both heart and brain function. The goal is to develop precision medicine for CHD patients and tailor treatment based on genomic sequence.

NASA Goddard announces collaboration with YYESIT LLC

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center collaborates with YYESIT LLC to develop a product offering innovative monitoring, interpreting, and reporting capabilities for healthcare safety and quality protocols. The partnership aims to advance NASA's work in image processing, computer vision, intelligent decision-making, and optimization.

ESA announces 2015 honorary members

The Entomological Society of America (ESA) has selected three individuals as its 2015 Honorary Members for their significant contributions to the field. Dr. Wayne A. Gardner is honored for his 41 years of continuous service, while Dr. Michael E. Gray is recognized for his extensive research and leadership roles in integrated pest manag...

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.

NASA sees Typhoon Goni moving through East China Sea

Typhoon Goni is weakening due to increasing vertical wind shear and interaction with southern Japan's land. Forecasters predict the storm will make landfall in Kyushu, Japan on August 25 before moving north through the Sea of Japan.

Louisiana Tech University researchers discover synthesis of a new nanomaterial

Researchers at Louisiana Tech University have created a biocomposite nanomaterial that can be synthesized under physiological conditions, making it suitable for targeted drug delivery to combat diseases like cancer. The new material is also stable and resistant to agglomeration, allowing for controlled synthesis and modification.

Generic heart medication shown to prolong ovarian cancer patients' survival

Researchers found that generic heart medications, specifically nonselective beta-blockers, significantly improved overall survival among ovarian cancer patients. This is attributed to the ability of these drugs to block stress pathways involved in tumor growth and spread, with further research needed to explore their potential benefits.

Bacterial infection makes farmers out of amoebae

Scientists have discovered that an infection caused by the Burkholderia bacteria transforms non-farming social amoebae into farmers. These farmer amoebae gather bacteria, carry them to new sites and seed the soil with them, showcasing a complex symbiotic relationship between all three partners.

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.

Research may solve lunar fire fountain mystery

Scientists from Brown University and Carnegie Institution for Science have identified the volatile gas that drove lunar fire fountain eruptions, a type of eruption that occurs frequently in Hawaii. The gas is found to be carbon monoxide (CO), which combined with oxygen to form, responsible for the fire fountains that sprayed volcanic g...

WSU researchers find inaccuracies in head impact sensors

Researchers found that non-helmeted wireless sensors cannot accurately measure harder and faster hits, such as those from softballs. The sensors struggle with rotational acceleration and are unable to capture the peak acceleration of a hit, which can lead to concussion.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Smooth robot movements reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed an optimization algorithm to minimize robot acceleration, reducing energy consumption by up to 40%. The algorithm coordinates multiple robots to optimize their movements and sequence, resulting in improved efficiency without compromising production time.