Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2015 - Page 167


Page 167 of 402

Bariatric surgery procedure lowers tolerance for alcohol

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that women who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery had a faster increase in blood alcohol concentration and reported greater feelings of drunkenness. This alteration in alcohol metabolism increases the risk of developing alcohol use disorders, highlighting the need for public awareness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 5, 2015

How white blood cells limit muscle regeneration

Researchers identified a protein produced by white blood cells that puts the brakes on muscle repair. Removing CD163 from mice boosted muscle repair and recovery of blood flow after ischemic injury. The findings point to a target for potential treatments aiming to enhance muscle regeneration.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2015

Long-term ovarian cancer survival higher than thought

A UC Davis study found that nearly one-third of ovarian cancer patients survived at least 10 years after diagnosis, contradicting the common perception of poor survival rates. The research also identified younger, earlier-stage disease and lower-risk tumor types as factors associated with longer survival.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 5, 2015

Parental experience may help coral offspring survive climate change

A new study found that corals pre-conditioned to increased temperature and ocean acidification produced healthier offspring, which can handle future environmental stressors. This rapid trans-generational acclimatization may help corals survive climate change.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 5, 2015
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.

New medical research reporting requirements may lead to fewer positive outcomes

Large-budget clinical trials evaluating drugs or dietary supplements for cardiovascular disease reported fewer positive outcomes after new transparent reporting standards were implemented around 2000. The study found that 57% of trials from 1970-1999 reported positive results, compared to only 8% of trials from 2000-2012.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 5, 2015

Two spin liquids square off in an iron-based superconductor

A new study reveals an iron-telluride material develops superconductivity without long-range electronic or magnetic order, with a competing disordered magnetic phase. The researchers found that the ordering is extremely local and fleeting, similar to a liquid-like behavior.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Population changes, priorities cause woodlands to increase

A study monitors trends on woody encroachment in three Central Texas settings, finding a significant correlation between population changes and woody cover decreases. The researchers used time-series aerial imagery and historical census data to quantify the relationship between human demographics and land use patterns.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalRangeland Ecology & Management·DateAug 5, 2015

Source of liver stem cells identified

HHMI scientists have discovered functional liver stem cells that proliferate and give rise to mature hepatocytes, even in healthy livers. The newly found stem cells require Wnt signals to maintain their identity and are responsible for replenishing the liver's population.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2015

Milky Way-like galaxies may have existed in the early universe

A new simulation by Carnegie Mellon University researchers suggests that large disk galaxies, like the Milky Way, might have formed in the early universe. The BlueTides simulation, which is 100 times larger than previous simulations, shows a number of disk galaxies existing at 500 million years post-Big Bang, challenging long-held theo...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 5, 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.

Nova Southeastern University researcher discovers a new deep-sea fish species

A Nova Southeastern University researcher has discovered a new deep-sea fish species, the Ceratioid anglerfish, found between 1,000-1,500 meters depth in the Gulf of Mexico. The three female specimens, considered type specimens, will reside in the Ichthyology Collection at the University of Washington.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalCopeia·DateAug 5, 2015

Spaceflight may increase susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease

A new study suggests that spaceflight can disrupt intestinal homeostasis and increase colitis susceptibility in mice. The research found altered composition of intestinal bacteria, decreased regulatory T cells, and increased neutrophils in the colon tissues of hindlimb-suspended mice.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 5, 2015

Scientists solve structure of important protein for tumor growth

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute solved the structure of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), important regulators of tumor response to low oxygen. The findings identify potential targets for new cancer drugs, which could inhibit HIF functions and reduce tumor growth.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 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.

Pandas set their own pace, tracking reveals

Researchers tracked five pandas with GPS collars for three years, finding they exhibit three daily activity peaks - morning, afternoon, and midnight. This unique pattern may be linked to their low nutrition quality from bamboo consumption, allowing them to adapt to their environment.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateAug 5, 2015

Gastric bypass surgery lowers women's alcohol tolerance

A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that gastric bypass surgery can alter how the body metabolizes alcohol, leading to higher and more rapid blood-alcohol levels. Women who underwent the surgery experienced changes similar to those seen in men, with a significant increase in blood-alcohol content after consuming just two drinks.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 5, 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.

Students create tool to stop pests in their tracks

Three college students developed ComFlo, an interactive website that visualizes domestic transport of commodities in the US. The tool helps identify pathways for invasive species and informs resource allocation for prevention.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·DateAug 5, 2015

The Alan Turing Institute signals progress on many fronts

The Alan Turing Institute has made significant progress in its first few days of operations, with the appointment of Professor Andrew Blake as its first Director. The Institute will promote the development and use of advanced mathematics, computer science, algorithms, and big data for human benefit.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateAug 5, 2015

'Yolks' and 'shells' improve rechargeable batteries

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel electrode made of nanoparticles with a solid shell, and a yolk that can change size without affecting the shell, improving cycle life and energy storage. The use of aluminum as the key material has proven to be high-rate champion among high-capacity anodes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Snow leopard blood no better prepared for high altitude than domestic cats

A team of researchers found that snow leopard haemoglobin is equally as inefficient as the haemoglobins of all other big cats and structurally similar to those of house cats. The study suggests that animals may compensate for poor oxygen capacity by breathing harder, but further research is needed.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 5, 2015

Sandcastles inspire new nanoparticle binding technique

Researchers from NC State University developed a new method to bind nanoparticles using oily liquid shells, mimicking the formation of sandcastles. The technique creates ultraflexible microfilaments and networks with reversible binding, enabling dynamic reconfigurable multifunctional materials.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 5, 2015

New articles on butterfly conservation from Oxford Journals

Research on monarch butterfly conservation highlights declining population trends, with survival rates dropping from 1997 to 2014. The studies also suggest that Karner blue butterflies are being protected through a cutting-edge recovery program in Wisconsin.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateAug 5, 2015
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

When new parents become unhappy, brothers and sisters become less likely

A study by the Max Planck Institute found that parents experiencing a drop in happiness after the birth of their first child are less likely to have a second child. The effect is strongest for well-educated and older parents. In fact, only 58 out of 100 couples who reported a significant decline in happiness had a second child within t...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDemography·DateAug 5, 2015

New survey on Americans' views on law enforcement, violence, and race

A new national survey found nearly three-quarters of black respondents consider violence against civilians by police as extremely or very serious, while less than 20% of whites share the same view. The poll also finds agreement across racial groups on many causes of police violence and potential solutions.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateAug 5, 2015

Power grid forecasting tool reduces costly errors

Researchers at PNNL developed a new forecasting tool that can accurately predict electricity needs, reducing errors and costs. The Power Model Integrator uses an ensemble of models to adaptively combine strengths and address various scenarios, improving accuracy by up to 50%.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateAug 5, 2015

How stock market's 'spare tire' keeps economy churning during banking crises

A new study found that firms in countries with strong shareholder protection laws raised more money through stock sales, performed better in terms of profits and investment efficiency, and terminated fewer employees than similar firms in countries with weaker shareholder protection laws. Stronger shareholder protection laws allow the s...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateAug 5, 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.

Want to improve your health? Focus on nutrition and not weight

A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that nutritional deficiencies can lead to chronic inflammation, which may be the underlying cause of weight gain. Participants who consumed nutrient bars daily for two months showed significant improvements in various health markers, including weight loss and improved cholesterol levels.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 5, 2015

Finding the 'conservación' in conservation genetics

A special journal issue highlights real-world applications of conservation genetics in Latin America, from combating wildlife smuggling to exposing consumer fraud. Researchers used genetic techniques to characterize jaguar populations and identify piracatinga fish as a substitute for river dolphins.

SourceAmerican Genetic Association·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateAug 5, 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.

The role of intra-abdominal fat in IBD uncovered

A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that intra-abdominal fat cells may promote inflammation in IBD patients. The research isolated and cultured pre-intra-abdominal fat cells from healthy subjects and those with IBD, revealing significant differences in signaling mediators produced by...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 5, 2015

Consuming highly refined carbohydrates increases risk of depression

A diet high in refined carbohydrates may lead to an increased risk for new-onset depression in postmenopausal women, according to a recent study. The study found that greater consumption of dietary fiber, whole grains, vegetables, and non-juice fruits was associated with decreased risk.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 5, 2015

Two-drug combination boosts survival in metastatic prostate cancer

Patients with metastatic prostate cancer who received a two-drug combination of chemotherapy and hormone blocker lived longer than those on hormone-blocker alone, surviving for 57.6 months versus 44 months. The treatment also delayed disease progression by six months.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 5, 2015

Study finds state policies influence vaccination, disease outbreak rates

A new study from the University of Georgia found that lax state vaccination laws contribute to lower immunization rates and increased outbreaks of preventable diseases, such as whooping cough and measles. States with stricter policies have lower pertussis rates, highlighting the impact of policymakers on disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 5, 2015

Storytelling skills support early literacy for African American children

Early narrative skills are tied to kindergarten literacy among young African American children, suggesting that storytelling is crucial for their early reading development. The study found that preschool oral narrative skills predicted emergent literacy for poor and non-poor African American kindergartners, but not for the overall sample.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateAug 5, 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.

Making a better nitrate test kit

A new handheld device replaces traditional methods with a safer, more accurate, and affordable testing procedure. It is adaptable for different chemical measurements and can be used by schools and individuals to gather real data in their communities.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 5, 2015

Stroke therapy put to the test in preclinical randomized controlled trial

A preclinical randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate a potential stroke therapy that had shown promise in one mouse model but not another. The study found that the treatment's success may depend on the type and severity of the stroke, suggesting improved clinical trial design could have mitigated this issue.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 2015

Series of wildfires in Northern California continue blazing

Several fire complexes are currently active in Northern California, including River, Fork, South, Route, and Mad River, with total fires numbering over 40 in the Fork Complex alone. Damage assessments are ongoing, and crews are working to contain fires and protect structures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 5, 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.

Delay in treatment, missed diagnostic testing found among lung cancer patients

A recent study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that patients with suspected lung cancer often wait too long to receive treatment and skip vital diagnostic steps. Only 1 in 10 patients had the recommended combination of three staging tests before surgery, highlighting the need for improved quality care.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateAug 5, 2015

Lightning reshapes rocks at the atomic level, Penn study finds

A team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania discovered that lightning can reshape rocks at an atomic level, creating distinctive black 'glazes' and shock lamellae. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the effects of meteorite impacts on rocks.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateAug 5, 2015
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.

Wasp masters manipulate web-building zombie slave spiders

A Japanese wasp has been found to control its zombie spider host to build a reinforced cocoon web for pupa development. The spiders were manipulated to remove their sticky spiral, reinforce radial and frame threads, and add decorative fibrous structures.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 5, 2015
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.