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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 172


Page 172 of 402

Gout medications might be useful in treating alcohol-induced liver disease

Researchers found that gout medications targeting uric acid and adenosine triphosphate can protect against alcohol-induced liver damage and inflammation. These findings suggest clinical trials for humans with alcoholic liver disease should be considered to prevent or treat acute episodes of alcoholic hepatitis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJul 31, 2015

New Smart Villages offgrid solutions for helping world's bottom billion

The book reviews up-to-date accounts promoting energy access in remote areas, covering scientific and technological advances and enabling factors for sustainable development. Experts discuss the importance of coordinated action from governments, private investors, and development funders to achieve sustainable energy for all by 2030.

SourceRichard Hayhurst Associates·DateJul 31, 2015

Cooking up altered states

Researchers at OIST Graduate University discovered a way to predict emerging structures and bulk properties of new materials by analyzing attractive and repulsive forces between molecules. This discovery allows experimentalists to bypass complex calculations and predict material properties using minimal information.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalSoft Matter·DateJul 31, 2015

Solid state physics: Quantum matter stuck in unrest

Scientists observe a Many-Body Localized state in ultracold atoms trapped in light crystals, where interactions fail to lead to thermalization. This peculiar insulating state retains a quantum memory of its initial state, even at elevated temperatures.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Perfectionism linked to burnout at work, school and sports, research finds

A new study finds that perfectionistic concerns can lead to stress, burnout, and health problems. In contrast, perfectionistic strivings, which involve setting high standards and working towards goals, may help maintain a sense of accomplishment and delay burnout.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateJul 31, 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.

There may be a complex market living in your gut

A team of researchers, led by Joshua Tasoff, used economic principles to study the behavior of Escherichia coli cells. The study found that as trade increased, bacterial communities grew faster, but at a cost: exporting microbes slowed their own growth.

SourceClaremont Graduate University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2015

Exercise during adolescence linked to lowered risk of death later

Women who participated in exercise as adolescents had a reduced risk of death from cancer and all causes in their middle and older ages. Exercise participation was also associated with lower mortality risks for cardiovascular disease. The study found that women who engaged in team sports or regular exercise during adolescence had a 14-...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJul 31, 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.

Computer model forecasts flu outbreaks in a subtropical climate

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School developed a computer model that can predict flu outbreaks in subtropical climates like Hong Kong with high accuracy. The system forecasted peak timing and magnitude for 44 epidemics caused by specific influenza strains, including seasonal and pandemic outbreaks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 30, 2015

Robotic insect mimics nature's extreme moves

An international team of scientists developed a robotic insect that can jump on water using the natural mechanics of water striders. The robot exerts up to 16 times its own body weight on the water's surface, mimicking the insects' ability to perform extreme maneuvers like jumping and flying with ease.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2015

Bio-inspired robots jump on water

Researchers created a robot that mimics the jumping ability of water striders by controlling the acceleration of its legs. The robot uses a torque reversal catapult mechanism to generate force without exceeding the maximum force that water surface tension can withstand.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 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.

Rotten tomatoes and 2 thumbs up

The study found that mixed reviews are a double-edged sword, hurt or helping product sales depending on critic reviews. Retailers can capitalize on review variability by promoting quality signifiers and understanding niche user needs.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateJul 30, 2015

Ants in the lead

A team of ants uses a balance between individual direction and conformist behavior to move food towards their nest, making adjustments as needed. This cooperative behavior enables the group to optimize their movement, with well-informed individuals steering the load.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 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.

'Golden jackals' of East Africa are actually 'golden wolves'

The 'golden jackals' of East Africa and Eurasia are two separate species, with the latter being a new species, African golden wolf, that has a distribution across North and East Africa. Genetic data shows they have been evolving independently for at least a million years.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 30, 2015

Breeding a better peanut butter

The newly developed OLe peanut variety boasts a longer shelf life due to its higher oleic acid content, reducing the risk of rancidity by up to 10 times. This increase in disease resistance also makes it an attractive option for farmers, who can save up to $150/acre on fungicide usage and experience improved yields.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateJul 30, 2015

How a single molecule turns one immune cell into another

Researchers discover a single molecule, C/EBPa, can transform a B cell into a macrophage by 'short-circuiting' gene expression. This process involves the convergence of two DNA enhancer pathways, allowing for unnatural transdifferentiation. The findings have significant implications for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 30, 2015

How to become a T follicular helper cell

A team of researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology has identified LEF-1 and TCF-1 as master regulators that control the fate of T follicular helper cells. These transcription factors pre-program CD4+ T cells to respond to TFH induction signals, making them crucial for inducing a strong and lasting antibody response.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 30, 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.

Sugar in your cuppa ... not just about a sweet tooth!

A study led by Dr Seishi Shimizu shows that sugar affects the taste of hot beverages by interacting with caffeine molecules at a molecular level. The research found that sugar molecules bind to water, reducing the aggregation of caffeine molecules and resulting in less bitterness.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalFood & Function·DateJul 30, 2015

Studying killer whales with an unmanned aerial vehicle

Scientists from NOAA Fisheries and the Vancouver Aquarium used a hexacopter UAV to take straight-down photos of Northern resident killer whales, a threatened population in British Columbia. The aerial images allow for precise measurements of body condition, feeding habits, and growth patterns.

SourceNOAA National Marine Fisheries Service·JournalJournal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems·DateJul 30, 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.

Safeguarding the greater good

A unanimous international consensus reached by 26 scientists recommends specific measures for the responsible conduct of gene drive research. The group calls for all researchers to use multiple confinement strategies to prevent accidental alteration of wild populations.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2015

Argonne National Lab finds butanol is good for boats

The US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has found that butanol can be used as a safe and effective alternative fuel for recreational boats. This new blend, which includes 16% butanol, was demonstrated to outperform ethanol at 10% in terms of performance, efficiency, and emissions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 30, 2015

This could replace your silicon computer chips

Researchers created a high-performance transistor using black phosphorus, which can operate as both n-type and p-type materials without extrinsic doping. This could lead to thinner, more efficient alternative to silicon chips in electrical devices.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 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.

Drought's legacy on trees is worth modeling

Researchers found reduced tree stem growth after severe drought, contrasting with climate models that assume quick recovery. This study suggests reevaluation of climate-vegetation models to accurately capture drought impacts on the global carbon cycle.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2015

I think I found a new species, now how do I illustrate it?

A new digital method developed by Dr. Giuseppe Montesanto allows for the creation of detailed and accurate scientific illustrations for taxonomy, making it easier and faster to describe new species. The method uses bitmap graphics with GIMP and produces realistic ink-made drawings.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJul 30, 2015

Treating ships' ballast water: Filtration preferable to disinfection

Researchers found that electrochemical disinfection creates numerous 'disinfection by-products', which can have unknown environmental impacts. Alternative methods like filtration or adsorption are recommended to prevent the transfer of harmful organisms.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 30, 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.

How to look for a few good catalysts

Scientists at MIT discovered that non-wetting surfaces promote chemical reaction rates, while hydrophilic surfaces inhibit them. This finding enables researchers to predict a material's suitability as a catalyst based on its wettability.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJul 30, 2015

Depressed females have over-active glutamate receptor gene

A new study found that depressed female patients have abnormally high expression levels of genes regulating the glutamate system, which may contribute to their increased suicidal risk. The research suggests that drugs targeting this system, such as ketamine, could provide rapid relief from depression and potentially save lives.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 30, 2015

Genetic tug of war in the brain influences behavior

Researchers discovered noncanonical genomic imprinting in mice brains, affecting serotonin and dopamine production. The study highlights a targeted form of genetic control that can influence offspring behavior and may contribute to brain disorders like autism.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 30, 2015

Scientists create functional liver cells from stem cells

Researchers have successfully created functional liver cells from human embryonic and genetic engineered stem cells. The new method enables unlimited production of liver cells with high accuracy, revolutionizing pharmaceutical drug discovery and potentially improving treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalHepatology·DateJul 30, 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.

Research explores future energy security of China

A new study from the University of East Anglia recommends that China prioritize non-coal fuels like nuclear power and natural gas to improve electricity supply security while reducing carbon emissions. The country's largest coal importer, China needs to reduce its dependence on coal to achieve long-term energy security.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateJul 30, 2015

Liver plays role in pneumonia, sepsis susceptibility

A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that liver activation is essential for maintaining adequate immune responses in the lungs against bacterial pneumonia. The study used a model system to demonstrate how a lack of liver response increases susceptibility to pneumonia.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJul 30, 2015

The bold and the shy one: Could woodlice have personalities?

A study by Dr. Ivan Tuf's team found that Common rough woodlice exhibit individual patterns of defensive behavior, suggesting the presence of personality traits. The researchers observed repeatability in reactions to external impacts, identifying some woodlices as 'bold' and others as 'shy'.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJul 30, 2015

HPV16 detection in oral rinses for oropharyngeal cancer

The study found that persistent HPV16 DNA detection after treatment was associated with worse disease-free survival and overall survival. This could be a useful tool for long-term tumor surveillance, potentially reducing the need for costly imaging and intensifying visits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 30, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Most adolescents feel better after gastric bypass

A new study from Lund University in Sweden found that nearly all adolescents who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced improved mental health two years post-op. However, 13% showed severe depression and 20% did not feel better mentally after weight loss.

SourceLund University·JournalObesity·DateJul 30, 2015

Drought's lasting impact on forests

Forest trees take an average of two to four years to recover from droughts, with growth rates slower than expected during the recovery period. The study suggests that Earth's forests can store less carbon than previously calculated, which could lead to a speed-up in climate change.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2015

Forecasting flu outbreaks in a subtropical climate

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology has developed a flu forecasting system that can predict the timing and intensity of influenza outbreaks in subtropical climates. The system was able to forecast peak timing and magnitude for 44 epidemics in 16 years, with an accuracy rate of 93%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 30, 2015

Research could lead to protective probiotics for frogs

A team of scientists has identified potential probiotics for frogs to combat the devastating chytrid fungus. The researchers found dominant bacterial species that may provide disease resistance and antifungal properties to their host. This discovery holds promise for protecting vulnerable amphibian populations worldwide.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 30, 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.

Pharmacists help patients with hypertension

Researchers found that patients with pharmacist-included care teams had better blood pressure control results than those without, with a systolic blood pressure drop of 6.1 mmHg after nine months.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of the American Society of Hypertension·DateJul 30, 2015

Paralyzed men move legs with new non-invasive spinal cord stimulation

Researchers developed a non-invasive strategy to deliver electrical stimulation to the spinal cord, enabling paralyzed individuals to move their legs voluntarily. The study shows significant progress towards developing a therapy for wide range of individuals with spinal cord injury.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJul 30, 2015

Stanford team's brain-controlled prosthesis nearly as good as one-finger typing

A team led by Stanford electrical engineer Krishna Shenoy has developed a technique to make brain-controlled prostheses more precise, enabling people with spinal cord injuries to tap out commands with greater accuracy. The new approach continuously corrects brain readings to give users a more natural way to interact with devices.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2015

UC Davis partners in new photonics manufacturing institute

The Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation aims to stimulate new investment and industrial growth based on photonics technology. UC Davis' Center for Nano and Micro Manufacturing will play a major role in the West Coast hub of the institute.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJul 30, 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.

Get up for your heart health and move for your waistline

Replacing time spent sitting with standing can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, according to a new study. Standing for two hours a day was associated with improved waist circumference and reduced risk of metabolic disorders.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJul 30, 2015

Plastic surgeons urged to 'embrace the change' to single-stage implant breast reconstruction

A new approach to breast cancer surgery and reconstruction combines nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate single-stage implant (SSI) breast reconstruction. This combined procedure, also known as the 'one and done' approach, offers important psychological benefits for patients, including an immediate return to normal body image.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJul 30, 2015