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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 174


Page 174 of 402

New pig model will provide insights into early detection, new treatments of cancers

Researchers have created a genetically engineered pig model that allows them to induce the development of human-like tumors, reflecting gene pathways and mutations most often observed in human cancer. The 'oncopig' model holds great promise for early detection and treatment of cancers such as pancreatic, liver, lung, and bladder cancers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Simulated seawater flooding decreases growth of vegetable seedlings

A study found that simulated seawater flooding significantly reduced growth of sensitive vegetable seedlings. Salt-tolerant varieties like spinach, eggplant, and tomato showed less damage, with some experiencing a 43-67% reduction in photosynthetic rate after two weeks.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 29, 2015

Researchers illuminate key role of NOX proteins in liver disease

Researchers have demonstrated a direct connection between two signaling proteins (NOX1 and NOX4) and liver fibrosis, a scarring process underlying chronic liver disease. The study adds credence to a pharmaceutical effort to create new treatments for diabetic nephropathy, liver fibrosis, and other progressive fibrotic diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2015

Prescription for medical students: A day at the art museum?

A study found that medical students who visited an art museum with people with dementia showed improved attitudes towards the disease. The experience helped students understand how patients and caregivers maintain relationships despite diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 29, 2015

York scientists unlock secrets of stars through aluminium

Researchers at the University of York have revealed a new understanding of nucleosynthesis in stars, providing insight into massive star evolution and the origins of the Solar System. By studying radioactive aluminium production, scientists can now better understand gamma radiation maps of the galaxy and simulate star behavior.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 29, 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.

New computer-based technology may lead to improvements in facial transplantation

A new computer-based system provides rapid, real-time feedback during facial transplant surgery, potentially improving face-jaw-teeth alignment and reducing residual deformities. The CAPE platform uses CT scans to match donor anatomy with recipient anatomy, providing unprecedented visual data for surgeons.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJul 29, 2015

Yarn from slaughterhouse waste

A new method for producing high-quality yarn from gelatine has been developed by Philipp Stössel and his team. The process involves spinning the protein-rich material into fine fibers that can be woven into textiles with improved insulation and water resistance compared to traditional wool-based fabrics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateJul 29, 2015

Meet the high-performance single-molecule diode

Researchers create high-performing single-molecule diode by controlling electrostatic environment, increasing rectification ratio to 200, and enabling faster electronics. The breakthrough enables new routes to charge and energy flow at the nanoscale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 29, 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.

Women who were socially well integrated had lower risk for suicide

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that socially integrated women had a lower risk for suicide compared to those who were less integrated. The research, which analyzed data from 72,607 nurses, also revealed that increasing social integration was associated with a lower risk for suicide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2015

Stressed out plants send animal-like signals

Researchers have discovered that plants bind GABA in a similar way to animals, resulting in electrical signals that regulate plant growth when exposed to stressful environments. This finding opens up new possibilities for breeding more stress resilient crops to fight food insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2015

Structures reveal basis of recurring urinary tract infections

Researchers at Duke University have discovered the role of HipA in recurring urinary tract infections, finding that mutant versions of the protein can cause multidrug tolerance by putting bacterial cells into dormancy. The study provides a new method for combating drug-tolerant infections.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2015

End-of-production LED lighting increases red pigmentation in lettuce

Researchers found that supplemental lighting with red and blue LEDs can increase anthocyanin synthesis and pigmentation of lettuce crops, leading to improved color and increased market value. This cost-effective practice allows growers to manipulate leaf color in 5-7 days without negatively affecting growth or morphology.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 29, 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.

Study finds brain chemicals that keep wakefulness in check

Scientists discovered that the brain chemical GABA acts as a 'brake' to regulate wakefulness and sleep, leading to hyperactivity in mice without GABA. The study has implications for developing new drugs to promote better sleep and treat conditions like mania and bipolar disorder.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNeuron·DateJul 29, 2015

'Dialing for Diabetes Control' helps urban adults lower blood sugar

A clinical trial found that telephone counseling led to significant A1c level reductions among participants with extremely elevated levels. The intervention resulted in an average decrease of 2.1 percentage points, compared to a 1.3 percentage point decrease for those receiving printed self-management materials only.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 29, 2015

A cost-effective solution to tuned graphene production

Researchers developed a simple electrochemical approach to create intentionally defective graphene, altering its properties. By varying voltage, they controlled the thickness, flake area, and number of defects in graphene.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateJul 29, 2015

The evolutionary link between diet and stomach acidity

Researchers found that scavengers have more acidic stomachs to filter out harmful microbes. This discovery raises questions about the human stomach's role in influencing gut microbes and its potential impact on human health.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 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 MMS formation will give unique look at magnetic reconnection

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission is gathering data on magnetic reconnection, a phenomenon that happens when the Earth's magnetic field connects and disconnects from the solar wind. The tetrahedral formation of MMS spacecraft allows scientists to study this process in three dimensions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 29, 2015

Basis for new treatment options for a fatal leukemia in children revealed

A team of international scientists decoded the molecular characteristics of a fatal subtype of leukemia in children, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches. The study identified genetic aberrations and altered gene expression programs that lead to tumorigenesis, providing potential druggable targets.

SourceMC Services AG·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 29, 2015

Student teams win grants to commercialize Stanford energy inventions

Student teams at Stanford University have won grants to develop and commercialize innovative energy technologies, including a miniature ultrasound sensor for windmill blades that can detect potential failures. The projects aim to reduce costs and improve efficiency in clean energy sectors, with the goal of creating sustainable entrepre...

SourceStanford University·DateJul 29, 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.

Alcohol laws have a preventive effect on young men

A study of over 5,700 young Swiss men found that stricter alcohol laws, such as minimum legal drinking age and advertising restrictions, lead to lower rates of hazardous drinking. However, these measures had limited impact on individuals with a high risk of substance abuse due to their personality or antisocial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAddiction·DateJul 29, 2015

Antibiotics increase risk of hearing loss in patients with deadly bacterial infections

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that aminoglycoside antibiotics increase susceptibility to hearing impairment due to inflammation from bacterial infections. The study suggests that targeted alternatives are needed to treat life-threatening infections without sacrificing patients' ability to hear.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 29, 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.

Red grape chemical may help prevent bowel cancer, but less is more

New research published in Science Translational Medicine found that smaller doses of resveratrol are more effective in preventing bowel cancer in mice than high doses. The study showed a 50% reduction in tumour size with lower doses compared to a 25% reduction with higher doses.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 29, 2015

Figuring out how to make tastier wines using fewer pesticides

Researchers found that American grapes have low levels of metabolites crucial to fine wine, but are high in anti-fungal compounds. The study suggests using chemical profiling to design a better grape breed for the wine industry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 29, 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.

Prostate cancer is 5 different diseases

Researchers have identified five distinct types of prostate cancer with unique genetic fingerprints, which could help doctors predict the aggressiveness of tumors and choose the best course of treatment. This breakthrough discovery has important implications for how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated in the future.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJul 29, 2015

Gerhard Wanner receives SIAM's George Pólya Prize for Mathematical Exposition

Gerhard Wanner has been awarded the SIAM's George Pólya Prize for Mathematical Exposition, recognized for his effective communication of deep mathematics in books on numerical ODEs and geometric integration. He received the prize for his cumulative impact on teaching and understanding analysis and geometry.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJul 29, 2015

Milkweed, monarchs, men, and madness

Researchers from UC Davis and University of Guam studied monarch butterflies on Guam to understand their migration patterns and impact of pesticides. The study found that the lack of pesticide use on the island has led to an increase in milkweed population, which is essential for the monarchs' survival.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateJul 29, 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.

Social groups and emotions

Researchers identified a link between cognitive deficits and lesions in areas processing emotions, suggesting a third category of knowledge representation for social groups. This discovery highlights the close relationship between social relations and emotional processing in the human brain.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalCortex·DateJul 29, 2015

Toward a safe antiobesity drug that could block fat absorption

Researchers have developed micelle sequestrant polymers that capture fat particles in the intestines, preventing their absorption and excretion. This breakthrough could lead to a safe and effective anti-obesity drug with long-term benefits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateJul 29, 2015

First detection of lithium from an exploding star

Researchers have detected lithium in material ejected by a nova, resolving a long-standing puzzle about its abundance in young stars. The finding sheds light on the chemical evolution of the Milky Way and could inform models of the Big Bang.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 29, 2015

Closing the gap on developing a vaccine for middle ear infections

A breakthrough discovery has been made in developing a vaccine for middle ear infections by identifying the molecular switch that controls a 'chameleon' bacteria. Researchers have found that this switch allows Haemophilus influenzae to adapt and evade the immune system, making it difficult to develop an effective vaccine.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 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.

Kent research could play major role in curbing illegal ivory sales

Researchers from the University of Kent have developed an automated data mining system that can mimic human expert classification of potentially illegal elephant ivory with high accuracy. The system has shown a 93% accuracy rate and is expected to significantly increase the detection of illegal ivory sales on eBay.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPeerJ·DateJul 29, 2015

Study of birds' sense of smell reveals important clues for behavior and adaptation

A recent comparative genomic study found that specific olfactory receptor genes correlate with ecological niches and behaviors in birds. Specialized skills, such as those in birds of prey or aquatic birds, were mirrored by genetic diversity of their OR gene families.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 29, 2015

Dense star clusters shown to be binary black hole factories

A recent study suggests that dense star clusters in the universe could be 'factories' of binary black holes. Researchers predict that advanced observatories will detect over 100 merging black holes per year from these clusters.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 29, 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.

Playing 'tag' with pollution lets scientists see who's 'it'

Researchers use climate model to tag soot sources and track its impact on the Tibetan Plateau, finding that soot from wildfires in India warms the region more than greenhouse gases. The study suggests that cutting emissions from central Asia's fossil fuel burning can have a significant impact on reducing soot levels on the plateau.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateJul 29, 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.

Scientists identify gene vital for rebuilding intestine after cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of North Carolina have discovered a rare type of stem cell that is immune to radiation damage due to high levels of Sox9. This finding could lead to new ways to protect the gastrointestinal system of cancer patients before treatment, allowing for more aggressive treatments to be used.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 29, 2015

Malic acid encourages sweet cherry cracking

A new study reveals that malic acid is the primary cause of sweet cherry cracking, even at low water uptake levels. The researchers found that artificial juices composed of malic acid or five abundant osmolytes reproduce the effect on fruit cracking.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateJul 29, 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.

Researchers design first artificial ribosome

Researchers created a tethered artificial ribosome called Ribo-T, which works nearly as well as the natural cellular component. The engineered ribosome enables production of new drugs and biomaterials, and may lead to better understanding of ribosome function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2015

Management strategies to reduce catfacing in peaches

A six-year study found that using narrow vegetation-free strips under trees can reduce damage from hemipteran insects, increasing tree growth and fruit yield. Supplemental irrigation also showed benefits in three of five years, with trees grown with irrigation having larger trunk cross-sectional areas.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 29, 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.

Vaccination rates in older adults fall short of targets

The Alliance for Aging Research released a white paper highlighting the factors driving low vaccination rates among seniors and offering recommendations for improvement. Vaccination rates are lower than target levels set by Healthy People 2020, resulting in significant health issues and deaths among older adults.

SourceAlliance for Aging Research·DateJul 29, 2015