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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 186


Page 186 of 402

NASA satellite camera provides 'EPIC' view of Earth

The NASA satellite camera has returned its first view of the entire sunlit side of Earth, generating color images using a combination of narrowband filters. The images show effects of sunlight scattered by air molecules, giving them a characteristic bluish tint.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 20, 2015

Dead galaxies in Coma Cluster may be packed with dark matter

Researchers found that galaxies in the Coma Cluster could have as much as 100 times more dark matter than visible matter, allowing them to survive and thrive. The study used computer simulations to model how these 'dead' galaxies evolved into their current state.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 19, 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.

Nanowires give 'solar fuel cell' efficiency a tenfold boost

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a novel solar fuel cell that produces hydrogen gas from liquid water using gallium phosphide nanowires. The yield is increased by a factor of ten, and the material usage is reduced to 10,000 times less.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2015

Imaging glucose uptake activity inside single cells

A new approach to visualize glucose uptake activity in single living cells has been developed by Columbia University researchers. This technique uses stimulated Raman scattering imaging with a small alkyne tag to generate a strong Raman signal, allowing for high-sensitivity imaging of glucose uptake at the cellular level.

SourceColumbia University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 17, 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.

New malaria treatment thwarts parasite resistance

Scientists have identified a potent agent, DSM265, that thwarts drug resistance in malaria parasites. This breakthrough treatment has the potential to be used for both single-dose and once-weekly doses, offering new hope against the disease.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 17, 2015

Researchers discover a possible reason for drug resistance in breast tumors

Researchers used Liquid STEM to study HER2 dimers in breast cancer cells, finding that a sub-population without these dimers may have self-renewing properties and be resistant to HER2-antibody therapy. This discovery could provide new insights into drug resistance and tumor growth.

SourceINM -Leibniz Insitute for New Materials·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 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.

Tropical storm Enrique re-classified as a Tropical Storm

NASA's RapidScat instrument and Europe's METOP satellite detected tropical-storm-force winds in the northwest quadrant of Cyclone Enrique. The storm was re-classified as a tropical storm on July 17, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph (65 kph) and higher gusts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 17, 2015

A fish too deep for science

Researchers from the Smithsonian Institution have discovered a new species of goby fish that differs significantly from its relatives in terms of size, color, and habitat depth. The study highlights the importance of exploring deep-sea reefs to understand the true extent of tropical reef biodiversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJul 17, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Storm Dolores weakening

Tropical Storm Dolores is weakening due to colder water and increased wind shear, forecasted to become a remnant low in a few days. Swells generated by the storm affect southwestern Mexico and western Baja California.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 17, 2015

Lymphomas tied to metabolic disruption

Researchers found a metabolic imbalance that is oncogenic in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, characterized by a deficiency of alpha-ketoglutarate. This imbalance disrupts dioxygenase function, leading to various disturbances. The study suggests that metabolic regulation plays a critical role in cancer biology.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 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.

Physicists discover long-sought 'pentaquark' particle

A Syracuse University team funded by NSF has discovered the long-sought pentaquark particle using the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The discovery confirms pentaquarks, which are formed of four quarks and one antiquark, could provide insight into ordinary baryons' properties.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJul 17, 2015

ISTAR researchers, clients turn to video to treat stuttering

A pilot study by researchers at ISTAR found that video self-modelling (VSM) helps reduce stuttering frequency in adults who experienced relapse after therapy. Participants watched videos of themselves speaking fluently, with improved results for those viewing their videos regularly.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Fluency Disorders·DateJul 17, 2015

NASA sees thunderstorms flaring up on Halola's eastern side

NASA detected strongest thunderstorms east of Tropical Storm Halola's circulation center with cloud top temperatures reaching -63F/-53C. The storm is forecast to intensify and reach typhoon status over the next several days, posing a threat to the island of Iwo To, Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 17, 2015

New limb-lengthening technique is less cumbersome for patients, study finds

A new study has found an alternative limb-lengthening technique that significantly reduces the amount of time patients spend in the external fixator, from 11 months to seven months. The technique combines an internal titanium rod with the external fixator, resulting in good-to-excellent outcomes for trauma patients.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJul 17, 2015

Centuries-old shipwreck discovered off North Carolina coast

A previously unknown shipwreck was discovered more than a mile deep off the North Carolina coast using scientific sonar. The wreck is believed to date back to the late 18th or early 19th century and contains artifacts such as an iron chain, wooden timbers, and navigational instruments.

SourceDuke University·DateJul 17, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Siting wind farms more quickly, cheaply

A new statistical technique predicts wind speeds more accurately than existing methods, even with limited data. The model uses non-Gaussian distributions and nonlinear correlations to improve accuracy, doubling predictions in some cases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 17, 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.

RNA springs

Researchers developed an RNA dynamics model using beads and springs, achieving accurate predictions comparable to Molecular Dynamics simulations. The model's simplicity allows for near real-time processing and may be a viable alternative to expensive computer simulation methods.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 17, 2015

Marine plankton brighten clouds over Southern Ocean

New research reveals that marine plankton in the Southern Ocean produce airborne gases and organic matter to seed cloud droplets, leading to brighter clouds. The study found correlations between phytoplankton blooms and increased cloud droplet concentrations, which reflect about 4 watts of solar energy per square meter.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 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.

New device offers more detailed look at aquifers

The University of Wyoming will receive a new borehole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrument to measure aquifer levels, enhancing its subsurface hydrology research capabilities. The Javelin device, developed by Vista Clara Inc., will visualize water storage and changes in aquifers.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·DateJul 17, 2015

UT Dallas study delves into regulators' decision-making in bank closures

A new UT Dallas study found that commercial bank regulators consider non-monetary factors, such as property holdings and political pressure, when deciding to close a troubled bank. Regulators resist closing very large and small banks due to potential future costs, while those with significant assets are more likely to remain open.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateJul 17, 2015

U of M study explains why hemp and marijuana are different

A University of Minnesota study identifies a single gene responsible for the difference in psychoactive content between hemp and marijuana. The discovery could strengthen hemp producers' arguments that their products should not be subject to the same narcotics laws as hemp's cannabinoid cousin.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 17, 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.

Malaysia's 'black panthers' finally reveal their leopard's spots

A team of wildlife experts has successfully revealed the black leopard's spots using a modified infrared flash on automatic camera traps, allowing scientists to study and monitor this unique population. The research provides a new tool for conservation efforts, which are critical due to widespread poaching and habitat loss in Malaysia.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJul 17, 2015

Study in mice may identify new ways to treat immune thrombocytopenia

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that certain antibodies targeting specific proteins on platelets lead to destruction in the liver or spleen. Researchers discovered that drugs like Tamiflu may inhibit liver's immune response, offering a potential new approach for treating the autoimmune disease.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2015

Diarrhea in cats

A study found that intestinal parasites, such as Giardia, were the most commonly found parasite in cats across Austria, with over 56% testing positive. The parasites can be transmitted through contact with infected cat faeces, and households with multiple cats are at higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalParasitology Research·DateJul 17, 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.

Bringing back the magic in metamaterials

Scientists have made significant progress in overcoming the challenges of creating a perfect lens using metamaterials. The team proposes a novel approach that utilizes negative index materials and plasmon-injection schemes to shield desired light waves, allowing them to pass through unscathed. This breakthrough has the potential to rev...

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 17, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Storm Nangka moving into Sea of Japan

Tropical Storm Nangka caused the evacuation of over 200,000 people in Japan and is moving towards the Sea of Japan. The storm's wind speed decreased to 40 mph as it moved northeastward, with forecasters predicting its dissipation in a day or two.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 17, 2015

Cholesterol metabolism in immune cells linked to HIV progression

Research found that enhanced cholesterol metabolism in certain immune cells may help explain why some HIV-infected people naturally control disease progression. The study analyzed gene expression data from immune cells and found higher levels of cholesterol-related genes associated with defective viral transmission.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 17, 2015

Dairy products boost effectiveness of probiotics

A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that dairy products can boost the effectiveness of probiotics. The researchers found that mice fed milk with the probiotic Lactobacillus casei BL23 had reduced symptoms compared to those without the probiotic.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 17, 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.

Some like it sweet, others not so much: It's partly in the genes

A twin study found that genetic factors account for approximately 30 percent of person-to-person variance in sweet taste perception. The study also revealed a shared pathway between the perception of natural sugars and high-potency sugar substitutes.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalTwin Research and Human Genetics·DateJul 16, 2015

Sitting time not associated with poorer diets in US adults

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that sedentary time was not linked to poorer diets among US adults. However, more sedentary time was associated with a lower intake of empty calories. The researchers suggest targeting reducing and breaking up sedentary time as a separate strategy from encouraging healthy dietary habits.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJul 16, 2015

Researchers find the 'acoustic signature' of screams

A team of neuroscientists identified a specific acoustic characteristic called 'roughness' that is unique to screams. This trait refers to how fast the sound changes in loudness, and it's measured in Hertz (Hz), typically between 30-150 Hz.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 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.

NASA sees Typhoon Nangka knocking on Japan's door

Typhoon Nangka is moving north towards mainland Japan, with NASA satellites tracking its progression. The storm's maximum sustained winds decreased from 65 knots to 75 mph/120 kph, making it a minimal category 1 typhoon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 16, 2015

New finding on the formation of fat tissue in man

Researchers found that bone marrow-derived cells can develop into fat cells, with BMI playing a significant role. The study suggests potential new therapies for metabolic diseases and obesity-related conditions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 16, 2015

Gaia satellite and amateur astronomers spot one in a billion star

Researchers have discovered a unique binary star system, Gaia14aae, where one star eclipses the other. The system is an important laboratory for studying ultra-bright supernova explosions, which help measure the expansion of the Universe.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 16, 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.

Defenses up: Hormone helps plants determine friend from foe

Research reveals that salicylic acid shapes the microbial community at a plant's root by keeping certain families of bacteria out and letting others in. The hormone also recruits desirable bacterial families, a discovery that could lead to increased plant productivity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

Carbon dioxide pools discovered in Aegean Sea

Scientists have discovered opalescent pools in the Santorini volcano's crater containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide. The pools' unique properties may hold answers to questions about deepsea carbon storage and provide a means of monitoring the volcano for future eruptions.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2015

No bones about it: Cannabis may be used to treat fractures

A new study found that the administration of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic component of cannabis, significantly enhances the healing process of bone fractures. The study, conducted on rats with mid-femoral fractures, showed that CBD markedly improves bone healing after just eight weeks.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJul 16, 2015

Sun's activity controls Greenland temperatures

A new study suggests high solar activity in the 1950s-80s slowed down ocean circulation between the South Atlantic and North Atlantic, cooling Greenland while the rest of the Northern Hemisphere warmed. Weak solar activity could now fire up the circulation mechanism, leading to faster ice sheet melting and increased sea-level rise.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 16, 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.

Firearm shooting errors could be reduced through cognitive training

Research suggests that cognitive training can improve shooting abilities by enhancing response inhibition, particularly in individuals with ADHD. The study found that participants who underwent response inhibition training shot fewer civilians in simulated scenarios, indicating a potential new approach to firearms training.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 16, 2015

Feathered cousin of 'Jurassic Park' star unearthed in China

A newly identified species of feathered dinosaur has been found to have complex, quill pen-like feathers and short wings, challenging previous assumptions about the diversity of winged dinosaurs. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, provides new insights into the evolution and biology of these fascinating creatures.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2015

Food scientists to work with small farms and growers on food safety

A five-year grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture will support a graduate training program combining laboratory research and practical application to enhance food safety in the produce industry. The program aims to develop tested, validated methods to reduce food safety risks in an affordable way.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJul 16, 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.

Machines on the rise: A special issue on artificial intelligence

Recent progress in AI has driven significant advancements in machine learning, language processing, and human-like computer programs. Researchers discuss potential implications for humankind, including challenges to privacy, equality, and the public good.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

Is this restaurant making me fat?

New research evaluates a restaurant scorecard for healthy dining, identifying 100 actions to promote healthier eating behaviors. The study found that the scorecards can reliably rate a restaurant's effectiveness in helping diners make healthy choices.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·DateJul 16, 2015