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Science News Archive 2015


Page 189 of 402

From power grids to heartbeat: Using mathematics to restore rhythm

Researchers have developed a method to revive oscillations in complex networks, including power grids and biological systems. This approach uses advanced mathematical analysis to stabilize rhythms, which can be disrupted by external factors such as renewable energy fluctuations or changes in the human cardiovascular system.

The secret to the sea sapphire's colors -- and invisibility (video)

Researchers found that changes in reflectance depend on the thickness of crystal spacing, enabling copepods to disappear briefly. The study could inform the design of artificial photonic crystal structures with various applications in reflective coatings and optical displays.

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.

'White graphene' structures can take the heat

Researchers at Rice University have found that three-dimensional boron nitride structures can efficiently control heat flow in electronics by slowing down phonon transfer between layers. These structures, composed of hexagonal boron nitride sheets and boron nitride nanotubes, can be tuned to create thermal switches or rectifiers.

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.

Rates of drunk driving tied to state alcohol policies, BU study finds

A new study by Boston University researchers found that states with more restrictive alcohol policies and regulations have lower rates of self-reported drunk driving. The study also suggests that laws targeting binge drinking are equally effective in preventing drunk driving as those specifically targeting impaired driving.

New light technology helps improve food safety

Light-based technologies using UV, pulsed light, and LED lights show promise in improving food safety and longevity by breaking down bacterial cells and eliminating microorganisms. However, more research is needed to understand penetration depth and ensure effective use.

NASA's Aqua satellite sees Typhoon Halola elongating

Typhoon Halola has become elongated due to wind shear, with cloud top temperatures as low as -63F/-52C, leading to heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to maintain typhoon intensity and move west-northwestward over the next several days.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clinical pathway uncovers obstructive sleep apnea in hospitalized patients

A clinical pathway identified sleep disordered breathing in 87% of hospitalized patients, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention to reduce cardiovascular complications. The low-cost protocol used a simple device, which correlated well with polysomnography, increasing awareness among admitting physicians.

HIV uses the immune system's own tools to suppress it

Researchers discovered HIV exploits regulatory process between BST2 and ILT7 to limit antiviral response, allowing virus to spread and persist in long-lasting reservoirs. Blocking Vpu's action could prevent early viral expansion and dissemination, enabling pDCs to trigger effective antiviral responses.

Boosting nutrients gives a leg up to invasive species

A global study by University of Minnesota researchers found that adding nutrients to grasslands gives invasive species a leg up on native species. The study, published in Nature Communications, used data from 64 sites across 13 countries to pinpoint the role of nutrient availability and herbivore density in plant invasion.

NASA sees a ragged eye in Typhoon Nangka

Typhoon Nangka's ragged eye was captured by NASA's Terra satellite on July 15, revealing a 15-nautical-mile-wide storm surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The typhoon is expected to make landfall in southern Japan, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.

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.

Case Western Reserve to lead multi-institutional 'big data' project

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a platform to collect, analyze disparate clinical information from multiple sources, ensuring comparability and reproducibility. The goal is to integrate datasets for enhanced approaches to care and treatment of conditions like epilepsy and lung cancer.

Compounds show potential in fighting brain and breast cancers

Researchers at University of Hawai'i Cancer Center discover two compounds that effectively stop the growth of brain cancer cells and breast tumors. These targeted treatments are less toxic and could improve quality of life for patients with no effective treatment options besides surgery.

Exercise can improve brain function in older adults

A six-month trial conducted at the University of Kansas Medical Center found that older adults can improve their visual-spatial processing and attention levels by exercising for 75-225 minutes per week. The study's results suggest that intensity, rather than duration, is more important for benefits to brain function.

US media over-represent contributors to policy making, study finds

A study by University of Kansas researchers found that US media over-represent individuals involved in policy-making, whereas South Korean media prioritize executive branch coverage. This suggests that journalistic operating procedures and relationships with government officials play a significant role in shaping media coverage.

The molecular architecture of cell fission processes has been revealed

Researchers from the UPV/EHU's Biophysics Unit have published a study in Nature that reveals the molecular architecture of cell fission processes. The study found evidence of an intermediate structure during membrane splitting, which may be a common feature in all fusion and fission processes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

China, Taiwan strengthen food safety laws

China and Taiwan have enhanced their food safety laws to tackle food fraud and protect consumers. New regulations require food businesses to register and implement good hygiene practices, while Taiwan also introduces labeling requirements for genetically modified foods.

For faster, larger graphene add a liquid layer

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a scalable technique to produce millimetre-sized graphene crystals in minutes, compared to hours using current methods. The new approach creates a liquid layer that smooths out nanoscale valleys, allowing for larger flakes of high-quality graphene.

Gene therapy gives long-term protection to photoreceptor cells

A new study demonstrates that gene therapy can give life-long protection to photoreceptor cells in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. The preserved cells were able to drive visually-guided behaviour even in later stages of the condition and despite becoming less sensitive to light.

Does heart disease begin in childhood?

Researchers found a statistically significant association between higher vitamin D levels and lower non-HDL cholesterol in children aged one to five years. The study suggests that factors leading to cardiovascular disease may start in early childhood, providing an opportunity for early life interventions to reduce risk.

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.

Evolutionary trees reveal patterns of microbial diversification

Researchers have created a new microbial 'family tree' that displays sudden bursts of diversification, potentially helping understand how harmful microbes evolve. This breakthrough uses coarse-graining and Λ-coalescent models to condense short branches into larger nodes, revealing patterns of ecological processes.

Breast cancer survivors gain more weight than cancer-free women

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that breast cancer survivors gained an average of 3.81 pounds more than cancer-free women within five years of diagnosis and treatment. Chemotherapy treatment was also significantly associated with weight gain, particularly among those treated recently.

Air pollution from wildfires may ignite heart hazards

Researchers found a significant association between wildfire-related air pollution and an increased risk of heart-related incidents, including out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and emergency department visits. The study suggests that fine particulate matter may act as a trigger factor for acute cardiovascular health events.

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.

Magnetic nanoparticles could be key to effective immunotherapy

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a method using magnetic nanoparticles to train and rapidly multiply immune system white blood cells. The technique, which separates naive T cells from other cells in the blood, has shown promise in expanding these cells' numbers by an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 times.

Closer look at microorganism provides insight on carbon cycling

Researchers discovered novel enzymes in microorganisms called archaea that break down organic matter into carbon dioxide, with implications for climate change. The study found that an increase in ocean temperature accelerates this process, releasing more carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.

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.

Are fuel cells environmentally friendly? Not always!

A Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) study found that fuel cells for cars are only ecologically sound if they run on hydrogen from renewable energy sources. Electric cars powered by EU electricity also produce more environmental pollution than gasoline-powered cars.

Penn Vet team shows a protein modification determines enzyme's fate

Researchers from Penn Vet show how arginylation, a protein modification, regulates an enzyme called PRPS2, critical for human life and involved in cancer. The study suggests that arginylation could be a target for intervention to prevent uncontrolled cellular expansion in cancer.

In search of a healthy and energy efficient building

Researchers found that a common air filter, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), releases more dangerous chemicals than it removes, raising concerns about indoor air quality. The study's authors aim to develop new testing methods and energy-efficient technologies to improve building ventilation.

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.

Brain network that controls, redirects attention identified

A unique brain network in humans controls and redirects attention, allowing us to select and prioritize information based on our needs. This network, which includes the dorsal and ventral attention networks, may have evolved to better process complex social cues and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant stimuli.

Scientists 'watch' rats string memories together

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that the mammalian brain likely reconstructs memories in a way more like jumping across stepping stones than walking across a bridge. The study used electrode implants to track nerve cells firing in rats' brains as they planned their next move, revealing gaps between discrete memories.

Altruism is simpler than we thought

A computational model suggests that generosity and selfishness can be both fast and effortless, depending on the person and context. The model indicates that people are happier when mistaken generosity doesn't happen, highlighting the importance of focusing on others' thoughts and experiences.

Fruitfly sperm cells reveal intricate coordination in stem cell replication

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania discovered that a ring of protein actin forms between daughter cells to block cytokinesis, controlling when and how this process coordinates all cell players in sperm maturation. The study sheds light on the coordination of stem cell types in niche environments.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Review examines nutritional issues related to autism spectrum disorder

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders often exhibit poor nutrition due to selective eating patterns and sensory sensitivity. Early warning signs include lower folate, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 concentrations, as well as abnormally accelerated growth rates in infants and children.

SLU scientist awarded special NIH grant to solve painkiller problem

SLU pain researcher Daniela Salvemini has been awarded the NIH's Cutting-Edge Basic Research Award to develop new painkillers that can quell terrible pain while minimizing debilitating side effects. The two-year grant will support her search for innovative ways to mitigate opioid side effects and preserve their pain-relieving ability.

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.

Oriental honey buzzards might stop to smell the pollen

Researchers found that Oriental honey buzzards prefer pollen-containing dough over pollen-lacking dough, even when the color is identical. The birds also preferred yellow-colored dough over black or green dough when both contained pollen, suggesting a role for vision in foraging.

New evidence linking brain mutation to autism, epilepsy and other neuro disorders

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that a specific brain mutation can impair a biochemical process in the brain, leading to impaired synaptic function and contributing to neurological diseases. The researchers found that a mutation called A548T in synapsin 1a reduces its ability to regulate chemical transmission.

Insects may be the answer to consumer demand for more protein

Insect-based food production could alleviate childhood malnutrition and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional livestock sources. The use of insects as food requires strict regulations and sanitary conditions due to disease and pesticide risks, according to the FDA.

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.

Body temperature may trigger sudden cardiac death

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have found that changes in body temperature can cause arrhythmia, leading to sudden cardiac death. The study, published in the Journal of Physiology, identifies a protein sensitive to temperature fluctuations that can disrupt heart function.