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Science News Archive 2015


Page 195 of 402

Tunneling out of the surface

A research team has discovered a new chemical reaction pathway on titanium dioxide that allows hydrogen atoms to tunnel away from the surface. This breakthrough could lead to efficient hydrogen storage technology, addressing the challenge of storing and transporting hydrogen for renewable energy applications.

Human color vision gives people the ability to see nanoscale differences

Researchers discovered human eyes can distinguish between thin films of different thickness by observing color differences, achieving precision beyond normal human vision. This ability rivals techniques like ellipsometry, which measure minute thicknesses, and could be used as a quick check by experienced technicians.

Assessing quality of flowing waters with DNA analyses

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a method to quickly and reliably identify organisms in flowing waters using DNA barcodes. This approach sheds light on the quality of habitats and can be used to assess water quality, even when species abundance is uncertain.

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.

Everyday access to nature improves quality of life in older adults

A recent study by University of Minnesota researchers highlights the importance of everyday contact with nature for healthy aging in seniors. Green and blue spaces are found to promote feelings of renewal, restoration, and spiritual connectedness, as well as provide opportunities for multi-generational social interactions.

Cells help viruses during cell entry

Researchers found that adenoviruses use ceramide lipids to trigger an infection by creating small pores in the cell membrane. The virus then multiplies in the nucleus and infects other cells. This discovery could lead to new anti-viral agents for gene therapy and vaccination.

DNA protection, inch by inch

Researchers at EMBL Grenoble have found a way to identify and silence 'jumping genes' that can alter the genetic code, using tiny RNA molecules called piRNA. These piRNAs guide proteins to destroy the genes, preventing uncontrolled changes in DNA.

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.

New technique for precise light-activated chemotherapy drugs

Researchers developed a method to optically control microtubule inhibitor drugs with high spatial precision, allowing for targeted treatment of cancer cells. The technique uses blue light to switch on and off the drugs, eliminating systemic side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy.

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.

New research: Coffee not associated with lifestyle diseases

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology reveals that coffee neither increases nor decreases the risk of obesity and diabetes. Genetic analysis of 93,000 Danes suggests that drinking coffee is not associated with these lifestyle diseases.

MIT scientists hack one of the most common bacteria in human intestines

Researchers at MIT successfully engineered Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to express genes on demand, allowing for precise control over its functions in the mouse gut microbiome. This breakthrough has significant implications for tackling health-related problems and may lead to the development of new therapeutic applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Many overweight teenagers do not recognize they are too heavy

A Cancer Research UK study found that almost three-quarters of overweight or obese 13-15-year-olds are in the normal-weight range. The study showed that only around 40% of these teens thought they were too heavy, while seven per cent believed they were too light.

Climate change: Compressing the bumblebee range

A new study reveals that climate change is compressing the geographic ranges of North American and European bumblebees, leading to significant population declines. The research highlights the importance of conserving these vital crop pollinators globally to prevent their extinction.

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.

A graphene-based sensor that is tunable and highly sensitive

Researchers developed a graphene-based sensor that can detect nanometer-sized molecules and reveal their structure. By harnessing the unique optical and electronic properties of graphene, scientists improved upon infrared absorption spectroscopy to create a highly sensitive molecule sensor.

Tropical peatland carbon losses from oil palm plantations may be underestimated

A new study by the University of Minnesota and Union of Concerned Scientists found that tropical peatland carbon losses from oil palm plantations may be significantly higher than previously estimated, with actual rates nearly twice as high as official estimates. This suggests improved strategies for measuring greenhouse gas emissions i...

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.

U-M, partners predict severe harmful algal bloom for Lake Erie

Researchers predict a severe harmful algal bloom in western Lake Erie, with expected severity index of 8.7, posing risks to swimmers, boaters, and drinking water supply. The bloom will develop from west to east and peak in September, with local weather conditions influencing its impact.

'Jumping genes' may drive esophageal cancer

Studies of oesophageal tumour samples reveal that L1 elements can alter cell growth and division, potentially leading to cancer. Mobile genetic sequences are found to occur around 100 times in each tumour sample, with some occurring up to 700 times.

Climate change impacts on bumblebees converge across continents

A new study reveals that climate change is forcing North American and European bumblebee species to shrink their geographic ranges, with losses of up to 300 kilometers. The findings suggest that these pollinators may experience more rapid decline than other species due to warming temperatures.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cultural and economic factors affect European antidepressant use

A new study by researchers from King's College London found that antidepressants were prescribed more often and used more regularly in countries with higher levels of healthcare spending. Attitudes towards mental illness, such as viewing people with a mental illness as 'dangerous', were also associated with higher use of antidepressants.

Testosterone therapy fails to treat ejaculatory dysfunction

A new study found that testosterone replacement therapy did not improve sexual function in men with ejaculatory disorders and low testosterone levels. Despite a small increase in testosterone levels, the treatment did not show significant benefits in ejaculate volume or orgasmic function.

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.

Spinal cord injuries increasing, especially among older individuals

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study analyzed data from 63,109 patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury and found a significant increase in incidence rates among men aged 65-74. Most patients regain some function after an injury, but many require lifelong healthcare services.

Towards an HIV vaccine

Researchers characterize immune proteins that recognize and eliminate virus, providing insight into developing a potent Nab response against different HIV subtypes. Studies examine the efficacy of Nabs in blocking direct cell-to-cell transmission of HIV, highlighting the importance of controlling virus replication via this pathway.

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.

Pandas spend less energy to afford bamboo diet

A new study reveals that giant pandas have evolved underactive thyroid glands and other energy-saving traits to afford a bamboo diet, with daily energy expenditure 38% of average for terrestrial mammals. This allows them to thrive on low-nutrient plants despite not having stomachs designed for such food.

A precocious black hole

A team of researchers discovered a massive black hole with nearly 7 billion solar masses in an otherwise normal, distant galaxy called CID-947. The finding contradicts previous theories on the co-evolution of galaxies and their central black holes.

Prion protein protects against epilepsy

Scientists confirm neuroprotective function of PrPC against epilepsy using four animal models, revealing its crucial role in preventing seizures. The study's precision and collaboration between international institutes make it a significant reference point in the field.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A jump for soft-bodied robots

A team of Harvard scientists has developed a durable, soft-bodied jumping robot by seamlessly integrating rigid and soft body parts. The robot's unique design uses a gradient material strategy to reduce stress concentrations, making it extremely durable and safe for human operation.

Nutrition researchers develop the healthy beverage index

A new scoring method, the Healthy Beverage Index (HBI), evaluates overall beverage intake quality and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors. Higher HBI scores are linked to more favorable lipid profiles, decreased hypertension risk, and improved C-reactive protein levels.

Depletion and enrichment of chlorine in perovskites observed

Researchers have found that chlorine is depleted from the surface of perovskite absorber layers during processing, while its concentration near the interface with a titanium dioxide layer is higher. This distribution could help mitigate recombination and provide a template for growing the film.

Bacteria use DNA replication to time key decision

Researchers discovered that bacteria time their sporulation decision with their cell-division cycle, using the location of genes on the circular chromosome. This timing allows for accurate determination of whether to reproduce or form spores.

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.

New program using CT technology helping doctors better detect lung cancer

A comprehensive lung cancer screening program utilizing CT scan technology at Intermountain Medical Center has been developed to detect lung cancer more accurately. The program, based on the National Lung Screening Trial, showed patients with CT scans had a 15-20% lower risk of dying compared to those with standard chest X-rays.

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.

ECG scans predict kidney disease patients' risk of dying from heart disease

Certain ECG measures can identify individuals with chronic kidney disease at high risk of dying from heart disease. A panel of 5 common ECG parameters was found to enhance prediction of cardiovascular death in this population, suggesting potential novel interventions to prevent cardiovascular complications.

NASA's Aqua satellite observes Supertyphoon Nangka

Supertyphoon Nangka was observed by NASA's Aqua satellite on July 9, providing visible and infrared images of the storm. The storm had powerful thunderstorms with a 9.2 km-wide eye and temperatures as low as -63°C, capable of generating heavy rain.