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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 197


Page 197 of 402

Study estimates number of deaths attributed to low levels of education

A new study estimates the number of deaths that can be linked to differences in education levels, suggesting that lacking education may be as deadly as being a current rather than former smoker. The findings also highlight the importance of education in reducing mortality rates and improving survival patterns.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2015

Study shows long-term effects of type 2 diabetes on the brain, thinking

A new study found that people with type 2 diabetes experienced negative changes in brain blood flow regulation after just two years, leading to lower scores on tests of memory and thinking skills. Higher levels of inflammation were associated with greater declines in cognitive skills.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 8, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanometer catalyst cleans up bad cigarette smoke in smoking room

A new nano-catalyst filter, developed by KIST, can remove 100% of particle substances in cigarette smoke, converting them into water vapor and carbon dioxide. The air cleaning equipment based on the catalyst can purify over 80% of cigarette smoke within 30 minutes and 100% within 1 hour in a 30 square meter smoking room.

SourceKorea Institute of Science and Technology·DateJul 8, 2015

NASA data shows surfer-shaped waves in near-Earth space

Scientists have discovered Kelvin-Helmholtz waves at the boundaries of near-Earth space, which are now found to be much more prevalent than previously thought. These waves are triggered by plumes of charged gas from Earth's plasmasphere and interact with the solar wind and magnetosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2015

'Beyond aid' in health care: Is it time for scrutiny?

The UK government's 'beyond aid' approach to healthcare investments in developing countries has been criticized for its potential to exacerbate health inequities and poverty. A preliminary analysis found that large corporate hospital chains in emerging economies have received majority of the investment commitments.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 8, 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.

Biggest explosions in the universe powered by strongest magnets

A study reveals that a massive star's collapse may power ultra-long gamma-ray bursts with the help of magnetars, rewriting our understanding of these cosmic events. Researchers observed a rare case where a supernova was linked to an ultra-long GRB, finding evidence of a magnetar at the source.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2015

Male koalas raise their voices to avoid conflict

Researchers tracked male koala interactions using GPS collars, finding they bellowed to avoid confrontation with competitors. Meanwhile, females spent more time together during the mating season, suggesting female mate choice plays a role in koala social dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2015

Sensitive and specific: A new way of probing electrolyte/electrode interfaces

Researchers developed a novel diffraction spectroscopy technique to probe chemical processes at the electrode/electrolyte interface, offering enhanced sensitivity and specificity. The method uses graphene gratings to detect molecular vibrations with sub-monolayer sensitivity.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 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.

Vanderbilt researchers develop antibodies to fight chikungunya virus

Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers have developed a large panel of antibody treatments against chikungunya, a flu-like illness with debilitating joint pain. The antibodies can be used to treat infected individuals early in the infection, potentially preventing severe symptoms.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 8, 2015

Common hormone could help treat breast cancer

A recent study published in Nature has revealed that adding the female hormone progesterone to treatment could benefit around half of all breast cancer patients. The research, led by Cancer Research UK, showed how the progesterone receptor 'talks' to oestrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, ultimately slowing down tumour growth.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2015

Crowdsourcing brain data

A crowdsourcing experiment with over 500 adults yielded new evidence that neurofeedback learning can affect the brain almost immediately. The study demonstrated the scientific viability of collective neurofeedback as a potential new avenue in neuroscience research.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2015

Examining the neonicotinoid threat to honey bees

Researchers found that sunlight can degrade neonicotinoids in water, but not always quickly enough to protect aquatic life and bees. In shallow depths of just 3 inches, certain insecticides persisted, increasing exposure risks for wildlife.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 8, 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.

Hibernating bears protect bones by reducing resorption

Researchers found that hibernating black bears suppress resorption of bone tissue to maintain their skeleton, protecting bones by reducing resorption. This discovery provides insights into how these animals conserve energy and bone mass during long periods of inactivity.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 8, 2015

Patent filings by women have risen fastest in academia, finds IU study

A new IU study reveals that women are patenting at higher rates in academia compared to industry and government, with 18% of patents having women's names attached. The study found that women inventors were more collaborative and multidisciplinary, contributing to the relative success of large research universities in fostering innovation.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2015

Keeping the smells of onions, garlic and other stinky foods under wraps

Researchers create film using zeolites and cellulose to trap sulfur-containing compounds responsible for bad food smells. The material reduces odors to levels undetectable by humans, potentially solving issues with transporting and storing stinky edibles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 8, 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.

Production of iPS cells: Discovery of the fifth element

A team of researchers has identified netrin-1 as a molecule that can favour the production of induced pluripotent stem cells, which have huge potential applications in regenerative medicine. The discovery may ultimately enable the creation of new organs from patient cells, eliminating rejection risks and ethical concerns.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2015

The artificial enzyme that 'acts' natural

Researchers have created an artificial enzyme that can stimulate genes to work harder in specific tissues, offering hope for treating genetic diseases. The hybrid enzymes, which are fully synthetic and recognize target genes via RNA decoys, amplify gene expression in a limited way and only when the gene is active.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 8, 2015

UK study reveals new method to develop more efficient drugs

Researchers at the University of Kentucky have identified a new mechanism for targeting multi-subunit complexes that are critical to viral, bacterial, or cancer function, reducing drug resistance. This approach could lead to more potent drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNanomedicine·DateJul 8, 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.

Why do puddles stop spreading?

Scientists have discovered that nanoscale forces are responsible for stopping a puddle from spreading, resolving a paradox in fluid flow. This finding has significant implications for various processes, including lubrication of gears and sequestration of carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2015

A glimmer of hope for patients with leukodystrophies

A new crucial gene, POLR1C, has been identified as the cause of nearly 10% of cases with 4H leukodystrophy, a common form of the disease. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanism behind the disease and may lead to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic options.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2015

CU Denver researchers find lack of education as deadly as smoking

Researchers found a direct link between education levels and death, with higher education predicting longevity due to factors like income, behaviors, and social well-being. The study suggests that improving educational attainment could substantially improve survival in the US population, especially among those with low education.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2015

New psoriasis drug is more effective than current treatment

A new psoriasis drug called guselkumab has been shown to be more effective than the current standard of care in treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The study found that 81% of patients taking a 200-mg dose of guselkumab had cleared or minimal psoriasis after 40 weeks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 8, 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.

Reform to resident physicians' work hours does not improve surgical patient safety

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that the 2011 duty hour reform did not decrease serious postoperative complications in surgical patients. The researchers evaluated outcomes in five surgical specialties, including neurosurgery, obstetrics/gynecology, and vascular surgery, and found no signi...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 8, 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.

Ultra-thin, all-inorganic molecular nanowires successfully compounded

Scientists at Hiroshima University successfully compounded ultra-thin all-inorganic molecular nanowires composed of Mo and Te, exhibiting high activity as an acid catalyst. The wires' diameters were only 1.2 nm, making them a promising material for heterogeneous catalysts, thermochromic materials, and semiconductors.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2015

New database documents submarine landslides

A new database of submarine landslides has been developed to better understand these events and their effects. The database, which includes over 332 points of study, aims to improve the development of geo-models for forecasting future submarine slides.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateJul 8, 2015

How accurate are symptom checkers?

A Harvard Medical School study found that symptom checkers are roughly equivalent to telephone triage lines and better than general Internet-search self-diagnosis in suggesting whether users should seek medical care. However, the tools often encourage overly cautious advice, which can lead to unnecessary medical visits.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 8, 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.

Study: Why social workers aren't discussing religion and spirituality with clients

A new study by a Baylor University professor found that licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) have positive attitudes towards integrating their clients' religion and spirituality into discussions, but are not doing it in practice. LCSWs fear proselytizing or lack knowledge on how to discuss clients' beliefs, leading to a disconnect ...

SourceBaylor University·JournalSocial Work·DateJul 8, 2015

Lymphoma: How the tumor escapes the immune response

Natural killer cells are impaired in the tumor microenvironment, but can be restored in normal conditions. Researchers identified two key factors blocking NK cell function: inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and down-regulated NKG2D ligands.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateJul 8, 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.

Healthy diets for youth with type 1 diabetes can be hard for parents to obtain

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that healthier food options are more expensive than standard options. The researchers recruited families with children aged 1-6 years with type 1 diabetes and found that a healthier market basket cost 18% more than the standard basket.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJul 8, 2015

Mothers who smoke and give birth preterm more than triple their CVD risk

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that mothers who smoke and have a preterm birth face significantly increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. The risk increases with the number and severity of preterm births, highlighting the importance of preventing smoking among pregnant women.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 8, 2015

Cost of low-risk childbirth varies widely among hospitals

A study by Yale University researchers found significant variation in the cost of low-risk childbirth across hospitals in the US. The average estimated facility cost per maternity stay ranged from $1,189 to $11,986, with higher costs associated with hospitals that performed more cesarean deliveries or had more maternal complications.

SourceYale University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 8, 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.

New horned dinosaur reveals evolution of nose horn in Triceratops family

A new species of horned dinosaur, Wendiceratops pinhornensis, has been discovered with a unique nose horn and striking frill ornamentation. The find sheds light on the evolution of these distinctive features in the Triceratops family, providing insights into the group's early skull development.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2015

Volcanic eruptions that changed human history

Researchers reconstructed nearly 300 individual volcanic eruptions, revealing 15 of the 16 coldest summers between 500 BC and 1,000 AD followed large eruptions. The eruptions injected sulfate particles into the atmosphere, shielding the Earth from solar radiation and causing widespread summer cooling.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2015

If you look old on the outside, you're probably old on the inside

A team of researchers has found a way to measure the aging process in young adults, revealing that some people are aging three times faster than their peers. The study used biomarkers such as kidney function, liver health, and telomere length to determine biological age and pace of aging.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2015
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.

Treating breast cancer with progesterone could aid survival

A new technique developed at the University of Adelaide has provided a unique insight into hormone regulation of breast cancers, leading to potential new treatments. The research discovered how receptors interact with DNA to control growth, shedding light on progesterone's role in hormone-driven breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2015

A black hole under the gravitational lens

Researchers have localized the origin of high-energy gamma radiation in a jet emanating from a distant supermassive black hole. The discovery was made possible by a micro-gravitational lens effect that selectively amplifies light from different regions close to the event horizon.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 8, 2015
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.

Cost-effective conservation helps species bounce back

Researchers have developed a cost-effective way to help ecosystems recover from human disturbances like shipping and fishing. The method uses ecological traits like resilience to optimize connections between populations, enabling conservation staff to make informed decisions about recovery plans.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 8, 2015

Typhoon Chan-Hom 'eyes' NASA's Aqua satellite

Typhoon Chan-Hom's eye was clearly visible in a MODIS image taken by NASA's Aqua satellite on July 8, 2015. The storm had sustained winds of 85 knots and was predicted to intensify before making landfall near Wenzhou, China.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 8, 2015

WSU researchers find online program helps people with chronic pain

A study by WSU researchers found that an online program can help people with chronic non-cancer pain manage their symptoms and reduce opioid use. Participants who used the program reported increased confidence and positive thinking, and made progress towards reducing or eliminating pain.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPain Management Nursing·DateJul 8, 2015

The arts improve medical care through learned observation

A Georgetown University Medical Center professor argues that visual and narrative arts can improve medical care by honing observational skills. Arts-based teaching tools and visual thinking strategies have become essential components of clinical practice, enhancing patient understanding and diagnosis.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateJul 8, 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.

Kessler Foundation TBI study shows brain activity changes after cognitive rehabilitation

A new study published in Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients who underwent cognitive rehabilitation showed significant changes in cerebral activation. The modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT), a 10-session memory retraining protocol, demonstrated consistent results with prior researc...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJul 8, 2015