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Science News Archive 2015


Page 201 of 402

Dental pulp cell transplants help regenerate peripheral nerves

Researchers found that dental pulp stem cells can regenerate myelinated axons in laboratory rats with sciatic nerve defects, outperforming autologous nerve grafts. The study suggests that MDPSCs contribute to peripheral nerve regeneration through the secretion of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors.

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.

UNC researchers find 2 biomarkers linked to severe heart disease

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered two biomarkers - oxidized LDL cholesterol and fructosamine - that are strongly correlated with the development of severe coronary disease in females. Elevated levels of these biomarkers were found to be a strong predictor of severe heart disease, particularly in women.

Policies on children's tech exposure confusing

A review of 34 countries' policies on children's exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from technology found varying degrees of advice. Dr. Mary Redmayne recommends minimizing exposure by turning off devices at night, using flight mode, and storing them 20cm away from the body.

Drinking alcohol while pregnant is common in UK, Ireland, and Australasia

A study of nearly 18,000 women in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand found that 20-80% drank during pregnancy, with higher rates among smokers. The prevalence of binge drinking was also common, particularly before pregnancy. Factors associated with lower risk included age, ethnicity, education level, and body weight.

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.

Uncovering the mechanism of our oldest anesthetic

Researchers found large-amplitude slow-delta waves in patients receiving nitrous oxide, twice as powerful as those seen in deep sleep. The discovery could lead to better anesthetic dosing decisions and alleviate concerns about awareness under anesthesia.

Midlife changes in Alzheimer's biomarkers may predict dementia

Changes in key biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease during midlife may help identify those who will develop dementia years later. The study found that drops in amyloid beta 42 levels among cognitively normal participants are linked to the appearance of plaques in brain scans years later.

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.

Even very small brain lesions increase risk for death

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that even very small brain lesions (less than 3 mm) detected by MRI triples the risk for stroke and death in asymptomatic patients. Having both small and larger lesions increases the risk to eight-fold, highlighting the importance of considering all lesion sizes in clinical practice.

Pazopanib improves progression-free survival without impairing HRQOL

Results from the EORTC trial 62072 show pazopanib improves progression-free survival in soft tissue sarcoma patients without affecting their health-related quality of life. The study provides valuable data on treatment outcomes and cost effectiveness for this patient population.

Stress-fighting proteins could be key to new treatments for asthma

Researchers have discovered a stress pathway in immune cells that play a role in certain forms of asthma. The IRE1α/XBP1 pathway helps eosinophils, a type of immune cell implicated in asthma, develop and survive. This finding suggests a potential new therapeutic target for treating asthma.

Brain imaging shows how children inherit their parents' anxiety

A new study published in PNAS found that anxious parents are more likely to have anxious offspring, and that an over-active brain circuit may set the stage for developing anxiety and depressive disorders. The research identified three brain regions responsible for passing anxiety from generation to generation.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Survey finds many physicians, clinicians work sick despite risk to patients

A survey of physicians and advanced practice clinicians found that many report working while sick due to fear of letting colleagues down and staffing concerns. The study highlights the complex social and logistic factors driving this behavior and emphasizes the need for systems support to prioritize patient safety.

Schwann cells 'dine in' to clear myelin from injured nerves

Researchers discovered that Schwann cells digest damaged myelin internally through autophagy, clearing 40-50% of the myelin within 5-7 days. This mechanism enables significant nerve repair in the peripheral nervous system, contrasting with the CNS where oligodendrocytes fail to clear myelin.

Satellite sees smoky skies over World Cup soccer

A natural-color satellite image taken on July 05, 2015, shows the impact of Canadian wildfires on the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Finals in Vancouver. The smoke from three wildfires in the Boulder Creek Wildfire complex grew rapidly, blanketing the stadium and surrounding areas.

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.

Heart attack treatment hypothesis 'busted'

Johns Hopkins scientists discovered that blocking calcium from entering mitochondria in heart cells didn't prevent cell death after heart attacks, but rather activated alternative pathways. The study's findings challenge the long-standing theory of using calcium channel blockage to prevent heart attack damage.

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.

'Bee soup' could help understand declines and test remedies

A new DNA sequencing method allows for efficient tracking of wild bee populations, enabling conservationists to detect decline trends and test remedies. The 'bee soup' technique can quickly identify species diversity and abundance in a single sample, saving time and money compared to traditional methods.

How the mammoth got its wool: Genetic changes are identified

Researchers sequenced the genomes of two extinct woolly mammoths and three modern Asian elephants, identifying genetic variants associated with traits such as hair development, fat storage, and temperature sensation. The study found that these changes likely enabled the mammoths to adapt to harsh Arctic environments.

Universe's hidden supermassive black holes revealed

Astronomers detected high-energy x-rays from five previously clouded supermassive black holes, supporting the theory of millions more existing but hidden from view. The research uses NuSTAR to study nine candidate black holes, confirming five were obscured by dust and gas.

UK doctors to help shape the future of medical revalidation

A major independent evaluation is being carried out by a national panel of researchers to assess the UK's medical revalidation process. Almost 160,000 licensed doctors will participate in the survey, which aims to identify areas for improvement and inform the General Medical Council's efforts to enhance patient care.

Research breakthrough to treat girls-only epilepsy

A team led by Professor Jozef Gecz has identified a gene mutation responsible for female-only epilepsy and found a treatment using synthetic allopregnanolone, promising to delay seizure onset and reduce autism and intellectual disability effects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Good quantum states and bad quantum states

Scientists from TU Wien and Free University of Berlin developed a quantum tomography method to measure and describe large quantum systems precisely with few measurements. This technique uses continuous matrix product states, which represent a vanishingly small fraction of all possible states but are physically important.

Nanomedicine in the fight against thrombotic diseases

Researchers explore nanocarriers and microbubbles for efficient thrombus treatment, addressing limitations of existing drugs. The review highlights potential solutions for improving outcomes in ischemic heart disease and stroke, where millions die annually.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

REM sleep critical for young brain development; medication interferes

A new study from Washington State University suggests that REM sleep plays a crucial role in converting waking experiences into lasting memories and abilities in young brains. The study found that brain circuits change in the visual cortex during exploration, but REM sleep is required to make those changes "stick".

Old World monkey had tiny, complex brain

Researchers have visualized the oldest known Old World monkey skull, revealing a tiny but remarkably wrinkled brain. The ancient creature's brain supports the idea that brain complexity can evolve before brain size in primates, contradicting conventional wisdom.

Novel DNA repair mechanism brings new horizons

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered a new DNA repair mechanism that can detect and fix single-stranded breaks in histone-bound DNA. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Waiting to harvest after a rain enhances food safety

New research from Cornell University suggests that farmers should wait 24 hours after a rain or irrigation to harvest crops, as this reduces the risk of exposure to the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. By doing so, farmers can minimize the presence of Listeria on fresh produce and ensure consumer safety.

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.

'Invisible' protein structure explains the power of enzymes

A study at Umea University has successfully captured a protein structure previously impossible to study, providing insights into enzymes' catalytic capabilities. The discovery enables the development of designed enzymes for new chemical reactions in biotechnology.

A 'movie' of ultrafast rotating molecules at a hundred billion per second

Scientists have successfully imaged ultrafast unidirectionally rotating molecules at 100 billion per second, revealing a quantum wave-like nature. The high-resolution imaging reveals rotational wave packets with distinct angular velocities, showcasing the transition from quantum to classical behavior.

Nobel Laureates appeal for climate protection

The Mainau Declaration 2015 on Climate Change states that nations must limit future global emissions and approve a new international agreement. The declaration warns of the consequences of unchecked climate change, which will overwhelm the Earth's ability to satisfy humanity's needs, leading to wholesale human tragedy.

Seeing the world through assistive glasses

The ADAMAAS project aims to create a mobile assistance system that identifies problems and provides situation-dependent assistance through intelligent glasses. The technology combines eye tracking, memory research, object recognition, and augmented reality to support users in daily activities.

Soundproofing with quantum physics

Researchers have successfully applied topological insulator principles to mechanical systems, creating edge states that exhibit robust, 'topologically protected' properties. These properties make them suitable for applications in sound and vibration insulation, as well as focusing sound like a lens.

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.

Tough tail of a seahorse may provide robotic solutions

Researchers studied seahorse's unusual skeletal structure and found its square-tail design provides flexibility and strength, allowing for energy-efficient grasping mechanisms and crushing resistance. This discovery may inspire robotics applications in laparoscopic surgery, industrial systems, or search & rescue robots.

HKUST researchers discover ways to regenerate corticospinal tract axons

Researchers at HKUST found a way to stimulate axon growth without external stimulants. The deletion of the PTEN gene enhances compensatory sprouting and promotes regeneration of CST axons. This breakthrough study offers new possibilities for treating chronic SCI, including delayed treatment up to 1 year after injury.

Researchers find mass killings, school shootings are contagious

A study by Arizona State University researchers found that mass killings and school shootings in the US are contagious, with a contagion period of approximately 13 days. The analysis revealed that roughly 20-30% of such tragedies are inspired by previous events, highlighting the complex dynamics underlying these incidents.

Scientists warn of species loss due to man-made landscapes

A study by the University of Exeter found a 35% decline in bird species in agricultural habitats compared to natural areas. The researchers recommend incorporating patches of natural vegetation into agricultural landscapes to maintain biodiversity.

Millions of children's lives saved through low-cost investments

A new analysis found that over 34 million children's lives have been saved since 2000 due to investments in child health programs at a cost of as little as $4,205 per child. The report, published in The Lancet, also highlights the impact of funding from donor agencies such as the US government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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.

Be square, seahorse; it has mechanical advantages

The seahorse tail's square shape provides better resistance to twisting and grasping control due to increased contact area. Its resilience is attributed to gliding joints, making it a valuable inspiration for designing search-and-rescue robots and other technologies.

Found: Antibody that zaps resilient dengue serotype

A team led by Associate Professor Shee-Mei Lok at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered an antibody that neutralizes dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2), making it harder to kill. The finding could help develop dengue therapeutics and is a significant step towards addressing the global dengue pandemic.

Cancer survivors who smoke perceive less risk from tobacco

A new study by the American Cancer Society found that cancer survivors who currently smoke report fewer negative opinions about smoking and have more barriers to quitting. They are also more likely to be exposed to other smokers, which may contribute to continued smoking.

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.

Viral protein in their sights

A team from Harvard Medical School has revealed the atomic level structure of VSV polymerase protein L, a key component in RNA virus replication. This finding provides insights into how these viruses copy their genomes inside host cells.

Human antibody blocks dengue virus in mice

Researchers discovered a human antibody specific to dengue virus serotype 2 that protects mice from the virus, regardless of administration timing. The antibody may act as both a preventative and therapeutic agent by locking viral envelope proteins on the surface, preventing them from entering host cells.