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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 206


Page 206 of 402

Hantaviruses are highly dependent on cell membrane cholesterol to infect humans

Researchers found that hantaviruses are highly dependent on cholesterol in cell membranes to gain access into cells. Disrupting the S1P pathway reduced their ability to infect cells, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the viruses' dependence on cholesterol.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 30, 2015

Oregon study: Minor heart feature may mean trouble at high altitude

Researchers found that people with a small opening in the heart (PFO) were more susceptible to acute mountain sickness and had impaired lung function at high altitudes. The study suggests PFOs may impair performance at high altitude due to inefficient blood oxygenation.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJun 30, 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.

Scientists unravel elusive structure of HIV protein

Researchers at the University of Missouri captured detailed images of the capsid protein in its natural state, revealing ordered water molecules that help stabilize the complex scaffold. This discovery aims to inform the development of new and more effective antiviral drugs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2015

Does radiation from X-rays and CT scans really cause cancer?

Studies purporting to show a cancer link between radiation from medical imaging and cancer are badly flawed due to reliance on the linear no-threshold model. The human body has evolved to repair damage from low-dose radiation, making it unlikely that exposure would cause cancer.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalTechnology in Cancer Research & Treatment·DateJun 30, 2015

Small RNAs found to play important roles in memory formation

Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have identified five microRNAs that are necessary for memory formation, while others decrease it, affecting neuronal physiology and nervous system development. The study provides valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of learning and memory.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalGenetics·DateJun 30, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protein's impact on colorectal cancer is dappled

A recent study discovered that Daple protein is a tumor suppressor in the early stages of colorectal cancer, but may actually facilitate disease spread at later stages. Researchers found that higher levels of Daple were associated with better patient survival rates and lower tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJun 30, 2015

Osteopathic manipulative therapy significantly improves low back pain in postpartum women

A new study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMTh) decreased postpartum low back pain by over 70 percent in women who had given birth at least three months before beginning treatment. Participants reported a significant improvement in quality of life, with a 7...

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJun 30, 2015

Suomi-NPP satellite sees formation of Tropical Depression Chan-Hom

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP Satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Depression Chan-Hom on June 30, revealing thunderstorms wrapping into the low-level center from the north and west. The depression is expected to strengthen to tropical storm status and move northwest, passing north of Fananu.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Europeans have unknowingly contributed to the spread of invasive plant species in the USA

A study found that anthropogenic factors, such as cultivation, played a more important role in plant invasiveness than previously thought. The research analyzed Central European plants introduced to North America and found that residence time in the invaded range and habitats occupied in native ranges were key drivers of invasion.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEcology·DateJun 30, 2015

Graphene flexes its electronic muscles

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that graphene can be controlled by twisting it, creating an electronic flexoelectric effect. This property can be manipulated to vary the work function and engineer the band-structure stacking in bilayers or multiple layers.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJun 30, 2015

Repeated courses of antibiotics may profoundly alter children's development

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers found that multiple courses of commonly used antibiotics in children can have significant effects on their development. The study showed that antibiotic-exposed mice gained more weight and developed larger bones than untreated mice, while also disrupting the gut microbiome.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2015

Major Midwest flood risk underestimated by as much as 5 feet, study finds

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that federal agencies are underestimating historic 100-year flood levels on major rivers in the Midwest by as much as five feet. This miscalculation has serious implications for future flood risks, flood insurance, and business development in an expanding floodplain.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Earth Science·DateJun 30, 2015
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.

Restored streams take 25 years or longer to recover

Research from Umea University found that restored streams in northern Sweden take up to 25 years to recover and reach pre-disturbance levels of plant species diversity. This is due to the complexity of ecosystems and the need for time for natural processes to occur.

SourceUmea University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 30, 2015

Using muons from cosmic rays to find fraying infrastructure

Scientists are using subatomic particles called muons to analyze the thickness of concrete slabs and metal pipes. The technique can safely identify faulty infrastructure components without creating radiation or invasive inspections.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 30, 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.

Similarities between embryos and breast tumors identified

MD Anderson researchers discovered a breast tumor marker that predicts metastasis by analyzing the gene expression signature of mouse embryos. Tumors with similar signatures to six-day-old embryos were more prone to metastasize than those with adult-like signatures.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 30, 2015

Seeing a supernova in a new light

A collaborative project between Caltech and the Weizmann Institute of Science observed a unique radiation spike in ultraviolet range, supporting a giant companion model for white dwarf explosions. The findings highlight the importance of ultraviolet-range observations in understanding type Ia supernovae.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2015

Human urine helps prevent bacteria from sticking to bladder cells

Researchers found that human urine's unknown factors interfere with bacterial FimH protein's ability to adhere to cells and switch off pilus production assembly. This exposes a crucial weakness in pathogen's ability to infect, making potential non-antibiotic treatments more effective

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 30, 2015

NASA missions monitor a waking black hole

Astronomers monitor the outburst of V404 Cygni, a black hole firing up in an X-ray nova. The data collected will help determine the type of object at its heart, providing insights into these rare events.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 2015

Location isn't everything but timing is for certain spawning fish

Research from NIMBioS found that the timing of spawning is crucial for the survival of larval fish, with success rates higher on days when spawning is observed to occur. This study has important implications for fisheries management and conservation, highlighting the need to protect spawning aggregations.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 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.

How small genetic change in Yersinia pestis changed human history

Researchers found that a single small genetic change enabled Yersinia pestis to transition from causing gastrointestinal infections to respiratory diseases, including pneumonic plague. This discovery may have helped explain how the plague spread globally, leading to devastating pandemics like the Black Death.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2015

Targeting mistreatment of women during childbirth

A systematic review of 65 studies in 34 countries identifies 7 areas of mistreatment and abuse during childbirth, including physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. The authors call for improved access to privacy, resources, and trained staff to reduce morbidity and mortality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 30, 2015

Hospital-wide program for delirium, alcohol withdrawal and suicide/harm impacts readmission rates

A hospital-wide clinical improvement initiative implemented across all departments at BWH significantly reduced the 30-day readmission rate of patients at risk for DASH by nine percent. The program, which included standardized assessment tools and care management guidelines, improved patient outcomes and quality of life.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateJun 30, 2015
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.

A win-win-win-win

Researchers will study the complex interaction of human and natural forces that may alter patterns of disease transmission. Small prawns are expected to kill snails effectively, providing a potential solution to schistosomiasis.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJun 30, 2015

UW team programs solitary yeast cells to say 'hello' to one another

Researchers at the University of Washington have engineered yeast cells to communicate with each other using auxin, a plant hormone that can induce specific genes to be expressed. This breakthrough could lead to the development of synthetic stem cells and artificial organs that require different types of cells to work together.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJun 30, 2015

New model of cosmic stickiness favors 'Big Rip' demise of universe

A new mathematical formulation of cosmic viscosity bridges the gap between thermodynamics and Einstein's general theory of relativity, favoring the 'Big Rip' scenario. The model also sheds light on dark energy, suggesting it may account for the universe's accelerating expansion.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJun 30, 2015

A high-fat diet may alleviate mitochondrial disease

Researchers at Salk Institute find that a high-fat diet amplifies the effects of FGF21, granting mice resistance to obesity and associated diseases. The study provides insight into potential new therapies for mitochondrial and metabolic diseases in humans.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 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.

Earthquakes in western Solomon Islands have long history, study shows

Researchers found evidence of six large earthquakes in western Solomon Islands over the past 3,000 years, including five that were as large or larger than a devastating 2007 earthquake. The study used corals to analyze seismic events and provide insight into the relationship between earthquakes and long-term geological processes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2015

Ocean algae will cope well in varying climates, study shows

Researchers found that phytoplankton exposed to fluctuating CO2 levels adapted more to future changes than those grown in stable conditions. However, the adapted algae evolved more and were smaller, potentially impacting marine animal feeding and carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJun 30, 2015

UGA researcher leads comprehensive international study on folate

The study provides a comprehensive review of folate biomarkers, which can be used to assess an individual's or population group's folate status. Adequate folate intake is critical during fetal development to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 30, 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.

Physical study may give boost to hydrogen cars

Researchers discover smaller nanoparticles of magnesium hydride have better mechanical properties, including plastic stability and homogeneous dislocation activity. This suggests a path forward for making better hydrogen storage tanks by engineering them to take advantage of these properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 30, 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.

For women with bipolar disorder, sleep quality affects mood

Poor sleep quality predicts increased severity and frequency of depression and mania in women with bipolar disorder. For men, baseline depression score and neuroticism are stronger predictors of mood outcome. Improving sleep quality could help patients avoid mood episodes and improve quality of life.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJun 30, 2015

New study identifies organic compounds of potential concern in fracking fluids

A new University of Colorado Boulder framework screened hundreds of organic chemical compounds used in hydraulic fracturing, identifying 15 as potentially hazardous groundwater contaminants based on their toxicity, mobility, and persistence. The study also predicted that 41 compounds would have 10% or more of their initial concentratio...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJun 30, 2015

Epidemic of obesity and overweight linked to increased food energy supply

A recent study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found a strong correlation between global increases in food energy supply and obesity rates. The research analyzed data from 69 countries and discovered that both body weight and food energy supply had increased in 81% of them between 1971 and 2010.

SourceBulletin of the World Health Organization·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateJun 30, 2015

A centipede from hell

The newly discovered centipede, Geophilus hadesi, is the world's deepest cave-dwelling centipede and has adapted to live exclusively in caves. It features unusual traits such as elongated antennae, trunk segments, and powerful jaws with poison glands.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJun 30, 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.

ASTRO announces new journal Advances in Radiation Oncology and Editor Robert C. Miller, M.D.

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has launched a new open-access journal, Advances in Radiation Oncology, with Founding Editor Robert C. Miller, M.D. The journal will publish original research on novel retrospectives and hypothesis-generating series, with a focus on practice transformation.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalAdvances in Radiation Oncology·DateJun 30, 2015

Atomic force microscope advance leads to new breast cancer research

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how deactivation of a key protein leads to breast cancer metastasis. The new high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique allows for the first time to image live breast cancer cells, providing insights into the physical properties and dynamics of these cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 30, 2015

To shed weight, go vegan

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that vegetarian diets lead to significant weight loss, with vegan diets showing the greatest results, and benefits attributed to high intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Yosemite forest fire example of possible things to come

Researchers studied the aftermath of Yosemite's Rim fire, which burned 400 square miles in 2013, to understand its impact on forest recovery. They found that uncharacteristically high severity and altered dynamics, with potential for vegetation switching to shrubs if not restored through controlled burns.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcosystems·DateJun 30, 2015

NASA sees new depression forms near Solomon Islands

A new tropical depression has formed near the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, affecting some islands and extending the Southern Pacific cyclone season. The depression is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm before moving south over Guadalcanal.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 2015

'Tele-rounding': Robots in the neonatal intensive care unit

A study published in Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that robot-assisted telemedicine improved the accessibility of neonatal intensive care specialists. The remote specialist required more time to care for patients due to internet connectivity issues, but overall, there were no significant differences in patient outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Telemedicine and Telecare·DateJun 29, 2015

Researchers define unique group of high-risk lymphoma patients

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified a subgroup of follicular lymphoma patients who experience early disease recurrence despite modern treatments. These patients may require personalized therapy approaches, such as targeted sequencing or gene-expression profiling, to improve their outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 29, 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.