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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 209


Page 209 of 402

The peaks and valleys of silicon

USC Viterbi researchers have developed new layered semiconducting materials that can be adjusted to achieve unique electronic and optical properties. These materials have potential applications in LIDAR systems, infrared thermal imaging technology, and flexible night vision glasses.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 26, 2015

High blood pressure linked to reduced Alzheimer's risk, meds may be reason

A new study suggests a genetic link between high blood pressure and reduced Alzheimer's disease risk, with antihypertensive drugs possibly playing a protective role. Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 17,000 individuals and found a significant association between higher systolic blood pressure and lower Alzheimer's risk.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 26, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Building a better semiconductor

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new method to change the electronic properties of materials, enabling more efficient solid-state electronics. By using ultrafast laser pulses, they can create new electronic phases with desired properties.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2015

CCNY researchers develop eco-friendly oil spill solution

Researchers at City College of New York have developed an eco-friendly biodegradable agent derived from the plant-based small molecule phytol, which can replace chemical herders currently in use. The new substance has been shown to contract and thicken oil slicks, making them easier to collect or burn.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2015

NIDA announces new awards for early stage investigators

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded six researchers $300,000 per year for five years to support innovative studies on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. The Avenir Award Program supports creative individuals who wish to pursue research approaches for improved prevention and treatment.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateJun 26, 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.

Helium 'balloons' offer new path to control complex materials

Scientists have developed a method to manipulate complex oxide materials using only helium ions, enabling single-axis control over their behavior. This technique allows researchers to tune material properties with precision, advancing the understanding and use of these unique materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 26, 2015

Opening a new route to photonics

Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new route to ultrahigh density, ultracompact integrated photonic circuitry. By applying mathematical concept 'adiabatic elimination' to optical nanowaveguides, they can effectively control pulses of light in closely packed waveguides, eliminating the crosstalk p...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2015

Orange is the new red

Researchers discovered a key event in cyanobacterial photoprotection, where the carotenoid protein shifts from orange to red state through a large-scale movement. This mechanism triggers nonphotochemical-quenching, safely dissipating excess solar energy as heat.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 26, 2015

Watershed science calls for integrated research methods

The article discusses the challenges of watershed science in understanding complex systems and simulating human-nature interactions. Integrated research methods are proposed as a solution, combining approaches from different disciplines, including holism and reductionism.

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 26, 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.

Braking mechanism identified for cell growth pathway linked to several cancers

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a self-regulating loop in the Hippo pathway that maintains cellular balance by controlling cell growth and promoting cell death. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer development and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 26, 2015

Inactivity reduces people's muscle strength

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that inactivity leads to rapid loss of muscle mass and strength, affecting both young and older men equally. Young people lose twice as much muscle mass and experience greater reductions in physical fitness compared to their older counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Rehabilitation Medicine·DateJun 26, 2015

Scientists identify a calcium channel essential for deep sleep

Researchers have discovered a crucial role for Cav3.1 calcium channels in healthy sleep patterns, which helps regulate slow-wave sleep and overall brain activity. The absence of this channel leads to abnormal brain function, including difficulties with falling asleep and staying asleep.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2015

UT Arlington physics professor wins esteemed Humboldt Research Award

Zdzislaw Musielak, a UT Arlington physics professor, has won the Humboldt Research Award for his exploration of extra-solar planetary systems, dark matter, and dark energy. The award provides him with the opportunity to work on research projects in Germany, furthering his cutting-edge achievements.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJun 26, 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.

A 'hydrothermal siphon' drives water circulation through the seafloor

A new study by UC Santa Cruz scientists reveals the 'hydrothermal siphon' drives global ocean water circulation through the seafloor. The process is sustained by fluid flow and heat transfer through thousands of extinct underwater volcanoes, with smaller seamounts favored as sites of discharge.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2015

High-performance microscope displays pores in the cell nucleus with greater precision

Researchers have developed a new method to display the spatial structure of nuclear pores in high resolution. This has led to a better understanding of how certain molecules are transported into or out of the nucleus. The discovery sheds light on various diseases, including cancer, that involve defective transport through nuclear pores.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2015

Children with asthma likely born in Toronto area with high air pollution

Researchers identified clusters where higher numbers of children who developed asthma were born in Toronto, suggesting early life factors at the neighbourhood level are relevant to childhood asthma. Air pollution during pregnancy and shortly after birth was found to be related to developing asthma later in childhood.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalHealth & Place·DateJun 26, 2015
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.

Key protein may affect risk of stroke

A special protein called FoxF2 found in brain's tiny blood vessels affects the development of the blood-brain barrier, a vital protective function that controls substances reaching the brain's nerve cells. Variations in the FoxF2 gene have been linked to an increased risk of stroke in humans.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 26, 2015

NASA explains why June 30 will get extra second

Leap seconds are added to account for Earth's slow rotation, which has slowed down by about 2 milliseconds per year since the 1820s. The extra second on June 30 helps maintain consistency between the atomic time standard and Coordinated Universal Time.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 26, 2015

Most of amateur athletes undergoing hypoxic training are not advised by specialists

A recent study found that only 25% of amateur athletes undergoing hypoxic training receive specialist monitoring, putting them at risk for health problems such as increased breathlessness, anaemia, and muscle loss. The lack of regulation among amateur athletes leads to ineffective training efforts and increased health risks.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJun 26, 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.

UC Davis study guides efforts to find new strategies, solutions to fight pediatric asthma

A recent UC Davis study highlights the need for improved primary care support structures to address high pediatric asthma rates in California. The research found that nearly 10% of state children suffer from asthma, with low flu vaccination rates and limited access to primary care providers contributing to these rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateJun 26, 2015

Action spectrum of sun skin damage documented

Researchers have documented the full spectrum of UV radiation-induced DNA damage in human skin cells, allowing manufacturers to develop targeted sunscreen products. The study's findings reveal that prolonged sun exposure leads to an accumulation of damaging free radicals, causing skin aging and potentially initiating skin cancers.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJun 26, 2015

Rats 'dream' paths to a brighter future

Researchers monitored brain activity in rats and found that during rest, the hippocampus simulates walking to and from food that was previously inaccessible. This suggests that the hippocampus plans routes for the future as well as recording past experiences with motivational cues like food. The study could help explain why people with...

SourceUniversity College London·DateJun 26, 2015
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.

Hartmuth Kolb, PhD, wins 2015 Alzheimer Award

Dr. Hartmuth Kolb was recognized for his pioneering research on neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). His PET imaging tracers showed promise in evaluating NFT pathology, holding potential for disease diagnosis and monitoring.

SourceIOS Press·DateJun 26, 2015

What controls blood flow in the brain?

New research reveals that smooth muscle cells surrounding brain blood vessels regulate blood flow in response to neuronal activity. The study contradicts previous theories on pericytes' role in blood vessel formation and function.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 25, 2015

Redrawing language map of brain

Scientists have updated the traditional brain map of language comprehension by discovering a new location for word comprehension in the left anterior temporal lobe. Sentence comprehension is found to be distributed widely throughout the language network, contradicting previous theories. The study provides a more precise target for futu...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBrain·DateJun 25, 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.

Multiple pathways progressing to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that early indicators of Alzheimer's disease are not fixed in a specific sequence, complicating diagnosis efforts. The study suggests that different neurobiological pathways lead to the expression of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJun 25, 2015

Three simple rules govern complex brain circuit in fly

Researchers used imaging and computation to unravel a complex neural mystery, discovering three simple rules that govern the visual system of the humble fruit fly. The findings have implications for understanding human brain development and could lead to new approaches to decoding complex biological systems.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateJun 25, 2015

Starfish that clone themselves live longer

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg has found that starfish that reproduce through cloning have better health and longer lifespans than those that undergo sexual reproduction. This is due to the regulation of telomeres, which are crucial for an individual's lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalHeredity·DateJun 25, 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.

New NASA supercomputer model shows planet making waves in nearby debris disk

A new NASA supercomputer simulation of the planet and debris disk around Beta Pictoris reveals that the planet's motion drives spiral waves throughout the disk, causing collisions among orbiting debris. The patterns in these collisions account for many observed features that previous research has struggled to explain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 25, 2015

New target identified for inhibiting malaria parasite invasion

A new study finds that calcineurin is essential for malaria parasites to invade red blood cells. The protein allows the parasite to recognize and attach to the red blood cell surface, and inhibitors of calcineurin can prevent infection.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 25, 2015

More endangered pygmy sloths in Panama than previously estimated

A new study reveals that pygmy sloths inhabit not only mangrove fringes but also the forested interior of their island refuge in Panama. The estimated population size was found to be significantly higher than previously thought, ranging from 500 to 1,500 individuals.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateJun 25, 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.

Antarctic sponges: DNA barcoding discloses diversity

Researchers used DNA barcoding to study Antarctic sponge diversity and revealed a highly diverse group of species, comparable to tropical communities. The genetic analysis suggests that these sponges developed as an isolated population, likely descended from ancestral forms in Gondwana waters.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2015

Rapid Ebola diagnostic successful in field trial

A new rapid diagnostic test has been shown to accurately diagnose Ebola virus disease within minutes, revolutionizing treatment and containment. The test's sensitivity and specificity rates are comparable to laboratory-based methods, offering a promising solution to the challenges of early diagnosis and timely intervention.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 25, 2015

Compound in magnolia may combat head and neck cancers

A study from VA and the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that honokiol shuts down cancer cells in lab, blocking EGFR protein in squamous cell head and neck cancers. The compound has shown promise as a treatment option for this aggressive form of cancer.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJun 25, 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.

Lax rules put Congo's forests, key carbon reserve, at risk

The Democratic Republic of Congo's forests are under threat from lax conservation efforts, with up to 20% loss predicted and a 60% increase in carbon emissions expected. A new study suggests that greater protection measures, including protected areas and land use zoning, could reduce deforestation by more than half.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2015

Therapy affects the brain of people with Tourette syndrome

A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that cognitive behavioral therapy can alter brain function in people with Tourette syndrome, reducing tics and improving brain activity. The therapy helped normalize brain activity in areas affected by the disorder.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateJun 25, 2015

Iron: A biological element?

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that half of the iron in banded iron formations originated from ancient bacteria metabolizing iron two and a half billion years ago. The findings provide new insights into the evolution of our planet and the origins of life, with significant implications for fields like mining and astrobiology.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2015

SHSU professor investigates parent-child visitation in prison

A recent study by Sam Houston State University professor Melinda Tasca found that two-thirds of children who visited a parent in prison experienced fear, anger, and anxiety. The study suggests that institutional environment and parent-child relationship are key factors shaping children's responses to prison visitation.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateJun 25, 2015

Revisiting the restriction of antibiotics

A new study suggests that restricting specific antibiotics could lead to an increased frequency of multi-drug resistance. The study found that using restricted antibiotics can facilitate the spread of resistant pathogens, despite potential short-term benefits in treatment effectiveness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 25, 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.

AASLD updates guidance for use of hepatitis C drugs

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) has updated its guidance on testing, managing, and treating hepatitis C virus (HCV). The new recommendations focus on direct-acting antiviral drugs, which have shown high efficacy in curing HCV. With these updates, millions of Americans living with chronic HCV may now hav...

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJun 25, 2015

Calcium uptake by mitochondria makes heart beat harder in fight-or-flight response

Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine discovered that calcium uptake by mitochondria is essential for the heart to beat faster and harder during stress. The study found that during a heart attack, increased calcium uptake leads to cell death, but in normal conditions, it has little impact on metabolic function.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 25, 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.

Poppies provide missing piece of morphine biosynthesis puzzle

Researchers have identified a fusion gene in poppy plants that facilitates important steps in the plant's morphine-producing pathway. The findings complete the metabolic pathway for morphine, enabling the production of the economically important drug without the need for cultivating poppy fields.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2015