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Science News Archive 2015


Page 211 of 402

IU research: A microRNA may provide therapy against pancreatic cancer

Indiana University researchers found that restoring missing microRNA-29 in pancreatic cancer stromal cells reduced the viability and growth of cancerous cells. The study suggests that miR-29 could be a potent therapeutic agent against pancreatic cancer by targeting reactive tumor stroma.

Want to be seen as more loving and a better cook?

A recent Cornell Food & Brand Lab study found that serving vegetables at dinner increases the perception of being a better cook and a more loving parent. Serving veggies even if not liked can make the meal tastier, according to lead author Brian Wansink.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Women in developed world still face many barriers to early abortion

Despite fewer legal barriers, women in developed countries still face significant inequities in abortion access due to inadequate service provision, moral opposition, and inadequate training. The review suggests improving access by increasing training, boosting service options, and making services more affordable or free.

Tracking the genetic arms race between humans and mosquitoes

Researchers found that up to 20% of a mosquito population's genome is subject to evolutionary pressures, leading to local adaptation and potential resistance to pesticides. The study provides insights into the contemporary evolution of mosquitoes and informs strategies to control populations.

Experimental treatment sends deadly leukemia into remission

A small pilot study found an experimental treatment approach can send deadly leukemia into remission in patients who have failed standard therapy. The combination of immunotherapy and gene manipulation buys critical time for patients to receive a potentially life-saving stem cell transplant.

Fructose produces less rewarding sensations in the brain

A study by University of Basel researchers found that fructose stimulates the reward system in the brain to a lesser degree than glucose, leading to increased satiety hormone levels and reduced feelings of fullness. This may contribute to the development of various disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

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.

University of Kentucky researcher to develop artificial blood for mosquitoes

A University of Kentucky researcher is developing an artificial blood technology for mosquitoes, which can help sustain colonies in resource-limited areas and combat diseases like malaria. The approach involves sterilizing mosquitoes using a bacterium and has already shown promising results in controlling Asian tiger mosquito populations.

Glacial quakes may serve as indicators of glacier disruption

Researchers monitored Helheim Glacier for 55 days and detected 10 large-scale calving events, revealing unique quakes registering magnitude five on the Richter Scale. These glacial earthquakes can serve as proxies for glacier edge breaking, offering insights into ice loss from glaciers.

Digital messages on vehicle windshields make driving less safe

A University of Toronto study found that augmented-reality displays on windshields can reduce driving accuracy and increase the risk of accidents. Drivers must divide their attention between road conditions and digital warnings, leading to slower reaction times and missed warnings.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

INFORMS journal study: Learning early about late flights

A new INFORMS journal study provides more predictable ways to manage arrival traffic at airports with adverse weather. The research reveals that knowing early about late flights reduces the cost of Ground Delay Programs (GDPs) for flight operators, with a 13% reduction in delays observed.

Heat-tolerant genes may rescue corals from increasing temperatures

A new study reveals that heat-tolerant corals can pass on their tolerance genes to their offspring, potentially helping reefs adapt to global warming. The research found that coral larvae from hotter regions were more likely to survive in warmer conditions than those from cooler regions.

Exercising early in life yields rewards in adult years

Researchers found that early-age exercise in mice had positive effects on adult levels of voluntary exercise, including a reduction in body mass. The study suggests that early-life exercise may increase the likelihood of adults engaging in regular physical activity.

Past water patterns drive present wading bird numbers

A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and Florida Atlantic University reveals that past water conditions and availability are crucial factors affecting wading bird populations in the Everglades. The research found a 'lag effect' where wet conditions can take several years to impact bird numbers.

Chloroplast tubes play a key role in plants' immune defense

Researchers at UC Davis and the University of Delaware discovered that chloroplast tubes play a key role in plants' immune defense. The discovery reveals how chloroplasts deliver signals to the nucleus, inducing programmed cell death and preparing other cells to resist infection.

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.

Pilot program in pediatric long-term care facility halves topical antibiotic use

A pilot program at a pediatric long-term care facility achieved significant reductions in antibiotic use, with a 59% decrease in topical antibiotics and an 83% decrease in orders without proper documentation. The program improved antibiotic prescribing practices through increased staff support and electronic medical record system changes.

Smoother signals sent through optical fibers

Researchers discovered a way to suppress nonlinear distortions in optical fibers, eliminating signal regeneration needs. This breakthrough enables more bandwidth availability and increased data transmission.

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.

Are your emotional responses normal or abnormal?

Researchers argue that current diagnosis methods for depression are flawed and that understanding 'normal' emotional responses can help inform clinical practice. Increased interaction between fundamental emotion research and practitioner training is necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of emotional disorders.

Targeted nanoparticles can overcome drug resistance in trypanosomes

Researchers developed targeted nanoparticles that deliver existing drugs directly into parasite cells, reducing the curative dose by 100-fold and circumventing drug resistance. This high-tech approach has the potential to reverse resistance to many first-line treatments for infectious diseases.

UNC researchers develop innovative gene transfer-based treatment approach

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have developed an experimental gene transfer-based treatment to deliver a missing gene into the cerebrospinal fluid of children with GAN. The treatment approach uses a genetically modified virus to deliver the gigaxonin gene, which is expected to pave the way for treatments for other related diseases.

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.

Needle exchanges can prevent more HIV outbreaks like one in Indiana

In a commentary published in The New England Journal of Medicine, two experts argue that lifting federal funding bans for needle exchange programs is crucial to protect the health of injection drug users. Needle exchanges can significantly reduce HIV transmission by providing clean needles and promoting opioid replacement therapies.

For vitiligo patient, arthritis drug restores skin color

A Yale University study found that an arthritis medication restored skin color in a vitiligo patient after just two months of treatment. The patient experienced partial repigmentation on her face, arms, and hands, with nearly all white spots gone after five months.

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.

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists receives MacArthur Award

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has received a two-year grant to support a museum display about nuclear energy and workshops to improve public science communication. The grant will also help establish emerging experts in communicating complex scientific concepts to policy leaders and the general public.

New technique to accurately detect the 'handedness' of molecules in a mixture

Scientists have developed a rapid method to distinguish between left- and right-handed molecules in a mixture, offering potential breakthroughs in drug development and disease diagnosis. The Mass-Selected PhotoElectron Circular Dichroism technique can identify molecule handedness with high accuracy, even in complex mixtures.

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.

Got acne? Lay off the B12

New UCLA research reveals that vitamin B12 can lead to pimple-prone skin by changing the activity of facial bacteria. This finding may help identify new treatments for acne by targeting specific mechanisms in the skin. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, sheds light on one key role that B12 plays in acne development.

To the rescue: Helping threatened Mediterranean sea turtles

The Mediterranean loggerhead and green turtle populations are threatened by human-induced threats, with a bycatch rate of up to 200,000 loggerheads per year. Researchers emphasize the importance of rescue centers and first-aid stations, calling for improved communication and collaboration among existing centers.

Analyzing ocean mixing reveals insight on climate

Scientists developed a computer model that studies ocean mixing in vast eddies, clarifying the complex processes driving ocean storms. The model enables researchers to study heat and carbon fluxes into the deep ocean, increasing global climate simulation accuracy.

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.

Distributed technique for power 'scheduling' advances smart grid concept

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new power scheduling technique that coordinates energy produced and stored by conventional and renewable sources. The approach replaces traditional centralized management with decentralized, distributed computing, enabling more efficient and secure energy distribution.

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.

Study hints at why parrots are great vocal imitators

A study led by Duke University researchers found that parrots have distinct brain regions, called 'shells,' that are involved in vocal learning and may contribute to their ability to imitate human speech. The study also suggests that the shells may be responsible for the species' exceptional vocal mimicry abilities.

World's first full-color, flexible, skin-like display developed at UCF

Researchers at UCF developed a technique for creating the world's first full-color, flexible thin-film reflective display inspired by nature. The new method reflects ambient light and can be controlled by voltage, offering potential implications for various electronics and whole new categories of displays.

Minorities underrepresented in US special education classrooms

Research suggests minority children are less likely to receive help for disabilities than similarly placed white children, due to greater risk factor exposure. This disparity affects the odds of identification as learning disabled, intellectual impaired, or having emotional disturbances.

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.

Discovering a new stage in the galactic lifecycle

Researchers use ALMA to observe dust contents of galaxies at redshift 5-6, revealing a new evolutionary stage. Average-sized galaxies contain less dust than expected, suggesting a previously unseen transition from gas to the first generation of galaxies.

Oh, to have Dr. Facebook on call!

A national survey found that patients are interested in using email and Facebook to manage their health, but few actually do so. Only 7% of respondents use their physicians' websites to access their own health information, highlighting a disconnect between patient interest and current institutional practices.

Unique consensus paper on patient preferences for arrhythmias management published

A unique consensus paper on patient preferences for arrhythmias management emphasizes the importance of education and shared decision-making. The document highlights patients' concerns, such as stroke prevention and bleeding risks, and recommends tailored information and incorporation of patient preferences into management decisions.

New Sesotho-named dinosaur from South Africa

A new dinosaur, Sefapanosaurus, has been discovered in South Africa with distinctive features such as a cross-shaped ankle bone. The fossil, found in the late 1930s, provides insight into transitional early sauropodomorph dinosaurs roaming southern Africa.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Norepinephrine aids brain in sorting complex auditory signals

Researchers found that norepinephrine enhances the ability of neurons to code for complex sounds by decreasing background noise firing. This mechanism is separate from estradiol's effects and provides new insights into neuromodulator interactions and auditory processing.

Three Ebola virus variants identified in Guinea

Scientists at the Institut Pasteur sequenced three distinct Ebola virus variants co-circulating in Guinea, with each variant defined by unique mutations affecting viral proteins. The study highlights the genetic diversity of the viruses circulating in Guinea during the epidemic's spread and will aid in optimizing treatments and vaccines.

Towards graphene biosensors

Researchers have successfully created graphene biosensors that can selectively bind to specific molecules, allowing for precise detection and control. This breakthrough enables the development of inexpensive 'lab-on-a-chip' devices for medical diagnostics, promising a significant impact on healthcare.

Lovebird has clear sight during rapid turns

Rapidly turning lovebirds execute extremely fast head turns when their wings cover their eyes, shortening blurry phases and maintaining stable vision. This super-fast behavior allows them to make split-second decisions during maneuvers.

Antarctic life -- highly diverse, unusually structured

Scientists have revealed the Antarctic region is rich in species, with diverse ecosystems and micro-organismal life. The study highlights the need for comprehensive protection of the Ross Sea and improved conservation efforts to preserve this unique biodiversity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

First species of yeti crab found in Antarctica

Researchers have identified a new species of Yeti Crab, Kiwa tyleri, found in the Antarctic region surrounding hydrothermal vent systems. This unique crab thrives in extreme environments with temperatures and densities that are challenging for other marine life.

New Zealand blackcurrants good for the brain

A study found that compounds in New Zealand blackcurrants increased mental performance indicators such as accuracy and attention, while also reducing the activity of monoamine oxidase enzymes. This may lead to potential benefits for brain health and managing symptoms of disorders like Parkinson's disease and depression.

Reenergizing antibiotics in the war against infections

A team at Harvard's Wyss Institute discovered that bacteriostatic antibiotics slow down oxygen consumption, reducing cellular respiration and making bacteria tolerant. This can explain why certain antibiotic therapies fail. The findings provide a new strategy for developing urgently needed therapeutics.

LSU receives $18.5 million NIH grant to build biomedical research pipeline

The Louisiana State University Biomedical Research Network has received a $18.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support biomedical research, faculty development, and infrastructure improvements. The program aims to increase the biomedical workforce in Louisiana and create a pipeline of future research scientists.

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.

Research findings point way to designing crack-resistant metals

A new study from Arizona State University has revealed the causes of stress-corrosion cracking in metal alloys, leading to a deeper understanding of how to design crack-resistant materials. The research team's findings suggest that certain metals can fracture at high speeds, threatening the mechanical integrity of critical infrastructure.

Geography is destiny in deaths from kidney failure, study shows

A new US study reveals that end-stage kidney disease patients who receive specialized care have significantly improved survival rates and access to life-saving treatment. The research highlights the importance of timely referrals to nephrologists in reducing mortality risks, particularly in low-performing regions.