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Science News Archive 2015


Page 231 of 402

Floods as war weapons

A new study reveals that humans deliberately caused about a third of floods in southwestern Netherlands between 1500 and 2000. The deliberate flooding was used as a tactic during the Eighty Years' War, with significant changes to the landscape resulting from these inundations.

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 see ripples of a particle-separating wave in primordial plasma

The STAR collaboration has observed a 'chiral magnetic wave' rippling through the quark-gluon plasma created at RHIC's energetic particle smashups. This finding provides evidence for the chiral magnetic effect, a quantum phenomenon causing electric charge separation along the axis of a magnetic field.

Progress in safety verification of Chinese high-speed train control system

A Chinese research team proposes a novel approach to verify the correctness of high-speed train control systems, combining simulation and formal verification. The method models the system using Simulink/Stateflow and then transforms it into a formal Hybrid CSP model for verification, advancing the state-of-the-art in verifying train co...

Quenched glasses, asteroid impacts, and ancient life on Mars

Researchers have identified glass formations on Mars that could preserve signs of ancient biological activity. The glass-rich impactites found by Kevin Cannon and John Mustard are preserved on billion-year timescales and could provide a promising target for searching for possible ancient Martian life.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

PET detects more prostate cancer than conventional imaging

A new molecular imaging agent has been developed to detect prostate cancer that has spread to other tissues. The agent targets the PSMA enzyme, which is associated with prostate cancer, and has shown high accuracy in detecting disease sites, including those not identified by conventional methods.

Making organic molecules in hydrothermal vents in the absence of life

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discovered that methane formation occurs independently of venting process and is produced on geological time scales deep beneath seafloor. Abiotic compound formate is formed during vent circulation process, providing evidence for purely chemical processes in origin of life.

Ultrafast heat conduction can manipulate nanoscale magnets

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a way to manipulate magnetic information using heat. They create a separation of electron spins in a magnetic material, generating a spin current that can be used to control nanomagnets.

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.

Controller in the cell

Researchers identify a new autophagy receptor, FAM134B, which ensures proper breakdown and disposal of dysfunctional endoplasmic reticulum. Mutations in FAM134B cause rare hereditary disease HSAN II, highlighting the importance of autophagy in cellular quality control.

Molecular imaging reveals marker of neurodegenerative disease

A specialized PET tracer has been developed to visualize the function of nerve cells that lead to neuronal loss and cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases. The tracer binds to a transporter of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, allowing for the quantification of cholinergic neuron loss and its effects on cognition.

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.

Molecular MRI aims at component of multiple cancers

Researchers have developed three new MRI agents that successfully target the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) biomarker in multiple cancers. PSMA is found in both primary and metastatic prostate tumors, as well as in newly developing blood vessels of many non-prostate cancers.

Evolution is unpredictable and irreversible, Penn biologists show

Researchers found that genetic mutations accepted by evolution are contingent upon previous mutations, making predictions of long-term evolution challenging. The study also revealed that mutations become entrenched and increasingly difficult to revert over time, supporting the idea that evolution is unpredictable and irreversible.

No increased cardiovascular risk detected for new diabetes medication

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that lixisenatide did not increase risk of cardiovascular events in a large, double-blind trial involving over 6,000 type 2 diabetes patients. The study's results provide reassurance for healthcare providers about the cardiovascular safety of this widely prescribed glucose-lowering drug.

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.

Can we increase harvest of woody biomass from European forests?

A new study suggests that EU forests have the potential to supply significantly more woody biomass than currently used, but this comes with trade-offs for biodiversity and other ecosystem services. The findings highlight the need for careful planning to balance wood production with protection of biodiversity.

Virus evolution and human behavior shape global patterns of flu movement

Researchers found that faster-evolving viruses like H3N2 spread globally rapidly but die out quickly between epidemics, while slower-evolving viruses like H1N1 and B viruses circulate continuously worldwide. The study also highlights the crucial role of India in the global spread of seasonal influenza viruses.

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.

Hybrid scanner combines five molecular imaging technologies

The hybrid scanner combines conventional MRI, hyperpolarized MRI, positron imaging, luminescence imaging, and fluorescence microscopy to provide high-resolution multimodal intra-vital imaging. This allows researchers to study tumor biology and develop targeted therapies by analyzing the co-registration of multiple imaging data lines.

Researchers find everyone has a bias blind spot

A new tool reveals that people with a high bias blind spot are less accurate at evaluating their abilities relative to others and tend to ignore expert advice, ultimately affecting decision-making quality.

New microscope technique could speed identification of deadly bacteria

Researchers have developed a new microscope technique using holographic images and machine-learning software to identify bacterial species at the single bacterium level. The approach has shown high accuracy in distinguishing between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, promising to reduce treatment time and improve patient outcomes.

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.

Children with TBI have poorer sleep quality and more daytime sleepiness

A recent study published in SLEEP found that children with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have impaired emotional, physical, and social functioning due to poorer sleep quality. The study also revealed that children with TBI experience greater daytime sleepiness compared to healthy children.

Large wildfires plague Alberta and Saskatchewan

In Alberta, six active fires larger than 2500 hectares have been detected, with the largest fire at 10,000 hectares near Wood Buffalo National Park. In Saskatchewan, 47 active wildfires are burning, including one out of control at 4,678 hectares near Buffalo Narrows.

New composite material as CO2 sensor

Scientists have developed a new type of sensor using a composite material that interacts with CO2 molecules, changing its conductivity depending on the concentration. The sensor can measure CO2 concentrations over a wide range without requiring high temperatures or energy.

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.

Cloud-based neuroimaging analysis could aid Alzheimer's diagnosis

Researchers have developed a cloud-based software that analyzes and standardizes PET imaging data, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease. The program uses machine learning to compare patients' scans with normal and abnormal scans, providing consistent results and quantifying PET data accurately.

The health effects of homophobia

A new study published in AIDS found that homophobia reduces the use of HIV prevention services and compromises health service quality among gay and bisexual men. Men living in homophobic countries are also at a heightened risk of disease, despite limited access to prevention services.

Dynamic whole-body PET detects more cancer

A new technique combines dynamic PET imaging with parametric tumor mapping to detect tumors and metastases throughout the body, providing quantitative evaluation and improved contrast. This method has the potential to be used for early diagnosis and more accurate prognosis of various cancers.

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.

What do walnuts smell like?

Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have identified key volatile compounds in damaged walnuts that attract insect pests, threatening California's walnut harvests. The team has developed a blend of these aromatic compounds to control pests sustainably and reduce pesticide use.

Putting 2 and 2 together

The new cobalt-catalyzed [2π+2π] reaction overcomes limitations of other transition metal catalyzed methods, producing cyclobutane compounds with potentially beneficial properties. The research team used redox active bis(imino)pyridine ligands to pass electrons to and from the metal, leading to a detailed understanding of the mechanism.

The shape of a perfect fire

A study by Adrian Bejan at Duke University reveals that the ideal fire shape is roughly as tall as it is wide, facilitating efficient air and heat flow. This design enables humans to migrate and spread across the globe, a direct prediction of the Constructal Law.

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.

Scientists identify new drug target to treat ALS

Researchers identified a cellular mechanism that can be targeted to treat ALS by increasing levels of protein hUPF1, which successfully protected against cell death in both genetic and sporadic versions of the disease. Treating this pathway may also have implications for frontotemporal dementia.

People at risk of hoarding disorder may have serious complaints about sleep

Researchers found that individuals at risk of hoarding disorder scored higher on surveys measuring sleep habits and quality, suggesting a link between poor sleep and hoarding tendencies. The study highlights the importance of addressing sleep issues in individuals with hoarding behaviors to mitigate cognitive and mental health risks.

Injectable electronics

Researchers developed a method for fabricating nano-scale electronic scaffolds that can be injected via syringe, monitoring neural activity, stimulating tissues and promoting neuron regeneration. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the interface between electronics and biology.

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.

PET/CT captures hidden source of neuroendocrine cancer

Researchers used PET/CT with Ga-68 DOTATOC to detect primary tumors in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine cancer. The study found that 28% of patients underwent a major change in cancer management due to the imaging technique.

Drug-free sleep solution: CBT effective for chronic insomnia

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for chronic insomnia that addresses the underlying causes of insomnia. Studies have shown that CBT improves sleep quality by reducing time spent awake after falling asleep, increasing sleep efficiency, and helping patients enter REM sleep faster.

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.

Turning paper industry waste into chemicals

KU Leuven researchers create sustainable process to convert wood waste lignin into chemical building blocks for various products. The resulting chemicals can be used in paint, insulation foam, and several other applications.

Constant weathering

Researchers found minimal variation in weathering rates of silicate rocks between glacial and interglacial periods, contradicting expectations. The study used a geochemical technique to analyze beryllium isotopes in marine sediments, revealing stable runoff and weathering fluxes into the oceans.

Chimpanzees may know when they are right and move to prove it

Researchers at Georgia State University found that chimpanzees can adjust their behavior based on confidence in their responses to memory tests. The study suggests that chimpanzees share with humans the capacity for metacognitive monitoring, which reflects a form of cognitive control underlying intelligent decision-making across species.

Amyloid PET may lead to better treatment for Alzheimer's patients

Research shows amyloid PET scans improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for Alzheimer's patients, especially when used after an indeterminate FDG-PET scan. The study found that 17% of patients who received an amyloid scan experienced statistically significant improvements in cognition over a two-year follow-up.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Psychology researchers report a major discovery of harmony amid chaos

Researchers found that inherent nervous system delays can enable individuals to anticipate others' movements, challenging traditional views. The study used a feedback delay to improve coordination between unpredictable movements, with promising implications for robotics and artificial systems.

Taking statins? Don't worry about memory loss, Rutgers, Penn study finds

A large study of nearly one million patients found that statin drugs do not likely cause short-term memory loss. Statins have been reported to cause memory lapses by some users, leading to their cessation, but the study suggests this is due to detection bias rather than a true effect of the drug.