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Science News Archive 2015


Page 237 of 402

Long-term memory formation

A team of NYU researchers discovered that two growth factor families, TrkB and TGFβr-II, play distinct roles in creating long-term memories by exerting their actions in different parts of the brain. At different times, these molecules swap roles to facilitate memory formation.

Benefit of surgery for ductal carcinoma in-situ investigated

Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that breast surgery for low-grade DCIS does not significantly change patient survival rates. For high- and intermediate-grade DCIS, however, surgery improves survival rates compared to non-surgery groups.

Frogs face virus risk in garden ponds

Researchers found that exotic fish can amplify viral levels in garden ponds, while chemicals like slug pellets weaken frog immune systems. Simple precautions, such as reducing chemical use and not stocking non-native species, can help reduce the spread of the devastating ranavirosis disease.

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.

NASA's Operation IceBridge concludes 2015 Arctic campaign

Operation IceBridge successfully collected data over sea and land ice regions, releasing two sea ice data products to aid in forecasting Arctic sea ice behavior. The mission also supported various international research collaborations and provided valuable data to inform models predicting summer sea ice melt.

Pluto's moons seen in highest detail yet

A new study published in Nature provides the first detailed look at Pluto's five known moons, revealing fascinating details about their orbits and rotational patterns. The research found that three of the smaller moons, Nix, Styx, and Hydra, are locked together in resonance, making their orbits more regular and predictable.

Triple treatment keeps cancer from coming back

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have developed a three-pronged approach to prevent lung cancer cells from developing resistance to chemotherapy. The new strategy involves targeting two main growth receptor siblings, HER2 and HER3, in addition to an existing anti-EGFR antibody.

Cytoskeletons shaking hands

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that cytoplasmic intermediate filaments interact with specific contractile actin filament structures called arcs, which transport intermediate filaments towards the nucleus. Disruption of these interactions leads to defects in cell morphogenesis and shape abnormalities.

Paleo study shows how elevation may affect evolution

A new study reveals that the rise of the Rocky Mountains predisposed North American mammals to adapt to a cold, dry world during the Grande Coupure event. This led to better survival rates compared to European mammal species, which were overrun by Asian mammals already adapted to colder conditions.

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.

Increased risks in pregnancy for obese mothers and their babies, says study

A new systematic review highlights the increased health risks of maternal obesity during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, high blood-pressure, and pre-eclampsia. The study recommends pre-conceptual weight loss for women with obesity to avoid complications, and calls for improved support and education.

University of Houston receives $1.2 million for STEM scholarships

The University of Houston has received a combined $1.2 million from the National Science Foundation to support scholarships for students in engineering technology and computer science. The S-STEM program aims to improve educational opportunities and support programs for academically talented students with financial need.

Keeping astronauts in space longer with better air and water

Researchers have created a real-time monitoring system for air and water quality in space, reducing the need for sample collection and analysis. The system enables astronauts to test their surroundings more efficiently, making long-term space missions possible.

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.

BESC, Mascoma develop revolutionary microbe for biofuel production

Researchers at Mascoma and BESC have developed a revolutionary strain of yeast that can efficiently convert biomass sugars into fuel, setting a new standard for biofuel production. The microbe achieves 97% conversion of xylose and glucose in less than 48 hours, significantly increasing ethanol yield.

New study: Gut bacteria cooperate when life gets tough

Researchers discovered how gut bacteria respond to changes in their environment by cooperating with each other, stabilizing the community and adapting to new situations. This cooperative behavior helps the bacterial community survive and function despite fluctuations in oxygen levels and nutrient availability.

Study shows helping pregnant moms with depression doesn't help kids

A long-term study in Pakistan found that prenatal treatment for depression had no effect on children's emotional and behavioral development. In contrast, maternal depression was linked to worse child outcomes, emphasizing the need for integrated maternal and child health programs.

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.

Researchers discover two new groups of viruses

Scientists at the University of Bonn discovered two new groups of viruses, Jonchet and Ferak, which are believed to have originated from insect viruses. The researchers found that these viruses are phylogenetically independent and do not multiply above 32 degrees Celsius, making human infection unlikely.

Scientists discover a protein that silences the biological clock

Researchers found that PASD1, a protein associated with cancer cells, suppresses the circadian clock. The discovery offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the biological clock and its potential role in driving cancer growth. Understanding how PASD1 regulates the clock could lead to developing new therapies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-temperature superconductivity in atomically thin films

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully fabricated an atomically thin, high-temperature superconductor film with a Tc of up to 60 K, exceeding that of bulk FeSe. This finding enables the control and tuning of Tc, opening up new avenues for investigating mechanism and developing next-gen nano-scale superconducting devices.

Improving the delivery of chemotherapy with graphene

Researchers found that graphene prevents damage to chemotherapy drugs and reduces potential for catheters breaking, potentially improving treatment efficacy. Graphene's biocompatibility and low toxicity make it a promising alternative coating material.

UW researchers scaling up fusion hopes with DOE grant

University of Washington researchers are scaling up their 'Sheared Flow Stabilized Z-Pinch' device in hopes of achieving a sustainable fusion reaction. With a $5.3 million grant, they aim to create a proof-of-principle experiment that demonstrates the concept's scalability.

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.

Trees are source for high-capacity, soft and elastic batteries

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a method to create an elastic, foam-like battery material from nanocellulose broken down from tree fibres. This material can withstand shock and stress, enabling the storage of significantly more power in less space than conventional batteries.

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.

Autism struck by surprise

A new study reveals that social and sensory overstimulation is the primary driver of autistic behaviors, contradicting decades-old views of autism as a mental retardation. The research proposes that autistic brains are hyper-functional, requiring predictable and structured environments to function optimally.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Pinholes be gone!

Scientists at OIST eliminated problematic pinholes in perovskite solar cells, significantly improving their lifetime and reducing thickness. The breakthrough enables more efficient energy conversion, with improved durability and potential cost-effectiveness.

Why HIV's cloak has a long tail

Virologists discovered that a small section of the envelope protein, located on its 'tail', is required for it to be sorted into viral particles. This finding could help researchers design more effective vaccines and target HIV with antiviral drugs.

The invisible key to methane hydrates

Researchers discovered that nanobubbles persist in liquid, influencing the formation and dissociation of natural gas hydrates. The findings provide insight into the mechanism of hydrate decomposition and could lead to more efficient and safe extraction of methane hydrates.

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.

Cat got your tongue? New research says 'no'

Domestic cats have a unique perception of bitterness in food due to variations in their repertoire of bitter receptors, which differs from that of other mammals. The study found that cat taste receptors were less sensitive to certain bitter compounds compared to human receptors, explaining why cats can be picky eaters.

Douglas study on cerebral astrocytes in depression and suicide

A new study by Naguib Mechawar's team found that networks of astrocytes are altered specifically in areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. The research also discovered unique properties of astrocytes in subcortical brain regions, which may contribute to depression and suicide.

'Climate-change skeptics are more ambivalent than we thought'

A new survey method reveals that Norwegians' thoughts on climate change are more complex than previously suggested, with balanced views on nature and human activities. The study found that older respondents focus on physical consequences, while younger ones emphasize future concerns.

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.

Brain's reaction to certain words could replace passwords

Researchers at Binghamton University used brain signals to identify individuals with 94% accuracy, suggesting a new type of biometric security. Brainprints are cancellable and cannot be stolen, offering an alternative to traditional methods.

Researchers simulate behavior of 'active matter'

Brown University researchers use numerical models to study the dynamics of active colloids, finding that fluid flows play a crucial role in shaping emergent macro-scale patterns. At high concentrations, particles segregate into lanes and form swirling vortices before jamming into crystals.

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.

An inexpensive rival to graphene aerogels

Researchers created a cheap alternative to graphene aerogels for electromagnetic absorption, with properties similar to graphene aerogels. The new material has low loss and wide effective bandwidth, making it suitable for various applications.

When the color we see isn't the color we remember

A Johns Hopkins University-led team discovered that people's brains tend to store colors as one of just a few basic hues, rather than specific shades. This bias affects memory accuracy, making it difficult for individuals to recall the exact color of an object.

Black athletes stereotyped negatively in media compared to white athletes

A new study by Cynthia Frisby reveals racial stereotyping in the way media portrays athletes, with more stories about black athletes focusing on criminal actions and domestic violence. The research found that more than 66% of crime stories involved black athletes, while only 22% involved white athletes.

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.

How the tuberculosis bacterium tricks the immune system

The tuberculosis bacterium co-opts mechanisms of the immune system to its own advantage by releasing small bits of DNA into macrophages. This triggers an immune response that helps the bacteria rather than fights it. Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate this process, potentially paving the way for new treatments

Toothbrush contamination in communal bathrooms

A study found that at least 60% of toothbrushes were contaminated with fecal coliforms, even after decontamination methods. The researchers advise better hygiene practices for students who share bathrooms to prevent the transmission of potentially pathogenic organisms.

QLEDs meet wearable devices

Researchers from IBS and Seoul National University created ultra-thin wearable QLEDs with resolutions approaching 2,500 pixels per inch. The technology enables the display of high-definition full-color displays on human skin.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Genome-editing proteins seek and find with a slide and a hop

Researchers observed genome-editing proteins using a combination of sliding and hopping to navigate the vast genome. The discovery provides insight into how these proteins can be engineered for improved efficiency and reduced off-target binding, potentially leading to more effective gene therapies.

Intelligent bacteria for detecting disease

Researchers transformed bacteria into 'secret agents' that detect abnormal glucose levels in diabetic patients' urine. The bacteria are programmed using genetic transistors, allowing them to amplify and store molecular signals for months.

Infant brains develop years faster than we thought

Scientists discovered that infant brain development occurs years faster than previously thought, with face perception abilities emerging as early as four months. The study used electroencephalography to track brain activity in response to facial images, revealing a unique right-hemisphere processing of faces.

Move over Arabidopsis, there's a new model plant in town

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a type of grass, Setaria viridis, that can fix nitrogen using bacteria, making it a potential model for studying this process in crops like corn and rice. This discovery could lead to more efficient use of fertilizer and promote sustainable agriculture.

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.