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Science News Archive 2015


Page 254 of 402

Chronic illness causes less harm when carnivores cooperate

A study by Penn State researchers found that wolves in packs with at least five healthy members have a similar death rate to their companions when infected with mange. This suggests that social living can help individuals cope with various chronic conditions by providing supportive care and resources.

Climate change altering frequency, intensity of hurricanes

Researchers at Florida State University found that climate change is causing fewer but stronger hurricanes due to rising ocean temperatures. The study projects an increase in storm speed by 1.3 meters per second and a decrease in the number of storms by 6.1 over the past 30 years.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

AGA honors GI physicians, educators and mentors through annual awards

The American Gastroenterological Association recognizes Robert S.andler for his lifelong contributions to gastroenterology and AGA, while C. Richard Boland receives the William Beaumont Prize for his work on Lynch syndrome and colorectal cancer research. The Distinguished Educator Awards are given to Patrick S. Kamath and Charles Melbe...

Studying dynamics of ion channels

Scientists have developed a powerful tool to investigate ion channel selectivity using infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamic-based simulations. This approach allows for the detection of subtle conformational changes in large membrane proteins, such as potassium channels, at atomic resolution.

I knew it was you by the sound of your (whale) voice

A new analysis of archived calls from North Atlantic right whales reveals distinctive traits that might be used to identify and track individuals. The researchers found that a combination of variables, including call duration and fundamental frequency change, could distinguish between upcalls of individual whales.

Efficiency record for black silicon solar cells jumps to 22.1 percent

Researchers from Aalto University and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya have achieved a new record in black silicon solar cell efficiency at 22.1%, surpassing previous records by over 3%. The breakthrough is attributed to the application of a thin passivating film and integration of metal contacts on the back side of the cell.

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.

Agriculture, declining mobility drove humans' shift to lighter bones

A study of thousands of human bones reveals a gradual decline in leg bone strength as Europeans adopted agriculture and settled down, while arm bone strength remained steady. Researchers found that lifestyle changes, such as reduced mobility, were more significant contributors to the shift than urbanization or nutrition.

Mobile phone bans lead to rise in student test scores

A study by University of Texas at Austin economists found that banning cellphones in schools increases student test scores, with a 6.41% improvement in overall performance. Low-achieving and special education needs students saw the greatest gains, with test score improvements of 14.23% and 10-12%, respectively.

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.

Maternal obesity compromises babies' immune system at time of birth

A new study by researchers found that maternal obesity compromises the immune system of babies born at time of birth, putting them at risk for diseases such as heart disease and asthma. The study, led by Ilhem Messaoudi, analyzed umbilical cord blood samples from infants born to lean, overweight, and obese mothers.

Urine-based test improves on PSA for detecting prostate cancer

A new urine-based test, Mi-Prostate Score, has been shown to improve prostate cancer detection compared to traditional models based on PSA levels. The test combines PSA with two markers for prostate cancer, T2:ERG and PCA3, and can detect more aggressive forms of the disease.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Janssen Supply Chain expands collaboration with Rutgers with $6 million in funding

Janssen Supply Chain has expanded its collaboration with Rutgers University School of Engineering, providing $6 million in funding to support the development of continuous manufacturing techniques. The partnership aims to help create the future of advanced manufacturing and improve efficiency, safety, cost, and speed to market for phar...

Gel filled with nanosponges cleans up MRSA infections

Researchers developed a gel filled with toxin-absorbing nanosponges that effectively treat skin and wound infections caused by MRSA without using antibiotics. The treatment keeps bacterial toxins under control, allowing the immune system to kill the bacteria more easily.

NASA tracks Typhoon Dolphin on approach to Iwo To

Typhoon Dolphin is moving north-northeast towards Iwo To island in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 90 knots (103.6 mph), with strongest winds and heaviest rainfall expected on the northeastern side.

Cooling children after cardiac arrest provides no significant benefit

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that cooling children after cardiac arrest does not provide any significant survival-with-quality-of-life benefits. The study, which included nearly 300 participants, compared two groups: one cooled to a lower body temperature and the other maintained normal temperat...

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.

The road to successful uterus transplantation to restore fertility

Swedish clinicians have successfully performed live births after uterus transplantation, paving the way for new treatments. The long research journey of the Swedish uterus transplant project has led to preliminary results that offer hope for women who lack a functional uterus.

Organic nanoparticles, more lethal to tumors

Researchers have found that carbon-based nanoparticles can produce low-energy electrons through plasmon excitation, making them more lethal to tumors and potentially inducing focused destruction of cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel types of sensitizers for proton radiotherapy.

Stanford scientists discover how microbes acquire electricity in making methane

Researchers have identified the mechanism by which methanogens obtain electrons from solid surfaces, paving the way for more efficient microbial factories that produce methane gas. The discovery also sheds light on microbially influenced corrosion, a significant global problem with estimated annual economic losses of $1 billion.

UCI neurobiologists restore youthful vigor to adult brains

Researchers successfully reactivated plasticity in adult brains by transplanting GABA neurons, allowing for vigorous rewiring and improved vision in amblyopic mice. The findings hold promise for future clinical applications and therapies for incurable brain disorders.

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.

UTHealth establishes biosafety and infectious disease training initiative

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has established a Biosafety and Infectious Disease Training Initiative, partnering with the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. This program aims to deliver meaningful training to various audiences, including public service employees and waste handlers.

Electricity generating nano-wizards

Scientists have made a significant discovery in thermoelectric effects, which are crucial for nanoscale energy harvesting. Using quantum dots, researchers found that the actual performance of systems is less optimistic than predicted calculations, highlighting the importance of optimizing structures at the nanoscale.

Brain scans show birds of a feather do flock together

Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute found that brain signals predict the likelihood of conforming to others' choices, with individuals more likely to follow risks if they like taking risks and safer options if cautious. The study sheds light on how social support systems can encourage healthy choices.

Exposure of US population to extreme heat could quadruple by mid-century

A new study projects that US residents' exposure to extreme heat could increase four- to six-fold by mid-century, driven by both a warming climate and a growing population. The research found that the average annual exposure to extreme heat in the US during this period is expected to be between 10 and 14 billion person-days.

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.

Population benefits of sexual selection explain the existence of males

A new study published in Nature reveals that sexual selection improves population health by removing harmful genetic mutations, allowing species to flourish and avoid extinction. This finding provides direct support for the idea that sex persists as a dominant mode of reproduction due to its role in maintaining genetic diversity.

Pactamycin analogs offer new, gentler approach to cancer treatment

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed pactamycin analogs that can cause rapid cell aging and induce premature senescence in cancer cells, slowing or stopping tumor growth. The findings show promise for a new approach to cancer treatment with reduced toxicity and debilitating side effects.

Adolescents, drugs and dancing

A new NYU study found that rave attendees are more likely to use various illicit drugs, including ketamine and GHB, with rates 2-6 times higher than non-attendees. The study also revealed that 7.7% of students reported attending raves at least monthly.

Lung cell phenotype reverts when seeded onto decellularized lung matrix

Researchers found that type II lung epithelial cells differentiated into mesenchymal cells instead of type I cells when seeded onto decellularized lung matrix. This study highlights the importance of factors like cell populations, growth medium, and stimuli in achieving physiologically appropriate environments for lung tissue growth.

What hundreds of biomolecules tell us about our nerve cells

LCSB researchers analyzed metabolite signatures from hundreds of biomolecules in different brain regions, revealing a specific functional state of nerve cells. The study used an interdisciplinary approach and machine learning to derive metabolic profiles, which may offer new therapeutic opportunities for neurodegenerative diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shift work can affect your health

A new study finds that shift workers are more likely to be overweight and experience sleep problems, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders like diabetes. Sufficient sleep may partially alleviate these adverse health effects.

Team science is better science

A groundbreaking report from the National Research Council concludes that team science is increasingly used in scientific research, enhancing innovation and impact. However, resolving the challenges of effective team science requires attention to assembling the right people, training and development, and team leadership.

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.

Bigger capsules may be long-sought key for transplanting islet cells

Researchers found that larger spheres, at least 1.5 millimeters in diameter, triggered lower immune response and developed less scar tissue on their surface. This breakthrough could lead to a viable cure for type 1 diabetes by eliminating the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drugs.

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.

Gender-science stereotypes persist across the world

A Northwestern University study reveals that gender-science stereotypes are prevalent worldwide, with Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands showing strong associations between science and men. However, nations with more female scientists exhibit weaker stereotypes, suggesting exposure to women in college may change beliefs.

Collaborative research team solves cancer-cell mutation mystery

A collaborative team of researchers has identified the mechanism behind one of the most common mutations that enable cancer cells to replicate endlessly. The study found that a specific transcription factor selectively binds and activates the mutant TERT promoter in cancer, leading to elevated TERT expression and cell immortality.

Designing better medical implants

MIT researchers found that larger spherical devices are better able to maintain their function and avoid scar-tissue buildup, outperforming smaller ones in tests on diabetic mice and nonhuman primates. This discovery could lead to the development of long-term implants for diabetes treatment and other diseases.

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.

New chemical catalysts are less expensive, more sustainable

Yale University chemists have developed a family of new palladium-based catalysts, expected to lower production costs and boost sustainability. These catalysts create a better infrastructure for catalysis, reducing the need for expensive metals.

Researchers make progress engineering digestive system tissues

Scientists develop a method to create replacement intestine tissue in the lab using a patient's own cells, which can help treat infants with short bowel and adults with large pieces of gut removed due to cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. The new technique also shows promise for engineering anal sphincters to treat fecal incontinence.

Suicide trends in school-aged children reveal racial disparity

A nationwide study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals a racial disparity in childhood suicide, with higher rates among black children. The study found that suicide rates have remained stable overall for the past 20 years, but increased significantly among black children between 1993-1997 and 2008-2012.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New link between ocean microbes and atmosphere uncovered

Researchers demonstrate that ocean microbes control the chemistry of sea spray ejected into the atmosphere, affecting cloud formation and sunlight scattering. The study reveals the importance of complex interactions between microbes in seawater, which influence the composition and cloud-forming ability of sea spray aerosol.

Study: Blood thinner safe for cancer patients with brain metastases

Researchers studied 293 patients with brain metastases and blood clots to determine if administering blood-thinning medication was safe. The study found no significant difference in bleeding risk between patients who received a widely used blood thinner and those who did not.

Physical training helps women with polycystic ovary syndrome

A new study shows that physical resistance training significantly improves sexual function, desire, arousal, and lubrication in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, it decreases anxiety and depression, suggesting a useful intervention for these individuals.

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.

NYU researchers ID part of the brain for processing speech

Researchers have identified a specific part of the brain, the superior temporal sulcus (STS), that is exclusively dedicated to processing speech. The study found activity in this region only when subjects were presented with speech sounds, suggesting a specialized role in detecting spoken words.

Youth dance classes score low in physical activity

A recent study found that youth dance classes offer only limited amounts of physical activity, with an average of 17 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per class. The CDC's guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily for kids aged 6-17, but most dance classes fall short of this target.