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Science News Archive 2015


Page 257 of 402

New form of inherited blindness discovered

Researchers found that DRAM2 gene mutations lead to loss of central vision and peripheral vision loss in older individuals, likely due to reduced autophagy and photoreceptor renewal. The discovery sheds new light on the condition and highlights the importance of collaboration between institutions.

Do fruit flies have emotions?

A new Caltech study reports that fruit flies display emotion primitives analogous to fear, including valence, persistence, scalability, trans-situationality, and context generalization. The researchers used a fear-inducing stimulus to track the flies' responses, finding that they exhibited these primitive states in their behavior.

Why modern hunter-gatherers live with so few kin

A new study reveals that allowing both males and females in hunter-gatherer groups to choose their living companions reduces relatedness among camp members. This increases the number of camps where an individual has one or more kin, facilitating cooperation and information exchange.

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.

Bees follow separate but similar paths in social evolution

A genome analysis of ten bee species reveals that eusociality evolves differently each time, but shares common trends in gene regulation and complexity. Natural selection relaxes for key genes after complex social forms emerge, as seen in honeybees.

New research reveals first warm-blooded fish

The opah's unique design allows its entire body to maintain an elevated temperature through counter-current heat exchange in its gills. This adaptation enables the fish to swim faster, react more quickly, and see better, making it a high-performance predator in cold waters.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Love your Mother Earth

A new paper published in Biogeosciences confirms that the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere has increased with rising carbon emissions. This is a positive development, as it suggests that without this increased absorption, CO2 levels would be twice what they are today.

Video game could transform middle school students' online learning

The $3.1 million project, supported by the US Department of Education, aims to develop an educational video game that engages students in learning about water systems and practicing scientific argumentation. Teachers can monitor progress and intervene to support individual needs, using data to adjust the course of the game.

Link between vitamin E and exposure to air pollution

A new study has found an association between vitamin E concentrations and exposure to fine particulate pollution in the general population. Higher levels of alpha-tocopherol, a form of Vitamin E, were linked to lower lung function and reduced exposure to PM2.5.

Deep-water fish has a warm heart

A new study found that a deep-water fish called the opah harnesses heat generated by flapping its pectoral fins to warm its body. This unique adaptation enables the opah to operate in cold and deep water with high-performance capabilities.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Giving HOPE: US has nearly 400 HIV-positive potential organ donors

A study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that there are nearly 400 HIV-positive potential organ donors in the US who could provide life-saving organs for HIV-positive patients. The study estimates that these donors could reduce the waiting time for transplants, but the quality of their organs is a concern.

New release of Glioblastoma Atlas sheds light on deadly disease

The Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project provides valuable resources for researchers to find cures for aggressive brain cancers, offering detailed information about genes and tumor formation. The atlas aims to advance understanding of glioblastoma biology and lead to novel approaches to improve treatment and survival.

CLAIRE brings electron microscopy to soft materials

Researchers at Berkeley Lab develop CLAIRE, a technique for noninvasive nanoscale imaging of soft matter. This allows for high-resolution observation of dynamics behind nano-sized components in biomolecules, accelerating the development of technologies such as artificial photosynthesis and photovoltaic cells.

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.

New analytics model predicts readmission of congestive heart failure patients

Researchers at UT Dallas developed a predictive analytics model to identify congestive heart failure patients with high readmission risk. The study found that health IT systems can reduce readmissions, with hospitals implementing cardiology and administrative information systems exhibiting lower readmission rates.

University of Cincinnati and Airbus land on the right equation

Researchers have developed a process using laser shock peening technology to alter metal properties, making it stronger and more durable. The technology is being tested for use in passenger aircraft and has the potential to extend both reliability and life.

A 'graduation' from poverty

A study published in Science found that an anti-poverty program providing productive assets, job training, and life-skills coaching increased income by 5%, food consumption by 8%, and savings by 96% among participants over a three-year period. The results demonstrate sustained gains in well-being, with improved mental health and reduce...

Revealing kidney cancer's secret

A study published in Cancer Research reveals how renal cell carcinoma reprogrammes its environment to suppress the immune response. The research found that cancer grade significantly impacts this process, with higher-grade cancers exhibiting more aggressive remodelling.

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.

Frontline immune cells can travel for help

Researchers found that neutrophils can travel to lymph nodes within 8 hours of infection and prime other immune cells for attack. This collaboration between innate and adaptive arms may improve anti-microbial responses and prevent microbial spread.

Educating the immune system to prevent allergies

A research team at McGill University Health Centre has developed a potential vaccine that nudges the immune response away from developing allergies, offering hope for Canadians with seasonal allergies. The study uses a molecule called STAT6-IP to redirect the immune system's response, teaching it to tolerate allergens.

The World Bank Group and PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases launch APOC collection

The APOC collection documents the success of the Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) and its transition to African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC). The partnership has reached over 100 million people across Africa, controlling river blindness, a debilitating disease that causes disfiguring skin disease and eventual blindness.

Climate scientists find elusive tropospheric hot spot

Researchers confirm strong warming in the upper troposphere, known as the tropospheric hotspot, using publicly available temperature and wind data set. The study reveals a 10% increase in winds over the Southern Ocean, suggesting ozone depletion may be responsible.

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.

Three perspectives on 'The Dress'

Scientists Bevil Conway and his team found impressive individual differences in color perception, with people falling into three main camps. The survey also revealed that perception differed by age and sex, suggesting the influence of light on visual systems. These findings shed light on how different brains interpret colors.

Researchers hone technique for finding signs of life on the Red Planet

Researchers at the University of Kansas are working to improve the detection of life on Mars by combining Raman spectroscopy with gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. They aim to analyze rocks from Earth similar to those found on Mars to strengthen evidence collection, as conditions on the Martian surface are inhospitable.

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.

Safety switch preserves beneficial effects of cell therapy

Researchers have found a molecular 'switch' that safely controls severe side effects associated with haploidentical stem cell transplantation. The switch, inducible caspase 9 (iC9), is activated by a single dose of bio-inert chemical and clears symptoms without jeopardizing graft function.

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.

Smoking induces early signs of cancer in cheek swabs

Research published in JAMA Oncology finds that smoking induces epigenetic changes in cheek cells, which can also be seen in non-smoking related cancers. This discovery provides a potential tool for early detection of breast and gynaecological cancers.

Breakthrough opens door to safer lupus drugs

Researchers have discovered a way to stop lupus without suppressing the immune system by focusing on the TACI receptor. Deleting this receptor eliminates lupus in high BAFF levels, leaving natural immunity intact.

Mayo Clinic: New mouse model for ALS and frontotemporal dementia gene

Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a mouse model exhibiting neuropathological and behavioral features associated with C9ORF72 mutation. The study suggests a link between the repeat expansion in C9ORF72 and TDP-43 pathology, potentially leading to therapeutic agents targeting RNA foci and c9RAN proteins.

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.

Contraceptive and cholesterol-lowering drugs used to treat cancer

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have found a combination of a cholesterol-lowering drug and a contraceptive steroid to be effective in treating various cancers. The treatment, known as BaP, blocks an enzyme crucial to cancer cell growth and has shown promising results in early stage clinical trials.

New in the Hastings Center Report

The Hastings Center Report delves into the impact of patient-satisfaction surveys on healthcare quality, arguing they may compromise care and raise costs. The issue also examines the role of courage in healthcare, highlighting its limitations in certain contexts.

Georgia State research paves way for early detection of liver cancer

A new class of protein-based contrast agents (PRCAs) has been developed to detect liver cancer at an early stage, providing robust results. The agent, ProCA32, allows for imaging of liver tumors measuring less than 0.25 millimeters with improved sensitivity and accuracy compared to existing methods.

Real and false-color images of Siberia

NASA's Aqua satellite captured false-color images of Siberia's massive wildfires using MODIS instrument. The false color image shows the extent of the burn scars, while the natural-color image highlights actively burning areas outlined in red.

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.

'Hydrogels' boost ability of stem cells to restore eyesight and heal brains

Scientists at University of Toronto have made breakthroughs in cell transplantation using hydrogel biomaterials, showing potential for partially restoring vision and aiding brain recovery from stroke. The new gel-like material boosts cell survival and integration in the eye and brain, paving the way for stem-cell-based therapies.

Which is most valuable: Gold, cocaine or rhino horn?

A study found that rhino horn is more valuable by weight than gold, diamonds, or cocaine, posing a devastating threat to the world's largest herbivores. The loss of these animals would have drastic implications for ecosystems and human societies, with some species expected to become extinct in as little as 80-100 years.

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.

Study finds those who believe in pure evil support more harsh criminal punishments

A Kansas State University study found that individuals with a strong belief in pure evil are more likely to support harsh sentences, including life in prison without parole and the death penalty. This belief overrides stereotypes about the offender's character, suggesting that perceived retribution and demonization play a significant r...

Diabetes drug may reduce heart attack risk in HIV patients

A new study suggests a diabetes drug may prevent cardiovascular problems in HIV-positive adults by reducing inflammation linked to heart disease and stroke. The drug, sitagliptin, improved metabolism and reduced inflammation in HIV patients taking antiretroviral therapy.

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.

Growing interest

A new Cornell study found that when school-grown salad greens were incorporated into cafeteria lunches, high school students increased their salad selection by 500% and consumed two-thirds of their salads. However, plate waste also rose, indicating a potential trade-off.

Medicaid patients need support to use primary care rather than emergency rooms

More than half of Medicaid enrollees opt for hospital emergency departments due to convenience and access to technology, rather than primary care clinics. This finding exposes a gap in healthcare services, as patients may avoid costs associated with travel and time away from work but neglect preventive care and chronic disease management.

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.