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Science News Archive 2015


Page 260 of 402

Researchers build new fermion microscope

A team of MIT physicists has developed a laser-based technique to trap and freeze fermions in place, allowing for the simultaneous imaging of over 95% of potassium gas fermions. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of fermion behavior, particularly that of electrons.

Octopus arm inspires future surgical tool

A robotic arm inspired by an octopus's flexible arms can bend, stretch and squeeze through cluttered environments, enabling surgeons to access remote areas of the body. The device manipulates soft organs without damaging them, reducing the need for multiple instruments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blind signatures using offline repositories

Researchers have developed a new method for secure data transmission utilizing offline repositories and quantum information to overcome quantum computing threats. The approach provides robust authentication and authorship uniqueness, paving the way for potential applications in untraceable transactions.

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.

Drug perks up old muscles and aging brains

Researchers at UC Berkeley discover a small-molecule drug that perks up old stem cells in the brains and muscles of mice, potentially leading to multi-tissue rejuvenation. The drug inhibits TGF-beta1, a growth factor that depresses stem cell activity with age.

Bacteria shown to suppress their antibiotic-resistant cousins

Researchers discovered that certain bacteria can block their own growth and that of resistant mutants, providing a potential new strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. This finding could lead to improved treatments for infections caused by resistant bacteria.

A metal composite that will (literally) float your boat

Researchers have developed a new metal matrix composite that is so light it can float on water, with potential applications in boat flooring, automobile parts, and buoyancy modules. The composite's high density and strength make it suitable for withstanding rigorous marine 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.

MRI shows potential to improve breast cancer risk prediction

A new study suggests that background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on MRI scans may help tailor screening and management strategies to individual breast cancer risk. Women with elevated BPE levels were nine times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, while mammographic density showed no significant relationship.

Brazilian beef industry moves to reduce its destruction of rain forests

Market-driven 'zero deforestation agreements' have significantly influenced the behavior of ranchers and slaughterhouses, leading to lower deforestation rates among supplying ranches. However, challenges remain to achieve zero-deforestation for beef production, with many ranchers able to bypass the agreements.

Mining pollution alters fish genetics in southwest England

New research reveals that mining pollution has led to a significant reduction in the genetic diversity of brown trout populations in southwest England. The study found that these fish have adapted to live in water with high levels of metal contaminants, but this adaptation comes at the cost of reduced genetic variation.

Baby talk: Babies prefer listening to their own kind

Researchers found that 6-month-old infants prefer listening to infant sounds over adult sounds, which could aid in learning how to talk. This preference may also help infants develop their own voice, a crucial step in speech production.

Seven in 10 take early pension payout

A Michigan State University study found that 71% of Croatian retirees chose smaller, earlier pension payouts when given the option, with those who were poor or distrusted the government more likely to make this choice. The study provides crucial insight into individuals' preferences and reasoning when early payouts may be offered

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.

Family genetics study reveals new clues to autism risk

Researchers found that genetic mutations passed from mothers to sons are more likely to increase autism risk. The study provides a comprehensive genetic picture of autism and may lead to the discovery of biomarkers for diagnosis and targeted treatments.

CU Anschutz researchers create microscope allowing deep brain exploration

Researchers have developed a miniature fiber-optic microscope that can penetrate deeply into the brain of a living mouse. This breakthrough technology allows scientists to study brain function in unprecedented detail and has potential human applications in understanding brain disease and developing new treatments.

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.

All NASA eyes on Tropical Storm Dolphin

Tropical Storm Dolphin is developing into a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 50-65 knots (54-74 mph) and wave heights of up to 18 feet. The storm is predicted to reach Guam by Friday with winds of 80 knots (92 mph), prompting a tropical storm watch for Fananu, Chuuk State.

Shifting winds: An early warning for reduced energy

Researchers found that Chinook winds precede significant shifts in wind power output, allowing grid operators to better manage energy supply. The study's findings have implications for wind energy's success on a massive scale.

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.

A gap year does not weaken study success

A gap year between high school and university studies does not negatively impact motivation or performance. In fact, those who take a break show improved resilience in their studies and are more committed to achieving goals.

Ants' movements hide mathematical patterns

Researchers have discovered that ants' movements follow Gaussian and Pareto distributions, dictating their turns and direction. These findings have implications for coordinating micro-robots and optimizing cleaning processes.

Scientists unravel the mystery of the tubulin code

A study published in Cell reveals the 3D structure of tubulin tyrosine ligase-7 (TTLL7) bound to microtubules, providing insights into how chemical markers influence cell functions. The findings also shed light on how disruptions in these patterns can lead to neurodegenerative disorders.

Survival from rare bone cancer remains low

A Loyola University Medical Center study found that among 205 cases of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, more than half survived at least five years and 43 percent survived at least 10 years. Survival rates varied depending on tumor location, with axial tumors showing worse outcomes.

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.

How do neurons and blood vessels 'talk' to each other?

Amparo Acker-Palmer aims to decipher molecular signaling pathways regulating the neurovascular interface, which could lead to new approaches for treating dementia and mental illness. Her team uses genetically altered mice and zebrafish to visualize dynamic events of cell-to-cell communication at the neurovascular interface.

NASA funds SwRI instrument to date moon and Mars rocks

The CODEX device will allow unmanned rovers to determine the age of rocks on the Moon and Mars by analyzing radioactive elements. This technology has major implications for understanding the history of the inner solar system, including the duration of bombardment and volcanism.

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.

New research will help forecast bad ozone days over the western US

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals a strong connection between high ozone days in the western US during late spring and La Niña events. This connection can be used to forecast ozone levels several months in advance, improving public education and air quality management in these regions.

Can diet and exercise prevent muscle loss in old age?

A recent review of combined diet and exercise training trials found that the effects differ across studies, suggesting more research is needed to determine their benefits for older people. Exercise training and diet supplementation have been shown to be effective in preventing muscle loss, but little is known about their combined effects.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

siRNA-toting nanoparticles inhibit breast cancer metastasis

Researchers have developed nanoparticles carrying siRNA to silence the β3 integrin gene, which regulates cancer cell spread. The treatment significantly inhibited metastasis in mouse models, including five mice with human triple-negative breast cancer.

UNSW researchers discover how the brain balances hearing between our ears

The UNSW research provides new insight into hearing loss and improves cochlear implant functionality, enabling better sound localisation in noisy conditions and protecting against noise damage. The study's findings suggest a potential link to age-related hearing loss and aim to develop more accurate soundscapes.

A trigger that likely unleashes autoimmune disease

Australian researchers have discovered a group of rogue germinal centre B cells that trigger autoimmune disease. The molecular 'trigger guard' FAS prevents their development, but mutations can lead to autoantibody production and severe immune responses. High levels of IgE antibodies are found in patients with Autoimmune Lymphoprolifera...

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Debate: Is the long term use of psychiatric drugs harmful?

Research suggests that psychiatric drugs may be harming more people than helping them, with experts arguing that the benefits are minimal and the risks are immense. The BMJ says that more than half a million people die from psychiatric drug use every year in Western countries.

Political talk on Facebook mirrors political talk offline

A study published in Political Research Quarterly found that social media platforms don't break new ground among political discussion forums. Users with strong social connections tend to prefer like-minded discussions and tailor their privacy settings accordingly. In contrast, users who facilitate connections between different groups a...

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.

Wetlands continue to reduce nitrates

Researchers found that wetlands created between tile-drained agricultural fields and rivers can remove 62% of nitrates from water. The slow flow of water through the wetland allows microbes to eliminate nitrate, reducing its emission as a greenhouse gas. Building a wetland is an effective long-term solution for reducing nitrate runoff.

Using decisional bias as an implicit measure of moral judgment

The study found that decisional bias is more lenient for younger children when highlighting bad intent or damage, and changes with age as they develop their understanding of the task. The research suggests a moral development framework to examine developmental changes in eyewitness identification.

French researchers develop new device to collect bed bugs

A new device developed by French researchers can efficiently collect bed bugs without damaging them. The modified Dyson hand vacuum is effective in collecting adults, larvae, and eggs, and has the potential to increase monitoring and control levels of this pest insect.

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.

Psychotic hallucinations, delusions rarely precede violence

A new study from UC Berkeley shows hallucinations and delusions associated with psychiatric disorders seldom foreshadow acts of aggression. Only 12% of violent incidents were preceded by psychosis, contradicting the media-fueled stereotype of homicidal mayhem.

The £6.5 million Track to the Future rail project underway

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield are working on a £6.5 million project to develop new switch designs that can withstand heavy loads and reduce wear and tear. The goal is to make drastic reductions in track maintenance costs and improve the overall efficiency of rail networks.

No lotions needed: Many animal species produce their own sunscreen

Researchers discovered that many fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds can naturally produce gadusol, a compound providing protection from ultraviolet sunlight. This ability may have been obtained through prehistoric genetic engineering, with the gene found in algae transferring it to vertebrate animals.

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.