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Science News Archive 2015


Page 286 of 402

Immune system protein regulates sensitivity to bitter taste

Research from Monell Center reveals that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) helps regulate sensitivity to bitter taste. In normal mice, TNF makes foods taste more bitter during illness due to increased sensitivity. This finding may explain the decreased food intake associated with infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Sex matters ... even for liver cells

A study found that female liver cells are more susceptible to adverse effects of drugs than male counterparts, particularly postmenopausal women. The findings highlight the need for a sex-specific approach in toxicology and suggest that current theories cannot explain why women are generally more sensitive to drug toxicity.

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.

Cost-efficiency of plug-in hybrids calculated a thousand times faster

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new method to calculate the cost-efficiency of plug-in hybrids, significantly reducing calculation time. The convex optimisation algorithm allows for rapid feedback and consideration of various parameters affecting the overall cost.

New tabletop detector 'sees' single electrons

Physicists at MIT have developed a new tabletop particle detector that can identify single electrons in radioactive gas. The detector uses a magnet to trap and detect the weak signals emitted by the electrons, which are then used to map their precise activity over several milliseconds.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rafts on the cell membrane

Researchers used advanced techniques to study single molecules and protein interactions on the cell membrane. The findings revealed that lipid rafts, previously thought to move within the membrane, do not exist. Instead, proteins may be anchored at specific positions on the surface, influencing cellular processes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Early child care experiences play role in kids' future

A Queensland University of Technology study found that centre-based child care and multiple care arrangements in early years improve children's academic competencies. However, high-dose child care may lead to negative impacts on social-emotional, academic, and health outcomes.

Rates of opioid dispensing, overdose drop following market changes

The study found a 19% decrease in opioid dispensing and a 20% drop in overdose rates following the introduction of abuse-deterrent extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride. However, heroin overdose rates increased by 23%. The findings suggest that regulatory mandates or voluntary company actions can help stem prescription abuse.

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.

Dartmouth-led black hole hunters tackle a cosmic conundrum

Researchers have found conclusive evidence of a black hole in Henize 2-10, a small, starburst galaxy. The team analyzed X-ray observations from four space telescopes over 13 years, confirming the presence of a supermassive black hole with a mass one million times that of the sun.

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.

OSU innovation boosts Wi-Fi bandwidth tenfold

Researchers at Oregon State University have invented a technology that can increase WiFi bandwidth by 10 times, reducing congestion in crowded locations and homes with multiple devices. The system uses inexpensive components and integrates with existing WiFi systems, enabling faster data transfer rates up to 100 megabits per second.

Falsified medicines taint global supply

A new report from UC San Diego highlights the scope of the problem, finding that only 1,510 counterfeit incidents were reported between 2009 and 2011, despite an estimated 100,000-1 million deaths per year. The study calls for improved detection, data collection, and analysis to combat falsified medicines.

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.

Big butts aren't everything to male baboons

A study of wild baboons in southern Kenya reveals that the size of a female's swollen rump doesn't matter as much as previously thought. Females with bigger backsides don't necessarily make better mothers, and males actually prefer females with more postpartum cycles over larger derriers.

Insects inspire next generation of hearing aids

Researchers at University of Strathclyde develop miniature directional microphone to tackle sound localization challenges in hearing aids. The new design aims to improve the quality of support for those affected by hearing loss.

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.

Cancer-inflammation 'vicious cycle' detailed in new study

Researchers have identified a new mechanism linking chronic inflammation to cancer progression, revealing the role of MUC1 and p65 in driving pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression. This discovery offers potential therapeutic targets for developing drugs that can interrupt the cancer-inflammation process.

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.

A 'cingular' strategy for attack and defense

The study found that two specific brain regions, the posterior cingulate cortex and rostral anterior cingulate cortex, are activated when making defensive or offensive strategies. This suggests that intuition plays a key role in rapid strategic decisions, rather than deliberate reasoning.

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.

DNA abnormalities found in children with chronic kidney disease

A study at Columbia University Medical Center found significant DNA anomalies in 31% of children with CKD, linked to neurocognitive disorders. Routine genetic screening could lead to personalized care and earlier detection of complications like diabetes and seizures.

Obesity intervention program results in some improvement of kids' BMI

A recent study found that an obesity intervention program with computerized clinical decision support and health coaching resulted in significant improvements in body mass index (BMI) among children. The greatest improvements were seen in children whose families and pediatricians were most faithful to the program.

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.

Advances in molecular electronics: Lights on -- molecule on

Researchers at HZDR and University of Konstanz successfully switch on a single molecule using light, enabling the creation of smallest possible components. The diarylethene compound exhibits unique physical behavior, rotating minimally when open and becoming conductive when closed.

Long non-coding RNA modulates colorectal cancer metabolism

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that CCAT2, a long non-coding RNA, regulates cancer metabolism in both human samples and animal models. This regulation appears to be linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, suggesting potential new targets for cancer treatment.

Drugs that activate brain stem cells may reverse multiple sclerosis

Researchers discovered two drugs, miconazole and clobetasol, that stimulate stem cells to repair white matter and reverse paralysis in multiple sclerosis. The study found that these compounds activate oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to increase myelination, potentially leading to new treatments for the disease.

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.

A better grasp of primate grip

A new study by Yale University reveals that early human ancestors may have had precision grip capabilities comparable to modern humans. The research team created a kinematic model of the thumb and index finger of living primates and fossil remains, finding that even ancient species like Australopithecus afarensis had impressive dexterity.

Quantum model reveals surface structure of water

A new quantum model has been used to determine the molecular structure of water's liquid surface, revealing the intrinsic asymmetry of hydrogen bonds and their role in the surface's molecular orientation. The results accurately capture the properties of liquid water and offer a promising platform for molecular exploration.

Telling the time by color

Research reveals color has a major impact on how our body clock measures time of day, outperforming brightness as a reliable method. The study found that changes in light color between blue and yellow are more sensitive to the body clock than changes in brightness.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Darwin, Wallace, and the overlooked third man

A new paper by Dr Michael Weale from King's College London argues that Patrick Matthew deserves recognition alongside Darwin and Wallace as an originator of evolution by natural selection. Matthew's work, published in 1831, captures a valuable aspect of the theory that wasn't clear in Darwin's version.

Pancreatic cancer loses viral defenses when talking with supporting cells

Researchers have discovered a way to make pancreatic cancer cells more susceptible to oncolytic viruses by exploiting the communication between cancer cells and supportive cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts. This weakness can be exploited to improve treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Cancer drug shows promise as cure for hepatitis B

Researchers have developed a combination treatment using an antiviral and anti-cancer drug that has proven 100% successful in eliminating hepatitis B virus infections in preclinical models. The treatment targets the cell signalling pathways used by the virus, causing infected cells to die.

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.

ACP: Ban flavoring and advertising for e-cigarettes; more news

The American College of Physicians recommends banning characterizing flavors and television advertising for e-cigarettes to reduce their appeal. Statins are found to be cost-effective for older patients, but even small increases in adverse effects could offset the benefits.

Oldest fossils controversy resolved

New analysis reveals 'Apex chert microfossils' are not evidence of ancient life but rather peculiarly shaped minerals. Researchers used high-spatial resolution data to map chemical composition and morphology at the sub-micrometre scale, clearing up a long-standing debate about Earth's earliest fossils.

Reducing global tobacco use

The World Health Organization recommends a 30% reduction in smoking rates by 2025. Countries must triple tobacco taxes to achieve this goal, which could save an estimated 200 million lives by the end of the century. Quitting smoking before age 40 can substantially reduce risk.