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Science News Archive 2015


Page 312 of 402

Blood test may shed new light on Fragile X related disorders

A new study found that high methylation levels in the Fragile X gene are associated with increased symptoms of depression and social anxiety in women with the premutation genetic abnormality. This blood test may help diagnose individuals at risk and initiate early treatment.

2015 AACR-Rosenthal Award honors Dr. William Hahn

Dr. William Hahn receives the 39th annual AACR-Rosenthal Memorial Award for his seminal work on cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression. His research provides a foundation for novel therapeutic approaches now being tested in the clinic.

Fluctuation X-ray scattering

Fluctuation X-ray scattering measures molecules at short timescales to reveal structural insights into biological molecules and materials. The technique improves upon traditional small-angle X-ray scattering, providing greater detail from limited datasets.

What to do with kidneys from older deceased donors?

A new study reveals that kidneys from older donors provide a lifetime of kidney function for older patients with shorter life expectancy, while younger patients do not benefit. Rapid transplantation from older donors is superior to delayed transplantation, increasing access to these organs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New role uncovered for 'oldest' tumor suppressor gene

Researchers have discovered a new function for the retinoblastoma gene, which plays a central role in stopping healthy cells from dividing uncontrollably. The gene also helps to mend broken strands of DNA by forming clusters with other proteins, opening up new approaches to cancer treatment.

A decade in, have Australia's no-take reserves protected life on the Reef?

The expansion of no-take marine reserves in Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has led to an increase in fish numbers and sizes, particularly coral trout. However, researchers emphasize that no-take reserves alone are not enough to protect the reef from other threats such as pollution, sedimentation, and climate change.

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.

Bariatric surgery before joint replacement can improve outcomes in obese patients

Two new studies at Hospital for Special Surgery found that bariatric surgery prior to joint replacement significantly improves outcomes in obese patients. The research shows that weight-loss surgery can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, while also decreasing costs and complications associated with hip or ...

The 2015 HFSP Fellowships

The 2015 HFSP Fellowships support young scientists in life sciences research, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. The fellowships are worth $180,000 over three years and offer a built-in return component, allowing fellows to set up their own independent laboratory.

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.

Honey bees use multiple genetic pathways to fight infections

Researchers discovered that honey bees use distinct mechanisms to fight off viruses, bacteria, and gut parasites, including the RNAi pathway and DNA methylation. The findings may help develop targeted treatments for honey bee colonies affected by specific infections.

The brain in the supermarket

Researchers at MIT suggest that consumers use a simple index strategy to make decisions, ranking products based on factors like price and quality. This approach is more efficient than complex models, requiring less cognitive effort and time.

Novel nanoparticle therapy promotes wound healing

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a nanoparticle therapy that reduces fidgetin-like 2 enzyme levels to promote wound healing. The treatment accelerated healing in mice with skin excisions or burns by over twice as much as untreated controls, showing promise for faster recovery from various types of wounds.

Female IBD patients: Stay up-to-date on your cervical cancer screening

Women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing cervical dysplasia and cancer, according to a new study. Researchers found that patients with Crohn's disease had a significantly higher risk of cervical neoplasia, especially those diagnosed at a young age or treated with certain medications.

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.

The 2015 HFSP Research Grants

The Human Frontier Science Program awarded $35 million in research grants to 31 teams, with a focus on intercontinental collaborations and cutting-edge life sciences projects. Younger scientists are encouraged to participate, with an average age of 36 for Young Investigator Grant awardees.

Genetic mutation helps explain why, in rare cases, flu can kill

Researchers discovered a rare genetic mutation that prevents certain children from producing a protein necessary to fight off the flu. This mutation can lead to life-threatening symptoms and has been found in only one case, but clinicians now have a potential treatment option for children with severe flu cases.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Crossing fingers can reduce feelings of pain

Researchers at University College London used the thermal grill illusion to study pain perception. They found that crossing fingers can change what you feel on a single finger by manipulating the spatial arrangement of nerve pathways.

Ebola test vaccines appear safe in phase 2 Liberian clinical trial

Two experimental Ebola vaccines have proven safe in a phase 2 clinical trial involving over 600 participants in Liberia. The trial may now advance to Phase 3 testing if the results are confirmed, with the ultimate goal of determining whether these vaccines can protect against Ebola virus disease.

Sci-Fly study explores how lifeforms know to be the right size

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that the size and patterning accuracy of an embryo depend on the amount of reproductive resources invested in by mothers before eggs leave the ovary. The study used fruit flies to develop a mathematical model, TEMS, which links core pieces of the developmental picture. ...

Using magnetic fields to understand high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers expose high-temperature superconductors to record-breaking magnetic fields, revealing unique properties and interactions between electrons. The study paves the way for a new theory of superconductivity, aiming to create room-temperature superconductors without cooling requirements.

Coorong fish hedge their bets for survival

A study by the University of Adelaide reveals that black bream in the Coorong estuary employ a 'bet-hedging' strategy to survive, migrating between locations based on water and food availability. This adaptation helps the species resist climate change and human impacts.

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.

One in 4 high school seniors now try smoking water pipes

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that almost one in four high school seniors try smoking hookah, with over 78,200 youth current water pipe users. The study warns that water pipes carry similar toxins as cigarettes and can lead to increased cancer risk.

Nerve cells borrow a trick from their synapses to dispose of garbage

Scientists have discovered a new role for voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in neurons, which play a critical role in cellular 'garbage disposal' processes. VGCCs are found not only on the synaptic membrane but also in lysosomes, where they facilitate lysosomal fusion and autophagy.

Chemists make new silicon-based nanomaterials

Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to create pure, p-type semiconductors from silicon telluride, which could be used in various electronic and optical devices. The materials can take up lithium and magnesium, making them suitable for battery electrodes.

Flocks of starlings ride the wave to escape

Flocking behavior of European starlings is studied in a computational model called Star Display. Researchers found that agitation waves form when individuals repeat the fear reaction or escape maneuver of a close neighbor.

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.

Girl POWer! How strong female superheroes are gaining ground on the guys

The presentation highlights how women are being portrayed as equals to men in superhero fiction, with characters like Juliette and Agent May exhibiting intelligence, strength, and practicality. This trend is long overdue, recognizing a loyal female comic book fan base that seeks to see women treated as heroes too.

Harmless bacteria may be helpful against meningococcal outbreaks

Researchers found that nasal drops of harmless bacteria can inhibit the spread of meningococcal disease-causing bacteria. The study suggests a possible new approach for preventing outbreaks using a related but harmless type of bacteria, which appeared to prevent the disease-causing pathogen from colonizing the upper airway.

The Mediterranean diet is not only healthier, it also pollutes less

A recent study compares the carbon footprints of Mediterranean diets in Spain to those eaten in English-speaking countries like the US and UK. The results show that Spanish diets have a significantly lower carbon footprint, mainly due to less beef consumption and more vegetable and fruit intake.

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.

Best view yet of dusty cloud passing galactic center black hole

A team of astronomers using ESO's Very Large Telescope has observed a dusty cloud, known as G2, passing close to the supermassive black hole at the galactic center. The observations confirm that the cloud survived its closest approach and is likely a compact object surrounding a dense core.

HIV can spread early, evolve in patients' brains

A recent NIH-funded study found that HIV can genetically evolve and replicate in the brain within four months of infection, with signs of inflammation or viral replication present in up to 30% of infected patients. The study suggests that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potential brain damage.

Designer's toolkit for dynamic DNA nanomachines

Researchers at TUM have developed a new approach to joining modular 3D building units using shape complementarity, enabling practical nanomachines with moving parts. This breakthrough offers a toolkit for easy programming of self-assembly, paving the way for applications in DNA origami.

Ebola whole virus vaccine shown effective, safe in primates

A new Ebola vaccine has been shown to be highly effective and safe in monkeys, using an experimental platform that primes the immune system with the full complement of viral proteins. The vaccine was developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and may offer a promising alternative to existing vaccines.

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.

Antarctic ice shelves rapidly thinning

A new study reveals that the thickness of Antarctica's floating ice shelves has decreased by as much as 18 percent in certain areas over nearly two decades. The accelerated losses are attributed to climate change, with some ice shelves losing up to half their volume within the next 200 years.

Kappa Delta awards recognize innovative orthopaedic research

Recent discoveries in inflammation, tissue engineering for cartilage repair, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis diagnosis and treatment, and osteochondral allograft transplantation are recognized. Awards honor scientists conducting outstanding clinical research to advance patient treatment.

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.

Agricultural waste could be used as biofuel

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered five strains of yeast capable of breaking down agricultural by-products into bioethanol. This breakthrough could lead to the production of over 400 billion litres of bioethanol annually from crop waste, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Researchers identify timeline for HIV replication in the brain

Researchers identified HIV replication in the brain as early as four months post-infection, with 20% of participants exhibiting central nervous system (CNS) replication. This finding highlights the importance of routine HIV testing and prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy to prevent neurocognitive impairment.

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.

Novel plastic could spur new green energy applications, 'artificial muscles'

Researchers have developed a novel plastic that can produce electricity when pulled or pressed, opening up new possibilities for green energy harvesting. The material, called PVDF, has been enhanced with carbon nanostructures to increase its piezoelectric performance, allowing it to contract and relax in response to an electric current.

Earliest humans had diverse range of body types, just as we do today

Researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Tübingen have found that the main increase in body size occurred tens of thousands of years after Homo erectus left Africa, primarily in the Koobi Fora region of Kenya. This study suggests that human body size diversity arose much earlier than previously thought.

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.

Carnival game mimics eye growth

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science reveals that cells multiplying on the eye's lens surface push neighboring cells towards the equator, mirroring a carnival game's coin movement. This insight may help scientists understand how the eye maintains its shape and develop cataracts.

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.

Deadly Japan quake and tsunami spurred global warming, ozone loss

A new study reveals that the 2011 Japan earthquake triggered a significant release of climate-warming gases, including CFC-11 and HCFC-22, contributing to global warming. The study found that emissions increased by 21-91% over typical levels, equivalent to about 10% of Japanese vehicle emissions in 2011.