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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 32


Page 32 of 402

Nano-walkers take speedy leap forward with first rolling DNA-based motor

Researchers have developed a rolling DNA-based motor that's 1,000 times faster than any other synthetic DNA motor, offering potential for real-world applications in disease diagnostics. The new motor uses a burnt-bridge mechanism to guide its movement, allowing it to travel one centimeter in seven days.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 1, 2015

Christmas period may reduce quality of life for many Europeans

A new study suggests that many Europeans experience despondent and stressed feelings during the pre-Christmas period, but Christians, particularly those with high religious affiliation, tend to be more positive and content. Higher education levels and family presence also help individuals cope with the holiday stress.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateDec 1, 2015
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.

Why online doctor ratings are good medicine

A new study found that openly sharing patient satisfaction metrics created a culture of empathy, communication, trust, and shared decision making between patients and providers at University of Utah Health Care. This led to improved patient outcomes and cultural change in healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateDec 1, 2015

Breastfeeding is key component of World Bank's new 'Power of Nutrition' fund

The World Bank's new 'Power of Nutrition' fund aims to promote breastfeeding and reduce undernutrition in developing countries. Investments in this area could transform the health and economy of these nations, particularly during the critical first two years of a child's life.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateDec 1, 2015

Red means 'go' to therapeutic viruses

Rice University researchers use engineered viruses that respond to red light to overcome the challenge of delivering genes into host cells' nuclei. By incorporating light-responsive proteins, they successfully control viral activity and gene expression in target cells.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 1, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Urban air pollution -- what are the main sources across the world?

The study reveals that traffic is the largest source of urban air pollution, responsible for 25% of particulate matter. Domestic fuel burning and industrial activities also contribute significantly to air pollution, with regional variations observed.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateDec 1, 2015

ORNL process could be white lightning to electronics industry

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a virtually perfect single layer of 'white graphene,' featuring high mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and transparency. This breakthrough material could enable faster data transfers and improve the performance of electronic devices.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateDec 1, 2015

Exiled exoplanet likely kicked out of star's neighborhood

A newly discovered exoplanet, HD 106906 b, may have been violently ejected from its birthplace close to its star due to a recent gravitational disturbance. The planet is surrounded by a large dust ring or shroud, which could be evidence of the violent episode.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateDec 1, 2015
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.

Global warming won't stop the 'green cancer' from spreading

A new study identifies 91 countries at risk from the 'green cancer' miconia tree's expansion, despite warming. The invasive plant's ability to infest territories will not be hindered, but its growth may slow in some areas by 2080.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBiological Invasions·DateDec 1, 2015

Blood levels of Ebola virus are predictive of death

Researchers found that Ebola virus blood levels are strong predictors of fatality, with case fatality ratios increasing with viremia levels. The study used laboratory and clinical data from 699 patients to model the association between viremia and CFR.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 1, 2015

New research helps to explain how temperature shifts the circadian clock

Scientists have discovered that the length of a living organism's 24-hour internal clock remains constant despite temperature fluctuations. The study found that external pathways sensitive to temperature cue the clock to skip ahead or backward, while the core mechanisms within the clock itself remain insensitive to temperature.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2015

Unique study maps political orientation of all 50 US states over time

A new study by MIT researchers reveals that US states have become more liberal since the 1930s, with a small turn to the left in recent years. The study also shows that regional differences in state-level policies have become more pronounced, with the South becoming more conservative and the Northeast and West Coast becoming more liberal.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateDec 1, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Underage drinkers' brand preferences vary by race, age, BU study finds

A new study found that underage drinkers prefer certain beer brands more than others based on their age and ethnicity. Bud Light was the most popular brand across all demographic groups, while Smirnoff Malt Beverages ranked high among racial and ethnic groups.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Substance Use·DateDec 1, 2015

First outcomes report from novel heart surgery registry shows excellent results for TAVR

The report analyzed outcomes of 26,414 TAVR procedures performed from 2012-2014 and found low risk for mortality, myocardial infarction, kidney injury, and neurologic complications. The most common complications were vascular and bleeding requiring transfusion, with a decrease in vascular complications over time.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2015

A fine kettle of fish

A new study reveals that fluctuating food supplies and competition can alter survival of adult fish and cause populations to fluctuate in abundance. The research found strong interactions between the amount of food and the survival rate as well as the number of fish, with more fish leading to less survival due to competing for limited ...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 30, 2015

Female hormone supplements with estrogen and progestin linked to breast cancer risk

Postmenopausal African American women who use female hormone supplements containing estrogen and progestin are at a 50% increased risk of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. The study found greater increases in risk for recent and long-term users, highlighting the importance of limiting combination therapy.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 30, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA's Webb Space Telescope receives first mirror installation

The James Webb Space Telescope has received its first mirror installation, with 18 primary mirror segments scheduled to be installed by early next year. The mirrors are made of ultra-lightweight beryllium and must remain precisely aligned in space for successful science investigations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 30, 2015

Rare fossil of a horned dinosaur found from 'lost continent'

A rare fossil from eastern North America of a dog-sized horned dinosaur has been identified by a scientist at the University of Bath. The discovery highlights an east-west divide in North American dinosaur evolution, suggesting that dinosaurs in Appalachia evolved differently from those in western North America.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCretaceous Research·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

International Xenotransplantation Congress highlights major advances in the field

The 13th biennial Congress of the International Xenotransplantation Association showcased significant breakthroughs in xenotransplantation, including the survival of cardiac, kidney, and pancreatic islet cell xenografts for extended periods. New technology to improve animal donor safety was also presented.

SourceInternational Xenotransplantation Association·JournalXenotransplantation·DateNov 30, 2015

Processing facial emotions in persons with autism spectrum disorder

A study using fMRI found that individuals with ASD exhibit different neural activity patterns when viewing emotional faces compared to typically developing participants. This suggests that ASD is not a uniform condition and may be linked to differences in how the brain processes emotional stimuli.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

DNA repair protein BRCA1 implicated in cognitive function and dementia

Researchers found that BRCA1 depletion impairs brain cell function and contributes to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that therapeutic manipulation of BRCA1 may prevent neuronal damage and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease or at risk for the disease.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2015

Simulating the jet streams and anticyclones of Jupiter and Saturn

Scientists have successfully simulated 3D models of deep jet streams and storms on Jupiter and Saturn, revealing their dynamics and providing clues to Earth's weather patterns. The study helps clarify the origin and behavior of these features, which remain debated among researchers.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 30, 2015

Immune cells make appendix 'silent hero' of digestive health

A network of immune cells helps the appendix maintain digestive system health by preventing damage and inflammation during bacterial attacks. This discovery suggests the appendix may be more relevant to our health than previously thought, potentially even serving as a natural reservoir for 'good' bacteria.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care releases updated guideline

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against screening older community-living adults for cognitive impairment if they are asymptomatic. However, physicians should investigate patients or their family members expressing concern about possible memory loss.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 30, 2015

Climate change likely to increase black carbon input to the Arctic Ocean

A recent study published in Frontiers in Earth Science found that climate change is likely to increase the input of black carbon to the Arctic Ocean. The team, led by University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography scientist Aron Stubbins, discovered that black carbon stored in Arctic soils is being exported to the oceans.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateNov 30, 2015

Beware, asthma sufferers: Migraines may worsen

Researchers analyzed data from a study of over 4,500 individuals with episodic migraine, finding that those with coexisting asthma were more likely to develop chronic migraine. The study suggests that inflammation and shared environmental factors may contribute to the link between asthma and chronic migraine.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

Inflammation is associated with bone growth

Researchers found Activin-A as a candidate drug target for treating Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP), a genetic disease where bone grows in soft tissue. The study uses induced pluripotent stem cells and suggests that inflammation could be the key to preventing diseased bone growth.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

Gender segregation in jobs is not rooted in early family planning

A new study by Rice University social scientist Erin Cech dispels the idea that women choose more flexible career fields due to plans to raise children, while men opt for provider-friendly roles. Most students did not consider their future family plans when making career decisions.

SourceRice University·JournalGender & Society·DateNov 30, 2015

How anxiety can kill your social status

Researchers have pinpointed an area of the brain that links anxious temperament to low social status. High-anxious individuals perform poorly in social competition, leading to social subordination. Pharmacological manipulation of mitochondria may influence social rank.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

Asserting the freedom of navigation: Does the US go too far?

A new article by Amitai Etzioni argues that US freedom of navigation operations (FONAs) can be overly aggressive and escalate into dangerous clashes with nations. FONAs operate on a limited budget and are often used as a fallback option after diplomatic efforts fail.

SourceSAGE·JournalArmed Forces & Society·DateNov 30, 2015

New study: Air evacuation may do further harm in patients with brain injury

A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine suggests that air evacuation may worsen neurological function and increase brain cell loss in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The study's findings have major implications for the treatment of military injuries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

Critically ill patients at long-term risk for bone fracture

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that critically ill patients experience significant bone loss, increasing their risk of fragility fractures. The researchers suggest that anti-resorptive therapies may be necessary to prevent bone loss in these patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 30, 2015

Simulation shows key to building powerful magnetic fields

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to understand how magnetic fields amplify in collapsing stars, enabling jets that power supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. The study found a dynamo process creates large-scale fields needed for these explosions.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2015

Tracing a path toward neuronal cell death

A fruit fly model of Alexander disease has been developed to study astrocyte dysfunction and its role in neurodegeneration. Nitric oxide has been identified as a critical mediator in the process.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2015

Our epigenome is influenced by our habitat and lifestyle

Researchers found that moving from forest to urban habitats affects epigenetic patterns of the immune response, while historical lifestyles impact development and physical characteristics. These findings suggest a significant influence of environment on epigenetics and potential risks for autoimmune diseases.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

Study offers insights to how ovarian cancer grows -- and potential to stop it

A new study offers insights into how ovarian cancer grows, revealing a patterned hierarchy of cancer stem cells. The research identifies a key protein, BMP2, that regulates the growth of these stem-like cells. Targeting this protein could lead to more effective therapies for ovarian cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

The future of cities

Cities are facing bigger challenges than ever before, including rural-urban migration, optimizing housing conditions, health and education. Digital technology has the potential to overcome many of these challenges, but concerns remain around privacy and cybersecurity.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalAsia-Pacific Biotech News·DateNov 30, 2015

Hospital-to-home transitions can stress out family caregivers, affect sick kids

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that hospital-to-home transitions can cause mental exhaustion, emotional toll, and uncertainty among family caregivers. The researchers identified a need for in-home follow-up visits, telephone calls from nurses, and enhanced care plans to improve the transition.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

Stanford researchers find sleep gene linked to heart failure

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a gene that appears to reduce the risk of heart failure and improve treatment outcomes. The gene codes for a protein involved in regulating sleep, appetite, and blood pressure, which may play a protective role in the heart.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2015