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Science News Archive 2015


Page 339 of 402

Scientists quantify healthy years gained by avoiding risk factors

A study has quantified the average number of heart failure-free years a person gains by not developing risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes by age 45. The results show that individuals with all three risk factors are diagnosed with heart failure an average of 11 to 13 years earlier than those without any risk factors.

L.A. story: Cleaner air, healthier kids

A 20-year study found that improved air quality in Southern California led to significant gains in lung function development among millennial children. Lung growth accelerated as air pollution declined, resulting in lower rates of abnormally low lung function and reduced risks of respiratory disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Big box stores could ditch the grid, use natural gas fuel cells instead

Researchers at PNNL found that natural gas solid oxide fuel cells can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 56% compared to conventional coal plants, while also lowering electricity costs. The technology could play a significant role in meeting future energy demand and help offset costs by selling excess power back to the grid.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Animal functional diversity started out poor, became richer over time

A study by Stanford researchers reveals that animal functional diversity evolved at a slower pace than taxonomic diversity, with most new species emerging from variations on existing body plans. The research found that the current biodiversity crisis can be reversed, but recovery will take millions of years.

Team to study Montana forest to help forests across American West

A team led by Montana State University ecologist Jia Hu will investigate the movement of nitrogen through a western Montana forest to provide baseline information on nitrogen availability and forest productivity. The goal is to help forest managers make informed decisions leading to healthier forests across the West.

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.

Energy-generating cloth could replace batteries in wearable devices

Scientists have created a durable, flexible cloth that harnesses human motion to generate energy, self-charging batteries or supercapacitors without an external power source. The novel TNG fabric can be stacked and reused multiple times, making it suitable for various biomedical and commercial applications.

How big data can be used to understand major events

Academics from the University of Bristol's Intelligent Systems Laboratory used big data to analyze mass media coverage of the 2012 US presidential election. The study found that the media focused more frequently on positive statements about the Democrats, while the Republicans were often portrayed in a negative light. Key issues covere...

Why isn't the universe as bright as it should be?

Researchers at MIT and Michigan State University have developed a theory explaining how galaxy clusters regulate star formation. The study found that hot intracluster gas cools rapidly, condenses, and collapses to form new stars, but also triggers conduction and precipitation-driven feedback, which prevent excessive star birth.

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.

Determining recipes for some of the world's oldest preserved beers

Researchers analyzed 1840s' shipwreck beer samples to understand brewing processes, finding similar yeast-derived flavor compounds to modern beers. They also identified hop content differences between two bottles, which may have contributed to the unique characteristics of the preserved beers.

Characterizing permafrost microbes in a changing climate

The study analyzed microbial activities in Alaskan soils, revealing diverse species and genes involved in degrading organic carbon and producing greenhouse gases. Researchers also found evidence of previously undescribed microbes and insights into microbial survival strategies in permafrost.

Time management: Why we feel busier when close to reaching a goal

A recent study found that consumers tolerate interruptions less when close to completing a task or achieving a goal. This phenomenon is attributed to the psychological state of being 'close enough' to a task, making individuals impatient and more likely to decline opportunities for time-saving interventions.

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.

Northeastern researchers make breakthrough discovery in cancer treatment

Northeastern researchers have found that supplemental oxygenation can shrink tumors and improve cancer immunotherapy by inhibiting hypoxia-driven adenosine accumulation and weakening immunosuppression. This approach has the potential to increase survival rates of patients with cancer, which kills over 8 million people annually.

Launching a new brand: Is partnering with a popular brand a good idea?

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research suggests that partnering with an established brand can be detrimental to a new brand. In three studies, consumers viewed the new brand less favorably when it partnered with an existing brand immediately, but more favorably when the announcement was delayed.

Manipulating cells' shapes could treat breast cancer

A study by the Institute of Cancer Research found that breast cancer cells with a 'mesenchymal-like' shape are more sensitive to inflammatory signals, which could be harnessed to treat cancer. The researchers used robotic microscopy and automated algorithms to measure the shape of hundreds of thousands of different breast cancer cells.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Using fruit flies to understand how we sense hot and cold

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered how a fruit fly's brain represents temperature, mapping it neuron by neuron. The study reveals three types of neurons that respond to hot, cold, or both temperatures, converging in the brain to create a cohesive response.

Wild yaks -- shaggy barometers of climate change

A new study reveals that climate change is affecting male and female yaks differently, with females shifting to steeper terrain in search of snow for milk production. The research team analyzed historical data and recent observations to find that females are 20 times more likely to be found near snow patches than males.

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.

Mediterranean diet cuts heart disease risk by nearly half

The Mediterranean diet was found to be highly protective against heart disease, with participants who closely followed the diet being 47% less likely to develop heart disease. Adherence to the diet was more protective than physical activity, and its benefits were seen across all age groups and genders.

James Cook University in major study on rapid fish acclimatization

Researchers from JCU and a Saudi university are conducting a three-year joint study to understand why fish exposed to high water temperatures have offspring already acclimatised. The study aims to uncover the epigenetic changes triggered by the environment that enable fast adaptation.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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ILROG issues treatment guidelines for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma

The International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) has issued a guideline outlining the use of 3D computed tomography-based radiation therapy planning and volumetric image guidance to treat pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma. The guidelines aim to reduce radiation dose to normal tissue and decrease the risk of late side effects.

Deadly frog fungus dates back to 1880s, studies find

Researchers found that deadly frog fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been present in Illinois and Korea since the 1880s, with stable dynamics for over 100 years. This discovery helps scientists better understand the disease caused by Bd and its survival conditions.

Smoking when pregnant increases cancer risk for daughters

A new study found that mothers who smoke during pregnancy are putting their daughters at a greater risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer later in life. Early menarche, triggered by smoking, increases the number of ovulation cycles, leading to increased exposure to hormones like oestrogen.

Discovery of jaw by ASU team sheds light on early Homo

A fossil lower jaw found in Ethiopia pushes back the human genus evidence to 2.8 million years ago, providing clues to changes in the jaw and teeth of early Homo species. The discovery helps narrow the evolutionary gap between Australopithecus and early Homo.

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.

New research could lead to more efficient electrical energy storage

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have identified changes in the structure and bonding of graphitic carbon electrodes that may improve the capacity and efficiency of electrical energy storage systems. The new X-ray adsorption spectroscopy capability provided key information on how the structure and bonding evolve du...

UBC scientists uncover cause of tree-killing fungus

Forest scientists at UBC have discovered the root cause of a deadly tree fungus: extra genes that produce a toxic toxin. The fungus, Mycosphaerella populorum, threatens poplar trees in plantations and eastern North America.

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.

X-ray imaging of a single virus in 3-D

Researchers have successfully imaged the 3D structure of a giant mimivirus using an X-ray free-electron laser, without relying on crystal formation. This achievement paves the way for imaging important pathogenic viruses like HIV and influenza.

Permafrost's turn of the microbes

A study reveals new species of microbes in permafrost and active layer, hinting at life strategies under subzero temperatures. The researchers used 'omics' tools to understand how microbes survive and thrive in frozen conditions.

Metabolic path to improved biofuel production

Researchers introduced new metabolic pathways into yeast to efficiently ferment xylose and hemicellulose from plant cell walls. This allows for biofuel production without harsh pre-treatments or expensive enzymes, overcoming existing bottlenecks in fermentation of lignocellulosic feedstocks.

Gout may lessen chances of developing Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people with a history of gout have a 24% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 3.7 million people and found this protective effect, possibly due to uric acid's antioxidant properties.

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.

Heritability of autism spectrum disorder studied in UK twins

A UK twin study found that genetics account for up to 95% of the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder, with moderate environmental influences also playing a role. The study's results provide new insights into the complex causes of autism and may help inform future treatments.

MARC Travel Awards announced for EB 2015

The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for EB 2015, promoting diversity in biomedical research. The program aims to increase the number and competitiveness of underrepresented groups in biomedical and behavioral research.

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.

Better midlife fitness may slow brain aging

Research found that individuals with lower fitness levels had smaller brain tissue volumes and poorer cognitive function later in life. Regular physical exercise may help slow down brain aging by reducing blood pressure fluctuations and vascular damage.

GeneSight multi-gene test more predictive of antidepressant response

The GeneSight test combines multiple gene variations to predict patient responses to medications, improving treatment outcomes and healthcare resource utilization. The study found that patients on red category medications showed significantly less improvement in depressive symptoms.

Research uncovers basis for cadmium toxicity

A University of Adelaide research team has discovered that cadmium causes toxicity by disrupting the transport of essential metals like manganese and zinc into and out of cells. The study also sheds light on how disease-causing bacteria scavenge metals during infection, paving the way for new strategies to prevent cadmium poisoning.

Trying to lose weight? How to avoid setting yourself up for failure

A recent study by Margaret C. Campbell and Caleb Warren found that consumers tend to believe they will succeed in achieving their goals, giving more weight to positive behaviors. This 'progress bias' can lead people to think skipping dessert is a huge accomplishment, while overlooking setbacks, such as weight regain after exercise.

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.

Breakthrough in nonlinear optics research

Researchers at the University of Sydney developed a method to selectively enhance or inhibit optical nonlinearities in photonic chips, which can be useful for both hindering and helping signal processing applications. This breakthrough uses a grating structure on chip scale devices to control optical nonlinearity.

Study: Men tend to be more narcissistic than women

A study of 31 years of data found that men scored higher in narcissism across multiple generations and age groups. The researchers also found that men are more likely to exhibit entitlement and assertiveness, but not vanity or self-absorption.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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