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Science News Archive 2015


Page 346 of 402

Scaffold-free iPS cell-based hyaline cartilage for joint repair

Researchers have developed a scaffold-free method to generate hyaline cartilage from iPS cells, offering a promising alternative to traditional autologous chondrocyte transplantation. The new protocol avoids fibrous tissue formation and allows for the direct transplantation of chondrocytes with high purity.

A taxi ride to starch granules

The discovery of Protein Targeting to Starch (PTST) reveals the crucial role of a molecule in transporting Granular Bound Starch Synthase (GBSS) to starch granules, necessary for normal amylose synthesis. The research found that PTST is essential for GBSS stability and function.

Better genes for better (more adaptable) beans

The study identified nearly 3,000 genetic markers that will help researchers investigate the genetic variation within and between different species. The new data will enable scientists to uncover why certain legume crops succeed where others fail.

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.

Urine test predicts heart failure patients' risk of kidney injury

A urine test can predict the risk of kidney injury in heart failure patients, allowing clinicians to identify those at high risk and take preventive measures. The study found that urinary angiotensinogen levels can accurately predict acute kidney injury and patient rehospitalization or death within one year.

Economic models provide insights into global sustainability challenges

Using holistic frameworks to model many components of both human and natural systems can shed insights on how activities in one part of the world affect distant regions. Economic models, such as those provided by the Global Trade Analysis Project, help policymakers make informed decisions about sustainability.

Could squirmy livestock dent Africa's protein deficit?

Researchers Valerie Stull and Rachel Bergmans are introducing insect farming kits to sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to address the region's protein deficiency. The kits, developed in partnership with Tiny Farms, provide a sustainable and culturally appropriate way for rural women's cooperatives to produce mealworms as a source of protein.

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.

The building blocks of the future defy logic

Researchers at University of Malta develop a mathematical model to explain the unusual behavior of auxetic materials, which grow wider when stretched. The model has potential applications in biomedicine, catalysis, and smart materials for healthcare and beyond.

Why debunked autism treatment fads persist

Despite being discredited, interventions like Facilitated Communication remain widely used in the autism community due to emotional appeal and a desire for quick fixes. Experts emphasize the need for better education on effective treatments and caution against false hope.

Thinking of God makes people bigger risk-takers

Research suggests that people are willing to take risks because they believe God will protect them from negative outcomes. The study found that participants who were reminded of God were more likely to engage in nonmoral risky behaviors, such as skydiving, and perceived less danger in these activities.

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.

Interaction of estrogen receptor and coactivators seen for first time

For the first time, researchers have visualized the molecular machine made up of the estrogen receptor, its coactivator SRC-3, another coactivator called p300, and DNA. This 3-D image revealed the spatial relationships among these molecules, suggesting how the receptor recruits the co-activators and activates genes.

Cancer screening concerns

Research reveals that adults in Ontario with IDD are nearly twice as likely not to be up-to-date on colorectal tests compared to their non-IDD counterparts. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to make cancer screening more equitable in this population, where chronic conditions like cancer increase with age.

Amphibian chytrid fungus reaches Madagascar

Researchers detect deadly chytrid fungus in Madagascar, threatening its unique amphibian population. The discovery highlights the global pandemic's impact on biodiversity and calls for continued monitoring and breeding programs.

Growth signal can influence cancer cells' vulnerability to drugs, study suggests

Researchers at Rockefeller University found that exposure to TGF-beta prompts changes in mouse tumor stem cells, making them more vulnerable to drugs. The study suggests that this environmental factor contributes to the unpredictable behavior of cancer cells and may lead to better treatment strategies for life-threatening cancers.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Social circles

A new study by MIT researchers uses anonymized phone data to infer that around one-fifth of urban movement is strictly social, distinguishing it from work-oriented activity. The study's findings have implications for planners and policymakers seeking estimates of city movement.

Top-precision optical atomic clock starts ticking

The newly developed optical atomic clock boasts extraordinary precision, with an error of less than one second in tens of millions of years. The clock's stability is ensured by advanced physical mechanisms, allowing it to maintain accuracy over extended periods.

Ultrasound lags behind MRI for supplemental breast cancer screening

The use of ultrasound for supplemental breast cancer screening is hindered by the lack of intensive training programs for physicians and interpreters. This limitation is attributed to MRI's restricted use due to pacemaker and claustrophobia concerns, making it an alternative option.

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.

Blood samples as surrogates for tumor biopsies in patients with lung cancer

A study found that circulating free DNA (cfDNA) from blood samples of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer can detect EGFR mutations, which are associated with expected patient outcomes. The presence of these mutations in cfDNA was linked to shorter overall survival and reduced disease progression-free survival.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New research predicts when, how materials will act

A Florida State University researcher developed a theory to explain why certain materials behave, using quantum simulations and statistical methods. The study provides confidence levels in material predictions, enabling faster engineering design.

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.

'Blue-green algae' proliferating in lakes

A global study reveals a rapid increase in cyanobacteria levels in lakes over the past two centuries, with alarming acceleration since the mid-20th century. The research highlights the potential for toxic algal blooms to contaminate drinking water and pose serious health risks.

A mollusk of a different stripe

Researchers identified two optical structures in a mollusk's shell that reflect blue light, producing its bright stripes. The team believes this natural phenomenon could lead to the development of color-selective, controllable displays for windows and glasses.

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.

New research signals big future for quantum radar

Researchers have developed a hybrid quantum radar system that uses microwave-optical entanglement to detect cancer cells and stealth aircraft. The device operates at lower energies than conventional systems, enabling long-term potential for non-invasive medical applications such as NMR scans.

Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D may control brain serotonin

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D can regulate brain serotonin production, influencing behavior and psychiatric disorders. Serotonin affects cognitive functions and behaviors, with low levels linked to conditions such as autism and ADHD.

Marshaling the body's own weapons against psoriasis

Scientists have identified Interleukin 4 (IL-4) as a promising treatment for psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease. By inhibiting specific immune cells, IL-4 reduces inflammation and improves skin conditions in patients.

Novel precision medicine tool could help personalize cancer treatments

A new laboratory test, called Dynamic BH3 Profiling, can predict which cancer treatment will be most effective against a particular type of cancer within less than 24 hours. The test measures how vigorously tumor cells respond to different cancer drugs and has been shown to consistently predict the best treatment in clinical trials.

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 cicada species discovered in Switzerland and Italy

Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a new singing cicada species in Italy and southern Switzerland with a four-centimeter wingspan and high-pitched song. The 'Italian Mountain Cicada' has been identified through its distinctive song pattern, which includes slow phrases alternating with fast and rhythmic ones.

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.

'Ecosystem services' help assess ocean energy development

A new study uses ecosystem services to evaluate the potential impacts of tidal power projects on coastal environments and people. Researchers identified biodiversity, tourism, and food provision as key ecosystem services that should be assessed in the Muskeget Channel Tidal Energy Project.

Living in the genetic comfort zone

Fruit flies exhibit homogenous gene expression pattern at optimal temperature of 18°C, unaffected by genetic variation. Canalization mechanism acts as buffer against environmental or genetic perturbations, stabilizing organismal growth.

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.

Bumblebees make false memories too

Researchers found that bumblebees can create false memories by combining features of previously seen stimuli. This phenomenon is similar to human memory conjunction errors and may be an adaptive mechanism to help animals respond in new situations. The study suggests that false memories may be widespread in the animal kingdom.

Gene discovery sheds light on causes of rare type of dwarfism

A gene linked to primordial dwarfism has been identified, revealing errors in the XRCC4 gene cause profound growth defects before birth. The discovery helps provide better diagnoses for families affected and advises children with mutations to minimize X-ray exposure and regular immunological checks.

Moving molecule writes letters

Scientists from TUM and LIU create technology to cage molecules in 2D nanopores, allowing them to investigate thermal behavior of individual species. They successfully track molecule motions at sub-nanometer resolution using scanning tunneling microscopy.

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.

Biophysicist receives EliteForsk Award 2015

Lene Oddershede's work focuses on merging physics, biology, and medicine to develop new treatments for diseases. Her award-winning research includes the creation of Scandinavia's first optical tweezers, which enable the study of individual cells and molecules without damaging surrounding tissues.

Can coffee reduce your risk of MS?

A new study suggests that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers analyzed data from two studies involving over 3,700 people with MS and found that those who consumed high amounts of coffee had a lower risk of developing the disease. The study supports the idea that caffeine may have prote...

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.

Hospitals face growing active shooter threat

Active shooter incidents at hospitals have risen, with 14 such incidents reported in the year leading up to a Boston surgeon's murder, resulting in 15 fatalities. Hospitals must take proactive measures to mitigate the threat, including deploying security cameras, limiting entrances and exits, and stationing armed police.