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Science News Archive 2015


Page 347 of 402

Food security in Africa needs a tailored approach, suggests new research

African food security requires a customized approach, according to new research. The study suggests that developing new technologies for tree and root crops could be more effective than copying Asian approaches. Key findings reveal that labor-intensive technologies are not suitable for Africa due to abundant labor costs.

Africa, from a CATS point of view

The Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) instrument has provided a detailed profile of the atmosphere above Africa, revealing particles in the air at different heights. The data will help scientists model dust plumes and interactions with clouds and aerosols, improving our understanding of climate change.

Early signs in young children predict type 1 diabetes

Researchers have identified three ways to predict the development of type 1 diabetes in young children based on autoantibody presence. The presence of these autoantibodies can indicate an autoimmune reaction against the body's own insulin cells, which may be triggered by a viral infection.

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.

Aggressive plant fungus threatens wheat production

A new surveillance technique has revealed a diverse population of wheat rust fungus in the UK, with some strains being more aggressive and virulent than others. The findings highlight the threat posed to global food security due to climate change and increased globalization.

New insight found in black hole collisions

Astrophysicist Dr. Michael Kesden's research provides new insights into binary black hole mergers and their connection to gravitational wave detection. The solutions can significantly impact the study of black holes and the search for gravitational waves in the cosmos.

Impact of a supermarket on children's diets

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers found that locating full-service supermarkets in food deserts has no appreciable impact on household food availability or children's dietary intake. The introduction of a government-subsidized supermarket did not result in significant changes in dietary habits, despite the expectati...

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.

Newly discovered neurons predict the cooperative behavior of others

Researchers have identified a set of neurons in the frontal brain region that predict an opponent's cooperation in strategic decision-making tasks. This discovery sheds light on the neuronal basis of cooperative interactions and may lead to new treatments for autism and antisocial personality disorder.

Strong connection between violence and mental illness during Guatemala Civil War

Research suggests that those who experienced violence during the Guatemala Civil War are four times more likely to suffer from PTSD and alcohol-related disorders. The study, led by Victor D. Puac-Polanco and Charles C. Branas, found significant mental health problems among Guatemalans who witnessed or experienced violent events.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Altering perception of feeding state may promote healthy aging

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that manipulating the central nervous system's energy-sensing pathway can cause organisms to perceive their cells as in a low-energy state, even if they are eating normally and energy levels are high. This process may offer an alternative to caloric restriction for pro...

Cherenkov Effect improves radiation therapy for patients with cancer

Researchers from Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have discovered the Cherenkov Effect can be measured to improve radiation therapy. The study found that light emission correlates with dose, making it suitable for narrow beam stereotactic radiation therapy and surface dosimetry applications.

Workplace negativity can hurt productivity

Employees who point out problems may become mentally fatigued, defensive, and experience a drop-off in production. Suggesting ideas for improvement can have a positive effect, but finding a balance between constructive feedback and positivity is key.

Understanding faith, teaching evolution not mutually exclusive

A study by Penn State researchers found that students from Catholic colleges were more reflective when discussing issues of faith and science, suggesting they may be better prepared to address evolution questions. The study suggests that incorporating faith into discussions about evolution can help build confidence in biology teachers,...

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.

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.

Using snus doubles the risk of alcohol dependency

A Swedish study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that using snus increases the risk of developing alcohol dependency, with a doubled risk compared to non-users. The more snus used, the higher the risk, and this association holds true even after accounting for socio-economic factors.

Molecular mouse-trap technique sheds light on key cell processes

Researchers have developed a molecular mouse-trap technique that aids understanding of cell division and its role in cancer. By studying the structure of proteins involved in chromosome formation, scientists can develop new approaches to analyze complex biological molecules.

Team approach boosts human and environmental wellbeing

Researchers say treating human health as part of an ecosystem can resolve problems like antibiotic crisis and obesity epidemic. Professor Mark Wahlqvist advocates for integrative approaches to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of nature and varied diets.

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.

A simple way to make and reconfigure complex emulsions

The MIT team devised a two-step process to create large quantities of complex emulsions with precise control over the composition of droplets. By adding different chemicals or exposing them to light or different acidity levels, they can finely tune the configuration of droplets. This allows for rapid, large-scale production and enables...

How the 'mute' cicada sings

Researchers found that 'mute' cicadas produce sound by banging their forewing costa against the operculum, a newfound mechanism. This discovery expands our understanding of acoustic signaling in cicadas without tymbal organs.

Quick antibiotics reduce PICU needs and mortality of pediatric cancer patients

Pediatric cancer patients who receive antibiotics within 60 minutes of reporting fever and neutropenia have decreased intensive care consultation rates and lower mortality. The study shows that timely antibiotic delivery can lead to significant reductions in hospitalization and fatalities among pediatric cancer patients.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Sewage provides insight into human microbiome

Researchers from Marine Biological Laboratory and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee used sewage samples to compare human gut bacteria with high accuracy, revealing a core set of bacteria linked to obesity levels in cities. The approach provides a non-intrusive way to monitor public health without compromising individual privacy.

Study maps extroversion types in the brain's anatomy

A new study maps distinct brain signatures for two types of extroverts: gregarious 'people-persons' and ambitious 'go-getters'. The research, published in Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience, found overlapping yet distinct signatures in the anatomy of the brain.

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.

Endocrine Society honors 2015 Helmsley Award winners

The Endocrine Society has selected 22 winners of the Helmsley Charitable Trust Abstract Awards in Type 1 Diabetes, recognizing outstanding work in clinical care and underlying mechanisms. The award winners will present their research at ENDO 2015 and received travel grants to attend.

Agricultural insecticides pose a global risk to surface water bodies

A global map produced by researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research reveals that streams within 40% of the global land surface are at risk from insecticide runoff. The map highlights areas such as the Mediterranean, USA, Central America, and Southeast Asia as particularly vulnerable to water pollution.

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.

Warming up the world of superconductors

Researchers at USC found that aluminum 'superatoms' exhibit superconductivity at temperatures around 100 Kelvin, a significant increase from bulk aluminum metal. This discovery raises the possibility of creating ultraefficient electronic devices, such as laptops and power grids, with minimal energy loss.

Study shows troubling rise in use of animals in experiments

A new study by PETA found a staggering 73% increase in the number of animals used in US laboratories between 1997 and 2012, despite industry claims of reduced animal use. Mice usage accounted for a 72.7% increase due to genetic modification experiments.

Could an HIV drug beat strep throat, flesh-eating bacteria?

Scientists have found a tool that could help fight bacterial infections, including strep throat and flesh-eating disease. A drug approved to treat HIV has been shown to inhibit the production of a deadly toxin in lab tests, offering new hope for developing therapies against these deadly pathogens.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New study shows safer methods for stem cell culturing

A new study at The Scripps Research Institute shows that certain stem cell culture conditions can reduce DNA mutations. Researchers developed a method using feeder cells and manual passaging to minimize genetic instability.

Scientists grow leg muscle from cells in a dish

Researchers successfully generated mature, functional skeletal muscles in mice by growing cells in a dish and implanting the graft near a normal muscle. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for various muscle disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

New compound may lead to development of cheaper anti-cancer drugs

A new compound developed at the University of Toronto Scarborough can monitor protein kinase activity without using radioactive isotopes. This innovation has potential to improve cancer treatment by providing a safer and more accurate method for assessing drug effectiveness.

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.

Study reveals possible biological trigger for canine bone cancer

A study published in Veterinary and Comparative Oncology reveals an association between frizzled-6 protein expression and more aggressive behavior in canine bone cancer. The findings may provide a new pathway for tumor formation and improve outcomes for dogs with the disease.

Transplant journal study: Many transplant surgeons suffer burnout

A national study found nearly half of organ transplant surgeons experience low personal accomplishment and 40% feel emotionally exhausted. Surgeons who reported higher levels of personal accomplishment felt more control in their work life and had more support from co-workers.

Astronomers find impossibly large black hole

An international team of astronomers has found a huge and ancient black hole powering the brightest object in the early universe. The massive black hole is 12 billion times the size of our Sun and lives at the center of a quasar, emitting millions of billions of times more energy than the Sun.

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.

Improving inmate health can lead to better community health and safety

A systematic review of 59 studies found that interventions in prisons led to improved health outcomes for prisoners and the general population. The research highlights the importance of providing treatment and access to primary care after release, resulting in reduced substance abuse, mental health problems, and infectious diseases.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New flow battery to keep big cities lit, green and safe

A new zinc-polyiodide redox flow battery boasts an energy density exceeding other flow batteries of its kind and size. This design enables efficient long-duration energy storage for urban grids, enhancing resiliency and flexibility.

Magnetic nanoparticles enhance performance of solar cells

Researchers found that adding magnetite nanoparticles increases the performance of polymer solar cells, allowing them to convert more incident light into electrical power. The addition of heavy elements enables a material conversion that prolongs the lifetime of electron-hole pairs, leading to higher efficiency.

Mountain birds beat the odds

Researchers found that mountain chickadees living at harsher high elevations exhibit superior spatial memory and problem-solving abilities. However, these birds tend to avoid novel objects, contradicting the expectation that enhanced problem-solving skills would come with increased innovation.