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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 36


Page 36 of 402

Heart disease patients who sit a lot have worse health even if they exercise

Patients with coronary artery disease spend an average of eight hours each day sitting despite exercising, according to research published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention. Women tend to be less sedentary than men, but both have poorer health outcomes when sitting for long periods.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation·DateNov 25, 2015

Data scientists create world's first therapeutic venom database

Researchers have created a comprehensive catalog of known animal toxins and their physiological effects on humans, summarizing nearly 42,723 effects on the body. The Venom Knowledge Base (VenomKB) may spur the discovery of new compounds and medical treatments for various diseases.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScientific Data·DateNov 25, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MECP2 duplication syndrome is reversible

A study published in Nature reveals that MECP2 Duplication Syndrome can be reversed using an antisense oligonucleotide strategy. The therapy, tested on adult mice with the condition, normalized symptoms after four weeks and restored normal brain function.

SourceRett Syndrome Research Trust·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2015

Optimal care for older cancer patients should target relevant HRQOL domains according to EORTC study

A recent EORTC study identified key health-related quality of life (HRQOL) components to prioritize in caring for older cancer patients. The study found that HRQOL improves with age for social functioning and financial problems, while physical functioning and constipation worsen.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateNov 25, 2015
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.

Pigeons must feel the need for speed if they want to lead

Researchers at Oxford University found that faster pigeons tend to become flock leaders, learning navigation skills more effectively. In a study of 40 homing pigeons tagged with GPS devices, the team discovered that leadership experience improved efficiency in faster birds.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 25, 2015

Better blood pressure control -- by mobile phone

Researchers developed an interactive mobile phone system to help patients with high blood pressure self-manage their condition, leading to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The system, which includes patient reports, lifestyle feedback, and reminders, also improved patients' understanding of the connectio...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Clinical Hypertension·DateNov 25, 2015
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.

Contact with nature may mean more social cohesion, less crime

Research by Netta Weinstein and others suggests that people's experiences of local nature can explain 8% of survey responses about community cohesion. Additionally, objective measures of green space in neighborhoods account for 4% additional variance in crime rates, outperforming known contributors like socioeconomic deprivation.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateNov 25, 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.

The Lancet: No benefit found for use of probiotic Bifidobacterium breve

A study of 1315 infants found no significant benefits from using probiotic Bifidobacterium breve to prevent late-onset sepsis, death, or necrotizing enterocolitis. The results contradict previous meta-analyses suggesting reduced mortality and complications associated with probiotic administration.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 25, 2015

Promising drug combination for advanced prostate cancer

A new drug combination is being tested for its effectiveness in treating metastatic prostate cancer. Researchers are optimistic about the results, citing improved quality of life and delayed disease progression in patients participating in a Phase 3 clinical trial.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·DateNov 25, 2015

Can physical exercise enhance long-term memory?

A new study published in Brain Plasticity reports that running mice developed twice the normal number of new neurons and showed improved ability to distinguish between similar objects. This improvement in pattern separation is crucial for everyday memory tasks like remembering chess piece shapes or patterns on a board.

SourceIOS Press·JournalBrain Plasticity·DateNov 25, 2015
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.

Breast MRI after mammography may identify additional aggressive cancers

A study published in Radiology found that MRI-detected multicentric cancers are larger and potentially more aggressive than index cancers detected by mammography, necessitating treatment changes. In 25% of cases, these multicentric cancers were over 1 centimeter in size.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 25, 2015

Structural brain connectivity as a genetic marker for schizophrenia

A study of 70 individual twins and 130 healthy control twins found that reduced white matter integrity shares common genes with schizophrenia risk. The findings suggest a genetic overlap between structural brain connections and schizophrenia, highlighting potential new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 25, 2015

A changing season means a changing diet for bison

A study led by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that bison are not entirely reliant on grass for nutritional needs and can selectively expand their diet to include woody shrubs and flowering plants during spring and fall. This adaptability may have implications for management and conservation of bison in the American West.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 25, 2015
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.

New strategy discovered for treating arthritis

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have found that arthritic cartilage can be treated by a patient's own microvesicles, which can travel into cartilage cells and deliver therapeutic agents. The study suggests that these microvesicles could be a novel form of therapy for patients with cartilage damage due to various diseases.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 25, 2015

Nanoparticles simplify DNA identification and quantification

Researchers developed a novel isothermal amplification method using gold nanoparticles and magnetic microbeads to detect DNA sequences characteristic of Leishmania infantum kinetoplast. The approach exhibits good reproducibility and sensitivity, outperforming other point-of-care tests.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalSmall·DateNov 25, 2015

Patient deaths do not increase during doctor strikes

Research shows that patients are not harmed during doctor strikes in developed countries when emergency care is available. Studies have found no significant increase in mortality rates during strikes, despite some concerns from healthcare professionals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 25, 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.

Stanford faculty awarded $2.1 million for promising energy research

The Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford University has awarded $2.1 million in seed grants to support promising clean energy research. The projects focus on developing new technologies for solar energy, nuclear waste management, and biofuels, with the goal of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

SourceStanford University·DateNov 24, 2015

NASA plans twin sounding rocket launches over Norway this winter

NASA will launch two sounding rockets, CAPER and RENU 2, over Norway this winter to study the cusp aurora and particles moving near the North Pole. The rockets will investigate electromagnetic waves accelerating electrons into Earth's atmosphere and the relationship between electron inflow and electric currents.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 24, 2015

Liquid acoustics half way to the Earth's core

Researchers extend catalogue of material properties with first liquid measurements under extreme conditions. The study suggests that only about 1.2% of the core is carbon, with other light elements present.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2015

Want honesty? Make it the easiest choice, suggests Rotman research

A new study found that automatic income entry on tax returns reduces cheating, but passive responses promote dishonesty. The researchers suggest using default options in tax preparation software to encourage honest compliance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateNov 24, 2015
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.

Lactate for brain energy

Researchers from the University of Zurich have confirmed the existence of a concentration gradient of lactate between astrocytes and neurons in the intact mouse brain. The study provides new evidence for an exchange of lactate between different brain cells, supporting a 20-year-old hypothesis on brain energy metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 24, 2015

People who rely on their intuition are, at times, less likely to cheat

A study by University of Missouri graduate student Sarah Ward found that people who trust their gut feelings are less likely to cheat after considering past immoral behavior. Participants in the experiment were asked to imagine acting immorally and then complete an unsolvable IQ test, with results showing that up to 23% cheated. The re...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 24, 2015

Reducing body temperature saves neurological functions in cardiac arrest patients

Researchers found that therapeutic hypothermia significantly reduces damage to the brain after cardiac arrest, with patients who received treatment experiencing better neurological outcomes and higher survival rates. The therapy has been shown effective on both shockable and non-shockable heart rhythms.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCirculation·DateNov 24, 2015

New 'self-healing' gel makes electronics more flexible

Researchers at UT Austin developed a self-healing gel that repairs and connects electronic circuits without external stimuli. The gel has high conductivity, strong mechanical and electrical self-healing properties, and can be used as a soft joint to join circuit parts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 24, 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.

UTA engineer to build device to capture lost heat energy

A University of Texas at Arlington engineer is co-leading a team to develop tools that can convert temperature changes into electrical energy. The goal is to create energy-harvesting microdevices for sensing systems and other applications, which could have a widespread impact on meeting the global energy challenge.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateNov 24, 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.

MIT mathematicians identify limits to heat flow at the nanoscale

MIT mathematicians have developed a formula to calculate the maximum amount of heat exchanged between two objects separated by distances shorter than the width of a single hair. The formula uses material properties and separation distance as parameters, allowing for optimization of devices such as thermophotovoltaics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 24, 2015

Algae could be a new green power source

Concordia University researchers have created a technology to harness the electrical energy from plants using blue-green algae. The invention utilizes electron transfer chains in photosynthesis and respiration to produce electricity. This scalable technology could lead to cheaper ways of generating carbon-free energy.

SourceConcordia University·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateNov 24, 2015

Three new technologies to make energy cleaner, more efficient

Researchers at PNNL are developing a computational tool to improve power grid planning and make hydrogen with a hybrid device. A new technology uses seaweed to create biofuel for cars and generators. These innovations aim to reduce energy costs, increase sustainability.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateNov 24, 2015

Cataract surgery lessens patients' dizziness

After routine cataract surgery, older people experience significantly less dizziness due to improved vision. However, wearing multifocal glasses after surgery may negate this benefit, particularly for those with frailty or frequent spectacle changes.

SourceWiley·JournalOphthalmic and Physiological Optics·DateNov 24, 2015

Decarbonizing tourism: Would you pay US$11 for a carbon-free holiday?

A new study suggests that paying US$11 per trip could eliminate CO2 emissions from tourism, contributing up to five percent of total human-made emissions worldwide. The University of Waterloo-led research proposes a combination of energy-saving and renewable energy initiatives to meet the UN's carbon emission targets.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Sustainable Tourism·DateNov 24, 2015
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.

Fat cells originating from bone marrow found in humans

Researchers have found that bone marrow stem cells can produce fat cells that contribute to chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The discovery highlights the possibility of genetically modifying fat-storing cells to prevent or reverse fat-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 24, 2015

Coming out of their evolutionary shells

A comprehensive genomic study of turtle shells has identified unique adaptations in genes that control hard cutaneous layers, dating back to the evolution of claws and feathers. The study also reveals a shared genetic organization between turtles and humans, highlighting the common ancestry of these defense mechanisms.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 24, 2015

Cheesy products

Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna tested over 100 raw milk cheeses purchased online and found that pathogenic bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes were present in two samples. Furthermore, more than half of the products lacked proper cooling, leading to increased bacterial growth during transport.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalFood Control·DateNov 24, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

University of Pittsburgh text message program effective at cutting binge drinking

A University of Pittsburgh-led trial found that a text message-based program successfully reduced binge drinking among 18-25 year olds. After 12 weeks, participants who received the full program reported an average of one less binge drinking day per month and a 12% reduction in binge drinking.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 24, 2015

Researchers discover how immune cells resist radiation treatment

Immune cells called Langerhans cells can uniquely repair DNA damage caused by radiotherapy, making them resistant to treatment. Researchers found that mimicking immunotherapy drugs can block this ability, preventing immune response and improving radiation therapy effectiveness.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 24, 2015

Stanford researcher suggests storing solar energy underground for a cloudy day

A new study by Stanford researcher Mark Z. Jacobson suggests storing solar energy underground to meet electricity demand on cloudy days. The proposed system uses heat, cold, and electricity storage to provide a stable grid, with potential benefits including reduced air pollution and lower costs.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 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.

Mars to lose its largest moon, Phobos, but gain a ring

Phobos will likely break apart and form a ring around Mars due to tidal forces. The debris from Phobos will continue to orbit Mars for millions of years before eventually colliding with the planet.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 24, 2015

A sticky breakthrough

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have designed a synthetic material that combines the key functionalities of interfacial mussel foot proteins, creating a single, low-molecular-weight, one-component adhesive. This breakthrough technology demonstrates record-high wet adhesion up to 10 times more effective than previous materials, with app...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2015

Canuckosaur! First Canadian 'dinosaur' becomes Dimetrodon borealis

Researchers have reclassified a Canadian 'dinosaur' fossil as Dimetrodon borealis, featuring distinctive blade-like teeth. The discovery sheds new light on the animal's relationship to mammals and dinosaurs, and provides insight into its evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateNov 24, 2015
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.