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Science News Archive 2015


Page 362 of 402

Nationwide study reports shifts in Americans' use of natural products

A nationally representative survey shows that natural product use in the US has shifted since 2007, with some products becoming more popular and others falling out of favor. Fish oil was the top natural product among adults, while melatonin saw a significant increase in use among children.

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.

Low vitamin D predicts more severe strokes, poor health post-stroke

Research found that patients with low vitamin D levels suffered larger areas of dead tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply compared to those with normal levels. Additionally, a 10 ng/mL reduction in vitamin D level was associated with a decreased chance for healthy recovery after stroke

UC San Diego/SDSC study advances brain cancer research

Researchers at UC San Diego identified a pyramid hierarchical network of coherent gene modules that regulate glioblastoma genes, involved in highly aggressive brain cancer. This finding informs a strategy to elucidate these modules and identify new drug therapies.

Carbon release from ocean helped end the Ice Age

A study published in Nature shows that a release of carbon dioxide from the deep Southern Ocean helped bring an end to the last Ice Age. The finding provides insight into how oceanic carbon storage affects climate change.

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.

Long-term changes in dead wood reveal new forest dynamics

A study in California's Sierra Nevada region found a nine-fold increase in standing dead trees and nearly three times more logs on the ground, but smaller and more decayed pieces. This shift poses a challenge for forest managers, who must balance habitat value with fire hazard reduction.

Austrian-born cancer researcher honored by the Vilcek Foundation

Franziska Michor's research combines evolutionary biology, mathematics, and clinical research to better understand cancer genesis and treatments. Her work has furnished a precise understanding of drug resistance and led to the development of novel cancer treatment regimens.

Order matters: Sequence of genetic mutations determines how cancer behaves

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that the order of genetic mutations acquired determines how cancer behaves. The study found that patients who acquire mutations in JAK2 prior to those in TET2 are more likely to develop a severe red blood cell disease subtype and suffer from blood clots.

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.

Terrible at remembering names? Blame it on the music, not the memory

A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology found that music can impair the memory of older adults when trying to remember names. The researchers tested participants' ability to associate faces with names in silence and while listening to background music, discovering a 10% decline in performance among older adults.

A new species of hummingbird?

A new species of hummingbird has been discovered in the Bahamas, characterized by its distinctive lyre-tailed plumage and unique courtship displays. Genetic analysis reveals that the two subspecies diverged around 400,000 to 1 million years ago.

Better how-to videos

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University developed a new system called Crowdy that recruits viewers to create subgoal labels for educational videos. The system improves video annotations by leveraging crowdsourcing, reducing costs to $1 per minute, and enhancing learner retention and satisfaction.

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute awards more than $460,000 to community projects

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute awarded $462,656 to 17 projects statewide to address community-identified needs and decrease the impact of cancer on Oregonians. The funded projects focus on preventing tobacco use among youth, increasing colorectal cancer screening, and developing skin cancer prevention programs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

VLA finds unexpected 'storm' at galaxy's core

Astronomers found a supermassive black hole actively heating and blasting gas in the galaxy J1430+1339, transforming it into an elliptical-type galaxy devoid of gas. The VLA observations revealed powerful jets and winds that remove or destroy raw material needed for star formation.

Protein controls both alcohol craving and organ damage

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a protein called RGS6 that controls both alcohol craving and organ damage. The team found that inhibiting RGS6 could represent a new approach to counteract alcohol dependence and protect against cell-killing actions of alcohol.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New study 'game-changer' for stroke treatment worldwide

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a dramatic improvement in restoring blood flow to the brain after adding stent thrombectomy to standard clot-dissolving therapy. The new treatment restores blood flow to 89% of patients, with 71% returning to independent living.

Novel basic science news tip sheet

Researchers found that aged mice developed more severe intestinal permeability and bacterial infections after stroke, leading to higher mortality rates. In contrast, social isolation improved recovery in aged mice by reducing inflammation and enhancing brain function.

Automatic Whale Detector, version 1.0

The new system, developed by NOAA scientists, can track individual whales and increase the sample size of the population count. This allows for more accurate estimates of population size and helps conservation efforts.

Mainz researchers identify novel factor involved in autophagy

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz identified RAB3GAP complex as a key factor in autophagy, a process that breaks down cellular proteins and organelles. This discovery may enable innovative approaches to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Wikipedia use -- nothing to be ashamed about

A study by Monash University found that while seven in eight students use Wikipedia, it's not considered the most useful education resource. Academics and universities should integrate Wikipedia into teaching and learning to support students' scholarship.

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.

Diabetes drug spurs host defense

Researchers found that pioglitazone enhances ROS production in white blood cells, killing difficult-to-treat pathogens. This finding demonstrates a relevant contribution to host defense in mouse and cellular models of chronic granulomatous disease.

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.

Revolutionary new probe zooms in on cancer cells

Researchers at McGill University developed a powerful new intraoperative probe for detecting cancer cells in real time during surgery. The Raman spectroscopy probe has a greater than 92% accuracy in identifying invasive brain cancers, and its use may improve patient outcomes by reducing cancer recurrence and extending survival times.

Making a better wound dressing -- with fish skin

Scientists develop nanofibers from tilapia collagen and apply them to rat wounds, resulting in faster healing times and no immune reactions. The study suggests fish collagen could be a viable alternative for wound treatment, reducing the risk of transmitting diseases.

Want to save the planet? Neighbors better allies than family

A recent study by University of Vermont researchers reveals that socializing with neighbors is linked to a set of environmental behaviors, including buying chemical-free fruits and vegetables, conserving water and energy, and driving less. Generalized trust in others also plays a crucial role in promoting eco-friendly habits.

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.

Researchers find new therapy benefits stroke patients

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that endovascular treatment can dramatically improve patient outcomes after an acute ischemic stroke, increasing positive outcomes from 30% to 55%. The treatment resulted in a 50% reduction in deaths and restored blood flow to the brain.

Berkeley Lab researchers at AAAS

Researchers from Berkeley Lab presented on severe weather events in a changing climate, novel technologies for exploring uncultivated microorganisms, and future of accelerators. They also discussed battery innovations and what to expect from the LHC's second run.

Plant extract fights brain tumor

A novel, non-invasive treatment strategy for Cushing Disease has been discovered using silibinin from milk thistle seeds. The active compound binds to heat shock protein 90, allowing glucocorticoid receptor molecules to dissolve and restore normal ACTH production.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study finds new lethal combination of cancer drugs shrinks tumors

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and University of Waterloo have discovered a new lethal combination of cancer drugs that can shrink tumors and extend the survival of mice with cancer. The study found that targeting specific protein Hck can kill transitioning cells between non-Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) and CSCs.

Novel high-power microwave generator

A new study by scientists from Bangladesh explores the viability of a novel structure for generating high-power microwaves, offering an alternative to traditional approaches. The proposed semi-circular slow wave structure is capable of producing high-power microwaves via ultra-high-frequency radio waves.

Minds at attention: Military and mindfulness

A University of Miami study found that short-form mindfulness meditation training reduces attentional lapses and mind wandering, enhancing cognitive resilience in military personnel. This technique can be beneficial for civilians in demanding professions as well.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Why sleep has restorative effects

Research reveals that sleep plays a crucial role in removing toxic waste from the brain by increasing fluid flow and clearance of neurotoxic waste products. The glymphatic system, responsible for this process, is most active during sleep, suggesting the necessity of sleep for maintaining a healthy brain environment.

Improving end-of-life care: Lessons from 40 years of work

After 40 years of work, experts conclude that securing individual rights, improving caregiving relationships, and reforming healthcare systems are crucial to advancing end-of-life care. Strategies include training clinicians in communication skills, designing systemic improvements, and enacting financing reforms.

New technology could help patients make better decisions on care

A new electronic model developed by McMaster University researchers aims to revolutionize shared decision-making in doctor's offices. The SHARE-IT decision aids provide simple formats for patients to review medical information and evidence, promoting meaningful conversations between patients and doctors.

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.

Mobile stroke units improve response times, outcomes for patients

Researchers report improved diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients with Mobile Stroke Treatment Units, reducing median alarm-to-CT scan completion times by 41 minutes. The units provide pre-hospital evaluation and treatment, allowing for earlier clot-busting medication administration and better outcomes.

New research sheds light on defense systems of the human body

A new discovery by scientists at the University of Turku reveals a key role for the plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP) in regulating the transport of proteins and migration of white blood cells into lymph nodes. The findings provide insights into rapid defence responses in the human immune system.

Optic nerve may help predict stroke patient death risk

A new study presents a non-invasive test using optic nerve ultrasound to measure sheath thickness, which can help identify acute stroke patients at high risk of dying within days or months. The findings suggest that larger nerve sheath measurements are associated with increased death risk and disability six months later.

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.

Carbon release from ocean helped end the Ice Age

A recent study published in Nature found that carbon stored in an isolated reservoir deep in the Southern Ocean re-connected with the atmosphere, driving a rise in atmospheric CO2 and global temperatures. This process is crucial in understanding how the ocean affects the carbon cycle and climate change.

How does evolution work?

Researchers investigate plant molecular structures for climate adaptation, discovering novel pathways subject to natural selection. The project sheds light on convergent evolution and potential applications in ecology and agriculture.

A novel solar CPV/CSP hybrid system was proposed by researchers at NCEPU

Researchers at NCEPU propose a novel solar CPV/CSP hybrid system that combines electricity generation with heat utilization. The system improves overall solar-to-electricity efficiency by increasing the useful peripheral low-concentration radiation, resulting in high-efficiency solar power generation.

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.

'Drink less' campaigns should focus on why and how

A new study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that university students who focused on the benefits of abstaining from alcohol reduced their overall drinking levels. Participants who imagined strategies for non-drinking also reported fewer binge drinking episodes and more favorable perceptions of non-drinkers.

Research finds 15-fold increase in newborn opioid withdrawal in Ontario

A study published in CMAJ Open found that the incidence of newborn opioid withdrawal increased 15-fold in Ontario between 1992 and 2011, with most babies born to mothers who were legally prescribed opioids. The shift from other opioids to methadone before delivery was associated with higher rates of premature birth and low birth weight.

New device improves healing of some ruptured aneurysms

Researchers have developed a new device that significantly improves healing of small ruptured brain aneurysms. The HydroCoil device combines a gel-like substance with a platinum coil, allowing it to expand and block blood flow to the aneurysm, reducing recurrence rates by up to 70% compared to standard treatment.