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Science News Archive 2015


Page 363 of 402

Early retina cell changes in glaucoma identified

Researchers identified structural features and cell types in the retina that may act as key factors in glaucoma progression. Within seven days of elevated eye pressure, some retinal ganglion cells underwent significant rearrangements, such as reductions in number and length of dendritic branches.

Apes prefer the glass half full

A Duke University study found that chimpanzees and bonobos prefer the glass half full when presented with a choice between two snacks. The apes were more likely to choose fruit over nuts when framed as a prize rather than a penalty, regardless of equal average payoffs.

Unraveling the complex web of global food trade

A new study sheds light on nutrition, land use, and water security dimensions of global food trade. The research reveals that more than one-fifth of calories grown in farm fields are traded, requiring about 20% of the world's croplands.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lab-in-a-box takes aim at doctors' computer activity

The Lab-in-a-Box system tracks a doctor's behavior during consultations with patients, analyzing their interactions with electronic medical records. The goal is to provide insights on how to run medical practices more efficiently, while minimizing distractions from screen time.

Feeling ducky

Researchers have identified ducks as an ideal model organism to study the cellular mechanisms of mechanosensation, a complex process involving sensory neurons. The study reveals that ducks have highly specialized trigeminal ganglion neurons that are capable of converting force into excitation more efficiently than other birds and mammals.

Heating targeted cancer drugs increases uptake in tumor cells

Researchers at the University of Manchester developed heat-activated liposomes with antibody targeting capabilities, showing improved drug delivery to tumour tissue in mice. The combination approach resulted in a moderate improvement in animal survival, offering potential for novel targeted drug delivery strategies.

CU researchers find link in how cells start process necessary for life

Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered an RNA structure-based signal that bridges evolutionary divergence between bacteria and eukaryotes, enabling protein synthesis. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about the molecular signals initiating protein synthesis in these distinct life forms.

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.

A gene that shaped the evolution of Darwin's finches

Researchers identified a gene influencing beak shape in Galápagos finches, which varied among individuals within species. This finding highlights the genetic basis for evolution and natural selection, shedding new light on how species diverge over time.

Birth of a star quartet

An international team of astrophysicists has witnessed the formation of a quadruple star system, consisting of a young star and three gas clouds that will develop into stars in 40,000 years. The system is unstable and prone to interference due to its multiple members.

Does illness make people lonely?

A Concordia University study found that chronic illness is often accompanied by feelings of loneliness, even in people with long-term partners. The research suggests that self-protective strategies can reduce stress and prevent feelings of loneliness.

Higher mortality risk in individuals with mental health disorders

A meta-analysis of 203 articles from 29 countries found that individuals with mental health disorders have a relative risk of mortality 2.22 times higher than the comparison population. The majority of deaths among people with mental health disorders are due to natural causes, with a median potential life lost of 10 years.

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.

UH team works to help patients with Down syndrome see better

A team of UH College of Optometry researchers aims to improve the vision of individuals with Down syndrome using computer-simulated prescribing strategies. The study, funded by the National Eye Institute, hopes to demonstrate improved visual acuity with new prescription methods that consider optical distortions in the eyes.

One-two punch catches cancer cells in vulnerable state

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that targeting cancer cells immediately after chemotherapy can make them more vulnerable to treatment. The 'one-two punch' approach involves administering two drugs simultaneously or sequentially, increasing the effectiveness of cancer therapy.

Nationwide survey reveals widespread use of mind and body practices

A large nationally representative survey shows that the number of Americans using mind and body approaches to improve health and well-being remains high. The survey highlights a significant increase in yoga usage, with nearly double the number from 2002, as well as notable increases in meditation and chiropractic use.

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.

Evolution of the Darwin's finches and their beaks

A team of scientists has sequenced 120 birds to study the evolutionary history of Darwin's finches and identified a gene associated with beak shape variation. The research reveals that hybridization between species played a critical role in shaping the genetic diversity of these iconic birds.

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.

Brain's GPS system influenced by shape of environment

Research at University College London reveals that grid cells in the brain modify their patterns based on the environment's geometry. The study found that grid patterns align with the local environment and distort in trapezoid-shaped spaces, challenging previous theories about the brain's navigation system.

Carbon release from ocean helped end Ice Age

Researchers found that a massive release of carbon dioxide from the ocean during the last ice age warmed the planet and ended the glacial period. The study, published in Nature, suggests that natural variations in atmospheric carbon dioxide are linked to carbon stored in oceans.

New research: Malaria parasites unlikely to jump from animals to humans

A new study led by University of Maryland School Medicine researcher Joana C. Silva found that five common Plasmodium species have not changed which animals they infect for at least 3 million years. This suggests that host switching by malaria-causing parasites is not a common event on an evolutionary time scale.

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.

Love online is about being real, not perfect

Researchers found that people prefer online profiles highlighting a potential partner's success and humility, with specific details about their life. This approach balances presenting the best version of oneself while avoiding exaggerations.

Stroke patients receiving better, more timely care

A new study published at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference found that 1 in 4 acute ischemic stroke patients treated with tPA were transferred quickly to certified stroke centers. The study suggests that these transfers may lead to improved patient outcomes, as time is brain in stroke care.

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.

UH psychology professor wins prestigous research prize

Arturo Hernandez, a University of Houston developmental psychology professor, has received the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award for his groundbreaking work on how the brain processes language. His research has significant implications for teaching and learning multiple languages, including second languages.

Bacterial armor holds clues for self-assembling nanostructures

A new study by Berkeley Lab reveals how calcium ions trigger the folding and binding of S-layer protein nanosheets, enabling the self-assembly of complex two- and three-dimensional structures. The findings have potential applications in creating nanostructured arrays for various materials.

Scientists take first X-ray portraits of living bacteria at the LCLS

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have developed a technique to rapidly explore, sort, and analyze samples with high-resolution X-ray imaging. This method enables the study of viral infections, cell division, and photosynthesis in unprecedented detail, and has the potential to revolutionize biology research.

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.

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.

Lower systolic blood pressure reduces risk of stroke

A new study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to below 140 mm Hg significantly reduces the risk of stroke in people over 60, with especially high risks for Hispanics and blacks. The study also highlights the importance of targeting this group with specific treatment guidelines.

Epilepsy drug could aid stroke victims

A study found that retigabine, an epilepsy drug, protected the brain against ischemic stroke damage in mouse models. The medication acted directly on nerve cells to minimize damage, showing protective effects up to five days after the stroke.

What makes the feather soar

Research reveals that the variety and adaptability of interlocking protein building blocks make up the feather's success. Birds have dozens of smaller variations within each type of brick, represented by the many differing copy numbers in their gene.

Better batteries inspired by lowly snail shells

Researchers at UMBC isolated a peptide that binds strongly to lithium manganese nickel oxide, improving the potential power and stability of electrode materials. The peptides can latch onto nanoscale components, forming a bridge between conductive components and maintaining a connection through multiple charging cycles.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Astronomers catch multiple-star system in first stages of formation

Scientists have observed a multiple-star system in its early stages of formation, with three dense condensations that will collapse into stars in just 40,000 years. The system is expected to form a stable triple-star system, with the fourth star potentially leaving the system soon.

Fluorescing food dyes as probes to improve food quality

Researchers found that fluorescent properties of edible food colors increase with the viscosity of surrounding fluids, suggesting they could act as embedded sensors for food's physical consistency. This could provide a less invasive and more accurate way to test food quality, potentially revealing changes in spoilage or consistency.

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.

When is a Pollock not a Pollock?

A machine vision approach has demonstrated 93% accuracy in spotting true Pollocks, verifying the authenticity of Jackson Pollock's drip paintings. The software, developed by Lior Shamir, analyzes numerical image descriptors and quantifies details at the pixel level to reveal specific features and textures unique to Pollock's style.

Caution concerning the possible health benefits of alcohol

Research suggests that any potential health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption may only apply to women over 65, and even then, the evidence is limited. High alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 conditions and costs £55bn annually in England.

Researchers investigate the communications behind swarming

Researchers investigate the communications behind swarming behavior using a combination of robotic replicas and live zebrafish, shedding light on the complex information flow within animal groups. The study's findings have implications for behavioral brain research and neuropsychobiology.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Geoengineering report: Scientists urge more research on climate intervention

A National Research Council committee recommends exploring CO2 removal strategies, while cautioning against sunlight-reflecting tactics due to environmental and health risks. The committee calls for increased research into all climate intervention possibilities to address the urgent need to limit greenhouse gas emissions.