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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 37


Page 37 of 402

New open-access data on paleofloods

Researchers have developed a new approach to recover flood frequency and magnitude data from temperate lakes, providing new sources of paleohydrological information. The study uses sediment dynamics to establish relationships between river discharge and deposit preservation, helping model and mitigate future flood risk.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateNov 24, 2015

Rice wins $2.4 million to study many-antenna wireless

The research aims to investigate the feasibility of using many-antenna base stations to serve multiple users simultaneously, addressing scalability and interference issues. By leveraging ArgosNet, a custom-built experimental test bed, the team will advance MIMO technology to meet the 1,000x data challenge in 5G networks.

SourceRice University·DateNov 24, 2015
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.

Identifying new sources of turbulence in spherical tokamaks

Researchers at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have modeled new sources of turbulence in spherical tokamaks, a potential game-changer for fusion energy. The findings suggest that keeping non-uniform plasma flows within an optimized level and reducing trapped electron collisions could improve plasma confinement.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateNov 24, 2015

Inkjet hologram printing now possible

Researchers at ITMO University have developed a method for producing vivid holographic images using an ordinary inkjet printer. The new technique uses colorless ink made of nanocrystalline titania, which can be deposited on special microembossed paper to create unique patterned images.

SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 24, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Annabelle dying bursts

Tropical Cyclone Annabelle was characterized by strong winds and high sea surface temperatures, but adverse conditions led to its demise. The storm's maximum sustained winds decreased to 35 knots on Nov. 24, indicating a lack of lift in the system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 24, 2015

NASA's Operation IceBridge completes twin polar campaigns

Operation IceBridge collected critical data on Arctic sea ice and Antarctic glaciers, revealing significant glacier losses in the Antarctic Peninsula. The mission also provided essential measurements for calibrating satellite data and validating numerical models of ice sheet gains and losses.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 24, 2015

NASA's GPM finds extreme rainfall in Typhoon In-fa

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found extreme rainfall rates of over 266 mm/h in Typhoon In-fa, driven by powerful convective thunderstorms. The satellite's Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar instrument provided detailed insights into the storm's structure and intensity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·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.

Safety last?

A study by Cornell researchers found that consumers tend to ignore food safety risks if they conflict with their preferred products, rather than changing their behavior. The study showed that risk information alone is not enough to get consumers to alter their behavior.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalCanadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d agroeconomie·DateNov 24, 2015

Plant defense as a biotech tool

Scientists at Austrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology discover a new enzyme in white rabbit's foot fern with high activity, enabling efficient recycling of cyanide wastes. The breakthrough opens doors for industrial applications in crop protection and repellent production.

SourceAustrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB)·JournalCurrent Biotechnology·DateNov 24, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Exploring the physics of a chocolate fountain

The study, published in European Journal of Physics, uses classic work on 'water bells' to explain why the falling curtain of chocolate pulls inwards. Surface tension is the primary force responsible for this phenomenon.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEuropean Journal of Physics·DateNov 24, 2015

Sniff and track or run and scan?

Research by Urvashi Bhattacharyya and Upinder Bhalla found that rats used a 'run-and-scan' approach to locate targets, scanning across options before selecting the correct one. This strategy outperformed 'tracking' in familiar environments with known paths to food.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournaleNeuro·DateNov 24, 2015

Tracking down the 'missing' carbon from the Martian atmosphere

Researchers propose a photochemical process that could have evolved the Martian atmosphere without creating excess carbon. The mechanism, which involves ultraviolet photodissociation, enriched carbon-13 in the atmosphere, resolving the long-standing issue of 'missing' carbon.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2015

The corn snake genome sequenced for the first time

The corn snake genome has been sequenced for the first time, providing valuable insights into reptile evolution and genetic diversity. The study aims to understand how snakes lost their limbs and developed various skin colorations, shedding light on the evolutionary processes that shaped these animals.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 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.

Stored fat fights against the body's attempts to lose weight

A study published in Nature Communication found that a protein called sLR11 acts to inhibit thermogenesis, or heat production, in fat cells, making it harder for the body to burn excess fat. This protein is produced by fat cells and increases with total fat mass, suggesting its role in storing energy over long periods.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2015

Stretch the new flex for programmable rubber keyboard

Scientists at the University of Auckland have created a soft, flexible, and stretchable keyboard using dielectric elastomers. The keyboard can flex and stretch, recovering from drops and impacts, making it ideal for various applications such as gaming and motion capture.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateNov 24, 2015

Volcanic rocks hold clues to Earth's interior

Researchers at Arizona State University propose a model of mantle dynamics involving plumes that transport chemically distinct material to the surface, explaining variability in ocean island basalts. This study provides insights into Earth's interior composition and evolution, as well as potential links to habitable planet formation.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2015

Better detection of concussion in young football players

Researchers at the University of Montreal have developed a new, non-invasive approach to detect concussions in young football players. The method uses a dual-task assessment and markerless motion capture system to establish a unique profile for each player in just seven minutes.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateNov 24, 2015

Umbilical cells help eye's neurons connect

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that umbilical cord tissue-derived cells produce molecules that promote the growth, connection, and survival of retinal neurons. The study identifies thrombospondins as key players in this process, with potential therapeutic applications for degenerative eye diseases.

SourceDuke University·DateNov 24, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate-friendly rice recognized as a top science development of 2015

Scientists have created a climate-friendly rice variety that reduces methane emissions by up to 99% compared to traditional rice. The new rice type grows in a way that minimizes the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and also increases biomass, leading to more food.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateNov 24, 2015

PMS as an early marker for future high blood pressure risk

A prospective study of 1,257 women with PMS and 2,463 symptom-free controls found a 40% higher risk of developing high blood pressure over 20 years among those with moderate-to-severe PMS symptoms. Women with PMS were also more likely to develop hypertension before age 40, with a three-fold increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 24, 2015

Use of antivirals in retrovirus-infected cats

The article reviews the use of antivirals in managing retrovirus-infected cats, with a focus on feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Best practice recommendations are presented for treatment regimens that may include zidovudine, plerixafor, or feline interferon omega.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateNov 24, 2015

Earth's magnetic field is not about to flip

New measurements suggest the Earth's magnetic field is trending back to its long-term average intensity, contrary to predictions of a potential flip. The research uses advanced analysis techniques to re-evaluate paleointensity data, finding a 60% decrease in the field's strength over the past 5 million years.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2015

Study finds higher risks for babies born at the weekend

Babies born in English NHS hospitals at the weekend have a higher risk of death within seven days and increased rates of other complications. Researchers estimated around 770 newborn deaths and 470 maternal infections per year above expected levels if performance was consistent across different days of the week.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 24, 2015
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.

NASA study suggests carbon content of temperate forests overestimated

A new NASA study finds that the carbon content of temperate US forests is likely overestimated by 70%, due to a sampling bias in measuring tree height and biomass. Researchers used lidar technology to analyze millions of trees, providing more accurate estimates of forest carbon storage.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2015

Republicans prefer politicians with deep voices

New research from Aarhus University found that conservative voters prefer strong leaders with deep voices, while liberal voters prefer more gentle features. This study challenges the idea that voters carefully weigh pros and cons when making decisions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateNov 24, 2015

Study shows increase in infant deaths attributed to crib bumpers

A recent study found a significant increase in infant deaths and injuries caused by crib bumpers, with 48 deaths specifically attributed to the bedding accessory between 1985-2012. The researchers recommend a nationwide ban on crib bumpers due to their role in suffocation and strangulation incidents.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateNov 24, 2015

Study identifies genetic risk for hyperinflammatory disorder from viral infection

Researchers identified genetic risk factors for a deadly hyperinflammatory disorder triggered by viral infections in susceptible individuals. The study found that people with certain gene mutations may be prone to the disorder, known as reactive HLH or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 24, 2015

NIH-sponsored clinical trial of chikungunya vaccine opens

A Phase 2 clinical trial is underway to test a chikungunya vaccine in 400 healthy adult volunteers. The trial aims to assess the safety and immune response of the vaccine, which has shown promising results in previous studies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 24, 2015
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.

The silence of the genes

A team of scientists has identified a key segment of DNA involved in the genomic imprinting process, which regulates gene expression based on an individual's parental origin. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying imprinting disorders and may lead to breakthroughs in understanding genetic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalDevelopment·DateNov 24, 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.

Investigational drug may prevent life-threatening muscle loss in advanced cancers

A preclinical study finds that AR-42, an HDAC inhibitor, preserves muscle health and function while stopping life-threatening muscle wasting associated with advanced cancers. The experimental agent was shown to have a strong protective effect against tumor-associated muscle wasting in two preclinical models.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 24, 2015

Winter season reverses outcome of fruit fly reproduction

Researchers found that winter hibernation reverses the typical sperm competition outcome in fruit flies. In cold temperatures, only the first male fathered most of the offspring, while subsequent males had little to no success. This discovery could impact pest control strategies and understanding of sperm storage.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateNov 24, 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.

Scientists identify promising new melanoma drug

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a promising new melanoma drug, SBI-756. The compound targets the translation initiation complex and has been shown to inhibit melanoma cell growth. SBI-756 may offer a significant advantage in overcoming tumor resistance.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 24, 2015

Neurological underpinnings of schizophrenia just as complex as the disorder itself

A new study maps specific schizophrenia symptoms to distinct brain circuits, revealing novel connections between cognitive, emotional, and intellectual symptoms. The findings have important implications for diagnosis and treatment, suggesting that brain scans could help identify individual patients and track progress during therapy.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalMolecular Neuropsychiatry·DateNov 24, 2015

Leatherback sea turtles choose nest sites carefully, study finds

A new study reveals that female leatherback sea turtles choose nest sites based on sand pH and conductivity levels, with slightly higher pH and milder conductivity being preferred. This knowledge will aid in protecting the species' nesting habitat and boost ecotourism incentives.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery·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.

No substantive evidence for 'pause' in global warming, study finds

Researchers at the University of Bristol examined 40 peer-reviewed articles on the 'hiatus' in global warming and found inconsistent definitions and no consistent pattern. The study concluded that using terms like 'pause' or 'hiatus' creates hazards for the public and scientific community, as they imply global warming has stopped.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2015

Subsolid lung nodules pose greater cancer risk to women than men

A new study found that women with subsolid lung nodules have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than men. The study, which reviewed CT scans from the National Lung Screening Trial, discovered that women with ground-glass nodules had a significantly higher relative risk of lung cancer.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 24, 2015

New treatment potential for heart attack sufferers

A study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that mildly elevated levels of bilirubin, a bile pigment, can reduce damage and improve heart function during recovery from a heart attack. Higher levels of bilirubin have also been shown to protect the circulation from oxidative damage.

SourceGriffith University·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·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.

Millions of women severely undernourished in low- and middle-income countries

A new study found that over 18 million women in low- and middle-income countries are severely undernourished, with poor women and those with limited education being disproportionately affected. The prevalence of severe adult undernutrition has remained steady or increased in most countries over the past two decades.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateNov 24, 2015

Gut microbes signal to the brain when they're full

Researchers found that gut bacteria produce proteins that stimulate the release of satiety hormones and activate neurons that reduce appetite. This discovery suggests that gut microbiota play a role in controlling appetite and satiety.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 24, 2015

Native Americans have decreased access to kidney transplants

A new study reveals that Native Americans have decreased access to kidney transplants, leading to higher mortality rates on the waiting list. The study found that while short-term outcomes were similar, Native Americans experienced worse long-term survival outcomes compared to whites.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 24, 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.

Study: Paying for transgender health care cost-effective

A new analysis suggests that paying for sex reassignment surgery and hormones is actually cost-effective, with costs comparable to treatment for depression and substance abuse. Providing health care benefits to transgender people makes economic sense, improving quality of life without a huge financial impact on society.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 24, 2015

Chemical design made easier

Rice University scientists have developed a metal-free process to synthesize dozens of organocatalysts, which promise to speed up the making of novel chemicals, including drugs. The new tools eliminate the need for transition metals and simplify chemical processes.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 24, 2015

Harnessing a peptide holds promise for increasing crop yields without more fertilizer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a key molecule in nitrogen-fixing bacteria that may hold promise for improving crop yields without increasing fertilizer use. The discovery of the 'double agent' peptide could be a key factor in future efforts to improve legume crops and promote sustainable farming practices.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2015
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.