Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2015 - Page 378


Page 378 of 402

Detecting chemical weapons with a color-changing film

A new thin-film material rapidly changes color in response to chemical nerve agents, offering a potential solution for real-time detection of deadly CWAs. This innovation is based on a distinct color change, a technique that could help save lives and hold aggressors accountable.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateJan 28, 2015

Concentrating on word sounds helps reading instruction and intervention

A study by University at Buffalo psychologist Chris McNorgan suggests that phonics is crucial for helping identify words during reading. The results indicate that better readers are more sensitive to audio information, which can improve reading instruction and diagnosis of reading disorders such as dyslexia.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBrain and Language·DateJan 28, 2015
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.

Game theory explains social interactions of cancer cells

Researchers used game theory to model cooperation among cancer cells, finding that free-riding cells can outcompete producing ones. Computer simulations and experiments with pancreatic cancer cells validated the predictions, suggesting new insight into cancer dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2015

New method for identifying most aggressive childhood cancers

Scientists at Lund University have discovered a way to identify the most malignant tumours in children by studying genetic micro-variation. The study found that the degree of genetic variation between cells is linked to the severity of cancer in children, making it a potential marker for predicting treatment outcomes.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2015

No increase in complications of breast reconstruction over age 65, reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found no significant difference in overall complications between older and younger women undergoing breast reconstruction. However, the risk of blood clot-related complications was significantly higher in older women who underwent autologous reconstruction using their own tissues.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJan 28, 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.

UNC researcher co-leads effort to map genomic changes in head and neck cancer

A study led by a UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researcher identified genomic changes in head and neck cancers linked to the sexually transmitted disease HPV. The findings, published in Nature, may help lead to new therapies and identify markers for patients likely to respond to treatment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateJan 28, 2015

Long-necked 'dragon' discovered in China

A new species of long-necked dinosaur, Qijianglong, has been discovered in China with a remarkably lightweight neck and surprisingly stiff joints. The findings suggest that long-necked dinosaurs diversified uniquely in Asia during Jurassic times.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJan 28, 2015

Nanoscale mirrored cavities amplify, connect quantum memories

The team constructed tiny mirrors to trap light around impurity atoms in diamond crystals, increasing the efficiency of photon transmission. They demonstrated a spin-coherence time of over 200 microseconds, essential for quantum computing systems and long-range cryptographic networks.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 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.

Does getting an 'expensive' drug affect how much patient benefits?

A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that patients with Parkinson's disease experience improved motor skills when receiving an 'expensive' drug, even if it's just a placebo. The study suggests that harnessing the placebo response could enhance treatment benefits and reduce dosage needs.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 28, 2015

To reassure electric car buyers, combine battery leasing with better charging: INFORMS study

A new INFORMS study suggests that combining battery leasing with improved charging technology can alleviate range and resale anxieties, increasing electric vehicle adoption. The study finds that these combined models yield higher benefits than traditional ownership models, particularly in terms of emission savings and consumer surplus.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateJan 28, 2015

Chimps with higher-ranking moms do better in fights

A study of 12 years of observations of chimpanzee playground fights found that chimps with higher-ranking moms are more likely to win. However, the mothers did not intervene in most cases, letting their offspring fight their battles for themselves.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 28, 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.

Refineries challenge EPA plan to cut emissions

The EPA proposes stricter rules for refineries to reduce emissions, but industry groups dispute the environmental benefits, citing high costs. The EPA claims the revisions will improve air quality and public health in affected communities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 28, 2015

Demystifying nanocrystal solar cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a physical model explaining electron transport in nanocrystal solar cells, which could lead to improved efficiency. The model reveals that nanocrystal size can be controlled to optimize absorption of sunlight, enabling the creation of flexible and thin solar cells with higher performance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2015

Flame retardants linked to preterm birth

Pregnant women exposed to high levels of flame-retardants are more likely to deliver babies early, with over 15 million preterm births occurring annually worldwide. Researchers analyzed blood samples from pregnant women and found a correlation between flame-retardant chemicals and preterm birth.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Reproductive Immunology·DateJan 28, 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.

Schoolgirl comment points to antibiotics as new cancer treatments

Researchers have discovered a way to eradicate cancer stem cells using antibiotics, opening up the possibility of a new treatment for cancer. The study found that four types of antibiotics eradicated cancer stem cells in every test, including glioblastoma and other aggressive forms of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJan 28, 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.

No direct link found between rising inequality and reduced trust

A recent University of Luxembourg study analyzed European Social Survey data and found no direct link between income inequality and general trust. Key factors influencing trust include beliefs about a society's intrinsic values and perceptions of socio-economic events.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateJan 28, 2015

Beer compound could help fend off Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Researchers found that xanthohumol, a compound in hops, can protect neuronal cells from oxidative damage, potentially slowing the development of brain disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study suggests xanthohumol could be a promising candidate for fighting neurodegenerative conditions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 28, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When aid brings conflict, not relief

Research by University of Illinois economist Ben Crost found that aid to villages in the Philippines increased violence. The villages that qualified for aid saw a significant increase in violence, while those that didn't participate experienced less violence. This suggests that aid can inadvertently make communities vulnerable to attacks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJan 28, 2015

In Illinois, muskrats and minks harbor toxoplasmosis, a cat disease

A new study finds that muskrats and minks in central Illinois have high rates of toxoplasmosis, a parasite spread by cats. The researchers suspect tile drainage systems and lack of natural wetlands in the area are contributing to the disease's spread.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateJan 28, 2015

Some older cancer patients can avoid radiotherapy, study finds

A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that older women with early-stage hormone-receptor positive breast cancers who receive hormone treatment and surgery can safely omit radiotherapy. This group of patients is at low risk of cancer recurrence, making radiotherapy unnecessary.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 28, 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.

Long series of droughts doomed Mexican city 1,000 years ago

A University of California, Berkeley study reveals that a 650-year period of below-average rainfall led to the abandonment of Cantona, a major city in highland Mexico. Climate change is considered one of the major causes of the collapse.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2015

Joint international research project leads to a breakthrough in terahertz spectroscopy

A joint international research project has led to a breakthrough in terahertz spectroscopy, enabling the analysis of nanocrystals and molecules at extremely low concentrations. Researchers successfully increased technique sensitivity using nanoantennas, allowing for enhanced absorption and spectroscopic signature retrieval.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 28, 2015

To prevent new environmental disasters, China needs national conservation horizon scanning

A new study suggests that China should conduct national conservation horizon scanning to identify potential environmental problems that have not yet been noticed by society. This could help prevent large-scale environmental disasters, such as the serious haze caused by heavy air pollution in northern China and across the Yangtze River ...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 28, 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.

Fossil skull connects continents

A fossil skull discovered in Israel's Manot Cave provides strong evidence of the first modern human migration to Europe, dating back 55,000 years. The analysis reveals a close genetic relationship between ancient Europeans and modern humans from Africa, challenging previous theories about the origins of European modern humans.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJan 28, 2015

Dutch babies trump US peers in laughing, smiling, cuddling

A new study found that Dutch babies laugh, smile, and cuddle more than their US counterparts. US infants were typically more active and vocal, while Dutch babies demonstrated greater expressions of happiness during routine activities and were easier to calm when upset.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateJan 28, 2015

Child maltreatment not a clear path to adult crime

A recent study finds that childhood maltreatment is linked to adult crime, but this effect disappears when accounting for socioeconomic status and later life factors. Protective experiences like high school graduation and marriage can significantly reduce an individual's risk of crime.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJan 28, 2015

Dartmouth investigators conduct systematic testing of deimmunized biotherapeutic agents

The Dartmouth team created a systematic testing platform to analyze deimmunized protein design space. Their analysis revealed that experimentally measured molecular fitness mapped closely onto the computational design space for 18 deimmunized drug candidates, demonstrating potential to predict and design tradeoffs between immunogenicit...

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 28, 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.

NASA measured nor'easter's powerful winds from space

The ISS-RapidScat instrument provided forecasters with wind speed data on the hurricane-force nor'easter. The storm brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions to the Northeast region, with sustained winds reaching up to 35 meters per second (78.2 mph/126 kph).

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 28, 2015

NASA engineer advances new daytime star tracker

A NASA engineer is developing a low-cost, off-the-shelf solution to track stars during the day, enabling science operations through the day. The precision attitude sensor uses near-infrared wavelength bands and cameras with filtering capabilities to process data in real-time.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 28, 2015

Mobile apps take students into the laboratory

Researchers developed mobile applications that allow students to interact with real laboratory equipment, promoting deeper learning and engagement. The apps have been shown to be effective for students with special needs and can accommodate multiple simultaneous connections.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalIEEE Control Systems·DateJan 28, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Smothered oceans

A study from the University of California, Davis reveals extreme oxygen loss in oceans around 10,000-17,000 years ago, coinciding with past global climate change. The findings suggest that modern oceans are moving into a state with no precedent in human history.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 28, 2015

Did genetic links to modern maladies provide ancient benefits?

A study discovered that genetic variations associated with psoriasis and Crohn's disease are extremely old, predating the evolution of Neanderthals. The research suggests that these genetic features may have played a role in the health and survival of our ancient ancestors.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 28, 2015

The electric eye of Cyclone Bansi

Astronauts on ISS captured stunning night image of Cyclone Bansi in January 2015, revealing brilliant lightning around its eye. The cyclone reached category 4 strength before weakening into an extra-tropical system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 28, 2015

Nordic marine scientists push for way forward

Nordic scientists emphasize the need for collaborative approach to address complex ocean changes. The region's oceans are highly sensitive to environmental shifts, with increased temperatures, acidification, and retreating sea ice posing significant challenges.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 28, 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.

New protein detonates 'invincible' bacteria from within

Researchers at Tel Aviv University identified a novel protein capable of targeting and inhibiting the activity of a protein essential to bacterial cells. This discovery may strengthen efforts to combat antibiotic-resistant infections and presents a potential breakthrough in the fight against superbugs.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2015

The 2 faces of Mars

A massive celestial object impacted Mars, generating a magma ocean that solidified into the mountainous highlands of the southern hemisphere. This event, occurring around 4-15 million years after Mars' formation, is believed to have triggered volcanic activity and changed the planet's magnetic field.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 28, 2015

Results of sun-safety mobile app featured in 2 studies, 1 editorial

A smartphone app improved some sun protection behaviors, including increased shade use and combined use of all sun protection behaviors. However, there was no significant difference in sunburns between groups. Strategies to increase mobile app usage are needed for effective deployment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJan 28, 2015

New hypertension guidelines could save lives and money

Full implementation of new guidelines could prevent 56,000 cardiovascular disease events and 13,000 deaths annually, with cost-effectiveness found in treating stage 1 hypertension for some patients. Treating women ages 35-44 with stage 1 hypertension without CVD may not be cost-effective.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 28, 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.

New cells may help treat diabetes

Scientists at the University of Iowa created human insulin-producing cells that respond to glucose and correct blood-sugar levels in diabetic mice. The findings may represent a step toward developing patient-specific cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 28, 2015

Manchester United's rising stars revolutionize heart health

A unique research project is using Manchester United's Academy players to investigate the effects of exercise on young hearts. The study aims to identify healthy limits and benefits of exercise for elite athletes, normal children, and those with congenital heart defects.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateJan 28, 2015

Damaged DNA may stall patrolling molecule to initiate repair

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that damaged DNA can cause a molecule to slow down its patrol, giving it more time to recognize and initiate repair. The protein XPC, important for DNA repair, stalls at damaged sites due to twisted damage, allowing it to open and fix the damage.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2015

Ocean acidification changes balance of biofouling communities

A new study reveals how tiny marine organisms that attach to ships' hulls and rocks respond to ocean acidification. The research found that certain species, such as sea squirts and sponges, increase in number, while others, like hard shell worms, decline significantly.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 28, 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.