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Science News Archive 2015


Page 385 of 402

Rare neurological disease shines light on health of essential nerve cells

Researchers have made breakthrough discoveries in understanding Pelizaeus Merzbacher disease (PMD), a devastating neurological condition. The study found that myelin-producing cells are still active and can be stimulated to produce more myelin, potentially leading to new treatments for PMD and multiple sclerosis patients.

NYU researchers develop new assessment tool to combat oral-systemic disease

The Interprofessional Oral Health Grant Team at NYU College of Nursing introduces the HEENOT approach, a comprehensive examination that includes oral cavity assessment. This method is expected to increase interprofessional oral health workforce capacity and improve oral-systemic health across the lifespan.

You are what you eat -- How gut bacteria affect brain health

Research explores how gut bacteria influence brain activity, sleep, stress responses, and disease development. The human microbiome's role in brain function is a growing area of study, with potential therapeutic applications through dietary modification.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enzymes believed to promote cancer actually suppress tumors

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered that enzymes believed to promote cancer actually suppress tumors. Correcting a loss-of-function PKC mutation in colon cancer cells reduced tumor growth in mouse models, demonstrating normal PKC activity inhibits cancer.

Key factor discovered in the formation of metastases in melanoma

A team of researchers identified a key epigenetic factor EZH2 that plays a central role in controlling tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma. The study found that suppressing EZH2 activity can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, offering new hope for cancer treatment.

Family voices and stories speed coma recovery

A Northwestern University study found that family members sharing familiar stories with coma patients who wore headphones recovered consciousness faster and had improved outcomes. This 'familiar auditory sensory training' stimulated the brain's memory circuits, helping patients wake up more easily and respond to their environment.

Early human ancestors used their hands like modern humans

Early human ancestors, such as Australopithecus africanus, used human-like hand postures for forceful precision and power gripping 3-2 million years ago. This discovery supports archaeological evidence for stone tool use among fossil australopiths.

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.

Rediscovering a culture of health

A recent study found that communities with higher levels of Indigenous language knowledge and cultural continuity have significantly lower diabetes rates, contrary to expectations. The research suggests that reconnecting Aboriginal Canadians to their cultural roots may be a crucial factor in addressing the epidemic of modern times.

Mammalian heart regenerative capacity depends on severity of injury

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that neonatal mouse hearts can fully recover normal function after mild injury but fail to regenerate after severe injury. The study suggests that cardiac regeneration strategies should be tailored to the type and severity of heart injury.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Cell's recycling team helps sound alarm on pathogens

Researchers found that autophagy, a cellular recycling process, helps eliminate a molecule called A20 that blocks the immune response. By removing A20, autophagy allows for a quick release of emergency signals, boosting anti-fungal immunity.

Study shows how Ebola becomes lethal as it spreads

Researchers investigated Ebola's deadly nature, discovering that genetic changes enable the virus to become more severe with each transmission. The study sheds light on the evolutionary goal of Ebola virus to become more lethal, informing future treatment strategies.

New bacterial language discovered

Researchers have identified a new bacterial communication pathway, dialkylresorcinol, that is widely distributed among pathogenic bacteria. This discovery offers a promising therapeutic target for new medicines, potentially reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

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.

Optimizing optimization algorithms

Researchers at MIT developed an algorithm to optimize optimization algorithms, guaranteeing the best possible solution for complex engineering problems. By using a Gaussian smoothing technique, they generate a sequence of simpler problems that progressively add complexity, ensuring convergence to a global minimum.

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.

NYU researchers reveal how the mundane can be meaningful -- and remembered

In a study published in Nature, NYU researchers found that emotional learning can strengthen older memories by selectively preserving previously insignificant information. Participants were shown images of animals and tools, with some receiving shocks to make certain categories emotionally meaningful. Memory for these images was better...

Most endangered chimpanzees have complex evolutionary past, perilous future

A recent study revealed that the Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee subspecies has a more complex evolutionary history than previously thought, with three distinct populations found in central Cameroon. The research also suggests that climate change could cause significant harm to chimpanzee populations due to habitat alterations.

Study maps travel of H7 influenza genes

A new report reveals that H7 influenza viruses regularly shuffle combinations of genetic segments, each with its own history of travel among hosts and geographic places. The study uses genomic analysis to visualize the spread of H7 genes across vast distances, identifying transboundary and transcontinental transmission.

UNL drillers help make new Antarctic discoveries

Scientists have made new discoveries about Antarctica's geology and biology using a hot-water drill and an underwater robotic vehicle. The expedition uncovered a unique ecosystem of fish and invertebrates living in an estuary deep beneath the Antarctic ice.

NASA adds up Tropical Storm Mekkhala's drenching rainfall in the Philippines

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission combined with satellite data revealed an area of maximum rainfall centered over Samar, resulting in extreme totals greater than 600mm. The analysis also found that much of the heavy rainfall from Mekkhala fell over the same area devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

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.

Nano-beaker offers insight into the condensation of atoms

Researchers successfully mapped the condensation of individual atoms in microscopic measuring beakers, known as quantum wells. This breakthrough provides key conclusions on the nature of atomic bonding and enables the study of other atoms and their interactions.

Smart keyboard cleans and powers itself -- and can tell who you are

Scientists developed a smart keyboard that senses typing patterns to distinguish individual users, providing an additional layer of security for computer systems. The device harnesses energy from typing to power itself or other devices, while its surface coating repels dirt and grime.

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.

INRS acquires specialized equipment to conduct innovative research

INRS researchers will conduct innovative research in environmental equity, reproductive toxicology and infection treatment with new equipment. The lab will focus on noise and air pollution concentration, public services for vulnerable populations and prevention of male infertility.

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.

Inside the big wormhole

Researchers propose that the Milky Way galaxy may contain a space-time tunnel, also known as a wormhole, which could be navigable. The study combined dark matter maps with general relativity equations to suggest this possibility.

New method to generate arbitrary optical pulses

Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed a new technique for generating more powerful and efficient pulsed lasers. The technique uses coherent combination of multiple semiconductor lasers, allowing for complex pulse waveforms with user flexibility.

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.

Study examines NSAID use, risk of anastomotic failure following surgery

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use is associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leaks after nonelective colorectal procedures. The study included over 13,000 patients and showed a 24% increased risk for anastomotic leak among those who received NSAIDs.

Not so obvious: Consumers don't just assume bundled products are a better value

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research reveals that consumers may not perceive bundled products as a better value. Retailers need to highlight the benefits of package deals to attract customers. By presenting both individual and bundled options, businesses can make consumers aware of the added value and increase sales

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's findings do not support chlorhexidine bathing in ICUs

Vanderbilt University researchers found that chlorhexidine cloths did not reduce health care-associated infections in critically ill patients compared to non-antimicrobial cloths. The study analyzed data from over 9,300 ICU patients and showed no significant difference in infection rates between the two groups.

Messages from space -- hidden magnetic messages uncovered

Researchers have discovered tiny magnetic particles in meteorites that retain a faithful record of the magnetic fields generated by their parent bodies. By analyzing these particles, scientists were able to reconstruct the history of magnetic activity on the meteorite parent body and capture the moment when the core finished solidifying.

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.

The 5 strategies scholars use in writing medical review articles

The article discusses the five main strategies scholars use when writing review articles, highlighting their unique approaches and strengths. Dr. McGaghie emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting these traditions while embracing new approaches to research synthesis.

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.

Ecocentricity: How do consumers decide what makes a product 'green'?

A new study in the Journal of Marketing suggests that consumers believe products with central rather than peripheral recycled features are greener. Central attributes with environmental benefits imbue the entire product with greenness, according to authors Andrew D. Gershoff and Judy K. Frels.

A call for a new model to evaluate medical schools

A new study proposes a new model to evaluate medical schools' production of academic physicians with biomedical research careers. The model uses relevant and accessible objective criteria, replacing the subjective criteria used in the current USN&WR rankings system.

Death of a dynamo -- A hard drive from space

Researchers capture asteroid magnetic field moments, revealing extended lifetimes and creating mechanisms similar to the Earth's own magnetic field. Ancient meteorites provide a cosmic archaeological mission, shedding light on the magnetic history of asteroids and their impact on the Earth's core future.

Buying cars: Do product features matter more than brands?

A new study suggests that online searches for specific car features can predict consumer purchases with greater accuracy than brand names. Researchers analyzed six years of car sales data and found that searches for features like body type and fuel economy were key indicators of future purchases.

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.

LSU Health New Orleans identifies toxic Ebola protein fragment

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine have discovered a toxic fragment of an Ebola virus protein that can change membrane permeability. The Delta peptide fragment has been shown to block the virus from attaching to already-infected cells, offering potential new insights for treatment and prevention.