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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 397


Page 397 of 402

'Assassin' targets supernovae in our neighborhood of the universe

The All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) has successfully detected 89 bright supernovae and is expanding its scope to study other local sky events. The project uses six 6-inch telescopes in Hawaii and Chile, as well as amateur telescopes worldwide, to capture hundreds of bright objects in the nearby universe.

SourceOhio State University·DateJan 8, 2015

Blood vessel lining cells control metastasis

Researchers found that endothelial cells, the cells lining blood vessels, play a more active role in tumor growth than previously thought. A combination therapy involving anti-Angiopoietin-2 and metronomic chemotherapy showed promising results in reducing metastatic growth and improving survival rates in mice.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 8, 2015
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.

Students testing Indian toilets

Researchers tested a new, eco-friendly toilet system that uses breathable fabric technology to filter human waste. The project aims to improve sanitation in developing nations, where millions lack access to basic facilities.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJan 8, 2015

Huntington's disease: Therapeutic potential of triheptanoin confirmed

Researchers from Inserm confirm triheptanoin's efficacy in treating Huntington's disease by restoring normal brain energy metabolism. A pilot clinical trial with ten patients showed significant improvements, paving the way for a larger-scale trial.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNeurology·DateJan 8, 2015

Smithsonian scientists explain spread of chikungunya vector

Chikungunya's Asian tiger mosquito relies on road networks to disperse, posing a challenge for disease control efforts. The study suggests fumigating vehicles at checkpoints could prevent the spread of the vector and reduce its impact on human populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 8, 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.

An ecological rule for animals applies to flowers

University of Pittsburgh researchers Matthew Koski and Tia-Lynn Ashman proved that Gloger's rule exists among flowers, where larger bull's-eye centers are associated with higher levels of ultraviolet light near the equator. This finding expands our understanding of biological responses to global climate change.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 8, 2015

Deworming programs in animal, human populations may have unwanted impacts

A study found that deworming medications reduced individual deaths from bovine tuberculosis but increased the potential for disease spread to other animals. The research suggests that treatments that aid an individual could come at the expense of a wider spread of disease in the larger community.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2015

Researchers work to counter a new class of coffee shop hackers

Researchers at Georgia Tech are investigating information leaks from laptops and smartphones, which can be used by hackers to spy on users even when not connected to the internet. They have developed a metric to measure the strength of these 'side-channel signals' and are studying where they originate to develop countermeasures.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 8, 2015

Malassezia yeasts -- everywhere and sometimes dangerous

Researchers discuss the role of Malassezia yeasts as pathogens, highlighting common skin diseases such as dandruff and atopic eczema. The study also explores the potential link between Malassezia and skin cancer, as well as bloodstream infections in vulnerable populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 8, 2015

Ancient maize followed two paths into the Southwest

The study provides comprehensive tracking of maize origin in the Southwest, showing it entered via highland route around 4,100 years ago and later via coastal route about 2,000 years ago. Researchers also identified genes responsible for adaptation to drought and changes in starch composition.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 8, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solving a case of intercellular entrapment

Researchers at UCSB's Reich Group have developed a method for spatially and temporally controlling the release of proteins inside cells using near-infrared laser-activated nanocarriers. This technology allows for targeted protein delivery, enabling new avenues for basic research and therapeutic applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateJan 8, 2015

iPhone separation linked to physiological anxiety, poor cognitive performance

Research from the University of Missouri found that cell phone separation can lead to increased heart rates, blood pressure levels, and anxiety in iPhone users. Participants experienced a negative physiological state when separated from their iPhones, impacting puzzle performance.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateJan 8, 2015

Rihanna eases kids' pain after surgery

A Northwestern University study found that pediatric patients who listened to their chosen music or audiobooks had a significant reduction in post-surgical pain. The therapy was effective regardless of the patient's initial pain score and can be used as an alternative to opioid analgesics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPediatric Surgery International·DateJan 8, 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.

Sophisticated system prevents self-fertilization in petunias

Plant scientists have discovered a new self-incompatibility system in petunias that recognizes and rejects its own pollen, preventing genetic defects. The system involves 18 male proteins recognizing 40 female proteins, which are toxic to the plant's own pollen.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 8, 2015

Fear of terror may lead to job burnout over time

A Tel Aviv University study found that fear of terrorism can lead to anxiety-related insomnia, depleting vital resources and paving the way for occupational burnout. Workplace colleagues' emotional and technical support played a crucial role in reversing insomnia and job burnout.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateJan 8, 2015

Blueberries: Small fruit delivers big reward

A new study found that consuming just one cup of blueberries per day can significantly lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1 hypertension. The findings suggest that blueberries may mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects of menopause, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJan 8, 2015

Daily consumption of blueberries may lower blood pressure

Researchers found daily blueberry consumption resulted in significant reductions of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-HTN. The study suggests that blueberries may prevent the progression to full-blown hypertension, potentially through enhanced nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJan 8, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Newly discovered antibiotic kills pathogens without resistance

Researchers at Northeastern University have discovered a novel antibiotic called teixobactin that eliminates pathogens without developing detectable resistance. This breakthrough presents a promising new opportunity to treat chronic infections caused by staphylococcus aureus and tuberculosis, two highly resistant bacterial strains.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2015

How quality of sleep impacts academic performance in children

A study by researchers at McGill University and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute found that a good night's sleep is linked to better performance in math and languages, subjects critical for later learning and academic success. Higher sleep efficiency was associated with higher grades in these subjects.

SourceDouglas Mental Health University Institute·JournalSleep Medicine·DateJan 8, 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.

Teachers on the front line following attack in Boston

A survey of Boston teachers found that while many provided classroom-based support after the 2013 Boston Marathon attack, others lacked clear policies and training to help students cope with trauma. The study suggests that teachers play a crucial role in supporting student mental health following crises like terrorist attacks.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalSchool Mental Health·DateJan 8, 2015

Mapping snake venom variety reveals unexpected evolutionary pattern

A large-scale survey of venom variation in two snake species reveals no local co-adaptations in eastern coral snakes, challenging traditional views on venom evolution. The consistent venom mix across Florida will aid antivenom development and inform conservation efforts for the declining eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateJan 8, 2015

New study from Harvard compares design of fuel systems for soft robots

A new study from Harvard University compares the design of fuel systems for soft robots, assessing various types of pneumatic energy sources and their benefits for specific applications. The study provides a framework for configuring fuel systems in soft robotics.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalSoft Robotics·DateJan 8, 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.

Emissions-free cars get closer

Researchers have discovered that hydrogen binding energy is the most important factor predicting the rate of the fuel-cell reaction, enabling the design of new catalyst materials. Alkaline polymers are being explored as a potential solution to create less expensive electrocatalysts that work well in an alkaline environment.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2015

Algae blooms create their own favorable conditions, new study finds

A new multi-institution study shows that cyanobacteria can set up positive feedback loops in lakes, amplifying the effects of pollutants and climate change to create ideal conditions for blooms. This finding sheds light on what makes cyanobacteria successful and may lead to new methods of prevention and control.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEcosphere·DateJan 8, 2015

Hunting bats rely on 'bag of chips effect'

Researchers discovered that hunting bats rely on echolocation calls from fellow bats to pinpoint insect patches. By aggregating and sharing this information, bats can improve their chances of finding prey despite the challenges posed by sparse distribution and long flight distances.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 8, 2015

Focusing on lasting legacy prompts environmental action

Researchers found that prompting people to consider their long-term impact can motivate them to take action on climate change, leading to increased environmental concern and behavior. Participants who wrote about their legacy pledged more money to a pro-environmental nonprofit.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 8, 2015
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.

Study provides insights into the role of genetic variants in kidney disease

Research identifies strong genetic association between apolipoprotein L1 variants and FSGS in African Americans, highlighting the need for targeted therapies. Patients with these variants respond to immunosuppressant treatments but tend to progress more rapidly to kidney failure than others.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 8, 2015

GraphExeter defies the Achilles heel of 'wonder material' graphene

Researchers have discovered GraphExeter, a graphene-based material that withstands extreme conditions, including high temperatures and humidity. This breakthrough could revolutionize the electronics industry by replacing indium tin oxide (ITO) with a more durable alternative.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 8, 2015

How quickly smokers metabolize nicotine may point to most effective way to quit

Researchers found that 'normal' metabolizers had better quit rates with varenicline versus the nicotine patch, while slow metabolizers benefited from the nicotine patch. The study suggests treating normal metabolizers with varenicline and slow metabolizers with the nicotine patch could improve quit rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJan 8, 2015

The devil is in the detail

A team of researchers studied the red devil cichlid, a species with two color variants, and found that the darker individuals can alter their brightness to match their environment, while the gold-colored fish cannot. This ability may play a crucial role in maintaining color frequencies in the wild.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 8, 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.

Mercury from gold mines accumulates far downstream

Researchers have found hazardous levels of mercury hundreds of miles downstream from Peruvian gold mines, contaminating local soil, sediment, and water resources. The study highlights the widespread impact of artisanal small-scale gold mining on human health and the environment.

SourceDuke University·DateJan 8, 2015

Best job performance comes from match between first and later work experiences

Research by András Tilcsik at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management shows that employees who experience similar economic environments in their early and later work lives perform better. Companies can help avoid 'curse of extremes' by diversifying new employees' experiences.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateJan 8, 2015

New recommendations for return to activity after concussion in military personnel

The new guidance provides a six-step process for progressive activity after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), with specific recommendations for rest and activity. Patients can only progress to the next stage if they are symptom-free, with worsening symptoms requiring return to previous stages.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJan 8, 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.

Neurons that detect disease

A study by the University of Geneva reveals how mice avoid their sick peers through the detection of specific olfactory signals by the vomeronasal system. This neural mechanism allows rodents to recognize and avoid diseased individuals, providing a new understanding of social behavior and innate defense strategies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 8, 2015

Know when to fold 'em

Researchers at the University of Alberta have solved heads-up limit Texas hold'em poker, a challenge problem for artificial intelligence going back over 40 years. The breakthrough is attributed to general algorithmic advances that make game-theoretic reasoning more tractable.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2015

Characterizing baobab, the nutritious African 'Tree of Life'

A new publication provides standardized descriptors for the African baobab tree, enabling accelerated research into its nutritional value and potential to increase local incomes. The descriptors will aid in domestication and cultivation, supporting sustainable development of baobab value chains.

SourceWorld Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)·DateJan 8, 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.

Scientists document longest-ever case of sperm storage in sharks

Researchers found a brownbanded bamboo shark pup born after nearly four years of isolation from males, marking the longest documented case of sperm storage in any shark species. The discovery highlights the sharks' ability to store sperm for long periods, promoting genetic diversity and potentially helping wild populations.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Fish Biology·DateJan 8, 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.

Quantum optical hard drive breakthrough

A team of physicists at Australian National University has improved storage time by a factor of over 100, achieving a record six-hour storage time. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the transmission of quantum information and enable the creation of a secure worldwide data encryption network.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2015

Researchers grow functional tissue-engineered intestine from human cells

A new study by researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has shown that tissue-engineered small intestine grown from human cells replicates key aspects of a functioning human intestine. The tissue-engineered small intestine offers a promising treatment for short bowel syndrome, a major cause of intestinal failure.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateJan 8, 2015

Study links common human protein to adverse parasitic worm infections

Resistin, an immune protein found in human serum, instigates an inappropriate inflammatory response to worm infections, impairing clearance. Targeting this pathway with drugs or antibodies could lead to new therapeutic strategies for worm infections and associated pathology.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 8, 2015

How do men and women respond to gender bias in STEM?

A study analyzing online comments found that men are more likely to respond negatively to articles on gender bias in STEM, while women are more likely to express gratitude and call for social change. Men also make up a disproportionate share of sexist remarks against both themselves and others.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateJan 8, 2015

T cell receptor ensures Treg functionality

Scientists discovered that Tregs need continuous contact with their environment to function correctly and require the T cell receptor for protection. The study showed that Tregs without the receptor lose their special ability to suppress excessive immune reactions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalImmunity·DateJan 8, 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.

CU Denver study shows direct link between ethnic discrimination and health

A CU Denver study reveals that experiencing racial discrimination during pregnancy can significantly impact a woman's physical health and pass these effects on to her infant. The research found an association between maternal ethnic discrimination and increased levels of stress hormones in pregnant women and their infants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJan 8, 2015

In head and neck cancer, surgeons need solid answers about tumor recurrence

A new use of an existing antibody cocktail has been confirmed to provide key information about tumor recurrence in head and neck cancer patients. The ProExC cocktail allows pathologists to differentiate between true pre-neoplasia and reactive biopsies, enabling surgeons to make informed decisions about therapeutic interventions.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·DateJan 8, 2015

Smoking, alcohol, gene variant interact to increase risk of chronic pancreatitis

A 12-year study found that genetic variants, combined with lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking, can lead to chronic pancreatitis. Researchers identified a specific gene variant that may fail to protect pancreatic cells from injury, increasing the risk of inflammation and scarring.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateJan 8, 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.