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Science News Archive 2015


Page 400 of 402

Researchers uncover key cancer-promoting gene

A recent study by researchers at Michigan Medicine has uncovered a key gene involved in regulating TGF-beta receptor, explaining the paradox of cancer-promoting proteins. The identified gene, Bub1, was shown to bind to the TGF-beta receptor and promote aggressive cell growth.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New treatment offers hope for headshaking in horses

A new study by University of Bristol researchers found that percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) therapy reduces signs of headshaking in horses. The treatment, also used to manage neuropathic pain in people, showed promising medium-term remission results for five out of seven affected horses.

Children's vulnerability reflected in genes

Researchers found that a specific gene variant is associated with children's vulnerability to negative environments, but also responded positively to an intensive intervention program called Fast Track. The study suggests that personalized treatments may be possible for society's most troubled children.

Gemini Planet Imager produces stunning observations in its first year

The Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) has produced high-quality exoplanet images and spectra from its first year of science operations. The instrument's advanced imaging capabilities have revealed significant differences in the colors of two planets in the HR 8799 system, suggesting unique atmospheric compositions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study quantifies the effect of depressive thoughts on memory

Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth found individuals with depressed mood experience 12% memory deficit when exposed to depressive thoughts. The study suggests therapeutic approaches teaching cognitive inhibition may be effective in treating depression-related cognitive deficits.

New picture, new insight

Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered previously unrecognized differences in the brains of patients with bipolar disorder using a novel MRI imaging approach. The study found elevated signal in cerebral white matter and cerebellar region of patients, suggesting abnormal cell metabolism may play a role in the disorder.

Marine litter education boosts children's understanding and actions

A new study by University of Plymouth found that educating children about marine litter improves their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards reducing waste. Children who participated in the educational event were more concerned about the issue and encouraged family and friends to take action.

Alcohol sales linked with alcohol deaths across GB regions

A study analyzing alcohol sales data across GB regions found that areas with higher sales per adult had higher rates of alcohol-related deaths. The South West region, despite high consumption, had low alcohol death rates, possibly due to tourism.

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.

Almost three-quarters of parents turn car seats to face forward too early

A recent study found that almost three-quarters of parents transition their children to forward-facing car seats too early, with many doing so before the child is one year old. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using rear-facing car seats until age two or until the child has outgrown the weight/height limits.

Study casts doubt on mammoth-killing cosmic impact

A recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science has challenged the long-held idea that a cosmic impact triggered the Younger Dryas cold period. The research found that the scoria droplets believed to be evidence of an impact event were actually formed by heating most likely caused by Stone Age house fires.

Drug overdose epidemic to recede soon

A new study projects that the US drug overdose epidemic will peak at 50,000 annual deaths in 2017 before declining to 6,000 deaths in 2035. The researchers use Farr's Law to analyze the rise and fall of epidemics and predict a similar decline based on trends in prescription painkiller deaths.

Ischemic micro-lesions associated with flow-diverting stents for aneurysms

Researchers found that flow-diverting stents associated with ischemic complications in brain territories supplied by parent arteries and small branches covered by the stent. Despite high incidence of clinically silent lesions, low permanent complication rate suggests technique is safe and effective for aneurysm treatment.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Primary care physicians more likely to recommend careers as nurse practitioners

A recent survey of primary care clinicians reveals that more physicians would recommend careers as nurse practitioners than as primary care physicians, driven by the need for greater clarity about roles and a shift in how clinician's view their careers. The study suggests that efforts to bolster the workforce should focus on reimaginin...

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.

Seed beetle diversity in Xinjiang, China

An international team of scientists discovered a diverse range of seed beetles in Xinjiang, China, including four previously unknown species. The study found a total of 19 species, shedding light on the region's insect biodiversity.

Major depression in the National Comorbidity Survey

The study found that major depression was highly prevalent in adolescents, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 11%, and females had twice the rates of males. The majority of adolescents with MDD demonstrated severe role impairment and substantial comorbidity with other mental conditions.

Despite resolutions, people buy more food after New Year

A study by University of Vermont researcher Prof. Lizzy Pope found that consumer spending on food increases by 15% over the holiday season, with most of the increase attributed to higher levels of junk food. People tend to continue buying unhealthy holiday favorites even after New Year's resolutions are made.

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.

Peat fires -- a legacy of carbon up in smoke

A new study published in Nature Geoscience highlights the devastating impacts of peat fires, which can burn for days and weeks, producing severe air quality issues and triggering respiratory problems. The study finds that peat-rich regions will become more susceptible to drying and burning with a changing climate.

The 'Berlin patient,' first and only person cured of HIV, speaks out

In a unique account, Timothy Ray Brown describes his experience as the first person cured of HIV through a stem cell transplant. He shares the details of the bold experiment that used a donor resistant to HIV infection. The 'Berlin patient' offers a rare glimpse into the human side of this groundbreaking treatment.

Novel imaging technique improves prostate cancer detection

A novel imaging technique called restriction spectrum imaging-MRI (RSI-MRI) has been developed to improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection. RSI-MRI corrects for magnetic field distortions and focuses on water diffusion within tumor cells, providing a more refined sense of the tumor's extent.

Study rules out spiders as common cause of bacterial infections in humans

A team of scientists led by UC Riverside expert Richard Vetter analyzed spider bite data to conclude that the evidence for spider-vectored infections is scarce. The study found that bacterial infections are often misattributed to spider bites, and spiders should not be blamed for human skin infections.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

More choice may lead to higher costs in ACA marketplaces, study finds

A study by RAND Corporation found that consumers in regions with more health plan choices faced higher deductibles than peers in areas with fewer plans offered. The study suggests that limiting the number of health plans or requiring equivalent cost-sharing terms may be policy options to address this issue.

How to sell the drugs of the future

A study by Concordia University marketing professor Lea Prevel Katsanis and her co-author found that knowledge of the benefits and risks of personalized medicine (PM) is crucial for patient acceptance. The research also highlights the importance of doctor-patient communication in PM adoption.

New drug design enhances brain signaling by a factor of 1,000

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have designed new peptides that interact with gephyrin to enhance brain signaling, with effects up to 1,000 times stronger than natural counterparts. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for mental disorders with fewer side effects.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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Surgery for obesity is linked to longer survival

A study of 2,500 obese patients and 7,500 matched controls found bariatric surgery reduces mortality risk by 53% at 5-14 years post-procedure. The surgery also became safer over time, with lower risk of death during and after the procedure.

Bariatric surgery associated with improved long-term survival

A study found that bariatric surgery significantly reduced all-cause mortality rates among obese patients, with improved survival at 5 and 10 years post-surgery. The research involved 2,500 surgical patients and 7,462 control patients, and suggests a beneficial relationship between surgery and survival for severely obese adults.

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.

Eight new planets found in 'Goldilocks' zone

Astronomers discovered eight new planets in the habitable zone of their stars, doubling the number of small planets believed to exist. Two of these, Kepler-438b and Kepler-442b, are the most Earth-like known exoplanets, with a high probability of being rocky and having liquid water on their surface.

New model identifies eastern stream sections holding wild brook trout

A new model developed by Penn State researchers can accurately identify stream sections suitable for wild brook trout, helping fisheries managers protect habitat. The model uses characteristics like water temperature and soil type to predict brook trout occurrence in the eastern United States.

Smokers, the obese, have markedly higher health-care costs than peers

A new study by Ruopeng An found that smokers and the obese incur substantially higher annual health care costs compared to their peers. Out-of-pocket medical expenses, inpatient and outpatient care, emergency room visits, and prescription drugs contribute to these added expenditures.

Pharmaceuticals, personal care products could taint swimming pools

Researchers found three chemicals in swimming pool water: DEET, caffeine, and TCEP. The detection of these chemicals highlights the potential for uncontrolled releases into swimming pools, which can pose risks to swimmers through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.

GoPro HERO13 Black

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Early blood glucose control lengthens life in people with type 1 diabetes

Research funded by the National Institutes of Health found that people with type 1 diabetes who intensively control their blood glucose levels can live longer than those who do not. The study, which followed participants for an average of 27 years, found a 33% reduction in deaths among those who received intensive treatment.

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.

Corporate philanthropy increases workers' productivity

A study from the University of Southampton found that corporate philanthropy increases workers' productivity by up to 30% when tied to their job performance. When workers can choose how much of their pay to donate, it improves performance by an average of 13%, rising to 26% in those who were initially less productive.

'Iron Sun' is not a rock band, but a key to how stars transmit energy

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have discovered that iron's opacity plays a significant role in regulating energy transfer within the sun. By creating conditions similar to those found inside the sun, the team was able to measure the opacity of iron and close a theoretical gap in the Standard Solar Model.

What motivates males who commit sexual assault on campus?

Researchers explore how callous attitudes towards women can lead to forced intercourse, even among males without hostility. The study's findings have significant implications for education programs and identifying subtypes of offenders based on motivation and personality traits.

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.

Tightly packed in its shell

Researchers found that even minimal mutations in viral RNA can make it too bulky for the capsid, preventing replication. The study used computer simulations and verified previous research on optimized RNA packing.

When DNA gets sent to time-out

A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a specific sequence and protein tags that send DNA to the edge of the nucleus, where its genes get turned off. This process is crucial for controlling genes and determining cell fate, particularly during development.

Hey, guys: Posting a lot of selfies doesn't send a good message

A new study by Ohio State University found that men who post more online photos of themselves are more likely to score higher on measures of narcissism and psychopathy. Editing photos before posting is also related to higher levels of self-objectification, which values appearance over other traits.

Unraveling controls for plant root growth

UC Davis researchers have identified a complex network of genetic controls governing plant root growth, which may help create varieties suited for biofuel production. The study reveals how environmental changes affect the system, with potential applications in improving plant breeding and biomass conversion.

How does white-nose syndrome kill bats?

Researchers developed a model explaining how white-nose syndrome (WNS) kills millions of bats in North America. Bats infected with WNS use more fat and energy, leading to physiologic imbalances that can inhibit normal heart function.

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.

New technology focuses diffuse light inside living tissue

Researchers have developed a new technique that focuses diffuse light inside living tissue, improving the speed of optical focusing by two orders of magnitude. This advancement paves the way for noninvasive optical imaging in deep tissue and photodynamic therapy.

Vanderbilt-led team studies blood test for prostate cancer

A Vanderbilt-led team has developed a method for detecting 'cell-free' tumor DNA in the bloodstream, showing promising results in distinguishing prostate cancer from normal controls. The technique, called a 'liquid biopsy,' demonstrated over three times the sensitivity of current PSA screening and accuracy rates of up to 91 percent.