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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 44


Page 44 of 402

Global task force tackles problem of untreatable cancers and disease relapse

A global task force of 180 scientists has identified high-priority molecular targets for improved patient outcomes in most cancers. The team recommends low-toxicity approaches using non-toxic chemicals, including those found in plants and foods, to reach a broad-spectrum of priority targets.

SourceSaarland University·JournalSeminars in Cancer Biology·DateNov 18, 2015

An easy pill to swallow

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed an insulin pill using novel drug delivery technology that shows early promise as a form of diabetes therapy. The pill's oral delivery system could circumvent the discomfort associated with injections, leading to improved patient compliance and potentially more effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateNov 18, 2015

Neurogastronomy: How our brains perceive the flavor of food

The International Society of Neurogastronomy Symposium brought together scientists, chefs, and patients to explore ways to improve quality of life for those with altered taste or smell. Chefs and neuroscientists collaborated on the 'Applied Neurogastronomy Challenge' to create dishes that appealed to cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateNov 18, 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.

Our closest wormy cousins

Researchers sequenced acorn worm genomes to find similarities with human genes, establishing a distant connection. The study identified 8,600 shared gene families across deuterostomes, including humans, starfish, and frogs, suggesting a common ancestor that lived half a billion years ago.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 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.

Common pigeon: Not just a bird brain, but a brainy bird

A new study found that pigeons can accurately distinguish between benign and malignant breast cancer slides, similar to human observers. With some training, pigeons performed just as well as humans in categorizing digitized microscope slides and mammograms of normal vs. cancerous breast tissue.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2015

New method developed to predict response to nanotherapeutics

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new approach to predict which tumors will be most responsive to therapeutic nanoparticles. They use an FDA-approved magnetic nanoparticle and MRI to identify tumors with high or low EPR, a physiological condition that allows nanoparticles to accumulate faster.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 18, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Marine animals use new form of secret light communication

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that mantis shrimp use circular polarised patterns as a means to covertly advertise their presence to aggressive competitors. This new form of light communication has potential applications in satellite remote sensing, biomedical imaging, and computer data storage. The study also f...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 18, 2015

Sea level rise from Antarctic collapse may be slower than suggested

A new study suggests that Antarctic ice sheet collapse will contribute to a significant but lower-than-expected 10-30 cm sea-level rise over the next two hundred years. The research uses an ice-sheet model to predict the consequences of unstable retreat of the ice, which recent studies suggest has begun in West Antarctica.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 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.

Dark matter dominates in nearby dwarf galaxy

Astronomer Evan Kirby measures high concentration of dark matter in small dwarf galaxy Triangulum II, potentially making it a leading candidate for direct detection. The galaxy's unique characteristics and minimal background noise make it an ideal location to search for gamma-ray signals from colliding dark matter particles.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 18, 2015

Weekday sleep changes may raise risk of diabetes, heart disease

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that weekday sleep changes may raise the risk of developing metabolic problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Researchers discovered a link between social jetlag, which refers to the mismatch between an individual's biological...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 18, 2015

Whale sharks in Gulf of Mexico swim near the surface, take deep dives

Researchers tracked whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing they use both near-surface and deeper waters for feeding, with some staying at depth greater than 50 meters continuously for over three days. The study found complex patterns of habitat utilization likely driven by shifting ocean conditions and prey distribution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2015

Neuroscientists reveal how the brain can enhance connections

MIT neuroscientists have discovered a new way that the brain strengthens connections between neurons. The presynaptic neuron plays a crucial role in this process, releasing neurotransmitters to stimulate growth of new connections and enhancing synaptic function.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateNov 18, 2015

Cereal science

Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a new phenomenon in materials science using puffed rice cereal. They found that highly porous, brittle materials can deform differently depending on compaction velocity, with three distinct deformation patterns emerging at low, medium, and high velocities.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 18, 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.

Electron partitioning process in graphene observed, a world first

Scientists from Osaka University have observed the electron partitioning process in graphene for the first time, a world-first discovery that could lead to the development of electron interferometer devices. The study found that electron partitioning took place in the p-n junction of graphene in the Quantum Hall regime.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 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.

Dartmouth scientists shed light on how our brains see the world

A Dartmouth study shows that the brain processes motion differently for animate and inanimate objects, interacting between two visual pathways. This discovery has potential applications in improving motion recognition algorithms for public security systems and treating motion blindness and object agnosia.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNeuroImage·DateNov 18, 2015

New study suggests more than 8 percent of children with cancer have genetic predisposition

Researchers analyzed genomic data from 1,120 pediatric cancer patients and found that 8.5% had pathogenic germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes. This study suggests that comprehensive genomic screening may be necessary for all pediatric cancer patients, not just those with a family history of cancer.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2015

Rotman Professor wins Financial Times/McKinsey Award for Young Business Writers

University of Toronto Rotman School professor András Tilcsik won the Financial Times/McKinsey Award for Young Business Writers for his book proposal on managing catastrophic failure risk. The proposal, 'Rethinking the Unthinkable,' aims to help managers rethink existing organizational practices and build more robust systems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·DateNov 18, 2015

FDA-approved drug protects mice from Ebola

A new study found that gamma interferon, an FDA-approved drug, completely protects mice from death when given either before or up to 24 hours after exposure to Ebola. The treatment targets macrophages and blocks the infection of those initial cell targets, preventing a second round of infection.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 18, 2015

Obesity spells problems for trauma patients

A study found a strong association between obesity and an increased need for surgery, longer hospital stays, and higher treatment costs in orthopaedic trauma patients. Patients with obesity were more likely to be discharged to a care facility rather than home.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 18, 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.

Key barriers to quality end-of-life care for ethnic minorities

A new study reveals that ethnic minority populations face significant barriers to receiving quality end-of-life care, with financial resources and insurance being the biggest obstacle. The researchers emphasize the need for education, training, and support to improve end-of-life care among diverse patient populations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateNov 18, 2015

Chemical engineers have figured out how to make vaccines faster

Researchers at Brigham Young University create a system to speed up vaccine production by storing the biological machinery in a freeze-dried state. This allows labs to rapidly produce vaccines with just the addition of water, reducing the time from months to days.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalBiotechnology Journal·DateNov 18, 2015

Light therapy effective for depression: UBC study

A UBC study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that light therapy can effectively treat non-seasonal depression and improve the overall wellbeing of people suffering from the disease. The research, which followed 122 patients, showed that light therapy was most beneficial when used with antidepressants.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 18, 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.

Vanderbilt study finds erectile dysfunction drug may benefit patients at risk for diabetes

A Vanderbilt study found that sildenafil improves insulin sensitivity in people at risk for diabetes, potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers discovered that sildenafil inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5, resulting in relaxation of smooth muscle and increased blood flow.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 18, 2015

Sound deprivation leads to irreversible hearing loss

Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear found that chronic conductive hearing loss can lead to permanent hearing impairment if left untreated. The study, published in PLOS ONE, showed dramatic changes in the inner ear after a year of sound deprivation.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2015

Low-oxygen 'dead zones' in North Pacific linked to past ocean-warming events

A new study finds a link between abrupt ocean warming and low-oxygen conditions that led to vast marine dead zones in the North Pacific. The researchers discovered a clear connection between two prehistoric intervals of abrupt ocean warming that ended the last ice age, resulting in an increase in diatom production and subsequent hypoxia.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 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.

Prevalence of lifetime drug use disorders nearly 10 percent in US

A large national survey found nearly 10% of Americans have lifetime drug use disorder diagnoses, resulting in significant impairment and comorbidities. The study also highlights the importance of treatment, with only 24.6% of those with lifetime diagnoses receiving treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 18, 2015

Strategy based on human reflexes may keep legged robots and prosthetic legs from tripping

A robotic prosthetic control strategy based on human reflexes has shown promise in simulation and laboratory testing, producing stable walking gaits over uneven terrain and improved balance recovery from trips. The technology will be further developed and tested using volunteers with above-the-knee amputations over the next three years.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 18, 2015

New technology for dynamic projection mapping

Researchers from Osaka University developed a technology that projects images onto moving objects, aligning them with the object's movement. The technology uses visual markers and radiometric compensation to achieve accurate registration.

SourceOsaka University·DateNov 18, 2015

Parents' top fears about teen cellphone use

While parents' fears about teens' digital habits are often overstated, there are valid concerns about cyberbullying and sleep disruption. Teens' online lives mirror their offline experiences, but excessive screen time can lead to negative effects for vulnerable adolescents.

SourceDuke University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateNov 18, 2015

Mutations in key cancer protein suggest new route to treatments

Researchers have identified mutations in the STAT3 protein that can block its ability to act as a transcription factor, suggesting a basis for new cancer treatments. The discovery reinforces the importance of targeting transcription factors like STAT3 in fighting cancer.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 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.

Powering the next billion devices with Wi-Fi

The Power Over Wi-Fi system can wirelessly power low-power devices, such as cameras and wearable trackers. The technology attracts attention for its potential to enable Internet of Things development.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateNov 18, 2015

Research shows benefits, danger of Ultraman competition

Researchers analyzed competitors before the Ultraman competition and found that body fat percentage dropped significantly, but weight remained unchanged due to fluid retention. The study also revealed signs of muscle damage, elevated cortisol levels, and reduced insulin sensitivity.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 18, 2015

Forming planet observed for first time

Researchers from the University of Sydney and other institutions have directly observed a planet in formation for the first time. The planet, located 450 light years away, is surrounded by a vast disc of dust and gas, and its presence has been confirmed through images and spectral fingerprint analysis.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2015

Master switch for brain development

Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Biology in Mainz have identified a key gene that drives brain cell development, revealing a complex regulatory mechanism. The discovery has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders and developing new treatments.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 18, 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.

Warming ocean worsened Australia's fatal 2010/2011 floods

A recent study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers reveals that long-term ocean warming significantly increased the risk of devastating floods in northeast Australia during the 2010/2011 event. The study found that warmer sea surface temperatures contributed to record-breaking rainfall and extreme weather conditions.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2015

NASA sees In-fa become a Typhoon near Micronesia

Typhoon In-fa intensified into a typhoon near Micronesia, prompting warnings and advisories for the region. The storm is expected to continue intensifying as it moves west-northwest through Micronesia and the Marianas, bringing stronger winds and heavier showers.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 18, 2015

College studies may reduce risk of dementia for older adults, research finds

A study by the American Psychological Association found that older adults who take college courses show significant increases in cognitive capacity compared to those who don't. The research suggests that mentally stimulating activities like college studies can enhance cognitive reserve and potentially reduce dementia risk.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalNeuropsychology·DateNov 18, 2015

Stormy space weather puts equatorial regions' power at risk

Smaller geomagnetic storms cause fluctuations in wholesale electricity prices in equatorial regions due to the amplified effects of the electrojet. The research highlights the need for scientists to investigate the infrastructure and economic implications on countries near the equator.

SourceRMIT University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2015
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.

Research using CO2 keeps even small fry invasive carp at bay

A recent study found that high concentrations of carbon dioxide deter even small invasive carp from entering areas with elevated CO2 levels. The gas causes stress and avoidance behavior in fish as young as eight days old, providing a non-physical barrier against the species.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBiological Invasions·DateNov 18, 2015

A focus on fairness

A new study from Harvard University found that children globally quickly reject unequal distributions of rewards, but in three countries (U.S., Canada, and Uganda), they also accept deals that favor themselves. This suggests that fairness behaviors may vary across cultures.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2015

Bringing the chaos in light sources under control

A study investigates how to control noise in quantum dot LEDs by modulating bias current, leading to stabilized light sources suitable for optical telecommunications. The researchers found that spiking competition of quantum dots enhances self-feedback and affects noise perturbation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 18, 2015