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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 48


Page 48 of 402

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a stem cell disease

Duchenne muscular dystrophy directly affects muscle stem cells, leading to intrinsic defects in their function. Researchers discovered that dystrophin is a key member of the molecular machinery that enables muscle stem cells sense their orientation in the surrounding tissue.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 16, 2015

Drug driving: Are your meds affecting you?

Research suggests that prescription medication can impair drivers' abilities, with Benzodiazepines increasing the risk of crashes. The symposium aims to address the issue through increased awareness and testing procedures.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateNov 16, 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.

Modulating brain's stress circuitry might prevent Alzheimer's disease

A novel mouse study finds that modulating the brain's stress circuitry with a CRF-antagonist significantly prevents Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and cognitive impairment. The treatment reduced amyloid plaque generation and cellular damage, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for AD prevention.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateNov 16, 2015

Changes in metabolites can regulate earliest stages of development

Researchers discovered that changes in metabolites can distinguish between naive and primed pluripotent cells, enabling the use of embryonic stem cells to grow new tissues and organs. The study also found that manipulating metabolite levels could stabilize cell fate in treating common disorders.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 16, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Environment of tumors impacts metastasis, study finds

A new study by Siyuan Zhang and colleagues reveals that the microenvironment of tumor cells has a significant impact on cancer metastasis. The study suggests that the 'seed and soil' model, where tumors adapt to new tissues, can be used to prevent metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2015

Quantum computer coding in silicon now possible

A team at Australia's University of New South Wales has proven that a quantum version of computer code can be written and manipulated using two quantum bits in a silicon microchip. The advance removes lingering doubts about the reliability of such operations, enabling powerful quantum computers to become a reality.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 16, 2015

Accelerating fusion research through the cutting edge supercomputer

Researchers have successfully simulated deuterium plasma turbulence in the Large Helical Device (LHD) using the Plasma Simulator, a cutting-edge supercomputer. The results show improved energy confinement in deuterium plasma compared to hydrogen plasma.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 16, 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.

Moderate coffee drinking may be linked to reduced risk of death

A large study found that moderate coffee consumption daily may reduce the risk of deaths from cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, Type 2 diabetes, and suicide. The benefits were seen in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting bioactive compounds are responsible.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateNov 16, 2015

Human brains evolved to be more responsive to environmental influences, study finds

Researchers found human brains exhibit greater adaptability to environments and cultures due to higher plasticity, whereas chimpanzees' brain organization is more genetically determined. This study provides insight into human evolution and potential susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2015

Plant metabolic protein tailored for nighttime growth

A team of researchers found that ferredoxin-5 is necessary for nighttime growth and proper membrane organization in photosynthetic organisms. The protein's electron-donating abilities drive biochemical reactions that alter fatty acid saturation, leading to aberrant membrane structure and impaired metabolic processes.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 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.

Alzheimer's patients' health care costs higher already before diagnosis

A new study reveals that Alzheimer's patients' healthcare costs increase significantly even before a diagnosis, primarily driven by hospital care and medication. The cost difference stabilizes two years after diagnosis, with AD patients having twice the healthcare costs of non-AD patients.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health·DateNov 16, 2015

Large-scale modeling shows confinement effects on cell macromolecules

Researchers used large-scale computer modeling to study the effects of confinement on macromolecules inside cells, finding that particles near cell walls linger for extended periods. This could improve understanding of cellular signaling and lead to new therapeutic designs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2015

Study sheds light on why parasite makes TB infections worse

A recent study has found that treating a parasitic worm infection can reduce lung damage and susceptibility to tuberculosis in mice. The research suggests that using inexpensive anti-parasitic drugs could be an effective way to prevent TB in areas where both infections are common.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2015

Entomology Professor to Receive National Teaching Award

Timothy Paine, a renowned entomology professor at UC Riverside, has been awarded the Excellence in College and University Teaching Awards for Food and Agricultural Sciences. His innovative teaching methods have improved student learning outcomes, and he is recognized for his dedication to inspiring young minds.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateNov 16, 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.

Primordial goo used to improve implants

Researchers at CSIRO Australia have developed a new coating using prebiotic compounds from primordial goo, which can be used to improve the performance and acceptance of medical implants. The coating is bio-friendly, cells readily grow on it, and has potential applications in reducing infection risk.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2015

Bats use weighty wings to land upside down

Researchers from Brown University found that bats' extra wing mass generates inertial forces to reorient themselves when landing, unlike other flying animals. The discovery may be useful in the development of human-made flying machines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 16, 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.

Study finds surprising links between bullying and eating disorders

A study published in International Journal of Eating Disorders found a surprising link between bullying and eating disorders, with victims and bullies alike at increased risk. Children who were victims of bullying had nearly twice the risk of displaying symptoms of anorexia and bulimia compared to those not involved in bullying.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateNov 16, 2015

New guideline for treating acne in children and adults

A new guideline updates previous guidance on treating acne in children and adults, emphasizing early diagnosis, active lesion treatment, and prevention of sequelae. The guideline recommends targeted treatments for three types of acne presentations, including comedonal, mild-to-moderate papulopustular, and severe inflammatory acne.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 16, 2015

Study: Earth's climate more sensitive to CO2 than previously thought

Scientists discovered that CO2 levels 50 million years ago were nearly half the predicted 1,125 ppm, indicating a greater sensitivity to greenhouse warming. This new data challenges previous estimates and suggests a more severe climate change impact if CO2 levels reach that threshold.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalGeology·DateNov 16, 2015

Scientists fill in the gaps of human hunter-gatherer history

Researchers sequenced ancient genomes from Late Upper Palaeolithic period, revealing a new strand of European hunter-gatherer ancestry. The discovery provides insights into the genetic history of modern populations in Europe and beyond.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 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.

Long-term effects of common pesticides on aquatic species

Research reveals that pesticide mixtures negatively affect snail and crustacean populations, even at sublethal levels, and populations exposed to low concentrations may be more sensitive to other environmental stressors

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateNov 16, 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.

The all-rounder among supercomputers

JURECA's massive computing power of 2.2 quadrillion operations per second enables researchers in life sciences, earth system sciences, and other fields to tackle complex issues. The system's flexibility allows for various applications, including brain research, medicine, and materials research.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·DateNov 16, 2015

Insights into the evolution of praying mantis camouflage

Researchers discovered two evolutionary shifts in praying mantis camouflage, with a recent shift triggered by the re-evolution of important leg lobes. This suggests that developmental mechanisms controlling crypsis features may be more ancient than the species themselves.

SourceWiley·JournalSystematic Entomology·DateNov 16, 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 finds honesty varies significantly between countries

A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that people's honesty varies significantly between countries, with estimated dishonesty ranging from 3.4% in the UK to 70% in China. The study also suggests that honesty is less important to a country's current economic growth than during earlier periods in history.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateNov 15, 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.

Streamlining mobile image processing

Researchers developed a system that sends highly compressed images to servers, which then process the images and send back modified files with reduced bandwidth consumption. The technique reduces bandwidth usage by over 98% and energy consumption by up to 85%, making it ideal for mobile image processing applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 13, 2015

Strong odor challenge of mercaptans

A new palladium-based catalyst has been developed to efficiently convert thiols, the source of strong-smelling mercaptans, into stable and useful vinyl thioethers. The catalyst enables the atom-economic synthesis of these monomers with high yield and selectivity.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Catalysis·DateNov 13, 2015

Have an apple-shaped body? You may be more susceptible to binge eating

A new study from Drexel University found that women with greater fat stores in their midsections reported being less satisfied with their bodies and were more likely to develop loss-of-control eating. The researchers suggest that targeting individuals with centralized fat distribution could be beneficial for preventing eating disorders.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 13, 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.

How DNA and a supercomputer can help sustain honey bee populations

Researchers used DNA sequencing and a supercomputer to analyze pollen from beehives, identifying key plants bees rely on. The multi-locus metabarcoding approach provides quantitative measurements of plant proportions, helping to enhance landscapes and sustain robust bee populations.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateNov 13, 2015

Irradiated anthrax can be sequenced -- fast!

Scientists have developed a fast method to sequence irradiated anthrax spores, which can aid in tracking biocrimes. The new approach uses computer programming to reconstruct full DNA sequences from broken fragments.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 13, 2015

Invasive freshwater species in Europe's lakes and rivers: How do they come in?

The study highlights the main pathways of alien species introduction in European lakes and rivers, including escape from aquaculture facilities and pet/aquarium trade releases. It emphasizes the need for stricter regulation and control measures to mitigate these threats and achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Target 9.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalAquatic Invasions·DateNov 13, 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.

Large study sums up health issues for new child refugees to US

A large-scale study of newly arrived refugee children in the US has identified key public health concerns, including hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and parasitic worms. The study suggests that existing medical screening guidelines remain relevant but recommends further analysis and resource allocation for refugee populations.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 13, 2015

Hackers gonna hack: UH Gets $2.6 million to protect next-gen 911 centers

The University of Houston is developing technology to help protect emergency response systems, such as current and next-generation 911 systems, against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The team aims to develop low-cost mitigation strategies to strengthen the resilience of emergency response systems.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateNov 13, 2015

Loss of diversity near melting coastal glaciers

Research divers have found that sedimentation is impacting an entire ecosystem on the seafloor due to melting glaciers. This has led to a decline in species diversity among benthos, with some species being extremely sensitive to higher sedimentation rates and subsequently dying out.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2015