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Science News Archive 2015


Page 54 of 402

A new explanation for the explosive nature of magnetic reconnection

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have discovered a new mechanism that speeds up magnetic reconnection, providing new insights into this complex astrophysical process. The model predicts a novel regime in which fast reconnection rates appear independent of system resistivity.

The gut microbiota can influence the effectiveness of dietary treatments

Researchers found that individuals with better blood sugar control after consuming barley kernel bread had a different balance of gut microbes. The study suggests the importance of individualized dietary guidelines based on gut microbiota. Further studies are planned to confirm the findings and develop combination products with Prevote...

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.

Geophysics could slow Antarctic ice retreat

A new study suggests that geophysical elements, such as the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's gravitational pull and the mantle's fluid nature, can slow its retreat. This could lead to a less drastic rise in global sea levels than previously predicted.

Research links tundra fires, thawing permafrost

Wildfires on Arctic tundra can contribute to permafrost thaw, changing ecosystems and affecting downstream waters. Researchers used lidar data to document thawing in the Anaktuvuk River fire's footprint, observing thermokarst and irregular topography.

Sunscreen ingredient may prevent medical implant infections

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that zinc oxide nanopyramids can disrupt the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on medical implants, reducing bacterial load by over 95%. The coating may enable antibiotic treatments to succeed or allow the human immune system to take over.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Post-hospital syndrome' found to be a risk factor for elective surgery

A study by Loyola Medicine found that patients with post hospital syndrome (PHS) who underwent elective outpatient hernia surgery were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days than those without PHS. Additionally, PHS patients had a higher risk of emergency department admissions after hernia surgery.

Dengue: Asymptomatic people transmit the virus to mosquitoes

Scientists found that asymptomatic people can infect mosquitoes with dengue virus, representing three-quarters of all dengue infections. This challenges existing theories and highlights the potential for these individuals to contribute to the spread of the virus.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Coronavirus breakthrough by INRS researchers

Researchers at INRS have discovered a coronavirus protein mutation that slows the spread of the virus in the central nervous system and reduces its neurovirulence. The study sheds light on how persistent coronavirus infections take hold and may help prevent associated neurological diseases.

Intellectual disabilities share disease mechanisms, study suggests

Researchers found that treatment with Lovastatin can correct high levels of protein production in the brain linked to intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests that different types of intellectual disabilities may share common disease mechanisms, which could benefit from common therapeutic approaches.

Participatory breeding program assists organic tomato growers

A participatory breeding program assisted organic tomato growers in identifying key plant traits needed for optimal production, with flavor as the top priority. The program also revealed differences in fruit quality characteristics between organic and conventional growers, highlighting the importance of disease resistance and nutrition...

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.

The long and short of plasma turbulence

Researchers have used a supercomputer to simulate plasma turbulence, finding that long and short wavelength turbulence coexist and interact strongly, increasing heat losses tenfold above standard models. This discovery may inform fusion reactor design and bring us closer to practical fusion energy.

Medicines do not seem to degrade faster in space

A study published in The AAPS Journal suggests that medication degradation does not differ significantly between space and Earth. Nine medications were analyzed after being stored for up to 11 months in space, with some remaining viable beyond their expiration dates.

Largest ensemble simulation of global weather using real-world data

Researchers at RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science in Japan ran an enormous global weather simulation with 10,240 simulations of a model of the global atmosphere. They found that faraway observations can impact the eventual state of the weather forecast, which could lead to more accurate forecasts.

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.

Pinpointing poverty with cellphone data

University at Buffalo researchers analyze mobile phone records to drill down to specific communities, providing insights into food, healthcare, education, and other human necessities. The approach aims to improve poverty maps by 14 geographical regions, offering a quick and cost-efficient tool for aid organizations and government agenc...

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.

Novel double dagger anti-cancer agent

Researchers discover a link between colorectal cancer and melanoma treatment NT157, targeting both tumor cells and microenvironment to suppress cancer growth. The compound's dual mechanism of action shows promise in treating colon cancer with minimal damage to non-cancer cells.

Large landowners key to slowing deforestation in Brazil

Research in Mato Grosso reveals nearly two-thirds of remaining forests and carbon reserves are on private properties owned by large landowners. The study suggests continued focus on larger properties is crucial to preserving forest cover.

The secret to safe DNA repair

Researchers have identified a previously unknown protein that plays a vital role in DNA repair, potentially leading to new biomarkers and treatments for cancer. The discovery could help prevent errors during the repair process, reducing the risk of mutations and cancer.

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.

Study shows why 4-year-olds don't thrive in Head Start classes

A new national study suggests that most Head Start classrooms with mixed ages hinder the academic growth of older children, causing them to fall up to five months behind their peers. The research found that higher concentrations of younger children in the classroom led to lower gains in math and language skills among older children.

Intensive farming link to bovine TB

Research by the University of Exeter found that intensive farming practices, such as larger herd sizes and maize growth, increase the risk of bovine TB. Farms with herds over 150 cattle are 50% more likely to suffer a TB outbreak.

Childhood cancer survivors at heightened risk of several autoimmune diseases

Research reveals childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. The study found that survivors were up to 60% more likely to develop an autoimmune disorder than those without a history of childhood cancer, with the excess risk persisting for decades.

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.

Breakthrough in superconducting materials opens new path to fusion

Researchers have developed high-temperature superconducting materials that can operate at high magnetic fields, opening a new path to fusion energy. These materials could enable the creation of compact, power-producing reactors capable of producing 500 MW of fusion power.

Northern lakes act as CO2 chimneys in a warming world

A new study reveals that many lakes worldwide release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, with northern hemisphere lakes expected to increase emissions due to climate change. The study found that most lake CO2 originates from surrounding land, highlighting the impact of land use changes on greenhouse gas emissions.

Mercury gets a meteoroid shower from Comet Encke

A new study found that Mercury is being pelted by ancient comet dust, impacting its tenuous atmosphere and surface boundary exosphere. The researchers discovered a cometary dust stream from Comet Encke that explains the timing of calcium emission peaks in the planet's exosphere.

Sea urchin spurs new ideas for lightweight materials

Scientists at University of Copenhagen discover heart urchin shell has a structure that nears theoretical ideal for foam structure strength. The shell's unique porosity and strut arrangement make it up to six times stronger than chalk, despite being lighter.

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.

Emotionally supportive relationships linked to lower testosterone

A new study by University of Notre Dame anthropologists found that aging U.S. men with emotionally supportive relationships have lower testosterone levels compared to their less supportive counterparts. This connection may help explain the link between social support and improved overall health.

Microwave field imaging using diamond and vapor cells

Scientists have created two innovative techniques to visualize microwave fields, utilizing spin states induced by microwaves. The first method uses rubidium atoms in a glass cell to image the field in high resolution, while the second method employs individual electrons in diamond to produce nanoscale images.

Ultra-thin, tunable, broadband microwave absorber may advance radar cloaking

Researchers developed ultra-thin, tunable broadband microwave absorber for ultrahigh-frequency applications. The absorber has a thickness of 7.8 millimeters and can absorb a wide range of frequencies, demonstrating its potential in improving aircraft cloaking, warship stealth, and broadband antenna technology.

Research links tundra fires, thawing permafrost

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that wildfires on the Arctic tundra can cause significant permafrost thaw, with about a third of the fire's footprint experiencing thawing. This effect is similar to those observed in boreal forests where burns are more common.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New treatment option may be on the horizon for polymyalgia rheumatica

Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that tocilizumab, a drug approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is effective in treating polymyalgia rheumatica. The study showed that patients treated with tocilizumab were able to discontinue corticosteroids more quickly and remained in remission over 12 months.

New vaccine could prevent high cholesterol

A new vaccine has shown promise in reducing 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels in mice and macaques, suggesting potential as an alternative to statins. The vaccine targets the PCSK9 protein, which regulates cholesterol levels in the blood, offering a more powerful treatment with fewer side effects.

Obese kids young as age 8 show signs of heart disease

Research found significant heart disease and muscle abnormalities in obese children, with 40% considered high-risk. Obesity linked to thicker heart muscles and impaired pumping ability, potentially leading to complications in adulthood.

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.

BIDMC researchers describe strategies to decrease immune responses in IBD

Researchers at BIDMC have identified a novel strategy to decrease immune responses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), by targeting the ecto-enzyme CD39 on Tc1 immune cells and modulating purinergic signaling. This approach shows promise for reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in patients with IBD.

UA-led research: Prevention of macular degeneration possible

A University of Arizona-led study found that patients taking levodopa, a treatment for Parkinson's disease, are less likely to develop macular degeneration. The study suggests l-dopa may delay or prevent the disease, potentially leading to new treatments and improved eye health.

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.

College football linemen face greater risk of heart problems

Researchers found a higher incidence of high blood pressure in college linemen compared to non-linemen, with a relative decrease in subclinical left ventricular function. The study suggests that football players in lineman positions face a greater risk of specific heart problems due to physiologic differences between the group.

Childhood obesity is linked to poverty and parenting style

New research from Concordia University suggests that both poverty and parenting style are independent predictors of childhood health. For preschool-age children, household income is a key factor in obesity risk, regardless of parenting style.

Researchers to study how to treat behavior that leads to type 2 diabetes

Virginia Tech researchers will investigate how people on the brink of developing Type 2 diabetes value the future, aiming to improve self-regulation and prevent medical complications. The study, funded by $2.4 million grant, applies approaches developed in addiction research to develop a behavioral treatment.

New derivation of pi links quantum physics and pure math

Researchers discovered a famous pre-Newtonian formula for pi in calculations of the energy levels of a hydrogen atom, linking pure math to quantum physics. The Wallis formula, published in 1655, was previously unknown to be connected to the hydrogen atom's energy states.

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.

Mindfulness meditation trumps placebo in pain reduction

A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation reduced pain intensity by 27% and emotional aspect of pain by 44%, compared to a 11% reduction in sensation of pain and 13% reduction in emotional aspect with placebo cream. Mindfulness meditation also activated brain regions associated with self-...

Computer model reveals deadly route of Ebola outbreak

A novel statistical model mapped the spread of the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, providing the most detailed picture to date. The analysis suggests two critical opportunities to control the epidemic and identifies two critical points where intervention could have been more effective.

Novel stem cell line avoids risk of introducing transplanted tumors

Researchers have created a new 'progenitor cell' capable of unlimited expansion and differentiation into mature kidney cells without the risk of forming tumors. This breakthrough presents several advantages over using undifferentiated human stem cells, including reduced tumor growth potential and easier manipulation for therapeutic use.

Computer model developed for predicting the dispersion of vog

A computer model developed by University of Hawaii researchers can accurately forecast the movement of vog around the state, posing a serious threat to health and ecosystems. The model uses sulfur dioxide emissions and wind predictions to provide near-real-time forecasts.

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.

Rice U. paper: End 'stem cell tourism'

A new paper by Rice University experts warns that unproven stem cell-based interventions are causing harm to patients and hindering scientific progress. The authors argue that public policy is needed to reduce 'stem cell tourism' and promote responsible research.