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Science News Archive 2015


Page 59 of 402

Bang for the buck in stroke prevention: U-M study compares new & old drugs

A University of Michigan Medical School team compared the cost-effectiveness of two anticoagulant drugs, dabigatran and warfarin, for preventing stroke in patients over age 65 with atrial fibrillation. They found that new drugs are more cost-effective for those with prescription coverage, but may not be worth it for those without cover...

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.

Researchers uncover diverse subtypes of serotonin-producing neurons

Scientists have characterized six major molecular subtypes of serotonergic neurons in mice, revealing distinct expression patterns of hundreds of genes. These subtypes modulate different behaviors and vary in developmental lineage, anatomical distribution, and electrical firing properties.

Why's there chatter in my Himalayan singing bowl?

A group of undergraduate researchers experimentally investigated the Himalayan singing bowl and discovered how it produces 'chatter', a rapid knocking sound. The study found that the puja's motion excites the vibration of the bowl, causing a unique deflection shape.

Korea's 'Hanoks' display acoustic excellence

Research finds that Hanoks' earthen walls, paper windows, and wooden floors create a resonance effect, amplifying sound clarity and reverberation time. The unique acoustics of these traditional Korean houses make them suitable for playing classic instruments like zithers.

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.

Adults' happiness on the decline

Researchers found that adults over age 30 are not happier than they used to be, but teens and young adults are experiencing higher levels of happiness. The study, led by San Diego State University professor Jean M. Twenge, analyzed data from four nationally representative samples of Americans ages 13 to 96.

Fly method is epilepsy's ray of light

Scientists have developed a technique using optogenetics to suppress nervous system activity in genetically-altered fruit fly embryos, showing promise in preventing the onset of epilepsy symptoms when treated early enough.

Vector network analysis using lasers

PTB researchers have developed a laser-based vector network analyzer (VNA) for precise and cost-effective high-frequency measurements. The new method enables frequency-resolved scattering parameter measurements on planar waveguides up to 500 GHz with a 500 MHz frequency spacing.

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.

$2 million to improve wheat yields for farmers across the world

The project aims to enhance wheat crop yields by understanding the genetic basis of more efficient photosynthesis. By combining diverse expertise and next-generation DNA sequencing, researchers will identify key genes responsible for improved crop performance.

It's a beauty: JILA's quantum crystal is now more valuable

Physicists at JILA have created a denser quantum crystal by packing about five times more molecules into it, allowing for the study of correlations among molecule spins and entanglement. The crystal's high density enables scientists to investigate complex effects that may lead to new materials for electronics.

Butterfly mimicry through the eyes of bird predators

Scientists investigate butterfly mimetic communities in the Western Ghats of India and find that females are generally better mimics than males. The study's results challenge expectations and raise new questions about the evolution of mimicry and selective forces influencing butterfly wing patterns.

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.

Penn, Notre Dame researchers mapping genetic history of the Caribbean

A team led by University of Pennsylvania professor Theodore Schurr has discovered that many Caribbean communities retain significant indigenous ancestry. Using DNA samples from over 88 participants in Trinidad and St. Vincent, the researchers found 42% of maternal and 28% of paternal genetic heritage.

Gut microbiome drives success of immunotherapy

Two studies found that a specific gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium, is positively associated with anti-tumor T cell responses and upregulates genes critical for anti-tumor responses. Fecal transplants also slowed tumor growth in mice treated with immunotherapy agents.

Stem-cell scientists redefine how blood is made

Researchers have discovered a new view of how human blood is made, resolving how different kinds of blood cells form quickly from stem cells. This finding has significant implications for understanding and treating blood disorders and diseases.

NASA spots another Arabian Sea tropical cyclone forming

Tropical Cyclone Chapala recently dissipated over Yemen, but another storm is now forming in the Arabian Sea. NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected this new system with scattered light to moderate rainfall falling at a rate of 23.3 mm per hour.

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.

MAVEN results: Delving into the atmosphere of Mars

The MAVEN mission has revealed enhanced escape rates of ions during solar bursts, hinting at substantial atmospheric loss in early Martian history. The study also found a large vertical temperature gradient and mixing of gases near the thermosphere and ionosphere.

Assessing ecosystem services: Increasing the impact on decision making

Researchers develop a step-wise problem-oriented approach to enhance the relevance of ES assessments for decision making. The new framework focuses on structuring ES information according to land use problems identified by stakeholders, collecting context-specific ES information as needed by decision makers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Teaching the blind to draw -- and do STEM

E.A.S.Y. LLC has received a $1 million NIH grant to develop an interactive graphics printer that translates conventional graphics to raised-line versions for the blind, enabling them to take math and science courses like sighted students. The printer will be used in schools nationwide to create accessible worksheets.

DNA strands often 'wiggle' as part of genetic repair

Research by Rockefeller University scientists shows DNA strands increase mobility during repair, which may serve as a 'fail-safe mechanism'. This process is linked to chemotherapy and cancer treatment, and understanding its mechanisms could lead to new therapies.

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.

Better sleep and tai chi reduce inflammation and promote health

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that treatment for insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy or tai chi reduces inflammation levels in older adults. These behavioral interventions also represent a third pillar, along with diet and physical activity, to promote health and reduce age-related morbidities.

An easy test for sickle cell disease

A team of engineers has developed a simple technique for diagnosing and monitoring sickle cell disease using magnetic levitation and a smartphone. The test is quick, inexpensive, and can be performed in regions with limited medical resources.

Towards elimination of HIV reservoirs

Researchers develop 'kick and kill' strategy using Dual-Affinity Re-Targeting molecules to target HIV-infected cells and killer T cells. The study shows that the molecules can induce killing of infected cells and reduce detectable HIV expression in blood cells.

Gut bacteria can dramatically amplify cancer immunotherapy

Researchers discovered that introducing a specific strain of bacteria into mice with melanoma boosted their immune systems to attack tumor cells. The findings suggest that manipulating gut bacteria can improve immunotherapy outcomes, providing a new approach to treating cancer.

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.

Three urgent steps for better protected areas

A new study suggests that protected areas are failing to meet biodiversity goals due to inadequate science and management. The Wildlife Conservation Society proposes a three-point plan to improve the effectiveness of protected areas, including establishing ecologically sensible targets and identifying performance metrics.

Supernova twins: Making standard candles more standard than ever

The Nearby Supernova Factory has developed a new method to measure cosmological distances using 'supernova twins,' which are pairs of supernovae with closely matched spectra. This approach reduces the scatter in brightness dispersion to just 8%, allowing for more accurate measurements and a stronger test of dark energy theory.

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.

Managed bees spread and intensify diseases in wild bees

A recent review article by UC Riverside-led researcher Peter Graystock highlights the risks of managed bees to wild bees, including disease transmission and population declines. The study recommends improved disease screening, unified international regulations, and conservation efforts to mitigate these effects.

Researchers discover a new dimension to high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory discovered a surprising 3-D effect in a superconducting material, resolving an apparent mismatch in data and charting a new course for understanding electrons in these exotic materials. The study revealed a newly found type of 'charge density wave' closely tied to high-temperature sup...

Snail trails lead to climate-driven cultural shift in ancient Morocco

Researchers found evidence of significant natural climate change in ancient Morocco that led to the introduction of early agriculture. The study, published by UC geologist Yurena Yanes, analyzed oxygen isotope samples from snail shells and found a clear link between climate change and the shift from hunting to farming.

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.

Insufficient sleep may impact kidney health

A new study suggests that shorter sleep duration is significantly linked with a more rapid decline in kidney function. Women who slept less than 5 hours per night had a 65% increased likelihood of experiencing a rapid decline in kidney function compared to those sleeping 7-8 hours.

UMD discovery could enable portable particle accelerators

Physicists at the University of Maryland have accelerated electron beams to nearly the speed of light using millijoules of laser pulse energy, a significant improvement over previous methods. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-compact machines useful for materials science and medical imaging, overcoming barriers in cost, complexity,...

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.

Researchers show how positive stimuli provide benefits to the distracted brain

Researchers at the Beckman Institute found that positive stimuli, such as cute puppies, increase brain activity in areas involved in emotion control and working memory. Positive distractions do not interfere with task completion, unlike negative distractions like barking dogs, which decrease activity in these regions.

The astounding genome of the dinoflagellate

Researchers sequenced the complete genome of dinoflagellate S. kawagutii, revealing surprising findings about its genetic makeup and adaptability. The study suggests that this species has evolved to cope with stress imposed by climate change and pollution, potentially holding key to understanding other dinoflagellates.

Kids with asthma can avoid the ER by avoiding the ER

A new study found that kids with asthma who make 5 acute care visits have a 87% probability of future emergency department visits. Early treatment and controlled asthma management significantly reduce asthma attacks and ED visits.

Australia needs right tools to build path to innovation

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology are investigating innovation systems to guide businesses and stimulate economic growth. The project aims to develop a theory of innovation systems to analyse which processes are most beneficial for organisations.

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.

Watching a memory form

Researchers found joiner neurons that can be pre-positioned for rapid recruitment into memories, changing how brain networks adjust to build memories. This discovery has implications for understanding memory formation and developing new strategies for brain injury recovery.

Structure of 'concrete disease' solved

Scientists have discovered a previously undocumented sheet-silicate crystal structure in the alkali-aggregate reaction, a chemical process that weakens concrete over decades. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more durable concrete, reducing global infrastructure failures.

Early warning found for chronic kidney disease

A study in New England Journal of Medicine found that suPAR, a circulating protein, can reliably predict chronic kidney disease up to five years before symptoms appear. High suPAR levels are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease, which affects over 15% of people in the US.

Study explores nicotine patch to treat memory loss

A $9.4 million grant is being used to test a transdermal nicotine patch for improving memory loss in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI affects millions of people worldwide and is the stage between normal aging and dementia when others notice mild memory problems.

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.

Circadian clock controls insulin and blood sugar in pancreas

A new Northwestern Medicine study has identified thousands of genetic pathways that regulate insulin production and blood sugar control in the pancreas, which could lead to new therapies for children and adults with diabetes. The researchers created a detailed map of genes controlled by the circadian clock's transcription factors.