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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 62


Page 62 of 402

Study of cloud cover in tropical Pacific reveals future climate changes

A study by University of Miami researchers found a weakening of the Walker circulation due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to changes in rainfall patterns. The analysis used historical cloud cover observations as a proxy for wind velocity in climate models.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 4, 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.

UBC researchers transform humble blood cells into 'Franken-platelets'

Researchers at UBC created a supercharged blood cell called a 'Franken-platelet' by injecting platelets with DNA and other ingredients. The resulting cells produced RNA, which performed as predicted and showed promise for treating bleeding disorders and inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 4, 2015

Image release: Protostar growth spurts

Astronomers have discovered an adolescent protostar, CARMA-7, exhibiting rapid-fire growth spurts and intermittent jets streaming away from its poles. This finding provides insights into chaotic stellar formation in the densely packed Serpens South star cluster.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 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.

A slim by design breakfast

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that healthy-weight individuals tend to eat nutritious breakfasts including fruits and vegetables. The research revealed that egg consumption was higher than expected among slim people, highlighting the importance of breakfast in weight management.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·DateNov 4, 2015

DNA in blood can track cancer development and response in real time

Scientists tracked breast cancer development using tumour DNA shed into bloodstream, reflecting genetic changes and treatment response. The study provides proof-of-principle for real-time monitoring of cancer, potentially reducing need for invasive biopsies.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2015

Who's the 'enviest' of them all?

A recent study by UC San Diego researchers found that young adults experience envy more frequently than older adults, particularly in regards to physical appearance and academic success. The study also revealed that men and women tend to envy someone of the same age group, with younger participants reporting envy over looks and romance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·DateNov 4, 2015

Home remediation in low-income housing shows significant effect on childhood asthma

A program combining home repairs, training, and comprehensive care significantly reduces childhood asthma symptoms and emergency department visits in low-income urban public housing. Removing asthma triggers such as mold and pests from these homes helps address the disproportionate impact of childhood asthma on minority communities.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Justice·DateNov 4, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shape of bird wings depends on ancestors more than flight style

Research challenges scientific beliefs that wing shape is primarily determined by flight style, finding that ancestry plays a more significant role. The study analyzed wing geometry across major bird groups and found varying wing shapes within closely related species.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateNov 4, 2015

Spending more on patients lowers doctors' malpractice risk, study finds

A new study by researchers at USC, Harvard and Stanford universities found that spending more on patients lowers doctors' malpractice risk. The study analyzed Florida physician and claims data and found an inverse correlation between adjusted hospital spending per physician year and malpractice claim rates.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 4, 2015

Vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus shows promise in early trial

Researchers have developed a new RSV vaccine candidate that has shown promising early results in young children, eliciting more antibodies than previous candidates. The vaccine uses a genetically engineered version of the virus with a deleted M2-2 protein to induce a stronger immune response.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 4, 2015

Evidence-based practice model can help hospitals deliver best care, cut costs

A new study suggests that hospital evidence-based practice centers (EPCs) can inform decision-making in medical settings, improving quality, safety, and value of care. EPCs can analyze scientific literature to fill critical knowledge gaps, leading to better outcomes and cost savings.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateNov 4, 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.

Bottle-brush design enhances cellular imaging

Researchers developed bottle-brush nanotags to enhance cellular imaging by containing thousands of fluorophores, overcoming the limit of self-quenching and amplifying signal detection. The design permits the use of different dyes, enabling a wide range of colors for these fluorescent nanotags.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 4, 2015

Requiring drug makers to take back unused pharmaceuticals

Unused prescription drugs contribute to water pollution and drug abuse when flushed down toilets or left in medicine cabinets. Local governments are creating take-back programs to collect pharmaceuticals, requiring drug companies to install containers at pharmacies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 4, 2015
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.

Kangaroos are not super low gas producers

Researchers measured kangaroo methane production and found it was no lower than that of horses. Well-fed animals produced less gas due to faster food passage through the gut, not a unique low-production trait.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 4, 2015

Trampolining water droplets

Scientists at ETH Zurich create surface designs that allow water droplets to 'trampoline' upwards, leveraging evaporation and microstructure. This phenomenon enables materials to violently repel water and ice, with potential applications in de-icing, power lines, and road surfacing.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2015

Scientists uncover mechanism that propels liver development after birth

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a mechanism that propels liver development after birth through alternative splicing, allowing the liver to acquire new functions tailored for adult needs. The study highlights the importance of an RNA binding protein, ESRP2, in controlling this developmental program.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2015

Expressive writing shows some benefits for returning vets

A study of nearly 1,300 veterans found that those who completed online expressive-writing sessions showed more improvements than peers who didn't write at all or did factual writing. Expressive writing reduced physical complaints, anger, and psychological distress, but had limited impact on PTSD symptoms.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateNov 4, 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.

'Odometer neurons' encode distance traveled and elapsed time

Researchers found that grid cells integrate information about time and distance to support memory and spatial navigation, even without visual landmarks. The discovery suggests a broader role for the medial entorhinal cortex in coding locations, time, and distance.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 4, 2015

NSF-funded research reveals new discoveries on a bug with bifocals

Researchers studied the eye development of Sunburst Diving Beetle larvae, revealing rapid eye growth and transformation between stages. The findings suggest a pre-determined eye growth mechanism, but also allow for adjustments at the level of the lens, which reforms over eight hours.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 4, 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.

Math anxiety doesn't equal poor math performance

Researchers found that high math motivation can buffer the negative effects of math anxiety on math learning, while low motivation is linked to poor math performance. The study used twin data and college student samples to investigate the complex relationship between math anxiety, motivation, and math achievement.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 4, 2015

Study rejects biologic age as limiting factor for stem cell transplants

A phase 2 study found that 42% of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can remain cancer-free after reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation, challenging traditional age-based exclusion criteria. This approach may offer improved outcomes for AML patients over 60 with otherwise well-tolerated treatments.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 4, 2015

Exploring current state of knowledge about mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease

The article reviews lessons learned from Alzheimer's disease research to advance the development of screening and diagnostic algorithms for Parkinson's disease. It explores MCI-AD research, clinical trials incorporating biomarkers and genetics, and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting specific biological mechanisms.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalNeurodegenerative Disease Management·DateNov 4, 2015

Used alone, weight loss apps might not help overweight young adults

A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that using a cell phone app to track exercise and calories did not result in significant weight loss for overweight young adults. In contrast, those who received personal coaching lost more weight over time.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalObesity·DateNov 4, 2015
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.

How plant cell compartments 'chat' with each other

Researchers have discovered a central relay station in plant cell communication, controlled by the MICU protein. This protein regulates calcium ion concentration in cellular power stations, enabling plants to respond to environmental stimuli such as water stress and pathogen attacks.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 4, 2015

Antimatter not so different after all

Researchers at Rice University measured the attractive force between antiprotons, revealing a fundamental new way to understand antimatter interactions. The scattering length and effective range of interaction were found to be nearly equivalent to those between protons.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2015

Blood test picks out prostate cancer drug resistance

Researchers have developed a blood test that can identify key mutations driving resistance to a widely used prostate cancer drug. The test predicts which patients will not respond to treatment and can inform personalized treatment options.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 4, 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.

CK5 marks cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer

A recent study published in International Journal of Gynecological Cancer found that protein CK5 marks ovarian cancers likely to be resistant to cisplatin. This marker could help predict and analyze platinum resistance, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·DateNov 4, 2015

Faster digestion in kangaroos reduces methane emissions

Researchers found that kangaroos emit around the same amount of methane as horses or ostriches per body size, but higher when food intake is increased. The study suggests that differences in methane production are more related to bacterial exposure conditions than specific bacteria types.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 4, 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.

Earliest embryonic lethality gene identified

Researchers have identified a single gene, TLE6, responsible for human embryonic lethality at an earlier stage of development than previously documented. The mutation impairs the binding of components of the sub-cortical maternal complex, leading to arrest in early embryonic development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 4, 2015

Mammography screening: Only 1 in 3 women is well-informed

A new study published by Bielefeld University found that only one in three women participating in Germany's mammography screening programme (MSP) are well-informed about it. The study also showed that women with higher levels of education and those from Turkish migration backgrounds are more likely to make an informed decision.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 4, 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.

Researchers provide detailed genetic information on fish

Scientists have generated genome-scale sequence information for the fathead minnow, a commonly used model organism in environmental toxicology studies. The new data will enhance the understanding of complex traits and biological pathways affected by environmental toxins.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2015

The hepatitis A virus is of animal origin

A large-scale study reveals the hepatitis A virus is likely of animal origin, with viruses from small mammals showing similarities to the human virus. The discovery offers new perspectives for risk assessments and may hint at a distant ancestry in primordial insect viruses.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2015

Buried in ash, ancient Salvadoran village shows images of daily life

The village of Ceren shows significant interactions among families and villagers in daily life, challenging traditional top-down societies. Archaeological evidence indicates the villagers had free reign regarding architecture, crop choices, and economics.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalLatin American Antiquity·DateNov 3, 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.

Announcing the AAAS Community Engagement Fellowship program

The AAAS will provide training and professional development for up to 18 fellows, focusing on community engagement managers who facilitate collaborative projects. The fellowship aims to create a well-defined career path and resources for individuals in this field.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateNov 3, 2015

Diamonds may not be so rare as once thought

Researchers have discovered that diamonds can form in a simpler natural chemical reaction involving water and rock. This finding could lead to a better understanding of the Earth's deep formation processes.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 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.

Standing and exercise linked to lower odds of obesity

A study by the American Cancer Society found that standing for at least one-quarter of the day was associated with lower odds of obesity. Standing time was also linked to reduced metabolic risk, particularly when combined with physical activity.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 3, 2015

How to model the immune system - 10 billion components at a time

Researchers have developed methods to overcome technical limitations in studying the immune system, allowing for investigation of interdependent components and their impact on functions at the systems level. The new book provides valuable insights into team science and the application of computational tools to model immunity.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 3, 2015
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.

Premature ejaculation isn't a true illness

A new review questions whether premature ejaculation is an illness, citing false assumptions and influence from drug companies. The authors suggest that physiology of ejaculation and orgasm remains intact in men with premature ejaculation.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateNov 3, 2015