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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 68


Page 68 of 402

Simple mathematical formula models lithium-ion battery aging

A team of Penn State researchers has created a simple mathematical formula to predict the most influential factors in lithium-ion battery aging. The formula takes into account state of charge, charging/discharging frequency, operating temperature, and current to estimate battery degradation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateOct 30, 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.

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.

Researchers discover new way to measure if a person is pre-diabetic

A panel of markers has been discovered that can identify pre-diabetes by measuring fatty acids in blood, allowing for early warning and lifestyle change. The levels of these fatty acids can change up to 10 years before diagnosis, making it a potential tool for predicting the risk of developing pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii Cancer Center·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 29, 2015

Babe Ruth and earthquake hazard maps

Using historical intensity data from Japan, researchers found that uniform and randomized versions of earthquake hazard maps outperform published maps in predicting shaking. The study aims to provide a more accurate understanding of how these maps work and their limitations.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 29, 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.

New finding will help target MS immune response

Scientists at the University of Adelaide have identified a key protein, CCR2, involved in a 'super-inflammatory' immune response driving multiple sclerosis (MS) and autoimmune diseases. Blocking this receptor may help control MS progression.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2015

300 million-year-old 'supershark' fossils found in Texas

Fossils of ancient sharks estimated to be between 18 and 26 feet in length, with the largest specimen being 25% bigger than today's largest predatory shark. The discovery pushes back the fossil record of giant sharks by 170 million years.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateOct 29, 2015

'Ensemble' modeling could lead to better flu forecasts, study finds

A new study combines data from various sources to create more accurate flu forecasts. The ensemble models outperform traditional methods, including Google Flu Trends, and provide near-perfect correlation with CDC reports. Researchers hope to expand the model's capabilities to track other diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 29, 2015

TSRI study suggests tumors may 'seed' cancer metastases earlier than expected

A new study from TSRI found that high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) encourage blood vessel growth in early tumor development, facilitating cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. The findings highlight the urgent need for new methods to diagnose cancers early and new treatments to fight growing metastases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNeoplasia·DateOct 29, 2015

Unique feeding mechanism among marine reptiles from the age of dinosaurs

Researchers have discovered that ancient elasmosaurs, such as Aristonectes and Morturneria, used a comb-like structure in their jaws to strain out food particles from the water. This unique feeding style is similar to that of modern baleen whales and allows for efficient collection of food particles.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateOct 29, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Carnegie Mellon fur-bricates hair with inexpensive 3-D printer

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a technique to produce 3D-printed hair-like strands, fibers, and bristles using a common low-cost printer. The process involves applying molten plastic and then moving the print head sideways to create tapered strands.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 29, 2015

UTA, Ohio State partner to better understand and treat muscle loss

A $250,000 grant from the National Institute on Aging will help researchers at UTA and Ohio State University study the molecular mechanisms of muscle aging. The study aims to discover new ways to keep muscle function optimal during aging, potentially leading to treatments for age-related muscle loss.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 29, 2015

Key findings to develop a vaccine against Toxoplasma

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a new role for p62 in the immune response to Toxoplasma gondii, paving the way for the development of an inactivated vaccine. The study found that p62 plays a crucial role in activating killer T cells in infected cells stimulated by interferon-γ.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 2015
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.

Gut bacteria could be blamed for obesity and diabetes

Research suggests that gut bacteria can ferment dietary fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that contribute to liver lipids and potentially lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In individuals with compromised TLR5 function, overconsumption of fiber may exacerbate this process.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 29, 2015

Pregnancy antibiotics no cause for concern

A comprehensive review of 135,000 pregnancies found that two most commonly prescribed macrolides have no adverse effects on child's physical development. The study used data from Quebec Pregnancy Cohort and failed to find any meaningful association between macrolide use and major congenital malformations.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateOct 29, 2015

Study predicts bedrock weathering based on topography

Scientists developed a model that estimates the thickness of Earth's 'critical zone' given topography, gravity, and plate tectonics. The results show that bedrock weathering varies with tectonic compression, influencing the diversity of terrestrial life.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2015

UTMB researchers help discover simple, affordable diagnostic kit for chikungunya

Researchers at UTMB created a novel, Eilat virus-based diagnostic test that can diagnose chikungunya in under two hours and is more affordable than existing tests. The test uses the structural proteins of the Eilat virus to mimic the chikungunya virus without replicating in humans.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 29, 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.

UTMB study finds obese pregnant women who lose weight save money, have healthier newborns

A recent UTMB study found that severely obese pregnant women who maintained or lost weight during pregnancy had lower healthcare costs and healthier infant outcomes. The study compared 82 obese mothers with 85 healthy-weight mothers, finding that infants of obese mothers who lost weight were less likely to experience complications.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalClinical Obesity·DateOct 29, 2015

Studies raise questions about impact of statins on flu vaccination in seniors

Researchers found that statins may hinder immune response to flu vaccine and lower vaccine effectiveness in older adults, suggesting potential implications for flu vaccine recommendations and guidelines. The studies analyzed data from nearly 7,000 adults over 65 in four countries, including the US.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 29, 2015

New England cod collapse linked to warming waters

A new study by AAAS finds that warming waters in the Gulf of Maine have contributed to the decline of New England cod stocks, despite strict quotas. The researchers used sea surface temperature data to show how ocean warming reduced cod production and led to overfishing.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 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.

Using superlatives in the media for cancer drugs

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that superlatives like 'breakthrough' and 'miracle' were used to describe unapproved cancer drugs, often without clinical data. Targeted therapy was the most commonly referenced class of drugs, with immunologic checkpoint inhibitors also being frequently described as 'game-changers'.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 29, 2015

New study: Warming waters a major factor in the collapse of New England cod

A new study reveals that warming waters in the Gulf of Maine are a major factor in the collapse of New England cod stocks, hovering at 3-4% of sustainable levels. The research suggests that increased water temperatures reduce the number of new cod produced and lead to fewer young fish surviving to adulthood.

SourceGulf of Maine Research Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2015

Single-agent phototherapy system offers significant new tool to fight cancer

The new approach uses a single chemical compound that makes cancer cells glow when exposed to near-infrared light, allowing for more effective removal of tumors. In laboratory tests, tumors were completely eradicated without side effects, and the treatment showed promise in targeting specific cancers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateOct 29, 2015

Rates of kidney failure due to blood cancer are declining

Rates of kidney failure caused by multiple myeloma have declined over the past decade, with a 20% reduction from 2001-2002 to 2009-2010. ESRD patients with multiple myeloma are also living longer and experiencing a decline in mortality within 3 years after initiating dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 29, 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.

Making cars of the future stronger, using less energy

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new welding technique that produces 50% stronger bonds while consuming 80% less energy. The process uses high-voltage pulses to vaporize metal foils and directly bond atoms, creating seamless welds without weakened seams.

SourceOhio State University·DateOct 29, 2015

Targeted therapy for gastric cancer possible

Researchers have discovered a genomic molecular fingerprint, signature 3, that highlights certain gastric cancers susceptible to treatment with platinum drugs or PARP inhibitor drugs. This biomarker could guide targeted therapy for breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers as well.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2015

Study spells out why some insects kill their mothers

Researchers found that worker wasps in colonies with more full siblings are more likely to kill their queens, allowing them to lay male eggs and outcompete the queen for reproduction. This behavior is driven by kin selection theory, which predicts that workers favor close relatives over distant ones.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 29, 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.

Exercise could give margin of safety to women who want to delay preventive mastectomy

Regular physical activity can help women at high risk of breast cancer delay drastic measures by reducing estrogen-sensitive breast tissue. Women who engage in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise per day for five days a week may experience a 10% drop in estrogen-sensitive breast tissue over 100 minutes of exercise.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateOct 29, 2015
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.

What's done in the lab applies in the field, econ study shows

A new report by Daniel Herbst and Alexandre Mas found that lab-based estimates of the spillover effect, how one worker's productivity impacts another's, are similar to field results. The study analyzed more than 30 lab and field studies across various occupations and continents, suggesting that insights from lab experiments can be gene...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2015

New ORNL catalyst features unsurpassed selectivity

The new catalyst developed by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory features unprecedented selectivity and a conversion rate nearly twice that of conventional catalysts. This breakthrough enables the selective oxidation of cyclohexane to produce nylon precursor with increased efficiency.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2015

Computer-based modeling improves outcomes for infants in drug withdrawal

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center used computer-based modeling to improve outcomes for infants born in drug withdrawal. The study reduced methadone treatment duration from 16.4 to 14.1 days and inpatient treatment from 21.7 to 18.3 days.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 29, 2015

Researchers find universality in protein locality

A team of researchers mapped a universal dynamic that explains protein production and distribution, with implications for understanding phenotypic variability. The findings suggest a fundamental role for cellular feedback mechanisms in regulating protein levels.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateOct 29, 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.

The most vulnerable countries miss out on climate change knowledge

A new study reveals that vulnerable countries are largely disconnected from scientific knowledge on climate change, hindering their policymaking. The study calls for initiatives across private and governmental organizations, researchers, and individuals to bridge the knowledge gap and promote cross-national collaborations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateOct 29, 2015

Improving risk-cost-benefit analysis

Baruch Fischhoff reviews four types of analysis to guide policymakers' decisions: estimating risks, deciding on worst-case scenarios, achieving maximum benefits with minimal risk, and weighing risks and benefits. He proposes making the analysis process more transparent and relevant to increase trust.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2015

Clemson researchers and IT scientists team up to tackle Big Data

A team of researchers at Clemson University is working on simplifying collaboration and improving efficiency in the handling of large data sets, also known as Big Data. They are studying ways to bridge the gap between technology experts and scientists, enabling better communication and workflow optimization.

SourceClemson University·JournalBioinformatics·DateOct 29, 2015

Molecular switch generates calorie-burning brown fat

Researchers discover a protein called Casein Kinase 2 that prevents white fat from burning energy in cold conditions. Inhibiting this molecule boosts metabolism and reduces weight gain in mice fed high-fat diets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 29, 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.

New concepts emerge for generating clean, inexpensive fuel from water

Researchers at the University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin developed a new method to split water into hydrogen and oxygen efficiently using solar energy. By incorporating nitrogen into an electrode made of bismuth vanadate, they increased photon absorption and electron transport, leading to higher fuel efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2015

Annual Antarctic ozone hole larger and formed later in 2015

The 2015 Antarctic ozone hole was the fourth largest on record, peaking at 28.2 million square kilometers, and formed later than usual due to unusually cold temperatures and weak dynamics in the stratosphere. The large size of this year's ozone hole will likely result in increases of harmful ultraviolet rays at Earth's surface.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 29, 2015

A vaccine candidate that supports immunity where it matters most

Researchers have discovered that cytomegalovirus activates the immune system to continually feed sentinel cells into mucous membranes, offering better and more immediate protection. This finding suggests a strong candidate for vaccines against various pathogens, including HIV and tuberculosis.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 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.

Cleveland Clinic researchers discover new thyroid cancer gene

Researchers have identified a new cancer-predisposing gene, SEC23B, associated with thyroid cancer and Cowden syndrome. This gene is involved in protein transport within cells and has been found to promote aggressive growth of thyroid cells.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 29, 2015