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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 78


Page 78 of 402

Certain vulnerable groups are less likely to use e-health resources

A study found disparities in kidney disease patients' access to electronic health record portals, which may reinforce existing health-related inequities. Patients with black race, lower neighborhood household income, older age, and Medicaid/Medicare insurance status were less likely to adopt the portal.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 22, 2015

NIH-funded study reveals why malaria vaccine only partially protected children, infants

The NIH-funded study found that the RTS,S vaccine was most effective against malaria in children with the same protein variant, while a mismatch corresponded to lesser protection. The research used advanced genomic sequencing technology to investigate genetic variations in the CS protein, which may limit or restrict vaccine protection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 22, 2015

New study provides first field observations of rare Omura's whales

A recent study published in the Royal Society Open Science journal has made the first-ever field observations of Omura's whales off the coast of Madagascar. The research team observed 44 groups of whales, collected skin biopsies from 18 adult whales, and recorded song-like vocalizations that may indicate reproductive behavior.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 22, 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.

Shining more light on solar panels

Michigan Technological University researchers have developed a method to increase the output of solar panels by 30 percent or more by using reflectors to bounce sunlight back onto panels. This innovation could lead to major retrofits for existing solar farms, making solar energy more efficient and cost-effective.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalIEEE Journal of Photovoltaics·DateOct 22, 2015

Monitoring critical blood levels in real time in the ICU

The new system monitors five substances, including glucose and lactate, and can detect up to 40 molecules in real time. This reduces the need for invasive monitoring devices, providing a practical advantage for medical staff and loved ones.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateOct 22, 2015

New depression diagnosis and treatment

Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem suggest that microglia cells may be a key to causing depression, leading to potential new treatments. The study proposes a personalized medical approach using drugs that restore normal microglia function to diagnose and treat depression.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateOct 22, 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.

Researchers identify potential new leukemia drug target

Acute myeloid leukemia cells are addicted to the presence of JMJD1C, a protein that plays a key role in cancer-promoting effects. The team identified JMJD1C as a potential therapeutic target for multiple types of leukemia.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 22, 2015

Vibrations tell bees where mates are from

Researchers found that red mason bee females prefer males from their own region based on specific vibration patterns. This discovery suggests that vibrational signals carry complex information about a male's place of origin.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 22, 2015

For howler monkeys, deeper roars mean less sperm

Researchers found that howler monkey species with larger hyoid bones produce sounds with lower frequencies, suggesting a larger body size. This is associated with smaller testes and vice versa, indicating a trade-off between vocal investment and sperm production.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 22, 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.

New study: What you didn't know about naked mole-rats

A recent University of Virginia-led study found that naked mole-rats are not genetically isolated and are actually part of larger wild populations with diverse genetics. This challenges the long-held assumption about their social behavior and mating habits.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateOct 22, 2015

New hope for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

A recent study by McGill University researchers has made significant progress in understanding the mechanisms responsible for multiple sclerosis and identifying potential new treatments. By targeting a subset of B cells known as GM-CSF-producing B cells, the therapy shows promise in reducing disease activity.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 22, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Alzheimer's disease: Plaques impair memory formation during sleep

A recent study has found that plaques associated with dementia can disrupt the spread of slow waves in the brain during sleep, impairing memory consolidation. Researchers were able to decode this defect at the molecular level and alleviate it with medication, showing potential for a new treatment approach.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 22, 2015

Link between champion horses and offspring careers revealed

A new study reveals that horses with race-winning parents are more likely to have a champion career, including factors like career length and disease susceptibility. The research, led by Dr. Natasha Hamilton, sheds light on the genetic influence of durability and health-related traits.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·DateOct 22, 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.

Louisiana Tech University professor receives national award for research

Dr. Prerna Dua, associate professor of health informatics and information management at Louisiana Tech University, has been honored with the AHIMA Triumph Award for her research expertise in healthcare and decision support. The award recognizes her dedication to enriching the field of health information management.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·DateOct 22, 2015

Robot's influent speaking just to get attention from you

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a novel robotic communication approach that takes into account the listener's attention. The robot follows the person's gaze and adjusts its utterance to regain their focus.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·DateOct 22, 2015

Neurons that regulate sleep stages revealed

A new study identifies neurons that inhibit REM sleep and induce non-REM sleep in mice, revealing a complex relationship between the two stages of sleep. The discovery sheds light on the brain's mechanism for regulating sleep patterns.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 22, 2015

NASA takes lasercom a step forward

A NASA-developed laser communication system has demonstrated record-breaking data download and upload speeds to the moon, as well as highly precise distance and speed measurements. The Space Optical Communication and Navigation System can provide micrometer-level accuracy over a 622 megabits-per-second laser communication link.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 22, 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.

Magnetic hide and seek

Researchers use asteroseismology to track waves through stars and determine internal properties, finding nearly a million times stronger magnetic fields than typical refrigerator magnets. This technique allows probing of previously hidden regions of stars.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateOct 22, 2015

For young patients with spina bifida, smartphone app improves self-management

A new study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that a smartphone app can help adolescents and young adults with spina bifida improve their daily self-management skills. The app, called iMHere, includes mobile reminders and messaging with healthcare providers.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateOct 22, 2015

Music listening habits tell about mental health

Research finds that men who process negative feelings with aggressive music react negatively to the emotion, while females exhibit increased activity in the mPFC. The study suggests long-term effects of music listening styles on brain activity and mental well-being.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateOct 22, 2015

New medication class may safely and effectively treat anemia

A new class of oral medications, HIF-PHIs, stimulates red blood cell production by mimicking a low-oxygen state. Promising results were achieved in phase 2 clinical trials, showing improved hemoglobin levels and reduced anemia in kidney disease patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 22, 2015
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Some antibiotics work by stressing bacteria out (metabolically)

A new study finds that antibiotics create conditions for bacterial demise by stressing their metabolism, leading to oxidative stress that breaks down DNA and other key molecules. This understanding could lead to more effective treatments for patients fighting infections.

SourceBrown University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 22, 2015

Vitamin B3 derivative cuts risk of new skin cancers

Nicotinamide significantly lowered the risk of common non-melanoma skin cancer in high-risk patients, reducing incidence by 23% compared to placebo controls. The treatment also cut the incidence of pre-cancerous sun spots by around 15%.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 21, 2015

Astronomers catch a black hole shredding a star to pieces

Researchers observe closest tidal disruption event in nearly a decade, gaining new understanding of black hole effects on nearby stars. The study reveals details about the formation of an accretion disk and the expulsion of gas from the black hole.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 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.

Prawns reveal the secrets of innovation

A new study found that small and hungry prawns are more likely to innovate when in a group, while size has no effect alone or with hunger. This challenges the long-held notion that necessity drives innovation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2015

University of Illinois awarded $8 million from NIH to study nuclear structure

A team led by Professor Andrew Belmont is using a combination of cytological, genomic, and functional mapping techniques to understand the organization and function of the nucleus. The research aims to uncover how changes in DNA positioning affect gene activity and overall genomic function.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateOct 21, 2015

European birdwatchers unravel how birds respond to climate change

A large dataset of bird sightings across Europe shows that some species benefit from warmer winters and more productive spring times, while others decline due to changing conditions. The study suggests that climate change will favor some species over others, with the most vulnerable being those adapted to colder regions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 21, 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.

Glowing fingerprints to fight crime

A CSIRO scientist has developed a novel fingerprint detection method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to reveal latent prints on surfaces. This technique enables faster and more precise analysis, reducing the need for heat and vacuum treatment in laboratories.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 21, 2015

Penn researchers examine effects of federal recommendations on cartilage repair studies in large animal models

A team of Penn researchers analyzed 114 large animal studies on cartilage repair to determine adherence to federal guidelines. They found that most studies did not follow the guidelines, particularly when evaluating study outcomes, and suggested that a standardized reporting structure be implemented to improve translation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2015

Hulet wins American Physical Society's Davisson-Germer Prize

Randy Hulet, a leading expert in ultracold atomic gases, has won the American Physical Society's Davisson-Germer Prize for his groundbreaking investigations of quantum degenerate gases. His research group uses lasers to cool lithium gas to near absolute zero, unlocking the mysteries of quantum mechanics.

SourceRice University·DateOct 21, 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.

Gear, not geoducks, impacts ecosystem if farming increases

A new study suggests that geoduck farming in central Puget Sound could have significant impacts on the food web if farming activities increase by 120 percent. The equipment used to farm geoducks, including PVC pipes and nets, may have a greater impact than the addition of the clams themselves.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateOct 21, 2015
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.

California 2100: More frequent and more severe droughts and floods likely

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that California will experience more frequent and severe droughts and floods due to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. The researchers found that extreme weather events are likely to increase, with droughts potentially doubling and floods tripling by 2100.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2015

Nano power grids between bacteria

Researchers have found nano-wire connections between thermophilic AOM consortia, enabling energy transfer between archaea and sulphate reducers. These direct power wires facilitate the growth of sulphate reducers, providing insight into the anaerobic oxidation of methane.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2015

Marker may predict risk of breast cancer spreading to the brain

Researchers developed a new tumor marker test that may predict breast cancer spread to the brain, based on alpha B-crystallin levels in breast tumors. The test found nearly three times higher likelihood of brain metastasis in women with alpha B-crystallin expression.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·DateOct 21, 2015

Finding the markets in emerging markets

A study in the Journal of Retailing found that leveraging distribution strategies can maximize firm performance in emerging markets. The authors propose an econometric model to help firms develop multichannel distribution strategies tailored to these markets.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateOct 21, 2015
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.

Chipping away at the secrets of ice formation

Researchers found that particle surfaces can impact ice crystallization and encourage different ice crystal orientations. This discovery could help improve understanding of climate science, air travel, and cryopreservation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 21, 2015

Biologists discover bacteria communicate like neurons in the brain

Researchers at UC San Diego found that bacteria use electrical signaling mechanisms similar to those in the human brain to communicate and resolve metabolic stress. This discovery suggests that bacterial biofilms may be connected to neurological disorders, such as migraines and seizures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2015

Cosmic 'Death Star' is destroying a planet

Astronomers have spotted a large, rocky object disintegrating in its death spiral around a distant white dwarf star, confirming a long-standing theory behind the source of white dwarf 'pollution' by metals. The system shows signs of surrounding debris disk and at least one compact, rocky object.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2015

Immune responses provide clues for HIV vaccine development

A new review outlines findings that hint at the types of immune responses a preventive HIV vaccine may need to induce, including production of antiviral antibodies and CD4+ T cell responses. Many RV144 vaccinees produced antibodies in the IgG family linked to protection against acquiring HIV.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 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.