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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 95


Page 95 of 402

New genome reveals higher Eurasian migration into ancient Africa

Researchers have sequenced the full genome of an ancient African male skeleton, revealing significantly more Eurasian ancestry than previously thought. The study estimates that 4-7% of African genomes trace back to a Eurasian source, with gene flow reaching Central, West and Southern Africa.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2015

Molecular characteristics of mammalian melanopsins for non-visual photoreception

Researchers identified the molecular properties of mammalian melanopsins, a photopigment involved in non-visual photoreception. They found that these proteins possess less stable bonds with retinal, contributing to lower photosensitivity and diverse attachment stability among species.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 8, 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.

A long look back at fishes' extendable jaws

A team of researchers discovered that fishes' jaw protrusion ability is a relatively new trait, appearing only in the last 100 million years of their 400-million-year history. This finding suggests that the evolution of jaw protrusion played a crucial role in the success of spiny-rayed fishes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 8, 2015

Study examines cancer-care outcomes among US hospitals

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology examined cancer-care outcomes among US hospitals and found significant differences in long-term survival rates among four major categories of hospitals: PPS-exempt, NCI cancer centers, AMC, and other hospitals. The analysis revealed substantial gaps in survival rates, with patients treated at P...

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 8, 2015

Beetles provide clues about the genetic foundations of parenthood

Researchers discovered that burying beetles express specific genes controlling parenting behaviors when single-parented, but not when appearing to co-parent. This finding provides insights into the fundamental genetics of parenthood in insects and may inform studies on social dynamics in other animals.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 8, 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.

Quantifying the impact of climate on ecosystems worldwide

A recent UCLA-led study quantified the direct impact of climate on ecosystems worldwide, finding that it has a strong and immediate effect on forest productivity. The research restores scientific consensus on the topic after a controversial 2014 paper questioned the correlation between climate change and ecosystem growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 8, 2015

Tropical ants in Europe

A team of biologists from OIST and University of Hong Kong analyzed a database of modern and fossil ants to determine their geographical distribution. The study reveals that ancient European ants were more similar to South East Asian modern ants than European counterparts.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateOct 8, 2015

Risks and benefits of hysterectomy with electric power morcellation vary with age

A new study found that laparoscopic hysterectomy without morcellation was the most effective procedure, while laparoscopic hysterectomy with power morcellation was associated with more intraoperative complications but fewer perioperative risks. The risk of cancer dissemination and mortality varied by age, with higher risks for older wo...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 8, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In the sex lives of male worms in the lab, 1 gene makes a big difference

Researchers found that variation in a single gene, plep-1, produces males with excretory pores attracting other males. This attraction is likely never manifest in nature due to the rarity of males, but highlights the role of molecular biology and genetic differences in shaping sexual behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 8, 2015

Examining contemporary occupational carcinogen exposure, bladder cancer

A recent meta-analysis found increased bladder cancer risk in certain occupations, with workers exposed to aromatic amines and polycystic aromatic hydrocarbons facing the highest risks. The study's findings suggest that efforts to reduce the impact of occupational bladder cancer should be targeted towards these high-risk occupations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 8, 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.

Epigenetic algorithm accurately predicts male sexual orientation

Researchers developed an epigenetic algorithm that accurately predicts male sexual orientation by analyzing DNA methylation patterns in nine specific regions of the genome. The algorithm achieved a 70% accuracy rate in predicting male sexual orientation, providing new insights into the molecular markers underlying human sexuality.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 8, 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.

Menopause diminishes impact of good cholesterol

A new study reveals that menopause diminishes the impact of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in preventing plaque buildup and artery hardening. The research found a positive association between increases in HDL levels and greater plaque buildup among women transitioning through menopause.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateOct 8, 2015

Women and men react differently to infidelity

A Norwegian study found that men are most jealous of sexual infidelity, while women are more jealous of emotional infidelity. This difference may be due to evolutionary psychology factors, such as paternity insecurity and the need for men to invest resources in their children.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateOct 8, 2015

Researchers create inside-out plants to watch how cellulose forms

By creating inside-out plants, scientists can observe the interior cells synthesizing cellulose in high resolution. The study reveals that plant cells need a high density of enzymes and rapid movement across the cell surface to produce cellulose quickly, with significant implications for plant breeding and industries relying on cellulose.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2015

Shhh...to make ocean conservation work we should keep the noise down

A new study suggests creating quiet marine zones to better understand the impact of human-generated noise on marine animals. The researchers mapped areas of high and low noise pollution in the oceans around Canada and found a correlation between noise levels and animal behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateOct 8, 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.

Ancient genome from Africa sequenced for the first time

The sequenced ancient human genome from Africa reveals a significant wave of migration back into the continent around 3,000 years ago, affecting all populations across the African continent. This migration predates the 'Eurasian backflow' event and shares genetic similarities with Early Neolithic farmers who brought agriculture to Europe.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2015

EpiPens save lives but can cut like a knife

A recent case series highlights the risk of EpiPen-related injuries in children, particularly thigh lacerations and embedded needles. The study recommends improving product design and instructions for use to reduce these risks, citing a safer alternative device as Auvi-Q.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateOct 8, 2015

Certain blood markers may indicate early signs of kidney disease

A study discovered six metabolites in the blood that strongly correlate with kidney function. Two of these metabolites, pseudouridine and C-mannosyltryptophan, are equally effective measures of kidney function as creatinine, offering potential improvements in diagnosing chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 8, 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.

Wet paleoclimate of Mars revealed by ancient lakes at Gale Crater

A new paper published in Science reveals that Mars had a more massive atmosphere billions of years ago and a wet climate, with long-lived lakes filling Gale Crater. The discovery contradicts existing climate models and sheds light on the planet's ancient past, similar to the resolution of Earth's continental drift puzzle.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 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.

Evidence for functional redundancy in nature

A recent study on diving beetles found that globally, these animals have evolved towards a small number of regularly-spaced body sizes, indicating functional similarity among species. This suggests that evolution drives self-organizing processes into clusters of functionally similar groups.

SourceWageningen University and Research·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 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.

Immune studies suggest remedies for parathyroid hormone-driven bone loss

Researchers identified calcium channel blockers and antibodies blocking IL-17A as potential treatments for parathyroid hormone-driven bone loss. Elevated levels of IL-17A are seen in autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease, which sometimes involve bone loss as a secondary symptom.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 8, 2015

Genetic variation is key to fighting viruses

A genome-wide association study has identified subtle genetic changes that affect the immune response to common viruses. The study found correlations between genetic variations and immune responses to four viruses: influenza A, Epstein-Barr, JC polyomavirus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 8, 2015

Mysterious disease may be tied to climate change, says CU Anschutz researcher

A new study suggests that chronic dehydration caused by global climate change may be responsible for the Mesoamerican Nephropathy epidemic, which has killed over 20,000 people. The disease is most prevalent among manual laborers on sugar cane plantations in Central America.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 8, 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.

Mapping the genes that increase lifespan

Researchers at the Buck Institute have identified 238 genes that, when removed, increase the replicative lifespan of yeast cells. The study also reveals a link between these genes and caloric restriction, DNA damage control, and age-extending pathways in higher organisms.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 8, 2015

Difficulty processing speech may be an effect of dyslexia, not a cause

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that individuals with dyslexia struggle to learn complex auditory categories through procedural learning, which may be an effect of the condition. This suggests that difficulty processing speech may be an outcome of dyslexia rather than its underlying cause.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCortex·DateOct 8, 2015

New study shows that varying walking pace burns more calories

A new study published in Biology Letters found that changing walking speeds can burn up to 20% more calories than maintaining a steady pace. The research measured the metabolic cost of varying speeds and found that even small changes in speed can significantly impact calorie burn.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 8, 2015

NYU physicist Gershow receives NSF CAREER award

Gershow's lab will study how fruit fly larvae use the sense of smell to seek out or avoid odor sources using light to read and control individual neurons. The project aims to address broader questions about brain decision-making and sensory input, involving undergraduates and outreach programs.

SourceNew York University·DateOct 8, 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.

Research reveals new clues about how humans become tool users

Researchers found a clear age effect in human children's ability to use tools, with 2-year-olds struggling but improving by 4 years old. In contrast, nonhuman primates rely on their sense of touch, known as haptic senses, to complete spatial reasoning tasks.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 2015

Researchers unlock secrets of troublesome Tribble protein

Researchers have created the first three-dimensional image of the Trib1 protein, which plays a vital role in controlling protein degradation and balancing levels in cells. This discovery could help develop new drugs to treat cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia by blocking overproduction of Trib1.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalStructure·DateOct 8, 2015

Evidence for long-lasting lakes on Mars

New data from Curiosity rover finds ancient lakes in Gale crater were stable for 100-10,000 years, providing insights into Mars' past water patterns and climate. The study suggests that the lakes could have supported life for extended periods, raising hopes for finding signs of life on the Red Planet.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 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.

New study suggests hallucinations, alone, do not predict onset of schizophrenia

A new analysis identified illogical thoughts as most predictive of schizophrenia risk in teens experiencing attenuated psychosis symptoms. Suspiciousness and unusual thought content were found to be the most informative symptoms, while perceptual disturbances - common features of schizophrenia - were not predictive.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateOct 8, 2015

Knit it, braid it, turn it on and use it!

Researchers at ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science have created wearable structures that detect human movement using knitted and braided fibres. The fabrics can also store energy required to power such functions, enabling new applications in sports training and rehabilitation.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 8, 2015

Room temperature magnetic skyrmions, a new type of digital memory?

Researchers have successfully created stable arrays of magnetic skyrmions at room temperature, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of nonvolatile magnetic memory storage. The discovery opens up new possibilities for electronic devices and potentially reduces energy costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 8, 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.

Researchers learn how to grow old brain cells

Researchers have developed a new technique to create brain cells directly from skin samples, retaining age-related signatures. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the effects of aging on the brain without relying on animal models or stem cell reprogramming.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 8, 2015

A quantum simulator of impossible physics

A team of scientists at the University of the Basque Country has successfully simulated actions that contradict the fundamental laws of quantum physics in a laboratory setting. Using trapped atoms, they have reproduced symmetry operations previously thought to be impossible in the atomic world.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 8, 2015

Could candle soot power electric vehicles?

New research shows that candle soot can be used to power the lithium batteries in electric cars, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution. The discovery opens up possibilities for using carbon in more powerful batteries, which could drive down production costs and increase efficiency.

SourceElsevier·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateOct 7, 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.