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Science News Archive 2015


Page 96 of 402

Shaking up the foundations of epigenetics

Researchers found that chromatin marks are irrelevant for regulating genes expressed in specific tissues during development. The study challenges current beliefs about epigenetics and offers new insights into gene expression.

Ravens cooperate -- but not with just anyone

A recent study by University of Vienna researchers found that ravens can cooperate to achieve common goals, such as sliding a platform with cheese into reach. However, they also exhibit a sophisticated way of keeping their partners honest, detecting and excluding cheaters from future cooperation.

Attention's place in the human cognitive architecture

Attention plays a critical role in structuring the internal world, prioritizing relevant thoughts and emotions for goal-oriented processing. The integrated theory proposes that attention is a cascade of effects beginning with stimulus detection, suppressing competing stimuli, and resetting upon completion.

Climate change could benefit northern lizards

Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology suggests that climate change could have a positive impact on Swedish sand lizard populations by allowing them to lay eggs earlier. This shift enables the females to better adapt to warming temperatures and improve the fitness of their offspring.

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.

Everyone has their own daily rhythm of digital activity, shows study

Researchers detected distinct daily patterns in digital activities such as calling, texting, and emailing among individuals. These personal rhythms are influenced by geographical and physiological factors, suggesting potential medical applications for monitoring patients' mental health and sleep patterns.

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.

UK doctors and nurses routinely using own smartphones for patient care

A survey of UK healthcare professionals found that most doctors and nurses use their own smartphones for patient care, with over 92% of doctors and 53% of nurses deeming them 'very useful' or 'useful'. However, the lack of digital security measures and data encryption raises concerns about potential privacy breaches.

Johns Hopkins biologist leads research shedding light on stem cells

A Johns Hopkins University biologist has made significant progress in understanding the mysterious shape-shifting ways of stem cells. The study found that an enzyme in the niche where stem cells are found can help sustain them and promote other cells to become like stem cells, which has medical implications for diseases such as cancer.

New treatment extends shelf life of bananas

Researchers have found a way to extend bananas' shelf life by up to 1-2 days through postharvest application of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE). This natural phospholipid treatment maintains membrane integrity, reduces respiration and slows starch breakdown, making the fruit firmer and thicker.

Mysterious ripples found racing through planet-forming disk

Astronomers have discovered unexplained wave-like structures in the dusty disk surrounding the young star AU Mic, moving at speeds of up to 22,000 miles per hour. The features, resembling ripples in water, are unlike anything ever observed or predicted and may provide valuable clues about planet formation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How the stick insect sticks (and unsticks) itself

Insects like stick insects can walk up vertical surfaces using adhesive pads on their feet, but scientists long believed that wet and dry feet required different mechanisms to adhere. New research reveals that the fluid on their feet plays a crucial role in controlling adhesion, with potential applications in modern devices.

Predicting change in the Alzheimer's brain

Researchers at MIT are developing a computer system that uses genetic, demographic, and clinical data to predict the effects of neurodegenerative disease on brain anatomy. By combining MRI data with additional patient information, they found that predictions were improved by half in cases where changes were drastic.

Researchers isolate novel urinary biomarkers that may indicate adrenal cancer

Researchers have discovered four unique metabolites in urine samples that can accurately distinguish between malignant and benign adrenal tumors. These biomarkers show high sensitivity (94.7%) and specificity (82.6%) for diagnosing cancer, potentially improving treatment decisions for patients with adrenal incidentalomas.

Groundbreaking computer program diagnoses cancer in two days

Researchers at DTU Systems Biology have developed a new diagnostic technology, TumorTracer, which identifies the source of cancer with 85% certainty. The method uses advanced self-learning computer algorithms to analyze DNA mutations in cancer tissue samples.

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.

Surprise: Narcissists are not always risk-takers

Researchers at Ohio State University found no association between narcissism and risk-taking in lab experiments, contradicting previous research that relied on self-reports. While there were slight differences in responses, none had real practical significance.

'Psychic robot' will know what you really meant to do

Researchers have developed an algorithm that can analyze a person's intention despite interruptions or disturbances, allowing for more accurate control of robots and prosthetics. This technology could be used to guide cars on icy roads or assist stroke patients with mobility issues.

A 'black'-sounding name makes people imagine a larger, more dangerous person

A study found that people's mind's-eye images of an unknown black male are similar to those of an unknown white male convicted of assault. The researchers also discovered that size and status are linked in opposite ways depending on the assumed race, with larger characters perceived as lower in social influence and respect.

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.

MS may start later for those who spend teenage summers in the sun

A study of people with multiple sclerosis found that those who spent time in the sun every day during their teenage years developed the disease later than those who did not. The study also found that people who were overweight at age 20 developed the disease earlier than those who were average weight or underweight.

The perfect match might be the imperfect one

A new study shows that half-matched donor bone marrow transplants can produce similar outcomes to full-match transplants, offering an alternative donor source for minorities and those without access to full matches. The Two-Step protocol used in the study may be a key factor in its success.

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.

Ionic and covalent drug delivery

Scientists develop a novel drug delivery platform that combines ionic and covalent binding to improve the solubility and bioactivity of pharmaceutical ingredients. The approach uses ionic liquids as a key component, offering tunable hydrophobicity/lipophilicity, modulated ionic binding, and variable linkers for targeted release.

Lab-grown 3-D intestine regenerates gut lining in dogs

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown a healthy intestine in a lab using stem cells and a 3-D scaffold. The lab-grown intestine regenerated gut tissue in dogs with missing gut lining, offering hope for the development of an implantable replacement intestine.

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.

Mysterious ripples found racing through planet-forming disc

Astronomers have discovered fast-moving wave-like features in the debris disc of star AU Microscopii, which could be a sign of something unusual. The ripples are racing away from the star at speeds of up to 40,000 kilometers per hour, making them unlike anything ever observed before.

Developing a gel that mimics human breast for cancer research

Researchers at the University of Manchester and Nottingham are developing a gel that mimics human breast tissue, enabling the growth of breast cell models in the lab. This will help understand the influence of the breast matrix on breast cancer progression, potentially leading to new approaches to prevention and treatment.

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.

'Bootstrap' math/computer science curriculum gets $1.5 million from NSF

The Bootstrap curriculum is a 10-week classroom module that helps students learn algebra by creating their own video games using key concepts like variables, functions, and the Pythagorean theorem. The $1.5 million grant from NSF will support research and workshops to train 600 additional teachers.

Home is not always the best or preferred place to die, argues expert

An expert argues that home is not always the best or preferred place to die, and that hospitals should be given more attention and resources for providing excellent end-of-life care. Dr. Kristian Pollock highlights the need for improved pain control and support services in both home and hospital settings.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Who buys fresh flowers as gifts?

A study by researchers at National Taiwan University found that consumers purchase fresh flowers for gifts primarily due to the economic, social, and expressive values of the flower. The study revealed that financial capability does not influence the likelihood of givers purchasing fresh flowers as gifts.

Researchers need to pay attention to differences in self-control

A new study suggests that public policies should account for individuals' varying levels of self-control when assessing their effectiveness. The researchers recommend using domain-specific measures to better understand consumer behavior and decision-making. This approach can facilitate the development of more effective interventions, p...

Frogs resolve computing issues

New algorithms have been developed using the natural process of Japanese tree frogs singing out of sync to solve computational problems in graphs and social networks. These algorithms, known as FrogCOL and FrogMIS, can identify independent sets of nodes and detect structural patterns in complex networks.

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.

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.

Sex is more likely on days college students use marijuana or binge drink

Research from Oregon State University found that college students who used marijuana or binge drank were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex. Students in serious relationships also had less condom use, despite putting themselves at risk for STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

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.

Mad cow disease changed the diet of the Galician wolf

A study found that European health regulations led to a significant change in the Galician wolf's diet, with a decrease in carrion consumption and an increase in the consumption of wild ungulates like roe deer and wild boars. The wolves' dietary shift has implications for their conservation and coexistence with humans.