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Science News Archive August 2015


Page 2 of 32

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.

Millipede research 2.0

The first new species of millipede is described using high-detail 3D images, providing unprecedented access to anatomical information. The cybertype-enhanced description allows for widespread sharing and study of the digital specimen, enabling researchers to analyze its unique traits without dissecting the original holotype.

Epigenomic changes are key to innate immunological memory

Researchers have discovered that epigenomic changes induced by pathogen infections, mediated by a transcription factor called ATF7, are the underlying mechanism of innate immunological memory. This finding could increase our understanding of the hygiene hypothesis and lead to the development of more efficient vaccines.

New type of prion may cause, transmit neurodegeneration

Researchers have identified a new type of prion causing Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a neurodegenerative disorder with similarities to Parkinson's disease. The discovery raises concerns about treatments and research involving contact with brain tissue from MSA patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Evidence of ancient life discovered in mantle rocks deep below the seafloor

Researchers found fossilized microbes in ancient rock samples from the Iberian continental margin, confirming a long-standing hypothesis that interactions between mantle rocks and seawater can create conditions for life. The discovery provides important insights into the possibility of 'intraterrestrial' life in rocks below the seafloor.

Quantifying the impact of volcanic eruptions on climate

A new method reconciles observational proxy and model evidence, demonstrating that the Tampora and Samalas eruptions generated an average drop in temperature in the Northern Hemisphere fluctuating between 0.8 and 1.3°C during the summer of 1258 and 1816. This cooling did not last for more than three years at a hemispheric scale.

Examining service delivery, patient outcomes in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

A study found that RWHAP-funded facilities provided more comprehensive services, including case management and mental health support, compared to non-funded facilities. Despite this, nearly 75% of patients at RWHAP-funded facilities achieved viral suppression, while some subgroups benefited from these services.

NASA finds 'hot towers' in Fred, now a hurricane

NASA's GPM mission detected intense rainfall near the center of Hurricane Fred on August 30, suggesting rapid intensification. The storm's 'hot towers' reached heights of up to 10 miles, releasing latent heat and fueling its growth into a hurricane.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study: Some with low-risk prostate cancer not likely to succumb to the disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine analyzed survival statistics of 1,298 men with low-risk prostate tumors and found that only two died of prostate cancer after 15 years, while three developed metastatic disease. This suggests that carefully selected patients in active surveillance programs are unlikely to be harmed by their disease.

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.

Television viewing linked to higher injury risk in hostile people

Research found that people with hostile personalities who watch more TV are at a greater risk for injury. The study, which analyzed data from 4,196 adults, suggests that reducing TV viewing and improving content rating systems could lower injury rates among these individuals.

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.

Knee and hip replacements may be bad for the heart

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that osteoarthritis patients who underwent total knee or hip joint replacement surgery were at increased risk of heart attack immediately following arthroplasty. However, long-term risk was insignificant, while the risk for venous thromboembolism remained years after the procedure.

Short sleepers are 4 times more likely to catch a cold

A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that people who sleep six hours a night or less are four times more likely to catch a cold compared to those who spend more than seven hours in slumber. The study used objective sleep measures and found that short sleep was the most significant factor in predicting illness.

Gaming computers offer huge, untapped energy savings potential

A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that gaming computers consume 20% of global PC energy use, but can be optimized for up to 75% energy savings through setting changes and component swaps. By doing so, gamers can improve reliability and performance while reducing their carbon footprint.

Organized self-management support eases chronic depression

A randomized controlled trial found that a self-management support service improved patients' symptoms and recovery scores. The program combined behavioral therapy with recovery-oriented approach, focusing on achieving life goals despite symptoms. Participants showed significant improvements compared to usual care.

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.

Using nanotechnology to fight cancer

The new Northwestern University Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence will use nucleic-acid-based nanoconstructs called Spherical Nucleic Acids (SNAs) to discover new aspects of cancer biology and create effective cancer treatment options. SNAs are nontoxic to humans, offering a versatile tool in medicine.

Infection with multiple HIV-1 variants leads to poorer clinical outcomes

Researchers found that infection with multiple founder HIV-1 variants results in significantly higher mean viral loads and poorer clinical outcomes. The study analyzed data from two large HIV vaccine efficacy trials and showed that the number of variants at the beginning of infection affects the setpoint for viral load.

Grey Swans: Rare but predictable storms could pose big hazards

Researchers at Princeton and MIT have used computer models to predict the potential storm surge waters for three cities: Tampa, Cairns, and Dubai. The study found that powerful storms could generate dangerous storm surges in all three cities, with odds of 1 in 10,000 in an average year.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Young women with diabetes have 6-fold risk of heart attack

A recent study presented at ESC Congress found that young women with diabetes have a six-fold risk of heart attack. The research, which analyzed data from over 7,000 women, also revealed that smoking was the leading risk factor for young women with myocardial infarction.

Scientists engineer designer proteins that control enzyme activity

Researchers from the University of Chicago have developed a novel approach to control enzyme activity using monobodies, synthetic proteins that recognize and bind specific target molecules. They successfully altered the specificity of an enzyme used in the food industry without modifying it, paving the way for bespoke reactions.

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.

Scientists reveal New Zealand's prehistoric wildlife sanctuaries

A research team used ancient-DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating to reconstruct population histories for prehistoric seabirds in New Zealand. They found that mainland populations were rapidly decimated after human arrival, while Stewart Island populations remained relatively stable due to a decline in human numbers.

Using DNA origami to build nanodevices of the future

Scientists at Kyoto University developed an approach to assemble DNA origami units into larger structures by using a double layer of lipids. This method allows for more freedom of movement and interaction between origami structures, enabling them to form nanomachines such as nanomotors for targeted drug delivery

Possible new weapon against PTSD

Researchers discovered that chronic stress strengthens traumatic memories in the brain, leading to PTSD. Blocking this process with serotonin-blocking drugs may offer a new treatment option for the disorder.

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.

Lizards can stomach island living

A study found that island-dwelling Balkan green lizards have a longer small intestine and hindgut compared to their mainland counterparts. They also possess cecal valves, which slow down food passage and provide fermenting chambers, allowing them to digest more plant material.

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.

SLU researcher opens next chapter on blood-clotting mysteries

SLU researcher Nicola Pozzi is seeking to understand the molecular mechanisms of prothrombin and thrombin to develop more effective life-saving drugs. The research builds on previous breakthroughs in blood-clotting protein structure, which may lead to a better understanding of how prothrombin is converted to thrombin.

Gene leads to nearsightedness when kids read

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a gene variant, APLP2, that increases the risk of myopia in children who spend more time reading. Spending time outdoors is found to reduce this risk.

Deciphering the olfactory receptor code

Scientists have created a tool that can identify thousands of chemosensory receptors stimulated by specific smells in various species, from mice to flies. This breakthrough could help unravel the logic of chemosensory code across animal species and has countless applications, including understanding behaviors triggered by odorants.

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.

'Eat me' signal whets appetites for tumor-devouring dendritic cells

Researchers find that using a monoclonal antibody to block the 'eat me' signal on malignant cells triggers a more potent immune response in dendritic cells, which then activate killer T cells and boost adaptive immunity. The study suggests a new approach for developing an effective cancer immunotherapy.

Adenosine triphosphate does not improve efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation

A recent study found that adding adenosine triphosphate to pulmonary vein isolation treatment for atrial fibrillation did not significantly reduce late recurrences of the condition. The study, which included 2,113 patients, used ATP to identify and address potential gaps in electrical conduction around the pulmonary veins.

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.

Patient education does not impact apixaban adherence

A recent trial published at ESC Congress 2015 found that patient education programs did not significantly impact apixaban adherence. Adherence rates were high across both the control and education groups, with minimal difference observed between the two.

Cyclosporine does not improve outcomes after PCI

The CIRCUS trial found that cyclosporine did not reduce all-cause death, hospitalization for heart failure, or adverse left ventricular remodelling in STEMI patients undergoing PCI. The study suggested that targeting reperfusion injury remains a major challenge for PCI cardiologists.

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.

Study shows that food may be addictive

A study found that obese individuals' brains show different connectivity patterns when craving food compared to normal-weight individuals. The researchers discovered a link between increased brain activity and weight gain in obese subjects.

Recruitment of leukocytes is a hallmark of stent thrombosis

The study found that immune cell-mediated thrombotic processes are a realistic target for novel therapies to prevent stent thrombosis. Leukocyte infiltrations were hallmarks of both early and late ST, with neutrophils being the most prominent subset.

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.