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Science News Archive August 2015


Page 25 of 32

NASA sees Tropical Depression Molave spinning down

Tropical Depression Molave was characterized by strongest winds of near 24 meters per second (53.6 mph/86.4 kph) in its southeastern quadrant on August 8, but these have since weakened. On August 9, NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible-light image showing the depression winding down about 400 miles away from Japan.

Math boosts brain research

Researchers at the University of Basel used computational models to describe human memory processes for the first time. The study identified specific genetic profiles underlying distinct mental processes, such as learning and memory storage.

Scientists identify a mechanism of epidemic bacterial disease

Researchers found genetic changes in group A streptococcus that increase toxin production, contributing to large epidemics. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of epidemic bacterial infections and potential strategies for developing novel therapeutics.

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.

Municipal utilities drive sustainability in smaller cities

New research at Binghamton University finds a positive correlation between municipal power companies and increased community-wide sustainable energy policies. Municipal utilities provide financial resources and local expertise, enabling governments to take action on energy conservation and green-energy production.

Markey's D'Orazio receives funding to further skin cancer research

The University of Kentucky's Dr. John D'Orazio is leading a 3-year research project on melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, with a focus on hormonal pathways and DNA repair. The study aims to understand how specific hormones affect melanocortin1 receptor signaling, which is linked to an increased risk of developing melanoma.

Super-small needle technology for the brain

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a methodology to temporarily enhance the stiffness of flexible microneedles, allowing them to penetrate biological tissues without causing damage. The dissolvable material expands opportunities for flexible microneedles used for brain penetrations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How a female X chromosome is inactivated

A team of ETH Zurich researchers has identified seven genes central to X chromosome inactivation in females, including Spen, which prevents gene expression at the X chromosome. The discovery sheds light on how the human body maintains a delicate balance between genes, preventing disease.

Dartmouth researcher discovers 'brain signature' that predicts human emotions

A Dartmouth researcher and his colleagues have discovered a neural signature of negative emotion that accurately predicts how negative a person will feel after viewing unpleasant images. The study, which included a large sample size of general adult population participants, found the brain signature to be highly accurate and specific.

Researcher uses vibrations to identify materials' composition

Researchers developed Hybrid Photonic-Nanomechanical Force Microscopy (HPFM) to identify materials' unique chemical 'fingerprints', mapping their properties at higher spatial resolution. The technology has potential applications in fields like biofuel production, solar energy and pharmaceuticals.

Eliminating entanglements

A team of polymer physicists and chemists at Harvard developed a way to create an ultra-soft dry silicone rubber by eliminating entanglements. The material features tunable softness to match various biological tissues, opening new opportunities in biomedical research and engineering.

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.

Study suggests altered brain development among former NFL players

A study by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that former NFL players who started playing tackle football before age 12 had a higher risk of altered brain development compared to those who started later. The study used advanced imaging techniques to examine brain structure in these players.

New mathematics advances the frontier of macromolecular imaging

A new mathematical theory and algorithm, Multi-tiered iterative phasing (M-TIP), solves the reconstruction problem for fluctuation X-ray scattering data. This approach enables quick determination of general structure in minutes on a desktop computer, unlocking new advances in biophysics.

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.

JDR articles discuss diet, dental caries and health policy

Recent studies published by the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) highlight the significant link between sugar intake and dental caries. The findings emphasize that even low sugars intakes can contribute to the development of caries, underscoring the need for effective health policies.

Life is but a DREAM

A crowdsourcing challenge in systems biomedicine has combined predictions from hundreds of scientists to estimate population-level response to toxic compounds. The study provides new methodologies for hazard evaluation and assessment, offering a way to accelerate toxicity testing.

Research pours cold water on ice bath recovery theory

A comprehensive study found that cold water immersion after strength training reduced long-term muscle mass and strength gains. Muscle biopsies revealed blunted activity of satellite cells and pathways needed to build bigger muscles up to two days after exercise in the ice bath group.

Study examines how and why states adopt drunk driving laws

A new study found that states adopting their first drunk driving laws were more likely to have large populations of young people and neighboring states with similar laws, contradicting expectations that political makeup or traffic fatality rates would be predictors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New research sheds light on the molecular origins of Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified two proteins, SATB1 and ZDHHC2, that appear to protect neurons from degeneration in Parkinson's disease. These proteins were found to be more abundant in dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region, which is less affected by the disease.

Dartmouth team uses smart light, shadows to track human posture

The Dartmouth College team developed a system called LiSense that reconstructs human postures continuously and unobtrusively using VLC. The researchers overcame two key challenges to realize shadow-based human sensing, enabling a new passive health and behavioral monitoring paradigm.

Fires near Lake Baikul, Russia

Forest fires in Siberia have grown over three times to 146 fires covering 63,600 hectares, with blazes reported in the Buryatia Republic and Zabaikalye Territory. A total of 10,700 hectares are registered in nature reserves, with firefighting efforts employing 3,500 people and 11 aircraft.

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.

Atomic-level defense secrets revealed

Researchers have unraveled the molecular secrets of plant defense mechanisms at the atomic level, focusing on jasmonate and its interaction with three key proteins. The study aims to develop crops better equipped to fend off future threats.

Carnivorous dinosaurs strolled around in Germany

Two carnivorous dinosaurs, measuring 1.6m and 1.1m at hip height, left 50 fossilized footprints in Germany, revealing slow speeds of 6.3km/h and 9.7km/h for the large and small species, respectively. The analysis provides insight into their daily life, including social behavior and hunting habits.

Volcanic vents preview future ocean habitats

Researchers used natural CO2 underwater seeps to study ecosystems in high-CO2 levels and adjacent ecosystems with present-day levels of CO2. The study found that acidification affects fish behavior, but some species thrive in acidified waters, while others decline or shift habitats.

New digital seafloor map provides answers and more questions

A new digital seafloor geologic map created using artificial intelligence reveals that deep ocean basins are more complex than previously thought. The map shows diatom accumulations on the seafloor are nearly entirely decoupled from diatom blooms in surface waters, highlighting a key link in the carbon cycle.

World population likely to surpass 11 billion in 2100

The world population is expected to surpass 11 billion people by 2100, driven primarily by Africa's rapid population growth. The UN projects that Nigeria will have a 90% chance of exceeding 752 million people in 2100, with the US population projected to reach 450 million by century's end.

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.

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.

Can music help people with epilepsy?

Researchers found that people with epilepsy exhibit synchronized brainwave activity when listening to music, particularly in the temporal lobe region. This phenomenon may lead to novel therapies to prevent seizures in individuals with epilepsy.

Big data maps world's ocean floor

The University of Sydney has created a digital map of the seafloor's geology, covering 70% of the Earth's surface, after 40 years without update. The map provides key findings on diatom accumulations and their relationship with ocean carbon cycle.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Common medications could delay brain injury recovery

Researchers found that patients with higher levels of anticholinergic drugs in their system had longer hospital stays and slower recoveries. The study suggests that these medications could be hindering the effectiveness of neuro-rehabilitation treatments.

How common is sexting?

A survey of 870 participants found that 88% reported ever having sexted and 82% reporting sexting in the past year. Higher levels of sexting were associated with greater sexual satisfaction, especially for those in committed relationships.

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.

Big dinosaur discoveries in tiny toothy packages

Researchers have identified six additional species of carnivorous theropods from isolated teeth in the South Pyrenees Basin in Spain. The study quadrupled the known diversity of dinosaur fossils in the area, providing new insights into the evolution and extinction of these creatures.

New research may enhance display & LED lighting technology

Researchers at University of Illinois developed a method to extract more efficient polarized light from quantum dots, enhancing mobile phone, tablet, and computer displays, as well as LED lighting. This technology could lead to brighter, less expensive, and more efficient displays with reduced energy consumption.

Candidate voice pitch influences voters

Researchers found that candidates with lower-pitched voices generally win elections, particularly against female opponents. However, the preference for leaders with lower voices also correlates with perceptions of strength and competence.

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.

Copper clusters capture and convert carbon dioxide to make fuel

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified a new catalyst that can efficiently capture and convert carbon dioxide into methanol, a liquid fuel. The copper tetramer, consisting of small clusters of four copper atoms, works by binding to carbon dioxide molecules and accelerating chemical reactions.

Pupil shape linked to animals' ecological niche

A study of 214 species finds that vertical slits indicate ambush predators, while horizontally elongated pupils suggest grazing prey. Researchers believe this shapes allows for optimal vision in dim light and panoramic view.

NASA sees a wider-eyed Typhoon Soudelor near Taiwan

Typhoon Soudelor's eye has expanded to 17-nautical-mile-wide, surrounding powerful thunderstorms. The storm made landfall in central Taiwan on August 7, with maximum sustained winds increasing to 105 knots (120.8 mph).

Charge density and optical properties of multicomponent crystals

Researchers design multicomponent materials by combining molecular and structural properties to form a 3D architecture. The spatial distribution of molecules and electronic properties of building blocks significantly impact optical properties. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using active pharmaceutical ingredients as building...

Warning Area in Arctic airspace to aid research and exploration

A 700-mile-long airspace has been designated as a Warning Area in the Arctic to facilitate research and exploration while ensuring safety for scientists, oil companies, and pilots. The area will be used for various experiments, including search-and-rescue operations and tracking retreating sea ice.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UGA researcher calls for more natural baseline data collection in world's oceans

A UGA researcher is urging the academic community, federal responders, and the oil and gas industry to collect more baseline data in the world's oceans to establish critical environmental baselines. This data is essential for documenting anthropogenic perturbations, such as oil spills, and preparing for future disaster response.

Researchers collaborate in development of brain-friendly interfaces

Researchers have developed a brain-friendly interface using an extracellular matrix environment, which can adapt to the mechanical properties of brain tissue and acquire neural recordings. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of limb loss and spinal cord injuries.

Land animals proliferate faster than aquatic counterparts

Vertebrates show variation in species numbers among groups, with land animals exhibiting higher diversification rates, suggests a study by UA evolutionary biologist John Wiens. Habitat is likely a more important variable than climate or metabolic rate explaining species richness.

Pediatric brain tumors can be classified noninvasively at diagnosis

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a non-invasive method to classify pediatric brain tumors, allowing for early intervention. The technique uses magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to identify distinct metabolic features in medulloblastoma subgroups, enabling subgroup-specific therapy.

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.