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Science News Archive August 2015


Page 6 of 32

Searching big data faster

A new theoretical analysis by MIT researchers demonstrates how their compression techniques can expand applications of accelerated searching in biology and other fields. The algorithms cluster similar genomic sequences, then choose one representative sequence to focus on, significantly reducing the search time.

EORTC presentations at ECC2015 in Vienna

The EORTC will present on precision medicine, including a discussion of molecular subgroups and randomized trials. The organization will also focus on survivorship care, exploring the importance of long-term follow-up and evidence-based approaches.

Pacific Northwest wildfires severe in intensity

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing severe wildfires in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, with over 27 fires listed in the Inciweb database for Washington state. The largest active fire, Okanogan Complex Fire, has grown to 256,567 acres and is only 10% contained.

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.

NASA awards $1 million for development of platform to detect amino acids

A University of Texas at Arlington researcher will receive a grant from NASA to further the search for amino acids, which are considered the building blocks of life. The platform aims to detect and separate ions with high precision, using extremely small volumes of samples, in order to identify potential signs of life beyond Earth.

High use of alternative medicine in senior oncology patients

A recent study published in the Journal of Geriatric Oncology found that 26% of senior oncology patients use complementary or alternative medicines, which can interact with cancer treatments. The study highlights the need for comprehensive screening and documentation of CAM use in older cancer patients.

Supercomputers enlisted to shed light on photosynthesis

Scientists have successfully simulated significant parts of the LHC-II molecule using supercomputers, proving that theories align with reality. This breakthrough enables understanding of reactions during early stages of photosynthesis for the first time.

Self-control saps memory, study says

A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that self-control can weaken memory. The study found that when participants had to cancel an intended action, their ability to remember specific details was impaired. This finding may have implications for understanding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addiction.

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.

Earth's mineralogy unique in the cosmos

Research predicts Earth's mineralogy is unique in the cosmos, with over 1,500 undiscovered minerals, influenced by physical characteristics, geological activity, and biological processes.

Scientists discover mechanism behind 'strange' earthquakes

Researchers have identified a key factor driving intraplate seismicity: convective currents of semi-liquid rock beneath the Earth's crust. This process interacts with surface motion, influencing earthquake locations and frequency. The study's findings offer new insights into seismic hazard mapping in plate interiors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers receive $3.5 million to improve students' classroom behaviors

University of Missouri researchers are using a self-management and mindfulness skills program called STARS to help fifth-grade students exhibit improved classroom behavior, social-emotional learning, and academic achievement. The four-year study aims to address the growing need for mental health support in schools.

Antimatter catches a wave at SLAC

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have developed a new method to accelerate positrons using plasma wakefield acceleration. This breakthrough could lead to the construction of smaller and more efficient electron-positron colliders, which would help unravel the fundamental building blocks of nature.

Even cockatoos conclude

Researchers tested Goffin cockatoos' ability to infer by exclusion, a cognitive capacity where animals choose between known and unknown stimuli. More than half of the birds showed evidence of this ability, indicating they could distinguish between rewarded and unrewarded stimuli.

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.

ESA recognizes 2015 Fellows

The Entomological Society of America has elected 10 new Fellows, including Dr. Serap Aksoy and Dr. Deane Bowers, for their research on vector genomics, disease control, and insect-plant interactions. The Fellows will be recognized at the ESA's 63rd Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.

Neurodegenerative disease clogs nuclear pores

Researchers found that the most common genetic defect in ALS causes nuclear pore dysfunction, leading to cell death. This discovery empowers the search for genetic causes of sporadic ALS and offers new hope for treatment options.

ESMO launches Women for Oncology Award

The ESMO Women for Oncology Task Force aims to address inequalities among women oncologists, and the new award will be presented to Enriqueta Felip, who kick-started awareness of the lack of women oncologists in leadership roles. The award recognizes contributors who support the development of women in oncology.

3-D vision for the next generation of biomaterials

The University of Nottingham leads a £6.5m research project to create bespoke biomaterials for specific applications in regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and medical devices. The team aims to identify new materials that can control cell response and address unmet clinical needs.

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.

First-of-a-kind research in Minnesota explores peatland, carbon connection

Researchers at the Marcell Experimental Forest in Minnesota are conducting unprecedented whole-ecosystem manipulation to study peatlands' response to increased temperature and elevated carbon dioxide. The goal is to understand how peatlands react to various warming conditions and their impact on the global carbon cycle.

Can't count sheep? You could have aphantasia

Researchers have identified a condition called aphantasia, where individuals are born without the ability to visualize images. This affects not only memory but also sense perception, leading to difficulties in recalling experiences and emotions.

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.

Bright screens at night imperil sleep of young teens

A new study found that taking a gadget to bed can suppress melatonin production and disrupt sleep patterns in children aged 9-15, especially those in early puberty. The study also found that brighter screen lights have a greater impact on sleep, with 500 lux being the most effective at suppressing melatonin.

Waste paper could make summer grilling more environmentally friendly

Scientists have created a sustainable and safe igniting fluid from waste paper, offering a potential solution for reducing harmful emissions from charcoal grills. The new compound, gamma-valerolactone (GVL), can safely start charcoal fires and light glass lamps without producing smoke or odors.

Who will develop psychosis? Automated speech analysis may have the answer

A study published in NPJ-Schizophrenia found that an automated speech analysis program accurately predicted psychosis onset in high-risk youths. The analysis, which measured semantic coherence and syntactic structure, correctly differentiated between individuals who developed psychosis and those who did not.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Paralysis: Primates recover better than rodents

Researchers found that primates, like humans, recover partial motor control within the first six months after a spinal cord injury, whereas rats show limited recovery. The primate-specific mechanism of recovery involves detour circuits around lesions, restoring communication between brain and spinal cords.

Making the air fair

A new method for dealing with flight delays, proposed by MIT researchers, distributes delays among airlines more evenly while keeping system-wide delays virtually constant. The approach allows airlines to swap schedule slots with each other, resulting in a fairer distribution of delays.

UCSF researchers control embryonic stem cells with light

Researchers at UCSF have developed a method to precisely control embryonic stem cell differentiation with beams of light, revealing an internal timer within stem cells that lets them tune out extraneous biological noise. The technique enables stem cells to transform into neurons in response to a precise external cue.

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.

Bacterial warfare

Researchers at UCSB have discovered a mechanism by which gram-negative bacteria deliver protein toxins to their neighbors, killing them. This finding could lead to the development of targeted antibiotics that leave beneficial bacteria in the gut intact.

Methanotrophs: Could bacteria help protect our environment?

Scientists have identified a new family of copper storage proteins called Csp that are present in diverse bacteria, raising questions about how bacteria use copper ions. This discovery may help develop biotechnological applications to exploit methane and protect the environment from its potent greenhouse gas effects.

Capturing cancer

A Harvard University collaboration has developed a 3D model of solid tumors that reflects both their three-dimensional shape and genetic evolution. The model explains why cancer cells share an unusually high number of genetic mutations and how drug resistance evolves, shedding light on tumor growth and evolution.

JBJS 'Watch' cites head-neck troubles with modular hip implants

A recent study highlights the risk of catastrophic complications from failure of modular head-neck prostheses in hip-replacement surgery. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery has issued a 'Watch' to raise awareness and encourage further research into this issue.

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.

NASA measures rainfall in stronger Tropical Storm Ignacio

Tropical Storm Ignacio strengthened to a storm with heavy rain rates of over 74 mm per hour, posing no threat to land areas. Its westward motion is expected to continue, with an increased forward speed and potential turn toward the west-northwest.

Harrington Discovery Institute announces 2015 partnership scholars

The Harrington Discovery Institute has selected scholars to collaborate with R&D partners, including University of Oxford, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation and Foundation Fighting Blindness. The program aims to bridge the 'Valley of Death' gap in bringing new medications from lab to market.

Common 'heart attack' blood test may predict future hypertension

A study of over 5,000 people found that subtle elevations in cardiac troponin T levels can predict future hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. The test may help identify those at risk for hypertension and allow for earlier intervention with lifestyle changes or medication.

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.

Lab experiments question popular measure of ancient ocean temperatures

Researchers found that sediment-entombed marine archaea's growth varies based on changes in ocean oxygen levels, affecting the accuracy of past ocean temperatures. This discovery highlights the need to consider oxygen levels when interpreting the TEX-86 index, a popular method for measuring ancient ocean temperatures.

Tackling the root cause of cystic fibrosis

Researchers found a small molecule, amphotericin B, that can substitute for a protein and restore a key cellular function related to cystic fibrosis and similar conditions. This approach shows promise as a therapeutic strategy for addressing the root cause of the disease.

Dying star suffers 'irregular heartbeats'

Astronomers discovered 'irregular heartbeats' in a dying star, caused by massive outbursts that break its regular pulse and heat up its surface. The phenomenon may reveal new physics behind stellar pulsations and could be triggered by resonance.

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.

Stiffer breast tissue in obese women promotes tumors

A Cornell study reveals that stiffer breast tissue in obese women promotes tumor growth, changing the extracellular matrix's consistency similar to tumors. This finding may require finer-scale imaging techniques in mammograms for early detection.

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.

Fertilization discovery: Do sperm wield tiny harpoons?

Researchers have identified spiky filaments within sperm that may play a key role in facilitating fertilization. The discovery, 14 years in the making, provides new insights into the fine dissection of the protein architecture of the sperm's acrosomal matrix.