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Science News Archive August 2015


Page 8 of 32

A community of soil bacteria saves plants from root rot

Researchers found that a protective mix of root bacteria can prevent sudden wilt disease in wild tobacco plants. The right combination of soil microbiota is crucial for plant survival, and crop rotation plays a vital role in preventing the buildup of soil-borne diseases.

Study finds major lack of resources for rehab patients in Malawi

A study in Malawi found that patients with stroke and spinal cord injuries faced significant obstacles upon return home, including physical barriers and social exclusion. The lack of rehabilitation services after discharge has severe consequences for patients' mental health and ability to reintegrate into society.

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.

Longer colonoscopies linked to lower cancer rate

A Veterans Affairs team found that longer-lasting colonoscopies are associated with lower cancer rates. Doctors with average withdrawal times of under six minutes had patients more than twice as likely to have cancer. Experts recommend focusing quality-improvement efforts on withdrawal times of under six minutes.

How plant sensors detect pathogens

A team of scientists has discovered how a plant sensor detects pathogens, bringing unprecedented detail to the 'gene-for-gene' hypothesis. The study reveals that the strength of binding between the sensor and pathogen proteins correlates with the plant's response, opening up new strategies for engineering enhanced resistance.

UT Dallas criminologist tackles perception of NFL players

A new study by UT Dallas refutes the notion that NFL players are more criminal than the general population. The research found that the overall arrest rate for the general population was nearly twice as high as the rate for NFL players from 2000 to 2013.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Development of new class of photodetectors funded by US Air Force

Researchers have successfully created a new class of uncooled photodetectors that can operate at room temperature, overcoming limitations of existing inorganic detectors. These breakthrough devices will enable various industrial and scientific applications such as optical communications and chemical sensing.

Record-high pressure reveals secrets of matter

Researchers have achieved record-high pressure to study osmium, finding that innermost electrons start interacting with each other due to extreme pressure. This phenomenon opens up new possibilities for discovering brand new states of matter.

Water covers 70 percent of the Earth's surface, but only a fraction is fresh

The current issue of Technology and Innovation highlights the challenges of ensuring water security due to growing concerns over fresh water availability. Advances in analytical techniques, nanobiotechnologies, and monitoring methods are being explored to develop innovative solutions for water conservation and quality improvement.

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.

One dose or 2? Cholera vaccination strategies

A new modeling study suggests that a single dose of cholera vaccine could be as effective as the traditional two-dose regimen in preventing deaths. The researchers estimate that a one-dose campaign reaching half the population would have averted over 78,000 cases and prevented 738 deaths.

Predicting who will murder his wife or his family

Researchers identified a similar profile among murderers of intimate partners and family members, including severe mental illness and few previous convictions. Early intervention is crucial to prevent these murders, which are often driven by jealousy or revenge, experts warn.

Something to crow about

Researchers found that New Caledonian crows use a combination of social learning and trial-and-error methods to acquire tool shapes. The birds observe another crow's actions, then mimic the end result, rather than copying specific actions, suggesting an alternative explanation for their cumulative technological culture.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Foes can become friends on the coral reef

Seaweeds appear to protect coral from invasive sea stars by reducing predation and providing a physical barrier. This complex relationship highlights the intricate dynamics of ecosystems and has implications for coral reef conservation.

NASA looks at Tropical Storm Erika inside and outside

NASA's GPM and NOAA's GOES satellites provide insights into Tropical Storm Erika's rainfall patterns and cloud structure. The storm is expected to approach the Leeward Islands on Wednesday night, prompting a Tropical Storm Watch for several Caribbean islands.

NASA sees Typhoon Goni cover southern half of Sea of Japan

Typhoon Goni covered the southern half of the Sea of Japan, with its center located near 35.3 North latitude and 131.0 East longitude. The storm was expected to weaken and become extra-tropical as it moved north, making landfall near Vladivostok, Russia on August 26.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New Yorker cartoons reveal attitudes toward parenting

Researchers analyze New Yorker cartoons from 1925 to 2006 to show changing portrayals of children and child-rearing, with a shift from mixed attitudes to increasingly intense parental involvement. The study highlights the paradox of modern, privileged parenting, where parents may opt out due to high costs associated with childcare.

IRIS and Hinode: A stellar research team

Researchers confirm coronal heating mechanism using observations from NASA's IRIS and Japan's Hinode solar observatory. Resonant absorption process converts magnetic waves into heat energy, explaining why the sun's corona is hotter than its surface.

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.

GPM sees energetic Tropical Depression Kilo

Tropical Depression Kilo has recently become more energetic, with heavy rainfall rates of almost 65 mm/hour detected by NASA's GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar. The depression's storm tops were also found to be very tall, measuring over 15.4 km altitude.

NASA's Terra Satellite sees birth of Tropical Depression 12E

The 12th tropical depression of the 2015 Eastern Pacific hurricane season was born on August 25, 2015. NASA's Terra satellite gathered infrared data revealing a circulation center with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph, located approximately 1,610 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.

Is too much fresh water used to water Florida lawns?

A recent study found that Florida homeowners waste a significant amount of fresh water on their lawns, with some using as much as 64% or more. The main barriers to conservation are a lack of knowledge and pressure from Home Owner's Associations (HOAs) to maintain perfect lawns.

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.

Injectable cryogel-based whole-cell cancer vaccines

A new minimally invasive vaccine combines cancer cells with immune-enhancing factors, evoking an immune response in a simpler and more economical way. The approach has shown promising results in experimental animal models, shrinking tumors and protecting animals from tumor growth.

Sequencing of barley genome achieves new milestone

A team of researchers has sequenced nearly two-thirds of barley's genes, revealing new insights into the grain's DNA and its applications in wheat and other food sources. The advancements will aid in precision plant breeding by identifying specific markers for traits like malting quality and stem rust resistance.

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.

Study of 'fountain of youth' protein points to possible human health benefit

A new study led by UCSF researchers found that individuals with higher blood levels of growth factor proteins GDF11 and myostatin have a lower risk of cardiovascular problems and death from these events. This association suggests the possibility of using drugs to increase GDF11 levels as a treatment for heart disease.

Rare nautilus sighted for the first time in 3 decades

A University of Washington biologist has spotted a rare nautilus species, Allonautilus scrobiculatus, for the first time in three decades. The sighting highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect this ancient lineage from illegal fishing practices and potential extinction.

Making a mistake can be rewarding, study finds

A new MRI study found that having the opportunity to learn from failure can turn it into a positive experience. The study showed that certain circumstances can prompt the brain's reward mechanism instead of avoidance learning, leading to improved understanding and behavior.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Glitter from silver lights up Alzheimer's dark secrets

Researchers have identified a key feature of the Alzheimer's disease-causing Amyloid beta molecule using laser light and fat-coated silver nanoparticles. The study suggests that designing a drug molecule to attack this specific shape could lead to a breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment.

Quantum diffraction at a breath of nothing

Researchers successfully fabricated stable and large gratings in single layer graphene, enabling the study of massive objects' quantum mechanical nature. The team's achievement reduces material thickness to the ultimate limit, increasing interaction time between molecules and masks.

Hepatitis A-like virus identified in seals

Scientists have discovered a new virus in seals that is closely related to human hepatitis A virus, raising concerns about the emergence of hepatitis A. The researchers found the virus in harbor seals off the coast of New England and suggest it may be present in other wildlife species.

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.

Flu remedies help combat E. coli bacteria

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered that an overproduction of E. coli bacteria is triggered by the availability of sialic acid, leading to intestinal inflammation. A sialidase inhibitor can prevent excessive E. coli formation and alleviate disease symptoms.

Biophysicists take small step in quest for 'robot scientist'

Researchers have created an algorithm that can efficiently search for the laws underlying complex dynamical systems, including biological processes. The algorithm, dubbed 'Sir Issac', was tested on artificial and real-world systems, demonstrating its ability to infer universal gravitational force and model chemical transformations.

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.

'Lazy eye' may bully the brain into altering its wiring

A study published in Vision Research found that amblyopia, or 'lazy eye,' alters the brain's visual pathways, making it harder for the brain to adapt to using the weaker eye. The research suggests a potential new approach for treating vision disorders, including adults.

Funding for toddlers' oral health pilot study

A pilot study aims to address the national crisis in children's oral health by providing support for parents to prevent tooth decay in their toddlers. The study will develop an intervention that links a dental nurse with young mothers, offering them guidance and materials to protect their child's teeth.

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.

Study investigates whether blind people characterize others by race

A recent study investigates how blind individuals characterize others by race, revealing a slower and less automatic process than sighted individuals. Blind participants categorized fewer people by race due to the slower pace of assigning race, which typically occurs with extensive interactions rather than casual encounters.

Less may be more in slowing cholera epidemics

A mathematical model shows that using one dose of the oral cholera vaccine can prevent more cases and save more lives than the recommended two doses, especially in crisis situations. The study found that a single dose could protect more people in the long run and improve herd immunity.

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.

Algorithm helps identify elusive genes that express like clockwork

A new statistical approach, called Oscope, identifies oscillating genes in single-cell RNA-sequencing experiments by examining cells from an unsynchronized population. The technique captures one base cycle of each group of cyclic genes, offering a practical way to profile distinct groups of genes that play a cyclical role.

EPSRC funding boost to aid discovery of new advanced materials

A £6.65 million grant will support a programme at the University of Liverpool and University College London to design and test new materials at the atomic level. The project aims to address challenges in sustainable energy production, battery technologies, and solar energy efficiency.

Women undergoing fertility treatment can succeed with fewer hormones

A new study by Aarhus University found that women undergoing fertility treatment can achieve similar pregnancy rates without daily hormonal vaginal gel, instead receiving a small injection of pregnancy-stimulating hormone HCG. This more natural treatment option reduces discomfort and side effects, providing a patient-friendly alternative.

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.

Molten glass 3-D printer produces optically transparent glass

A new additive manufacturing technique prints molten glass at high temperatures to produce strong, optically transparent glass objects. The modular printer allows for customization of the printed glass parts, opening up opportunities for high-value applications in industries such as aerospace.