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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 19


Page 19 of 32
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newly discovered cells regenerate liver tissue without forming tumors

Hybrid hepatocytes, discovered by researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine, have been found to proliferate and replenish liver mass after chronic liver injuries, showing promise as a therapeutic option for liver diseases. Unlike induced pluripotent stem cells, hybrid hepatocytes do not contribute to cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateAug 13, 2015

Advance in photodynamic therapy offers new approach to ovarian cancer

Researchers at Oregon State University have made a significant advance in photodynamic therapy to combat ovarian cancer, achieving complete cancer cell elimination with no regrowth of tumors. The new approach combines existing techniques with compounds that make cancer cells vulnerable to reactive oxygen species, reducing natural defen...

SourceOregon State University·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

Titanium rings proving problematic for emergency care doctors

Rings made of titanium are difficult to remove from swollen fingers due to their resistance to cutting methods. A new solution has been developed by plastic surgeons using bolt cutters, which work in under 30 seconds and can be performed solo without damaging the finger.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateAug 13, 2015

Fears of potentially blinding complication from Avastin eye injections overblown, says Penn study

A new Penn study analyzing insurance claims data suggests that repackaged Avastin injections do not carry a higher risk of endophthalmitis than commercially available Lucentis. This finding contradicts the FDA's planned restriction on Avastin's ophthalmic use and may inadvertently increase infection risk for patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 13, 2015

How beneficial bacteria protect intestinal cells

Researchers have identified a protective mechanism used by beneficial bacteria to safeguard intestinal cells from stress and damage. By stimulating the Nrf2 pathway, these bacteria can help prevent weight loss and death after radiation exposure, as well as protect against toxic herbicides like paraquat.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 13, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Birth factors may predict schizophrenia in genetic subtype of schizophrenia

A study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that individuals with a genetic subtype of schizophrenia who were born with low birth weight or prematurely had nearly one in two risk of developing schizophrenia. This is compared to those without schizophrenia, where the risk was lower.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateAug 13, 2015

Mobile technology may help people improve health behaviors

The American Heart Association's scientific statement found that mobile health technologies can be effective for managing weight, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking. However, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness for other health conditions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateAug 13, 2015

Grammar: Eventually the brain opts for the easy route

Researchers analyzed case systems in over 600 languages, finding that complex constructions tax the brain more than simple ones. The brain activity is stronger for simple cases, leading to simplifications and changes in grammatical structures.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

Stanford researchers genetically engineer yeast to produce opioids

Researchers at Stanford University have genetically engineered yeast to produce hydrocodone and other opioid painkillers, enabling a faster and potentially less expensive way to produce plant-based medicines. The breakthrough could lower costs and increase access to pain medications for 5.5 billion people worldwide.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

New study reveals Tetris can block cravings

A study found playing Tetris for three minutes reduced cravings for drugs, food, and activities like sex and sleeping by approximately one fifth. The benefits were maintained over a seven-day period.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

Black phosphorus surges ahead of graphene

A Korean team tunes black phosphorus' band gap to form a superior conductor, enabling mass production for electronic and optoelectronic devices. This breakthrough allows for great flexibility in device design and optimization.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

Georgia Tech finds 11 security flaws in popular internet browsers

Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology discovered 11 previously unknown Internet browser security flaws using a new cyber security analysis method. The team developed a proprietary detection tool called CAVER to catch vulnerabilities in C++ programs, resulting in significant contributions to the security of the Internet.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateAug 13, 2015

Opioid compounds synthesized from yeast

Researchers successfully synthesized thebaine and hydrocodone in yeast, offering a novel microbial-based production process for opioids. The breakthrough could significantly reduce production time and potentially create a new source of pain relief worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

Astronomers discover 'young Jupiter' exoplanet

A team of astronomers has discovered a Jupiter-like exoplanet called 51 Eridani b, which shows the strongest methane signature ever detected on an alien planet. The new planet is the faintest exoplanet on record and provides clues about how planets formed around the sun.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

Surgeons refine procedure for life-threatening congenital heart defect

Researchers analyzed 43 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) who underwent either an arterial or venous shunt as part of the hybrid palliation procedure. The study found that the arterial shunt group showed better pulmonary arterial growth, shorter surgical times, and higher oxygen saturations at discharge. However, no ...

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateAug 13, 2015

Vision expert David Williams receives the Beckman-Argyros Award

David Williams, a leading expert on human vision, has received the Beckman-Argyros Award for his pioneering work on adaptive optics technologies. The award recognizes his transformative breakthroughs in vision research, enabling improved vision correction and treatment of eye diseases.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateAug 13, 2015

How do ants identify different members of their society?

A UC Riverside-led team discovered that ants detect a unique blend of hydrocarbons on individual cuticles to recognize different castes and intruders. This sophisticated pheromone system allows ants to coordinate their behaviors efficiently in large colonies with multiple castes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 13, 2015
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Gemini-discovered world is most like Jupiter

Astronomers using Gemini Observatory's new Planet Imager have probed a newly discovered world in unprecedented detail. The planet, 51 Eridani b, is about two times the mass of Jupiter and features a Solar System-like atmosphere with methane detection.

SourceGemini Observatory·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

Rice, Penn State open center for 2-D coatings

Researchers aim to develop multifunctional coatings that protect surfaces while adding value through sensing capabilities. The new ATOMIC center will focus on creating atom-thin materials for various industries, including energy and manufacturing.

SourceRice University·DateAug 13, 2015

Study finds little improvement in mortality rate for extremely preterm infants since 2000

Researchers have found that the mortality rate for extremely preterm infants has not improved significantly since 2000, despite advancements in medical technology and treatment. Data from over 47,000 records shows a decline in mortality rates from 1990 to 2000, but no significant improvement from 2000 to 2010.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Perinatology·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

Research examines relationship between autism and creativity

New research found that individuals with high autistic traits generate fewer but more original and creative responses during divergent thinking tasks. The study suggests that these individuals may approach creativity problems in a unique way, utilizing less common strategies to produce unusual responses.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateAug 13, 2015

Helping Siri hear through a cocktail party

A new sensor developed at Duke University uses metamaterials and compressive sensing to separate overlapping sounds in loud environments. The device achieved a 96.7% accuracy rate in distinguishing between three identical sounds sent from different directions.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2015

Gestational diabetes: A diabetes predictor in fathers

A recent study from McGill University Health Centre reveals that gestational diabetes in mothers can be a predictor for type 2 diabetes in their fathers. The research analyzed data from Quebec between 1990 and 2007, finding that men whose partners have gestational diabetes are 33% more likely to develop the disease.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalDiabetes Care·DateAug 13, 2015

A better way to personalize bladder cancer treatments

A new method for personalizing bladder cancer treatments has been developed by researchers at the University of California - Davis Health. The approach uses tumor xenografts to identify effective therapies, which can be tested in mice before being administered to patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2015

Marks on 3.4-million-year-old bones not due to trampling, analysis confirms

A study analyzing over 4,000 fossil bones from the Dikika site in Ethiopia confirms that marks on two 3.4 million-year-old animal bones were caused by butchery with stone tools, not trampling. The findings support a previous interpretation published in Nature in 2010 and provide new evidence for human evolution.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

Chickenpox continues to decline in US thanks to vaccination

A new study published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society finds that US chickenpox cases have declined by 93% since the introduction of the vaccine in 1995, thanks to increased vaccination coverage. This decline is attributed to herd immunity, which protects those who are not immunized themselves.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 13, 2015

Young, Jupiter-like planet discovered

A team of researchers has discovered a Jupiter-like planet, 51 Eridani b, within a young system that could provide new understanding of how planets formed around our sun. The planet shows the strongest methane signature ever detected on an alien planet, yielding clues about its formation.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

How do continents break up?

A team of German scientists challenges the theory that a large mantle plume played a dominant role in the break-up of the super-continent Gondwana. Seismic measurements reveal that the impact of the mantle plume on the continental crust is surprisingly small.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeology·DateAug 13, 2015

Humans responsible for demise of gigantic ancient mammals

Scientists confirm human activity, not climate change, as main driver of megafauna extinction over the last 80,000 years. The study's findings shed light on a long-standing debate and suggest that early humans were responsible for the demise of iconic species such as the woolly mammoth and sabretooth tiger.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcography·DateAug 13, 2015

Heavy smokers and smokers who are obese gain more weight after quitting

Heavy smokers and obese individuals may experience significant weight gain after quitting smoking due to factors like daily cigarette consumption and body mass index. Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 participants to find that those who quit smoking gained an average of 23 pounds among smokers of 25 or more cigarettes per day.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateAug 13, 2015

New optical chip lights up the race for quantum computer

Researchers have developed an optical chip that can process photons in an infinite number of ways, a major step forward in creating a quantum computer. This breakthrough brings together existing quantum experiments and paves the way for new protocols, making it easier to conduct research and discover new science.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

More details on origin of world's favorite beer-making microbe

Researchers found that lager yeast, used in 94% of beer production, originated from the accidental hybridization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. eubayanus yeasts around 500 years ago. The study reveals how these natural processes led to the development of a yeast that could thrive in cold temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 13, 2015

Fortified against blindness

Researchers developed vitamin A fortified sweet potato varieties to combat blindness in Africa and South-Eastern Asia. Impilo and Purple Sunset are the most promising varieties, offering high beta-carotene content and adaptability to different growing conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 13, 2015

NASA's Hubble finds supernovae in 'wrong place at wrong time'

Scientists use archived data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to study 13 unusual exploding stars, known as supernovae. These young stars were ejected from their galaxies at high speeds, and astronomers believe that supermassive black holes in merging galaxies played a key role in their ejection.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 13, 2015

Reading comprehension focus of NSF grant

A team of Penn State researchers, led by Ping Li, has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant to investigate how readers comprehend science texts. The project aims to capture cognitive and brain representations during and after reading, with implications for STEM education.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

Researchers detail carbon output from rivers and streams

A team of scientists has quantified the carbon dioxide emitted by US rivers and streams, finding that in-stream respiration may be a larger source than previously thought. The study's findings are crucial for predicting how changes in land use and climate will impact global greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 13, 2015

Rogue supernovas likely flung into space by black hole slingshots

A new study suggests that rogue supernovas that explode in deep space were likely kicked out of their galaxies at high speeds and then ejected into space by the gravitational pull of a binary black hole. The study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, used data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to trace 13 h...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 13, 2015

Diversity provides stability among the animals in the wild

Researchers found that species with varying color drawing are generally more numerous and fluctuate less in number from year to year. This could help explain why some insect species cause substantial damage in agriculture and forestry, as their population fluctuations were not synchronised among different species.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

Heat release from stagnant deep sea helped end last Ice Age

A study by University College London found that warm, stagnant water from the deep Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas contributed to the end of the last Ice Age. The researchers used proxy data to reconstruct past ocean circulation changes, which showed a warmer deep Arctic Mediterranean during glacial times.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015