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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 25


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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 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.

Clearing habitat surrounding farm fields fails to reduce pathogens

A new study led by UC Berkeley researchers found that clearing non-crop vegetation around farms does not lower pathogen levels in produce. Instead, diverse habitats can encourage pollinated food crops and filter out agrichemical runoff.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceBinghamton University·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateAug 10, 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.

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 10, 2015

Bioengineers identify the key genes and functions for sustaining microbial life

Researchers define the core set of genes and functions that a bacterial cell needs to sustain life, providing a foundation for new cell engineering approaches. The study identifies 356 essential genes across various microorganisms, enabling the rapid construction of genome-scale cellular growth models.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015
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.

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 10, 2015

Research shows catastrophic invertebrate extinction in Hawai'i and globally

A recent study found that Hawaii has lost a significant portion of its unique and diverse invertebrate species, with only 15 out of 325 recognized Amastridae species still alive. Globally, the team estimated that up to 14% of Earth's animal species may have been lost due to human activities.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015

As California wildfires burn, southern plant species are shifting northward

A study from University of California, Davis, found that forest disturbances like wildfire and thinning are replacing understory plants with those from more southern areas, such as Mexico and Southern California. This shift is driven by climate change, leading to a potential increase in forest diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015
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.

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.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 10, 2015

Stepchildren who view former stepparents as family maintain relationships after divorce

A study found that stepchildren who viewed their former stepparents as family maintained relationships after the dissolution of the stepfamily unit. The researchers noted that emotional reactions to the divorce, patterns of support and resource exchanges, and parental encouragement played a significant role in these relationships.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateAug 10, 2015
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.

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.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceDartmouth College·DateAug 10, 2015
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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2015

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.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateAug 10, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·DateAug 10, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study indicates first steps towards preventing suicide attempts by offenders

A new study by Plymouth University reveals that offenders at risk of suicide require targeted support systems to prevent fatal attempts. The research identified key components such as coordinated primary and secondary mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and accommodation assistance.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalSociology of Health & Illness·DateAug 9, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalGeology·DateAug 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBrain Injury·DateAug 9, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 8, 2015
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateAug 7, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 7, 2015

Web-based patient-centered toolkit helps improve patient-provider communication

A new web-based patient-centered toolkit (PCTK) has been shown to improve patient-provider communication, enabling patients to engage in understanding their plan of care. The PCTK facilitated patient-generated messages and provided access to educational content specific to a patient's condition.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateAug 7, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 7, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2015

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).

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 7, 2015

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...

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateAug 7, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateAug 7, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateAug 7, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 7, 2015

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateAug 7, 2015
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.

New endoscopic, non-surgical bariatric options show promise for treating obesity

The FDA has approved two new endoscopic bariatric therapies for treating obesity, providing patients with a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. Endoscopic bariatric therapies offer a viable option for patients who have been unsuccessful at weight loss with diet and exercise.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateAug 7, 2015