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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 31


Page 31 of 32

Eating away at cognitive decline

A recent study found that older adults who followed the MIND diet more rigorously showed equivalent cognitive abilities to those 7.5 years younger, suggesting a potential delay of dementia's onset. The MIND diet emphasizes brain-healthy food groups and limits unhealthy foods, with berries being a key component.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateAug 4, 2015

Regular consumption of spicy foods linked to lower risk of death

A large observational study found that regular consumption of spicy foods is associated with a lower risk of death, particularly from cancer and heart disease. Participants who ate spicy foods almost every day had a 14% lower risk of death compared to those who consumed them less than once a week.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 4, 2015

Scientists solve mystery behind earthworm digestion

Scientists have discovered how earthworms digest plant material despite toxic chemicals produced by plants. The discovery highlights the importance of drilodefensins, molecules in the earthworm gut that counteract plant defenses.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 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.

Almost 80 species scavenge hunting remains worldwide

A study describes general structure of scavenger communities worldwide, revealing that birds dominate consumption with 65.8% frequency, while mammals and large predators also play key roles in structuring these communities. The findings highlight the global impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateAug 4, 2015

New strain of yeast to be helpful in toxic waste removal

A new strain of yeast has been discovered that can effectively remove toxic substances from wastewater. Yarrowia lipolytica Y-3492 was found to be highly active against nitro compounds, including those used in explosives and certain medications.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 4, 2015

Rutgers tomato reinvented with even more flavor

Researchers at Rutgers University have recreated a classic tomato variety thought to be lost to history, combining nostalgic flavor with modern durability. The new Rutgers tomato boasts improved flavor, earlier ripening, higher yield, and resistance to cracking, making it perfect for home gardeners and farmers alike.

SourceRutgers University·DateAug 4, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pathogen grows on cold smoked salmon by using alternative metabolic pathways

Researchers discovered that Listeria monocytogenes can grow on refrigerated smoked salmon by utilizing different metabolic pathways than those used in laboratory media. This finding could lead to the development of inhibitors to control pathogen growth on foods and improve risk assessments.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 4, 2015

Shifting winds, ocean currents doubled endangered Galápagos penguin population

The Galápagos penguin population has doubled over the past 30 years due to changes in wind currents and ocean temperatures. This expansion of the cold pool, where sea surface temperatures are below 22 degrees Celsius, has bolstered algae and fish numbers, supporting the penguin population.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 3, 2015

Veterans returning from Middle East face higher skin cancer risk

Soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan returned home with a higher risk of skin cancer, largely due to inadequate sun protection and lengthy daily sunlight exposure. The study found that only 13% of veterans routinely used sunscreen and 63% experienced at least one sunburn during deployment.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 3, 2015

Our elegant brain: Motor learning in the fast lane

Researchers at McGill University discovered that a small cluster of brain cells in the cerebellum engage in elegant computations to quickly compare expected and actual sensory feedback. This allows neurons to rapidly readjust and form new patterns in the brain to accomplish tasks.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 3, 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.

Modelling the effect of vaccines on cholera transmission

A model investigates optimal vaccination strategies to minimize cholera-related mortality and costs, considering seasonality in pathogen transmission. The study finds that effective vaccination can significantly reduce disease spread and associated expenses.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateAug 3, 2015

Cattle movement estimation study sheds light on disease risk

A Kansas State University study uses aggregated data to estimate detailed cattle movement and predict disease risk in the US. The research reveals a significant risk of disease infiltration, highlighting the need for more accurate epidemic models and animal movement parameters.

SourceKansas State University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateAug 3, 2015

Women, blacks face larger loss of life expectancy after heart attack

According to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, women and black patients who experience a heart attack lose significantly more years of their expected life compared to white men. The researchers found that these disparities are not due to differences in comorbidities or treatment utilization.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 3, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

An orange a day keeps scurvy away

Astronauts' nutritional needs are crucial for long-duration space missions, as microgravity and radiation exposure impact health. NASA's Biochemical Profile project aims to understand the effects of spaceflight on nutrition and develop strategies to mitigate negative effects.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateAug 3, 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.

Tel Aviv University researcher discovers trigger of deadly melanoma

A new study published in Molecular Cell identifies the precise trigger that causes melanoma cancer cells to transform into invasive killer agents, pinpointing a key role for 'Notch signaling' in this process. Understanding this mechanism may lead to new prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 3, 2015

MD Anderson study reveals new insight into DNA repair

Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered the critical role of fumarase enzyme in DNA repair, revealing a key mechanism for reversing genetic damage leading to cancer and therapy resistance. The study's findings have potential implications for developing new cancer treatments by inhibiting DNA-PKs and fumarase.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 3, 2015

Glaciers melt faster than ever

The study reveals that glaciers worldwide are melting at an unprecedented rate, losing half a meter to one meter of ice thickness every year. This is two to three times more than the average for the 20th century, with some glaciers in Norway having retreated by several kilometers from their maximum extents.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateAug 3, 2015

NASA sees heavy rainfall in Super Typhoon Soudelor

Super Typhoon Soudelor showed extreme rainfall rates with over 58 mm/hour on its southern side, as measured by NASA's GPM core satellite. The storm is predicted to intensify before making landfall in eastern China.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 3, 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.

New approach for making vaccines for deadly diseases

Researchers have devised a new approach to vaccines that creates immunity without standard approaches, offering a rapid solution to deadly diseases like dengue fever. The DMAb platform produces antibodies that do not bind to cell receptors, eliminating the chance for infection and disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 3, 2015

Genetic adaptation keeps Ethiopians heart-healthy despite high altitudes

Researchers found that mice with lower levels of EDNRB protein are more tolerant to hypoxia and better able to maintain cardiac function and oxygen delivery. This study suggests that EDNRB could be targeted to treat sea level diseases related to low oxygen, such as heart attack and stroke.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015
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.

MIPT researchers clear the way for fast plasmonic chips

MIPT researchers have developed a new method to eliminate energy losses of surface plasmons in optical devices, paving the way for high-performance optoelectronic chips. By pumping extra energy into surface plasmon polaritons, they can compensate for propagation losses and increase integration density.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 3, 2015

Septic tanks aren't keeping poo out of rivers and lakes

A Michigan State University study found that septic tanks are contaminating freshwater sources with fecal bacteria, threatening water quality and human health. The research used a novel source-tracking method to analyze 64 river systems in Michigan and identified areas with high numbers of septic systems as hotspots for pollution.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Simple intervention can moderate anti-vaccination beliefs, study finds

Researchers found that reminding skeptics about the importance of vaccines and the risks associated with not being vaccinated can change their attitudes positively. The study tested three groups of participants and showed that even the most skeptical individuals were influenced by the intervention.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

BioLEGO

The BioLEGO web application enables single and two-step multiorganism fermentation process design, maximizing feedstock conversion rates. It also evaluates possible biomass-to-product yields and recommends media changes to increase process efficacy.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateAug 3, 2015

NYSCF Global Stem Cell ArrayTM brings precision medicine one step closer to the clinic

Researchers designed a revolutionary high-throughput robotic platform to automate the process of generating patient-specific stem cells, reducing variability and increasing scale. This technology allows for 'clinical trials in a dish' and can identify potential drug metabolism and toxicity issues in human cells before clinical trials.

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 3, 2015

Ocean changes are affecting salmon biodiversity and survival

A study by the University of California, Davis found that ocean changes are affecting the survival rates of Coho and Chinook salmon, causing them to become more synchronized. This loss in biodiversity can't be addressed through freshwater management alone.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Better together: Graphene-nanotube hybrid switches

Researchers have created digital switches using graphene-nanotube hybrids, outperforming existing graphene-based switches. The material's lopsided band gaps create a potential barrier that stops electrons, enabling high-speed switching.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 3, 2015

Global vaccine-development fund could save thousands of lives, billions of dollars

A proposed global vaccine-development fund could help make vaccines available for emergency use, saving thousands of lives. The fund would cover the financial burden of vaccine development, addressing barriers such as high costs, limited market potential and lack of government support.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 3, 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.

4 million years at Africa's salad bar

A study found that most major mammal groups in Africa tried grazing on grass around 2 million years ago, but some animals switched to browsing trees and shrubs or became extinct. The bovids, including cattle and antelopes, are the only group still mostly grazing on grass today.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

Small tilt in magnets makes them viable memory chips

A small tilt of magnets makes them viable memory chips, opening the door to a memory system that can be packed onto a microprocessor. This breakthrough could lead to computers that turn on instantly and operate with greater speed and significantly less power.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Study uncovers communication strategies couples can use to address financial uncertainty

Research from North Carolina State University reveals that couples can manage financial uncertainty by seeking information, communicating effectively with their partner, and adapting to the situation. The study identifies four barriers to successful management: information barriers, communication barriers, time management barriers, and...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research·DateAug 3, 2015

Look into my pupils: Pupil mimicry may lead to increased trust

A study found that participants who mimicked a partner's dilated pupils were more likely to trust them in an investment game. The researchers suggest that group membership plays an important role in interpreting pupil signals, and that mimicry of dilating pupils is particularly beneficial in in-group interactions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 3, 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.

Potential new therapy approaches to reverse kidney damage identified

Scientists at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center identified EMT as a potential therapeutic target for reversing kidney disease and fibrosis. The study showed that inhibiting EMT in tubular epithelial cells can restore their health and function.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 3, 2015

Chronic insomnia sufferers may find relief with half of standard pill dose

Researchers found that changing industry standards for maintenance therapy can maintain treatment responses and lower side effects. The study tested three dosing strategies: nightly dosing with 10mg, intermittent dosing with 10mg 3-5 days a week, or partial reinforcement through nightly pills with half placebo capsules.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalSleep Medicine·DateAug 3, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Combination therapy may be more effective against the most common ovarian cancer

Researchers discovered that CA125-negative tumor cells have an enhanced ability to repair their DNA and resist programmed cell death, making them dangerous. Combining chemotherapy with birinapant significantly improved disease-free survival in laboratory models of human ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 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.

Marriage can lead to dramatic reduction in heavy drinking in young adults

Researchers found that marriage leads to a dramatic decrease in heavy drinking among young adults, particularly those with severe drinking issues. This 'marriage effect' may be due to role-incompatibility theory, which suggests that individuals must adapt their behavior to meet the demands of new roles like marriage.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateAug 3, 2015