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Science News Archive December 2015


Page 29 of 32

Researchers unravel age-old mystery of why cells use fermentation

A team of physicists and biologists from UC San Diego found that the cost of synthesizing enzymes for aerobic respiration outweighs its benefits in fast-growing cells, leading them to favor fermentation. This discovery provides a new perspective on why many organisms use fermentation instead of aerobic respiration.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Global food system faces multiple threats from climate change

Climate change impacts on global food security are projected to be larger in tropical and subtropical regions due to changes in crop and livestock productivity. The report warns that warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can disrupt transportation systems, degrade food safety, and threaten food production.

Review does not support monthly lab testing for oral isotretinoin use for acne

A review of medical literature suggests that isotretinoin therapy does not require frequent laboratory monitoring for most patients. The analysis of 26 studies found low rates of high-risk laboratory abnormalities and no significant increase in liver function or lipid levels. This finding supports less frequent lab testing, potentially...

'Fast radio burst' sheds new light on origin of these extreme events

A team of astronomers discovered the most detailed record ever of a Fast Radio Burst (FRB), indicating that it originated in a highly magnetized region of space. The research suggests a link to recent supernovae or active star-forming nebulae, significantly narrowing down the source's environment and type of event.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Exploring the limits for high-performance LEDs and solar cells

Researchers from Cyprus and Greece investigate Förster resonant energy transfer, a radiationless energy transmission process that promotes alternative contactless pathways for energy transfer. The study reveals the importance of understanding FRET in hybrid structures to develop novel devices with high efficiency.

Keeping emotions under control

A new study uses real-time fMRI-based neurofeedback to help kids control their emotions, improving regulation and preventing future mental health issues.

Engraved schist slab may depict paleolithic campsites

A 13,000-year-old engraved schist slab discovered in Spain is believed to represent a human social group. The authors analyzed the morphology of the engraved motifs and suggest that they were created using a similar technique and instrument, depicting everyday life.

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.

Toolkit for microbiota research

Scientists cultivate over half of the bacterial species found on and in the leaves and roots of Arabidopsis thaliana, creating a representative collection for microbiota reconstruction. The developed toolkit enables controlled perturbation of microbiota under controlled environmental conditions.

Coffee compounds that could help prevent type 2 diabetes identified

Researchers have identified two coffee compounds, cafestol and caffeic acid, that contribute to the health benefit of drinking three to four cups of coffee per day in preventing type 2 diabetes. Cafestol increases insulin secretion and glucose uptake in muscle cells, matching the effects of a currently prescribed antidiabetic drug.

Concern over drug industry involvement at India's 'health camps'

Pharmaceutical sales representatives are screening people in India for their products, raising concerns about unchecked conflicts of interest and potential harm to patients. Local residents receive medical testing at 'health camps,' some organized by Indian drug firms and pharmaceutical companies like Abbott and Roche.

New heart failure therapy projected to increase life expectancy

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that sacubitril-valsartan can extend life expectancy by one to two years for heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. The therapy, currently used as standard care, was shown to improve overall survival by 16% and reduce hospitalization rates.

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.

Now is the time to uncover the secrets of the Earth's microbiomes

The Unified Microbiome Initiative aims to study the planet's least understood ecosystems, with potential breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture and environmental science. New genomic tools have linked microbes to various health issues, including obesity and brain development.

UN report takes global view of 'green energy choices'

The UN report concludes that green energy technologies can significantly reduce global pollution if chosen wisely. Renewable electricity generates much lower greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels, with wind and solar power producing only 5-6% of the emissions created by coal-fired plants.

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.

Depression contributes to preventable hospitalizations in Danish study

Individuals with depression are more likely to experience preventable hospitalizations for common chronic conditions, such as diabetes and congestive heart failure. Researchers found that those with depression were 2.35-times more likely to be hospitalized for preventable conditions than without depression.

Climate-change foes winning public opinion war

A new study by Michigan State University researchers suggests that climate-change deniers are successfully changing people's minds with negative messages, regardless of their political affiliation. The study found that core beliefs about climate change remain unchanged even when presented with positive messages, highlighting the diffic...

False-positive mammograms may indicate increased risk of breast cancer later

Women with a history of false-positive mammogram results may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer for up to 10 years after the initial false-positive result. A new study found that women who received a false-positive result had a 39% higher risk of subsequent breast cancer compared to those with true-negative results.

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.

How does my therapist rate?

Researchers at USC, University of Washington and University of Utah developed a machine-learning algorithm that detects high-empathy or low-empathy speech in therapist-patient sessions. The tool uses automatic speech recognition and natural language processing to analyze over 1,000 therapy sessions.

Studying stonefish venom may help combat transplant rejection

Monash University researchers have solved the X-ray crystal structure of stonefish venom's lethal factor, providing insight into a crucial human immune response. The discovery aims to develop immunosuppressants to improve transplant therapy success rates for leukaemia treatment.

Sylvester presents latest cancer research at ASH Annual Meeting

Researchers from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting their latest hematology research at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. Highlights include the discovery of a potent inhibitor of Lysine demethylase Lsd-1, which augments pro-differentiation effects in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and targeting ...

A cheap, disposable device for diagnosing disease

Researchers at Penn State have created a reusable microfluidic device that can sort and manipulate cells for cheap and convenient biomedical diagnosis. The device, called acoustic tweezers, uses gentle vibrations to manipulate cells and has the potential to be used in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biology labs.

Praying for Plan B: How a higher power can inspire climate change action

A researcher from QUT found that people worldwide are willing to act on climate change by reducing carbon footprints and supporting government action. A 'Plan B' is proposed to develop policies and communication strategies tying climate change to a more caring and ethical society, leveraging the influence of religious leaders.

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.

Dissecting paleoclimate change

Researchers at UCSB decipher the history of paleoclimate change, revealing an abrupt warming in sea surface temperatures and simultaneous releases of methane that accelerated climate shift. The discovery sheds light on potential processes behind rapid climate changes.

Neonicotinoid pesticides linked to butterfly declines in the UK

A UK study by University of Stirling researchers found that neonicotinoid pesticide use is linked to declining butterfly populations, with 15 species showing population declines. The chemicals can persist in the environment and contaminate wildflowers, providing little nourishment for butterflies.

Study reveals non-invasive warning sign of kidney disease progression

Researchers have identified a simple, non-invasive test to identify patients at risk of chronic kidney disease progression by measuring epidermal growth factor levels in urine. Decreased epidermal growth factor protein is an early sign of diminishing kidney function and pinpoints the at-risk patient population.

New stretchable, wearable sensor made with chewing gum (video)

A team of researchers developed a unique sensing device using chewing gum and carbon nanotubes that can track breathing and detect humidity changes. The flexible sensor, which can withstand bending and stretching up to 530% strain, has the potential to monitor body functions around the clock.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A window into sexuality

A study by Meredith Chivers found that heterosexual women exhibit diverse patterns of sexual response to both male and female stimuli, challenging previous assumptions about heterosexuality. The research suggests a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between sexual identity, attractions and genital responses.

SAGE to begin publishing the International Bulletin of Mission Research

The SAGE Journal will begin publishing the International Bulletin of Mission Research in partnership with The Overseas Ministries Study Center. The journal provides in-depth analyses of worldwide Christianity and mission-focused book reviews. IBMR is an unparalleled source of information on the world church in mission.

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.

Liquid metal 'nano-terminators' target cancer cells

Researchers have developed a biodegradable liquid metal technique that uses 'nano-terminators' to target cancer cells. The liquid metal drug carriers enhance the effectiveness of anticancer drugs while minimizing long-term toxicity.

Swimming devices could deliver drugs inside the body

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed microscopic swimming devices that can be guided by physical structures and used for drug delivery or medical diagnosis. The devices use a catalytic coating to move automatically on a pre-determined route, opening up possibilities for targeted treatments and disease diagnosis.

Scientists design a new method for screening cancer cells

Researchers at UCLA have designed a new method for screening cancer cells using parallel microfiltration, which could lead to better treatments for various diseases. The study found that drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells are softer than their sensitive counterparts, and more invasive cells are also softer.

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.

New research sheds light on neuronal communication

A new study reveals GIT proteins as critical presynaptic regulators of synaptic strength, uncovering previously unknown roles in regulating neurotransmitter release. This finding has significant implications for understanding neuronal communication and the development of neurological diseases.

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.

Distracted walking: A serious issue for you, not me

A study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reveals that 78% of US adults consider distracted walking a serious issue, yet only 29% admit to themselves. Common behaviors include talking on phones, listening to music, and using smartphones while walking.

RNA mystery solved in triple negative breast cancer

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered that both strands of a tiny microRNA are active in suppressing genes in triple negative breast cancer cells. This breakthrough enables the design of specific blockers of one microRNA strand without imitating the opposite strand, opening a pathway to new treatments.

Danes' vitamin D levels are determined by their genes

A PhD project from the National Food Institute found that certain genetic variations increase the risk of lower vitamin D levels in Danes. The study identified two genes, CYP2R1 and GC, as influencers of vitamin D status. Genetic predisposition may be used to identify individuals at risk of lower vitamin D levels.

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.

Popping microbubbles help focus light inside the body

Researchers at Caltech developed a novel technique called TRUME that utilizes microbubbles to focus light inside biological tissue. The technique can be used as an effective 'guidestar' to target specific locations in tissues, enabling minimally invasive treatments such as tumor destruction and diagnostic imaging. This innovation has t...

Researchers develop antibody to save cancerous bones

A new antibody treatment has shown promise in blocking the process of bone degradation caused by osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. The treatment reduced bone degradation by up to 80% in a cancer mouse model, offering hope for reducing amputations among young patients.