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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 10


Page 10 of 32

New genes associated with extreme longevity identified

Researchers found five genetic loci associated with successful aging, involved in cell senescence, autoimmunity, and Alzheimer's disease. These genes may provide clues about physiological mechanisms for healthy aging and have the potential to improve health outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 17, 2015

Oceanographers use super-computers to help farmers in Bangladesh

A computer model predicts changes in tidal water level and salinity in Bangladesh's delta region, affecting farmland and the Sundarbans mangrove forests. The model could inform decisions on irrigation and crop management to mitigate potential flooding and ecosystem damage.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateDec 17, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Inadequate policies for hunting large carnivores

The article highlights four ways in which current hunting policies for large carnivores do not align with ecological theory and data. The authors emphasize the need to account for different methods of sampling effort and detection, as well as evaluate policies state by state.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2015

Study links autism symptoms to change in brain chemistry

Researchers have discovered a direct link between autism symptoms and reduced action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. The study suggests that increasing brain concentrations of GABA may have potential as an autism treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 17, 2015

Journal of Comparative Effectiveness research discusses oncology treatment sequences

The Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research discusses new recommendations from the Center for Medical Technology Policy's Green Park Collaborative for evaluating oncology treatment sequences. The framework developed by GPC-USA aims to fill evidence gaps and identify patient-important outcomes, ultimately improving cancer patient ...

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalJournal of Comparative Effectiveness Research·DateDec 17, 2015

Deforestation linked to rise in cases of emerging zoonotic malaria

Research suggests environmental changes are driving an increase in Plasmodium knowlesi malaria cases among people in Malaysia. Deforestation and land use changes are thought to be key drivers of the emergence of this disease, which is usually found only in monkeys.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateDec 17, 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.

New insights into the molecular basis of memory

Researchers discovered epigenetic modifications in mouse brains that influence long-term memory, suggesting a potential code for memory content and new therapeutic targets. The study also found these modifications occur in non-neuronal cells, expanding our understanding of neuroplasticity regulation.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 17, 2015

'Homing' treatment could aid recovery for brain damaged patients

Cardiff University scientists have engineered a new dual 'homing' agent that inactivates the complement system in the brain, reducing inflammation and aiding recovery. The treatment has shown promise in mice with traumatic brain injuries, potentially leading to life-changing benefits for humans.

SourceCardiff University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 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.

Progress toward creating broad-spectrum antiviral

Researchers have discovered a compound that induces genes to control infection in several known viruses, including West Nile and Ebola. The findings show promising evidence for creating a broad-spectrum antiviral that can suppress a range of RNA viruses.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJournal of Virology·DateDec 17, 2015

Autism breakthrough

Researchers found that individuals with autism have lower levels of GABA, a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, which suggests a breakdown in the signaling pathway. This breakthrough could lead to early intervention efforts through visual screening tests for younger children.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 17, 2015

Physicists discover material for a more efficient energy storage

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have discovered a high-k-material that enables better energy storage devices, which could lead to smaller, faster and more efficient electronics. The material's unique dielectric properties allow it to generate strong electric fields, making it suitable for capacitors.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 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.

New resource to help manage the invasive spotted lanternfly

The invasive spotted lanternfly can cause considerable damage to crops and ornamental plants. A new resource provides information on how to identify and manage the pest, which has already been detected in Pennsylvania and may spread to other areas.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateDec 17, 2015

Snake bellies help scientists get a grip

Researchers studied three species of snakes to understand how their unique belly shapes aid in climbing. Brown tree snakes have sharp-edged keels that allow them to grip and propel themselves up trees efficiently, a trait also seen in some corn snakes but not boa constrictors.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 17, 2015

ORNL technique could set new course for extracting uranium from seawater

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new ultra-high-resolution technique to study polymer fibers trapping uranium in seawater. The findings suggest that traditional approaches to understanding the binding of uranium by polymer fibers do not accurately represent its behavior in bulk materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 17, 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.

Some like it hot: Simulating single particle excitations

Berkeley Lab researchers model hot carrier movement in real-time, distinguishing between plasmon and single particle excitation behaviors. The study shows that 90% of plasmon energy can be converted to single particle energy when excitations are in tune.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2015

Identification tags define neural circuits

Researchers have discovered molecules that act as cellular identification tags on neurons in the fruit fly Drosophila, guiding the development of the neuromuscular and visual systems. The finding validates a theory proposed by Roger Sperry in the 1950s and provides insight into brain development.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateDec 17, 2015

Scientists create atomically thin boron

Researchers have successfully synthesized a two-dimensional sheet of boron, known as borophene, with metallic properties at the nanoscale. The material's unique atomic configuration and anisotropy result in a high tensile strength, making it a promising candidate for applications in electronics and photovoltaics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 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.

Scientists blueprint tiny cellular 'nanomachine'

Researchers have successfully mapped the structural map of a tiny cellular nanomachine called diacylglycerol kinase, which plays a critical role in bacterial cell wall synthesis. The nanomachine's evolution is an extraordinary feat of nature, and its molecular blueprint has shed new light on how it performs its cellular duties.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2015

The evolution of antievolution policies

A new study from NIMBioS sheds light on strategies used by creationists to influence evolution teaching in public schools. Antievolution bills show evidence of 'descent with modification,' copying recent legislation, and often tie back to creationism through statements or sponsors.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 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.

Threatened species still call cities home, study shows

A recent study by the University of Melbourne found that every Australian city and town has threatened species. The study highlights the importance of planning and managing cities for conservation as well as human wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateDec 17, 2015

A gene for new species is discovered

A University of Utah-led study identified a long-sought 'hybrid inviability gene' responsible for dead or infertile offspring when two fruit fly species mate. The discovery sheds light on the genetic and molecular process leading to formation of new species, and may provide clues to how cancer develops.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2015

Terrorism may make liberals think more like conservatives

Following a terrorist attack in London, research found that liberal attitudes towards Muslims and immigrants shifted towards conservative views, with increased national loyalty and decreased emphasis on fairness. This shift was attributed to changes in moral foundations, including greater in-group loyalty and prejudice against out-groups.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 17, 2015

India and Pakistan set to benefit from new autism treatment

A new parent-led therapy, PASS, has been successfully tested in India and Pakistan, showing improved interaction between autistic children and their parents. The study, funded by Autism Speaks, adapted a UK therapy method to address language and cultural differences in lower-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 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.

The fiscal impact of refugees in Sweden

The study found that the net fiscal redistribution from the non-refugee population to refugees in Sweden corresponded to 1.0 percent of Swedish GDP in 2007. This is due to lower public per capita revenues from refugees compared to the total population, largely attributed to their lower employment rate.

SourcePopulation Council Journals·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateDec 16, 2015

Dogs give friends food

A study by Friederike Range and colleagues found that dogs donated food to familiar partners more often than to unfamiliar ones. The researchers also discovered that the degree of familiarity among the dogs influenced this behavior, with prosocial behavior exhibited less frequently towards unfamiliar dogs.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 16, 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.

Monster planet is 'dancing with the stars'

Astronomers have discovered a planetary system with an enormous planet sandwiched between a Sun-like star and a dwarf star. The planet's massive eccentric orbit indicates gravitational influence from the dwarf star, leading to Kozai oscillations that cause it to 'dance' between the two stars.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 16, 2015

CWRU researchers tailor power source for wearable electronics

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have created flexible, wire-shaped microsupercapacitors that can be woven into garments to power wearable electronics. The capacitors increase energy density and capacitance by coating a titanium wire with aligned carbon nanotubes, allowing for more efficient charging and discharging.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateDec 16, 2015

High fat/low carb diet could combat schizophrenia

Research by James Cook University scientists found a ketogenic diet reduces animal behaviors resembling schizophrenia, potentially providing an alternative energy source and circumventing cellular energy pathways. The diet has also been shown to lead to weight loss and lower blood glucose levels in mice.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateDec 16, 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.

Unexpected molecular partners may offer new way to counter inflammatory diseases

A recent study from New York University has revealed a new mechanism to curb the activation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, which play key roles in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The researchers discovered that a specific enzyme called DDX5 must first unfurl a snippet of genetic material called Rmrp to activate Th17 cells.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2015

UMMS scientists reveal new phase of HIV infection

Researchers at UMMS have identified a new life cycle stage in HIV infection, dubbed intra-nuclear migration, which relies on human protein CPSF6 to guide the virus through the host cell's nucleus. This phase was previously unappreciated and sheds light on early events of HIV infection.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 16, 2015

Mediterranean sperm whales show great size variation

A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the clicks of Mediterranean sperm whales and found that most individuals range from 7.5 to 14 meters in length, with a peak range of 9-12 meters likely corresponding to adult females or young males

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Greenland Ice Sheet during the 20th Century -- a missing link in IPCC's climate report

Researchers have made direct observations of the Greenland Ice Sheet's reduction and melting over the past 110 years. The study reveals that some areas have lost considerable amounts of ice during the twentieth century, with mass loss along the southeastern and northwestern coast contributing significantly to global sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2015

Montefiore and Einstein receive NIH cancer research training grant

The Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care has received a $1.18 million NIH grant to train surgical residents as researcher-surgeons, focusing on tumor microenvironment and novel targets. The program aims to equip future surgeon-scientists with the skills needed to succeed in cancer research.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateDec 16, 2015

Lakes warming at alarming rates, York U-led global study warns

Lakes are warming at an average rate of 0.34 degrees Celsius per decade, posing significant threats to drinking water and aquatic habitats. The study predicts a 20% increase in algal blooms and a 5% rise in toxic algae, with methane emissions projected to rise by 4% over the next decade.

SourceYork University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 16, 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.

Red palm weevils can fly 50 kilometers in 24 hours

Researchers from California and Saudi Arabia found that nearly 40% of red palm weevils flew more than 10 kilometers, with some reaching distances of up to 50 kilometers in just 24 hours. The study provides valuable insights into the flight capabilities of these pests.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateDec 16, 2015

After the Paris climate deal: What's next for climate change research?

A recent study in Nature estimates the Greenland Ice Sheet's mass loss since the start of the 20th century, providing insights into how global warming affects sea levels. UB geologist Beata Csatho emphasizes the need for more research to understand the ice sheet's past behavior and its future evolution.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2015

A molecular light switch?...Just add water

A team of scientists has discovered a way to control ultraviolet light emission from a complex oxide material by adding a water molecule to its surface. This discovery enables the potential for improving chemical sensors, computing, and information storage.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 16, 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.

Wrap up: Key recommendations from AGA's 2015 guidelines

The American Gastroenterological Association has released six clinical practice guidelines for common gastrointestinal conditions. The guidelines recommend budesonide for microscopic colitis treatment and suggest selectively using antibiotics in acute diverticulitis management. AGA also advises against upper GI biopsies in immunocompro...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateDec 16, 2015