Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 16


Page 16 of 32

Some gas produced by hydraulic fracturing comes from surprise source

A new study found that microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea, might be responsible for some of the natural gas harvested by hydraulic fracturing operations. The microbes are thought to be introduced into the shale through the fracturing fluid, which can create a new ecosystem that enhances methane production.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 14, 2015

Consumers' preferences for foliage plant attributes

Research using eye-tracking technology reveals that alternative production methods positively influence purchasing behavior, while price and limited space are common barriers. The study provides valuable recommendations for plant producers and retailers to improve indoor foliage plant sales.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 14, 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.

Experts discuss real world use of PrEP for the prevention of HIV infection

Experts discuss real-world use of PrEP (preexposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, highlighting a substantial reduction in transmission among patients on a daily combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine. Non-pharmacologic alternatives to reduce risk are also explored.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2015

Overprescribing of opioids is not limited to a few bad apples, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that the majority of opioid prescriptions are distributed by large numbers of general practitioners, not just a small group of specialists. The top 10 percent of opioid prescribers account for 57 percent of prescriptions, similar to the overall prescribing pattern for all drugs.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sweet and sticky: Bacteria use sugars to bind to human cells

Researchers at Griffith University have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria interact with human cells, revealing high-affinity biomolecular interactions between glycans that were previously thought to be weak or non-existent. This finding opens up new avenues for developing vaccines and drugs to block infections.

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2015

A well-preserved skeleton reveals the ecology and evolution of early carnivorous mammals

A nearly complete skeleton of a well-preserved early carnivorous mammal, Galecyon, has shed light on the ecology and evolutionary relationships of hyaenodontids. The fossil, dating back to the Eocene Epoch, suggests that these ancient animals were adaptable ground-dwelling creatures, unlike their tree-climbing or runner relatives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateDec 14, 2015

Better catalysts for green energy

Researchers have created more efficient nanoparticles in fuel cells, improving the conversion of methanol into electrical energy. The study provides guidelines for controlling the charge of nanoparticles, a crucial step in optimizing catalytic efficiency.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 14, 2015

ASCB unveils Celldance 2015 awards -- now is the golden age of cell imaging

The ASCB's Celldance Studios released three new award videos featuring eye-popping live cell imaging, showcasing cancer research breakthroughs and the dynamic cell membrane. The videos capture moments of metastasizing cancer cells breaking through blood vessel walls and the exploration of churning lipids and proteins on the cell surface.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 14, 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.

Treating colon cancer with vitamin A

Researchers found that vitamin A can reactivate the HOXA5 protein in cancer cells, eliminating relapse and metastasis. This approach offers a new way to treat colon cancer by targeting a specific biological mechanism.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 14, 2015

Brain cell death is a possible trigger of multiple sclerosis

A new mouse model study suggests that the death of specific brain cells may trigger an autoimmune response against myelin, a characteristic of multiple sclerosis. Nanoparticle therapy has been shown to prevent this reaction, offering potential new treatments for humans.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 14, 2015

Age of blueschist is not an indicator of the date of emergence of plate tectonics

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that the appearance of blueschist, a blue-violet rock, is connected to long-term changes in the composition of the oceanic crust. This discovery challenges theories on the emergence of plate tectonics, which previously dated back to the Neoproterozoic era or even earlier.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 14, 2015

Plasticulture system offers alternative for cabbage producers

Researchers found that wider in-row spacings and row configurations with three- or four-row setups result in higher yields and better marketable cabbage heads. In-row spacings between 30-35 cm are recommended for early plantings, while 25-cm spacing is more productive for later plantings.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 14, 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.

Promising cancer therapy advanced by chemical explanation

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery in cancer therapy, revealing a new chemical reaction that enables more accurate treatment. This breakthrough has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce damage from traditional radiation therapy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateDec 14, 2015

Brain study shows there's more than meets the eye when making choices

A new study by Avinash Vaidya and Dr. Lesley Fellows at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital found that the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (PFC) is crucial in decision-making, recalling the value of objects not directly in view to keep options open.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 14, 2015

Study uncovers hard-to-detect cancer mutations

New research reveals that current genome analysis approaches miss detecting complex cancer mutations in well-known genes that could be targeted by existing drugs. The developed software tool, Pindel-C, identifies a large number of such events in critical cancer genes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 14, 2015

Helping others dampens the effects of everyday stress

New research suggests that proactively doing things for others can effectively cope with everyday worries and strains. The study found that helping behaviors boosted participants' daily well-being, reducing negative emotions and improving mental health in response to stress.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateDec 14, 2015

Algal toxin impairs sea lion memory and foraging

A new study reveals that exposure to algal toxin domoic acid impairs the memory of California sea lions, affecting their ability to navigate and find food. The researchers found structural abnormalities in the animals' hippocampal regions, which corresponded to poorer performance on spatial memory tasks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 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.

Experts discover new gait pattern among top Russian officials

A team of researchers has identified a unique gait pattern among top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The experts link this 'gunslinger's gait' to military or intelligence training, specifically KGB instruction on keeping the weapon close to the chest while walking.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 14, 2015

New ceramic firefighting foam becomes stronger when temperature increases

A team of chemists from ITMO University has developed a novel type of firefighting foam based on inorganic silica nanoparticles, beating existing analogues in fire extinguishing capacity and thermal stability. The new foam is fully biodegradable and non-toxic to living organisms.

SourceITMO University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 14, 2015

Precise method underlies sloppy madness of dog slurping

Dogs drink by accelerating their tongues to create a water column, whereas cats use steady inertia. Researchers used photography and laboratory simulations to study dog lapping, finding that dogs' sloppy-looking actions are high-speed movements optimizing fluid acquisition.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2015

Liver protein boosts growth of insulin-producing cells

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a key liver protein that accelerates the growth of insulin-producing beta cells, a critical step in treating all forms of diabetes. The protein, serpinB1, was found to be highly expressed in liver cells and boosted beta cell proliferation in human and mouse islets.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 14, 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.

U mad bro? Computers now know when you're angry

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed technology that measures mouse movements to detect negative emotions such as anger and frustration. This allows websites to adjust their content and eliminate stress for users.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateDec 14, 2015

Can pomegranates reduce heart disease risk?

A new study found that pomegranate extract supplementation reduced blood pressure in hemodialysis patients, who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The study also showed some atheroprotective benefits, but no effects on inflammation or muscle strength.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateDec 14, 2015

NIH gives SLU $2.2 million to design a cure for Hepatitis B

SLU scientist John Tavis has received a $2.2 million NIH grant to develop a cure for the hepatitis B virus. His team aims to create a combination therapy that can kill the virus, which causes chronic infection and liver damage in millions of people worldwide.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateDec 14, 2015

Nanoscale one-way-street for light

Researchers at TU Wien developed a nanoscale device that allows light to propagate in only one direction, breaking the symmetry of traditional optics. By coupling alkali atoms to ultrathin glass fibers, they achieved high transmission rates for light traveling in one direction while blocking it in the other.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 14, 2015

Children's ability to detect sugar varies widely

Research from the Monell Center found that children's ability to detect sugar varies widely, with some being 20 times more sensitive than others. Genetic analysis revealed a link between bitter receptor genes and sweet taste sensitivity, while dietary records showed a correlation between sugar consumption and body fat.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalNursing Research·DateDec 14, 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.

RNs more likely to identify high-risk medication discrepancies

Researchers found that RNs are more likely than LPNs to detect medication order discrepancies involving high-risk medications, suggesting RNs are better equipped for comprehensive assessment and resident safety. This finding highlights the need to distinguish differences in responsibilities between RNs and LPNs in nursing homes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Regulation·DateDec 14, 2015

Tramp ant caught globetrotting under false name

A century-old mystery surrounding an invasive ant species has been solved, with scientists finding it originated from Asia. The study used genetic analysis and distribution maps to confirm the correct answer.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 14, 2015

Hybrid material presents potential for 4-D-printed adaptive devices

Researchers have developed a hybrid material that can change shape in response to different stimuli, such as light and heat. The material combines photo-responsive fibers with thermo-responsive gels to create a composite that is both highly reconfigurable and mechanically strong.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateDec 14, 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.

Cancer cell collaborators smooth the way for cancer cells to metastasize

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) rearrange the extracellular matrix into parallel fibers of fibronectin, creating a road for migrating cancer cells to follow. This allows CAFs to exert traction forces on the ECM, enabling cancer cells to move in a single direction.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 13, 2015

Suicide gene therapy kills prostate tumor cells

Researchers at Houston Methodist Hospital developed a suicide gene therapy that combines radiation treatment with a genetically modified virus to target and destroy cancer cells. The treatment shows high five-year overall survival rates of 97% and 94%, improving upon historical studies by 5-20%.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Radiation Oncology·DateDec 12, 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 attention needed to results of simple test of kidney function

Researchers found that paying attention to results of a simple blood test can help predict the likelihood of patients experiencing kidney failure or death. The studies emphasize the importance of monitoring measures of kidney function over time to inform treatment decisions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 11, 2015

New sister Interoperability Center opens in Europe

The new center aims to harmonize electric vehicle charging infrastructure, enabling seamless communication between cars and grids. It drafts international standards for interoperability testing and develops physical devices to connect vehicles to the grid.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateDec 11, 2015

Scientists in Barcelona discover a potential treatment for cirrhosis

A study published in Gastroenterology reveals that the inhibition of CPEB4 protein can prevent the development of abnormal blood vessels associated with cirrhosis. This finding has significant implications for the treatment of this disease, which is responsible for a high rate of hospital admissions and use of health resources.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateDec 11, 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.

Postpartum family planning services should be a top reproductive health priority

A new study finds that counseling before discharge from maternity units can impact subsequent contraceptive use, while integrating family planning into immunization services is justified. Relaxing strict LAM conditions may also be an effective postpartum contraceptive method, highlighting the need for a continuum of reproductive health...

SourcePopulation Council Journals·JournalStudies in Family Planning·DateDec 11, 2015

Preventing diabetes at the office

A workplace intervention program significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels and led to greater weight loss compared to a control group. Participants who attended more group discussion sessions and monitored their food and physical activity lost more weight.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateDec 11, 2015

New ASU worldwide resource for exploring genes' hidden messages

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a worldwide resource to explore genes' deep and hidden messages, specifically the untranslated elements (UTRs) of the human genome. The UTRome library contains over 1,400 human 3'UTRs and is freely available for researchers to study gene regulation and disease.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBMC Genomics·DateDec 11, 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.

Violence in Mexico affected children's mental health

Research by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso finds that exposure to violence in Mexico leads to high levels of depression, aggression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder in children. The study highlights the need for early intervention to reduce mental health problems in youth living in violent areas.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·JournalSalud Mental·DateDec 11, 2015

Phobia of sicknesses leads to Angelina Jolie syndrome

Healthism, a peremptory idea of self-preserving behavior, criticizes everything that fails to fit into glamorous health standards. Angelina Jolie syndrome is an extreme manifestation of this obsession, leading to mass neurosis and social discrimination against those who don't conform to beauty norms.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe Journal of Social Policy Studies·DateDec 11, 2015

At ASCB 2015: CRISPR/Cas9 + HPSC = human PKD lab model

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to guide human pluripotent stem cells into becoming a lab model for polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a common inherited disorder. The system produced stable, biologically accurate human models with cyst-like structures in kidney tubules.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 11, 2015

UC Davis scientists demonstrate DNA-based electromechanical switch

Researchers at UC Davis have demonstrated that DNA can be modulated to act as an electromechanical switch, enabling the design of unique nanodevices. The discovery could lead to new paradigms for computing and improve energy efficiency in electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 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.

NASA measures rainfall in Tropical Cyclone Bohale

Tropical cyclone Bohale's powerful thunderstorms were dropping rain at a rate of over 77 mm per hour near its center of circulation. A 3-D image created using GPM data showed the structure of precipitation within the storm, with thunderstorm tops reaching heights above 16.6 km.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 11, 2015

Study finds there is less knowledge about global species diversity than previously assumed

Researchers conducted a long-term study on biodiversity in subtropical forests of China, finding that there might be an under- or overestimation of global biodiversity by up to 50% when only a few taxa are sampled. The study used traditional methods combined with DNA analysis to determine species numbers, revealing that larger areas an...

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2015

New study finds nearly half of American Muslim doctors feel scrutinized on the job

A national survey of 255 Muslim American physicians found that nearly half felt greater scrutiny at work, and one in four experienced workplace religious discrimination. The study emphasizes the need for policies to promote respect and accommodation for minority religions in the healthcare workforce.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAJOB Empirical Bioethics·DateDec 11, 2015