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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 6


Page 6 of 32

Low blood flow in back of brain increases risk of recurrent stroke

A multicenter study found that patients with low blood flow in the back of the brain are at higher risk for recurrent strokes. The study used a new MRI-based technology to identify patients who can benefit from angioplasty, which may outweigh the risks for some individuals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 21, 2015

Evergreens at risk

Research predicts 72% of Northwest Evergreen Trees will die by 2050, with nearly 100% mortality by 2100 under projected global warming scenarios. Climate models suggest a negative feedback loop could accelerate climate change.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 21, 2015

Modeling COPD and asthma in a human small airway-on-a-chip

A new microfluidic model of the human small airway has been developed to study COPD and asthma, allowing researchers to analyze disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and test new drug candidates. The model recapitulates critical features of asthma and COPD with unprecedented fidelity and detail.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 21, 2015

Brain differences in premature babies who later develop autism

A new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that extremely premature babies who later develop autism show distinct brain differences as early as the neonatal period. The study suggests that environmental factors can play a key role in the development of autism.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateDec 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New target for potential blood cancer treatment

Mutations in follicular lymphoma have revealed new molecular targets for potential treatments, according to researchers at Queen Mary University of London. The mutations identified allow tumours to evade normal restrictions on growth, making existing therapies less effective.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 21, 2015

Rail line disruption set for dramatic increase as sea levels continue to rise

A new study predicts that rail services in the South West of England will be disrupted for over 40 days per year by 2040 and up to 120 days by 2100 due to rising sea levels. The cost of maintaining tracks and sea defences is also expected to soar, with estimated annual costs rising from £800,000 to £5.8-7.6 million by 2040.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateDec 21, 2015

Melting sea ice increases Arctic precipitation, complicates climate predictions

A Dartmouth College-led study finds that melting sea ice will significantly increase Arctic precipitation, creating a climate feedback comparable to doubling global carbon dioxide. The researchers used isotopic compositions of precipitation to quantify the link between precipitation and sea ice change.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 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 laptop program can identify drug resistance from bacterial genomes

A new computer program, Mykrobe Predictor, quickly analyzes bacterial DNA to predict antibiotic effectiveness and detect drug-resistant infections. The software streamlines genome analysis, detecting resistance in over 99% of Staphylococcus aureus cases, with faster results for tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2015

Intelligence 'networks' discovered in brain for the first time

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered two clusters of genes linked to human intelligence, which may influence cognitive functions such as memory and attention. The study provides new insights into the genetic basis of intelligence and may lead to future treatments for neurodevelopmental diseases.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 2015

Mammal diversity exploded immediately after dinosaur extinction

The study analyzed the fossil record and found a burst of evolution into new forms, followed by specialization that resulted in modern mammal groups. The team built an updated tree of life containing over 177 species, revealing a significant increase in mammal diversity after the extinction event.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateDec 21, 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.

Creativity leads to measuring ultrafast, thin photodetector

A team of Cornell engineers developed an atomically thin photodetector that responds to light in near-instantaneous electrical current. The device achieved intrinsic response times as short as 3 picoseconds, surpassing current technology.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2015

US Department of Energy awards $13.5 million to enhance sorghum for biofuel

The US Department of Energy is awarding $13.5 million to improve sorghum's productivity under resource-limited conditions. This project will lead to strategies to increase plant biomass and more water-efficient sorghum crop systems, benefiting the rural economy and advancing a carbon-neutral energy market.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·DateDec 21, 2015

Physics sheds light on stem cell-derived organoid growth and brain development

Researchers have developed new mathematical approaches to understand stem cell function, nutrient signaling, and brain development. The models provide insights into the complex interactions between stem cells and neural tissues, shedding light on phenomena such as differentiation and cortical formation.

SourceInstitute of Neural Regeneration & Tissue Engineering·JournalTissue Engineering·DateDec 21, 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.

Best basil varieties for hydroponic greenhouse production

A study compared 35 basil cultivars and two hydroponic systems, finding that plant performance is more closely related to the choice of cultivar than the system used. Basil fresh weights varied significantly among cultivars, with some producing moderate-high yields.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 21, 2015

Timing of end-of-life discussions for patients with blood cancers

A majority of hematologic oncologists report that end-of-life discussions happen too late, with most discussions occurring when death was clearly imminent. The delay may be attributed to the curative potential of many advanced hematologic cancers, leading to a lack of clear distinction between curative and palliative care phases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 21, 2015

Salty sea spray affects the lifetimes of clouds, researchers find

A new study by Colorado State University's Paul DeMott confirms that sea spray aerosols from oceans have a unique impact on cloud formation and duration. These particles initiate the formation of ice and affect the composition and radiative properties of clouds, which in turn influence climate and precipitation.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 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.

Pitt team finds circadian rhythm of genes in brain changes with aging

A study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that the circadian rhythm of gene activity changes with aging, leading to altered sleep and cognitive patterns. The team identified core genes that make up the molecular clock in the prefrontal cortex, which may explain some age-related alterations in brain function.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

Speeding up brain's waste disposal may slow down neurodegenerative diseases

A study published in Nature Medicine found that enhancing proteasome activity with drugs during early stages of Alzheimer's disease may prevent dementia and reduce brain damage. Researchers identified a potential therapeutic target, rolipram, which activates the proteasome system to clear out toxic proteins.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 21, 2015

New device uses carbon nanotubes to snag molecules

Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique for trapping hard-to-detect molecules using forests of carbon nanotubes. The team created a three-dimensional array of permeable nanotubes within a microfluidic device, which they coated with polymers to capture specific bioparticles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 21, 2015

The scientific benefits of Rudolph's red nose

Researchers found that Rudolph's luminescent nose is effective as a fog light due to its maximum level of redness visible to mammals. However, excessive heat loss poses a risk to Rudolph's hypothermia, highlighting the importance of high-calorie foods.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalFrontiers for Young Minds·DateDec 21, 2015

Aryeh Warmflash wins NSF CAREER Award

Aryeh Warmflash, a Rice University professor, has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to investigate the mechanisms of embryonic cell differentiation. He aims to develop theoretical models to predict patterns of cell development and engineer embryonic-like systems.

SourceRice University·DateDec 21, 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.

Twisted magnetic fields give new insights on star formation

Scientists discovered twisted magnetic fields in dusty disks orbiting young stars, affecting disk growth. The study used the VLA radio telescope to observe a 750-light-year-old protostar in Perseus, finding millimeter- to centimeter-sized particles in the disk.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 21, 2015

Methane emissions in Arctic cold season higher than expected

A new study finds that Arctic tundra releases at least as much methane during its cold season as it does during summer, challenging current climate change models. The research team found that up to half of annual methane emissions occur in the cold months, with drier tundra sites emitting more methane than wetland sites.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

Battling obesity epidemic: New look at 'fat tax'

A new study analyzing six years of sales data from over 1,700 supermarkets across the U.S. found that small price differences can significantly shift consumer demand towards healthier low-calorie alternatives, particularly among low-income consumers. The study's results suggest that a 'fat tax' of just 5-10% can be effective in reducin...

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateDec 21, 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.

UTHealth awarded nearly $5.7 million for cancer research and prevention

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has been awarded nearly $5.7 million in grants to support various cancer research projects and training initiatives. The grants will fund projects that increase breast and cervical cancer screening among Hispanics, as well as raise awareness about the human papillomavi...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateDec 21, 2015

Peering under the hood into the workings of molecular motors

A team of scientists has discovered the precise timing of myosin's power stroke, a process that generates movement in muscles. The findings reveal that the lever arm swing 'gates' phosphate release, enabling myosin to efficiently generate force and motion.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

Targeted alpha therapy's potential to eliminate HIV-infected cells

A recent study suggests targeted alpha therapy could be effective in eliminating HIV-infected cells in the central nervous system. The therapy uses a specific human antibody labelled with bismuth-213 to target and destroy infected cells while sparing healthy ones.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalAIDS·DateDec 21, 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.

X-ray vision? Laser-derived X-ray method finds hidden nuclear materials

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a laser-based X-ray machine that can detect nuclear materials hidden behind thick shielding or smuggled in cargo containers. The technology offers several advantages, including low radiation levels and portability, making it a potential tool for nuclear site inspections.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateDec 21, 2015

A multitool for cells

Researchers have discovered that yeast cells use a complex protein structure, called the polarity site, to detect scent gradients. This site moves along the membrane towards the strongest signal before creating a bulge in the cell to grow towards its source.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 21, 2015

2-year-olds adept at using touch-screen technology

Two-year-olds demonstrate impressive touch-screen skills, able to swipe, unlock, and search for features. Researchers suggest this technology may aid in childhood development assessment and early intervention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateDec 21, 2015

Normal weather drives salt marsh erosion

Researchers found that waves driven by moderate storms cause the most loss in salt marshes, not severe events like hurricanes. This knowledge brings new tools for managing and restoring wetlands, enabling predictions of erosion based on wind and wave climates.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 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.

Economic opportunity may have a significant effect on health behaviors and risks

A Massachusetts General Hospital-led study found that economic opportunity is significantly associated with community health outcomes. Regions with lower economic opportunity had higher mortality rates, prevalence of smoking and obesity, and greater risk factors like hypertension and diabetes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 21, 2015

Empathy with strangers can be learned

Researchers at the University of Zurich found that a handful of positive experiences with strangers can increase empathy by triggering a learning effect in the brain. This leads to stronger empathic brain responses towards out-group members, driving more compassionate behavior.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

How graphic photos on cigarette packs help smokers consider quitting

A new study from Ohio State University found that smokers who saw graphic warning labels on cigarette packs had more negative feelings about smoking and were more likely to consider quitting. The study suggests that graphic images can be an effective way to discourage smoking, contrary to a federal appeals court's previous ruling.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 21, 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.

Wired for gaming: Brain differences in compulsive video game players

Researchers found hyperconnectivity between brain networks in adolescent boys with Internet gaming disorder, which may help them respond to new information but also increase distractibility and poor impulse control. The study provides insights into the neural basis of compulsive video game play.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAddiction Biology·DateDec 21, 2015

Sudden cardiac arrest may not be so sudden

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients with sudden cardiac arrest who received medical attention shortly after exhibiting warning signs had a significantly higher chance of survival compared to those who ignored their symptoms. Researchers collected data from survivors, family members, and medical r...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 21, 2015

Protecting a few students from negative stereotypes benefits entire classroom

New research shows that interventions targeting individual students can improve the classroom environment, triggering second-wave benefits for all classmates. The study found that sharing a classroom with more students who participate in an intervention boosts all students' grades beyond initial benefits.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 21, 2015

New flow battery offers lower-cost energy storage

A new flow battery technology using organic aqueous materials is expected to cost 60% less than current standard flow batteries. The battery's active materials are inexpensive organic molecules, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 21, 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.

Ending chronic pain with new drug therapy

Scientists have developed a new treatment strategy that restores a brain region controlling emotions and reduces chronic pain behavior in animal models. The combined drugs target brain circuits and eliminate chronic pain when administered together shortly after an injury.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 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.

Surface physics: How water learns to dance

Water molecules on the surface of perovskites exhibit unusual behavior, where they split into two parts but continue to interact through weak hydrogen bonds. This interaction causes the OH group to circle the hydrogen atom like a dancer spinning on a pole, a phenomenon predicted by theory and confirmed through experiments.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 21, 2015

'Metal' drugs to fight cancer

Researchers have developed models to rationalize the action of chemotherapeutic molecules on body cells, enabling better understanding of how drugs interact with biological targets. The study aims to improve the design of new therapeutic molecules, resulting in more effective and side-effect-free drugs.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalChemMedChem·DateDec 21, 2015

Parent touch, play and support in childhood vital to well-being as an adult

Research by University of Notre Dame professors Darcia Narvaez and colleagues found that childhood experiences meeting evolved needs lead to better outcomes in adulthood. Adults who received more physical affection, playful interactions, and supportive care had lower depression and anxiety, greater empathy, and improved moral capacities.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalApplied Developmental Science·DateDec 21, 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.

New hybrid electrolyte for solid-state lithium batteries

Berkeley Lab researchers developed a novel glass-polymer hybrid electrolyte that is compliant and conductive at room temperature. The new material shows signs of being compatible with promising next-generation cathode candidates such as sulfur and high-voltage lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015