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Science News Archive February 2015


Page 12 of 31

Georgia State receives $2.7 million grant to improve blood transfusion outcomes

The Georgia Health Policy Center has received a $2.7 million grant from the CDC to study transfusion-related complications in patients with hemoglobin disorders, aiming to improve their outcomes. Researchers will explore approaches for reducing complications, developing data-driven solutions, and empowering patients and providers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Medtech meets cleantech: Malaria vaccine candidate produced from algae

Scientists at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine developed a malaria parasite protein produced by algae, generating antibodies in mice that nearly eliminated mosquito infection. The method uses an affordable and environmentally friendly approach to prevent malaria transmission from host to mosquito.

Deconstructing the dynamic genome

Two landmark studies reveal the interplay between chromosomal structure and gene expression across tissues. Researchers found that variations in gene expression are linked to differences in enhancer sequences and transcriptional regulation.

Bacterial defense mechanism targets duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duke researchers demonstrate a genetic therapeutic technique targeting a large region of the dystrophin gene to treat up to 60 percent of DMD patients. The CRISPR system is used to cut specific exons, altering the gene and producing a shortened dystrophin protein.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Older adults with limited mobility may lessen heart problems with activity

A study found that older adults with physical limitations who engage in low-intensity activities for a short duration can lower their risk of heart attack and coronary death. Participants who spent more time being sedentary had higher predicted risks, highlighting the importance of regular intervals of movement.

Can you judge a man by his fingers?

Researchers at McGill University found that men with short index fingers and long ring fingers are more agreeable and less quarrelsome with women. This unexpected phenomenon may be linked to fetal exposure to hormones during pregnancy.

How stress can lead to inequality

Scientists found that stress increases competitive confidence in people with low anxiety, while decreasing it in those with high anxiety. This suggests that stress is a cause of social inequality, rather than just a consequence.

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.

Fires and snow in Central Europe

Scientists observed multiple hot spots across Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast, indicating forest fires, which are associated with smoke containing carbon monoxide and particulate matter. The surrounding areas experienced heavy snowfall, covering parts of Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, and Latvia.

New growth factor indicates possible regenerative effects in Parkinson's disease

A recent clinical study has shown that applying a growth factor to the brain may help preserve dopaminergic cells and fibers, increasing dopamine signaling in patients. The study suggests that future therapies could utilize the brain's own protective mechanisms to limit neuronal cell death and restore natural dopamine production.

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.

Ranibizumab reverses vision loss caused by diabetes

A new study led by USC Eye Institute finds that ranibizumab may help reduce cases of blindness by 75 percent among Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites with diabetic macular edema. The treatment could potentially save the sight of thousands of working-age individuals suffering from diabetic eye disease.

In the city, rabbits build more densely

Researchers found that European wild rabbits construct smaller, more densely packed burrows in urban areas than in rural settings. This suggests that cities provide a more suitable habitat for these animals, leading to concerns about their potential impact on rural populations and the preservation of the species.

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.

New insights into 3-D genome organization and genetic variability

Recent studies by UC San Diego researchers have uncovered widespread differences in gene regulation between chromosome pairs, influenced by inherited sequence variations. Chromosome folding structures, known as topologically associating domains (TADs), were also found to play a crucial role in gene expression and epigenome organization.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Roadmap Epigenomics project releases latest 'annotations' to the human genome

The Roadmap Epigenomics Project has released new annotations of the human genome, which may hold the key to understanding and combating diseases. By mapping epigenetic signatures associated with complex traits, researchers aim to better understand how genes change and develop effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Osteoarthritis patients will benefit from jumping exercise

Postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis saw improved patellar cartilage quality through high-impact jumping exercises. High-impact loading also enhanced physical function, including knee extensors strength and cardiorespiratory fitness.

New paper-like material could boost electric vehicle batteries

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have developed a novel paper-like material composed of silicon nanofibers to boost lithium-ion battery performance. The material has the potential to increase specific energy by several times, making it suitable for electric vehicles and personal electronics.

Popular soda ingredient poses cancer risk to consumers

A new analysis suggests that people who consume at least one can of soda per day may be exposed to a potential carcinogen called 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) from caramel-colored soft drinks. Researchers estimate that this exposure could elevate cancer risk over a lifetime, highlighting the need for regulation and reformulation of these b...

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.

Neighboring birds sing 'out of tune'

Researchers found that neighboring birds sang at significantly different rates than non-neighboring birds, according to a study published in PLOS ONE. Great tits use their songs to signal territory boundaries, and the study suggests that neighborhood structure may shape variation in territorial birdsong.

Funding cutting-edge, collaborative research

The National Science Foundation has awarded $56 million in funding to 12 Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) for multidisciplinary research in materials science. The MRSECs will support collaborative projects across universities, national laboratories, industry partners, and international collaborations.

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.

Secret of extinct British marine reptile uncovered

A new species of Ichthyosaurus has been identified in a British marine reptile fossil, shedding light on the diversity of ichthyosaurs during the early Jurassic period. The discovery was made possible by advances in analysis and comparison with other groups of reptiles.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

In lab research, SLU team halts NASH liver damage

Saint Louis University researchers have tested a promising drug candidate that stopped fatty liver disease from progressing to severe liver damage. The drug, SR9238, suppresses lipogenesis and reduces the liver's ability to produce fat.

Rice U. study: US natural gas market buffered against local policy intervention

A new study by Rice University economists found that the US natural gas market would be resilient to potential local policy interventions aimed at limiting access to shale gas resources. The efficiency of the market, driven by deep liquidity and robust infrastructure, renders local policies largely irrelevant to the broader market.

Tool can help assess cognitive impairment in multicultural populations

A new study published in CMAJ reports that the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) is effective in assessing cognitive impairment in multicultural populations where English may not be the primary language. The tool has been shown to identify cognitive impairment and rule it out with strong psychometric properties, makin...

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

How social media can help and hurt companies during product recalls

Research using 405 consumer product recalls found that corporate social media reduces negative price reactions to recall announcements. However, as social media evolves, firms lose control over online content and negative sentiment from disgruntled users exacerbates market reactions.

Think again about gender gap in science

A new Northwestern University analysis reveals that the bachelor's-to-Ph.D. pipeline in science and engineering fields no longer leaks more women than men, with women outnumbering men as Ph.D. earners but not in doctoral persistence. Women have overcome potential gender biases to pursue graduate school, closing gaps in representation.

Synthetic biology yields new approach to gene therapy

Researchers at UT Dallas have created a novel gene-delivery system that shuts down after delivering a gene, offering a potential new strategy for treating diseases. The approach sidesteps health problems associated with permanent gene alteration.

Napping beyond age of 2 linked to poorer sleep quality in young children

Research finds that napping beyond 2 years of age is associated with reduced night-time sleep quality in young children. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, analyzed data from 26 studies and found that prolonged napping delays sleep onset and shortens overall night-time sleep duration.

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.

Voltage tester for beating cardiac cells

Electrical engineers at ETH Zurich and biologists from the University of Bern have developed a new method to record the activity of moving cells, including beating cardiac muscle cells. The new method combines the patch-clamp technique with an atomic force microscope, allowing for longer measurements and automation.

A new weapon in the fight against cancer

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows that lithocholic acid, a bile acid produced in the liver, is effective in killing cancer cells and delaying aging. The findings have implications for slowing down breast and prostate cancer development.