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Science News Archive February 2015


Page 17 of 31

Dehydration linked to worsening stroke conditions

Research presented at American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015 found that dehydration worsens stroke conditions. Almost half of ischemic stroke patients were dehydrated when admitted to the hospital, with hydrated patients experiencing better recovery outcomes and lower risk of worsening conditions.

Light in the Moebius strip

Scientists generate Moebius strip from laser light to process materials and manipulate microparticles, opening up new possibilities for nanotechnology. The optical tool could also be used to guide nanoparticles on complex paths using optical tweezers.

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.

JMD publishes article on laboratory perspective of incidental findings reporting

The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics published a Special Article on laboratory perspective of incidental findings reporting, highlighting the need for increased understanding and transparency of complex genomic testing. The AMP Incidental Findings Working Group recommends laboratories establish clear policies for delivering ancillary i...

Ebola has lessons for local health departments' role in health crises

A recent article highlights the importance of local health departments' roles in responding to global health security threats posed by infectious diseases. Key findings include the need for dedicated staff to interpret federal guidance, form partnerships with healthcare coalitions, and communicate accurate risk information. The Ebola e...

Warming pushes Western US toward driest period in 1,000 years

A new study predicts that the Western US will face persistent drought worse than any seen in the past 1,000 years, driven by human-induced global warming. The region's larger population and increased resource use will exacerbate the devastating impacts of such a drying period.

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.

Middle-aged men at highest risk of suicide after breathing poor air

A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter increases the risk of suicide among middle-aged men. The study also revealed that individuals between 36-64 years old experienced a higher risk of suicide following air pollution exposure.

Research defines more behaviors that reveal romantic attraction

Researchers found that people with different flirting styles show attraction in ways that match their style. Sincere flirts are attentive and less fidgety, while traditional flirts lean into interactions and adopt open body postures. Physical flirts offer fewer compliments when attracted to a romantic match.

Critical green turtle habitats identified in Mediterranean

A new study has identified two major foraging grounds of the Mediterranean green turtle and recommends the creation of a new Marine Protected Area to preserve the vulnerable species. The researchers tracked 34 female turtles from breeding grounds in Cyprus, Turkey, Israel, and Syria over 8,521 tracking days.

Study finds lack of ID checks for buying cigarettes in NYC

A study by NYU Steinhardt School found that over a quarter of New York City retailers did not request identification from young adults buying cigarettes. Chain stores were more likely to comply with minimum age laws than independent vendors.

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.

New Science paper calculates magnitude of plastic waste going into the ocean

A new study estimates that between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic enter the world's oceans every year, with a midpoint estimate of 8 million metric tons. The research, published in Science, used a complex model to analyze data from 192 coastal countries and highlights the need for improved waste management systems worldwide.

Under pressure

Researchers found that receiving cells respond to pressure on their membranes by stiffening their skeletons to prevent movement away from the attacking cell. This process allows for close proximity of cell membranes, enabling fusion to occur.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Key to blocking influenza virus may lie in a cell's own machinery

Researchers discovered that the immune system can turn off cellular enzymes needed by the Influenza A virus, which could lead to new treatments for flu. The study found that PAI-1 protein plays a key role in this process, and its inhibitors may be used to combat viral infections.

Looking for love? Use Reddit to give Cupid tech support

Users of popular dating services OKCupid and Tinder rely on Reddit to learn tips and strategies for online dating, including how to cheat the system and avoid common pitfalls such as trolling and catfishing. The study highlights the importance of social norms and effective matchmaking techniques in online dating.

Remoras don't suck

Researchers studied remoras' ability to attach to surfaces securely yet release easily, finding a complex mechanism involving lamellar spinules and uniquely-structured blood vessels. This discovery could inspire designs for tags or bandages that don't harm hosts.

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.

Reality is distorted in brain's maps

Researchers discovered that brain's grid cells are anchored to one wall and rotated by a specific angle (7.5 degrees) to minimize symmetry and errors in navigation. The rotation is necessary to ensure accurate mapping of environments, even when landmarks are far apart.

Study finds positive trends in medical genetics education

A new study reveals that genetics curricula are improving, but still lag behind, with minimal instruction in years three and four of medical school. Medical schools are adopting innovative teaching strategies to incorporate genomics into training.

UT Arlington computer system to reserve vehicles, send reminders to veterans

A University of Texas at Arlington computer scientist is designing a reservation/reminder software system to help veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The system will be accessible through an android cell phone app or kiosk and can send text reminders about upcoming appointments.

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.

Scientists get first glimpse of a chemical bond being born

Researchers observed atoms forming a weak bond on the path to molecule creation, with only a small fraction converting to stable products. The study paves the way for more efficient reactions in industries such as energy generation and crop fertilization.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

A*STAR develops systems to identify treatment targets for cancer and rare diseases

Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore have developed an expert system called OncoIMPACT that combines cancer omics data with machine learning models to predict treatment targets. The system has been applied to over a thousand cancers, including melanomas and ovarian cancers, and shows promise for personalized medicine.

How much plastic debris moves from land to sea?

Researchers estimate that around 8 million tons of plastic waste entered the world's oceans in 2010, with coastal countries generating close to 275 million tons. To prevent this number from increasing by a full order of magnitude over the next decade, nations need to improve their waste management practices and adopt better strategies.

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.

Harm and response

A comprehensive study reveals that plants respond uniquely to different insects, activating specific genes to defend against attacks. The research shows that plants can distinguish between closely related insect species, leading to targeted defense responses.

The company you keep

Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology report that Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (NFAT) plays a key role in CD8 T cell exhaustion, leading to impaired immune responses. The study identifies NFAT as a molecular hub that orchestrates T cell activation and exhaustion.

SPARC consortium provides $1.9 million for autoimmune disease research

The Strategic Pharma-Academic Research Consortium (SPARC) has awarded over $1.9 million to advance research on autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and Crohn's disease. The funded projects will focus on understanding the root causes of these conditions and developing new treatments.

Study: Global rainfall satellites require massive overhaul

A new study by Cornell University warns that the existing system of space-based rainfall observation satellites requires a serious overhaul due to aging technology and lack of international coordination. Replacing just two of the four outdated satellites could help close gaps in data coverage, but broader collaboration is still needed.

Switching superconductivity by light

A novel superconducting transistor can be switched reversibly between ON and OFF by light-irradiation, opening a way to new high-speed devices. The device uses a photo-active electric double layer and can be controlled by both gate-voltage and light-irradiation.

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.

Common biomarkers of sleep debt found in humans, rats

Researchers found common biomarkers of sleep debt in humans and rats, indicating a link to metabolic disorders such as weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The study also identified potential biomarkers, oxalic acid and diacylglycerol 36:3, which could serve as indicators of sleep quality and quantity.

An aggressive form of HIV uncovered in Cuba

Researchers at KU Leuven's Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology have identified a recombinant form of HIV that targets the anchor point CXCR4 early after infection, shortening the healthy phase and triggering rapid progression to AIDS. The study found abnormally high doses of the virus and defensive molecule RANTES in i...

Making teeth tough: Beavers show way to improve our enamel

Researchers discovered beaver teeth have a harder, more resistant form of enamel built with iron that surpasses fluoride-treated enamel in acid resistance. This finding could lead to better understanding of human tooth decay and improvement on current treatments.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Cerebral palsy -- it can be in your genes

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that at least 14% of cerebral palsy cases are caused by genetic mutations. This groundbreaking finding has significant implications for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of the condition.

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.

Genomic profiling for cancer of unknown primary site

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that at least one clinically relevant genomic alteration was present in most samples tested, suggesting a potential for personalized therapy. The research analyzed 200 cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) samples and identified 169 specimens with potentially targetable genomic alterations.

High seas fishing ban could boost global catches, equality

A high-seas moratorium would improve fisheries income distribution among maritime nations, with European and developed nations benefiting the most. Coastal catches could increase by up to 18% in a catch-neutral scenario, while others may face significant losses.

Stroke survivors may be at higher risk of having cancer

Research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015 found that stroke survivors have a higher annual rate of age-adjusted cancer incidence compared to the general population. Additionally, stroke survivors who develop cancer are more than three times likely to die compared to those without cancer.

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.

How the Eastern tiger swallowtail got 'scary'

The Eastern tiger swallowtail's genome has been sequenced, revealing mutations in proteins responsible for its unique circadian rhythm and stinky substance used to scare off predators. This breakthrough opens the door for more insect genome sequencing projects at an affordable price.

AAAS 2015: New Alzheimer's targets via proteomics

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered new Alzheimer's disease targets through proteomics, which may lead to a better understanding of the disease mechanism. They identified tangle-like structures that sequester proteins critical for RNA splicing in early stages of the disease.

Motorized cycling may prime brain for relearning after stroke

Research suggests that motorized cycling can prime the brain for relearning everyday tasks and improve motor function in stroke patients. In a small study, 17 stroke survivors showed a 34% improvement in motor skills after exercising on a motorized stationary bike compared to voluntary cycling or no aerobic exercise training.