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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 12


Page 12 of 31
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neanderthal groups based part of the their lifestyle on the sexual division of labor

Researchers found that Neanderthals, like modern hunter-gatherer societies, showed a sexual division of labor. Female fossils showed longer dental grooves than male individuals, suggesting different tasks were performed. The study also found differences in teeth enamel imperfections between males and females.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateFeb 18, 2015

Needle-free vaccination: How scientists ask skin cells for help

Researchers introduce a novel approach to stimulate the skin immune response using needle-free vaccination. The cyanoacrylate skin surface stripping (CSSS) method enhances penetration of vaccine particles into deeper skin layers, activating key immune cells.

SourceWiley·JournalExperimental Dermatology·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateFeb 18, 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.

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.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 18, 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.

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 18, 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 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.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 18, 2015

Possible strategy identified to combat major parasitic tropical disease

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a potential strategy to combat the parasitic tropical disease leishmaniasis. Neutralizing the activity of interleukin 18 (IL-18) protected mice from infection, suggesting this approach may aid in fighting the disease.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalOphthalmology·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateFeb 18, 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.

A good night's sleep keeps your stem cells young

A study reveals that hematopoietic stem cells are vulnerable to DNA damage when rapidly dividing under stress conditions. This can lead to premature aging and increase the risk of cancer.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2015
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 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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 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.

Dresden researchers manage transplantation of adrenal cells encapsulated in a bioreactor

Researchers at the Technische Universität Dresden have successfully transplanted adrenal cells encapsulated in a bioreactor, paving the way for future human transplantation. This breakthrough could benefit patients with adrenal insufficiency and congenital diseases such as 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateFeb 18, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 18, 2015

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...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 18, 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.

Many teens with clinical excessive daytime sleepiness test positive for marijuana

A new study reveals that nearly half of adolescents with excessive daytime sleepiness consistent with a diagnosis of narcolepsy test positive for marijuana, emphasizing the need for drug screening. The study's findings also suggest that marijuana use may be contributing to misdiagnoses of narcolepsy in teens.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 18, 2015

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateFeb 18, 2015

Protein that repels immune cells protects transplanted pancreatic islets from rejection

A Massachusetts General Hospital team has developed a method to protect insulin-producing islets from the immune system, enabling long-term blood sugar control without immunosuppression. The approach involves coating or encapsulating islets with CXCL12, a protein that repels immune cells and attracts regulatory T cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 18, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateFeb 18, 2015

Study confirms LSU Health finding of higher diabetes indicator in black children

A new study confirms earlier findings that African-American children have significantly higher HbA1c levels than their white counterparts despite similar average blood glucose levels. The study calls for prioritizing efforts to identify and address the sources of ongoing disparities in young patients with type 1 diabetes.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 18, 2015

New species, the 'Ruby Seadragon,' discovered by Scripps researchers

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a new species of seadragon, the 'Ruby Seadragon,' through DNA and anatomical research. The species, Phyllopteryx dewysea, has bright red coloration and is believed to inhabit deeper waters.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 17, 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.

UM Rosenstiel School professor receives $2.5 million to study Agulhas Current

A $2.5 million NSF grant will support the five-year Agulhas System Climate Array project, which aims to monitor changes in the ocean's circulation due to climate change. The research will focus on the physical characteristics of the Agulhas Current and its role in global climate variability.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateFeb 17, 2015

Broca's area is the brain's script writer where words take shape, study finds

Researchers found that Broca's area is active early in forming sentences and ends its work before a word is spoken, suggesting it plays a key role in organizing the string of sounds that express ideas. The study could benefit the treatment of language impairments due to stroke, epilepsy, and brain injuries.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

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.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

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...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 17, 2015

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.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateFeb 17, 2015

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 17, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 17, 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.

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 17, 2015

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 17, 2015

Fast-replicating HIV strains drive inflammation and disease progression

A new study found that fast-replicating HIV strains lead to more signs of acute inflammation and faster disease progression. The strain's replicative capacity affects immune system disruption and can inform vaccine development and eradication strategies.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 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.

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015