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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 16


Page 16 of 31

Google-style ranking used to describe gene connectivity

Researchers have developed a new algorithm called Gene Rank (GR) to describe gene connectivity, which can be used for disease prognosis and early cancer detection. GR is based on gene expression data and reflects how well a particular gene is connected to other genes.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalBioData Mining·DateFeb 13, 2015

Thames study: Rivers can be a source antibiotic resistance

A study on the Thames river found that greater numbers of resistant bacteria exist close to waste water treatment works, which are likely responsible for increasing antibiotic resistance. The researchers suggest that improvements in treatment processes could hold the key to reducing the prevalence of resistant bacteria in the environment.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateFeb 13, 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.

See here now: Telescopic contact lenses and wink-control glasses

Researchers unveil prototypes of telescopic contact lenses that magnify objects up to 2.8 times, addressing low vision and AMD concerns. Complementary smart glasses recognize winks and blinks, allowing seamless switching between normal and magnified vision.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateFeb 13, 2015

Researchers use isotopic analysis to explore ancient Peruvian life

A team of bioarchaeologists and archaeologists used isotopic analysis to study the diets of 14 individuals from Paracas Necropolis in Peru, dating back almost 2,000 years. The findings suggest that ancient Peruvians primarily consumed marine products and C4 and C3 plants during their final months of life.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 13, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Door-to-door campaign linked hepatitis C patients to care

A new study shows that a door-to-door campaign in a medically underserved area of Philadelphia was able to help vulnerable patients overcome hurdles and access specialized treatment for hepatitis C. The effort involved a comprehensive approach to nonclinical testing, immediate access to confirmatory testing, and patient navigation to e...

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2015

Getting in shape

Researchers at OIST create non-spherical particles using a simple and low-cost method that can be scaled up for various industries. The study reveals four possible shapes: ellipsoid, mushroom, flake-like, and disc, with applications in food processing, cosmetics, and drug delivery systems.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateFeb 13, 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.

Type 2 diabetes linked to worse performance on cognitive testing

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that type 2 diabetes is associated with worse performance on cognitive tests measuring executive functions. Researchers analyzed 60 studies involving over 80,000 individuals with type 2 diabetes and their counterparts without it.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2015

NUS pioneers novel strategy to prevent progression of inflammation-associated cancers

A team of NUS researchers developed a novel strategy to prevent inflammation-associated cancers by targeting the interaction between FAT10 and MAD2. This approach facilitates the development of cancer drugs with fewer side effects, as it targets specific pathological functions without affecting other physiological functions.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2015

Review article provides evidence on the biological nature of gender identity

The review article presents a comprehensive analysis of scientific evidence supporting the biological etiology of gender identity in transgender individuals. Research findings include associations with disorders of sexual development, neuroanatomical differences, and steroid hormone genetics.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEndocrine Practice·DateFeb 13, 2015
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

What is successful aging? Gerontologists strive to build consensus

Researchers in The Gerontologist explore successful aging across demographics and cultures, highlighting social and cultural factors that impact physical health and psychological well-being. The study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of successful aging and inform policy and healthcare services.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateFeb 13, 2015

Interstellar technology throws light on spinning black holes

Researchers used computer code to generate images of wormholes and black holes, discovering multiple images of stars and galaxies near rapidly spinning black holes. This technology has implications for astrophysicists studying black holes and the behavior of light in extreme environments.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalClassical and Quantum Gravity·DateFeb 13, 2015

In the quantum world, the future affects the past

Physicist Kater Murch's experiment combines information about a quantum system's evolution before and after a target time to narrow the odds of correctly guessing its state. The 'hindsight' prediction is 90% accurate, suggesting that time runs both backward and forward in the quantum world.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 13, 2015

Children's heart disease topics: Brain injury, radiation exposure, CPR and more

Research at Cardiology 2015 Conference highlights key findings on brain injury in infants with critical congenital heart disease, reduced radiation exposure in pediatric cardiac cath procedures, improved survival rates with goal-directed CPR, and no link found between pre-operative enteral feeding and NEC in newborn cardiac surgery.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateFeb 13, 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.

BGRF announces in silico method to predict effectiveness of cognitive enhancers

The Biogerontology Research Foundation has developed an in silico method to predict the effectiveness of cognitive enhancers. The research uses gene expression data to evaluate activated or suppressed signalling pathways in the brain. This approach can help identify potential geroprotectors that also enhance cognitive function.

SourceBiogerontology Research Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2015

Silver-glass sandwich structure acts as inexpensive color filter

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a technique to transform silver into any color of the rainbow using a 'sandwich-like' structure. By adjusting the glass thickness, different colors can be produced. The filter also acts as an absorber for specific wavelengths, making it suitable for optoelectric devices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Photonics·DateFeb 13, 2015

Would you take dieting advice from a friend?

Researcher Lora Cavuoto's study found that people who achieve weight loss or wellness success are more likely to influence their friends, while charismatic but unsuccessful individuals have a lower impact. This approach is taking precedence in new diet and exercise programs.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Healthcare Engineering·DateFeb 13, 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.

People value resources more consistently when they are scarce

A study published in Psychological Science found that when resources are scarce, people evaluate goods in a more stable and consistent way. High-income participants were willing to pay more for luxury items if it meant making trade-offs, whereas lower-income participants were less sensitive to price differences.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 12, 2015

A brain system that appears to compensate for autism, OCD, and dyslexia

Research proposes that a brain system called declarative memory compensates for autism, OCD, and dyslexia by providing strategies to overcome learning difficulties. This compensation allows individuals to learn scripts for social situations and control tics and compulsions.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateFeb 12, 2015

Dogs know that smile on your face

Researchers found that dogs could distinguish between emotional expressions in humans, even with unfamiliar faces. The dogs' discriminatory abilities were tested in four types of trials, including novel faces and previously trained faces.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 12, 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.

Screen name matters in the online dating game

Choosing a screen name with a letter starting in the top half of the alphabet can maximise online dating success. A 70:30 ratio of who you are and what you're looking for is also key, while humour, physical fitness, and genuine profiles can increase likability. Men and women have different preferences when it comes to names and traits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEvidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2015

NSF@AAAS

NSF staff and scientists present findings on gender in STEM policy, practice and research, as well as graduate science education and broader impacts of research. The session includes discussions on reducing the gender gap, innovative pathways to science careers and strategies for effective broader impacts work.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateFeb 12, 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.

An ocean of plastic

A new study by the NCEAS Marine Debris Working Group estimates that over 4.8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the world's oceans from land annually, with a possible maximum of 12.7 million metric tons.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015

'Megadrought' likely for western US by end of century

A new report by Cornell University and NASA researchers warns of a high risk of megadrought in the Southwest and Great Plains by late this century. The study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the next 10 years could mitigate this risk.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 12, 2015

Researchers design 'evolutionary trap' to thwart drug resistance

A new approach, called an evolutionary trap, steers cells into one evolutionary path while shutting off others, then knocks out the cell population for good. The strategy may be applied to various clinical scenarios where drug resistance is a problem.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell·DateFeb 12, 2015

Scientists tackle issue of how to get a first date in a digital world

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London analyzed over 4000 studies on online dating to provide dos and don'ts for a successful first date. They found that choosing an attractive profile name and using certain words in a headline message can increase interest, while avoiding complex language and being genuine is key.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEvidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2015
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.

Gold nanotubes launch a three-pronged attack on cancer cells

Researchers have developed gold nanotubes that can selectively destroy cancer cells while imaging tumors, using near-infrared light to convert to heat. The technique has the potential to enhance conventional treatments with minimal toxicity.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 12, 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.

The neural basis of 'being in the mood'

A study in female mice reveals the brain region where hormonal state and social interaction are integrated, providing insights into human attraction and rejection behaviors. The researchers found that neurons dedicated to socio-sexual behavior were active only when females were receptive to males.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 12, 2015

Here's looking at you

Researchers found that dogs can discriminate between happy and angry human faces, even when only showing the eye region. Dogs trained to choose happy faces mastered the task faster than those trained to choose angry faces, suggesting they use stored memories to recognize emotions.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 12, 2015

New film footage reveals potential 'killer blow' to King Richard III

Researchers have discovered that three of King Richard III's injuries had the potential to cause death quickly, including two to the skull and one to the pelvis. The forensic analysis used modern techniques such as CT scans and micro-CT imaging to analyze trauma to the skeleton and determine which wounds might have proved fatal.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 12, 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.

Curious monkeys share our thirst for knowledge

Researchers found that rhesus macaques were willing to give up a significant portion of a potential prize to quickly find out if they selected the winning option in a game of chance. The study suggests that the brain's Orbitofrontal cortex plays a crucial role in processing curiosity and evaluating rewards.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 12, 2015

Exotic states materialize with supercomputers

Researchers at MIT and UT Austin create a new class of materials for quantum spin Hall effect, enabling potential electronic devices with low losses. They used Stampede and Lonestar supercomputers to model the interactions of atoms in these novel materials, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 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.

Ebola virus may have been present in West Africa long before 2014 outbreak

Researchers found evidence of prior exposure to Ebola virus among patients with Lassa fever in Sierra Leone between 2011-2014. The discovery suggests that the deadly disease may have been circulating in the area for years before the 2014 outbreak, sparking hope for prevention and control strategies.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViral Immunology·DateFeb 12, 2015

Plant-based diet may reduce obese children's risk of heart disease

A recent study by Cleveland Clinic found that a plant-based vegan diet can significantly improve cardiovascular risks in obese children, including lower BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The study suggests that such diets may be more effective than the American Heart Association diet in reducing heart disease risk.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 12, 2015

Microbes prevent malnutrition in fruit flies -- and maybe humans, too

A study by scientists from Scripps Research Institute found that certain microbes promote nutritional harvest in fruit flies, rescuing their health and longevity when fed nutrient-poor diets. This natural symbiosis may offer a new strategy to treat and prevent malnutrition in humans.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 12, 2015

Large numbers of teenage girls experience sexual coercion in relationships

A study of over 4,500 children in England found that more than four in ten teenage schoolgirls have experienced sexual coercion, with many reporting pressure to have sex and physical attacks from their boyfriends. The research also highlighted a high proportion of boys who regularly view pornography and harbor negative attitudes toward...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateFeb 12, 2015

Live assessment of blood formation

Researchers have developed a revolutionary model to study hematopoiesis in living organisms, revealing that at least one-third of blood stem cells produce differentiated progenitor cells. The study also shows that mature blood cells are supplied by first progenitor cells that regenerate themselves over time.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 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.

Earliest-known arboreal and subterranean ancestral mammals discovered

Two 160 million-year-old fossils of Agilodocodon scansorius and Docofossor brachydactylus provide evidence of early mammalian ecological diversity. These ancient mammals had adaptations for arboreal and subterranean lifestyles, suggesting genetic mechanisms operated long before modern mammals.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015

Data-storage for eternity

Researchers have developed a new method to store large volumes of data using DNA and silica, which can potentially survive for over a million years. The technique uses an algorithm to correct errors and encases the information-bearing segments of DNA in silica, providing a robust storage solution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 12, 2015

Spontaneous activity shapes neuron development

Research from King's College London found that spontaneous release of neurotransmitter glutamate causes neurons to branch and connect with each other, enabling the formation of synapses. This process plays a crucial role in regulating electrical signals through the brain.

SourceKing's College London·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 12, 2015