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Science News Archive July 2015


Page 1 of 34

Self-assembling, biomimetic membranes may aid water filtration

Researchers have developed a second-generation synthetic water channel that improves on earlier attempts to mimic natural aquaporins. The peptide-appended pillar[5]arenes (PAP) membranes are more stable and easier to manufacture, making them suitable for highly efficient water purification membranes.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2015

RNA-binding protein influences key mediator of cellular inflammation and stress responses

Researchers have discovered that RNA-binding protein ROQUIN regulates the stability of thousands of mRNA molecules, including those involved in cellular inflammation and stress responses. By binding to these mRNAs, ROQUIN influences the activity of the key mediator NF-kappaB, which is essential for regulating gene expression.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Butterflies heat up the field of solar research

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new technique to make solar energy cheaper and more efficient by mimicking the v-shaped posture of Cabbage White butterflies. The study shows that by replicating this 'wing-like' structure, power-to-weight ratio can be increased 17-fold.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2015

Watching a tumor grow in real-time

Breast cancer researchers have gained new insights into the phases of tumor growth by visualizing and quantifying tumor development in real-time. The study reveals that tumors undergo a dramatic increase in cell number after four weeks, providing valuable information for treatment selection and delivery.

SourceBIOSS - Centre for Biological Signalling Studies·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2015

NASA Goddard technology helps fight forest pests

The collaboration uses G-LiHT to measure signs and symptoms of forest health, detecting changes in leaf pigments and spotting infested trees with thermal infrared cameras. This technology helps track emerald ash borer and southern pine beetle populations, informing post-infestation control measures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2015

How bees naturally vaccinate their babies

Researchers from Arizona State University and other institutions discovered how bees immunize their offspring against specific diseases using the bee blood protein vitellogenin. This process enables bee babies to better fight diseases once they are born, opening doors for creating edible vaccines for insects.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 31, 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.

Shaping the hilly landscapes of a semi-conductor nanoworld

Researchers discovered that redeposition acts as a stabilising factor in the creation of hexagonally arranged dot patterns. The study reveals that eroded particles predominantly redeposit in valleys, not at hilltops, contributing to stable nanostructure formations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 31, 2015

ASHG honors Charles R. Scriver with Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award

Charles R. Scriver is receiving the Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award from ASHG for his work in human genetics, particularly in discovering and addressing inherited metabolic diseases. He has also made significant contributions to public health through pediatric genetic screening programs and education.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 31, 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.

Study offers new insights on hurricane intensity, pollution transport

Researchers analyzed data from airborne sensors deployed during Hurricane Isaac's passage, revealing a downwelling of warm waters that deepened the storm's fuel tank. The study also showed how hurricane-generated currents and eddies can transport oil and other pollutants to coastal beaches.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Physical Oceanography·DateJul 31, 2015

Protein machines make fluctuating flows unconsciously

International researchers found protein machines collectively induce fluctuating hydrodynamic flows, enhancing particle diffusive motions. The proteins supply power to the system by extracting energy from nonequilibrium effects.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2015

Starvation effects handed down for generations

A study on nematode worms found that starvation early in life can affect growth, reproduction and stress resistance in subsequent generations. The worms that survived famine became smaller, less fertile, but their offspring were more resistant to starvation and had improved stress tolerance.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenetics·DateJul 31, 2015

Connecting people and geology on volcanoes

Researchers from Michigan Tech study geohazards on San Vicente Volcano in El Salvador, combining traditional hazard assessments with social science techniques. Their work helps develop a more in-depth understanding of the risks present at the volcano.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Applied Volcanology·DateJul 31, 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.

Parents inclined to misjudge child happiness based on personal feelings

A study by psychologists at Plymouth University found that parents of children and adolescents consistently misjudge their happiness. The researchers attribute this to an 'egocentric bias' where parents rely heavily on their own feelings to assess the family unit's happiness.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateJul 31, 2015

Researchers identify new cancer marker and possible therapeutic target for breast cancer

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a new molecule named IL13RA2 as a potential marker for metastatic basal-like breast cancer (BLBC). The discovery suggests that targeting this molecule could slow tumor growth and spread, offering a glimmer of hope for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateJul 31, 2015

Gold-diamond nanodevice for hyperlocalized cancer therapy

A novel combination of techniques is used to create a biocompatible nanodevice that can deliver localized heating to cancer cells while accurately sensing temperature with diamond nanocrystals. This allows for precise targeting of biological molecules and effective thermal cancer therapy.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Quantum Technology·DateJul 31, 2015

Tool helps public health agencies prioritize health risks

A researcher developed a Public Health Index (PHI) model to identify top health risks for chronic diseases among specific populations. The tool balances magnitude, severity and urgency of health issues with intervention effectiveness and cost.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 31, 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.

Crystal clear images uncover secrets of hormone receptors

Researchers used X-ray crystallography to visualize the structure of a neurotensin receptor, shedding light on its mechanism. Binding of neurotensin to the receptor triggers critical conformational changes that activate G protein-coupled signaling pathways.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2015

Gout medications might be useful in treating alcohol-induced liver disease

Researchers found that gout medications targeting uric acid and adenosine triphosphate can protect against alcohol-induced liver damage and inflammation. These findings suggest clinical trials for humans with alcoholic liver disease should be considered to prevent or treat acute episodes of alcoholic hepatitis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJul 31, 2015

New Smart Villages offgrid solutions for helping world's bottom billion

The book reviews up-to-date accounts promoting energy access in remote areas, covering scientific and technological advances and enabling factors for sustainable development. Experts discuss the importance of coordinated action from governments, private investors, and development funders to achieve sustainable energy for all by 2030.

SourceRichard Hayhurst Associates·DateJul 31, 2015

Cooking up altered states

Researchers at OIST Graduate University discovered a way to predict emerging structures and bulk properties of new materials by analyzing attractive and repulsive forces between molecules. This discovery allows experimentalists to bypass complex calculations and predict material properties using minimal information.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalSoft Matter·DateJul 31, 2015

Solid state physics: Quantum matter stuck in unrest

Scientists observe a Many-Body Localized state in ultracold atoms trapped in light crystals, where interactions fail to lead to thermalization. This peculiar insulating state retains a quantum memory of its initial state, even at elevated temperatures.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 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.

Perfectionism linked to burnout at work, school and sports, research finds

A new study finds that perfectionistic concerns can lead to stress, burnout, and health problems. In contrast, perfectionistic strivings, which involve setting high standards and working towards goals, may help maintain a sense of accomplishment and delay burnout.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateJul 31, 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.

There may be a complex market living in your gut

A team of researchers, led by Joshua Tasoff, used economic principles to study the behavior of Escherichia coli cells. The study found that as trade increased, bacterial communities grew faster, but at a cost: exporting microbes slowed their own growth.

SourceClaremont Graduate University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2015

Exercise during adolescence linked to lowered risk of death later

Women who participated in exercise as adolescents had a reduced risk of death from cancer and all causes in their middle and older ages. Exercise participation was also associated with lower mortality risks for cardiovascular disease. The study found that women who engaged in team sports or regular exercise during adolescence had a 14-...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJul 31, 2015

Computer model forecasts flu outbreaks in a subtropical climate

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School developed a computer model that can predict flu outbreaks in subtropical climates like Hong Kong with high accuracy. The system forecasted peak timing and magnitude for 44 epidemics caused by specific influenza strains, including seasonal and pandemic outbreaks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 30, 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.

Robotic insect mimics nature's extreme moves

An international team of scientists developed a robotic insect that can jump on water using the natural mechanics of water striders. The robot exerts up to 16 times its own body weight on the water's surface, mimicking the insects' ability to perform extreme maneuvers like jumping and flying with ease.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2015

Bio-inspired robots jump on water

Researchers created a robot that mimics the jumping ability of water striders by controlling the acceleration of its legs. The robot uses a torque reversal catapult mechanism to generate force without exceeding the maximum force that water surface tension can withstand.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 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.

Rotten tomatoes and 2 thumbs up

The study found that mixed reviews are a double-edged sword, hurt or helping product sales depending on critic reviews. Retailers can capitalize on review variability by promoting quality signifiers and understanding niche user needs.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateJul 30, 2015

Ants in the lead

A team of ants uses a balance between individual direction and conformist behavior to move food towards their nest, making adjustments as needed. This cooperative behavior enables the group to optimize their movement, with well-informed individuals steering the load.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2015

'Golden jackals' of East Africa are actually 'golden wolves'

The 'golden jackals' of East Africa and Eurasia are two separate species, with the latter being a new species, African golden wolf, that has a distribution across North and East Africa. Genetic data shows they have been evolving independently for at least a million years.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 30, 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.

Breeding a better peanut butter

The newly developed OLe peanut variety boasts a longer shelf life due to its higher oleic acid content, reducing the risk of rancidity by up to 10 times. This increase in disease resistance also makes it an attractive option for farmers, who can save up to $150/acre on fungicide usage and experience improved yields.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateJul 30, 2015

How a single molecule turns one immune cell into another

Researchers discover a single molecule, C/EBPa, can transform a B cell into a macrophage by 'short-circuiting' gene expression. This process involves the convergence of two DNA enhancer pathways, allowing for unnatural transdifferentiation. The findings have significant implications for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 30, 2015

How to become a T follicular helper cell

A team of researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology has identified LEF-1 and TCF-1 as master regulators that control the fate of T follicular helper cells. These transcription factors pre-program CD4+ T cells to respond to TFH induction signals, making them crucial for inducing a strong and lasting antibody response.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 30, 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.

Sugar in your cuppa ... not just about a sweet tooth!

A study led by Dr Seishi Shimizu shows that sugar affects the taste of hot beverages by interacting with caffeine molecules at a molecular level. The research found that sugar molecules bind to water, reducing the aggregation of caffeine molecules and resulting in less bitterness.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalFood & Function·DateJul 30, 2015

Studying killer whales with an unmanned aerial vehicle

Scientists from NOAA Fisheries and the Vancouver Aquarium used a hexacopter UAV to take straight-down photos of Northern resident killer whales, a threatened population in British Columbia. The aerial images allow for precise measurements of body condition, feeding habits, and growth patterns.

SourceNOAA National Marine Fisheries Service·JournalJournal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems·DateJul 30, 2015

Safeguarding the greater good

A unanimous international consensus reached by 26 scientists recommends specific measures for the responsible conduct of gene drive research. The group calls for all researchers to use multiple confinement strategies to prevent accidental alteration of wild populations.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 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.

Argonne National Lab finds butanol is good for boats

The US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has found that butanol can be used as a safe and effective alternative fuel for recreational boats. This new blend, which includes 16% butanol, was demonstrated to outperform ethanol at 10% in terms of performance, efficiency, and emissions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 30, 2015

This could replace your silicon computer chips

Researchers created a high-performance transistor using black phosphorus, which can operate as both n-type and p-type materials without extrinsic doping. This could lead to thinner, more efficient alternative to silicon chips in electrical devices.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2015

Drought's legacy on trees is worth modeling

Researchers found reduced tree stem growth after severe drought, contrasting with climate models that assume quick recovery. This study suggests reevaluation of climate-vegetation models to accurately capture drought impacts on the global carbon cycle.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2015
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.