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Science News Archive July 2015


Page 13 of 34

Satellites peer into rock 50 miles beneath Tibetan Plateau

Researchers have taken a closer look at the geology deep beneath the Tibetan Plateau using gravity data captured by satellite. The analysis offers some of the clearest views ever obtained of rock moving up to 50 miles below the plateau, revealing a complex interplay of wavy patterns at the boundary between the crust and mantle.

Low-nicotine cigarettes fail to sway smokers

A two-year study by UCSF researchers found that smokers who switched to low-nicotine cigarettes were unable to quit smoking in the long term. Despite initial drops in nicotine levels, participants' smoking habits rebounded when they returned to regular cigarettes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists track monster waves below the ocean surface

Researchers have tracked the movement of internal waves in the South China Sea, revealing that they are generated daily from internal tides. These massive underwater waves can reach heights of over 170 meters and travel hundreds of kilometers, playing a crucial role in global climate regulation and marine ecosystems.

Blood vessels can actually get better with age

Researchers found that aging actually offers significant protection against oxidative stress, as the endothelium adapts to regulate ROS and minimize cell death. This adaptation helps ensure arteries of older individuals can still function properly.

Drawing a line between quantum and classical world

Researchers at University of Rochester find that a classical beam of light can fail Bell's Inequality test if entangled, suggesting that the boundary between quantum and classical worlds is not as clear-cut as thought. The study reveals that some features of the real world require entanglement, a key ingredient of quantum physics.

New drug assessment program to offer value-based price benchmark

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has launched a new program to provide independent analysis on pricing linked to patient benefit for new FDA-approved drugs. The program will produce public reports near the time of FDA approval, providing a transparent basis for price negotiations and coverage decisions.

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.

Virus-like particle vaccine protects mice from many flu strains

A new virus-like particle vaccine has been developed to protect against a wide variety of influenza viruses. The vaccine was shown to provide significant protection against many different flu strains, including avian H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, which have caused many human cases and deaths in recent years.

The ends count starting at birth

Researchers at the International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA) found that newborn brains process language using cognitive mechanisms similar to those of adults. They demonstrated that babies are sensitive to the edges of words and can differentiate between sequences with or without edge changes.

Genome analysis pins down arrival and spread of first Americans

A new genomic analysis pinpoints the arrival of the first Americans to Siberia around 23,000 years ago, with subsequent migrations leading to distinct populations in North and South America. The study also reveals genetic admixture from East Asians and Australo-Melanesians, suggesting limited isolation from the Old World.

Detecting disease in beef cattle using ear tag units

Researchers from the University of Calgary developed an ear tag-attached accelerometer unit to monitor rumination and feeding behavior in beef cattle. The technology was able to identify feeding activity correctly 95% of the time, but only identified rumination activity correctly 49% of the time.

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.

Fatherhood makes men fat

A study by Northwestern University found that new fathers experience significant weight gain, averaging 3.5 to 4.5 pounds, which can lead to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Pediatricians are in a unique position to counsel dads on maintaining their health due to the lack of personal physicians among new fathers.

Universal flu vaccine in the works

Researchers create a virus-like particle vaccine cocktail that expresses different subtypes of the hemagglutinin protein, providing cross-protective immunity against multiple subtypes. The study shows that 95% of mice vaccinated with the investigational cocktail were protected against eight different influenza strains.

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.

In pursuit of precision medicine for PTSD

Researchers used brain scans to identify a predictor of response to treatment with SSRIs, the first-line drug treatment for PTSD. The study found that patients who showed less activation in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex prior to treatment were more likely to improve with SSRI therapy.

The population history of Native Americans

A genome-scale study reveals that all present-day Native Americans descended from a single migration wave into the Americas, arriving no earlier than 23,000 years ago. The ancestral population diversified into two basal branches around 13,000 years ago.

New treatment for severe depression with far fewer side effects

A new study suggests that ultra-brief pulse stimulation is almost as effective as standard ECT in treating severe depression, but with significantly fewer cognitive side effects. The treatment has the potential to benefit up to 10,000 Australians who have not responded to first-line treatments.

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.

PolyU establishes Hong Kong's first breast milk nutrient database

The research team at PolyU has established Hong Kong's first breast milk nutrient database, revealing that the DHA level in over 80% of breast milk meets the recommended intake for infants. The study suggests that breastfeeding mothers consume adequate amounts of omega-3 rich fish and other nutrients to support infant growth.

US Navy eyes graphene nanoribbon for ultimate power control system

The US Navy is developing narrow strips of graphene called nanoribbons to improve power control systems in ships, smartphones and electronic devices. Graphene nanoribbons can conduct electricity with reduced heat loss and added strength compared to traditional materials.

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.

Transgender youth have typical hormone levels

A study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that transgender youth have sex hormone levels consistent with their assigned gender at birth. The research also highlighted the mental health impacts of living with a gender atypical experience, including depression and suicidal ideation.

Fertile corals discovered in deeper waters off US Virgin Islands

A new study found that mountainous star corals at depths of nearly 140 feet can produce one trillion more eggs per square kilometer than shallow-water counterparts. This discovery has significant implications for the future of coral reefs worldwide, as it suggests that deeper waters may offer reproductive refuge to threatened species.

Making Europe sweat

A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that latent heat release in ascending air masses plays a crucial role in the formation and perpetuation of stable high-pressure systems, also known as 'blocking', which can lead to extreme weather conditions. The research team analyzed massive amounts of climate data from around the wo...

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.

Selfishness lasts a lifetime, according to mongoose study

Researchers discovered that mongoose cooperativeness lasts a lifetime, with consistent individuals helping offspring care and those with selfish personalities not increasing their workload. The study found varying personality types among mongooses, which remain unknown.

Exploring evolution via electric fish hybrid zone

Michigan State University researchers are studying how electric fish signals evolve in a natural hybrid zone along Gabon's Louetsi River. The discovery could help identify genes underlying complex and simple electric signals.

Is Facebook use always associated with poorer body image and risky dieting?

A study of college-aged women found that those with stronger emotional connections to Facebook are less likely to struggle with risky dieting behaviors. However, if they compare their bodies to friends' online pictures, it's the opposite: more concern about body size and shape, and more risk of dieting behaviors.

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.

Fossil fuel emissions will complicate radiocarbon dating, warns scientist

The increasing levels of fossil fuel emissions could dilute radioactive carbon-14 in the atmosphere, artificially raising its age. This could impact various applications of radiocarbon dating, including archaeology, art authentication, and neurological research, potentially affecting results by the 2020s.

Ocean acidification may cause dramatic changes to phytoplankton

Phytoplankton, the base of marine food chains, may experience significant changes due to ocean acidification, with some species dying out while others thrive. The study found that increased acidity could lead to altered competition among species, affecting entire ecosystems and potentially impacting predators like polar bears.

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.

Study: The Angelina Jolie Effect on breast cancer screening

A study by North Carolina State University found that Angelina Jolie's announcement about her BRCA1 gene testing led to increased intentions among women to get tested for the same gene. Women who identified with Jolie or felt a parasocial relationship with her were more likely to consider genetic testing.

Mom's weight during first pregnancy may impact second child

Saint Louis University research finds that a woman's weight during her first pregnancy can affect complications in her second baby. Women who were underweight or obese during their first pregnancy had increased risks of early birth, low birth weight, and other complications.

Scientists reveal 'woodquakes'

Researchers applied established methods to study wood, finding a universal pattern of response similar to avalanches. The discovery could help predict failure and prevent damage in industries like furniture and construction.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Keep fears at bay by learning something new

Researchers find that presenting a new outcome instead of omitting an expected threat can lead to more effective fear extinction in both rats and humans. The study's findings have implications for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and phobias.

IBD genetically similar in Europeans and non-Europeans

A large-scale genetic study has discovered that the regions of the genome underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are consistent across diverse populations. The study included nearly 10,000 DNA samples from East Asian, Indian or Iranian descent and an existing set of 86,640 samples drawn from Europe, North America and Oceania.

Why offspring cope better with climate change -- it's all in the genes!

A recent study has identified 53 key genes involved in fish's ability to adapt to warmer temperatures over multiple generations. The research found that metabolic and immune genes play a crucial role in enabling fish to cope with higher temperatures, improving their chances of survival in a changing climate.

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.

Global study of seed consumption uncovers wider risk to plant species

A global study found that large animals consume a broader range of seed sizes than previously thought, posing a risk to smaller plant species. The research, led by UNSW Australia scientists, analyzed over 13,000 animal-seed interactions and showed that even small seeds are vulnerable if large animals disappear.

Mouse model tests health risks of circadian disturbances

A new mouse model has provided early causal evidence that weekly alternating light-dark cycles may hasten certain health risks, including breast cancer development and weight gain. The study found that mice with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer developed tumors 8 weeks earlier when exposed to the alternative light-dark cycles.

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.

Antibiotic exposure could increase the risk of juvenile arthritis

A study found that antibiotic exposure is associated with a higher risk of developing juvenile arthritis in children, particularly those with upper respiratory tract infections. Researchers suggest that antibiotics may be a marker for abnormal immunity rather than a direct cause of the disease.

The New York Times can predict your future weight

A new study by Cornell's Food & Brand Lab analyzed 50 years of New York Times food stories to predict a country's obesity level in three years. The study found that countries with more mentions of sweet snacks tend to be fatter, while those with more vegetable and fruit mentions are skinnier.

Finding the origins of life in a drying puddle

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology find that mixing amino and hydroxy acids with wet-dry cycles can create polypeptides, key components of life. The process, which could have occurred in a drying puddle, supports the theory that life began on dry land.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

HPTN 052 demonstrates sustained benefit of early antiretroviral therapy

The HPTN 052 study demonstrates that early antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples, with a sustained 93% reduction when the HIV-infected partner is on treatment and viral load suppressed. The trial also found that timely ART initiation can lead to improved health outcomes.