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Science News Archive July 2015


Page 16 of 34

NASA sees Tropical Storm Nangka moving into Sea of Japan

Tropical Storm Nangka caused the evacuation of over 200,000 people in Japan and is moving towards the Sea of Japan. The storm's wind speed decreased to 40 mph as it moved northeastward, with forecasters predicting its dissipation in a day or two.

Cholesterol metabolism in immune cells linked to HIV progression

Research found that enhanced cholesterol metabolism in certain immune cells may help explain why some HIV-infected people naturally control disease progression. The study analyzed gene expression data from immune cells and found higher levels of cholesterol-related genes associated with defective viral transmission.

Dairy products boost effectiveness of probiotics

A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that dairy products can boost the effectiveness of probiotics. The researchers found that mice fed milk with the probiotic Lactobacillus casei BL23 had reduced symptoms compared to those without the probiotic.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sitting time not associated with poorer diets in US adults

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that sedentary time was not linked to poorer diets among US adults. However, more sedentary time was associated with a lower intake of empty calories. The researchers suggest targeting reducing and breaking up sedentary time as a separate strategy from encouraging healthy dietary habits.

Researchers find the 'acoustic signature' of screams

A team of neuroscientists identified a specific acoustic characteristic called 'roughness' that is unique to screams. This trait refers to how fast the sound changes in loudness, and it's measured in Hertz (Hz), typically between 30-150 Hz.

NASA sees Typhoon Nangka knocking on Japan's door

Typhoon Nangka is moving north towards mainland Japan, with NASA satellites tracking its progression. The storm's maximum sustained winds decreased from 65 knots to 75 mph/120 kph, making it a minimal category 1 typhoon.

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 finding on the formation of fat tissue in man

Researchers found that bone marrow-derived cells can develop into fat cells, with BMI playing a significant role. The study suggests potential new therapies for metabolic diseases and obesity-related conditions.

Revolutionizing the revolutionary technology of optogenetics

A new project at Brown University aims to make cells 'smart' enough to emit light precisely when needed to control themselves or their neighbors. This could lead to new ways to treat problems like epileptic seizures, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes.

Defenses up: Hormone helps plants determine friend from foe

Research reveals that salicylic acid shapes the microbial community at a plant's root by keeping certain families of bacteria out and letting others in. The hormone also recruits desirable bacterial families, a discovery that could lead to increased plant productivity.

Carbon dioxide pools discovered in Aegean Sea

Scientists have discovered opalescent pools in the Santorini volcano's crater containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide. The pools' unique properties may hold answers to questions about deepsea carbon storage and provide a means of monitoring the volcano for future eruptions.

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.

No bones about it: Cannabis may be used to treat fractures

A new study found that the administration of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic component of cannabis, significantly enhances the healing process of bone fractures. The study, conducted on rats with mid-femoral fractures, showed that CBD markedly improves bone healing after just eight weeks.

Sun's activity controls Greenland temperatures

A new study suggests high solar activity in the 1950s-80s slowed down ocean circulation between the South Atlantic and North Atlantic, cooling Greenland while the rest of the Northern Hemisphere warmed. Weak solar activity could now fire up the circulation mechanism, leading to faster ice sheet melting and increased sea-level rise.

Firearm shooting errors could be reduced through cognitive training

Research suggests that cognitive training can improve shooting abilities by enhancing response inhibition, particularly in individuals with ADHD. The study found that participants who underwent response inhibition training shot fewer civilians in simulated scenarios, indicating a potential new approach to firearms training.

Feathered cousin of 'Jurassic Park' star unearthed in China

A newly identified species of feathered dinosaur has been found to have complex, quill pen-like feathers and short wings, challenging previous assumptions about the diversity of winged dinosaurs. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, provides new insights into the evolution and biology of these fascinating creatures.

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.

Personalized care for aortic aneurysms, based on gene testing, has arrived

Researchers detected four known genetic mutations causing thoracic aortic aneurysms and identified 22 previously unknown variants contributing to the condition. This technology enabled personalized care, including preventive surgery and more frequent imaging tests for patients with high-risk mutations.

Food scientists to work with small farms and growers on food safety

A five-year grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture will support a graduate training program combining laboratory research and practical application to enhance food safety in the produce industry. The program aims to develop tested, validated methods to reduce food safety risks in an affordable way.

Is this restaurant making me fat?

New research evaluates a restaurant scorecard for healthy dining, identifying 100 actions to promote healthier eating behaviors. The study found that the scorecards can reliably rate a restaurant's effectiveness in helping diners make healthy choices.

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.

Grandparents' affection piling on the pounds in Chinese children

A study by the University of Birmingham found that Chinese children cared for mainly by their grandparents are more than twice as likely to be overweight or obese. Grandparents often indulge and protect their grandkids, leading to unhealthy eating habits and a lack of physical activity.

It's official: Workplace rudeness is contagious

A University of Florida study found that encountering rude behavior at work makes people more likely to perceive rudeness in later interactions, leading to a vicious cycle. The study's findings provide evidence that everyday impoliteness spreads in the workplace, having a powerful negative effect on performance.

Surprise -- subtle distractors may divert action more than overt ones

Researchers found that subtle visual distractions caused significant deviations from the intended path, contrary to intuition. The study's findings suggest a new phenomenon where the brain employs a suppression mechanism to tune out bigger distractions, but struggles with less apparent ones.

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.

Neuroscience-based algorithms make for better networks

Researchers developed an algorithm inspired by brain pruning, which eliminates unneeded connections in early childhood. The neuroscience-based approach created more efficient and robust networks than traditional engineering methods.

Resveratrol, quercetin could provide new options for cancer therapy

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a system to increase bioavailability of resveratrol and quercetin, potentially allowing extensive use of Adriamycin while reducing cardiac toxicity. The co-administration of these polyphenols enhances the efficacy of cancer drugs by sensitizing cancer cells.

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.

Cell division speeds up as part of antibody selection, study shows

Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that high affinity B cells divide faster during the antibody selection process, giving them an advantage. This discovery builds on earlier work and may have important implications for improving vaccines and understanding lymphomas.

Jurassic saw fastest mammal evolution

Mammals underwent rapid 'burst' of evolutionary change in the mid-Jurassic, producing characteristic body shapes that remained recognisable for tens of millions of years. This period of radical change produced up to 8 significant changes per million years, compared to 1-2 at the end of the Jurassic.

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.

Orchestrating hair cell regeneration: A supporting player's close-up

Researchers studied zebrafish to understand how support cells contribute to hair cell regeneration after damage or death. Approximately half of the dividing support cells differentiated into hair cells, while the rest self-renewed, maintaining a reserve force for regenerative action.

Trapped light orbits within an intriguing material

Scientists have discovered that light can be stored and trap particles of light called phonon polaritons behave in unique ways. The light's movement isn't random but follows fixed angles with respect to the atomic structure, leading to interesting resonances.

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.

Why bad genes don't always lead to bad diseases

A new study has uncovered a key factor in the variability of genetic disease severity, enabling prediction and personalized treatment approaches. By analyzing genetic background, researchers can now estimate disease severity, providing hope for improved management and therapy development.

Unearthing cornerstones in root microbiomes

Researchers discovered that phytohormones regulate microbial abundance, influencing the composition of root microbiomes. The study found that plants can select and benefit from specific strains of microbes, but also face pathogens that take nutrients and damage plants.

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.

RapidScat shows Enrique holding tropical storm status

NASA's RapidScat instrument detected tropical storm-force winds in Tropical Storm Enrique on July 16, contradicting a forecast that the system would weaken. The storm is moving west-northwest at 8 mph and may turn west by Friday.

Breakthrough finding brings cure for flesh-eating skin disease 1 step closer

Researchers from the University of Surrey have made a breakthrough discovery that the bacteria causing Buruli ulcer disease triggers a blood clot, similar to deep vein thrombosis. This finding suggests that anticoagulant medicines may be effective in treating the disease, leading to faster healing and fewer side effects.

Child paralysis outbreak: UVA identifies potential cause

Researchers at UVA Health System have identified a new potential cause of the recent child paralysis outbreak, Enterovirus C105. While it is unclear if this virus is responsible for the outbreak, experts are cautioning against over-interpretation and emphasizing the need for further analysis.

Iron regulators join war on pathogens

Researchers have discovered that iron regulatory proteins play a crucial role in fighting off infection by controlling iron levels. The study found that mice lacking these proteins died when infected with the Salmonella bacteria, highlighting their importance in immune defense.

Genetic markers linking risk for type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's identified

A recent study published in Molecular Aspects of Medicine has identified genetic markers that link an increased risk for developing both type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The research, led by Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti, found specific genetic variations associated with higher susceptibility to both conditions.

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.

Massive study: Birth order has no meaningful effect on personality or IQ

A massive study of 377,000 high school students found that first-borns have a one-IQ-point advantage over later-borns but the differences are statistically insignificant. First-borns tend to be more extroverted and conscientious, while later-borns have less anxiety, but these effects are infinitesimally small.

New findings hint toward reversing hearing loss

Researchers have identified two signaling molecules required for proper cochlea development. The study contributes to understanding of inner ear development and its potential goal of regenerating sensory hair cells, a key step toward reversing hearing loss in mammals.

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.

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.

Scream if you have to

Researchers discovered that screams possess special acoustic properties, including roughness, which is a specific type of vocal expression used in stressful situations. Screams are modulated at a faster rate than normal speech, making them more attention-grabbing.