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Science News Archive July 2015


Page 18 of 34

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Old astronomic riddle on the way to be solved

Researchers at the University of Basel have identified Buckminsterfullerene as a molecule that absorbs starlight and produces diffuse interstellar bands. The study used lab conditions similar to outer space to confirm the presence of ionized Fullerenes in space.

Marine litter undermines benefits of coastal environments

A recent study published in Environment and Behavior found that marine litter significantly undermines the psychological benefits of coastal environments. The research, conducted by Plymouth University, showed that participants rated clean beaches most positively, while scenes with seaweed or public litter were rated more negatively.

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.

Iowa State analysis reveals needs for improvement in youth fitness

Fitness levels among US schoolchildren sharply decline as students get older, with girls experiencing a continual decline in aerobic capacity. The study suggests room for improvement in both BMI and aerobic capacity, highlighting the importance of physical activity in healthy youth development.

Non-invasive brain stimulation technique could transform learning

Researchers have developed a new non-invasive brain stimulation technique that increases brain excitability, potentially improving physical performance and treating neurological disorders. The technique, called transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), produces larger changes in the brain than conventional methods.

Wayne State University awarded for elder abuse research

Peter Lichtenberg's Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University has developed the Lichtenberg Financial Decision-Making Screening and Rating Scales, a tool to profile an older adult's vulnerability to exploitation. The scales have shown initial studies confirm their reliability in identifying those at risk of financial abuse.

Mercury scrubbers at power plant lower other pollution too

A study by Oregon State University found that mercury emission controls at a coal-fired power plant also reduced concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by 40-72 percent. The air pollution reductions were attributed to the upgrade's impact on regional emissions.

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 modeling shows Canadian decarbonization technically possible

A new report by CMC Research Institutes suggests that Canada can reduce carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining economic prosperity. The 'deep decarbonization pathway' would require stronger policies, regulations, and technology innovation to compete globally in a low-carbon world.

RapidScat shows a dying Post-Tropical Storm Claudette

Post-Tropical Storm Claudette's winds weaken significantly due to cold sea surface temperatures, according to NASA's RapidScat measurements. The storm's intensity is predicted to drop rapidly as it moves northward over the Northern Atlantic Ocean.

Uncovering a key relationship in ALS

A University of Toronto research team discovered a new link between the genetic cause of ALS and its pathology, suggesting that C9orf72's mislocalization leads to TDP-43 buildup. This breakthrough offers new avenues for research and potential treatment or cure.

Age doesn't dull damselfly sex

Researchers observed azure damselflies mating for two years, finding that older females and males were equally successful at finding mates and reproducing. The study provides insights into aging and population dynamics in insects, with potential implications for understanding mosquito and tsetse fly populations.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The trustworthiness of an inmate's face may seal his fate

Research using photos and sentencing data from Florida inmates found that those perceived as less trustworthy on their face received death sentences, even after adjusting for other factors. The study highlights the influence of facial biases in decision-making processes, particularly in high-stakes situations like capital punishment.

Jealousy in a romantic relationship can lead to alcohol problems

A new study suggests that people who rely on their relationship for self-esteem are more likely to develop alcohol problems due to jealousy. The research found that individuals with lower relationship satisfaction and commitment levels were more prone to using alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Breast cancer survivors gain weight at a higher rate than their cancer-free peers

A study by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers found that breast cancer survivors, particularly those with a family history of the disease, gained significantly more weight over four years compared to cancer-free women. The study also revealed that chemotherapy may be a contributing factor to weight gain among survivors.

Molecular fuel cell catalysts hold promise for efficient energy storage

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have introduced a new approach to molecular fuel cell catalysts, which uses nitroxyls and nitrogen oxides for more efficient energy storage. The catalyst achieves comparable efficiency to platinum while offering advantages in terms of modifiability.

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.

From power grids to heartbeat: Using mathematics to restore rhythm

Researchers have developed a method to revive oscillations in complex networks, including power grids and biological systems. This approach uses advanced mathematical analysis to stabilize rhythms, which can be disrupted by external factors such as renewable energy fluctuations or changes in the human cardiovascular system.

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.

The secret to the sea sapphire's colors -- and invisibility (video)

Researchers found that changes in reflectance depend on the thickness of crystal spacing, enabling copepods to disappear briefly. The study could inform the design of artificial photonic crystal structures with various applications in reflective coatings and optical displays.

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.

'White graphene' structures can take the heat

Researchers at Rice University have found that three-dimensional boron nitride structures can efficiently control heat flow in electronics by slowing down phonon transfer between layers. These structures, composed of hexagonal boron nitride sheets and boron nitride nanotubes, can be tuned to create thermal switches or rectifiers.

Rates of drunk driving tied to state alcohol policies, BU study finds

A new study by Boston University researchers found that states with more restrictive alcohol policies and regulations have lower rates of self-reported drunk driving. The study also suggests that laws targeting binge drinking are equally effective in preventing drunk driving as those specifically targeting impaired driving.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New light technology helps improve food safety

Light-based technologies using UV, pulsed light, and LED lights show promise in improving food safety and longevity by breaking down bacterial cells and eliminating microorganisms. However, more research is needed to understand penetration depth and ensure effective use.

NASA's Aqua satellite sees Typhoon Halola elongating

Typhoon Halola has become elongated due to wind shear, with cloud top temperatures as low as -63F/-52C, leading to heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to maintain typhoon intensity and move west-northwestward over the next several days.

Clinical pathway uncovers obstructive sleep apnea in hospitalized patients

A clinical pathway identified sleep disordered breathing in 87% of hospitalized patients, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention to reduce cardiovascular complications. The low-cost protocol used a simple device, which correlated well with polysomnography, increasing awareness among admitting physicians.

HIV uses the immune system's own tools to suppress it

Researchers discovered HIV exploits regulatory process between BST2 and ILT7 to limit antiviral response, allowing virus to spread and persist in long-lasting reservoirs. Blocking Vpu's action could prevent early viral expansion and dissemination, enabling pDCs to trigger effective antiviral responses.

Boosting nutrients gives a leg up to invasive species

A global study by University of Minnesota researchers found that adding nutrients to grasslands gives invasive species a leg up on native species. The study, published in Nature Communications, used data from 64 sites across 13 countries to pinpoint the role of nutrient availability and herbivore density in plant invasion.

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.

NASA sees a ragged eye in Typhoon Nangka

Typhoon Nangka's ragged eye was captured by NASA's Terra satellite on July 15, revealing a 15-nautical-mile-wide storm surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The typhoon is expected to make landfall in southern Japan, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.

Case Western Reserve to lead multi-institutional 'big data' project

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a platform to collect, analyze disparate clinical information from multiple sources, ensuring comparability and reproducibility. The goal is to integrate datasets for enhanced approaches to care and treatment of conditions like epilepsy and lung cancer.

Compounds show potential in fighting brain and breast cancers

Researchers at University of Hawai'i Cancer Center discover two compounds that effectively stop the growth of brain cancer cells and breast tumors. These targeted treatments are less toxic and could improve quality of life for patients with no effective treatment options besides surgery.

Exercise can improve brain function in older adults

A six-month trial conducted at the University of Kansas Medical Center found that older adults can improve their visual-spatial processing and attention levels by exercising for 75-225 minutes per week. The study's results suggest that intensity, rather than duration, is more important for benefits to brain function.

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.

US media over-represent contributors to policy making, study finds

A study by University of Kansas researchers found that US media over-represent individuals involved in policy-making, whereas South Korean media prioritize executive branch coverage. This suggests that journalistic operating procedures and relationships with government officials play a significant role in shaping media coverage.

The molecular architecture of cell fission processes has been revealed

Researchers from the UPV/EHU's Biophysics Unit have published a study in Nature that reveals the molecular architecture of cell fission processes. The study found evidence of an intermediate structure during membrane splitting, which may be a common feature in all fusion and fission processes.

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.

China, Taiwan strengthen food safety laws

China and Taiwan have enhanced their food safety laws to tackle food fraud and protect consumers. New regulations require food businesses to register and implement good hygiene practices, while Taiwan also introduces labeling requirements for genetically modified foods.

For faster, larger graphene add a liquid layer

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a scalable technique to produce millimetre-sized graphene crystals in minutes, compared to hours using current methods. The new approach creates a liquid layer that smooths out nanoscale valleys, allowing for larger flakes of high-quality graphene.

Gene therapy gives long-term protection to photoreceptor cells

A new study demonstrates that gene therapy can give life-long protection to photoreceptor cells in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. The preserved cells were able to drive visually-guided behaviour even in later stages of the condition and despite becoming less sensitive to light.

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.

Does heart disease begin in childhood?

Researchers found a statistically significant association between higher vitamin D levels and lower non-HDL cholesterol in children aged one to five years. The study suggests that factors leading to cardiovascular disease may start in early childhood, providing an opportunity for early life interventions to reduce risk.

Evolutionary trees reveal patterns of microbial diversification

Researchers have created a new microbial 'family tree' that displays sudden bursts of diversification, potentially helping understand how harmful microbes evolve. This breakthrough uses coarse-graining and Λ-coalescent models to condense short branches into larger nodes, revealing patterns of ecological processes.

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.

Breast cancer survivors gain more weight than cancer-free women

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that breast cancer survivors gained an average of 3.81 pounds more than cancer-free women within five years of diagnosis and treatment. Chemotherapy treatment was also significantly associated with weight gain, particularly among those treated recently.

Air pollution from wildfires may ignite heart hazards

Researchers found a significant association between wildfire-related air pollution and an increased risk of heart-related incidents, including out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and emergency department visits. The study suggests that fine particulate matter may act as a trigger factor for acute cardiovascular health events.

Magnetic nanoparticles could be key to effective immunotherapy

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a method using magnetic nanoparticles to train and rapidly multiply immune system white blood cells. The technique, which separates naive T cells from other cells in the blood, has shown promise in expanding these cells' numbers by an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 times.

Closer look at microorganism provides insight on carbon cycling

Researchers discovered novel enzymes in microorganisms called archaea that break down organic matter into carbon dioxide, with implications for climate change. The study found that an increase in ocean temperature accelerates this process, releasing more carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.