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Science News Archive July 2015


Page 20 of 34

Researchers find gene associated with thinking skills

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry identified a genetic mutation linked to healthy information processing, shedding light on cognitive aging and age-related diseases. The CADM2 gene was found to be strongly associated with performance on tests of information processing speed.

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New approach to spinal cord and brain injury research

Researchers at UofSC have identified a molecular pathway that promotes nerve regeneration in the central nervous system, bridging the recovery gap between peripheral and central nerves. The discovery could lead to new treatments for spinal cord and brain injuries.

How the lung repairs its wounds

A novel mass spectrometry technique has enabled scientists to quantify and profile dynamic changes in lung tissue composition during regeneration. The study reveals the importance of extracellular matrix proteins in activating stem cells, offering a new avenue for treating chronic lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis.

Mass map shines light on dark matter

Researchers developed a new map of dark matter distribution using DES data, providing valuable tool for cosmology to answer questions about dark energy and dark matter. The mass map allows scientists to check their work and verify the relationship between galaxy distribution and dark matter density.

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NASA's RapidScat measures Typhoon Halola's concentrated winds

Typhoon Halola's strongest sustained winds were concentrated around its center and reached near 30 meters per second, extending only 15 nautical miles from the center. The storm is expected to slowly intensify and pass just south of Wake Island on July 16.

Stem cells might heal damaged lungs

Scientists propose using embryonic stem cells to repair damaged lung tissue, with successful results in mouse models. The study overcomes a major obstacle by harvesting stem cells from the ideal time frame for lung regeneration.

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.

Researchers discover way to assess future literacy challenges

A new study published in PLOS Biology has discovered a way to assess future literacy challenges in children. The research centers on the child's ability to decipher speech in a chaotic, noisy environment, and found that preliterate children with brain inefficiencies are more likely to struggle with reading and language development.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

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Satellites see Hurricane Dolores more organized

Satellite data indicates Hurricane Dolores is strengthening, with colder cloud tops and increased sustained winds of near 80 mph. The storm's trajectory suggests it will continue to pull away from the coast, potentially bringing heavy rainfall and rough surf to southwestern Mexico.

High-pressure oxygen can effectively treat fibromyalgia

A Tel Aviv University study found that hyperbaric oxygen treatment can drastically reduce or eliminate fibromyalgia symptoms, enabling patients to discontinue pain medication. The research also identified the primary factor causing fibromyalgia: brain mechanism for processing pain disruption.

Traditional Chinese exercises may help patients with COPD

Patients with COPD in remission showed improved lung function and quality of life after practicing Liuzijue qigong (LQG) for 6 months. The exercise program, combining meditation and walking, demonstrated marked benefits in mental health as well.

Substance abuse is associated with lower brain volume in women but not in men

A new study found that long-term stimulant abuse had more significant effects on brain volume in women compared to men. Women who were previously dependent on stimulants showed significant loss of gray matter volume and vast changes in brain structures important for decision making, emotion, and reward-processing.

Revealed: Positronium's behavior in particle billiards

Researchers at University College London have investigated positronium's behavior in collisions with hydrogen, argon, helium, and carbon dioxide gases. They found a strong preference for positronium to be emitted in the forward direction, particularly when positrons hit the gas at high speed.

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Am I fat? Many of today's adolescents don't think so

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that increasing numbers of overweight adolescents do not consider themselves overweight. This misperception is linked to a decline in willingness to make weight-related behavioral changes, despite being at risk for obesity.

Should doctors recommend homeopathy?

Peter Fisher argues that homeopathy is misunderstood and that some reviews have omitted key evidence, while Edzard Ernst claims that most independent systematic reviews have failed to show homeopathy's effectiveness due to methodological flaws.

Key protein controls nutrient availability in mammals

Researchers found that KLF15 helps maintain metabolic balance by controlling the availability of nutrients in the body. The discovery may also contribute to understanding diseases characterized by excessive bile acid production.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Few states require HPV vaccine

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is currently required in only two US states, with vaccination coverage substantially below the Healthy People 2020 target. A recent study found that HPV vaccination rates are lower than those for other adolescent vaccines, such as hepatitis B and meningococcal conjugate vaccines.

Researchers discover way to assess future literacy challenges

Researchers discovered a biological test that can identify children with literacy challenges or learning disabilities long before they learn to read. The study found that pre-readers' brains inefficiently process speech against background noise, predicting future reading skills and language development.

Ecologists predict impact of climate change on vulnerable species

Researchers at the University of Toronto predict which plants and animals may be vulnerable to climate change by analyzing historical data on 30 fish species in over 1,500 lakes. The study found that bass and smaller fish species can wipe out vulnerable fish species due to predation and resource competition.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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World-first epilepsy self-monitor app launched

The EpSMon app analyzes risk factors and provides personalized advice, helping users take actions to lower their risks. With around 600,000 people in the UK affected by epilepsy, this innovative tool aims to fill the information gap left by NHS funding cuts for GP monitoring.

New molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain in mice

A research group at Hiroshima University found that downregulated spinal astrocyte connexin43 expression leads to sustained neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury. Restoring Cx43 function via adenovirus vector may reverse mechanical hypersensitivity and modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission.

Melon genome study reveals recent impacts of breeding

A comprehensive genome analysis of 7 melon varieties provides new insights into phenotypic variability and selective breeding. The study identifies 902 genes potentially affected by DNA structural variations, including disease resistance and sugar metabolism.

New classification system for brain tumors

Erlangen-based doctors have created a new classification system for brain tumors that predicts the development of gliomas with high precision. The Friedlein Grading A/B (FGA/B) system classifies tumors according to their position in the brain on routine MRI scans.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Acupuncture can improve outcomes in dermatological conditions

A systematic review of 24 studies found statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes with acupuncture compared to placebo acupuncture or no treatment. The findings support the potential for acupuncture as a treatment modality in dermatology.

Environment, not distance, triggers genetic differences in 'sky island' birds

A study on White-breasted nuthatches found that environmental factors, such as temperature and rainfall, drive genetic differences between populations, rather than geographical distance. This discovery challenges the traditional view of isolation-by-distance and provides insights into species adaptation to unique habitats.

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.

Scientific curiosity and preparedness for emerging pathogen outbreaks

The article highlights Stanley Perlman's career journey from studying mouse viruses to researching human coronaviruses like SARS and MERS. His work demonstrates the importance of basic research in understanding virus interactions with the immune system, which can inform strategies for preventing or treating diseases.

Could dissolvable microneedles replace injected vaccines?

A new vaccine patch made of dissolvable material has been shown to be effective in protecting against flu infection, with an immune reaction equal to or stronger than traditional needle-delivered vaccines. The patch is easy to use without medical personnel, making it ideal for developing countries.

Study examines cost-effectiveness of newer cholesterol guidelines

A study examines the cost-effectiveness of new cholesterol guidelines, finding that a more lenient threshold may be cost-effective. The analysis suggests that shifting from a 7.5% ASCVD risk threshold to 3-4% thresholds could avert up to 160,000 cardiovascular events.

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.

Intellectual pursuits may buffer the brain against addiction

A UC Berkeley study found that mice who received cognitive training showed reduced preference for cocaine chambers, implying a protective effect on the brain's reward system. The results suggest that brief cognitive interventions may promote long-term resilience against drug-seeking behaviors.

Density-near-zero acoustical metamaterial made in China

Chinese scientists created a tunable membrane material that effectively recreates the quantum tunneling effect for sound waves. The material has an effective density near zero and enables high transmission around sharp corners and efficient wave splitting.

Kids expecting aggression from others become aggressive themselves

A new study by Duke University researchers found that children who are taught to be vigilant for hostility in others are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior themselves. The four-year longitudinal study involved 1,299 children and their parents from 12 different cultural groups worldwide.

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.

Ebola vaccine trial begins in Senegal

A clinical trial testing an Ebola vaccine developed on a new cell line is underway in Senegal, aiming to provide a rapid response to outbreaks. The trial uses two vaccines, ChAd3-EBO Z and MVA-EBO Z, which have shown excellent safety profiles and promise for low-cost mass production.

Advanced composites may borrow designs from deep-sea shrimp

Researchers studied the exoskeletons of deep-sea shrimp and shallow-dwelling shrimp, revealing differences in structure and performance. The deep-sea exoskeleton is softer yet capable of withstanding temperature extremes, while the surface-shrimp exoskeleton is harder and better protects against predators.

Why kids' recovery times vary widely after brain injury

A UCLA/USC study suggests that damage to the brain's nerve fibers is likely the cause of varying recovery times after a traumatic brain injury. The research found that patients with widespread myelin damage performed 14% worse on cognitive tests and had slower wiring, while those with intact myelin recovered faster.

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.

Substance abuse reduces brain volume in women but not men

A new study published in Radiology found that substance abuse has long-term effects on brain volume in women, with significant reductions in gray matter volume in several brain areas. In contrast, men showed no such brain changes after abstinence from stimulant use.

More precise estimate of Avogadro's number to help redefine kilogram

Researchers from Italy, Japan and Germany correlated two precise measurements of Avogadro's number to obtain a single value that can be used to redefine the kilogram. The new estimate will help expand international access to precise measurements and pave the way for a more accurate and globally accessible definition.

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.

Smart cornfields of the future

Researchers aim to improve crop productivity by optimizing photosynthetic efficiency, a process that has plateaued due to its inefficiency. Designs include smart canopies with layered plants and tailored light-absorbing pigments to minimize light saturation and maximize energy use.

Anti-stress hormone may provide indication of breast cancer risk

A new study from Lund University found a significant correlation between low levels of the anti-stress hormone enkephalin and an increased risk of breast cancer. Women with the lowest levels of the hormone had a risk more than three times that of those with the highest levels.

GoPro HERO13 Black

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