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Science News Archive July 2015


Page 24 of 34

NOAA, partners predict severe harmful algal bloom for Lake Erie

The 2015 western Lake Erie harmful algal bloom season is expected to be the most severe in recent years, with blooms peaking in September. The severity index measures 8.7, indicating a higher risk of blooms in high concentration areas and potential water quality issues.

'Conjunction junction' for brain's navigation function

The study identifies the retrosplenial cortex as a critical brain region for navigating complex environments, combining mapping interior and exterior spaces. The findings support computational modeling research and clinical observations of Alzheimer's disease, with potential applications in robotics and early disease detection.

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.

A tunable, highly sensitive graphene-based molecule sensor

Scientists at EPFL and ICFO have developed a reconfigurable, highly sensitive graphene-based molecule sensor that can detect nanometric compounds. The device exploits the unique electronic and optical properties of graphene to focus light on precise spots, enabling detection of tiny molecules.

Scientists don't turn a blind eye to bias

A team of biologists reviewed nearly 900,000 experiments and found non-blind trials averaged a 27% stronger result than blind trials. The study suggests less than one in four experiments used blind data recording.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Jumping robots blend the best of both worlds

Researchers designed a more efficient jumping robot using 3D printing techniques and combining hard and soft materials. The robot's unique design, inspired by nature, allows for improved durability and control.

Study reveals alarming effects of climate change on bumble bees

Researchers have found that climate change is causing widespread declines of pollinators across continents, affecting critical roles played by bumble bees as wild pollinators. The study reveals that bumble bee species are being compressed into their northernmost ranges, leading to alarming effects on ecosystems.

Smart stuff: IQ of Northwest power grid raised, energy saved

A five-year regional smart grid pilot project in the Pacific Northwest improved energy efficiency and reduced power costs by up to $235,000 annually. The project also demonstrated the effectiveness of transactive control technology in improving reliability and reducing peak demand.

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.

Super graphene helps boost chemotherapy treatment

Researchers found that a silver coating on catheters breaks down chemotherapy drugs, reducing treatment effectiveness. In contrast, graphene was shown not to react with the drugs, making it a promising alternative for medical equipment coatings.

Researchers identify cause of heart damage in sepsis patients

Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered that nuclear proteins called histones induce damage to heart muscle cells in sepsis. Histone levels in blood can predict which patients are at risk of developing deadly heart complications. The study also identified a novel targeted treatment using specific antibodies.

Graphene gets competition

Researchers have developed black arsenic phosphorus as an alternative to graphene for electronic devices. The new material exhibits an extremely small band gap and can be precisely controlled by adjusting the arsenic concentration, making it suitable for sensors and other applications.

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.

Volcanic eruptions slow down climate change -- temporarily

A team of international researchers found that volcanic aerosols have acted as a natural umbrella to slow down global temperature increase from greenhouse gases. The cooling effect due to volcanic eruptions was clearly underestimated by climate models, and it is only temporary as the rise of Earth's temperature will speed up again.

Astronomers find a massive black hole that outgrew its galaxy

Astronomers have found a super-sized black hole in the early universe that grew faster than its host galaxy, challenging previous observations. The massive black hole, measuring 7 billion solar masses, is located in galaxy CID-947 and has a mass similar to that of a typical galaxy.

Researcher detects traces of HIV in the city

A sociologist has revealed significant traces of HIV in Montreal's urban landscape, including public spaces like Park of Hope and the Chapel of Hope. These urban vestiges reflect the history and presence of the gay community and the fight against AIDS.

Deceptive flowers

Scientists found that flowers with both scent and nectar attract more pollinators, increasing outcrossing rates. Nectar has a larger impact on female moths laying eggs than floral scent.

Study determines why organizations fight data breaches differently

A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas finds that organizations should invest in three key resources to protect their information: security technologies, qualified personnel, and security awareness. The researchers surveyed 241 organizations and identified coercive and normative pressures as drivers of investment in securit...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Uric acid may lessen women's disability after stroke

A new study found that 42% of women treated with uric acid therapy had little to no disability after 90 days compared to 29% of those treated with a placebo. Uric acid also helped reduce dead tissue resulting from lack of blood supply.

Researchers develop basic computing elements for bacteria

Researchers at MIT have created sensors, memory switches, and circuits that can be encoded in the common human gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. These basic computing elements will allow the bacteria to sense, memorize, and respond to signals in the gut.

Tunneling out of the surface

A research team has discovered a new chemical reaction pathway on titanium dioxide that allows hydrogen atoms to tunnel away from the surface. This breakthrough could lead to efficient hydrogen storage technology, addressing the challenge of storing and transporting hydrogen for renewable energy applications.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Human color vision gives people the ability to see nanoscale differences

Researchers discovered human eyes can distinguish between thin films of different thickness by observing color differences, achieving precision beyond normal human vision. This ability rivals techniques like ellipsometry, which measure minute thicknesses, and could be used as a quick check by experienced technicians.

Assessing quality of flowing waters with DNA analyses

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a method to quickly and reliably identify organisms in flowing waters using DNA barcodes. This approach sheds light on the quality of habitats and can be used to assess water quality, even when species abundance is uncertain.

Everyday access to nature improves quality of life in older adults

A recent study by University of Minnesota researchers highlights the importance of everyday contact with nature for healthy aging in seniors. Green and blue spaces are found to promote feelings of renewal, restoration, and spiritual connectedness, as well as provide opportunities for multi-generational social interactions.

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.

Cells help viruses during cell entry

Researchers found that adenoviruses use ceramide lipids to trigger an infection by creating small pores in the cell membrane. The virus then multiplies in the nucleus and infects other cells. This discovery could lead to new anti-viral agents for gene therapy and vaccination.

DNA protection, inch by inch

Researchers at EMBL Grenoble have found a way to identify and silence 'jumping genes' that can alter the genetic code, using tiny RNA molecules called piRNA. These piRNAs guide proteins to destroy the genes, preventing uncontrolled changes in DNA.

New technique for precise light-activated chemotherapy drugs

Researchers developed a method to optically control microtubule inhibitor drugs with high spatial precision, allowing for targeted treatment of cancer cells. The technique uses blue light to switch on and off the drugs, eliminating systemic side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy.

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.

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.

New research: Coffee not associated with lifestyle diseases

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology reveals that coffee neither increases nor decreases the risk of obesity and diabetes. Genetic analysis of 93,000 Danes suggests that drinking coffee is not associated with these lifestyle diseases.

MIT scientists hack one of the most common bacteria in human intestines

Researchers at MIT successfully engineered Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to express genes on demand, allowing for precise control over its functions in the mouse gut microbiome. This breakthrough has significant implications for tackling health-related problems and may lead to the development of new therapeutic applications.

Many overweight teenagers do not recognize they are too heavy

A Cancer Research UK study found that almost three-quarters of overweight or obese 13-15-year-olds are in the normal-weight range. The study showed that only around 40% of these teens thought they were too heavy, while seven per cent believed they were too light.

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.

Climate change: Compressing the bumblebee range

A new study reveals that climate change is compressing the geographic ranges of North American and European bumblebees, leading to significant population declines. The research highlights the importance of conserving these vital crop pollinators globally to prevent their extinction.

A graphene-based sensor that is tunable and highly sensitive

Researchers developed a graphene-based sensor that can detect nanometer-sized molecules and reveal their structure. By harnessing the unique optical and electronic properties of graphene, scientists improved upon infrared absorption spectroscopy to create a highly sensitive molecule sensor.

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.

Tropical peatland carbon losses from oil palm plantations may be underestimated

A new study by the University of Minnesota and Union of Concerned Scientists found that tropical peatland carbon losses from oil palm plantations may be significantly higher than previously estimated, with actual rates nearly twice as high as official estimates. This suggests improved strategies for measuring greenhouse gas emissions i...

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.

U-M, partners predict severe harmful algal bloom for Lake Erie

Researchers predict a severe harmful algal bloom in western Lake Erie, with expected severity index of 8.7, posing risks to swimmers, boaters, and drinking water supply. The bloom will develop from west to east and peak in September, with local weather conditions influencing its impact.

'Jumping genes' may drive esophageal cancer

Studies of oesophageal tumour samples reveal that L1 elements can alter cell growth and division, potentially leading to cancer. Mobile genetic sequences are found to occur around 100 times in each tumour sample, with some occurring up to 700 times.

Climate change impacts on bumblebees converge across continents

A new study reveals that climate change is forcing North American and European bumblebee species to shrink their geographic ranges, with losses of up to 300 kilometers. The findings suggest that these pollinators may experience more rapid decline than other species due to warming temperatures.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Cultural and economic factors affect European antidepressant use

A new study by researchers from King's College London found that antidepressants were prescribed more often and used more regularly in countries with higher levels of healthcare spending. Attitudes towards mental illness, such as viewing people with a mental illness as 'dangerous', were also associated with higher use of antidepressants.

Testosterone therapy fails to treat ejaculatory dysfunction

A new study found that testosterone replacement therapy did not improve sexual function in men with ejaculatory disorders and low testosterone levels. Despite a small increase in testosterone levels, the treatment did not show significant benefits in ejaculate volume or orgasmic function.

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.