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Science News Archive July 2015


Page 25 of 34

Spinal cord injuries increasing, especially among older individuals

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study analyzed data from 63,109 patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury and found a significant increase in incidence rates among men aged 65-74. Most patients regain some function after an injury, but many require lifelong healthcare services.

Towards an HIV vaccine

Researchers characterize immune proteins that recognize and eliminate virus, providing insight into developing a potent Nab response against different HIV subtypes. Studies examine the efficacy of Nabs in blocking direct cell-to-cell transmission of HIV, highlighting the importance of controlling virus replication via this pathway.

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.

Pandas spend less energy to afford bamboo diet

A new study reveals that giant pandas have evolved underactive thyroid glands and other energy-saving traits to afford a bamboo diet, with daily energy expenditure 38% of average for terrestrial mammals. This allows them to thrive on low-nutrient plants despite not having stomachs designed for such food.

A precocious black hole

A team of researchers discovered a massive black hole with nearly 7 billion solar masses in an otherwise normal, distant galaxy called CID-947. The finding contradicts previous theories on the co-evolution of galaxies and their central black holes.

Prion protein protects against epilepsy

Scientists confirm neuroprotective function of PrPC against epilepsy using four animal models, revealing its crucial role in preventing seizures. The study's precision and collaboration between international institutes make it a significant reference point in the field.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

A jump for soft-bodied robots

A team of Harvard scientists has developed a durable, soft-bodied jumping robot by seamlessly integrating rigid and soft body parts. The robot's unique design uses a gradient material strategy to reduce stress concentrations, making it extremely durable and safe for human operation.

Nutrition researchers develop the healthy beverage index

A new scoring method, the Healthy Beverage Index (HBI), evaluates overall beverage intake quality and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors. Higher HBI scores are linked to more favorable lipid profiles, decreased hypertension risk, and improved C-reactive protein levels.

Depletion and enrichment of chlorine in perovskites observed

Researchers have found that chlorine is depleted from the surface of perovskite absorber layers during processing, while its concentration near the interface with a titanium dioxide layer is higher. This distribution could help mitigate recombination and provide a template for growing the film.

Bacteria use DNA replication to time key decision

Researchers discovered that bacteria time their sporulation decision with their cell-division cycle, using the location of genes on the circular chromosome. This timing allows for accurate determination of whether to reproduce or form spores.

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.

New program using CT technology helping doctors better detect lung cancer

A comprehensive lung cancer screening program utilizing CT scan technology at Intermountain Medical Center has been developed to detect lung cancer more accurately. The program, based on the National Lung Screening Trial, showed patients with CT scans had a 15-20% lower risk of dying compared to those with standard chest X-rays.

ECG scans predict kidney disease patients' risk of dying from heart disease

Certain ECG measures can identify individuals with chronic kidney disease at high risk of dying from heart disease. A panel of 5 common ECG parameters was found to enhance prediction of cardiovascular death in this population, suggesting potential novel interventions to prevent cardiovascular complications.

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.

NASA's Aqua satellite observes Supertyphoon Nangka

Supertyphoon Nangka was observed by NASA's Aqua satellite on July 9, providing visible and infrared images of the storm. The storm had powerful thunderstorms with a 9.2 km-wide eye and temperatures as low as -63°C, capable of generating heavy rain.

NASA's Swift reveals a black hole bull's-eye

Astronomers using NASA's Swift satellite have discovered concentric X-ray rings centered on a black hole, which form due to the 'echo' effect of light traveling through dust layers. The findings provide insights into the normally invisible interstellar dust and allow for better understanding of the black hole's behavior.

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.

Study finds vitamin A directs immune cells to the intestines

A team of researchers found that retinoic acid, a metabolite of vitamin A, is necessary for innate immune cells to find their proper place in the intestine. The study reveals the specific role vitamin A plays in the immune system and its influence on cell migration.

Researchers propose better way to invest in the SDGs

Gathering data on specific questions is the most effective way to support SDGs, says Keith Shepherd and colleagues. They propose five key principles: replacing targets with measures of return on investment and modeling intervention decisions.

Buzz the alarm: Climate change puts squeeze on bumblebees

A comprehensive study found that global warming is shrinking the habitat range of bumblebees, leading to a continental-scale decline. The research suggests that climate change is not the only threat, but rather a key factor in the rapid losses of terrain from the south and lagging expansion in the warming north.

Researchers identify new spectrum disorder called ALPIM syndrome

A new spectrum disorder called ALPIM syndrome has been identified by researchers, which links anxiety to physical disorders. The study found a high correlation between panic disorder and four domains of physical illness, including joint laxity, fibromyalgia, and immune disorders.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Why not build houses the environmentally friendly way?

A comprehensive review of studies on green buildings found that occupants experience better indoor air quality, reduced exposure to allergens and pollutants, and improved physical and mental health. Green buildings also improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and enhance patient care in hospitals.

3-D-printed robot is hard at heart, soft on the outside

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have created a 3D-printed robot with a soft exterior and rigid core, enabling over 30 untethered jumps. The robot's design combines nature-inspired materials to achieve improved agility and robustness for safe human interaction.

Hopping towards a better soft robot

Harvard engineers create a 3D-printed, soft robot that combines autonomy and speed with adaptability and resilience. The robot's design allows for the integration of rigid electronic components with its soft body, increasing robustness and reducing stress points.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Kid swagger: How children react to winning and losing

Children as young as two years old exhibit 'kid swagger' after winning or losing, indicating they understand pride and other complex emotions at a young age. Parents can use this knowledge to teach their children emotional regulation skills.

Where does water go when it doesn't flow?

A new study by University of Utah researchers shows that two-thirds of the remaining water after rainfall is released by plants, while more than a quarter lands on leaves and evaporates. The study also found that only 38% of water entering groundwater interacts with soil before reaching streams and groundwater.

Doctors to get better access to digital data

A new open-source software will put digitized biomedical data at the fingertips of healthcare professionals, enabling quicker second opinions and diagnoses. The software compresses images up to 100 times without losing detail or resolution.

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.

Managing mining of the deep seabed

The International Seabed Authority is poised to set the groundwork for future deep-sea environmental protection and mining regulations. Researchers recommend establishing networks of Marine Protected Areas to balance economic interests with conservation benefits, potentially benefiting both mining and biodiversity interests.

Modeling a nervous pathway involved in touch-induced behavior

Researchers Ache and Dürr develop a computational model of a descending mechanosensory pathway involved in active tactile sensing, capturing key properties of diverse neurons. The model is validated against real neuron coding properties and provides a common framework for modeling diverse neuron types.

Study finds link between inherited DNA sequences and heart disease

A recent study by the University of Leicester has discovered a potential link between recessively inherited DNA sequences and heart disease. The research found that individuals with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) had higher levels of genome-wide homozygosity, which is associated with an increased risk of CAD. The study's findings sugges...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Where iron and water mix

A new study reveals that chemical-laden plumes from hydrothermal vents can be traced across the Pacific for over 4,000 kilometers and impact global ocean chemistry. The iron transported by these plumes has the potential to serve as a key life-sustaining micro-nutrient in the surface oceans of Antarctica.

Neuroscientists establish brain-to-brain networks in primates, rodents

Researchers at Duke University have successfully established brain-to-brain networks in primates and rodents, allowing them to work together to complete simple tasks. The brain networks, or Brainets, enable animals to exchange sensory and motor information in real-time, controlling movement and even predicting weather patterns.

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.

Second instrument delivered for OSIRIS-REx mission

The OSIRIS-REx Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (OVIRS) instrument will help the team select a suitable sampling site on asteroid Bennu by measuring visible and near infrared light. The mission aims to investigate the composition of the early solar system, organic materials, and water.

Gene therapy restores hearing in deaf mice

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School used gene therapy to restore hearing in mice with genetic deafness. The treatment successfully restored the ability of sensory hair cells to respond to sound and partially restored actual hearing in deaf mice.

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.

Probiotics -- for plants

Researchers have discovered beneficial bacteria that live inside plant tissue, improving nitrogen use efficiency and plant growth. This breakthrough has potential benefits for sustainable agriculture with minimum environmental impacts.

Secondhand smoke increases stroke risk by 30 percent for nonsmokers

A recent study found that secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of stroke by 30% for nonsmokers, regardless of other factors such as hypertension and heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 22,000 participants, suggests stricter smoking regulations to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Social engagement aids disaster preparedness

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that community participation and social networks can aid preparedness to natural disasters such as tsunamis in vulnerable regions. People who participate in social activities are more likely to plan and prepare for future disasters, including having a family emergency plan or disaster supplies kit.