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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 11


Page 11 of 34

NYU Langone researchers to present new findings at 2015 Alzheimer's Association Conference

Researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center presented new findings on Alzheimer's disease treatment at the 2015 Alzheimer's Association Conference. The studies focused on the development of monoclonal antibodies that can recognize oligomeric tau and Aβ, as well as pathological structures in Parkinson's disease human brains. Additionall...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateJul 22, 2015

Mowing dry detention basins makes mosquito problems worse, team finds

Researchers found that mowing down cattails and phragmites in stormwater basins leads to a boom in mosquito populations and an increased risk of West Nile virus transmission. Mowing also disperses bird species, which are natural reservoir hosts for the virus, contrary to initial expectations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 22, 2015

Smarter window materials can control light and energy

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed smart window materials that can control light and energy efficiency, allowing for precise indoor climate control. The new materials enable 90% NIR and 80% visible light blocking, reducing energy costs for cooling buildings and homes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 22, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Benefits of strip-till surface after five-year study

Researchers found that strip-till farming increased soil organic matter content by 8.6% after five years compared to no-till methods. This resulted in reduced bulk density and penetration resistance, creating a more favorable environment for crop growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 22, 2015

Modified DNA building blocks are cancer's Achilles heel

Researchers discovered that cancer cells incorporate chemically modified nucleosides into their DNA, which is toxic to them. The study found that modifying these nucleosides could be used as a specific anti-cancer agent, exploiting epigenetic changes in cancer cells.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2015

Banned chemical pollutant lowers fertility in UK porpoises

A study led by the Zoological Society of London found that harbour porpoises in European waters are struggling with reproductive failures, with almost 20% of females experiencing stillbirth or foetal death. PCB concentrations in UK porpoises were moderate despite being banned over 30 years ago.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2015
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.

Job services lacking for young people with autism

A new study reveals that young people with autism are struggling to find and keep jobs, with only 47% securing employment after receiving vocational services. Experts emphasize the importance of vocational counseling, guidance, and coordination between high schools and rehabilitation systems to support this growing population.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJul 22, 2015

New source of lead in drinking water identified: Galvanized steel pipe coatings

A recent study found that galvanized steel pipes can release high levels of lead into drinking water, with concentrations reaching up to 172 µg/L. Copper piping installed upstream can worsen lead release from the zinc coating, posing a significant risk to public health.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateJul 22, 2015

Researchers find Massachusetts schools are improving food options

Researchers found that Massachusetts school food regulations led to significant improvements in competitive foods and beverages, with middle school compliance rising from 13% to 69% and high school compliance increasing from 28% to 80%. The study suggests that states can successfully implement similar standards nationwide.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 22, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Predicting the shape of river deltas

Researchers from MIT and WHOI have developed a simple way to predict a river delta's shape, influenced by its river's sediment flux and ocean waves' strength. The new metric can help engineers determine how engineered structures like dams and levees may affect the coastline of a river delta.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGeology·DateJul 22, 2015

Preserving photoreceptor cells following retinal injury

Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear discovered that the alternative complement pathway exacerbates photoreceptor cell death after injury, but blocking it can protect photoreceptors. Inhibition of this pathway offers a new therapeutic target to prevent initial photoreceptor loss.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 22, 2015

Using low-dose irradiation, researchers can now edit human genes

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new gene-editing technique involving low-dose irradiation, which is 10 times more effective than existing methods. This breakthrough could enable scientists to model human diseases more accurately and accelerate the discovery process.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateJul 22, 2015
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Researchers identify genetic mutation causing lethal condition in infants

A genetic mutation in the PLVAP gene has been identified as a cause of severe protein losing enteropathy in infants, leading to abdominal swelling, malnutrition and early death. The study's findings offer hope for targeted correction through gene therapy.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 22, 2015

Kiwi bird genome sequenced

The kiwi genome sequencing reveals several genes involved in colour vision are inactivated, while the diversity of odorant receptors is higher than in other birds, indicating a reliance on their sense of smell for foraging. Genetic changes occurred about 35 million years ago, reflecting the kiwi's adaptation to its nocturnal lifestyle.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 22, 2015
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.

E-cigarettes may be as addictive as traditional ones

Researchers found that e-cig liquids contain primarily free-base nicotine, the most addictive form, and often do not match label concentrations. This suggests that e-cigarettes can be just as hazardous to health as traditional tobacco products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateJul 22, 2015

Crushing snakes kill by blood constriction, not suffocation

A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology found that boa constrictors rapidly shut down the circulation of their victims. The snakes cut off the blood supply to vital organs, causing cardiac arrest and death within seconds. This discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms of snake constriction.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 22, 2015

ALMA witnesses assembly of galaxies in the early universe for the first time

A team of astronomers using ALMA has detected the faint glow of ionised carbon in a galaxy just over 800 million years after the Big Bang. This finding reveals new details about the assembly of galaxies in the early universe and provides valuable information on the interstellar medium and star formation processes.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 22, 2015
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.

UNC doctors analyze treatment options for gallbladder disease

A new review article analyzes five interventional approaches to gallbladder disease, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, NOTES, and endoscopic transmural drainage. The authors highlight the potential benefits of these minimally invasive procedures, which offer alternatives to traditional surgery and can improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 22, 2015

ORNL researchers make scalable arrays of 'building blocks' for ultrathin electronics

Scientists have developed a method to produce arrays of semiconductor junctions within a single, nanometer-thick crystal using pulsed laser deposition and commercial electron-beam lithography techniques. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultrathin electronics with tunable bandgaps for various applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2015

Menopause associated with more fat around heart, raising risk for heart disease

A University of Pittsburgh study finds that late- and post-menopausal women have more fat around their hearts than pre-menopausal counterparts, increasing the risk of heart disease. Hormonal changes during menopause may be to blame for this shift in fat deposits.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 22, 2015
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.

Low levels of hormone linked to social deficit in autism, Stanford study finds

A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine suggests that low levels of vasopressin, a hormone involved in social behavior, are associated with social deficits in children with autism. Researchers found that autistic children who had the lowest vasopressin levels in their blood also displayed greater social impairment.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2015

MD Anderson named as 1 of 2 Genome Characterization Centers

The MD Anderson Cancer Center has been selected as a Genome Characterization Center to analyze patient samples from multiple NCI programs. The center will focus on functional proteomics, enabling the study of protein expression and modification in cancer tumors.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateJul 22, 2015

The light of fireflies for medical diagnostics

EPFL scientists develop a highly accurate detection system using firefly-inspired biotechnology, enabling quick diagnosis of cancer and protein interactions without requiring expensive equipment. The system utilizes a chemically-tweaked enzyme to produce light signals that can be seen with the naked eye.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2015

Having wealthy neighbors may skew beliefs about overall wealth distribution

Research found that people use their neighborhoods as a gauge of wealth distribution, influencing wealthy individuals' perceptions of the broader population's wealth. The study also revealed a chain-like relationship between household income, social-circle income, and perceived fairness.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 22, 2015

Study: Popular new anticoagulants drive increase in atrial fibrillation treatment

More adults are visiting doctors for anticoagulant treatment due to the popularity of new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which have fewer food and drug interactions than warfarin. The study found that DOACs have risen to nearly match the use of warfarin, with 57% of anticoagulant visits related to warfarin use in 2014.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateJul 22, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New battery technologies take on lithium-ion

Two new battery technologies, sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur, are poised to compete with lithium-ion batteries in the electric car market. Faradion's sodium-ion version and Oxis Energy's lithium-sulfur technology aim to match lithium-ion performance, safety, and costs within the next two to four years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 22, 2015

Musical tastes offer a window into how you think

A study by the University of Cambridge found that individuals' musical preferences reflect their cognitive style, with those scoring high on empathy preferring mellow music and those scoring high on systemizing favoring intense music. The research used a dataset of over 4,000 participants and found consistent results across genres.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2015
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.

Molecular mechanisms contributing to addiction resistance uncovered

Researchers have identified a single amino acid difference in the mu-opioid receptor that affects behavior and addiction susceptibility. Individuals with the G variant exhibit improved resilience to stress, reduced susceptibility to alcoholism, and increased ability to quit smoking and heroin use.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateJul 22, 2015

Gene mutation contributes to liver disease in patients of normal weight

Researchers found that normal-weight carriers of the PNPLA3 mutant genotype are at higher risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and renal function dysfunction. The study suggests this mutation may be used to identify individuals at high-risk for NAFLD, regardless of weight status.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2015

A dictionary of the language of cells

A RIKEN-led team has developed a large-scale map of primary cell-to-cell interactions, revealing common signaling routes between cells and new insights into receptor evolution. This data can contribute to the development of medical treatments by identifying potential targets for therapies in various diseases.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Tel Aviv University among researchers to discover first evidence of farming in Mideast

Researchers from Tel Aviv University and international partners uncover proof of trial plant cultivation 11 millennia earlier than conventional ideas suggest. The study reveals early humans had gathered over 140 species of plants, including weeds mixed with edible cereals, indicating basic knowledge of agriculture and foresight.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2015

Scientists see risks in biodiversity offsets misuse

Researchers urge caution when using biodiversity offsets to compensate for development damage, as it can lead to 'stealth' reneging on existing conservation goals. Properly designed offsets can help reconcile development with conservation, but improper use can cause more harm than good.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2015

Computer security tools for journalists lacking in a post-Snowden world

A new study by University of Washington and Columbia University researchers found significant security weaknesses in journalists' technological tools and ad-hoc workarounds. Despite the importance of protecting sensitive information, many journalists use insecure methods to organize notes and communicate with sources.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJul 22, 2015

Soybean oil causes more obesity than coconut oil and fructose

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that a high-soybean-oil diet caused significant weight gain, diabetes, and insulin resistance in mice compared to diets high in coconut oil or fructose. The researchers used mice fed different diets containing various types of fats to investigate the effects on obesity and metabolic syndrome.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2015
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.

Researchers quantify nature's role in human well-being

A team of researchers has advanced new modeling technology to quantify human dependence on nature and its impact on human well-being. The study found that people who depended on multiple types of ecosystem services fared better than those with limited resources.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcosystem Health and Sustainability·DateJul 22, 2015

UTMB study uncovers mechanism responsible for pollen-induced allergies

Researchers at UTMB discovered a key mechanism behind developing allergic asthma and seasonal nasal allergies after exposure to airborne pollens like ragweed. The study found that neutrophils, white blood cells, attract in response to allergens, trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateJul 22, 2015

Antiviral compound protects nonhuman primates against Marburg virus

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine reports that an experimental compound, AVI-7288, protected nonhuman primates against the deadly Marburg virus. The compound showed efficacy even when administered after exposure to the virus. Phase I clinical trial results also indicated safety and tolerability.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 22, 2015

Coping by avoidance in making decisions for relatives in ICU may lead to PTSD

A new study at Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing found that coping by avoidance when making decisions for relatives in ICU can lead to PTSD. The study surveyed 77 people and found 42% had clinically significant PTSD symptoms, with death of the patient being a strong predictor.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateJul 22, 2015
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.

International forum showcases QUT biotech research

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have developed a new genetic technique using CRISPR-Cas9 to improve the nutritional value of feed for livestock. The method generates specific yeast that combine protein with digestive enzymes, reducing the need for supplements.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateJul 21, 2015

2015 awards recipients of The Geological Society of America

The Geological Society of America recognized James W. Head, Jerry X. Mitrovica, Brandon Schmandt, and others for their groundbreaking contributions to geology. The GSA also honored individuals for their public service, outstanding achievements in science, and dedication to the profession.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateJul 21, 2015
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.

Juvenile inmates have more mental health hospitalizations, Stanford study finds

A Stanford study reveals that juvenile inmates are more likely to be hospitalized for mental health problems and have longer hospital stays compared to non-incarcerated young people. Mental health diagnoses, particularly depressive disorders, substance abuse, and conduct disorders, were common among detained youth.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 21, 2015