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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 16


Page 16 of 34

NASA sees Tropical Storm Nangka moving into Sea of Japan

Tropical Storm Nangka caused the evacuation of over 200,000 people in Japan and is moving towards the Sea of Japan. The storm's wind speed decreased to 40 mph as it moved northeastward, with forecasters predicting its dissipation in a day or two.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 17, 2015

Cholesterol metabolism in immune cells linked to HIV progression

Research found that enhanced cholesterol metabolism in certain immune cells may help explain why some HIV-infected people naturally control disease progression. The study analyzed gene expression data from immune cells and found higher levels of cholesterol-related genes associated with defective viral transmission.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 17, 2015

Dairy products boost effectiveness of probiotics

A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that dairy products can boost the effectiveness of probiotics. The researchers found that mice fed milk with the probiotic Lactobacillus casei BL23 had reduced symptoms compared to those without the probiotic.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 17, 2015
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.

Some like it sweet, others not so much: It's partly in the genes

A twin study found that genetic factors account for approximately 30 percent of person-to-person variance in sweet taste perception. The study also revealed a shared pathway between the perception of natural sugars and high-potency sugar substitutes.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalTwin Research and Human Genetics·DateJul 16, 2015

Sitting time not associated with poorer diets in US adults

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that sedentary time was not linked to poorer diets among US adults. However, more sedentary time was associated with a lower intake of empty calories. The researchers suggest targeting reducing and breaking up sedentary time as a separate strategy from encouraging healthy dietary habits.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJul 16, 2015

Researchers find the 'acoustic signature' of screams

A team of neuroscientists identified a specific acoustic characteristic called 'roughness' that is unique to screams. This trait refers to how fast the sound changes in loudness, and it's measured in Hertz (Hz), typically between 30-150 Hz.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2015

NASA sees Typhoon Nangka knocking on Japan's door

Typhoon Nangka is moving north towards mainland Japan, with NASA satellites tracking its progression. The storm's maximum sustained winds decreased from 65 knots to 75 mph/120 kph, making it a minimal category 1 typhoon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 16, 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.

New finding on the formation of fat tissue in man

Researchers found that bone marrow-derived cells can develop into fat cells, with BMI playing a significant role. The study suggests potential new therapies for metabolic diseases and obesity-related conditions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 16, 2015

Gaia satellite and amateur astronomers spot one in a billion star

Researchers have discovered a unique binary star system, Gaia14aae, where one star eclipses the other. The system is an important laboratory for studying ultra-bright supernova explosions, which help measure the expansion of the Universe.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 16, 2015

Defenses up: Hormone helps plants determine friend from foe

Research reveals that salicylic acid shapes the microbial community at a plant's root by keeping certain families of bacteria out and letting others in. The hormone also recruits desirable bacterial families, a discovery that could lead to increased plant productivity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Carbon dioxide pools discovered in Aegean Sea

Scientists have discovered opalescent pools in the Santorini volcano's crater containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide. The pools' unique properties may hold answers to questions about deepsea carbon storage and provide a means of monitoring the volcano for future eruptions.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2015

No bones about it: Cannabis may be used to treat fractures

A new study found that the administration of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic component of cannabis, significantly enhances the healing process of bone fractures. The study, conducted on rats with mid-femoral fractures, showed that CBD markedly improves bone healing after just eight weeks.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJul 16, 2015

Sun's activity controls Greenland temperatures

A new study suggests high solar activity in the 1950s-80s slowed down ocean circulation between the South Atlantic and North Atlantic, cooling Greenland while the rest of the Northern Hemisphere warmed. Weak solar activity could now fire up the circulation mechanism, leading to faster ice sheet melting and increased sea-level rise.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2015

Firearm shooting errors could be reduced through cognitive training

Research suggests that cognitive training can improve shooting abilities by enhancing response inhibition, particularly in individuals with ADHD. The study found that participants who underwent response inhibition training shot fewer civilians in simulated scenarios, indicating a potential new approach to firearms training.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 16, 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.

Feathered cousin of 'Jurassic Park' star unearthed in China

A newly identified species of feathered dinosaur has been found to have complex, quill pen-like feathers and short wings, challenging previous assumptions about the diversity of winged dinosaurs. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, provides new insights into the evolution and biology of these fascinating creatures.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2015

Food scientists to work with small farms and growers on food safety

A five-year grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture will support a graduate training program combining laboratory research and practical application to enhance food safety in the produce industry. The program aims to develop tested, validated methods to reduce food safety risks in an affordable way.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJul 16, 2015

Machines on the rise: A special issue on artificial intelligence

Recent progress in AI has driven significant advancements in machine learning, language processing, and human-like computer programs. Researchers discuss potential implications for humankind, including challenges to privacy, equality, and the public good.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 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.

Is this restaurant making me fat?

New research evaluates a restaurant scorecard for healthy dining, identifying 100 actions to promote healthier eating behaviors. The study found that the scorecards can reliably rate a restaurant's effectiveness in helping diners make healthy choices.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·DateJul 16, 2015

Bilinguals of 2 spoken languages have more gray matter than monolinguals

A new study found that bilingual individuals have more gray matter in the brain's executive control region, which is involved in tasks such as attention, inhibition, and short-term memory. This 'bilingual advantage' was observed in Spanish-English bilinguals but not in ASL-English bilinguals.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJul 16, 2015

Grandparents' affection piling on the pounds in Chinese children

A study by the University of Birmingham found that Chinese children cared for mainly by their grandparents are more than twice as likely to be overweight or obese. Grandparents often indulge and protect their grandkids, leading to unhealthy eating habits and a lack of physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 16, 2015

It's official: Workplace rudeness is contagious

A University of Florida study found that encountering rude behavior at work makes people more likely to perceive rudeness in later interactions, leading to a vicious cycle. The study's findings provide evidence that everyday impoliteness spreads in the workplace, having a powerful negative effect on performance.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 16, 2015

Surprise -- subtle distractors may divert action more than overt ones

Researchers found that subtle visual distractions caused significant deviations from the intended path, contrary to intuition. The study's findings suggest a new phenomenon where the brain employs a suppression mechanism to tune out bigger distractions, but struggles with less apparent ones.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 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.

New in the Hastings Center Report: Disclosing misattributed parentage, treating terrorists, informed consent in the era of personalized medicine, and more in the July-August 2015 issue

Genome researchers should disclose misattributed parentage to parents to respect their autonomy and sense of self. The issue also explores punishing health care providers for treating terrorists, highlighting the need for moral and legal clarity in such situations.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJul 16, 2015

Neuroscience-based algorithms make for better networks

Researchers developed an algorithm inspired by brain pruning, which eliminates unneeded connections in early childhood. The neuroscience-based approach created more efficient and robust networks than traditional engineering methods.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 16, 2015

Resveratrol, quercetin could provide new options for cancer therapy

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a system to increase bioavailability of resveratrol and quercetin, potentially allowing extensive use of Adriamycin while reducing cardiac toxicity. The co-administration of these polyphenols enhances the efficacy of cancer drugs by sensitizing cancer cells.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJul 16, 2015
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.

Cell division speeds up as part of antibody selection, study shows

Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that high affinity B cells divide faster during the antibody selection process, giving them an advantage. This discovery builds on earlier work and may have important implications for improving vaccines and understanding lymphomas.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

Jurassic saw fastest mammal evolution

Mammals underwent rapid 'burst' of evolutionary change in the mid-Jurassic, producing characteristic body shapes that remained recognisable for tens of millions of years. This period of radical change produced up to 8 significant changes per million years, compared to 1-2 at the end of the Jurassic.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2015
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.

Orchestrating hair cell regeneration: A supporting player's close-up

Researchers studied zebrafish to understand how support cells contribute to hair cell regeneration after damage or death. Approximately half of the dividing support cells differentiated into hair cells, while the rest self-renewed, maintaining a reserve force for regenerative action.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 16, 2015

Trapped light orbits within an intriguing material

Scientists have discovered that light can be stored and trap particles of light called phonon polaritons behave in unique ways. The light's movement isn't random but follows fixed angles with respect to the atomic structure, leading to interesting resonances.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 16, 2015

Why bad genes don't always lead to bad diseases

A new study has uncovered a key factor in the variability of genetic disease severity, enabling prediction and personalized treatment approaches. By analyzing genetic background, researchers can now estimate disease severity, providing hope for improved management and therapy development.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCell·DateJul 16, 2015
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.

Unearthing cornerstones in root microbiomes

Researchers discovered that phytohormones regulate microbial abundance, influencing the composition of root microbiomes. The study found that plants can select and benefit from specific strains of microbes, but also face pathogens that take nutrients and damage plants.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

NTU scientists discover potential treatment for Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that activating Nurr1, a class of proteins in the brain, protects dopamine neurons and improves motor control. The study suggests that existing anti-malaria drugs could be repurposed to treat Parkinson's disease.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2015

RapidScat shows Enrique holding tropical storm status

NASA's RapidScat instrument detected tropical storm-force winds in Tropical Storm Enrique on July 16, contradicting a forecast that the system would weaken. The storm is moving west-northwest at 8 mph and may turn west by Friday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 16, 2015
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.

Breakthrough finding brings cure for flesh-eating skin disease 1 step closer

Researchers from the University of Surrey have made a breakthrough discovery that the bacteria causing Buruli ulcer disease triggers a blood clot, similar to deep vein thrombosis. This finding suggests that anticoagulant medicines may be effective in treating the disease, leading to faster healing and fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 16, 2015

Child paralysis outbreak: UVA identifies potential cause

Researchers at UVA Health System have identified a new potential cause of the recent child paralysis outbreak, Enterovirus C105. While it is unclear if this virus is responsible for the outbreak, experts are cautioning against over-interpretation and emphasizing the need for further analysis.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJul 16, 2015

Iron regulators join war on pathogens

Researchers have discovered that iron regulatory proteins play a crucial role in fighting off infection by controlling iron levels. The study found that mice lacking these proteins died when infected with the Salmonella bacteria, highlighting their importance in immune defense.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 16, 2015

Genetic markers linking risk for type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's identified

A recent study published in Molecular Aspects of Medicine has identified genetic markers that link an increased risk for developing both type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The research, led by Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti, found specific genetic variations associated with higher susceptibility to both conditions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Aspects of Medicine·DateJul 16, 2015
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.

Massive study: Birth order has no meaningful effect on personality or IQ

A massive study of 377,000 high school students found that first-borns have a one-IQ-point advantage over later-borns but the differences are statistically insignificant. First-borns tend to be more extroverted and conscientious, while later-borns have less anxiety, but these effects are infinitesimally small.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJul 16, 2015

New findings hint toward reversing hearing loss

Researchers have identified two signaling molecules required for proper cochlea development. The study contributes to understanding of inner ear development and its potential goal of regenerating sensory hair cells, a key step toward reversing hearing loss in mammals.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJul 16, 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.

Low chance of recovering normal body weight highlights need for obesity prevention

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that obese individuals have a low chance of recovering normal body weight, with only 1 in 210 men and 1 in 124 women achieving this goal. The research highlights the need for obesity prevention strategies to address the rising obesity epidemic.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 16, 2015

On the way to breaking the terahertz barrier for graphene nanoelectronics

Graphene transistors and photodetectors will benefit from this simpler thermodynamic approach, allowing for improved performance. Researchers have discovered that the energy of ultrafast electrical currents is efficiently converted into electron heat, enabling faster operation speeds.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Scream if you have to

Researchers discovered that screams possess special acoustic properties, including roughness, which is a specific type of vocal expression used in stressful situations. Screams are modulated at a faster rate than normal speech, making them more attention-grabbing.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2015