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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 24


Page 24 of 34
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.

'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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·Journal2D Materials·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·DateJul 9, 2015

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...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInformation & Management·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2015

Scientists study atmosphere of Venus through transit images

Scientists measured the absorption of different wavelengths of light in Venus' atmosphere, revealing clues about its composition and temperature. This research will help improve studies of exoplanets and future missions to Venus.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalHealth & Place·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJul 9, 2015
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

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...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 9, 2015
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.

Money spent on community-based HIV prevention translates into treatment savings

A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that community-based HIV prevention programs in Ontario avert over 16,000 infections and save approximately $6.5 billion in treatment costs. The study also showed that these programs are cost-effective, providing valuable insights for health planners and policy decision-makers.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJul 9, 2015

'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.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 2015

Study finds violent video games provide quick stress relief, but at a price

A recent study found that playing violent video games can temporarily reduce stress and improve mood. However, the same gamers who enjoyed violent games also became more aggressive in their perceptions of others. The researchers recommend seeking out nonviolent games for emotional release.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 9, 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.