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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 25


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.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·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.

Blood pressure levels and prevalence among US children and adolescents declined in past decade

A recent study published in the American Journal of Hypertension revealed a decline in blood pressure levels among US children and adolescents over the past decade. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999-2012, finding that mean blood pressure levels, as well as the prevalence of elev...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

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

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 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.

Early HIV treatment improves survival in some patients with newly diagnosed TB

A study found that starting anti-HIV treatment within two weeks of TB diagnosis improved survival rates among patients with very low CD4 T-cell counts. However, delaying treatment until after TB is completed may be beneficial for patients with stronger immune systems.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 9, 2015

UA College of Pharmacy researchers link liver disease and drug metabolism

Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy have discovered a link between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and drug metabolism. NASH, an increasingly common but often undiagnosed liver disease, can cause toxic levels of certain medications to be retained in the body.

SourceUniversity of Arizona, College of Pharmacy·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 9, 2015

Researchers identify gene responsible for some cases of male infertility

New research reveals mutations in the X chromosome gene TEX11 are linked to 1% of azoospermia cases, a condition where men produce no sperm. The study found that reintroducing the gene restores fertility in mice, highlighting the protein's role in sperm formation and chromosomal arrangements.

SourceWiley·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJul 9, 2015
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.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceRice University·JournalCell·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceIntermountain Medical Center·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 9, 2015

A new atlas of the brain opens up alternative means for studying brain disorders

A new study combines neuroscience, image processing, and network theory to create a brain atlas that follows a common functional and structural pattern. The atlas shows the modular skeleton shared by structure and function, revealing the heavy dependence between structural connectivity and functional connectivity networks.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalImmunity·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceWorld Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2015

Roman concrete mimicked resistant rock in strained region of Italy

A new study reveals that the Campi Flegrei caldera's caprock resembles ancient Roman concrete, with intertwining fibrous minerals contributing to its high strength. The findings help explain how the caldera has endured significant deformation without erupting.

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

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.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalCurrent Environmental Health Reports·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

Researcher finds men strip for self-esteem boost

A CU Denver researcher discovered that male exotic dancers continue stripping due to enhanced self-concept and positive feelings of self-worth, contradicting common assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateJul 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceCenter for Ocean Solutions·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·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.

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...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 9, 2015

Diabetes complications linked to rising risk of dementia

A nationwide study found that people with diabetes and high rates of complications are more likely to develop dementia as they age. Better blood sugar control is crucial for preventing the onset of dementia.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 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.

New recommendations addresses the diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency

The International Society for Sexual Medicine recommends a clinical and biochemical syndrome definition for testosterone deficiency, characterized by low testosterone levels and symptoms. The new guidelines provide evidence-based guidance on testing, lifestyle modifications, and treatment options for men with testosterone deficiency.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateJul 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJul 8, 2015

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.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 8, 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.

Ludwig Cancer Research and the Cancer Research Institute evaluate immunotherapeutic strategies for brain cancer and other types of solid tumors

Ludwig Cancer Research and the Cancer Research Institute launched clinical trials to evaluate immunotherapeutic strategies for brain cancer and various solid tumors. The trials will test MedImmune's checkpoint blockade antibody durvalumab in patients with glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly form of adult brain cancer.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·DateJul 8, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 8, 2015

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.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 8, 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.

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.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2015