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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 31


Page 31 of 34

Novel DNA repair mechanism brings new horizons

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered a new DNA repair mechanism that can detect and fix single-stranded breaks in histone-bound DNA. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 3, 2015

Waiting to harvest after a rain enhances food safety

New research from Cornell University suggests that farmers should wait 24 hours after a rain or irrigation to harvest crops, as this reduces the risk of exposure to the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. By doing so, farmers can minimize the presence of Listeria on fresh produce and ensure consumer safety.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 3, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New test could predict arthritis drug failure in patients

A new study found that a test can predict which rheumatoid arthritis patients will fail to respond to biologic drugs. Detecting low drug levels and anti-drug antibodies in the bloodstream can help adjust treatments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJul 3, 2015

'Invisible' protein structure explains the power of enzymes

A study at Umea University has successfully captured a protein structure previously impossible to study, providing insights into enzymes' catalytic capabilities. The discovery enables the development of designed enzymes for new chemical reactions in biotechnology.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2015

A 'movie' of ultrafast rotating molecules at a hundred billion per second

Scientists have successfully imaged ultrafast unidirectionally rotating molecules at 100 billion per second, revealing a quantum wave-like nature. The high-resolution imaging reveals rotational wave packets with distinct angular velocities, showcasing the transition from quantum to classical behavior.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 3, 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.

Nobel Laureates appeal for climate protection

The Mainau Declaration 2015 on Climate Change states that nations must limit future global emissions and approve a new international agreement. The declaration warns of the consequences of unchecked climate change, which will overwhelm the Earth's ability to satisfy humanity's needs, leading to wholesale human tragedy.

SourceLindau Nobel Laureate Meetings·DateJul 3, 2015

Seeing the world through assistive glasses

The ADAMAAS project aims to create a mobile assistance system that identifies problems and provides situation-dependent assistance through intelligent glasses. The technology combines eye tracking, memory research, object recognition, and augmented reality to support users in daily activities.

SourceBielefeld University·DateJul 2, 2015

Soundproofing with quantum physics

Researchers have successfully applied topological insulator principles to mechanical systems, creating edge states that exhibit robust, 'topologically protected' properties. These properties make them suitable for applications in sound and vibration insulation, as well as focusing sound like a lens.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015

Tough tail of a seahorse may provide robotic solutions

Researchers studied seahorse's unusual skeletal structure and found its square-tail design provides flexibility and strength, allowing for energy-efficient grasping mechanisms and crushing resistance. This discovery may inspire robotics applications in laparoscopic surgery, industrial systems, or search & rescue robots.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 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.

HKUST researchers discover ways to regenerate corticospinal tract axons

Researchers at HKUST found a way to stimulate axon growth without external stimulants. The deletion of the PTEN gene enhances compensatory sprouting and promotes regeneration of CST axons. This breakthrough study offers new possibilities for treating chronic SCI, including delayed treatment up to 1 year after injury.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·DateJul 2, 2015

Researchers find mass killings, school shootings are contagious

A study by Arizona State University researchers found that mass killings and school shootings in the US are contagious, with a contagion period of approximately 13 days. The analysis revealed that roughly 20-30% of such tragedies are inspired by previous events, highlighting the complex dynamics underlying these incidents.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2015

Scientists warn of species loss due to man-made landscapes

A study by the University of Exeter found a 35% decline in bird species in agricultural habitats compared to natural areas. The researchers recommend incorporating patches of natural vegetation into agricultural landscapes to maintain biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateJul 2, 2015

Millions of children's lives saved through low-cost investments

A new analysis found that over 34 million children's lives have been saved since 2000 due to investments in child health programs at a cost of as little as $4,205 per child. The report, published in The Lancet, also highlights the impact of funding from donor agencies such as the US government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 2, 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.

Be square, seahorse; it has mechanical advantages

The seahorse tail's square shape provides better resistance to twisting and grasping control due to increased contact area. Its resilience is attributed to gliding joints, making it a valuable inspiration for designing search-and-rescue robots and other technologies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015

Found: Antibody that zaps resilient dengue serotype

A team led by Associate Professor Shee-Mei Lok at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered an antibody that neutralizes dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2), making it harder to kill. The finding could help develop dengue therapeutics and is a significant step towards addressing the global dengue pandemic.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015

Study shows novel HIV vaccine regimen provides robust protection in non-human primates

A new study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center shows that a novel HIV-1 vaccine regimen provides complete protection against simian immunodeficiency virus in half of vaccinated non-human primates. The vaccine regimen involves a viral vector boosted with a purified envelope protein, demonstrating improved protection over previo...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015

Cancer survivors who smoke perceive less risk from tobacco

A new study by the American Cancer Society found that cancer survivors who currently smoke report fewer negative opinions about smoking and have more barriers to quitting. They are also more likely to be exposed to other smokers, which may contribute to continued smoking.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateJul 2, 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.

Viral protein in their sights

A team from Harvard Medical School has revealed the atomic level structure of VSV polymerase protein L, a key component in RNA virus replication. This finding provides insights into how these viruses copy their genomes inside host cells.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJul 2, 2015

Human antibody blocks dengue virus in mice

Researchers discovered a human antibody specific to dengue virus serotype 2 that protects mice from the virus, regardless of administration timing. The antibody may act as both a preventative and therapeutic agent by locking viral envelope proteins on the surface, preventing them from entering host cells.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015

To conduct, or to insulate? That is the question

Researchers discovered a single material, samarium hexaboride (SmB6), that displays dual metal-insulator properties, violating conventional wisdom. The material's behavior is attributed to the existence of a potential third phase, neither insulator nor conductor.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015

ASHG honors Leonid Kruglyak with Curt Stern Award

Leonid Kruglyak, a renowned geneticist, received the 2015 Curt Stern Award for his pioneering work on understanding gene interactions and genome-wide association studies. His laboratory has developed powerful model organisms for studying complex genetic variation.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 2, 2015

New technology using silver may hold key to electronics advances

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new method to fabricate silver nanoparticles for printed electronics at room temperature. This breakthrough has the potential to open up new applications in fields such as solar cells, printed circuit boards, and low-emissivity coatings.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateJul 2, 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.

Rumors of southern pine deaths have been exaggerated, UGA researchers say

UGA researchers analyzed growth data from thousands of pine tree plots across the Southeast and found that 'southern pine decline' isn't happening on a large scale. The study suggests standard management practices are working just fine, with environmental factors like site conditions, drought, and climate change affecting tree health.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJul 2, 2015

Researchers show how our sense of smell evolved, including in cave men

A team of scientists studied the genetic basis of human olfaction and reconstructed the sensory world of our distant ancestors. They found that different populations have varying abilities to detect specific smells, with some populations being more sensitive than others.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalChemical Senses·DateJul 2, 2015

Working out in artificial gravity

Researchers at MIT have found that a combination of artificial gravity and exercise can significantly lessen the effects of extended weightlessness in space. The study involved healthy participants pedaling a stationary bicycle while spinning in a centrifuge, with results showing improved bone density and cardiovascular activity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·DateJul 2, 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.

Aluminum clusters shut down molecular fuel factory

Researchers used atom probe tomography to create the first 3-D atomic map of an industrially relevant zeolite material, revealing clues to extending catalyst life. The study found that steaming causes aluminum atoms to cluster, shutting down the catalytic factory and affecting its efficiency.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2015

Canadian wildfires continue

In July 2015, dozens of wildfires were reported in Canada's Northwest Territories, South Slave, Sahtu, Deh Cho, Inuvik, and Alberta regions, affecting over 270,000 hectares of land.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 2015

Gene therapy for cystic fibrosis shows encouraging trial results

A UK trial has shown significant benefits in lung function for patients with cystic fibrosis who received gene therapy. The treatment involves replacing the faulty gene responsible for the disease and was found to be safe and effective. Further research is needed to improve its effectiveness before it can be used as a clinical treatment.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJul 2, 2015

Researchers reveal a genetic blueprint for cartilage

A study published in Cell Reports reveals how Sox9 regulates cartilage production and its essential role in skeletal development. Researchers discovered that Sox9 binding to DNA controls gene expression, leading to the formation of chondrocytes and cartilage production.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 2, 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.

Astronomers predict fireworks from rare stellar encounter in 2018

Scientists will observe the event from radio wavelengths to gamma rays, measuring the massive star's gravity and magnetic field. The pulsar's passage through the disk will trigger astrophysical fireworks, providing a probe for studying the system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 2, 2015

The very hungry sea anemone

Researchers at National Oceanography Centre discovered that abyssal sea anemones can consume animals weighing up to six times their own weight, taking up to 80 hours to digest. The study used time-lapse photography and technology from UK's deepest diving robot-sub to observe behaviors.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalDeep Sea Research Part II Topical Studies in Oceanography·DateJul 2, 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.

Rope-chewing technique an easy way to screen monkeys for disease

A new method is being used to screen primates in remote locations without invasive sampling techniques. Saliva from discarded ropes is collected and tested for viral diseases, providing valuable information on zoonotic pathogens.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 2, 2015

Genetic variation determines response to anti-diabetic drug

A Penn study found that natural genetic differences in DNA sequence can determine how an anti-diabetic drug works, shedding light on personalized approaches to treating diabetes and related disorders. The research suggests that genetic variations can affect drug response, which could lead to more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 2, 2015

Viaducts with wind turbines, the new renewable energy source

Researchers have found that wind turbines can be installed under viaducts to produce electricity, offering a new source of renewable energy. The study suggests that this concept could be applied in heavily built-up territories or natural areas with limited space for new constructions.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJul 2, 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.

Romeo and Juliet roles for banded mongooses

Researchers found that 18% of wild banded mongoose pups are fathered by males from rival packs, reducing the risk of inbreeding. Female mongooses take risks to mate with rivals during pack 'warfare', while males discriminate between relatives and non-relatives.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJul 2, 2015

Multiplying emerald ash borer decoys made easier

Researchers have developed a cost-effective method for producing hundreds of female emerald ash borer decoys using biomimetic fabrication. The new approach, which requires only one mold, is 40% more successful than previous methods and can be produced faster and less expensively.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Bionic Engineering·DateJul 2, 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.

First comprehensive analysis of the woolly mammoth genome completed

The study identifies extensive genetic changes responsible for woolly mammoths' adaptations to arctic life, including genes linked to fat metabolism, insulin signaling, and temperature sensation. Researchers resurrected a mammoth gene involved in temperature sensation and characterized its protein product in the laboratory.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 2, 2015

Unexpected enzyme may resurrect roses' fading scents

Researchers have identified an unexpected enzyme, RhNUDX1, that plays a key role in producing rose fragrances. By investigating the genes of two rose cultivars, they found that this enzyme generates the fragrant monoterpene geraniol.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015
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.

Hippo dances with hormones

Scientists found that abnormal growth in fruit fly tumors depends on ecdysone, a steroid hormone similar to estrogen. This discovery may have implications for studying cancer stem cells and proliferative mechanisms in human cancers.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 2, 2015

Review indicates where cardio benefits of exercise may lie

A review of 160 clinical trials found exercise improves health outcomes, but effects vary by age, gender, and health status. Intermediate biomarkers like insulin resistance and inflammation may mediate cardioprotective effects.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 2, 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.

Study: Sharing knowledge positively impacts innovation in retail

A study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that sharing knowledge positively impacts innovation in retail. Employees had the highest levels of innovative behavior when flows were high and balanced, suggesting a give-and-take process is ideal.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Product Innovation Management·DateJul 2, 2015

Miniature landscapes show how hills and valleys form

Researchers developed a laboratory device to mimic landscape formation, finding that hillslope processes play a key role in shaping valleys. The study's findings support a popular theory on landscape evolution, suggesting a scale-dependent balance between tumbling sediments and runoff processes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015

The quantum middle man

Scientists have identified a way to manipulate nuclei using electrons' magnetic moments, enabling the transfer of quantum information between particles. The discovery could lead to more stable systems for quantum computing.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 2, 2015