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Science News Archive June 2015


Page 2 of 36

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.

Similarities between embryos and breast tumors identified

MD Anderson researchers discovered a breast tumor marker that predicts metastasis by analyzing the gene expression signature of mouse embryos. Tumors with similar signatures to six-day-old embryos were more prone to metastasize than those with adult-like signatures.

Seeing a supernova in a new light

A collaborative project between Caltech and the Weizmann Institute of Science observed a unique radiation spike in ultraviolet range, supporting a giant companion model for white dwarf explosions. The findings highlight the importance of ultraviolet-range observations in understanding type Ia supernovae.

Human urine helps prevent bacteria from sticking to bladder cells

Researchers found that human urine's unknown factors interfere with bacterial FimH protein's ability to adhere to cells and switch off pilus production assembly. This exposes a crucial weakness in pathogen's ability to infect, making potential non-antibiotic treatments more effective

NASA missions monitor a waking black hole

Astronomers monitor the outburst of V404 Cygni, a black hole firing up in an X-ray nova. The data collected will help determine the type of object at its heart, providing insights into these rare events.

Location isn't everything but timing is for certain spawning fish

Research from NIMBioS found that the timing of spawning is crucial for the survival of larval fish, with success rates higher on days when spawning is observed to occur. This study has important implications for fisheries management and conservation, highlighting the need to protect spawning aggregations.

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.

How small genetic change in Yersinia pestis changed human history

Researchers found that a single small genetic change enabled Yersinia pestis to transition from causing gastrointestinal infections to respiratory diseases, including pneumonic plague. This discovery may have helped explain how the plague spread globally, leading to devastating pandemics like the Black Death.

Targeting mistreatment of women during childbirth

A systematic review of 65 studies in 34 countries identifies 7 areas of mistreatment and abuse during childbirth, including physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. The authors call for improved access to privacy, resources, and trained staff to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A win-win-win-win

Researchers will study the complex interaction of human and natural forces that may alter patterns of disease transmission. Small prawns are expected to kill snails effectively, providing a potential solution to schistosomiasis.

UW team programs solitary yeast cells to say 'hello' to one another

Researchers at the University of Washington have engineered yeast cells to communicate with each other using auxin, a plant hormone that can induce specific genes to be expressed. This breakthrough could lead to the development of synthetic stem cells and artificial organs that require different types of cells to work together.

New model of cosmic stickiness favors 'Big Rip' demise of universe

A new mathematical formulation of cosmic viscosity bridges the gap between thermodynamics and Einstein's general theory of relativity, favoring the 'Big Rip' scenario. The model also sheds light on dark energy, suggesting it may account for the universe's accelerating expansion.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A high-fat diet may alleviate mitochondrial disease

Researchers at Salk Institute find that a high-fat diet amplifies the effects of FGF21, granting mice resistance to obesity and associated diseases. The study provides insight into potential new therapies for mitochondrial and metabolic diseases in humans.

Earthquakes in western Solomon Islands have long history, study shows

Researchers found evidence of six large earthquakes in western Solomon Islands over the past 3,000 years, including five that were as large or larger than a devastating 2007 earthquake. The study used corals to analyze seismic events and provide insight into the relationship between earthquakes and long-term geological processes.

Ocean algae will cope well in varying climates, study shows

Researchers found that phytoplankton exposed to fluctuating CO2 levels adapted more to future changes than those grown in stable conditions. However, the adapted algae evolved more and were smaller, potentially impacting marine animal feeding and carbon sequestration.

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.

Physical study may give boost to hydrogen cars

Researchers discover smaller nanoparticles of magnesium hydride have better mechanical properties, including plastic stability and homogeneous dislocation activity. This suggests a path forward for making better hydrogen storage tanks by engineering them to take advantage of these properties.

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.

For women with bipolar disorder, sleep quality affects mood

Poor sleep quality predicts increased severity and frequency of depression and mania in women with bipolar disorder. For men, baseline depression score and neuroticism are stronger predictors of mood outcome. Improving sleep quality could help patients avoid mood episodes and improve quality of life.

New study identifies organic compounds of potential concern in fracking fluids

A new University of Colorado Boulder framework screened hundreds of organic chemical compounds used in hydraulic fracturing, identifying 15 as potentially hazardous groundwater contaminants based on their toxicity, mobility, and persistence. The study also predicted that 41 compounds would have 10% or more of their initial concentratio...

Epidemic of obesity and overweight linked to increased food energy supply

A recent study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found a strong correlation between global increases in food energy supply and obesity rates. The research analyzed data from 69 countries and discovered that both body weight and food energy supply had increased in 81% of them between 1971 and 2010.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A centipede from hell

The newly discovered centipede, Geophilus hadesi, is the world's deepest cave-dwelling centipede and has adapted to live exclusively in caves. It features unusual traits such as elongated antennae, trunk segments, and powerful jaws with poison glands.

Atomic force microscope advance leads to new breast cancer research

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how deactivation of a key protein leads to breast cancer metastasis. The new high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique allows for the first time to image live breast cancer cells, providing insights into the physical properties and dynamics of these cells.

To shed weight, go vegan

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that vegetarian diets lead to significant weight loss, with vegan diets showing the greatest results, and benefits attributed to high intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

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.

Yosemite forest fire example of possible things to come

Researchers studied the aftermath of Yosemite's Rim fire, which burned 400 square miles in 2013, to understand its impact on forest recovery. They found that uncharacteristically high severity and altered dynamics, with potential for vegetation switching to shrubs if not restored through controlled burns.

NASA sees new depression forms near Solomon Islands

A new tropical depression has formed near the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, affecting some islands and extending the Southern Pacific cyclone season. The depression is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm before moving south over Guadalcanal.

'Tele-rounding': Robots in the neonatal intensive care unit

A study published in Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that robot-assisted telemedicine improved the accessibility of neonatal intensive care specialists. The remote specialist required more time to care for patients due to internet connectivity issues, but overall, there were no significant differences in patient outcomes.

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.

Researchers define unique group of high-risk lymphoma patients

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified a subgroup of follicular lymphoma patients who experience early disease recurrence despite modern treatments. These patients may require personalized therapy approaches, such as targeted sequencing or gene-expression profiling, to improve their outcomes.

Talk is cheap: New study finds words speak louder than actions

A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people are more likely to conform to others' preferences than actions. Researchers designed six experiments involving everyday activities to test this theory, revealing a pervasive tendency to adopt others' judgments as one's own.

Picturing the forecast: NWS graphics developed with NCAR research

The National Weather Service is launching new graphics to communicate forecast information more clearly, based on research by a team at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The new icons feature split images and color-coded boxes to convey the existence, timing, and potential severity of upcoming weather threats.

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.

When times are tough, parents favor daughters over sons

In tough economic times, parents tend to allocate more resources to their female offspring, according to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research. The researchers found that when parents perceive economic conditions as poor, they are more likely to prioritize their daughters over sons.

Singapore researchers confirm gene p73's role in tumor growth

A study by Singapore researchers established that gene p73 has both promotional and suppressive functions in tumor growth. The findings suggest that p73 is stabilized and activated under hypoxic conditions, promoting efficient blood vessel formation that supports tumor development.

What effect does marijuana really have on weight gain?

A new study by University of Montreal researchers found that long-term cannabis use is associated with weight gain, but this effect varies depending on factors such as gender and level of use. The study also showed that concomitant cigarette smoking can alter the relationship between cannabis use and weight gain.

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.

How your brain knows it's summer

A study published in PNAS reveals that the neurotransmitter GABA plays a crucial role in encoding seasonal changes through changes in chloride levels. By blocking GABA activity, researchers were able to synchronize the brain's internal clock, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals with disrupted seasonal rhythms.

New strategies against rare, fatal lung syndrome

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a molecular mechanism behind pulmonary fibrosis in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome patients. They propose two therapeutic strategies: manipulating CHI3L1 and CRTH2 proteins to slow down scarring.

Neighborhood environments and risk for type 2 diabetes

Research found that neighborhoods with more physical activity resources and healthy food options have a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. Individuals with lower income, education, or physical activity levels were more likely to develop the condition.

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.

Getting high in senior year: NYU study examines reasons for smoking pot

A new NYU study reveals that using marijuana to alleviate boredom increases the risk of reporting powder cocaine or hallucinogen use, while 'experimentation' is associated with lower risk. Infrequent use does not increase risk, and most teens who use marijuana do not progress to using other drugs.

Rare gene variant associated with middle ear infections

Researchers found a rare genetic variant in the A2ML1 gene associated with an increased risk of middle ear infections. The study, led by Dr. Regie Santos-Cortez, identified the variant in 37 Filipinos and two European-Americans with otitis media, suggesting it may be the result of a founder effect from Spain.

Flatworms could replace mammals for some toxicology tests

Scientists at UC San Diego discovered that freshwater planarians are comparably sensitive to tested chemicals as zebrafish larvae and nematodes, but offer unique advantages such as studying genetically identical adult and developing animals. This could reduce the use of laboratory mammals in toxicology tests.

Hope for patients with chronic wounds

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that microRNA-132 plays a critical role in regulating the transition from inflammation to proliferation during wound healing. The researchers identified miR-132 as a therapeutic target for promoting healing and developing new treatments for chronic skin wounds.

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.

Study: Even fraud-savvy investors often look for the wrong red flags

Researchers identified two factors that lead investors to assess fraud risk, including reliance on financial statements and perception of corporate fraud prevalence. Most nonprofessional investors are also concentrated in fewer companies, making them more vulnerable to fraudulent activity.