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Science News Archive June 2015


Page 31 of 36

Study links delay of gratification to how brain structures are connected

A new study at Georgia State University links delay of gratification in chimpanzees to white matter connectivity between the caudate and dorsal prefrontal cortex. The researchers found that higher connectivity was associated with better delay of gratification performance, a crucial ability for mental health.

Penn engineers show how 'perfect' materials begin to fail

Defect-free palladium nanowires, a thousand times thinner than human hair, were stretched under controlled conditions to reveal the point where failures first appear. The study found that thermal uncertainty plays a significant role in the material's failure, with defects forming on the surface of the wire.

Research offers a new approach to improving HIV vaccines

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a protein called polyglutamine-binding protein 1 (PQBP1) that recognizes HIV and initiates an immune response. The study suggests that designing a drug mimicking the PQBP1-HIV interface could create an effective vaccine environment, potentially preventing infection.

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.

Penn study maps the types of physical activity associated with better sleep

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that specific types of physical activity are associated with better sleep habits. These include aerobics/calisthenics, biking, gardening, golfing, running, weight-lifting, and yoga/Pilates. In contrast, household and childcare work were linked to insufficient sleep.

Internet privacy manifesto calls for more consumer power

A new manifesto calls for a shift in power from internet giants to ordinary consumers, citing the need for more control over online data and content. Dr Paul Bernal argues that the internet is messy and dynamic, and that few people want to be forgotten but most want influence on how they are remembered.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Social networking against cancer

Researchers used social network analysis to identify cancer biomarkers in patient genomic microarray data, dramatically decreasing the number of features to analyze. The approach has been successfully demonstrated for three types of cancer: lymphoma, colon cancer, and leukemia.

Study reveals largest turtle breeding colony in the Atlantic

A recent study from the University of Exeter has discovered Gabon's coastline to host the largest breeding colony of olive ridley turtles in the Atlantic. The research reveals an estimated 9,800 turtle nests per year, highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.

Critically endangered species should be left to breed in the wild

A new study from the University of East Anglia suggests that critically endangered species should be left to breed in the wild, rather than in captivity. The research challenges the assumption that captive breeding is always a good idea when a species is close to extinction in the wild.

Planarian regeneration model discovered by artificial intelligence

Researchers at Tufts University developed an algorithm that used evolutionary computation to predict the results of published laboratory experiments on planarian regeneration. The approach identified a comprehensive regulatory network that correctly predicted all 16 key experiments, shedding light on the mechanisms behind head-tail pat...

UGA researchers edit plant DNA using mechanism evolved in bacteria

Researchers at UGA have successfully edited the genome of a tree species using CRISPR/Cas technology, reducing lignin and condensed tannin concentrations by 20% and 50%, respectively. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for rapid and reliable gene editing in plants.

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.

ONR awards outstanding student with scholarship money at science competition

A high school student won a $10,000 scholarship from the Office of Naval Research for his concussion research project, which aimed to reduce whiplash motion correlated with concussions. The project's potential applications extend beyond sports, as brain injuries are a leading cause of TBI for military personnel in war zones.

VirScan reveals viral history in a drop of blood

The new VirScan test detects evidence of past viral infections in a person's blood, revealing the vast array of viruses that can infect humans. This method has implications for understanding immunity and potentially identifying correlations between viral exposure and disease risk.

A small vortex on the wing makes the elegance of birds' flight

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that birds like magpies utilize a tiny vortex formed at the alula feathers tip to improve flight maneuverability. The researchers observed this phenomenon through wind tunnel experiments, demonstrating how the vortex helps air flow attach to the wing surface.

How Salmonella synchronizes its invasion plan

Researchers at the Institute of Food Research discovered how Salmonella bacteria synchronize gene expression for invasion. They found that RpoS, DksA and ppGpp work together to coordinate the deployment of SPI1 and SPI2.

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 website can identify birds using photos

The Merlin Bird Photo ID system can identify 400 bird species in the US and Canada with accuracy of 90% and is designed to improve with user input. The system combines AI techniques with millions of data points from humans to present the most likely species, including photos and sounds.

New hope in the fight against tuberculosis

Scientists from HIPS and HZI discover cyclohexylgriselimycin, a variant of griselimycin, effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with low risk of resistance development. The new agent targets DNA clamp, preventing bacterial proliferation and offering potential therapeutic approach to drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Exiled stars explode far from home

Astronomers confirm three supernovae existed in the dark emptiness of intergalactic space, far from their home galaxies. This discovery provides crucial insight into the formation and evolution of galaxy clusters.

Warmer, lower-oxygen oceans will shift marine habitats

A recent study published in Science finds that warmer ocean temperatures will increase marine animals' demand for oxygen, while reducing its availability. As a result, habitats will shift away from the equator, displacing up to 26% of current ranges.

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.

Programming DNA to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria

Researchers introduce a two-pronged system to combat antibiotic resistance by eliminating genes that cause resistance and conferring protection against lethal phages. The system, based on bacterial viruses called phages, has the potential to turn the tide on untreatable infections.

DNA which only females have

Researchers at Uppsala University mapped the genetic structure and evolution of the W chromosome in birds, finding that it does not contain genes leading to female development. The W chromosome instead serves as a buffer for females with one copy of the X chromosome, allowing certain genes to work.

Black women often cope with infertility alone

A recent study by the University of Michigan found that African-American women are equally likely to experience infertility as their white counterparts, yet they often cope with it alone due to social stigma. The study reveals that these women face discrimination in medical settings and feel a negative impact on their self-esteem.

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.

Study supports IDH gene as prognostic marker in anaplastic astrocytoma

A new study found that patients with mutated IDH genes living with anaplastic astrocytoma had a significantly longer average lifespan compared to those without the mutation. The study also suggested that radiation therapy plus temozolomide may be more effective for patients with mutated IDH.

Satellite movie shows Andres weaken to a tropical storm

Tropical Storm Andres has weakened significantly, transitioning from a hurricane to a tropical storm as it moves over cooler waters. Swells generated by the storm are affecting western coast of Mexico, causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

One's ability to identify different smells may impact longevity

A study of 1169 Medicare beneficiaries found that those with impaired smell identification were at higher mortality risk. Participants with the worst smelling ability had a 45% mortality rate after 4 years, significantly higher than those with the best scores.

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.

Arterial thrombosis: Cloaking of collagen frees up the flow

Researchers have compared two novel ways of inhibiting atherosclerotic plaque-induced platelet activation, finding that one strategy is more effective at higher flow rates. The study suggests a new GPVI inhibitor may be used specifically to block thrombus formation at high-risk plaques.

Eukaryotes: A new timetable of evolution

The discovery of microfossils in rocks dating back 1.5 billion years has confirmed the existence of eukaryotes, shedding light on their evolution and origins. The analysis of steroid molecules revealed no signs of contamination, contradicting previous findings.

A smelling bee?

Researchers at Michigan State University have found that Varroa mites can mimic the scent of honeybees to infiltrate hives. The study revealed that the parasites are able to adapt quickly, changing their surface chemicals within days to evade detection by bees.

Pregnant pipefish fathers are not super dads

Researchers found that pregnant pipefish males supply relatively low oxygen levels to their embryos, averaging 51% in well-oxygenated water and as low as 32% in poorly oxygenated conditions. Despite this, the fathers' care allows the young to survive and thrive, with a focus on nutrient supplementation and waste removal.

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.

How to cut a vortex into slices

Physicists from Lomonosov Moscow State University develop theory for creating artificial turbulence in microchannels using superhydrophobic surfaces. The approach enables efficient mixing and separation of liquids, promising applications in chemistry and biomedical research.

The early bird catches the sperm

A study published in Functional Ecology found that late-rising songbirds are more susceptible to being cuckolded, meaning they raise offspring fathered by other males. This suggests a potential role for sexual selection in shaping circadian traits in wild vertebrates.

Scientists produce strongest evidence yet of schizophrenia's causes

Researchers discover that genetic mutations disrupt a delicate balance of excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain, contributing to schizophrenia. The study finds strong evidence for the role of copy number variants in disrupting this balance, with potential implications for developing new treatments.

In search of memory storage

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum recreated memory formation in the hippocampus using computer simulations, challenging the existing model. They found that the CA1 region plays a key role in completing memories, while the CA3 region is not as crucial as previously thought.

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.

Recovering a rare metal from LCDs to avoid depleting key resource

Scientists have developed a new way to recover indium from liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), which could help prevent the depletion of this rare metal. The researchers found that crushing and grinding LCD glass into tiny particles and bathing them in sulfuric acid solution can effectively extract indium.

Not all national parks are created equal

Protected areas can significantly vary in their effectiveness in reducing deforestation, with some experiencing a 3.4% decrease in forest cover while others see a 5.3% increase. The study used statistical tools from econometrics to identify biases in estimates and found that individual park-level estimates ranged from -3.4% to +5.3%.

How natural channel proteins move in artificial membranes

Researchers at the University of Basel measured the movement of natural channel proteins in artificial membranes for the first time. The results show that these proteins move up to ten times slower than in their natural environment, a phenomenon linked to membrane flexibility and fluidity.

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.

High levels of moral reasoning correspond with increased gray matter in brain

Research from Penn scientists found that individuals with higher moral reasoning skills showed increased gray matter in the prefrontal cortex, a key area for complex social behavior and decision making. The study also linked higher levels of moral development to lower neuroticism and increased openness to experience.

Ancient El Niños triggered Baja bunny booms

A new study reveals that ancient El Niño events controlled Baja bunny populations over the past 10,000 years. The research analyzed 3,463 bunny bones and found a strong correlation between El Niño frequency and rabbit abundance.

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.

A check on runaway lake drainage

Researchers found that Greenland's inland lakes are unlikely to drain rapidly and exacerbate sea-level rise. Instead, they will likely drain through surface stream runoff, transferring water to coastal areas of the ice sheet.

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.

MRI technology reveals deep brain pathways in unprecedented detail

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have created a high-resolution map of the human brain stem using MRI technology, providing unprecedented detail of deep brain pathways. This new model can guide surgeons in implanting electrodes more accurately, potentially eliminating trial-and-error methods and making surgery safer.

Researchers find speedometer in the brain

Scientists have identified a new neural circuit in the brain that tracks movement speed and delivers this information to spatial memory systems. This discovery has important implications for understanding movement-related symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease and improving spatial memory.

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.

New treatment for polycystic kidney disease

Researchers have discovered a new treatment approach targeting tiny blood and lymphatic vessels inside the kidneys, which improves renal function and slows disease progression in mice. This innovative therapy may offer hope for patients with polycystic kidney disease, particularly those with rare forms of the condition.