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Science News Archive June 2015


Page 32 of 36

Visualizing the 'matrix'

A team developed a graphical representation of nuclear spin matrices for coupled spins in arbitrary quantum states, enabling better control and utilization of quantum phenomena. The 'SpinDrops' app provides intuitive access to the fascinating world of quantum control theory.

Scientist at LIMR leads study demonstrating drug-induced tissue regeneration

A study led by Ellen Heber-Katz demonstrates that a primordial form of energy production can trigger healthy regrowth of lost or damaged tissue in mice. The researchers found that stabilizing the HIF-1a pathway opens up new possibilities for mammalian tissue regeneration, potentially leading to new therapies for human tissue repair.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

BPA can adversely affect parenting behavior in mice

Research finds that BPA exposure reduces maternal and paternal care in mice, with females adjusting their behavior based on male partner's exposure. The study suggests potential human implications for social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Hubble observes chaotic dance of Pluto's moons

Astronomers analyzed Hubble data to find that Nix and Hydra are in chaotic rotation around Pluto. The system's dynamic motion offers insights into binary star systems and potential consequences for life.

New beetle emerges from Gran Canaria's subsoil

A new species of blind weevil has been discovered in the subsoil of Gran Canaria, with unique adaptations for life underground. The beetle, Oromia thoracica, has a flattened body and thorax that covers its head, allowing it to thrive in narrow cracks.

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 researchers home in on what's wearing out T cells

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that PD-1 does not directly cause T cell exhaustion. Instead, it helps regulate the balance between different T cell types, preserving a 'reserve force' that can fight on later. This finding has implications for cancer and antiviral therapies.

Trouble in the tide pools

A mass mortality event affected millions of purple sea urchins and tiny sea stars along a 62-mile stretch of Northern California coast. The study suggests that long-term population and ecosystem consequences are expected as these species play key roles in maintaining tide pool balance.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Women & Infants receives $5 million grant from NIH

The grant will support research in perinatal biology, including studies of fetal and newborn development, placental biology, and reproductive diseases. The center aims to understand the effects of environmental disturbances during critical developmental periods on health and disease throughout life.

Fond memories make fragrances a favorite

A study published in Springer's Chemosensory Perception journal found that fragrance preferences are driven by personal emotional memories. The researchers discovered that odor-evoked memories elicit potent emotional responses, influencing customers' likes and ratings.

Air pollution below EPA standards linked with higher death rates

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that death rates among people over 65 are higher in areas with more fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) than in those with lower levels. Exposure to PM2.5 was linked to increased mortality, even at concentrations below EPA standards.

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.

Satellite sees Hurricane Blanca develop a pinhole eye

Hurricane Blanca rapidly strengthens with a pinhole eye, expected to become major hurricane and potentially impact southern Baja California and mainland Mexico. Swells generated by the storm will cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the coast of southwestern Mexico.

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.

NASA's Hubble finds Pluto's moons tumbling in absolute chaos

Two of Pluto's moons, Nix and Hydra, wobble unpredictably due to a constantly shifting gravitational field created by the double planet system of Pluto and Charon. This effect is strengthened by the non-spherical shape of the moons, which may be similar for the other two moons, Kerberos and Styx.

Azrieli Foundation donates $10 million for Hebrew University research

The Azrieli Foundation donated $10 million to fund groundbreaking stem cell and genetic research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's newly inaugurated center. Researchers will focus on developing therapies for Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome, among other conditions.

Lower birth weight associated with proximity of mother's home to gas wells

A University of Pittsburgh analysis found pregnant women living near high-density natural gas wells were more likely to have babies with lower birth weights. The study, published in PLOS ONE, examined birth records from southwestern Pennsylvania and controlled for various factors that may influence newborn weight.

The Lancet: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) Seminar

The MERS-CoV virus has been linked to dromedary camels, with little human-to-human transmission reported. The disease can cause severe respiratory symptoms and multiorgan failure, highlighting the need for effective infection prevention and control measures.

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.

Differences in metabolic rates of exploited and unexploited fish populations

Researchers found that populations of largemouth bass taken from recreational fisheries had significantly lower resting metabolic rates than those from unexploited reference populations. This suggests that recreational fishing may favor fish with lower metabolic rates, which tend to be more aggressive and easier to catch.

Helping robots handle uncertainty

Researchers develop algorithm to generate lower-level control systems from scratch, solving complex Dec-POMDP models in a reasonable amount of time. The approach decomposes the problem into two graphs, reducing complexity and enabling practical application in robotics.

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.

World's smallest spirals could guard against identity theft

Researchers at Vanderbilt University created nano-spirals that emit blue light when illuminated with infrared laser, providing a customizable signature that's hard to fake. The spirals could be embedded in identification cards or other objects to prevent counterfeiting.

Research points to future test for ALS

Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a possible way to predict if an individual is genetically prone to ALS by analyzing DNA repeats in the C9orf72 gene. The study found that a certain number of repeats, when modified with methyl groups, can cause the disease.

NASA-led volunteers map landslides by Nepal quakes

A team of international volunteers is mapping landslide locations in earthquake-affected Nepal to identify additional hazards. Using satellite data from various sources, they have mapped nearly 1,000 landslides, providing critical information for evacuation and relief efforts.

A powerful HMMER for data mining

HMMER enables researchers to infer protein function and evolutionary history by identifying hundreds of thousands of related sequences. The new web interface offers fast and interactive visualization tools, making it easier to interpret results.

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.

Sudden draining of glacial lakes explained

Researchers found that a bulge in the ice creates tension that stretches the surface, promoting crack formation. The study's key finding is that without this tension, even large supraglacial lakes will retain their water.

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.

3-D printing goes high speed and high volume

The University of Sheffield's new machine will build parts up to three times larger and 100 times faster than current machines, enabling serious production of volumes over one million. This technology, called high-speed sintering (HSS), selectively fuses polymer powder layer by layer using infra-red-absorbing ink.

Long-term memory formation

A team of NYU researchers discovered that two growth factor families, TrkB and TGFβr-II, play distinct roles in creating long-term memories by exerting their actions in different parts of the brain. At different times, these molecules swap roles to facilitate memory formation.

Benefit of surgery for ductal carcinoma in-situ investigated

Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that breast surgery for low-grade DCIS does not significantly change patient survival rates. For high- and intermediate-grade DCIS, however, surgery improves survival rates compared to non-surgery groups.

Frogs face virus risk in garden ponds

Researchers found that exotic fish can amplify viral levels in garden ponds, while chemicals like slug pellets weaken frog immune systems. Simple precautions, such as reducing chemical use and not stocking non-native species, can help reduce the spread of the devastating ranavirosis disease.

NASA's Operation IceBridge concludes 2015 Arctic campaign

Operation IceBridge successfully collected data over sea and land ice regions, releasing two sea ice data products to aid in forecasting Arctic sea ice behavior. The mission also supported various international research collaborations and provided valuable data to inform models predicting summer sea ice melt.

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.

Pluto's moons seen in highest detail yet

A new study published in Nature provides the first detailed look at Pluto's five known moons, revealing fascinating details about their orbits and rotational patterns. The research found that three of the smaller moons, Nix, Styx, and Hydra, are locked together in resonance, making their orbits more regular and predictable.

Triple treatment keeps cancer from coming back

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have developed a three-pronged approach to prevent lung cancer cells from developing resistance to chemotherapy. The new strategy involves targeting two main growth receptor siblings, HER2 and HER3, in addition to an existing anti-EGFR antibody.

Cytoskeletons shaking hands

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that cytoplasmic intermediate filaments interact with specific contractile actin filament structures called arcs, which transport intermediate filaments towards the nucleus. Disruption of these interactions leads to defects in cell morphogenesis and shape abnormalities.

Paleo study shows how elevation may affect evolution

A new study reveals that the rise of the Rocky Mountains predisposed North American mammals to adapt to a cold, dry world during the Grande Coupure event. This led to better survival rates compared to European mammal species, which were overrun by Asian mammals already adapted to colder conditions.

Increased risks in pregnancy for obese mothers and their babies, says study

A new systematic review highlights the increased health risks of maternal obesity during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, high blood-pressure, and pre-eclampsia. The study recommends pre-conceptual weight loss for women with obesity to avoid complications, and calls for improved support and education.

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.

University of Houston receives $1.2 million for STEM scholarships

The University of Houston has received a combined $1.2 million from the National Science Foundation to support scholarships for students in engineering technology and computer science. The S-STEM program aims to improve educational opportunities and support programs for academically talented students with financial need.

Keeping astronauts in space longer with better air and water

Researchers have created a real-time monitoring system for air and water quality in space, reducing the need for sample collection and analysis. The system enables astronauts to test their surroundings more efficiently, making long-term space missions possible.

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.

BESC, Mascoma develop revolutionary microbe for biofuel production

Researchers at Mascoma and BESC have developed a revolutionary strain of yeast that can efficiently convert biomass sugars into fuel, setting a new standard for biofuel production. The microbe achieves 97% conversion of xylose and glucose in less than 48 hours, significantly increasing ethanol yield.

New study: Gut bacteria cooperate when life gets tough

Researchers discovered how gut bacteria respond to changes in their environment by cooperating with each other, stabilizing the community and adapting to new situations. This cooperative behavior helps the bacterial community survive and function despite fluctuations in oxygen levels and nutrient availability.

Study shows helping pregnant moms with depression doesn't help kids

A long-term study in Pakistan found that prenatal treatment for depression had no effect on children's emotional and behavioral development. In contrast, maternal depression was linked to worse child outcomes, emphasizing the need for integrated maternal and child health programs.

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 discover two new groups of viruses

Scientists at the University of Bonn discovered two new groups of viruses, Jonchet and Ferak, which are believed to have originated from insect viruses. The researchers found that these viruses are phylogenetically independent and do not multiply above 32 degrees Celsius, making human infection unlikely.