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Science News Archive June 2015


Page 5 of 36

Key protein may affect risk of stroke

A special protein called FoxF2 found in brain's tiny blood vessels affects the development of the blood-brain barrier, a vital protective function that controls substances reaching the brain's nerve cells. Variations in the FoxF2 gene have been linked to an increased risk of stroke in humans.

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.

NASA explains why June 30 will get extra second

Leap seconds are added to account for Earth's slow rotation, which has slowed down by about 2 milliseconds per year since the 1820s. The extra second on June 30 helps maintain consistency between the atomic time standard and Coordinated Universal Time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Action spectrum of sun skin damage documented

Researchers have documented the full spectrum of UV radiation-induced DNA damage in human skin cells, allowing manufacturers to develop targeted sunscreen products. The study's findings reveal that prolonged sun exposure leads to an accumulation of damaging free radicals, causing skin aging and potentially initiating skin cancers.

Rats 'dream' paths to a brighter future

Researchers monitored brain activity in rats and found that during rest, the hippocampus simulates walking to and from food that was previously inaccessible. This suggests that the hippocampus plans routes for the future as well as recording past experiences with motivational cues like food. The study could help explain why people with...

Hartmuth Kolb, PhD, wins 2015 Alzheimer Award

Dr. Hartmuth Kolb was recognized for his pioneering research on neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). His PET imaging tracers showed promise in evaluating NFT pathology, holding potential for disease diagnosis and monitoring.

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.

What controls blood flow in the brain?

New research reveals that smooth muscle cells surrounding brain blood vessels regulate blood flow in response to neuronal activity. The study contradicts previous theories on pericytes' role in blood vessel formation and function.

Redrawing language map of brain

Scientists have updated the traditional brain map of language comprehension by discovering a new location for word comprehension in the left anterior temporal lobe. Sentence comprehension is found to be distributed widely throughout the language network, contradicting previous theories. The study provides a more precise target for futu...

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.

Multiple pathways progressing to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that early indicators of Alzheimer's disease are not fixed in a specific sequence, complicating diagnosis efforts. The study suggests that different neurobiological pathways lead to the expression of the disease.

Three simple rules govern complex brain circuit in fly

Researchers used imaging and computation to unravel a complex neural mystery, discovering three simple rules that govern the visual system of the humble fruit fly. The findings have implications for understanding human brain development and could lead to new approaches to decoding complex biological systems.

Starfish that clone themselves live longer

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg has found that starfish that reproduce through cloning have better health and longer lifespans than those that undergo sexual reproduction. This is due to the regulation of telomeres, which are crucial for an individual's lifespan.

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.

New NASA supercomputer model shows planet making waves in nearby debris disk

A new NASA supercomputer simulation of the planet and debris disk around Beta Pictoris reveals that the planet's motion drives spiral waves throughout the disk, causing collisions among orbiting debris. The patterns in these collisions account for many observed features that previous research has struggled to explain.

More endangered pygmy sloths in Panama than previously estimated

A new study reveals that pygmy sloths inhabit not only mangrove fringes but also the forested interior of their island refuge in Panama. The estimated population size was found to be significantly higher than previously thought, ranging from 500 to 1,500 individuals.

Antarctic sponges: DNA barcoding discloses diversity

Researchers used DNA barcoding to study Antarctic sponge diversity and revealed a highly diverse group of species, comparable to tropical communities. The genetic analysis suggests that these sponges developed as an isolated population, likely descended from ancestral forms in Gondwana waters.

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.

Rapid Ebola diagnostic successful in field trial

A new rapid diagnostic test has been shown to accurately diagnose Ebola virus disease within minutes, revolutionizing treatment and containment. The test's sensitivity and specificity rates are comparable to laboratory-based methods, offering a promising solution to the challenges of early diagnosis and timely intervention.

Compound in magnolia may combat head and neck cancers

A study from VA and the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that honokiol shuts down cancer cells in lab, blocking EGFR protein in squamous cell head and neck cancers. The compound has shown promise as a treatment option for this aggressive form of cancer.

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.

Lax rules put Congo's forests, key carbon reserve, at risk

The Democratic Republic of Congo's forests are under threat from lax conservation efforts, with up to 20% loss predicted and a 60% increase in carbon emissions expected. A new study suggests that greater protection measures, including protected areas and land use zoning, could reduce deforestation by more than half.

Therapy affects the brain of people with Tourette syndrome

A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that cognitive behavioral therapy can alter brain function in people with Tourette syndrome, reducing tics and improving brain activity. The therapy helped normalize brain activity in areas affected by the disorder.

Iron: A biological element?

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that half of the iron in banded iron formations originated from ancient bacteria metabolizing iron two and a half billion years ago. The findings provide new insights into the evolution of our planet and the origins of life, with significant implications for fields like mining and astrobiology.

SHSU professor investigates parent-child visitation in prison

A recent study by Sam Houston State University professor Melinda Tasca found that two-thirds of children who visited a parent in prison experienced fear, anger, and anxiety. The study suggests that institutional environment and parent-child relationship are key factors shaping children's responses to prison visitation.

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.

Revisiting the restriction of antibiotics

A new study suggests that restricting specific antibiotics could lead to an increased frequency of multi-drug resistance. The study found that using restricted antibiotics can facilitate the spread of resistant pathogens, despite potential short-term benefits in treatment effectiveness.

AASLD updates guidance for use of hepatitis C drugs

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) has updated its guidance on testing, managing, and treating hepatitis C virus (HCV). The new recommendations focus on direct-acting antiviral drugs, which have shown high efficacy in curing HCV. With these updates, millions of Americans living with chronic HCV may now hav...

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.

Poppies provide missing piece of morphine biosynthesis puzzle

Researchers have identified a fusion gene in poppy plants that facilitates important steps in the plant's morphine-producing pathway. The findings complete the metabolic pathway for morphine, enabling the production of the economically important drug without the need for cultivating poppy fields.

TSRI team gets new close-up view of key part of Ebola virus life cycle

A new study by TSRI researchers provides a higher-resolution view of the Ebola virus life cycle, revealing key vulnerabilities that can be targeted with antiviral therapeutics. The findings also shed light on how the virus assembles its genetic material, which is critical for understanding its structure-based design.

Laser spectroscopy: A novel microscope for nanosystems

Scientists developed a technique to enhance nanoparticle signals using an optical microcavity, achieving near fundamental diffraction limit resolution. This enables the study of individual nanoparticles' optical properties, promising potential breakthroughs in biology, chemistry, and nanoscience.

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.

NASA's SDO sees mid-level solar flare

A mid-level solar flare was observed by NASA's SDO on June 25, 2015, reaching a magnitude of M7.9. The event has the potential to disturb the atmosphere, affecting GPS and communications signals.

A tale of two whales

A new study provides the first detailed view of calling blue and fin whale distribution in Southern California, revealing a steady population trend for blue whales and an upward trend for fin whales. The research uses acoustic data collected from 2006-2012, indicating that fin whales are more likely to be detected further offshore.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stanford researchers stretch a thin crystal to get better solar cells

Researchers at Stanford University have created an artificial crystal with a variable band gap using molybdenum disulfide, a material that can be stretched without breaking. This could lead to the development of more efficient solar cells that absorb energy from a broader spectrum of light.

Cancer drug makes fruit flies live longer

A UCL-led study has found that a small molecule drug, trametinib, can delay the ageing process in animals, including fruit flies. The treated fruit flies lived 12% longer than average, staying healthier for longer.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Optimizing shale gas production from well to wire

Northwestern University professor Fengqi You uses life-cycle analysis to make the production more environmentally and economically friendly. By restructuring the supply chain, he found that a network of pipelines can transport freshwater and shale gas, reducing trucks and exhaust emissions.

Doctors and scientists call for divestment from fossil fuel companies

Leading doctors and academics call for divestment from fossil fuel companies, citing the need to prevent runaway climate change and unprecedented harm to global health. The authors argue that shareholder engagement is ineffective in switching dependence on fossil fuels with renewables.

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.

Cancer and vampires: An evolutionary approach

Researchers have developed a new tool that uses phylogenetic profiling to identify genes associated with genetic diseases and cancer. This approach can be used to analyze genes within the same network as known disease-related genes, such as BRCA1, and predict their biological functions.

Online computer game can help shed weight and reduce food intake

A new online computer game has been shown to help people control their snacking impulses and lose weight, with participants losing an average of 0.7kg and consuming around 220 fewer calories a day. The game trains people to associate calorie-dense foods with 'stopping', reducing how much food they eat in laboratory tests.

New conductive ink for electronic apparel

University of Tokyo researchers created a single-step printing process to form highly conductive and stretchable connections on textiles. The ink, made of silver flakes, organic solvent, fluorine rubber, and fluorine surfactant, exhibited high conductivity even when stretched three times its original length.