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Science News Archive June 2015


Page 6 of 36

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New breath test for pneumonia

A new approach to diagnose pneumonia in critically ill patients has been identified through a breath analysis method. The study found that chemically analyzing breath specimens can reveal bacterial infection in ventilated patients at risk of developing pneumonia, providing a potential game-changer for clinical practice.

Using NASA data to show how raindrops could save rupees

A study using NASA satellite data found that collecting rainwater for vegetable irrigation in India can reduce water bills by up to 4,522 rupees per year. This can provide a profit of between 1,548 and 3,261 rupees per year, boosting cost savings and increasing quality of life.

Most of America's poor have jobs, study finds

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers provides a rigorous estimate that about 10 percent of working households in the US are poor. Households led by women, minorities, or individuals with low education are more likely to be poor but still employed.

Synthetic biology used to engineer new route to biochemicals

Scientists designed a new biochemical pathway in E. coli that can efficiently produce isobutyl acetate from both glucose and acetate, increasing its yield to 75 percent. This breakthrough could have significant applications in biotechnology, particularly in the production of flavoring agents, solvents, and fuels.

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.

Research matters

Kasturi Haldar and Grant McFadden emphasize the importance of basic research in their articles on PLOS Pathogens. They share their personal experiences and highlight how fundamental research can lead to breakthroughs in fields like malaria, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.

Genetic discovery uncovers key tool for morphine production in poppies

Scientists at the University of York and GlaxoSmithKline Australia have made a groundbreaking genetic discovery in poppies that could lead to more effective painkillers. The discovery of the STORR gene provides new insight into how poppy plants produce morphine, a key step towards developing bespoke poppy varieties.

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.

European rule changes on cross border pet transport may heighten rabies risk

Recent changes to EU regulations have led to an increase in imported pets from Eastern Europe, where rabies is endemic, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current checks. The study found that many stray and rescue dogs had low antibody levels against rabies, suggesting potential risks for these animals.

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.

Solving the next step in the mystery of prions

University of Alberta scientists investigate physical principles underlying prion protein formation, with potential applications for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Their recent discovery sheds light on microscopic mechanisms governing protein misfolding, offering a new step towards developing therapeutics.

A person's diet, acidity of urine may affect susceptibility to UTIs

Researchers found that urine samples with higher acidity actually hindered bacterial growth due to the presence of specific compounds called aromatics. On the other hand, samples with less acidity showed increased activity of siderocalin, a protein that deprives bacteria of iron.

The silent partner in macromolecular crystals

Researchers have developed new approaches to estimate overall solvent content, model disordered bulk solvent, and identify distinct electron density of ordered solvent molecules in macromolecular crystals. Advanced models are needed to improve understanding of the protein-solvent interface region.

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.

Study highlights 'important safety issue' with widely used MRI contrast agents

A study highlights a significant safety concern with linear gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), which can lead to brain gadolinium deposits in patients. The researchers found that repeated use of these agents causes persistent MRI abnormalities and high total gadolinium concentrations in the deep brain, highlighting the need for ...

Delivering drugs to the right place

Researchers developed targeted therapy using immunoglobulin-A antibodies to neutralize specific receptors in polycystic kidneys. The strategy enables repurposing of existing monoclonal antibodies for PKD therapy, opening up new class of therapeutics.

Rettsyndrome.org announces new 2015 Translational Research Awards

Rettsyndrome.org announces new Translational Research Awards to tackle nonsense mutations in MECP2 gene, aiming to develop treatments for Rett syndrome. The awards include the Read-Through Program and Neuro-Habilitation grants, furthering research towards new pharmacologic treatments and improved clinical practices.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Group calls for more transparency in science research, announces guidelines

The Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) Committee has outlined new guidelines to strengthen transparency and reproducibility practices in science research. The guidelines aim to increase openness and confidence in findings by promoting the sharing of data, code, and research materials. By adopting these standards, researchers can...

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.

Chimps are sensitive to what is right and wrong

A study found that chimpanzees are sensitive to behaviors towards infants and react emotionally to violations of social norms within their own group. They show a 'bystander effect' when an infant from another group is harmed, but not otherwise.

Waging war on Australia's nastiest parasite: scientists map blowfly genome

Researchers have identified over 14,000 genes in the blowfly genome, which can now be investigated for potential drug and vaccine targets. The discovery provides insights into the fly's molecular biology and its interactions with sheep, offering new avenues for combating the devastating flystrike disease.

Targeting nerve endings to curb allergic asthma

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital develop a new treatment strategy targeting nerve endings to combat allergic asthma. By selectively silencing sensory neurons called nociceptors, the approach reduces inflammation and bronchial twitchiness in mouse models of acute and chronic asthma.

Songbirds have a thing for patterns

Researchers found that songbirds rely on patterns in much the same way as people do when learning to recognize and categorize speech sounds. By training starlings to differentiate between complex auditory patterns, the study showed that birds can learn to categorize motifs into meaningful categories.

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.

NASA technology protects Webb telescope from contamination

NASA has developed a new technology to protect the James Webb Space Telescope from contamination, using Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC) panels. The MAC panels capture outgassed molecular contaminants in the vacuum chamber, preventing them from affecting sensitive instrument components.

New drug squashes cancer's last-ditch efforts to survive

Scientists at Salk Institute and Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have developed a drug that inhibits the first step of autophagy, a process used by cancer cells to recycle nutrients. This breakthrough opens new avenues for treating resistant cancers.

Future Science Group showcases UK Parkinson's Excellence Network

The UK Parkinson's Excellence Network is a multi-disciplinary effort bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, and social care experts to develop patient-centered care. The network aims to improve treatment and raise awareness of the need for better care, with a focus on education and service development.

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.

IU research: A microRNA may provide therapy against pancreatic cancer

Indiana University researchers found that restoring missing microRNA-29 in pancreatic cancer stromal cells reduced the viability and growth of cancerous cells. The study suggests that miR-29 could be a potent therapeutic agent against pancreatic cancer by targeting reactive tumor stroma.

Want to be seen as more loving and a better cook?

A recent Cornell Food & Brand Lab study found that serving vegetables at dinner increases the perception of being a better cook and a more loving parent. Serving veggies even if not liked can make the meal tastier, according to lead author Brian Wansink.

Women in developed world still face many barriers to early abortion

Despite fewer legal barriers, women in developed countries still face significant inequities in abortion access due to inadequate service provision, moral opposition, and inadequate training. The review suggests improving access by increasing training, boosting service options, and making services more affordable or free.

Tracking the genetic arms race between humans and mosquitoes

Researchers found that up to 20% of a mosquito population's genome is subject to evolutionary pressures, leading to local adaptation and potential resistance to pesticides. The study provides insights into the contemporary evolution of mosquitoes and informs strategies to control populations.

Experimental treatment sends deadly leukemia into remission

A small pilot study found an experimental treatment approach can send deadly leukemia into remission in patients who have failed standard therapy. The combination of immunotherapy and gene manipulation buys critical time for patients to receive a potentially life-saving stem cell transplant.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Fructose produces less rewarding sensations in the brain

A study by University of Basel researchers found that fructose stimulates the reward system in the brain to a lesser degree than glucose, leading to increased satiety hormone levels and reduced feelings of fullness. This may contribute to the development of various disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

University of Kentucky researcher to develop artificial blood for mosquitoes

A University of Kentucky researcher is developing an artificial blood technology for mosquitoes, which can help sustain colonies in resource-limited areas and combat diseases like malaria. The approach involves sterilizing mosquitoes using a bacterium and has already shown promising results in controlling Asian tiger mosquito populations.

Glacial quakes may serve as indicators of glacier disruption

Researchers monitored Helheim Glacier for 55 days and detected 10 large-scale calving events, revealing unique quakes registering magnitude five on the Richter Scale. These glacial earthquakes can serve as proxies for glacier edge breaking, offering insights into ice loss from glaciers.

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.

Digital messages on vehicle windshields make driving less safe

A University of Toronto study found that augmented-reality displays on windshields can reduce driving accuracy and increase the risk of accidents. Drivers must divide their attention between road conditions and digital warnings, leading to slower reaction times and missed warnings.

INFORMS journal study: Learning early about late flights

A new INFORMS journal study provides more predictable ways to manage arrival traffic at airports with adverse weather. The research reveals that knowing early about late flights reduces the cost of Ground Delay Programs (GDPs) for flight operators, with a 13% reduction in delays observed.

Heat-tolerant genes may rescue corals from increasing temperatures

A new study reveals that heat-tolerant corals can pass on their tolerance genes to their offspring, potentially helping reefs adapt to global warming. The research found that coral larvae from hotter regions were more likely to survive in warmer conditions than those from cooler regions.

Exercising early in life yields rewards in adult years

Researchers found that early-age exercise in mice had positive effects on adult levels of voluntary exercise, including a reduction in body mass. The study suggests that early-life exercise may increase the likelihood of adults engaging in regular physical activity.

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.

Past water patterns drive present wading bird numbers

A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and Florida Atlantic University reveals that past water conditions and availability are crucial factors affecting wading bird populations in the Everglades. The research found a 'lag effect' where wet conditions can take several years to impact bird numbers.

Chloroplast tubes play a key role in plants' immune defense

Researchers at UC Davis and the University of Delaware discovered that chloroplast tubes play a key role in plants' immune defense. The discovery reveals how chloroplasts deliver signals to the nucleus, inducing programmed cell death and preparing other cells to resist infection.

Pilot program in pediatric long-term care facility halves topical antibiotic use

A pilot program at a pediatric long-term care facility achieved significant reductions in antibiotic use, with a 59% decrease in topical antibiotics and an 83% decrease in orders without proper documentation. The program improved antibiotic prescribing practices through increased staff support and electronic medical record system changes.

Smoother signals sent through optical fibers

Researchers discovered a way to suppress nonlinear distortions in optical fibers, eliminating signal regeneration needs. This breakthrough enables more bandwidth availability and increased data transmission.

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.