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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 19


Page 19 of 36

A KAIST research team develops the first flexible phase-change random access memory

The KAIST research team has developed the first flexible phase-change random access memory (PRAM) on plastic substrates, achieving significant power reduction. This innovation is made possible by self-assembled block copolymer silica nanostructures, which lower the contact area and reduce power consumption.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 15, 2015

Bumble bees in the last frontier

A two-year study on bumble bees in Alaskan agricultural areas reveals declining populations of the western bumble bee species Bombus occidentalis, which is infected with Nosema and social parasites. The research provides baseline data for understanding reported patterns of bumble bee declines in North America.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

From data to tomato

UCSB, UC Davis, and PowWow Energy receive $2.3 million in funding to deploy a method to measure groundwater use and provide irrigation best practices for California's major crops such as alfalfa, almonds, pistachios, and tomatoes. The project aims to optimize agricultural water and energy efficiency during drought years.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJun 15, 2015

Gene therapy prevents Parkinson's disease in animal model, says Pitt study

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy that reduces production of brain protein α-synuclein, preventing Parkinson's disease progression in an animal study. The therapy targets mitochondria and α-synuclein interaction, showing promising results in protecting dopamine neurons.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Active clinician support and assistance are critical to successfully quitting smoking

A new study finds that providing direct assistance, such as counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, significantly improves the likelihood of patients quitting smoking. The research team analyzed data from over 1,600 participants who underwent lung cancer screening, finding that active clinician support increased quit rates by 40%.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 15, 2015

Wheat fires outside of Huaibei, China

In June, nearly three-quarters of all fires in the North China Plain occur, fueled by wheat residue burning. The practice, though prohibited, remains common due to its cost-effectiveness in clearing fields and fertilizing soil.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 15, 2015

Law enforcement officers should be authorized to administer naloxone

New research finds that equipping law enforcement officers with naloxone does not raise their risk of legal liability. The study concludes that officers should be authorized to administer naloxone to reduce opioid-related deaths and increase overdose rescue times.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

USF biologists: Biodiversity reduces human, wildlife diseases and crop pests

A University of South Florida study confirms the dilution effect hypothesis, suggesting biodiversity loss poses a public health threat by causing disease outbreaks. The research found broad evidence that species-rich communities suffer less infectious disease, implying maintaining biodiversity could reduce parasite abundance.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2015

Scripps Florida study points to drug target for Huntington's disease

Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have established conclusively that an activating protein called Rhes plays a pivotal role in focusing toxicity of Huntington's in the striatum. Deleting Rhes significantly reduces behavioral problems in animal models of the disease.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateJun 15, 2015

Randomized controlled trials must be simplified to sustain innovation

Cardiovascular outcomes trials are considered a high-risk venture due to long treatment periods and large sample sizes required to demonstrate incremental risk reduction. Simplifying randomized controlled trials could bring new therapies to market sooner, mitigating the impact of exclusivity loss and reducing development costs.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 15, 2015

Evolution study finds massive genome shift in one generation

A study on the apple maggot pest discovered a massive genome shift in just one generation, with 32,000 genetic changes occurring within a single year. This significant finding highlights the importance of ecological selection at early stages of divergence and calls for further integration of studies on speciation and genome divergence.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Why did the dinosaur cross the equator...but choose not to live there?

Triassic dinosaurs failed to populate the tropics due to a highly unpredictable hot and dry climate, with extreme wildfires and elevated CO2 levels, making vegetation scarce. This study sheds light on the interplay between climate change and ecosystem evolution at low latitudes, providing new insights into the rise of dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2015

Underground ants can't take the heat

A new study from Drexel University found that underground species of army ants are less tolerant of high temperatures than their aboveground relatives. The research highlights the importance of considering microhabitat in predicting animal responses to climate change.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJun 15, 2015

Uterine transplantation: Subjects have 'adjusted well to their new life situation'

A psychological evaluation of nine women who received a uterus from live donors indicates they adjusted psychologically well to their new life situation during the first year. Three of the seven remaining women have delivered healthy babies, with most reporting improved relationships with their donor and increased hope for a family.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Bacterial genome scalpel can identify key gene regions

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a precision scalpel to excise target genomic regions, revealing essential and non-essential genes. The CRISPR-Cas system enables targeted editing of DNA sequences, allowing for the identification of core genomic regions critical for bacterial survival.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2015

World's thinnest lightbulb -- graphene gets bright!

Researchers at Columbia University have successfully demonstrated an on-chip visible light source using graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms. The graphene-based light emitter can be integrated into chips and is expected to revolutionize the development of photonic circuits and displays.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 15, 2015

Study examines trends in smoking among health students

The study found a significant decline in smoking rates among nursing and physiotherapy students in Spain from 2003 to 2013. Many students remained unaware of the link between smoking and diseases, indicating a deficiency in undergraduate training.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateJun 15, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why big dinosaurs steered clear of the tropics

The study reveals that wild climate swings in the tropics made it difficult for large, warm-blooded dinosaur herbivores to survive. The researchers found that wildfires swept the landscape during arid regimes, continually reshaping vegetation available for plant-eating animals.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2015

How the Epstein-Barr virus hides in human cells

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München have found that the viral protein LMP2A helps EBV-infected cells evade immune detection. This may contribute to the development of cancer, particularly in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 15, 2015

Big dinosaurs steered clear of the tropics

Scientists have discovered that dinosaurs remained rare near the equator during the late Triassic period due to extreme climate fluctuations and wildfires that fueled hotter fires. The study revealed a pattern of rapid vegetation changes related to climate shifts, which led to droughts and plant die-offs.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Conservation policies could improve human health

A study published in PNAS found that strictly protected areas, like parks and reserves, have lower incidences of malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrhea. By preserving biodiversity, these areas can act as a barrier to disease transmission, suggesting a potential double win for public health benefits.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2015

Genetic switch lets marine diatoms do less work at higher CO2

A new study reveals how a common species of diatom adjusts to sudden and long-term increases in carbon dioxide. The research found that diatoms decrease photosynthesis and respiration to balance the cell's energy budget when CO2 levels remain high for a long time.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 15, 2015

Bistatic/multistatic synthetic aperture radar: Approaching the new era

Researchers have developed a novel deformation monitoring technique using bistatic differential interferometry with GNSS as transmitters, achieving high accuracy and low cost. The method combines DGNSS and D-InSAR for real-time subsidence monitoring, potentially replacing traditional techniques and enhancing national security.

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Palm oil price change could save tigers, other species

A new study finds that shoppers' willingness to pay more for sustainably grown palm oil could create profitable incentives for producers to preserve certain wildlife habitats. The study shows that higher prices for 'conservation grade' products can promote biodiversity at the least cost to oil palm companies.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Wayne State research team issued patent for new anesthesia monitoring technology

A Wayne State research team has developed a new anesthesia monitoring technology that uses real-time data analysis to predict patient responses to anesthesia. This system provides individualized and dynamic prediction of anesthesia depth and vital signs, allowing anesthesiologists to make more accurate decisions during surgery.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJun 15, 2015

Existing drug used in transplants causes older rats to lose weight

Researchers discovered that rapamycin, a pharmaceutical used to prevent transplant rejection, reduces body fat and appetite in older rats, preserving lean body mass. The drug targets how the body makes leptin, a hormone that affects hunger and metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateJun 15, 2015

CU Denver researcher says no evidence children of same sex couples negatively impacted

A new study from CU Denver found a developing consensus among researchers that children of same-sex couples experience no negative impact on social and behavioral outcomes. The study analyzed thousands of peer-reviewed articles and discovered an overwhelming scientific consensus in support of this conclusion.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSocial Science Research·DateJun 15, 2015

Mutation in zinc transport protein may inhibit successful breastfeeding

A recent study suggests that mutations in the ZnT2 protein, responsible for transporting zinc, can lead to severe deficiencies in breast milk and difficulties with breastfeeding. The researchers found that mice without functional ZnT2 had reduced beta-casein, fat, and lactose in their milk, impacting infant health.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2015

Study provides insights on chronic lung disease

A recent study published in Respirology found that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have significantly shorter telomere lengths than healthy individuals. The study suggests that mutations in the enzyme responsible for maintaining full-length telomeres may play a key role in the development of IPF.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Researchers grind nanotubes to get nanoribbons

Rice University researchers have developed a new method to create valuable graphene nanoribbons by grinding carbon nanotubes, eliminating the need for harsh chemical solutions. This solid-state process enables strong chemical coupling between nanostructures and produces novel forms of nanostructured products with specific properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2015

New mechanism that attacks viral infections discovered

German researchers uncover a novel mechanism by which the innate immune system combats rotavirus infection through the interaction between interferon-lambda and interleukin-22. This discovery has implications for the design of future immunotherapy concepts, including the treatment of chronic viral infections such as hepatitis.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Argonne confirms new commercial method for producing medical isotope

The US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has successfully demonstrated the production, separation and purification of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) using a process developed in cooperation with SHINE Medical Technologies. The new method uses fast neutrons to create Mo-99 from an aqueous solution of uranium.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJun 15, 2015

Violence by teachers almost halved in primary schools

A new programme, Good School Toolkit, has successfully reduced physical violence from teachers against school children by 42% in Ugandan primary schools. The initiative aims to foster change in operational culture at the school level, leading to improved feelings of well-being and safety among students.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 15, 2015

Scientists are first to see elements transform at atomic scale

Researchers at Tufts University have observed individual atoms of iodine-125 decay and transform into tellurium-125 using a scanning tunneling microscope. The gold-bonded isotopes emit six times more low-energy electrons, which could destroy tumor DNA without affecting healthy tissue.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Squid inspires camouflaging smart materials

Researchers at the University of Bristol have designed a smart materials system inspired by biological chromatophores, mimicking squid skin's camouflage abilities. The artificial skin, made from electroactive dielectric elastomer, can effectively copy biological patterns and even mimic complex dynamic patterning seen in real cephalopods.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInterface·DateJun 15, 2015

Origins of Red Sea's mysterious 'cannon earthquakes' revealed in new study

Researchers found that the Abu Dabbab earthquakes are caused by an active fault that slides along a rigid block of igneous rock, lubricated by fluids from the Red Sea. This unique setup allows high-frequency sounds of earthquakes to rise through the rock with little weakening of the acoustic signal.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 15, 2015

Microbe mobilizes 'iron shield' to block arsenic uptake in rice

Researchers have discovered a soil microbe that mobilizes an "iron shield" to block the uptake of toxic arsenic in rice. The microbe, EA106, forms a plaque on the surface of roots that competes with arsenic, effectively blocking its pathway. Inoculations with EA106 improved iron uptake and reduced arsenic accumulation in plants.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPlanta·DateJun 15, 2015

American Thoracic Society issues recommendations on healthy sleep

The American Thoracic Society recommends that adults aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, while children need age-based recommendations. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of education on sleep health, drowsy driving prevention, and early diagnosis of sleep disorders.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 15, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.