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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 2


Page 2 of 36

Using muons from cosmic rays to find fraying infrastructure

Scientists are using subatomic particles called muons to analyze the thickness of concrete slabs and metal pipes. The technique can safely identify faulty infrastructure components without creating radiation or invasive inspections.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 30, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Similarities between embryos and breast tumors identified

MD Anderson researchers discovered a breast tumor marker that predicts metastasis by analyzing the gene expression signature of mouse embryos. Tumors with similar signatures to six-day-old embryos were more prone to metastasize than those with adult-like signatures.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 30, 2015

Seeing a supernova in a new light

A collaborative project between Caltech and the Weizmann Institute of Science observed a unique radiation spike in ultraviolet range, supporting a giant companion model for white dwarf explosions. The findings highlight the importance of ultraviolet-range observations in understanding type Ia supernovae.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2015

Human urine helps prevent bacteria from sticking to bladder cells

Researchers found that human urine's unknown factors interfere with bacterial FimH protein's ability to adhere to cells and switch off pilus production assembly. This exposes a crucial weakness in pathogen's ability to infect, making potential non-antibiotic treatments more effective

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 30, 2015

NASA missions monitor a waking black hole

Astronomers monitor the outburst of V404 Cygni, a black hole firing up in an X-ray nova. The data collected will help determine the type of object at its heart, providing insights into these rare events.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 2015

Location isn't everything but timing is for certain spawning fish

Research from NIMBioS found that the timing of spawning is crucial for the survival of larval fish, with success rates higher on days when spawning is observed to occur. This study has important implications for fisheries management and conservation, highlighting the need to protect spawning aggregations.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2015
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.

How small genetic change in Yersinia pestis changed human history

Researchers found that a single small genetic change enabled Yersinia pestis to transition from causing gastrointestinal infections to respiratory diseases, including pneumonic plague. This discovery may have helped explain how the plague spread globally, leading to devastating pandemics like the Black Death.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2015

Targeting mistreatment of women during childbirth

A systematic review of 65 studies in 34 countries identifies 7 areas of mistreatment and abuse during childbirth, including physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. The authors call for improved access to privacy, resources, and trained staff to reduce morbidity and mortality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 30, 2015

Hospital-wide program for delirium, alcohol withdrawal and suicide/harm impacts readmission rates

A hospital-wide clinical improvement initiative implemented across all departments at BWH significantly reduced the 30-day readmission rate of patients at risk for DASH by nine percent. The program, which included standardized assessment tools and care management guidelines, improved patient outcomes and quality of life.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateJun 30, 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.

A win-win-win-win

Researchers will study the complex interaction of human and natural forces that may alter patterns of disease transmission. Small prawns are expected to kill snails effectively, providing a potential solution to schistosomiasis.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJun 30, 2015

UW team programs solitary yeast cells to say 'hello' to one another

Researchers at the University of Washington have engineered yeast cells to communicate with each other using auxin, a plant hormone that can induce specific genes to be expressed. This breakthrough could lead to the development of synthetic stem cells and artificial organs that require different types of cells to work together.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJun 30, 2015

New model of cosmic stickiness favors 'Big Rip' demise of universe

A new mathematical formulation of cosmic viscosity bridges the gap between thermodynamics and Einstein's general theory of relativity, favoring the 'Big Rip' scenario. The model also sheds light on dark energy, suggesting it may account for the universe's accelerating expansion.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJun 30, 2015

A high-fat diet may alleviate mitochondrial disease

Researchers at Salk Institute find that a high-fat diet amplifies the effects of FGF21, granting mice resistance to obesity and associated diseases. The study provides insight into potential new therapies for mitochondrial and metabolic diseases in humans.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2015
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.

Earthquakes in western Solomon Islands have long history, study shows

Researchers found evidence of six large earthquakes in western Solomon Islands over the past 3,000 years, including five that were as large or larger than a devastating 2007 earthquake. The study used corals to analyze seismic events and provide insight into the relationship between earthquakes and long-term geological processes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2015

Ocean algae will cope well in varying climates, study shows

Researchers found that phytoplankton exposed to fluctuating CO2 levels adapted more to future changes than those grown in stable conditions. However, the adapted algae evolved more and were smaller, potentially impacting marine animal feeding and carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJun 30, 2015

UGA researcher leads comprehensive international study on folate

The study provides a comprehensive review of folate biomarkers, which can be used to assess an individual's or population group's folate status. Adequate folate intake is critical during fetal development to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 30, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Physical study may give boost to hydrogen cars

Researchers discover smaller nanoparticles of magnesium hydride have better mechanical properties, including plastic stability and homogeneous dislocation activity. This suggests a path forward for making better hydrogen storage tanks by engineering them to take advantage of these properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 30, 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.

For women with bipolar disorder, sleep quality affects mood

Poor sleep quality predicts increased severity and frequency of depression and mania in women with bipolar disorder. For men, baseline depression score and neuroticism are stronger predictors of mood outcome. Improving sleep quality could help patients avoid mood episodes and improve quality of life.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJun 30, 2015

New study identifies organic compounds of potential concern in fracking fluids

A new University of Colorado Boulder framework screened hundreds of organic chemical compounds used in hydraulic fracturing, identifying 15 as potentially hazardous groundwater contaminants based on their toxicity, mobility, and persistence. The study also predicted that 41 compounds would have 10% or more of their initial concentratio...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJun 30, 2015

Epidemic of obesity and overweight linked to increased food energy supply

A recent study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found a strong correlation between global increases in food energy supply and obesity rates. The research analyzed data from 69 countries and discovered that both body weight and food energy supply had increased in 81% of them between 1971 and 2010.

SourceBulletin of the World Health Organization·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateJun 30, 2015
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.

A centipede from hell

The newly discovered centipede, Geophilus hadesi, is the world's deepest cave-dwelling centipede and has adapted to live exclusively in caves. It features unusual traits such as elongated antennae, trunk segments, and powerful jaws with poison glands.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJun 30, 2015

ASTRO announces new journal Advances in Radiation Oncology and Editor Robert C. Miller, M.D.

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has launched a new open-access journal, Advances in Radiation Oncology, with Founding Editor Robert C. Miller, M.D. The journal will publish original research on novel retrospectives and hypothesis-generating series, with a focus on practice transformation.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalAdvances in Radiation Oncology·DateJun 30, 2015

Atomic force microscope advance leads to new breast cancer research

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how deactivation of a key protein leads to breast cancer metastasis. The new high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique allows for the first time to image live breast cancer cells, providing insights into the physical properties and dynamics of these cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 30, 2015

To shed weight, go vegan

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that vegetarian diets lead to significant weight loss, with vegan diets showing the greatest results, and benefits attributed to high intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

Yosemite forest fire example of possible things to come

Researchers studied the aftermath of Yosemite's Rim fire, which burned 400 square miles in 2013, to understand its impact on forest recovery. They found that uncharacteristically high severity and altered dynamics, with potential for vegetation switching to shrubs if not restored through controlled burns.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcosystems·DateJun 30, 2015

NASA sees new depression forms near Solomon Islands

A new tropical depression has formed near the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, affecting some islands and extending the Southern Pacific cyclone season. The depression is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm before moving south over Guadalcanal.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 2015

'Tele-rounding': Robots in the neonatal intensive care unit

A study published in Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that robot-assisted telemedicine improved the accessibility of neonatal intensive care specialists. The remote specialist required more time to care for patients due to internet connectivity issues, but overall, there were no significant differences in patient outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Telemedicine and Telecare·DateJun 29, 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.

Researchers define unique group of high-risk lymphoma patients

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified a subgroup of follicular lymphoma patients who experience early disease recurrence despite modern treatments. These patients may require personalized therapy approaches, such as targeted sequencing or gene-expression profiling, to improve their outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 29, 2015

Talk is cheap: New study finds words speak louder than actions

A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people are more likely to conform to others' preferences than actions. Researchers designed six experiments involving everyday activities to test this theory, revealing a pervasive tendency to adopt others' judgments as one's own.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 29, 2015

Picturing the forecast: NWS graphics developed with NCAR research

The National Weather Service is launching new graphics to communicate forecast information more clearly, based on research by a team at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The new icons feature split images and color-coded boxes to convey the existence, timing, and potential severity of upcoming weather threats.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJun 29, 2015

New study supports safety and efficacy of Evekeo for treating children with ADHD

A new study published in Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology found that Evekeo improves ADHD symptoms and behavior in children with ADHD. The medication, given once or twice daily, shows significant improvement in ADHD rating scores, especially within the first 10 hours post-dose.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJun 29, 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.

When times are tough, parents favor daughters over sons

In tough economic times, parents tend to allocate more resources to their female offspring, according to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research. The researchers found that when parents perceive economic conditions as poor, they are more likely to prioritize their daughters over sons.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 29, 2015

Singapore researchers confirm gene p73's role in tumor growth

A study by Singapore researchers established that gene p73 has both promotional and suppressive functions in tumor growth. The findings suggest that p73 is stabilized and activated under hypoxic conditions, promoting efficient blood vessel formation that supports tumor development.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 29, 2015

What effect does marijuana really have on weight gain?

A new study by University of Montreal researchers found that long-term cannabis use is associated with weight gain, but this effect varies depending on factors such as gender and level of use. The study also showed that concomitant cigarette smoking can alter the relationship between cannabis use and weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior·DateJun 29, 2015

How your brain knows it's summer

A study published in PNAS reveals that the neurotransmitter GABA plays a crucial role in encoding seasonal changes through changes in chloride levels. By blocking GABA activity, researchers were able to synchronize the brain's internal clock, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals with disrupted seasonal rhythms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015

New strategies against rare, fatal lung syndrome

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a molecular mechanism behind pulmonary fibrosis in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome patients. They propose two therapeutic strategies: manipulating CHI3L1 and CRTH2 proteins to slow down scarring.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Neighborhood environments and risk for type 2 diabetes

Research found that neighborhoods with more physical activity resources and healthy food options have a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. Individuals with lower income, education, or physical activity levels were more likely to develop the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2015

Getting high in senior year: NYU study examines reasons for smoking pot

A new NYU study reveals that using marijuana to alleviate boredom increases the risk of reporting powder cocaine or hallucinogen use, while 'experimentation' is associated with lower risk. Infrequent use does not increase risk, and most teens who use marijuana do not progress to using other drugs.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateJun 29, 2015

Rare gene variant associated with middle ear infections

Researchers found a rare genetic variant in the A2ML1 gene associated with an increased risk of middle ear infections. The study, led by Dr. Regie Santos-Cortez, identified the variant in 37 Filipinos and two European-Americans with otitis media, suggesting it may be the result of a founder effect from Spain.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 29, 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.

JDR articles explore 3-D printing for oral and dental tissue engineering

The International Association for Dental Research published a case report on the first application of 3D printed scaffolds for periodontal tissue engineering in humans. A review also discussed various 3D bioprinting methods, biomaterials, and their potential applications.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJun 29, 2015

Flatworms could replace mammals for some toxicology tests

Scientists at UC San Diego discovered that freshwater planarians are comparably sensitive to tested chemicals as zebrafish larvae and nematodes, but offer unique advantages such as studying genetically identical adult and developing animals. This could reduce the use of laboratory mammals in toxicology tests.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015

Hope for patients with chronic wounds

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that microRNA-132 plays a critical role in regulating the transition from inflammation to proliferation during wound healing. The researchers identified miR-132 as a therapeutic target for promoting healing and developing new treatments for chronic skin wounds.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2015
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.

Study: Even fraud-savvy investors often look for the wrong red flags

Researchers identified two factors that lead investors to assess fraud risk, including reliance on financial statements and perception of corporate fraud prevalence. Most nonprofessional investors are also concentrated in fewer companies, making them more vulnerable to fraudulent activity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·DateJun 29, 2015