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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 36


Page 36 of 36

Not so crowded house? New findings on global species richness

A study published in PNAS estimates global species richness, finding that roughly 10% of the world's beetles have been named and described, shedding light on previous estimates. The research suggests a mean of 1.5 million beetle species and 6.8 million terrestrial arthropod species.

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2015

All shook up for greener chemistry

Research from the University of Cincinnati explores solvent-free chemistry, finding it can be just as reliable for chemical reactions without drawbacks. This approach reduces waste and costs, offering a financial savings.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 1, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA provides information on Category 4 Hurricane Andres

Hurricane Andres, a Category 4 hurricane, is affecting surf along Mexico's Baja California coast with life-threatening swells and rip currents. NASA's Aqua satellite provided critical data on the storm's eye structure and cloud top temperatures, helping forecasters predict its weakening trend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 1, 2015

Novel X-ray lens sharpens view into the nano world

A novel X-ray lens designed by DESY scientists has been successfully tested, producing sharper and brighter images of the nano world. The lens employs a unique concept to redirect X-rays over a wide range of angles, enabling high convergence power and resolving smaller details.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 1, 2015

Using robots at Berkeley Lab, scientists assemble promising antimicrobial compounds

Researchers have developed a method to create custom nanoscale structures that mimic nature's designs using robotic chemical-synthesizing machines. The peptoids, synthetic versions of peptides, show promise as durable antimicrobials that can target bacteria without harming red blood cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 1, 2015

New climate stress index model challenges doomsday forecasts for world's coral reefs

A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society presents a more complex model that incorporates multiple environmental factors and field observations to predict coral reef resilience. The model challenges traditional 'temperature threshold' predictions, suggesting a more nuanced and spatially complex future for coral reefs.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalClimatic Change·DateJun 1, 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.

Study explores reasons behind alcohol abuse in non-heterosexual women

A new study led by Amelia E. Talley found that non-heterosexual women with a disconnect between their identity and attractions may experience higher rates of hazardous drinking. Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that this internal conflict can lead to self-medicating through alcohol use.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 1, 2015

Circular orbits identified for small exoplanets

A team of astronomers found that 74 Earth-sized exoplanets orbit their stars in circular patterns, contrary to expectations. This discovery suggests that small planets may maintain stable climates year-round, making them more hospitable to life.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 1, 2015

Drug prevents passage of HBV during pregnancy

A prospective study found that telbivudine prevented perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in pregnant women with high viral loads. The study showed a significant reduction in HBV transmission in infants whose mothers received telbivudine, with almost no positive tests after six months.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 1, 2015

Some endangered sawfishes are having babies, no sex required

A study found that about 3% of critically endangered smalltooth sawfish are products of virgin births, with no genetic diversity loss. Researchers hope this discovery may help save the species from extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 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.

New way to tackle vaccine hesitancy tested, found wanting

A randomized trial tested an intervention to improve hesitancy about early childhood vaccines, but found it had minimal effect on mothers and doctors. The intervention, called Ask, Acknowledge, and Advise, aimed to encourage respectful dialogue with parents while recommending vaccination.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 1, 2015

Missing link found between brain, immune system -- with major disease implications

The discovery of lymphatic vessels in the brain could have significant implications for understanding and treating neurological diseases such as autism, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis. The findings, published in Nature, suggest that these vessels may play a major role in immune responses to neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature·DateJun 1, 2015

Plasma for medical and biological uses: New electron density diagnostic method

Researchers at National Institute of Fusion Science have developed a dispersion interferometer to measure electron density in atmospheric pressure low-temperature plasma with high accuracy. This breakthrough enables precise control over plasma parameters, leading to optimal plasmas for medicine and biology applications.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateJun 1, 2015

Study suggests breastfeeding may lower risk of childhood leukemia

Research suggests that breastfeeding for at least six months can significantly reduce the risk of childhood leukemia. The study analyzed data from 18 studies and found a 19% lower risk compared to no breastfeeding or shorter breastfeeding periods. Breast milk's immunological components may play a key role in this association.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 1, 2015
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.

Revolutionary technology to improve bedside tumor diagnosis in patients

The Universities of Leicester and Nottingham are developing a mini hybrid gamma ray camera to improve the diagnosis of tumours and lymph nodes from patients' bedsides. This handheld 'hybrid' technology combines optical and gamma imaging, allowing for more accurate surgical cancer treatments and reducing mortality and morbidity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateJun 1, 2015

Aging couples connected in sickness and health

A study analyzing data from over 8,000 married couples found that the physical health and cognitive functioning of a person's spouse can greatly affect their own quality of life. The research suggests that targeting both partners' health and cognition is crucial for improving overall well-being in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateJun 1, 2015

Online gambling would benefit from better regulation

A new study by Michigan State University business scholars estimates the costs and benefits of the Unfair Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, concluding that regulated online gambling would benefit both the industry and consumers, reducing uncertainty and confusion among firms and individuals.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Hospitality Financial Management·DateJun 1, 2015
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.

Vitamin D and calcium supplements do not improve menopausal symptoms

A study of 34,157 postmenopausal women found that vitamin D and calcium supplements had no significant impact on menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and fatigue. The results suggest that these supplements may not be an effective treatment option for relieving menopausal symptoms.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalMaturitas·DateJun 1, 2015

Research highlights link between neighborhood and partner violence

A study published in the American Journal of Community Psychology found that individuals with social support were less likely to experience emotional or verbal abuse. However, those living in neighborhoods with social and economic issues were more prone to physical violence, highlighting the need for co-ordinated services.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateJun 1, 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.

New evidence emerges on the origins of life

University of North Carolina researchers provide evidence that amino acids evolved into proteins, and single cells formed plants and animals. The close linkage between the physical properties of amino acids, genetic code, and protein folding is crucial to life's origins.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2015

Genetic causes of cerebral palsy trump birth causes

Cerebral palsy cases can be attributed to genetic mutations in up to 45% of cases, according to a study by the Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Group. The research suggests that genetic sequencing techniques will increase the identification of genetically caused cerebral palsy cases.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 1, 2015

New color blindness cause identified

Researchers have discovered a new gene mutation that causes achromatopsia, a rare eye disorder marked by color blindness and light sensitivity. The ATF6 gene mutation may lead to targeted treatments for this form of color blindness.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 1, 2015

Yeast protein network could provide insights into human obesity

A team of researchers identified a yeast protein network that regulates fat storage in yeast, analogous to human obesity. The study suggests that yeast could serve as a valuable test organism for studying human obesity, with the removal of specific proteins resulting in increased cellular fat content.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 1, 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 synthesize magnetic nanoparticles that could offer alternative to rare Earth magnets

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have synthesized a powerful new magnetic material containing iron, cobalt, and carbon atoms, which can store information up to 790 kelvins. This material has long-range magnetic order and rivals the properties of permanent magnets, potentially reducing dependence on rare earth elements.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 1, 2015

Researchers find fructose contributes to weight gain, physical inactivity, and body fat

A recent study at Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology found that fructose causes significant weight gain, physical inactivity and body fat deposition when matched calorie for calorie with glucose. Fructose-fed mice displayed increased body weight, liver mass and fat mass compared to glucose-fed mice.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 1, 2015

New anti-microbial compounds evade resistance with less toxicity

Researchers have developed new anti-microbial compounds that specifically target fungal infections without harming human cells. These derivatives of the antifungal drug amphotericin B are highly effective in killing invasive yeast infections while showing minimal toxicity to humans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 1, 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.

Giant structures called plasmoids could simplify the design of future tokamaks

Physicists at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have simulated the formation of plasmoids in hot plasma gas that fuels fusion reactions. The discovery could lead to more efficient creation and maintenance of plasma through transient Coaxial Helicity Injection, simplifying tokamak design.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2015

Weakening memories of crime through deliberate suppression

Researchers develop method to suppress guilty memories, reducing their impact on behavior and brain activity. The study uses EEG and Implicit Association Tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of suppressing crime-related memories.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 1, 2015