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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 6


Page 6 of 36

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.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThorax·DateJun 25, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalUrban Water Journal·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalWork and Occupations·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 25, 2015

Writing program with student interaction creates sense of purpose for seniors

A NYU study found that a life review writing workshop combined with student interactions enhances the sense of purpose for older adults living independently. The program showed significant benefits in promoting well-being and reducing depressive symptoms among community-dwelling seniors.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Occupational Therapy·DateJun 25, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2015

Commenters exposed to prejudiced comments more likely to display prejudice themselves

A study found that participants who were exposed to prejudiced comments posted by others showed an increase in their own levels of prejudice toward Asians. They also tended to post more prejudiced comments about Asians themselves. The researchers suggest that anti-prejudiced comments can have a beneficial impact in reducing racial bias.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateJun 25, 2015
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 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.

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·DateJun 25, 2015

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 ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalInvestigative Radiology·DateJun 25, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceRettsyndrome.org·DateJun 25, 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.

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...

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateJun 25, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 25, 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.

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalNeurodegenerative Disease Management·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 25, 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.

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.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 25, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2015

Top scientists call for improved incentives to ensure research integrity

Researchers from top institutions emphasize the need for high-quality science by addressing issues such as replication problems, researcher misconduct, and sensationalism. They propose solutions like rewarding quality work, mentoring peer-reviewers, and voluntary withdrawal of flawed papers.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 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.

New study: Tart cherry juice reduced post-race respiratory tract symptoms after a marathon

A new pilot study found that Montmorency tart cherry juice reduced upper respiratory tract symptoms in marathon runners. The study also showed lower markers for inflammation compared to a placebo group. This research provides encouraging evidence of the potential role of tart cherries in reducing exercise-induced respiratory problems.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalTransportation Science·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJun 25, 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.

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.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 25, 2015

As siblings learn how to resolve conflict, parents pick up a few tips of their own

A five-session intervention teaches social and emotional competencies to reduce sibling conflict. Moms report improved emotion regulation after watching sessions and coaching their kids. Fathers also show reduced negative emotions when children's conflicts decrease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·DateJun 25, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.