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Science News Archive March 2015


Page 13 of 38

Study may identify new cause of brain bleeds in fetuses and newborns

Researchers found that the immune system's attack on new blood vessel cells in fetuses may be responsible for life-threatening brain bleeds. This discovery challenges the previous belief that low platelet counts were the cause of fetal brain bleeds, suggesting a need for alternative therapies.

A stiff new layer in Earth's mantle

A new study by University of Utah researchers reveals the existence of an unknown layer inside Earth's lower mantle, where rock gets three times stiffer. This stiffness increase may explain why slabs of sinking tectonic plates stall and thicken at a depth of 930 miles underground.

CMU study finds location sharing by apps prompts privacy action

A Carnegie Mellon University study found that when smartphone users learn the frequency of app location sharing, they quickly limit further sharing. Participants who received daily 'privacy nudges' detailing their app's access to sensitive information restricted permissions more than those who used an app permission manager.

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.

Combining the old and new to kill cancer cells

A team of Singapore-based scientists identified a new signalling pathway regulating cancer internal diet. The therapy combines an old anti-malarial drug with CK1α inhibition, effectively treating colon and bladder cancers. Researchers hope to develop more potent inhibitors for this treatment.

Non-native plants are 'not a threat' to floral diversity

New research reveals that non-native plants are less widespread and do not outcompete native species, suggesting alternative causes for vegetation change. High diversities of native and non-native plant species coexist in locations with high native species diversity.

Metabolic compensation underlies drug resistance in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma's aggressive nature is fueled by mTOR-induced pathways, but mTOR inhibitors have shown limited effectiveness. Compensatory glutamine metabolism plays a crucial role in mTOR inhibitor resistance, as evidenced by increased glutaminase and glutamine levels in GBM cells and tumor xenografts.

How to get smarter on pills for seniors

A new study evaluates currently available screening tools for senior cancer patients taking too many medications. It found that a more comprehensive assessment and monitoring plan is needed to improve treatment outcomes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery could yield more efficient portable electronics, solar cells

A team of chemists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed a method to precisely order molecules in organic glasses, leading to more efficient and durable portable electronic devices and potentially new generations of solar cells. This breakthrough could result in displays that produce more light using less energy.

Discontinuing statins for patients with life limiting illness

A new study suggests discontinuing statins in patients with life-limiting illness can improve quality of life without adverse health effects. The study found no significant differences in mortality between those who continued and discontinued statin therapy.

Delayed retirement could increase inequalities among seniors

A report by University of Montreal researcher Yves Carrière finds that delaying retirement eligibility will widen disparities among older adults. This policy change is expected to disproportionately affect those with lower incomes, who will be more reliant on private savings for support.

Rett Syndrome Research Trust awards $1.3 million for clinical trial

A two-year clinical trial using low doses of ketamine may hold promise for reversing the devastating symptoms of Rett Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder found almost exclusively in females. The trial aims to measure changes in breathing patterns and overall clinical severity among up to 35 participants.

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.

Soils help control radioactivity in Fukushima, Japan

Researchers found that soils with rich organic material and low phosphate absorption show low radiocesium interception potential. Soils with high clay or silt content adsorb radiocesium more readily due to higher mica content.

New insights into survival outcomes of Asian-Americans diagnosed with cancer

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that Asian-Americans diagnosed with cancer have significantly lower cancer-specific mortality rates compared to non-Hispanic white patients. The study analyzed data from over 2.5 million patients and broke down the population into eight subgroups, revealing variations in survival rate...

Supercomputers give universities a competitive edge, researchers find

A Clemson University study found that universities with locally available supercomputers were more efficient in producing research in critical fields such as chemistry and civil engineering. The study used data from the National Research Council survey of 212 institutions, including 177 universities with high or very high research levels.

New low-calorie rice could help cut rising obesity rates

Scientists developed a new way to cook rice that increases resistant starch content, potentially reducing calories absorbed by the body by over half. This simple cooking method can transform digestible starch into indigestible resistant starch, lowering usable calories and addressing obesity rates.

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.

Catching and releasing tiny molecules

A Harvard scientist has developed a new microfluidic design that can detect and extract biomolecules from fluid mixtures more efficiently than current techniques. The approach uses microscopic fins embedded in a hydrogel that responds to different stimuli, allowing for the selective separation of target biomolecules.

Cytomegalovirus hijacks human enzyme for replication

Researchers at Princeton University discovered that cytomegalovirus manipulates fatty acid elongation, a process essential for virus replication. The virus induces the expression of elongase enzyme 7, which is necessary for efficient replication.

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.

Rush to crush risks medicine effectiveness

A study by Queensland University of Technology found that almost half of respondents modified medication dosage forms without seeking advice from healthcare professionals. The research highlights the potential dangers of crushing tablets or modifying capsules, which can lead to reduced effectiveness and increased risk of adverse effects.

Special microbes make anti-obesity molecule in the gut

Researchers have programmed bacteria to generate a hunger-suppressing lipid, leading to reduced body fat and staved-off diabetes in mice. The therapeutic bacteria could provide sustained drug delivery, potentially improving weight loss outcomes for humans.

New processing technology converts packing peanuts to battery components

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to convert waste packing peanuts into high-performance carbon electrodes for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The new anodes outperform conventional graphite electrodes and charge faster, making them a promising environmentally friendly solution.

Air pollutants could boost potency of common airborne allergens

Researchers find that nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone can increase the potency of airborne allergens, contributing to rising allergy rates. The study suggests chemical modifications of allergenic proteins may play a key role in the increasing prevalence of allergies worldwide.

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 potential for personalized treatments in bowel cancer

Research links genetic changes in bowel tumours to immune system responses, suggesting potential for targeted immunotherapy treatments. Genetic profiles could be used to diagnose suitability for immunotherapies and tailor treatment plans.

Blood test for patients on acne medication deemed unnecessary

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that routine potassium monitoring for healthy women taking spironolactone for acne does not change the course of treatment, but cumulatively costs $80,000. The researchers suggest ending routine testing to improve patient care experience and reduce healthcare spending.

A molecule from plants and trees could make our roads and roofs 'greener'

A molecule from plants and trees, lignin, could be used to create asphalt and sealant mixtures that are more environmentally friendly and durable. Lignin, a renewable resource found in trees, has been integrated into bitumen to improve its performance and reduce the amount of non-renewable oil needed.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers develop detailed genetic map of world wheat varieties

Scientists at Kansas State University have developed a haplotype map of wheat that provides a detailed description of genetic differences in worldwide wheat lines. This study enables the precise mapping of genes and increases the selection of best lines for breeding, leading to faster release times for new varieties.

Food-delivery process inside seeds revealed

A recent Carnegie Institution study has identified three SWEET family proteins essential for delivering sugars from plant leaves to embryonic plants inside seeds. The research found that eliminating these transporters retards embryonic development and reduces seed quality, with potential applications in crop yield enhancement.

NNI publishes workshop report assessing the status of EHS risk science

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has published a report assessing the status of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) risk science in nanotechnology. Stakeholders identified four key areas for improvement: communication resources, decision tools, data resources, and standards and guidance resources.

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.

Additives to biodegrade plastics don't work

A new study from Michigan State University finds that several additives claiming to break down plastics do not work in common disposal situations. The team tested five additives and three categories of biodegradation methods but found no difference between plastics with additives and those without.

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.

Scientists must reduce antibiotic use in experiments

Antibiotics are widely used in lab experiments for microbiology, molecular biology, and genetic research. However, this practice contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, posing a catastrophic threat to modern medicine. Researchers must use antibiotics more responsibly and sparingly.

Ice core research gets 25 million kroner from A.P. Møller Foundation

A Danish-led project, EGRIP, will drill a 2½-kilometer deep ice core through northeast Greenland's large ice stream to gain new knowledge about the speed of ice movement and its contribution to rapid loss of the Greenland ice sheet. This information could improve forecasts of future sea level rise.

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.

The welding system of the future is self-learning

The new self-learning welding system is controlled by a neural network program that tracks multiple variables, such as bevel angle, thermal profile, and weld form to detect and correct errors in real-time. This technology has the potential to bring significant savings to the welding industry by eliminating post-welding checks and repairs.

Stinging nettle chemical improves cancer drug

Researchers discover that combining Sodium Formate with metal-based cancer treatment JS07 can greatly increase its effectiveness against ovarian cancer cells. The potent form of JS07 disrupts cancer cell's energy generation mechanism, leading to cell shutdown and potential reduction in side effects.

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.

Letting go of the (genetic) apron strings

Researchers have discovered that a specific set of molecules, known as transcription factors, trigger DNA errors and slow down cell division in embryos. This finding provides new insight into the mechanism behind the 'midblastula transition', where the embryo takes control of its genetic expression.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Nathan crossing Cape York Peninsula

Tropical Cyclone Nathan made landfall on March 19 at the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, with sustained winds reaching over 30 meters per second. NASA's RapidScat instrument revealed the strongest winds were south of the center before landfall, and the storm was moving west across the peninsula.

First blood test for osteoarthritis could soon be available

Researchers at the University of Warwick have identified a biomarker linked to both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, potentially leading to an early diagnosis of OA and RA. The development of a blood test using this biomarker could help patients receive treatment several years before physical symptoms appear.

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.

Review of global guidelines for sepsis needed

A Monash University study reviewed over a million ICU patients in Australia and New Zealand, finding one in eight did not meet current sepsis criteria. The classic definition of sepsis may be missing critically ill patients, particularly the elderly or those on medications that affect heart rate or immune systems.

Black holes and the dark sector explained by quantum gravity

Nexus theory reconciles GR and Quantum Theory, explaining dark matter as the nexus graviton's constant rotational motion. The theory also sheds light on perplexing questions in physics, including a quantum description of Black Holes without singularities.