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Science News Archive March 2015


Page 14 of 38

The Oldest Old are changing Canada

The Canadian population aged 85 and over has grown to 702,000 by 2013, representing 2% of the total population. As the 'oldest old' category continues to evolve, it will impact public policy and require distinct services.

New Notre Dame paper examines household production and asset prices

A new paper by Zhi Da at the University of Notre Dame finds that residential electricity usage can track household production in real time, helping to price assets. The research shows that consumer product related industries are risky as they have high exposure to household production risk.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New transitory form of silica observed

A team of scientists has discovered five new forms of silica under extreme pressures at room temperature, revealing a four-to-six configuration shift in the deep Earth. The findings provide valuable insights into the transition between different chemical phases under high-pressure conditions.

International study raises questions about cause of global ice ages

A new international study finds that glacier movement in the Southern Hemisphere is primarily influenced by sea surface temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide rather than changes in the Earth's orbit. The results contradict the Milankovitch theory of climate, which suggests orbital fluctuations drive ice sheet expansion in the Nort...

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.

Autistic and non-autistic brain differences isolated for first time

A new method called Brain-Wide Association Analysis (BWAS) has isolated the functional differences between autistic and non-autistic brains, identifying regions that may contribute to autism symptoms. The study used a large dataset of MRI scans to compare brain connectivity in individuals with autism and those without.

Conservation works: Forests for water in eastern Amazonia

A new study found that large protected areas in the Xingu River Basin have limited the negative impacts of expanding agriculture on the region's water cycle. The research combined fieldwork, satellite data, and dynamic vegetation models to simulate the water budget, finding that deforestation has had a small effect on the area.

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.

First proof of isolated attosecond pulse generation at the carbon K-edge

Researchers at ICFO have successfully generated isolated attosecond pulses at the carbon K-edge, enabling real-time imaging of electronic motion in organic compounds and ultrafast devices. This breakthrough has significant implications for designing new materials and developing petahertz electronics.

Shrinking habitats have adverse effects on world ecosystems

A study reveals that 70% of the world's remaining forests are within a half-mile of their edges, facing harm from urbanization and agricultural influences. Habitat fragmentation reduces plant and animal diversity by 13-75%, with negative effects magnifying over time.

Microscope technique reveals for first time when and where proteins are made

Researchers have developed a new fluorescence microscopy technique that shows where and when proteins are produced in individual cells. The technique allows direct observation of messenger RNA molecules being translated into proteins, shedding light on protein synthesis irregularities contributing to human diseases.

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.

New lead against HIV could finally hobble the virus's edge

Researchers have identified a compound that blocks HIV entry by targeting both CCR5 and CXCR4, reducing the risk of resistance and making treatment more effective. This finding has significant implications for the development of new HIV treatments and could potentially keep treatment affordable for millions in the developing world.

Fewer multiple births could reduce autism risk in ART children

A large study found twice as many diagnosed autisms among ART births compared to non-ART births, but most of the association was explained by maternal age and education. After accounting for these factors, an elevated risk was only seen in mothers aged 20-34, with no significant increase in singletons.

Educated women choosing to be mothers without marrying their spouses

A study led by Benoît Laplante finds that consensual unions have become increasingly popular among higher-income groups in Latin America. University-educated women are no longer limited to having children out of wedlock, as fertility rates correlate with living in a conjugal relationship rather than its legal nature.

Scientists pinpoint molecule that switches on stem cell genes

Researchers at Rockefeller University identified Sox9 as a key molecule controlling stem cell plasticity in hair follicles. Sox9 enables hair follicle stem cells to regain their ability to produce new tissue and heal wounds by amplifying genes associated with stemness.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Healthy grain fiber helps barley resist pests

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that resistant barley varieties accumulate beta-glucan in their cell walls, which may influence nutrient flow and natural defense strategies against cereal cyst nematode. This finding could lead to new targets for resistance strategies in barley and other cereal crops.

The taming of the shrew

Researchers from University of Cologne measured vibrational transitions in CH5+ ions with high accuracy, revealing the molecule's structure. The findings confirm a simple model of five hydrogen nuclei moving freely around the carbon nucleus.

Robotic materials: Changing with the world around them

Researchers develop robotic materials that can sense their environment and change their properties in response. Inspired by nature, these materials aim to create prosthetics, self-healing bridges, and adaptive vehicles. However, manufacturing techniques remain a challenge, and an education gap must be addressed.

MDC researchers uncover regulatory network in the kidney

Researchers from MDC have discovered a novel molecular signaling pathway in the kidney that regulates epithelial barrier function and lumen expansion. The Grhl2 transcription factor teams up with Ovol2 to control genes essential for forming an impermeable barrier.

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.

First stem cell-based approach to treat type 2 diabetes effective in mice

A stem cell-based approach using human embryonic stem cells proved effective in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in mice. The combination of stem cell transplantation and antidiabetic drugs resulted in rapid weight loss and significant improvements in glucose control compared to individual treatments.

UCSF team finds key to making neurons from stem cells

A research team at UCSF has discovered a noncoding RNA molecule called Pnky that can be manipulated to increase the production of neurons from neural stem cells. The study suggests that Pnky may have broad applications in regenerative medicine, including treatments for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

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.

Study reports excellent outcomes among HIV+ kidney transplant recipients

HIV+ kidney transplant recipients who are not infected with HCV have similar 5-year and 10-year kidney survival rates as uninfected recipients. Patient survival among mono-infected HIV+ recipients is also comparable to uninfected recipients, while co-infected patients experience inferior outcomes.

Breast implants could become safer thanks to cell-friendly surface

Scientists at the University of Manchester have created an enhanced surface for silicone breast implants that mimics the body's own skin cells. This new surface reduces foreign body reactions and may help lower the risk of capsular contracture, a common complication after breast implant surgery. The study suggests that this biomimetic ...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Milky Way's center unveils supernova 'dust factory'

Researchers made direct observations of cosmic dust resulting from an ancient supernova at the Milky Way's center, supporting the theory that supernovae produce dust in galaxies of the early universe. The study provides new insights into the origins of dust, a crucial component in star and planet formation.

Text message reminders boost breast cancer screening attendance

A Cancer Research UK study found that text message reminders increased breast cancer screening attendance by 20% among women aged 47-53. The trial, which sent text messages to over 450 women, showed that 72% of those who received the reminders attended their appointments compared to 60% of those who did not.

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.

Our eyes multi-task even when we don't want them to, researchers find

A study by New York University and the University of Pennsylvania found that humans have difficulty ignoring visual dimensions even when it harms performance. This ability to combine multiple components of an item while underscoring the challenge faced by medical practitioners and airport screeners is a result of our automatic multi-ta...

Citizen scientists discover new plant species in the Cape Floral Kingdom

Two new plant species, Psoralea diturnerae and P. vanberkelae, have been discovered by citizen scientists in the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa. The discovery was made possible through the efforts of a group of amateur botanists known as the Outramps, who have been conducting regular expeditions to monitor and conserve rare species.

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.

New PET image analysis technique tracks amyloid changes with greater power

Researchers developed a new brain image analysis method to track beta-amyloid plaque deposition in Alzheimer's disease, using positron emission topography (PET). The new approach, which uses cerebral white matter as a reference region, improves the tracking of amyloid changes and evaluates investigational treatments.

Hidden benefits of electric vehicles revealed

Researchers at Michigan State University reveal two hidden benefits of electric vehicles: reduced heat emission and potential cooling effect on city dwellers. The study finds that replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric ones could reduce urban heat intensity by nearly 1 degree Celsius, saving energy and carbon emissions.

You can't play checkers with charge ordering

Researchers at CIFAR discover that charge ordering creates a stripy pattern, not a checkerboard, and competes with superconductivity along one direction. This discovery sheds light on the role of charge ordering in propelling electrons into tight pairs, allowing for free movement.

Flight control breakthrough could lead to safer air travel

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an adaptive control technology that can override failures and maintain safe handling in aircraft. The L1 system has been tested on a manned aircraft and shown consistent performance across varying flight conditions, making it a promising solution for improving air travel safety.

Bright new hope for beating deadly hereditary stomach and breast cancers

Researchers at the University of Otago have identified key genetic mutations underlying deadly hereditary stomach and lobular breast cancers. The team found that these mutations also create vulnerabilities in cancer cells, making them susceptible to existing drug therapies targeting other cellular mechanisms.

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.

Scientists trace genomic evolution of high-risk leukemia

Researchers discovered that minor clones present at low levels in leukemia cells often drive relapse, contradicting the assumption that mutated cells with more mutations are more likely to survive therapy. The study's findings have implications for monitoring patients in remission and detecting signs of relapse.

New technologies for getting the most out of semen

Researchers are developing microfluidic solutions for easy-to-use, disposable, inexpensive, and high-throughput sperm selection. These methods offer promising results for single-sperm genomics, in-home male fertility testing, and wildlife conservation efforts.

A thoroughly urban new millipede

A new millipede species has been found in Launceston's city parks and reserves, with a known range of less than 12 square kilometers. The species, Tasmaniosoma anubis, does not appear to be threatened despite its small range.

Strengthening the immune system's fight against brain cancer

Researchers have discovered a way to boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating glioblastoma by enhancing dendritic cell migration. This approach increased patient survival rates by over 36 months compared to traditional dendritic cell-based therapy alone.

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.

Some mushrooms glow, and here's why

Researchers discovered that bioluminescent fungi produce light to attract insects that disperse their spores. The circadian control of bioluminescence makes the process more efficient and helps the mushrooms save energy. Studying these organisms is crucial for understanding forest ecosystems and the carbon cycle.

Using tablets to screen new, expecting moms for perinatal depression

A new project at the University of Illinois is using tablet computers to provide perinatal depression screenings to low-income mothers. The mHealth technology allows women to complete the screening in their preferred language and provides a paperless alternative to traditional screenings.

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.

Medical expansion has led people worldwide to feel less healthy

A study by Ohio State University researcher Hui Zheng found that medical expansion in 28 countries led to people feeling less healthy over time. Despite increased access to medicine and medical care, self-rated health decreased, with percentages dropping from 39% to 28% in the US between 1982 and 2006.

Life-saving treatments learned from war being missed

Institutions like King's College London are reviewing military medical advancements to improve civilian healthcare, focusing on low-resource regions where life-saving treatments can be adapted and implemented. The review calls for research and policy changes to transfer these innovations.