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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 27


Page 27 of 38

Getting to the origins of photosynthesis

Researchers Cardona et al. examine evolution of D1 protein, heart of Photosystem II, to propose sequence of events for origin of water splitting in photosynthesis. They find evidence suggests water splitting could have evolved relatively fast after just a few changes to ancestral D1 protein.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 10, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The car becomes Internet hardware

The Visio.M Automotive Service Bus, developed at Technical University of Munich, enables cars to communicate via the internet and drive remotely or autonomously. The system is protected from external attacks and features a uniform user interface with driver-friendly swipe gestures.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateMar 10, 2015

Salt affects organs

Excess dietary sodium can adversely affect target organs even in absence of blood pressure increase, including reduced function of endothelium, increased arterial stiffness, and kidney damage. Reducing sodium intake can help mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 10, 2015

Same forces as today caused climate changes 1.4 billion years ago

Researchers found evidence of repeated climate fluctuations 1.4 billion years ago, reflecting changes in wind patterns and ocean circulations driven by orbital forcing of climate change. The study sheds light on how past climate changes have affected Earth geologically and biologically.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 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.

Researchers identify process for improving durability of glass

Researchers at UCLA and Université Pierre et Marie Curie identified a method for manufacturing more durable glass that resists temperature variations and aging. This breakthrough could result in stronger materials for various applications, including display screens, fiber optic cables, windows, and cement.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2015

MRSA can linger in homes, spreading among its inhabitants

A recent study found that MRSA can persist in households for years, spreading from person to person and evolving genetically. The bacteria can be transmitted through household members, especially those with skin infections, and can even acquire extraneous DNA over time.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 10, 2015

NASA looks inside and outside of Tropical Cyclone Pam

Tropical Cyclone Pam strengthened to hurricane-force near Vanuatu, with sustained winds reaching up to 56 mph and heavy rainfall expected. NASA's satellite data showed the storm's powerful thunderstorms, which are driving its circulation and intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 10, 2015

Hunting, birdwatching boosts conservation action

A study by Cornell University researchers found that rural landowners who hunt and bird watch are more likely to engage in conservation efforts. These individuals, often referred to as 'hunter/bird watchers,' were found to be eight times more likely to participate in conservation actions than non-recreationists.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 10, 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.

Study reveals strong link between wildlife recreation and conservation

A new study by Clemson University and Cornell University found that birdwatchers are about five times as likely to engage in wildlife and habitat conservation as non-recreationists. Hunters were also found to be four times more likely to participate in conservation efforts. These findings suggest a strong connection between wildlife re...

SourceClemson University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 10, 2015

Invertebrate palaeontology: The oldest crab larva yet found

The oldest known crab larva was recently discovered in a fossil, dating back 150 million years. The specimen's morphology is remarkably modern, resembling that of present-day crabs. This finding provides unique insights into the evolution of brachyurans and suggests early specialization of larvae within the crab lineage.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2015

KIT physicist receives ERC Consolidator Grant of EU

Dr. Martin Weides of KIT is awarded EUR 2 million over five years to study dynamic processes in ferromagnets, which could lead to magnetic data processing components. He aims to understand damping and intrinsic rotations of individual electrons using quantum bits.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateMar 10, 2015

Telemedicine allows UTHealth to enroll patients remotely into acute stroke trial

Researchers at UTHealth successfully enrolled patients from other hospitals into an acute stroke clinical trial using telemedicine. This breakthrough enables the study of stroke treatment on a larger scale, as it was previously limited to large centers with expertise in treating strokes quickly.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateMar 10, 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.

Fading orange-red in Van Gogh's paintings

Researchers identify plumbonacrite as intermediate in degradation of red lead, leading to bleaching of the color over time. The discovery sheds new insights into the bleaching process of red lead, revealing a possible reaction pathway involving light and carbon dioxide.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 10, 2015

New clues about the risk of cancer from low-dose radiation

Berkeley Lab scientists discovered that genetic makeup affects cancer risk from low-dose radiation, identifying key regions in the genome and tumor microenvironment. The findings could lead to genetic screening tests to identify people at high risk of cancer after exposure.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 10, 2015

Researchers develop new approach that combines biomass conversion, solar energy conversion

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a novel approach to combine biomass conversion and solar energy conversion, enabling more efficient hydrogen production and creating a valuable byproduct. This breakthrough could significantly increase the efficiency and utility of solar-fuel-producing photoelectrochemical cells.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 10, 2015
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.

Bioelectricity plays key role in brain development and repair

Research at Tufts University reveals that bioelectrical signals regulate embryonic brain development and can even repair genetic defects. The study found that manipulating these signals can induce the growth of new brain tissue in locations where it would not normally grow, offering a promising approach for regenerative medicine.

SourceTufts University·DateMar 10, 2015

Mysterious phenomena in a gigantic galaxy-cluster collision

Researchers have produced a detailed image of a galaxy-cluster collision using the VLA radio telescope, showing a variety of strange features related to the ongoing collision. The 'true color' image reveals details of interactions between merging clusters and suggests unexpected physical processes at work.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateMar 10, 2015

Physicists propose new classification of charge density waves

Researchers develop a new classification system for Charge Density Waves (CDWs) based on their nature, improving understanding of these complex phenomena. The study sheds light on the origin of CDWs and corrects a long-standing textbook picture, providing insights into materials science.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2015

Cellular scissors chop up HIV virus

Researchers created a CRISPR system that recognizes and cuts the HIV virus, effectively inactivating it. The technology has shown success in both treating active infections and removing dormant copies of the virus from cells.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 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.

ACL injuries in female athletes traced to genes

Researchers discovered 32 genes expressed differently in female compared to male ACL tissues, affecting ligament structure and integrity. Genetic counseling may guide personal decisions about participating in athletics, while strengthening core and technique could reduce injury risk.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 10, 2015

The chameleon reorganizes its nanocrystals to change colors

Researchers at Université de Genève discover that chameleons change colors through the active tuning of a lattice of nanocrystals in iridophores. This unique system allows for rapid shifts between efficient camouflage and spectacular display, while also providing passive thermal protection.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2015

Microbial soil cleanup at Fukushima

Researchers have discovered a protein in halophilic microbes that can selectively bind to caesium ions, providing potential for bioremediation of radioactive isotopes. The team plans to engineer this protein into plants to absorb and extract caesium from contaminated soil.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·DateMar 10, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

NASA sees a Tropical Storm Haliba 'sandwich'

Tropical Storm Haliba was sandwiched between La Reunion and Mauritius in NASA satellite imagery, with the bulk of its clouds pushed east by westerly vertical wind shear. The heaviest rainfall, exceeding 7.1 inches per hour, was detected northeast of Reunion Island.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 10, 2015

Hospital readmissions following severe sepsis often preventable

A recent study found that approximately 40 percent of hospitalizations for severe sepsis can be prevented or treated early to avoid rehospitalization. The most common readmission diagnoses included ambulatory care sensitive conditions such as heart failure and pneumonia.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 10, 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.

Physicians and patients overestimate risk of death from acute coronary syndrome

A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that physicians and patients significantly overestimated the risk of heart attack and death from acute coronary syndrome. Despite discussions about risk, patients' assessment of their risk remained unchanged or increased, highlighting ineffective patient-physician communication.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMar 10, 2015

'Sugar papers' reveal industry role in 1970s dental program

Industry documents reveal close ties between sugar industry and NIH in developing research approaches focused on alternatives to reducing tooth decay. Analysis found that sugar industry priorities influenced the 1971 National Caries Program's research proposals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 10, 2015

Link between autism genes and higher intelligence, study suggests

A recent study suggests a link between genes linked with autism and higher intelligence in individuals who do not have the condition. Researchers found that carrying genetic traits associated with autism is, on average, linked to slightly better cognitive test scores, even in those without autism.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 10, 2015

Predicting the extent of flash flooding

Researchers developed a new hydrological model to predict the extent of flash flooding by analyzing rainfall patterns at the hillslope scale. The model reveals that certain frequencies of rainfall can amplify runoff and lead to more severe flooding.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateMar 10, 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.

MDC researchers discover new signaling pathway in embryonic development

MDC researchers identify a crucial gene regulator, GRHL2, that controls placental development in mice and humans. The study reveals that perturbations of this pathway can lead to developmental defects of the placenta and related pregnancy disorders.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalDevelopment·DateMar 10, 2015

Researchers snap-shot fastest observations of superconductivity yet

The study used infinitely short light pulses to observe ultrafast changes in superconductors, supporting the hypothesis that electron interactions are delayed and mediated by other electrons. The snap-shot observations took only 10 femtoseconds, a record-breaking achievement for material scientists.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 10, 2015

Are current water treatment methods sufficient to remove harmful engineered nanoparticle?

A study suggests that traditional water pretreatment methods such as coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation are insufficient to remove titanium dioxide nanoparticles from water. The results highlight the need for improved treatment processes to address emerging engineered nanoparticle risks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateMar 10, 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.

Supplemental feeding for endangered avian species

A University of Kent study reveals supplemental feeding improves Mauritius parakeet brood productivity, but increases disease susceptibility. Long-term monitoring highlights the importance of evidence-based conservation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 9, 2015

Amid chaos of Libya, newly unearthed fossils give clues to our own evolution

Fossil discoveries in Libya's Sirt Basin reveal a unique group of ancient mammals, shedding light on climate change and environmental shift. The findings suggest that global cooling and drying led to habitat fragmentation, promoting allopatric speciation and altering the evolution of primates.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of African Earth Sciences·DateMar 9, 2015

Research explores patient views of GP safety

A new study reveals that patients' perceptions of GP safety are crucial to reaching successful diagnosis and treatment. The research found that trust issues, alienation, and impersonal processes can lead to problems in improving patient safety within GP services.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalHealth Expectations·DateMar 9, 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.

Hippo 'crosstalk' may be vital to tumor suppression

Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered a vital connection between the Hippo pathway and glucose metabolism, which can be manipulated to regulate tumor growth. The study found that regulating blood sugar levels impacts the nutrient source of tumors, ultimately leading to cancer suppression.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 9, 2015

New gene sequencing technology like a high-powered microscope

A new gene sequencing technology, CaptureSeq, enables accurate measurement of specific genes' activity at minute levels, improving blood cancer diagnosis. The technology has practical applications in diagnosing diseases guided by gene expression.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 9, 2015

Oregon researchers detail new insights on arsenic cycling

Researchers found high concentrations of dimethylarsinate (DMA) in southern Willamette Valley aquifers, correlating with overall arsenite levels. The study suggests that monitoring organic arsenic is crucial for treating arsenic-contaminated water.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 9, 2015

CO2 increase can intensify future droughts in tropics, study suggests

A new study suggests that CO2 increases could intensify extreme droughts in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Australia and the Amazon. The Hadley Circulation is expected to continue expanding and strengthening due to warming climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2015

Boosting older adults' vision through training

Research shows that training can effectively eliminate the age deficit in contrast sensitivity, improving visual function in older adults. The study found improvements in both near and far acuity, allowing participants to read more letters on eye charts after training.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 9, 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.

Venus, if you will, as seen in radar with the GBT

Scientists used bistatic radar to create high-resolution images of Venus' surface from Earth, revealing features like mountains, craters, and volcanoes. The technique enables comparison of images taken at different periods, helping detect signs of active volcanism or geologic processes.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalIcarus·DateMar 9, 2015

How blood group O protects against malaria

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet identified the key role of RIFIN protein in protecting blood type O individuals from severe malaria. The protein binds strongly to A blood cells but weakly to O, explaining why O individuals are less susceptible to the disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 9, 2015

Most information in drug development is lost

A McGill University study reveals that only 37% of registered drug trials in cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases were published between 2005 and 2009. The findings highlight the importance of sharing information from stalled drug trials to improve care, protect patients, and discover better drugs.

SourceMcGill University·DateMar 9, 2015