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Science News Archive May 2015


Page 29 of 31

Simulating seasons

Researchers at UT Austin use regional climate models to assess climate change impact on Malawi's growing season, finding shorter growing seasons and earlier ends by mid-21st century. The study highlights the need for adaptation planning to mitigate global warming's effects.

A hot start to the origin of life?

Scientists from Berkeley Lab and University of Hawaii at Manoa recreated conditions around carbon-rich stars to find formation pathways of nitrogen-containing molecules. They successfully synthesized quinolone and isoquinoline in hot environments, which could lead to the creation of biorelevant molecules such as nucleobases.

Popular electric brain stimulation method detrimental to IQ scores

Researchers from University of North Carolina School of Medicine found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) had a statistically significant detrimental effect on IQ scores, with participants receiving sham stimulation showing greater improvement. The study adds to the increasing literature showing mixed results for tDCS ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New methods for realistic surface rendering in computer games

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology and Activision-Blizzard develop a new mathematical method to create more realistic surface rendering in computer games. The 'SSSS-method' takes into account light scattering below the surface, reducing computing time while maintaining realistic images.

Treating gum disease reduces prostate symptoms, CWRU researchers find

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that treating gum disease can improve prostate inflammation symptoms and quality of life for men with prostatitis. The study, which treated 27 men with moderate to severe gum disease, showed significant improvements in PSA levels and symptom scores.

Wayne State researchers seek to stamp out herpes simplex virus 1

Researchers at Wayne State University are seeking to understand the genomic information of herpes simplex virus 1 and its interactions with host cells to develop new anti-herpes treatments. The study aims to uncover the functions of infected cell protein 0, which plays a key role in disrupting host defenses.

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.

Say what? How the brain separates our ability to talk and write

Researchers found that writing and speaking are supported by different parts of the brain, revealing a high-level distinction between word construction. This understanding could help educators teach children to read and write more effectively and improve therapies for those suffering from aphasia.

Bringing high-energy particle detection in from the cold

Researchers discovered a promising material called thallium sulfide iodide that can be used to create high-performance, low-cost, and room-temperature semiconductor radiation detectors. The material has higher density, heavier chemical elements, and lower growth temperature compared to existing candidates.

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.

Just like humans, dolphins have social networks

Researchers discovered that dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon have preferred friends and avoid certain individuals, forming communities along the lagoon's north-south axis. The study provides insight into dolphin social behavior, habitat use, and potential breeding habits.

Nerves move to avoid damage

New research reveals neural movements can be measured and predicted using non-invasive techniques, helping explain widespread syndromes like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica. The study highlights the importance of preserving free movement of neural structures to maintain an asymptomatic situation.

Childhood maltreatment linked to sleep problems among adult Canadians

A new study from University of Toronto researchers found a significant association between childhood maltreatment and difficulty sleeping later in life. Adults who experienced multiple incidents of childhood maltreatment were 10% more likely to have trouble sleeping after adjusting for other potential explanatory factors.

How do neural cells respond to ischemia?

A study published in Genome Biology reveals that within 20 minutes of ischemia, significant changes occur in protein synthesis, primarily involving mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins. The findings suggest an early system of regulation, including the increase in UBE2S protein, which may directly affect the HIF signaling pathway.

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.

Toward a squishier robot

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh designed a synthetic polymer gel that can change shape and move using its own internally generated power. The SP-BZ gel combines the properties of two materials to enable self-bending, folding, and self-propelled motion.

Hitting the borders of expansion

Researchers Jitka Polechova and Nick Barton propose a new theory on why species can't adapt to wider environmental conditions. Their findings suggest that sharp range limits can form even in environments with smooth changes, due to random fluctuations in gene frequencies.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

WSU researchers produce jet fuel compounds from fungus

Researchers at Washington State University have successfully produced hydrocarbons from the common black fungus Aspergillus carbonarius, a key component of petroleum-based fuels. The team hopes to commercialize this process in the next five years, making it a potentially game-changing alternative to traditional aviation fuels.

First extensive description of the human secreted miRNome

Biologists at the University of Luxembourg analysed 1100 microRNAs in 100 blood samples to create a reference for the majority of microRNAs in healthy people. They found that some previously praised molecules are naturally variable and not reliable biomarkers, while others show promising deviations indicative of skin cancer.

Molecular link found between high glucose, metabolic disease

Researchers found that chronic high blood sugar disrupts mitochondria activity by altering levels of O-GlcNAc transferase and removal enzymes. This leads to less efficient energy production, increased heat and damaging molecules, and further elevates blood sugar.

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.

Earthquake scientists go to Himalayas for seismic research

Scientists are continuing their research in the Himalayas to understand the seismic hazard along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust Fault. The team is searching for ground ruptures that may help quantify the potential for additional earthquakes in the magnitude 8 or 9 range after a devastating earthquake hit Nepal.

A model approach for sustainable phosphorus recovery from wastewater

Researchers developed a combination approach to recover phosphorus from wastewater using mathematical modeling. The method achieved approximately 90% removal of phosphorus, generating $150,000 in annual revenue for WWTPs with limited budgets. This sustainable approach reduces mining demand and improves surface water health.

Late-night snacking: It it your brain's fault?

A study published in Brain Imaging and Behavior found that brain activity responding to high-calorie food images is lower at night compared to daytime. Researchers used MRI to measure neural responses to food images during morning and evening sessions, revealing a dip in reward-related brain reactivity in the evening.

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.

Nonstop shopping

Researchers found that mobile shoppers tend to purchase items they've purchased before or from familiar brands, due to limited smartphone screen size. Low spenders also shop more frequently after adopting mobile shopping, leading to larger orders.

Bacteria research opens way for new antibiotics

University of Adelaide researchers identified a common building block called PATR in virulence factors of many major harmful bacteria. The discovery could lead to the development of broad-spectrum bacterial virulence inhibitors, revolutionizing antibiotic treatments.

NASA IMERG sees Australia's bicoastal rainfall

Heavy rainfall from cyclone Quang affected western Australia, while a non-tropical system pounded the east coast, resulting in over 454 mm of rain in the Indian Ocean. In the Coral Sea, southeast Australia received above 356 mm of rainfall, causing widespread flooding and at least four reported deaths.

Accelerated brain aging in type 1 diabetes related to cognitive complications

Research led by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health shows that people with type 1 diabetes experience accelerated brain aging, correlated with slower information processing and cognitive difficulties. The study suggests clinicians should screen middle-aged patients for cognitive complications to prevent potent...

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.

From brittle to plastic in 1 breath

Researchers at Rice University have found ways to make 2D molybdenum disulfide exhibit superplasticity by manipulating its gas environment, allowing it to deform without breaking. This breakthrough opens the possibility of tailoring the plastic properties of these materials for specific applications.

Ocean currents disturb methane-eating bacteria

Researchers found that ocean currents strongly affect methane-consuming bacterial populations in Arctic cold seeps, controlling their prevalence and methane consumption rates. Fluctuations in these communities were linked to changes in water temperature and salinity.

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.

Duke study uncovers foundations of heart regeneration

A recent study by Duke University researchers has shed light on the epicardium, a mysterious outer layer of the heart known to regrow cardiac tissue in zebrafish. The findings suggest that this layer is critical for regeneration and may hold key to repairing damaged hearts in humans.

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.

These gigantic whales have nerves like bungee cords

Researchers discovered that rorqual whale nerves can double in length without damage, supporting their extreme lunge feeding mechanism. This discovery highlights the importance of flexible nervous systems in accommodating body deformation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Virginia Tech researcher shines light on origin of bioluminescence

A Virginia Tech researcher has made a groundbreaking discovery about the origins of bioluminescence in millipedes. By studying a rare species that glows in the dark, he found that its early evolutionary role may have been related to antioxidant properties, not warning predators.

'Freezing a bullet' to find clues to ribosome assembly process

Scientists have identified a new chaperone protein, Acl4, that helps assemble ribosomal protein L4 into a developing ribosome. This discovery provides insights into the stepwise process of ribosome assembly and has potential applications in antifungal agents and disease research.

3-D printed trachea among key Mount Sinai research presented at AATS meeting

Researchers from Mount Sinai presented a first successful 3D printed trachea, as well as studies on increased mortality in black patients after esophageal cancer surgery and the potential benefits of surgical resection for myasthenia gravis. These findings highlight the importance of personalized medicine and access to specialized care.

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.

India drift

MIT researchers explain India's rapid move toward Eurasia 80 million years ago by the combination of two subduction zones. The team found relics of what may have been two subduction zones in rocks from the Himalayan region, which led them to develop a model for a double subduction system.

Study finds inhibitor for COPD lung destruction

Researchers at Brown and Yale implicates a specific mitochondrial protein, NLRX1, in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from exposure to cigarette smoke. The study shows that suppression of NLRX1 is a major cigarette-induced signature of lung destruction.

Malarial parasites dodge the kill

Researchers have identified a way for malaria parasites to dodge anti-malarial drugs, surviving inside immature red blood cells and remaining sensitive to certain treatments. This finding may help guide future research and lead to the development of new anti-malarial drugs for refractory patients.

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.

Scientists find new link between diabetes and Alzheimer's

Researchers found that elevated blood sugar can rapidly increase amyloid beta levels in the brain, contributing to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a new connection between diabetes and Alzheimer's, providing a potential therapeutic target for treatment.

Lab test commonly used to assess water toxicity

Researchers found that H. azteca from polluted sites are less sensitive to pyrethroid insecticides than lab-grown ones. This suggests standard testing methods may not accurately reflect environmental health