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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 29


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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMay 5, 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.

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 ...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalComputer Graphics Forum·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalDentistry·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 5, 2015
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.

Improving organic transistors that drive flexible and conformable electronics

Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a new understanding of strain effects on organic transistor performance, revealing that micro-scale wrinkling can enhance or have no effect on electrical properties. The study contributes to the development of next-generation flexible electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalSpine·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSleep Medicine·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalGenome Biology·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFungal Biology·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateMay 5, 2015

Companies' bottom lines benefit when former politicians join leadership teams

A new study found that companies experience significant improvement when a former politician takes a leadership role, but CEOs moving to politics do not provide the same benefits. Former cabinet secretaries proved to be the most valuable hires, stimulating stock returns of 3.6% per year.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalManagerial Finance·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalBrain Imaging and Behavior·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Microbiology·DateMay 5, 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.

A neural network model predicts whether a bank can go bust

A neural network model correctly predicted 96% of US bank bankruptcies between 2002 and 2013. The model identified construction loans and rapid growth as key risk factors for bank failure.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 5, 2015

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...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNeurology·DateMay 5, 2015

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 4, 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.

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.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 4, 2015

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateMay 4, 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.

Detecting knee-cushion problems early could lead to better treatments

New research from the University of Missouri reveals that even small changes in menisci can hinder knee function, providing clues to understanding osteoarthritis. The study suggests repairing meniscal tears might be worthwhile to prevent osteoarthritis.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateMay 4, 2015

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 4, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015

'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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 4, 2015
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.

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.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateMay 4, 2015

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 4, 2015

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 4, 2015

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2015

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

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMay 4, 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.