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Science News Archive November 2015


Page 1 of 35

A fine kettle of fish

A new study reveals that fluctuating food supplies and competition can alter survival of adult fish and cause populations to fluctuate in abundance. The research found strong interactions between the amount of food and the survival rate as well as the number of fish, with more fish leading to less survival due to competing for limited ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA's Webb Space Telescope receives first mirror installation

The James Webb Space Telescope has received its first mirror installation, with 18 primary mirror segments scheduled to be installed by early next year. The mirrors are made of ultra-lightweight beryllium and must remain precisely aligned in space for successful science investigations.

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.

Rare fossil of a horned dinosaur found from 'lost continent'

A rare fossil from eastern North America of a dog-sized horned dinosaur has been identified by a scientist at the University of Bath. The discovery highlights an east-west divide in North American dinosaur evolution, suggesting that dinosaurs in Appalachia evolved differently from those in western North America.

Processing facial emotions in persons with autism spectrum disorder

A study using fMRI found that individuals with ASD exhibit different neural activity patterns when viewing emotional faces compared to typically developing participants. This suggests that ASD is not a uniform condition and may be linked to differences in how the brain processes emotional stimuli.

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.

DNA repair protein BRCA1 implicated in cognitive function and dementia

Researchers found that BRCA1 depletion impairs brain cell function and contributes to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that therapeutic manipulation of BRCA1 may prevent neuronal damage and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease or at risk for the disease.

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.

Simulating the jet streams and anticyclones of Jupiter and Saturn

Scientists have successfully simulated 3D models of deep jet streams and storms on Jupiter and Saturn, revealing their dynamics and providing clues to Earth's weather patterns. The study helps clarify the origin and behavior of these features, which remain debated among researchers.

Immune cells make appendix 'silent hero' of digestive health

A network of immune cells helps the appendix maintain digestive system health by preventing damage and inflammation during bacterial attacks. This discovery suggests the appendix may be more relevant to our health than previously thought, potentially even serving as a natural reservoir for 'good' bacteria.

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.

Climate change likely to increase black carbon input to the Arctic Ocean

A recent study published in Frontiers in Earth Science found that climate change is likely to increase the input of black carbon to the Arctic Ocean. The team, led by University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography scientist Aron Stubbins, discovered that black carbon stored in Arctic soils is being exported to the oceans.

Beware, asthma sufferers: Migraines may worsen

Researchers analyzed data from a study of over 4,500 individuals with episodic migraine, finding that those with coexisting asthma were more likely to develop chronic migraine. The study suggests that inflammation and shared environmental factors may contribute to the link between asthma and chronic migraine.

Inflammation is associated with bone growth

Researchers found Activin-A as a candidate drug target for treating Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP), a genetic disease where bone grows in soft tissue. The study uses induced pluripotent stem cells and suggests that inflammation could be the key to preventing diseased bone growth.

Gender segregation in jobs is not rooted in early family planning

A new study by Rice University social scientist Erin Cech dispels the idea that women choose more flexible career fields due to plans to raise children, while men opt for provider-friendly roles. Most students did not consider their future family plans when making career decisions.

How anxiety can kill your social status

Researchers have pinpointed an area of the brain that links anxious temperament to low social status. High-anxious individuals perform poorly in social competition, leading to social subordination. Pharmacological manipulation of mitochondria may influence social rank.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Asserting the freedom of navigation: Does the US go too far?

A new article by Amitai Etzioni argues that US freedom of navigation operations (FONAs) can be overly aggressive and escalate into dangerous clashes with nations. FONAs operate on a limited budget and are often used as a fallback option after diplomatic efforts fail.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Critically ill patients at long-term risk for bone fracture

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that critically ill patients experience significant bone loss, increasing their risk of fragility fractures. The researchers suggest that anti-resorptive therapies may be necessary to prevent bone loss in these patients.

Simulation shows key to building powerful magnetic fields

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to understand how magnetic fields amplify in collapsing stars, enabling jets that power supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. The study found a dynamo process creates large-scale fields needed for these explosions.

Tracing a path toward neuronal cell death

A fruit fly model of Alexander disease has been developed to study astrocyte dysfunction and its role in neurodegeneration. Nitric oxide has been identified as a critical mediator in the process.

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.

Our epigenome is influenced by our habitat and lifestyle

Researchers found that moving from forest to urban habitats affects epigenetic patterns of the immune response, while historical lifestyles impact development and physical characteristics. These findings suggest a significant influence of environment on epigenetics and potential risks for autoimmune diseases.

The future of cities

Cities are facing bigger challenges than ever before, including rural-urban migration, optimizing housing conditions, health and education. Digital technology has the potential to overcome many of these challenges, but concerns remain around privacy and cybersecurity.

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.

Hospital-to-home transitions can stress out family caregivers, affect sick kids

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that hospital-to-home transitions can cause mental exhaustion, emotional toll, and uncertainty among family caregivers. The researchers identified a need for in-home follow-up visits, telephone calls from nurses, and enhanced care plans to improve the transition.

Stanford researchers find sleep gene linked to heart failure

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a gene that appears to reduce the risk of heart failure and improve treatment outcomes. The gene codes for a protein involved in regulating sleep, appetite, and blood pressure, which may play a protective role in the heart.

Discovery of an embryonic switch for cancer stem cell generation

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered a specific group of proteins decrease, triggering changes in the cancer microenvironment and accelerating growth of therapy-resistant CSCs. A targeted monoclonal antibody treatment effectively impaired CSC regeneration and made them easier to target with existing therapies.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Robot adds new twist to NIST antenna measurements and calibrations

The NIST robot, CROMMA, measures antenna properties with high precision and configurability, enabling faster and more accurate measurements of antennas for advanced communications, remote sensing, and imaging systems. The system uses near-field scanning technology to determine antenna gain, polarization, and pattern at long distances.

Liquid foam: Plastic, elastic and fluid

French physicists develop a novel understanding of foam flow in a wedge-shaped channel, identifying connections between plastic events and deformation rates. This study has implications for further research on liquid foam properties and their impact on mechanical energy absorption.

Drug-resistant bacteria carried by nursing home patients focus of study

Researchers identified highly resistant bacteria in 23 of 500 acute care hospital admissions from nursing homes, with a feeding tube associated with gastrointestinal carriage. This study emphasizes the importance of hospital and nursing home infection control measures to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Imaging identifies cartilage regeneration in long-distance runners

A study published at the Radiological Society of North America meeting found that ultra-distance running causes significant degradation in knee and ankle cartilage, but also enables its regeneration. The researchers used a mobile MRI scanner to track 44 runners over 64 days, revealing no distance limit for joint cartilage damage.

900,000 Euros for memory research

A three-year project is launching to investigate neural network mechanisms of sequence generation in the hippocampus. The researchers aim to shed light upon the neuronal foundations of memory, a brain structure crucial for remembering personal experiences.

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.

Brook trout study identifies top climate change pressure factor

A 15-year study found that high summer air temperatures have a significant impact on Eastern brook trout populations, particularly on the smallest fry and eggs. The researchers predict that if climate warming proceeds as projected, these fish could become extinct in 15 years unless they evolve to adapt.

Procreation trumps survival -- even on a cellular level

A newly discovered mechanism in worms suggests that mothers sacrifice their health for future generations, fueling egg cell development with fats. This phenomenon raises the possibility of a similar trait in humans, potentially impacting reproductive success and lifespan.

Black women less likely to benefit from early chemotherapy, study shows

A recent Yale University study found that black women with stage I-III cancer are less responsive to neoadjuvant chemotherapy compared to other racial groups. Despite presenting with more advanced-stage and aggressive tumors, the findings suggest biologic differences or disparities in treatment may be contributing factors.

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.

TGen and Barrow identify genes linked to stress-triggered heart disease

TGen and Barrow researchers identified rare genetic changes associated with stress-triggered heart disease, a condition previously referred to as 'broken heart syndrome.' The study's findings may help guide care and treatment before and after patients experience a life-threatening stressor.

Looking back 3.8 billion years into the root of the 'Tree of Life'

Researchers at Georgia Tech use ribosomal RNA to trace life's evolution, finding molecular structures and events near the biochemical origins of life. By analyzing variations in ribosomal RNA, they uncover secrets of creation and answer foundational questions about life's origins.

Global warming may affect pesticide effectiveness

A recent study found that global warming can reduce the effectiveness of permethrin in killing yellowfever mosquitoes. As temperatures increase, permethrin's efficacy decreases, highlighting the need for temperature consideration when choosing a pest-control product.

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.