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Science News Archive November 2015


Page 11 of 35

Details from the inner life of a tooth

Researchers have developed a new computed tomography method that uses scattering to visualize nanostructures in objects measuring just a few millimeters. This technique allows for the precise three-dimensional visualization of collagen fibers in human teeth, revealing their detailed structure for the first time.

iPS-derived kidney cells successfully connected to capillary network!

Researchers at Kumamoto University have successfully connected iPS-derived kidney cells to a capillary network, enabling the formation of a functional filtration membrane. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and organ transplantation, particularly for patients with renal failure.

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.

Mini-intestine grown in a test tube for nutritional research

Researchers from TUM developed a robust intestinal model for molecular research into incretin release, growing mini-intestines in a test tube that exhibit functions of the human intestine. The mini-intestines can absorb nutrients and release hormones, transmitting signals to control these processes.

ORNL microscopy captures real-time view of evolving fuel cell catalysts

Atomic-level imaging of catalysts using ORNL microscopy has enabled the tracking of atomic reconfigurations in individual platinum-cobalt nanoparticle catalysts during heating. This study provides valuable insights into the evolution of specific atomic configurations and their impact on catalytic performance.

Yin and yang of serotonin neurons in mood regulation

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that neighboring serotonin-producing brainstem regions exert different and sometimes opposing effects on behavior. Alterations in serotonergic neuronal activity in the DRN and MRN produce markedly different behavioral consequences, leading to an imbalance between DRN and MRN activ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Can natural remedies jeopardize cardiovascular health?

A case of aconitine-induced cardiovascular symptoms is reported in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. The patient developed bidirectional ventricular tachycardia after consuming a medicinal liquid containing aconitine, a toxic substance from the Aconitum plant.

Creating a new vision for multifunctional materials

Researchers at Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard have deciphered the 3-dimensional architecture of a chiton mollusk's eyes, which are made of inorganic aragonite crystals. The findings could help determine rules for generating man-made multifunctional materials with sensory capabilities.

Email security improving, but far from perfect

Despite improved email security measures, significant issues remain, including downgraded communication and lack of encryption on some servers, according to a new report. The study highlights the need for individuals and organizations to adopt secure protocols to protect sensitive data.

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.

Scripps Florida scientists unveil critical mechanism of memory formation

Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have found that the interaction between a pair of brain proteins has a substantial effect on memory formation. The study reveals that when these two receptors interact, the ghrelin receptor changes the structure of the dopamine receptor and alters its signaling pathway.

Amphibian approach to help bones heal faster and better

Researchers from the University of Southampton developed a new type of drug that activates stem cells in bones, causing them to divide and produce more bone cells. This approach may lead to faster and more effective bone healing, particularly for people undergoing hip replacement surgery.

How weight-loss surgery reduces sugar cravings

A study published in Cell Metabolism found that weight loss surgery curbs sweet tooth behavior by reducing dopamine release in the brain. The research suggests that positive outcomes are more likely if sugary foods seem less rewarding after surgery.

Particle accelerator on a microchip

A team of researchers has made significant progress in developing a miniature particle accelerator on a microchip, with the potential to revolutionize various fields such as biology, materials science, security scanning, medical therapy, and X-ray imaging.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Improved tool allows live imaging of neural spikes

Scientists can now observe neurons' electrical activity in real-time using a highly sensitive molecule fused with a fluorescent protein. This breakthrough allows researchers to study brain processing in living animals, offering unprecedented insights into cell-to-cell communication.

Possible new mechanism for aspirin's role in cancer prevention

Researchers have identified a biochemical pathway regulated by aspirin, which decreases the level of 2-hydroxyglutarate, a driver of cancer development. This study adds to the evidence for aspirin's importance in cancer prevention and highlights a new pathway worth further investigation.

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.

The Lancet: British hospitals face serious shortage of liver specialists

A new report reveals that fewer than one in three hospitals employ a full-time doctor specializing in liver medicine, leading to a postcode lottery for patients. The UK's specialist liver centres provide excellent care but are not evenly distributed, resulting in poor patient outcomes and a lack of access to specialist care.

Sequencing algae's genome may aid biofuel production

Researchers have sequenced the complete genetic makeup of a type of algae called haptophytes, which are abundant in oceans and account for 30-40% of photosynthesis. The study reveals new insights into how these algal species regulate their fat content, which could help improve biofuel production, nutrition and ecology.

WSU psychologists dispute continuum theory of sexual orientation

Researchers found a categorical distinction between people who are heterosexual and those who are not, with notable mental health issues among non-heterosexuals. The study's findings support biological hypotheses of sexual orientation and challenge the notion of homosexuality as a lifestyle choice.

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.

Greater potential for transport in climate mitigation

Researchers found that electric mobility could be a crucial factor in reducing CO2 emissions from transportation, which currently accounts for 23% of global emissions. Improved urban infrastructure policies, such as investing in public transport and bike paths, can also lead to significant reductions in emissions.

NASA analyzes Tropical Storm In-fa's winds, rain

Typhoon In-fa intensified quickly from a tropical depression to a typhoon, maintaining tropical-storm force on Nov. 19. Rainfall data revealed powerful convective thunderstorms with rates over 74 mm/hour, while storm top heights reached up to 16.7 km.

Study finds tree nut consumption may lower risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming tree nuts lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and ApoB, key factors used to evaluate a person's risk of cardiovascular disease. Consuming at least two servings of walnuts per day has stronger effects on total cholesterol and LDL.

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.

Seven minutes of meditation can reduce racial prejudice, study finds

Research at the University of Sussex found that loving-kindness meditation can reduce racial bias, with increases in other-regarding emotions driving the reduction. The study used the Implicit Association Test to measure reaction times and found that seven minutes of LKM reduced prejudice towards a specific ethnic group.

Brains with autism adapt differently during implicit learning

Researchers found that brain activation patterns of individuals with autism spectrum disorder adapt differently during implicit learning, with slower recognition of familiar patterns. The severity of symptoms correlates with the degree of brain adaptation, suggesting a link between neural characteristics and core ASD symptoms.

Key molecular players in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes identified

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified Th17 cells and Th1 as key players in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes. The study reveals a biomarker that can predict the development of Type 2 diabetes in 75% of people with obesity, offering new potential targets for prevention.

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.

Animal study shows how exercise may energize brain cell function

Researchers found that mice exercising on a wheel increased SIRT3 levels, protecting against neurodegeneration and degeneration. Bolstering mitochondrial function with gene therapy technology also offered protection against stress and age-related cognitive decline.

Avoiding collision leads to common routes

A new algorithm combines apparent motion of obstacles with a target direction to avoid collisions, resulting in the formation of common routes. This approach is inspired by insects' navigation and can be used for autonomous robots navigating complex environments.

Infants with blind parents pay less attention to eyes

Researchers found that infants of blind parents paid less attention to adults' eye gaze compared to those with sighted parents. However, these infants developed advanced visual attention and memory skills, suggesting active learning from their blind caregivers.

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.

UMD & Army researchers discover salty solution to better, safer batteries

Researchers at UMD and ARL have created a Water-in-Salt aqueous Lithium ion battery technology that doubles the voltage of current batteries without fire risk or poisonous chemicals. The new technology holds great promise for safety-critical applications, including electric vehicles and grid storage.

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.

Smoking hits all-time low... but not for these 3 groups

A recent study by the CDC found that US adults now smoke at a rate of 17.8%, the lowest since 1965. However, smoking rates remain high among three groups: American Indians, LGBT individuals, and those with mental health issues. The largest non-profit quitline in the US is hiring Native coaches to better serve these communities.

UGA researchers develop visual test to quickly check brain function quality

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a technique to measure an individual's visual processing speed, which can predict executive cognitive functioning. The study used a simple test of visual flicker to evaluate brain function quality, and found that older adults had slower visual processing speeds.

Preventing famine with mobile phones

Scientists have developed an app to monitor food security using a smartphone, combining weather and soil moisture data from satellites with crowd-sourced data on population vulnerability. The tool has shown promising results in the Central African Republic, providing valuable information for organizations like Doctors without Borders.

Exploring global climate impact if Antarctica's ice sheets melt

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are exploring the potential impact of Antarctica's ice sheet melting on global climate. They will use a high-resolution ocean model to simulate iceberg calving and freshwater discharge, which could disrupt ocean currents and circulation in the North Atlantic.

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.

New clues emerge about the earliest known Americans

The research provides greater evidence that humans were established in South America more than 15,000 years ago, supporting an earlier peopling of the Americas. The findings also underscore the importance of long-term interdisciplinary research and raise new questions about how the hemisphere was settled.

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.

Secrets of dark proteome

A recent CSIRO study maps the boundaries of the 'dark proteome', a region of proteins with completely unknown structure. The research identifies surprising features in nearly half of the eukaryotic proteome, including associations with secretory tissues and disulfide bonding.

Researchers find link between air pollution and heart disease

Researchers found a significant association between coarse particles in the air and increased cardiovascular hospitalizations in people 65 and older. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, analyzed data from 110 large urban counties in the US and linked it to Medicare data on hospitalizations from 1999 to 2010.

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.

Wisconsin scientists grow functional vocal cord tissue in the lab

University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists successfully grew functional vocal cord tissue in the laboratory using bioengineering techniques. The tissue was able to transmit sound and showed similar characteristics to native tissue, paving the way for potential clinical applications.