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Science News Archive November 2015


Page 2 of 35

Researchers grow retinal nerve cells in the lab

Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a method to efficiently turn human stem cells into retinal ganglion cells, a type of nerve cell that transmits visual signals. The breakthrough could lead to the development of cell transplant therapies for glaucoma and multiple sclerosis patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Telepathology consultations benefit patients in China

A study by UPMC and KingMed Diagnostics researchers found that international telepathology consultations significantly improved patient care in China, altering treatment plans for over half of cases. The consultation service expanded access to pathology expertise, facilitating the diagnosis of rare malignancies.

UofL scientists identify critical pathway to improve muscle repair

Researchers at UofL discovered a mechanism involved in skeletal muscle repair that may enable clinicians to boost the effectiveness of adult stem cell therapies. TRAF6 ensures the vitality of stem cells, which regenerate muscle tissue, and its removal depletes Pax7, resulting in reduced muscle regeneration.

A better way to grow bone cells

Researchers at Harvard developed a new technique to control stem cell differentiation into bone cells, mimicking the viscoelasticity of living tissue. The method increased osteogenic differentiation and allowed cells to grow into bone cells weeks after initial differentiation.

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.

Novel insights into genetic cause of autoimmune diseases

Researchers have developed a new technique that maps genomic contact points to shed light on the parts of the genome involved in autoimmune diseases. This approach identified novel candidate genes relating to the risk of developing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.

Red clover genome to help restore sustainable farming

The red clover genome provides a valuable tool for improving the beneficial traits of this important forage crop, including its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and provide protein-rich livestock feed. The genome assembly will pave the way towards genomics-assisted breeding methods for forage legumes.

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.

UW researchers estimate poverty and wealth from cell phone metadata

Researchers used metadata from calls and texts to estimate wealth and poverty in Rwanda, finding patterns such as varied pre-paid time purchases and daily calling rhythms. The study suggests an alternative to traditional censuses for governments to estimate wealth distribution, costing around $10,000.

Advanced new camera can measure greenhouse gases

A new hyperspectral infrared camera can photograph and film methane in the air, addressing uncertainty around its sources and sinks. The camera measures emissions from environments such as sewage sludge deposits, combustion processes, animal husbandry, and lakes.

MRI reveals weight loss protects knees

A new MRI study reveals that substantial weight loss can protect against knee cartilage degeneration and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. The study found that patients who lost more than 10% of their body weight showed slower cartilage degeneration compared to those who did not lose weight.

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.

Dead-easy test to tackle parasites

A new test, xWORM, uses the xCELLigence E-Plate to measure parasite motility, reducing time-consuming microscope checks and costs, offering a promising solution for treating parasitic worm diseases. The technology has potential applications in global health, particularly in tropical regions where such parasites infect millions of peopl...

Unveiling the turbulent times of a dying star

A team of international researchers employed powerful computer simulations to study the creation of jets in dying stars. Their work sheds light on an explosive chain reaction that helps form the structure of the universe. The simulations revealed a highly turbulent place, where magnetorotational instability drives the formation of jets.

New study reveals what's behind a tarantula's blue hue

A recent study reveals that tiny nanostructures in the exoskeletons of blue-haired tarantulas are responsible for their vibrant color. The researchers believe this discovery could lead to new ways to improve computer and TV screens using biomimicry.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New report outlines benefits and trade-offs of low-carbon energy

The report reveals that renewable energy improves the environment and protects human health by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. However, it also highlights challenges such as material scarcity, recycling issues, and energy penalties from carbon capture and storage systems.

Shining light on microbial growth and death inside our guts

Researchers develop novel method to track microbial populations, revealing key role of initial cell death in long-term survival and adaptation to gut environment. This advancement could help identify novel therapies for treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, and cancer.

Tiny octopods catalyze bright ideas

Researchers at Rice University have created nanoparticles that can function as both catalysts and plasmonic sensors. These tiny octopods, composed of gold and palladium, enhance chemical reactions while retaining their optical properties. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient industrial processes and sun-driven chemical reactions.

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.

Giant waste bins

Scientists have unraveled the abilities of multinucleated giant cells, which help the body deal with bulky items that obstruct physiological processes. The treatment for systemic amyloidosis has been found to be effective due to the complement system's role in marking and destroying protein deposits.

Assessing impact of asthma and eczema on children's lives

A new Northwestern Medicine project aims to better understand the effects of asthma and eczema on children's quality of life. The study will use PROMIS tools to measure the impact of these conditions, providing researchers and clinicians with more accurate assessments.

Waters are more polluted than tests say

Researchers found that pesticides can have lasting impacts on aquatic ecosystems, affecting populations of small crustaceans and zooplankton. The study's results suggest that standard toxicity tests may not capture the full extent of pollution in waters.

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.

Aspirin targets key protein in neurodegenerative diseases

A study found that aspirin's breakdown product salicylic acid blocks cell death associated with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease by inhibiting the GAPDH enzyme. Derivatives of salicylic acid may hold promise for treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

New in the Hastings Center Report

The November-December issue of the Hastings Center Report explores the ethics of neural devices, including deep brain stimulation and brain-computer interfaces. The issue also examines the use of e-cigarettes in health care organizations, where controversy surrounds their safety and effectiveness.

Parental absence affects brain development in children

Researchers found that children left without direct parental care for extended periods show larger gray matter volumes in the brain. The study also revealed a negative correlation between gray matter volume and IQ scores in left-behind children, suggesting delayed brain development.

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.

Three food grade colorants identified for citrus

Researchers have identified three food-grade colorants that can replace Citrus Red No.2 (CR2) in citrus fruit treatment. Annatto extract was found to be the most successful replacement, producing a stable 'dark orange' color in treated peels.

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.

Very large volcanic eruptions could lead to ice sheet instability

A new study from Durham University found links between massive volcanic eruptions and polar temperatures during the last Ice Age. The research indicates that Southern Hemisphere eruptions may have triggered abrupt warming in Greenland, while Northern Hemisphere eruptions caused Antarctic warming.

SSA honors Fan-Chi Lin with 2015 Charles F. Richter Early Career Award

Lin has published 26 papers on using ambient seismic noise to reconstruct internal structures of the Earth and map out structures in the crust and upper mantle with unprecedented accuracy. His method has been used to create detailed images of the Earth's inner core and a vast magma plumbing system below Yellowstone National Park.

Medicaid expansion improves breast cancer screening for low-income women

A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America meeting found that Medicaid expansion improved breast cancer screening rates among low-income women in US states. The analysis showed a significant increase in breast cancer screening adherence after implementation of Medicaid expansion programs in early adopter states.

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.

Researchers find new phase of carbon, make diamond at room temperature

Researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered a new phase of solid carbon, called Q-carbon, which has unusual characteristics such as ferromagnetism. They have developed a technique for creating diamond-related structures at room temperature and ambient atmospheric pressure using Q-carbon.

Climate can grind mountains faster than they can be rebuilt

Researchers have discovered that climate-induced glaciation during ice ages can wear down mountains at a rate comparable to plate tectonics' ability to build them. Over a million-year period, erosion accelerated sharply due to global climate cooling, outpacing mountain building by 50-80 percent.

Mechanobiology Institute and Cancer Science Institute of Singapore

Researchers have created a novel method to efficiently culture clusters of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from blood samples in just 14 days. This breakthrough can help clinicians assess the best therapy options for patients and monitor their treatment progress, potentially replacing traditional biopsies.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Tuni becomes extra-tropical

Tropical Cyclone Tuni lost its tropical characteristics and became extra-tropical as it moved southeast in the Southern Pacific Ocean. The storm's maximum sustained winds decreased from 60.4 mph to 40 mph, with heavy rain falling at a rate of over 1.4 inches per hour.

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.

USGS projects large loss of Alaska permafrost by 2100

Alaska permafrost is projected to decline by 16-24% by 2100 under widely accepted climate scenarios, with more losses expected in central Alaska than northern Alaska. Climate change degrades permafrost, affecting ground and surface water pathways, transportation, and releasing stored carbon.

John Innes Centre scientists use CRISPR technology to edit crop genes

Researchers at the John Innes Centre successfully edited genes in two UK crops using CRISPR technology. The edits were preserved in subsequent generations, allowing for the development of disease-resistant crops. Additionally, the study found that off-target edits occurred occasionally but could be minimized by using specific guide RNAs.

New membrane may solve fresh water shortages

Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a new ultra-thin layered membrane that separates salt from seawater to produce fresh water through reverse osmosis. The membrane is heat-resistant and resistant to chlorine, making it suitable for desalination plants.

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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Sandra being shredded by wind shear

Tropical Storm Sandra is decoupling from its lower layer due to strong upper-level winds, resulting in a tight swirl of low clouds devoid of deep convection. This weakening trend is expected to produce 2-4 inches of rainfall across western Mexico, leading to life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

A common mechanism for human and bird sound production

A recent study found that humans and birds employ the exact same myoelastic-aerodynamic theory (MEAD) mechanism to produce sound. This discovery sheds light on the sophisticated vocal talents of songbirds and offers insights into the neural mechanisms underlying vocal learning in both humans and birds.

Extreme heatwaves may hit Europe in the short term

European climate projections suggest enhanced probability of heatwaves in the coming decades, comparable to the worst heatwave since 1950 in Russia. The analysis shows that previous records were broken in 2010, with a similar heatwave expected at least once in 30 years under certain climate scenarios.

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.

A wardrobe full of embarrassments

Researchers developed a tool to measure consumers' 'brand embarrassment tendency', which determines how likely they are to feel shame or embarrassment when wearing certain brands. The study found that brands like Ed Hardy and Lonsdale trigger more brand embarrassment than others, affecting consumer buying intentions.

New research exploits extraordinary properties of graphene

Researchers have developed a new hybrid structure that interacts strongly with electromagnetic radiation, enabling control over optical switches. The graphene-based material has the effect of focusing radiation into a smaller area than its wavelength.

Even the elderly can recover from a severe traumatic brain injury

A study at the University of Helsinki found that approximately half of elderly patients with acute subdural hematomas who undergo surgery can recover to an independent life. The researchers emphasize that the decision to operate should not be based solely on age, but rather on individual patient factors.