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Science News Archive November 2015


Page 23 of 35

The long and short of plasma turbulence

Researchers have used a supercomputer to simulate plasma turbulence, finding that long and short wavelength turbulence coexist and interact strongly, increasing heat losses tenfold above standard models. This discovery may inform fusion reactor design and bring us closer to practical fusion energy.

Medicines do not seem to degrade faster in space

A study published in The AAPS Journal suggests that medication degradation does not differ significantly between space and Earth. Nine medications were analyzed after being stored for up to 11 months in space, with some remaining viable beyond their expiration dates.

Largest ensemble simulation of global weather using real-world data

Researchers at RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science in Japan ran an enormous global weather simulation with 10,240 simulations of a model of the global atmosphere. They found that faraway observations can impact the eventual state of the weather forecast, which could lead to more accurate forecasts.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pinpointing poverty with cellphone data

University at Buffalo researchers analyze mobile phone records to drill down to specific communities, providing insights into food, healthcare, education, and other human necessities. The approach aims to improve poverty maps by 14 geographical regions, offering a quick and cost-efficient tool for aid organizations and government agenc...

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.

Novel double dagger anti-cancer agent

Researchers discover a link between colorectal cancer and melanoma treatment NT157, targeting both tumor cells and microenvironment to suppress cancer growth. The compound's dual mechanism of action shows promise in treating colon cancer with minimal damage to non-cancer cells.

Large landowners key to slowing deforestation in Brazil

Research in Mato Grosso reveals nearly two-thirds of remaining forests and carbon reserves are on private properties owned by large landowners. The study suggests continued focus on larger properties is crucial to preserving forest cover.

The secret to safe DNA repair

Researchers have identified a previously unknown protein that plays a vital role in DNA repair, potentially leading to new biomarkers and treatments for cancer. The discovery could help prevent errors during the repair process, reducing the risk of mutations and cancer.

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.

Study shows why 4-year-olds don't thrive in Head Start classes

A new national study suggests that most Head Start classrooms with mixed ages hinder the academic growth of older children, causing them to fall up to five months behind their peers. The research found that higher concentrations of younger children in the classroom led to lower gains in math and language skills among older children.

Intensive farming link to bovine TB

Research by the University of Exeter found that intensive farming practices, such as larger herd sizes and maize growth, increase the risk of bovine TB. Farms with herds over 150 cattle are 50% more likely to suffer a TB outbreak.

Childhood cancer survivors at heightened risk of several autoimmune diseases

Research reveals childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. The study found that survivors were up to 60% more likely to develop an autoimmune disorder than those without a history of childhood cancer, with the excess risk persisting for decades.

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.

Breakthrough in superconducting materials opens new path to fusion

Researchers have developed high-temperature superconducting materials that can operate at high magnetic fields, opening a new path to fusion energy. These materials could enable the creation of compact, power-producing reactors capable of producing 500 MW of fusion power.

Northern lakes act as CO2 chimneys in a warming world

A new study reveals that many lakes worldwide release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, with northern hemisphere lakes expected to increase emissions due to climate change. The study found that most lake CO2 originates from surrounding land, highlighting the impact of land use changes on greenhouse gas emissions.

Mercury gets a meteoroid shower from Comet Encke

A new study found that Mercury is being pelted by ancient comet dust, impacting its tenuous atmosphere and surface boundary exosphere. The researchers discovered a cometary dust stream from Comet Encke that explains the timing of calcium emission peaks in the planet's exosphere.

Sea urchin spurs new ideas for lightweight materials

Scientists at University of Copenhagen discover heart urchin shell has a structure that nears theoretical ideal for foam structure strength. The shell's unique porosity and strut arrangement make it up to six times stronger than chalk, despite being lighter.

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.

Emotionally supportive relationships linked to lower testosterone

A new study by University of Notre Dame anthropologists found that aging U.S. men with emotionally supportive relationships have lower testosterone levels compared to their less supportive counterparts. This connection may help explain the link between social support and improved overall health.

Microwave field imaging using diamond and vapor cells

Scientists have created two innovative techniques to visualize microwave fields, utilizing spin states induced by microwaves. The first method uses rubidium atoms in a glass cell to image the field in high resolution, while the second method employs individual electrons in diamond to produce nanoscale images.

Ultra-thin, tunable, broadband microwave absorber may advance radar cloaking

Researchers developed ultra-thin, tunable broadband microwave absorber for ultrahigh-frequency applications. The absorber has a thickness of 7.8 millimeters and can absorb a wide range of frequencies, demonstrating its potential in improving aircraft cloaking, warship stealth, and broadband antenna technology.

Research links tundra fires, thawing permafrost

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that wildfires on the Arctic tundra can cause significant permafrost thaw, with about a third of the fire's footprint experiencing thawing. This effect is similar to those observed in boreal forests where burns are more common.

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.

New treatment option may be on the horizon for polymyalgia rheumatica

Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that tocilizumab, a drug approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is effective in treating polymyalgia rheumatica. The study showed that patients treated with tocilizumab were able to discontinue corticosteroids more quickly and remained in remission over 12 months.

New vaccine could prevent high cholesterol

A new vaccine has shown promise in reducing 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels in mice and macaques, suggesting potential as an alternative to statins. The vaccine targets the PCSK9 protein, which regulates cholesterol levels in the blood, offering a more powerful treatment with fewer side effects.

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.

Obese kids young as age 8 show signs of heart disease

Research found significant heart disease and muscle abnormalities in obese children, with 40% considered high-risk. Obesity linked to thicker heart muscles and impaired pumping ability, potentially leading to complications in adulthood.

BIDMC researchers describe strategies to decrease immune responses in IBD

Researchers at BIDMC have identified a novel strategy to decrease immune responses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), by targeting the ecto-enzyme CD39 on Tc1 immune cells and modulating purinergic signaling. This approach shows promise for reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in patients with IBD.

UA-led research: Prevention of macular degeneration possible

A University of Arizona-led study found that patients taking levodopa, a treatment for Parkinson's disease, are less likely to develop macular degeneration. The study suggests l-dopa may delay or prevent the disease, potentially leading to new treatments and improved eye health.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

College football linemen face greater risk of heart problems

Researchers found a higher incidence of high blood pressure in college linemen compared to non-linemen, with a relative decrease in subclinical left ventricular function. The study suggests that football players in lineman positions face a greater risk of specific heart problems due to physiologic differences between the group.

Childhood obesity is linked to poverty and parenting style

New research from Concordia University suggests that both poverty and parenting style are independent predictors of childhood health. For preschool-age children, household income is a key factor in obesity risk, regardless of parenting style.

Researchers to study how to treat behavior that leads to type 2 diabetes

Virginia Tech researchers will investigate how people on the brink of developing Type 2 diabetes value the future, aiming to improve self-regulation and prevent medical complications. The study, funded by $2.4 million grant, applies approaches developed in addiction research to develop a behavioral treatment.

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.

New derivation of pi links quantum physics and pure math

Researchers discovered a famous pre-Newtonian formula for pi in calculations of the energy levels of a hydrogen atom, linking pure math to quantum physics. The Wallis formula, published in 1655, was previously unknown to be connected to the hydrogen atom's energy states.

Mindfulness meditation trumps placebo in pain reduction

A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation reduced pain intensity by 27% and emotional aspect of pain by 44%, compared to a 11% reduction in sensation of pain and 13% reduction in emotional aspect with placebo cream. Mindfulness meditation also activated brain regions associated with self-...

Computer model reveals deadly route of Ebola outbreak

A novel statistical model mapped the spread of the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, providing the most detailed picture to date. The analysis suggests two critical opportunities to control the epidemic and identifies two critical points where intervention could have been more effective.

Novel stem cell line avoids risk of introducing transplanted tumors

Researchers have created a new 'progenitor cell' capable of unlimited expansion and differentiation into mature kidney cells without the risk of forming tumors. This breakthrough presents several advantages over using undifferentiated human stem cells, including reduced tumor growth potential and easier manipulation for therapeutic use.

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.

Computer model developed for predicting the dispersion of vog

A computer model developed by University of Hawaii researchers can accurately forecast the movement of vog around the state, posing a serious threat to health and ecosystems. The model uses sulfur dioxide emissions and wind predictions to provide near-real-time forecasts.

Rice U. paper: End 'stem cell tourism'

A new paper by Rice University experts warns that unproven stem cell-based interventions are causing harm to patients and hindering scientific progress. The authors argue that public policy is needed to reduce 'stem cell tourism' and promote responsible research.

Don't delay: Having to wait doesn't help young kids exercise self-control

Researchers found that reminders helped young children control impulsive behavior, while waiting didn't make a difference. The study suggests that training individuals to look for tangible cues can help improve inhibitory control. Effective reminder-based interventions could involve setting up situations where cues are always present.

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.

New technology colors in the infrared rainbow

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technology that brings true color to infrared imaging systems, capturing specific wavelengths from the visible to the infrared spectrum. This allows advanced thermal imaging systems to be produced faster and cheaper, with higher sensitivity.

Thickness of grey matter predicts ability to recognize faces and objects

A new study found that the thickness of the cortex in the fusiform face area (FFA) can predict a person's ability to recognize faces and objects. The researchers discovered an inverse relationship between FFA cortical thickness and visual expertise, with thicker FFA cortex linked to better non-face recognition.

Diabetes drug reduces risk of heart failure and may prevent it, study shows

A new class of type 2 diabetes drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors, have been shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths from heart failure. The EMPA-REG trial found that patients treated with the drug experienced significant reductions in blood sugar, blood pressure, weight loss, and major hospitalizations for heart failure.

Self-weighing may be a hazardous behavior among young women

A study of over 1,900 young adults found that increases in self-weighing were associated with increased weight concern, depression, decreased body satisfaction, and lower self-esteem among females. This behavior may be a predictor of eating disorders, highlighting the need for obesity prevention programs to consider its impact.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Vanderbilt engineers open source medical capsule robot technology

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed an open-source hardware/software development kit for customizing medical capsule robots. This allows research groups to design and prototype capsules more efficiently, reducing the need for extensive redesign from scratch.

A new way to look at MOFs

Researchers developed a new method to study metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) storing gases, revealing cooperative gas-gas interactions and superlattice structures. The discovery holds promise for designing more efficient MOFs for carbon capture and hydrogen fuels.

Time to reassess blood-pressure goals

Recent SPRINT trial results suggest lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 may be associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and reduced mortality by 25%. The study's findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, may lead to a reevaluation of blood pressure goals for non-diabetic individuals over 50

A warmer world will be a hazier one

A new study using state-of-the-art computer models finds that most aerosol species will increase under climate change associated with greenhouse-gas-induced warming. This could lead to reduced air quality and increased atmospheric aerosols, outweighing the decrease in precipitation in certain regions.

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.

Loss of consciousness a marker of early brain injury in subarachnoid hemorrhage

A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that loss of consciousness is a common presenting symptom in patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage due to brain aneurysm. The researchers suggest that loss of consciousness may be an indicator of severe bleeding and therefore predict death or poor functional outcome one year later.

Tissue engineers recruit cells to make their own strong matrix

Scientists at Brown University have successfully cultured cells to produce extracellular matrix with strength comparable to natural tissues. By using specialized molds to guide cell growth and alignment, the researchers created ECMs with specific mechanical properties, such as collagen fibers aligned along a tendon-like structure.

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.