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Science News Archive November 2015


Page 9 of 35

Scientists discover the secret behind the power of bacterial sex

Researchers find migration between bacteria communities key to horizontal gene transfer and spread of traits like antibiotic resistance. Mathematical modeling reveals the secret behind bacterial sex lies in movement between communities, increasing DNA swap chances.

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.

Major fall in diabetes-related amputations since the 1990s

A significant reduction in diabetes-related amputations has been observed since the mid-1990s, primarily due to advancements in diabetes care. The study found a 10-15% annual decrease in below-ankle and below-knee amputations among diabetic patients.

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.

UEA leads first systematic review of Ebola risks

Researchers found that transmission in the general community is low-risk, with even living with someone infected not posing a significant threat if direct contact is avoided. The study recommends urgent diagnosis, hospitalization, and targeted vaccination strategies for close contacts and healthcare workers to stop the spread of Ebola.

Impact of social-emotional learning on academic achievement

A randomized trial found that an evidence-based social-emotional learning curriculum improved basic proficiency in reading, writing, and math among at-risk students. The intervention group showed greater basic proficiency in grades 4-6 compared to the control group, with a dosage effect also observed.

Microevolutionary evidence: The eyes have it

A study by the University of South Carolina team found that larger eye size in Daphnia results in an average clutch size increase of one egg beyond the average six eggs. The research team measured the effect of variation in body size, demonstrating that eye size has a greater impact on reproductive success.

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.

Ground-breaking research could challenge underlying principles of physics

A team of physicists has made a groundbreaking calculation on the decay of subatomic particles called kaons, which could change how scientists understand the formation of the universe. The research finds that the behavior of kaons differs when matter is swapped out for antimatter, challenging current understanding of the Standard Model.

Research ushers in new era of boutique chocolate

Researchers discovered that yeasts used to ferment cocoa can modify aroma, enabling creation of unique flavors in boutique chocolates. The findings could lead to a wider range of flavors similar to wines and coffee.

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.

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.

Sea traffic pollutes our lungs more than previously thought

Researchers at Lund University estimate that sea traffic emissions account for almost half of measured particles in coastal air, exceeding previous estimates. Nanoparticles can penetrate deeper into the lungs than larger particles, contributing to health issues.

High-frequency stimulation in pain medicine

Researchers have investigated high-frequency repetitive sensory stimulation as a therapeutic approach for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) patients. The study showed significant improvement in tactile performance after stimulation, with individual patients reporting substantial pain relief.

Hospitals overlook every other person with HIV

A new study found that many European hospitals fail to routinely test patients at risk of HIV infection, missing out on diagnosing nearly two-thirds of those living with the condition. In Northern Europe, this results in a significantly lower test rate compared to Eastern Europe.

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.

Hardened steels for more efficient engines

Researchers at KIT scientists have developed a new process for low-pressure carbonitration using methylamine, which combines advantages of low-pressure processes with atmospheric carbonitration. The method results in more homogeneous hardness profiles and improved efficiency.

Artificial pancreas therapy performs well in pilot study

A pilot study has demonstrated that a mechanical artificial pancreas can better maintain normal blood glucose levels than multiple daily insulin injections in patients with pancreatitis. The treatment combines an AI-powered pump with islet cell transplantation, enabling the transplanted cells to survive longer and produce more insulin.

Grow your own way

A new study suggests that climate change will significantly impact global farming productivity, with a one-sixth decline in production under projected scenarios. Altering crop patterns within countries is key to mitigating these effects, rather than relying on international trade.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA sees In-Fa get better organized, re-strengthen

Data from NASA's GPM core satellite showed Tropical Storm In-fa becoming better organized over the previous 24 hours, with rainfall rates reaching up to 55 mm/h. The storm is expected to intensify through the weekend, bringing maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.

How fast you move can predict how healthy you'll be

Researchers discover regulatory mechanism that extends 'healthspan', the time an organism is at its optimal health, using C. elegans roundworms. Maximum velocity (MV) of wild-type worms at day 9 adulthood reliably predicts longevity and physical decline.

Shaping contraction

Researchers at EMBL used a new technique to prevent cell contraction, identifying crucial cells for ventral furrow formation. The shape of the tissue dictates the direction of contraction, not internal programming.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Half of Amazonian tree species may be threatened

A new study by James Cook University scientist Professor William Laurance suggests that over half of Amazonian tree species are globally threatened. Protected areas and indigenous territories have the potential to protect many of these species if properly managed.

Supporting life on Earth

Scientists found evidence of O2 fluctuations in Western Australian rocks, suggesting a temporary increase in atmospheric oxygen levels around 2.5 billion years ago. The data supports the 'Great Oxidation Event' theory, where multiple 'whiffs' of O2 accumulated until a tipping point was crossed.

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.

Half of all Amazonian tree species may be globally threatened

A new study suggests that up to 57% of Amazonian tree species are globally threatened, but protected areas and indigenous territories can protect most of the affected species. The study's findings highlight the importance of preserving these critical ecosystems.

Inflammation linked to weakened reward circuits in depression

High levels of inflammation markers in blood are connected to stubborn symptoms of depression, such as anhedonia. Researchers believe blocking inflammation or its effects on the brain may reverse anhedonia in depressed individuals who fail to respond to antidepressants.

New detector perfect for asteroid mining, planetary research

A new gamma-ray spectroscope using europium-doped strontium iodide detects valuable minerals in asteroids, moons, and other celestial objects. The breakthrough technology enables accurate analysis of rock-forming elements and precious metals at lower costs and with reduced power requirements.

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.

Low-oxygen 'dead zones' in North Pacific linked to past ocean warming

A new study found a link between abrupt ocean warming at the end of the last ice age and low-oxygen conditions that led to vast marine dead zones. Warming surface temperatures triggered loss of oxygen in the North Pacific, raising concern that similar events will occur again as oceans warm.

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.

Addition of sugars plays a key developmental role in distantly related plants

Researchers have found that deleting certain sugar-adding enzymes from plants results in similar defects across distantly related species, highlighting the importance of these modifications. The addition of sugar molecules to proteins controls tip growth, a process critical for cell wall formation and seed production.

UK awarded $6 million to further develop treatment for cocaine abuse

The University of Kentucky has received $6 million in funding to further develop a potential treatment for cocaine abuse. The project, led by Professor Chang-Guo Zhan, aims to create a novel enzyme that can neutralize cocaine in the bloodstream using molecular modeling technology.

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.

Climate change: Warm water is mixing up life in the Arctic

Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute found that a 15-year observation series reveals how sensitive arctic marine ecosystems are to change. The study indicates that even a short-term influx of warm water can fundamentally impact local symbiotic communities, leading to changes in deep-sea life.

Electronic plants developed at Linköping University

Researchers at Linköping University successfully integrated electronic components into living roses, enabling the creation of digital logic gates, displays, and even electrochemical transistors. This breakthrough paves the way for innovative applications in energy, environmental sustainability, and plant science.

ADHD meds may be a prescription for bullying

A new University of Michigan study found that kids and teens taking ADHD medications are twice as likely to be bullied by peers than those without ADHD. Middle school students who sold or shared their medications were four-and-a-half times more likely to be victimized.

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 UTA research will automatically check for bugs in cyber-physical systems

Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington are using formal, methods-based testing to automatically discover bugs in development environments for cyber-physical systems. The technique, known as randomized differential testing, generates random programs and models, then translates and compiles them to identify defects.

Surprising signal to control male fertility

Scientists have discovered a surprising role of Wnt signaling in controlling male fertility. The research found that Wnt protects proteins from degradation, allowing sperm to mature and move forward. This discovery has potential implications for the treatment of infertility and contraception.

Half of all Amazonian tree species may be globally threatened

A new study estimates that up to 8,690 Amazonian tree species may face extinction, with more than half of the world's tropical tree species at risk. Protected areas and indigenous territories have made strides in preserving biodiversity, but further management is crucial to prevent extinctions.

The economic significance of cities increases while that of countries falls

A study by the University of the Basque Country found that global cities have a greater economic significance than countries. Cities with strong economic and political leadership, as well as innovative activity, are more competitive. The top-ranking cities include London, Paris, Tokyo, Madrid, Barcelona, and Milan.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Acorn worm genome reveals gill origins of human pharynx

The acorn worm's genome has revealed the origin of the human pharynx, showing how gill slits evolved into the jaw and throat. The study found that humans and other terrestrial vertebrates retain vestigial gills in embryos, a trait shared with marine animals.