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Science News Archive November 2015 - Page 2


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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Pathology Informatics·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 30, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Common kitchen practices detrimental to tomato aroma

Refrigeration and blanching are detrimental to tomato aroma quality, impacting key contributors. Common kitchen practices not only affect consumer complaints but also alter volatile compound production.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 30, 2015

Promising new antimicrobials could fight drug-resistant MRSA infection, study finds

Researchers at Georgia State University developed novel antimicrobials targeting SecA, a key disease-causing component of bacteria. The study found that these inhibitors can overcome drug resistance and reduce toxin secretion, offering a promising alternative to existing antibiotics for treating MRSA infections.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

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.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 30, 2015

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...

SourceJames Cook University·JournalInternational Journal for Parasitology·DateNov 30, 2015

Study suggests bees aren't the be all and end all for crop pollination

A recent study led by the University of Queensland found that non-bee insect pollinators, such as flies and butterflies, are crucial for crop pollination. These insects performed 25-50% of total flower visits and provided similar pollination services to bees.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourcePerimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2015

DNA repair factor linked to breast cancer may also play a role in Alzheimer's disease

Research suggests that low levels of BRCA1 protein in the brain may contribute to dementia. The study found that adding amyloid beta to neurons lowers levels of BRCA1, increasing DNA damage and cognitive decline. Further research is needed to determine whether BRCA1 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating dementia.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateNov 30, 2015

Method of postoperative pain relief may influence recovery from total knee replacement surgery

A new study found that periarticular injections reduced postoperative hospital stay and number of inpatient physical therapy sessions after total knee replacement surgery. Patients who received these injections recovered quicker due to maintaining control over the quadriceps muscles, allowing for faster walking independently.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

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.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 30, 2015

COP21 -- A health, technology, energy, transportation agreement

COP21 seeks a universal agreement on climate change, aiming for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases. The conference will focus on sustainable innovation, including biofuels research development, and encourage public awareness on climate change.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalAsia-Pacific Biotech News·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceDurham University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

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.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 30, 2015

University of Illinois' researchers chart 'fitness landscape' to fight hep C virus

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has developed a novel computational approach to accelerate the search for a hepatitis C vaccine. By analyzing the fitness landscape of the virus, they identified optimal formulations targeting viral vulnerabilities that can be attacked by the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Biology·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalAsia-Pacific Biotech News·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 30, 2015
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.

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.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateNov 30, 2015

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.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 29, 2015

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.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateNov 29, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 28, 2015
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2015

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.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 27, 2015

Mystery of how snakes lost their legs solved by reptile fossil

Researchers use CT scans and 3D models to study a 90-million-year-old skull, revealing that snakes evolved to live in burrows and lost their limbs as a result. The discovery confirms Dinilysia patagonica as the largest burrowing snake ever known.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2015
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.

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.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateNov 27, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateNov 27, 2015