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Science News Archive November 2015 - Page 32


Page 32 of 35

Electrical engineer's work may signal better wireless connections

Dr. Aria Nosratinia is investigating ways to break wireless messages into microstreams, reducing interference, and developing methods to detect malicious hardware modifications known as hardware Trojans. His research could lead to better wireless communication and increased network capacity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateNov 3, 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.

New genetic risk marker for late-life depression

A new study finds that the APOE epsilon 4 allele is associated with an increased risk of late-life depression, even after controlling for Alzheimer's disease. The presence of this allele predicts future depression in older adults, highlighting its potential as a marker for prevention and early detection.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 3, 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.

Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among recently deployed veterans

A recent study found nearly 18% of returning veterans experience sexual functioning difficulties, with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder being major contributing factors. The study's authors emphasize the need for easy access to effective care and open discussion of sexual health concerns among veterans.

SourceWiley·JournalSexual Medicine·DateNov 3, 2015

CU-Boulder study: Ancient Salvadoran village buried by ash freezes daily life in time

The CU-Boulder study found that the ancient villagers of Ceren had significant interactions among families, village elders, craftspeople, and specialty maintenance workers. The village's high degree of preservation allowed researchers to see daily life in detail, with evidence of free market transactions and no control by elite royalty.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalLatin American Antiquity·DateNov 3, 2015

Births down and deaths up in Gulf dolphins

A NOAA-led team found that only 20% of pregnant dolphins in Barataria Bay gave birth to healthy calves, compared to an 83% success rate in a similar population. The study also revealed high rates of reproductive failure and death among dolphins exposed to oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateNov 3, 2015

Link between small mammals and evolution of hepatitis A virus to humans discovered

Researchers have found a link between the origins of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and small mammals, specifically bats and rodents. The study provides novel insight into the evolution of HAV and how it spread to humans, highlighting the importance of analyzing animal reservoirs for risk assessment of emerging viruses.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Being moody may help us adapt to change

A new theory suggests that mood can aid adaptation to environmental changes by reflecting recent changes in reward availability. This effect may help explain the causes of mood disorders and predispose individuals to conditions like bipolar disorder.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateNov 3, 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.

National survey of Americans' health app use shows technology's promise and weakness

A national survey of 1,604 adult smartphone users found that 58% had downloaded a health-related mobile application, with 65% reporting improved health. However, concerns about cost, disinterest, and privacy barriers hinder wider adoption. More research is needed to maximize the impact of health apps on overall health.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateNov 3, 2015

3-D printed 'building blocks' of life

Researchers have created a 3D printing technique that produces highly uniform 'blocks' of embryonic stem cells, which can be used as building blocks to construct tissue constructs, larger structures of tissues, and potentially even micro-organs. The method outperforms existing methods in terms of cell uniformity and homogenous prolifer...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateNov 3, 2015

Race matters on college campuses

Researchers found that banning affirmative action can lead to a decline in student body diversity and negatively impact students of color. The study examined the impact of Proposal 2 in Michigan, which prohibited considering race in college admissions, and found that administrators felt disempowered to support racial diversity on campus.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateNov 3, 2015
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.

Muscle loss linked with falls and fractures in elderly

Researchers found that older people with an age-related loss of muscle mass and strength are at a greater risk of falling and bone fractures. The study identified the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) definition as the most effective means of identifying individuals at risk of adverse musculoskeletal events.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCalcified Tissue International·DateNov 3, 2015

Storage advance may boost solar thermal energy potential

Engineers at Oregon State University have developed a new approach for storing concentrated solar thermal energy, enabling more efficient and cost-effective use of this technology. The innovation uses thermochemical storage to hold heat, drive turbines, and reheat for continuous cycles.

SourceOregon State University·JournalChemSusChem·DateNov 3, 2015

Closing the dyslexia achievement gap

Researchers at Yale University found that a large achievement gap between dyslexic and typical readers is already present in first grade. Early screening and reading interventions can help close this gap by implementing programs as early as kindergarten.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateNov 3, 2015

Protein Photonics special section in Journal of Biomedical Optics honors Osamu Shimomura

The Journal of Biomedical Optics special section honors Osamu Shimomura's work on green fluorescent protein, enabling researchers to observe molecular-level activity in live cells. Recent studies detail new applications of protein photonics, including multicolor imaging and monitoring cellular magnesium levels.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 3, 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.

Country-to-country aid for health varies dramatically

The study found little correlation between donor country aid and recipient country disease burdens, despite some years showing a direct link. This highlights the need for a discussion on how funds are being allocated, as bilateral aid may be driven by relationships between countries rather than actual health needs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateNov 3, 2015

Alzheimer's may be a collection of diseases that should be treated separately

Researchers propose that Alzheimer's disease is a collection of diseases stemming from similar molecular mechanisms. They identified a key protein, cyclophilin B, responsible for its manifestation in distinct neurodegenerative disorders. This study aims to develop novel therapies tailored to individual disease subtypes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 3, 2015

Some chemicals less damaging to ozone can degrade to long-lived greenhouse gas

Scientists have discovered that chemicals widely used as refrigerants can degrade in the atmosphere to form a potent greenhouse gas called carbon tetrafluoride (CF4), lasting up to 50,000 years. This finding highlights the need for understanding the chemistry of compounds used in industry to mitigate long-lived atmospheric effects.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 3, 2015

'Chemsex' needs to become a public health priority

Experts warn that chemsex, involving psychoactive drugs for extended periods, poses significant health risks, including HIV and mental health problems. Limited data hinders advice from clinicians, and funding for specialized services is waning.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 3, 2015
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 create transplantation model for 3-D printed constructs

A team of researchers at Rice University and the University of Pennsylvania created an implant with a network of blood vessels using 3D printing. The study shows that blood flowed normally through test constructs connected to native blood vessels, overcoming a major challenge in regenerative medicine.

SourceRice University·DateNov 3, 2015

Uptake mechanisms of cytostatics discovered

Researchers identified VRAC channels as responsible for half of anti-cancer drug uptake, with down-regulated subunits linked to therapy resistance and programmed cell death disturbances. The study's findings hold high clinical relevance and suggest potential new targets for overcoming cancer therapy resistance.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 3, 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.

Baffling lab mystery leads to potential new anemia treatment

Scientists at UVA Health System find a way to prompt red blood cell production through dendritic cells, which could benefit people with diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer. The approach may one day allow doctors to produce red blood cells on demand, benefiting those who cannot receive blood transfusions due to religious beliefs.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2015

$5 million for international neuroscience 'dream team'

A team of international neuroscientists and engineers has been awarded a $5 million grant to unravel the mysteries of the brain and develop new technologies for better healthcare. The project aims to stimulate and sense brain activity at the single-neuron level, reconstructing neural circuits with computer simulations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateNov 3, 2015

New computational approach to predicting adverse drug reactions with higher confidence

Researchers from IMIM and partner institutions developed a new integrated computational method to predict adverse drug reactions more reliably. The method combines structure-based detection of labile fragments with information on the mechanism of action of the drug, resulting in improved ability to foresee possible adverse effects.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateNov 3, 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.

The new wave in wireless communication

Researchers at UCSB aim to develop large-scale millimeter wave wireless data networks that can operate at gigabit speeds. The new approach focuses on the millimeter wave band, which offers additional real estate on the electromagnetic spectrum and better efficiency due to its smaller coverage area.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateNov 3, 2015

New drug provides safer alternative to conventional IVF treatment

Researchers find that using kisspeptin instead of hCG during IVF treatment safely matures eggs and reduces the risk of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS), even in high-risk patients. The average live birth rate was 45% across all doses, rising to 62% for women given the best performing dose.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·DateNov 3, 2015

NASA sees first land-falling tropical cyclone in Yemen

Tropical Cyclone Chapala made history as the first land-falling tropical storm in 30 years of record-keeping. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 85 mph (140 kph) before rapidly weakening to 25 knots (28.7 mph/46.3 kph).

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 3, 2015

New studies question the treatment of female infertility with stem cells

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Karolinska Institutet have cast doubt on the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for treating female infertility. The study, published in Nature Medicine, suggests that stem cells cannot generate new egg cells, rendering the treatment unreliable.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 3, 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.

Study examines issues related to prenatal detection of trisomies

A new study suggests using contingent screening could detect higher proportions of affected pregnancies, but parental choices limit its impact. Only 60% of women considered high-risk after standard first-trimester screening choose cfDNA testing, resulting in a limited effect on live births with trisomy 21.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 3, 2015

New method reveals female biased green sea turtle sex ratio in San Diego Bay

Scientists have determined a female bias of 2.83 females to each male among 69 green turtles sampled in San Diego Bay, revealing potential feminization due to climate change. The study provides a safe and effective method for determining the sex of immature turtles using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 3, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Forming glass shapes: Lowering the 'softening temperature' via electric field

Researchers at Lehigh University and the University of Colorado Boulder discovered that an electric field can lower the softening temperature of glass, allowing for significant energy savings in traditional forming approaches. This phenomenon has potential applications in micro- and nano-forming operations and high-precision nanostamping.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 3, 2015

The complexity of modeling

Complex engineered materials pose significant structural challenges due to non-periodic and disordered atomic structures. A new approach combining experimental and theoretical tools is required to obtain unique solutions.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateNov 3, 2015
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.

Chemotherapy-induced hearing loss affects cognition in pediatric brain tumor survivors

A new study reveals that chemotherapy-induced hearing loss in pediatric brain tumor survivors can lead to significant neurocognitive deficits, including intelligence, executive function, and verbal reasoning skills. Children who received radiation therapy and developed hearing loss are at particularly high-risk for these deficits.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateNov 3, 2015

The solution to faster computing? Sing to your data

A new method of moving data in racetrack memory uses sound waves, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The study, published in Applied Physics Letters, demonstrates the potential for faster computing by utilizing surface acoustic waves to transport data quickly and efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 3, 2015

Simple test predicts response to chemotherapy in lung cancer patients

A study published in Human Pathology found that lung cancer patients without the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB) experience significantly improved survival rates when undergoing chemotherapy. The absence of pRB was detected in 15% of patients, with a 92% 5-year survival rate compared to 49% for those with the protein.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalHuman Pathology·DateNov 3, 2015

Increase seen in prescription drug use in US

Prescription drug use increased by 8% to 59% among US adults between 1999-2000 and 2011-2012, with notable increases in hypertension and hyperlipidemia treatments. The prevalence of polypharmacy also rose from 8% to 15%.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 3, 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.

The better to eat you with? How dinosaurs' jaws influenced diet

Research found that theropod dinosaurs like T. rex and Allosaurus could open their jaws wide due to their powerful muscles, while herbivorous Erlikosaurus had limited jaw movement. This study provides new insights into the relationship between dinosaur diet and jaw musculature.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 3, 2015