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Science News Archive October 2015


Page 1 of 38

Astrosat's Soft X-ray Telescope sees first light

The Soft X-ray focusing Telescope (SXT) onboard Astrosat successfully saw its first light on Oct. 26, 2015, after the camera door was opened at 06:30UT. The telescope's mirrors were aligned perfectly to image a single point, and data quality is excellent.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·DateOct 31, 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.

Heat-activated 'grenade' to target cancer

New liposome technology allows for targeted delivery of cancer drugs, using heat-activated triggers to control release. This innovative approach could reduce collateral damage and improve treatment efficacy.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateOct 31, 2015

Finding new worlds with a play of light and shadow

Recent studies by Michael Hippke and Daniel Angerhausen predict that upcoming missions like TESS and PLATO will uncover planetary moons, ringed worlds similar to Saturn, and large collections of asteroids. These discoveries could provide insights into alien planetary systems similar to our own.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 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.

African lion survival may be dependent on corridor creation

A new study suggests that strategic directional fencing and/or corridors can be a viable solution for lion conservation by maintaining protected areas and directing lions to suitable habitats. The research highlights the critical role of landscape connectivity in the survival of African lions.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateOct 30, 2015

Divorce rate doesn't go up as families of children with disabilities grow

Researchers found that couples with typically-developing children who can pitch in to care for and support their siblings with developmental disabilities may experience less marital stress. In contrast, parents of children with developmental disabilities experienced a similar risk of divorce regardless of family size.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateOct 30, 2015

A Prkci gene keeps stem cells in check

The Prkci gene plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types. Without Prkci, mouse embryonic stem cells overproduce stem cells, leading to an abundance of secondary structures.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 30, 2015

Test bed advances Washington state as hotbed of energy innovation

The project aims to develop transactive controls that optimize energy usage in buildings and devices, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Researchers will test the technology at three campuses, including Washington State University and the University of Washington, to demonstrate its potential for grid modernization.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateOct 30, 2015
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.

Long distance love affair

A new study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that psychological distance plays a key role in determining attraction, particularly in matters of relative performance. Men preferred women who were smarter than them in hypothetical or distant situations, but became less attracted to them when they were phys...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 30, 2015

Chemical complexity promises improved structural alloys for next-gen nuclear energy

Designing alloys to withstand extreme environments is a fundamental challenge for materials scientists. Researchers found that exploiting the complexity of equal amounts of up to four different metallic elements can lead to improved radiation resistance. The results reveal significantly reduced defect production and damage accumulation...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 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.

UT study: Lack of ZZZZs may zap cell growth, brain activity

A new UT study found that inadequate sleep can disrupt protein synthesis, a fundamental cellular process involved in physical growth and brain activity. The circadian clock regulates this process, and misaligning behavior with it can have negative consequences.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 30, 2015

BTI receives grant to support development of cold-tolerant corn

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have made a breakthrough in developing cold-tolerant corn plants by increasing Rubisco enzyme levels, which can help them withstand harsh winter conditions. The new technology could enable farmers to harvest twice and increase crop yields.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·DateOct 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.

New technique could prevent biofilms on catheters and medical implants

Researchers have discovered a new technique that can prevent biofilms on catheters and medical implants by coating them with tissue plasminogen activator. This method has the potential to reduce hospital-acquired infections and save thousands of lives annually.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 30, 2015

Working memory: Underlying processes are more complex than we thought

Researchers discovered two alternating activity states in the hippocampus that enable effective working memory, a crucial process for retaining new information. This finding suggests that complex tasks rely on intricate neural mechanisms, contrary to common perceptions of simplicity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 30, 2015

Kids meals, toys, and TV advertising: A triple threat to child health

A new study found that children who watch TV channels airing ads for kids' fast food meals are more likely to request visits to those restaurants. The study suggests that toy premiums in these ads may influence children's food preferences and encourage families to visit the featured restaurants.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 30, 2015

3-D laser printing of whispering-gallery-mode microcavities

Researchers have developed a method for creating high-quality whispering-gallery-mode microcavities using femtosecond laser 3D printing. The technique enables the fabrication of these microcavities with extremely high Q factors, which enhance interaction between light and matter, leading to promising applications in various devices.

SourceScience China Press·DateOct 30, 2015
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.

NUS scientists developed super sensitive magnetic sensor

Researchers from NUS developed a new hybrid magnetic sensor that is more sensitive to low and high magnetic fields, tunability, and temperature. The sensor has been shown to be more than 200 times more sensitive than commercially available sensors.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2015

Reptile pets

A recent study reveals that reptile pets can shuttle grasshopper allergy and asthma into homes. Researchers found that insects used as reptile food can cause allergic reactions, even after exposure has ceased. Experts recommend keeping reptile food outside of homes to prevent this issue.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalWorld Allergy Organization Journal·DateOct 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.

New computational strategy finds brain tumor-shrinking molecules

Researchers at University of California - San Diego developed a new computational strategy to search for molecules that could inhibit glioblastoma growth. One molecule, SKOG102, successfully shrunk human glioblastoma tumors grown in mouse models by an average of 50 percent.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateOct 30, 2015

New study finds that everyday activities empower young people in care

A new study from the University of Leicester reveals how everyday activities such as playing with pets, going shopping, or swimming give young people in care a better sense of value and well-being. The research highlights the importance of facilitating participation in these activities to improve life chances and personal development.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateOct 30, 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.

Penn study blocks Ebola virus budding by regulating calcium signaling

Researchers at Penn University discovered that inhibiting a calcium-signaling pathway can block the Ebola virus from exiting host cells and spreading, paving the way for potential broad-spectrum therapy. This approach has implications for treating multiple serious viral infections, including Marburg, Lassa, and Junin viruses.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 30, 2015

Research shows Cuba's Internet issues

Researchers at Northwestern University found Cuba's Internet connection to be among the poorest in the Americas, with information traveling back from the US taking up to 270 milliseconds. The team is exploring a possible configuration problem or routing policy as the cause of this delay.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 30, 2015

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 dependent nuclear entry of factor inhibiting HIF-1

Research reveals that FIH-1 nuclear entry is dependent on HIF-1α translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and is also regulated by the presence of copper. Gene silencing of HIF-1α decreased its nuclear location, while reducing intracellular copper levels suppressed nuclear entry of FIH-1.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateOct 30, 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.

NASA study: Mass gains of Antarctic Ice Sheet greater than losses

A new NASA study finds that Antarctic ice sheet mass gains from increased snow accumulation exceed losses from glaciers, thickening East Antarctica and West Antarctica by an average of 0.7 inches per year. This small thickening corresponds to a large gain of ice, enough to outweigh global sea level rise.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateOct 30, 2015

UW-Madison engineers reveal record-setting flexible phototransistor

Researchers developed a flexible phototransistor that exceeds previous parameters, including sensitivity and response time. The innovative design enables improved performance in various products, such as digital cameras and night-vision goggles.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateOct 30, 2015

New metal alloy could yield green cooling technologies

A promising new iron-based alloy has been discovered that can be used in next-generation cooling technologies, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cooling methods. The alloy's use of magnetic fields to change refrigerant temperature holds potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 30, 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.

Everglades' alligator numbers drop after dry years

The number of American alligators in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge decreased following dry years and recovered later, according to a USGS study. The decrease was proportional to the intensity of the dry event, highlighting the impact of hydrology changes on alligator populations.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalWetlands·DateOct 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.

Simple mathematical formula models lithium-ion battery aging

A team of Penn State researchers has created a simple mathematical formula to predict the most influential factors in lithium-ion battery aging. The formula takes into account state of charge, charging/discharging frequency, operating temperature, and current to estimate battery degradation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateOct 30, 2015
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.

Researchers discover new way to measure if a person is pre-diabetic

A panel of markers has been discovered that can identify pre-diabetes by measuring fatty acids in blood, allowing for early warning and lifestyle change. The levels of these fatty acids can change up to 10 years before diagnosis, making it a potential tool for predicting the risk of developing pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii Cancer Center·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 29, 2015

Babe Ruth and earthquake hazard maps

Using historical intensity data from Japan, researchers found that uniform and randomized versions of earthquake hazard maps outperform published maps in predicting shaking. The study aims to provide a more accurate understanding of how these maps work and their limitations.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 29, 2015