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Science News Archive October 2015


Page 21 of 38

First scientific results from flyby of Pluto

Data from New Horizons' flyby of Pluto suggest the dwarf planet has been frequently resurfaced by erosion or crustal recycling. The study also reveals large regions of differing brightness on Pluto's surface, carved out by structures similar to terrestrial glaciers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Team describes rapid, sensitive test for HIV mutations

A new method allows patients to get effective treatment quickly with improved sensitivity and speed. The system operates directly on the virus' RNA rather than requiring extra steps, enabling faster detection of drug-resistant strains.

Our ancestors probably didn't get 8 hours a night, either

Researchers studied sleeping patterns among Hadza of Tanzania, San of Namibia, and Tsimane of Bolivia, finding that these groups slept an average of six hours and 25 minutes per night, similar to what humans evolved to have. No evidence suggests a negative impact on health.

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.

Africa's future -- can biosciences help?

A new series of assays explores how African smallholders can meet SDG2 by using biosciences to protect crops from diseases and pests, increase yields, and promote food security. The results provide recommendations for policymakers, educationalists, and those interested in smallholder agriculture.

New drug candidate is promising therapeutic option for angiogenic retinal diseases

A research team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has identified a small molecule that prevents the overgrowth of blood vessels in animal models of aged macular degeneration and retinopathy of prematurity. The new findings show that this molecule, named Vasotide, can be delivered in eye drops, offering a promising alternative to ...

Sticky situation

Researchers at the University of South Carolina developed a method to identify deteriorated magnetic tapes using infrared spectroscopy. The technique can distinguish between intact and degraded tapes, which have similar appearances but different chemical compositions.

What smacks into Ceres stays on Ceres, research suggests

Researchers found that impacts on Ceres tend to retain large proportions of material, suggesting a homogeneous surface composed of meteoritic material collected over billions of years. This could have implications for asteroid sample return missions and require careful landing site selection.

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.

Scientists convert skin cells into functional placenta-generating cells

Researchers have successfully converted skin cells into stable and fully functional placenta-generating cells, overcoming two major bottlenecks in regenerative medicine. This breakthrough resolves ethical and immune rejection issues, offering new hope for women with recurrent miscarriage and placental dysfunction diseases.

Bio-molecules in human breast milk stop inflammation

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in human breast milk that resolve inflammation, stimulate immune response, and heal wounds. These findings suggest a critical role for SPMs in infant development and immune system maturation.

Rice U. study: Customer feedback helps spur employee creativity

A Rice University study found that customer feedback helps spur employee creativity and improves customer satisfaction by enabling employees to think outside the box and solve problems in novel ways. The research suggests that service organizations can benefit from strategically marketing to customers to encourage them to empower their...

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.

New position paper supports use of telemedicine by sleep specialists

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a position paper supporting the use of telemedicine in sleep medicine practices. The paper outlines recommendations for integrating telemedicine into practice, including clinical care standards and quality assurance processes. Fair reimbursement for telemedicine services is also supp...

USC researcher Min Yu receives the NIH's New Innovator Award

Min Yu, USC scientist, wins $2.475 million NIH New Innovator Award to target breast cancer stem cells for personalized treatment. Her research aims to identify biomarkers and tailor drugs to individual patients, addressing the significant challenge of metastatic cancer stem cells.

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.

More than one-third of perimenopausal women develop insomnia

A new study finds that perimenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing insomnia, with symptoms escalating over the transition period to menopause. The odds of having any one symptom of insomnia were 1.3 times greater for those in late stage versus early stage of perimenopause.

CWRU researcher lands grant to build stealthy brain tumor treatment

Case Western Reserve University researcher Efstathios Karathanasis has received a $2.82 million grant to develop a treatment that eradicates glioblastoma multiforme with one safe dose. The treatment uses chain-like nanoparticles carrying chemotherapy medicine and inhibitors to target brain tumor cells.

IASLC names Elsevier new publisher of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has appointed Elsevier as the new publisher of its official journal, Journal of Thoracic Oncology. This partnership aims to enhance the journal's reputation and influence while expanding its global communities of contributors and readers.

Could contaminated land actually be good for trees?

Trees grown in contaminated soil exhibit enhanced defense mechanisms against pests, as genetic information from other organisms is expressed differently. This phenomenon enables trees to better fend off biotic stresses, potentially revolutionizing phytoremediation processes.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Differences in treatment effect on out-of-balance microbiome in Crohn's disease

A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that different treatments for Crohn's disease in children have distinct effects on their gut microbiome. The use of antibiotics suppressed bacterial growth but facilitated fungal growth, while immunosuppressant medications reduced inflammation and bacteri...

Most teen mood swings decline with age

A new longitudinal study found that adolescents' mood swings decline gradually as they get older, stabilizing by mid-adolescence. This decrease in mood variability is linked to fewer significant life events and better emotional regulation skills.

Effectively using the advice of experts

A new framework provides eight key ways to improve the advice of experts, including using groups with diverse members and minimizing psychological bias. The framework aims to balance conventional expert advice with methods that alleviate biases and ensure accountability.

A molecular switch to stop inflammation

Researchers at Umeå University have discovered a molecular switch called MYSM1 that can suppress an overactive immune response and prevent inflammation. The study found that MYSM1 accumulates outside the nucleus during infection or inflammation, disrupting signaling molecules involved in activating pattern-recognition receptors.

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.

Oxytocin nose-drop brings marmoset partners closer

Researchers found that oxytocin-treated marmosets attracted more physical proximity and grooming from their long-term mates. The study suggests that oxytocin may increase the social attractiveness of treated individuals, which could be beneficial for people with social deficit disorders like autism spectrum disorder and social anxiety.

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.

Researchers develop tool to predict need for life support

Researchers developed a simple tool to predict an individual's five-year risk of requiring mechanical ventilation. The scoring system uses factors such as age, gender, diabetes, and hospitalization history to estimate the probability of needing life support.

New insights into the dynamics of past climate change

A new study has found that changes in the polar regions can significantly affect the ocean and climate on the opposite side of the world, far quicker than previously thought. The research linked ocean currents to climate conditions during the last ice age, revealing a tight connection between the two.

Study challenges scientific principle about Alzheimer's protein amyloid beta

A recent IRB Barcelona study has questioned the widely accepted premise about the number of molecules and shape of amyloid beta protein's initial aggregates. The research found that Abeta 40 and Abeta 42 form the same aggregation states, contradicting previous findings, which used a technique that may be biased.

The dilemma of screening for prostate cancer

Primary care providers should screen men aged 45 and older with a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. If the patient is asymptomatic, a 5-year screening interval may be considered.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers link organ transplant drug to rise in rare lymphoma

Researchers found a link between MMF and an increased risk of CNS lymphoma in solid organ transplant patients. However, combining MMF with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) appears to protect against this rare form of lymphoma, according to the study published in Oncotarget.

What metabolism could reveal about aging and mortality

Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans worms to develop a method to predict lifespan based on metabolic profiles. The study found that middle age was a key turning point in aging, with normal lifespan worms aging 40% faster than long-lived counterparts at this stage.

Can work stress be linked to stroke?

A meta-analysis of six studies found that people with high stress jobs had a 22% higher risk of stroke than those with low stress jobs. Women with high stress jobs were 33% more likely to experience an ischemic stroke.

Endangered orangutans face a new threat

A Rutgers study found that Bornean orangutan populations thrive in Indonesian peat-swamp forests with sufficient high-energy food, but struggle in areas with limited nutrition. Conservation efforts must prioritize suitable habitats for successful reintroduction and population increase.

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.

Invasive species as junk food for predators

Researchers found that predators benefit from eating invasive prey only when their traditional diet remains intact. Native prey is necessary for predators to stay healthy and prosper. Invasive species may provide a supplemental food source, but they don't replace native prey, which is essential for predator survival.

Chapman University's second annual Survey of American Fears released

The Chapman University Survey of American Fears reveals the top 10 things Americans fear most, including government corruption, cyber-terrorism, and economic collapse. Nearly a fourth of Americans report engaging in actions driven by fear, such as voting for a candidate or purchasing a gun.

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.

Redefining temperature with precision lasers

A team of Australian scientists developed a precision laser device to measure temperature with high accuracy. The breakthrough enables any laboratory worldwide to accurately measure temperature, bringing a universally agreed temperature scale to the globe.

ALMA telescope unveils rapid formation of new stars in distant galaxies

Researchers using ALMA telescope detected a burst of new stars in seven distant galaxies nine billion years ago. The galaxies' gas content was already depleted despite high rates of star formation, suggesting an increase in efficiency above the main sequence. This study pushes galaxies at z~1.6 well-above the star-forming main sequence.

Despite promise, vitamin D and calcium do not reduce colorectal cancer risk

Researchers found no significant difference in new polyp formation between patients with vitamin D and/or calcium supplements and those without. The study's results contradict previous findings in models and smaller human trials, highlighting the need for further research on promising cancer prevention strategies.

Research that is simply beyond belief

Researchers found that directing magnetic energy into the brain reduced belief in God by 32.8% and increased positive feelings towards immigrants by 28.5%. The study used transcranial magnetic stimulation to temporarily shut down specific brain regions.

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.

The gaze that hinders expression

A new study by researchers at SISSA found that individuals with autism have difficulty interpreting facial expressions due to impaired facial mimicry, which can be exacerbated when making joint attention. The study suggests that understanding the interaction between these two functions is crucial for social interaction.

New data may help physicians better understand risk of lung cancer

A new scoring system for a common lung cancer diagnostic test has been developed, allowing physicians to more accurately assess the risk of malignancy. The EBUS-TBFNA procedure provides an accurate positive diagnosis of lung cancer 84% of the time and an accurate negative diagnosis of 68%.

Tracking agricultural water use on a smartphone

The new EEFLUX application allows farmers to view field-scale maps of water consumption in near real-time, providing insights into evapotranspiration and water management. With Landsat satellite imagery, experts can track water consumption year over year, making it easier to monitor the effectiveness of conservation projects.

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.

Likely drug interactions in placenta could harm fetus

A new laboratory study finds that mothers taking certain medications during pregnancy may be at risk of birth defects or stunted fetal growth. The research highlights the need for more detailed knowledge of placental drug transport to preserve fetal health.