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Science News Archive October 2015


Page 27 of 38

Vaccines: Don't leave home without them

A recent study found that over half of eligible Americans visiting a travel clinic did not receive the recommended measles vaccine, putting them at risk for infection. Vaccination is also essential for preventing hepatitis A outbreaks in areas with inadequate sanitation, such as Mexico's Tulum resort destination.

Scientists paint quantum electronics with beams of light

Researchers at University of Chicago and Pennsylvania State University have discovered a method to 'paint' quantum electronic circuits using beams of light, allowing for rewritable devices without nanofabrication. This breakthrough enables faster and easier experimentation with fragile quantum materials.

Geneticists reconstruct population history of New York City

Researchers reconstructed population history of New York City using genetic data, ancestry information, and electronic health records. They identified hidden patterns of relatedness among Puerto Rican residents with Steel syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by short height and spinal issues.

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.

Exercise and stop smoking to improve depression after heart attack

A large study found that exercise and stopping smoking had the strongest association with improved depression after a heart attack. Patients who quit smoking had a 2.3 greater chance of improving their depression, while those who were already physically active at the beginning of the study were more likely to improve their symptoms.

3-D image of cancer protein aids quest for new treatments

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have created a 3D image of cancer protein Trib1, revealing its role in controlling protein levels within cells. The finding could lead to the development of new drugs to treat cancers such as leukemia.

Geothermal energy: Look to the Denver-Julesberg Basin

A new study presents a method using GIS and National Geothermal Data System data to evaluate regions for geothermal energy exploration. The Denver-Julesberg Basin is identified as the highest capacity for large-scale, economically feasible geothermal power production.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Could 'The Day After Tomorrow' happen?

A University of Southampton study suggests that an abrupt collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) could lead to cooling, rather than warming, for a period of 20 years. Global warming would continue after this initial cooling, with a globally averaged temperature offset of about 0.8°C.

New tool expands tracking of personal data on the Web

Researchers designed a new tool called Sunlight to bring transparency to the Web, analyzing numerous inputs and outputs together to form hypotheses about personal data use effects. The study found that sensitive information was used to target ads and recommendations, violating companies' advertising policies.

Horn of Africa drying ever faster as climate warms

The Horn of Africa is becoming increasingly arid due to global warming, threatening the region's agriculture and exacerbating tensions. Researchers have found a 2,000-year trend of drying in the region, which contradicts predictions that it will become wetter.

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.

Antioxidants cause malignant melanoma to metastasize faster

Research at Sahlgrenska Academy found that antioxidants double the rate of metastasis in malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The study's findings contradict previous assumptions that antioxidants protect against cancer and suggest patients with cancer or an elevated risk should avoid nutritional supplements containing antioxidants.

A cure for vitamin B6 deficiency

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a genetically modified cassava variety that produces several-fold higher levels of vitamin B6, addressing the widespread deficiency in Africa. The new trait is stable under different conditions and has been confirmed to be bioavailable for human consumption.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Chance effect of lab's fluorescent lights leads to discovery

Scientists at Penn State and University of Chicago discovered a new way to use light to draw and erase quantum-mechanical circuits on topological insulators, allowing for non-invasive and faster experimentation. The technique uses ultraviolet and bright red light to manipulate the electronic properties of these materials.

Scientists pave way for diamonds to trace early cancers

Researchers have developed a method to use nanoscale diamonds to identify cancerous tumours before they become life-threatening. The technique involves attaching hyperpolarised diamonds to molecules targeting cancers, allowing for the tracking of these molecules' movement in the body.

Threat posed by 'pollen thief' bees uncovered

A new University of Stirling study has uncovered the secrets of 'pollen thief' bees, which take pollen from flowers without providing pollination services. The research found that these smaller bees often stay longer at each flower and visit fewer flowers in each run, contributing little to seed production.

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.

Researchers study costs of integrating genetic sequencing into clinical care

Researchers found that patients whose genomes were sequenced incurred a cost of $719 in follow-up tests and care over the following year, compared to $430 for standard treatment. The study suggests that genome sequencing may offset future costs through prevention or early treatment, but further analysis is needed.

Blood clotting protein triggers immune attack on the brain

A study from the Gladstone Institutes reveals that a single drop of blood in the brain can trigger an autoimmune response akin to multiple sclerosis. Fibrinogen, a blood-clotting factor, activates microglia and recruits peripheral immune cells, causing myelin damage and inflammation.

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.

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.

A new measure for wireless power transfer

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a new method to measure the kQ product in real-time, allowing for highly efficient wireless power-transfer systems. This system improves design speeds, facilitates quick discovery of structures and dimensions, and enables rapid optimization of transmission frequencies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Opposites don't attract when learning how to use a prosthesis

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that upper limb amputees who learned from fellow amputees using a similar prosthetic device showed significant improvement in motor skills and brain activity. The study suggests that people are better equipped to adapt when learning from someone with similar physical characteristics.

BMC receives award to study impact of diabetes self-management education

A $3.5 million grant will fund a five-year study to evaluate the efficacy of virtual world and classroom groups in teaching diabetes self-management skills to minority women with type 2 diabetes. The study aims to increase physical activity levels and measure technological development milestones.

Proteins with ALS, cancer role do not assume a regular shape

A new study reveals that FUS proteins do not assume a regular shape but instead form dynamic droplets with RNA, which are crucial for organizing genetic material. This finding challenges the assumption that preventing FUS-related diseases like ALS and cancer can be achieved by targeting its static forms.

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.

Bio-inspired robotic finger looks, feels and works like the real thing

A bio-inspired robotic finger developed by Florida Atlantic University's Erik Engeberg has been shown to mimic human motions and offer advantages over traditional mechanisms. The finger uses shape memory alloy technology and a unique thermal training technique to recover its trained shape, demonstrating rapid flexing and extending motion.

Math story time at home bolsters achievement in school

New research from the University of Chicago shows that adding math talk to story time at home can significantly improve children's math achievement. Using an iPad app called Bedtime Math, parents and children can engage in high-quality math interactions, even infrequent use was beneficial.

NASA sees a speedy Extra-Tropical Storm Choi-Wan

Choi-Wan, a powerful storm, lost its tropical characteristics and became an extra-tropical cyclone as it moved over cooler waters near the Kuril Islands. The storm maintained hurricane-force winds, with maximum sustained winds near 60 knots (69 mph/111.1 kph), while moving north at 38 knots (44.8 mph/72.2 kph) towards Japan.

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.

Researchers build a digital piece of brain

The Blue Brain Project digitally reconstructs a slice of juvenile rat brain containing over 31,000 neurons and 55 layers, enabling researchers to simulate neural activity and circuit-level behaviors

Urban runoff killing coho salmon, but simple solution within reach

A new study documents the fatal connection between urban stormwater and coho salmon survival, but also finds that inexpensive filtration through columns of sand and soil can completely prevent toxic effects. The research demonstrates that coho salmon are an ecological sentinel for urban runoff's harmful effects.

Study ties restless legs syndrome to heart, kidney problems

A new study by the Veterans Affairs Research Communications found that individuals with restless legs syndrome (RLS) are at a higher risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and earlier death. The study of over 3 million veterans revealed a fourfold higher incidence of stroke and heart disease in the RLS group.

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.

Plant biosensor could help African farmers fight parasitic 'witchweed'

Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a genetically engineered plant biosensor to detect and prevent parasitic Striga infestations. The tool uses protein-based hormone receptors present within Striga to mimic plant hormones and trap the parasite, allowing for its destruction.

Older tobacco users pay more for health insurance under Affordable Care Act

A new study reveals that older tobacco users pay significantly more for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act, with some facing surcharges of up to 46% more than non-tobacco users. This highlights concerns about the financial burden on these individuals and potential implications for health equity.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

Sex change hormonal treatments alter brain chemistry

A new study in Biological Psychiatry finds that hormonal treatments for sex reassignment alter brain chemistry, increasing serotonin levels in female-to-male transsexuals and decreasing them in male-to-female transsexuals. These changes may explain why testosterone improves symptoms in some forms of depression.