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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 12


Page 12 of 38

New study: What you didn't know about naked mole-rats

A recent University of Virginia-led study found that naked mole-rats are not genetically isolated and are actually part of larger wild populations with diverse genetics. This challenges the long-held assumption about their social behavior and mating habits.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateOct 22, 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.

New hope for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

A recent study by McGill University researchers has made significant progress in understanding the mechanisms responsible for multiple sclerosis and identifying potential new treatments. By targeting a subset of B cells known as GM-CSF-producing B cells, the therapy shows promise in reducing disease activity.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 22, 2015

Alzheimer's disease: Plaques impair memory formation during sleep

A recent study has found that plaques associated with dementia can disrupt the spread of slow waves in the brain during sleep, impairing memory consolidation. Researchers were able to decode this defect at the molecular level and alleviate it with medication, showing potential for a new treatment approach.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 22, 2015

Link between champion horses and offspring careers revealed

A new study reveals that horses with race-winning parents are more likely to have a champion career, including factors like career length and disease susceptibility. The research, led by Dr. Natasha Hamilton, sheds light on the genetic influence of durability and health-related traits.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·DateOct 22, 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.

Louisiana Tech University professor receives national award for research

Dr. Prerna Dua, associate professor of health informatics and information management at Louisiana Tech University, has been honored with the AHIMA Triumph Award for her research expertise in healthcare and decision support. The award recognizes her dedication to enriching the field of health information management.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·DateOct 22, 2015

Robot's influent speaking just to get attention from you

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a novel robotic communication approach that takes into account the listener's attention. The robot follows the person's gaze and adjusts its utterance to regain their focus.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·DateOct 22, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neurons that regulate sleep stages revealed

A new study identifies neurons that inhibit REM sleep and induce non-REM sleep in mice, revealing a complex relationship between the two stages of sleep. The discovery sheds light on the brain's mechanism for regulating sleep patterns.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 22, 2015

NASA takes lasercom a step forward

A NASA-developed laser communication system has demonstrated record-breaking data download and upload speeds to the moon, as well as highly precise distance and speed measurements. The Space Optical Communication and Navigation System can provide micrometer-level accuracy over a 622 megabits-per-second laser communication link.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 22, 2015

Magnetic hide and seek

Researchers use asteroseismology to track waves through stars and determine internal properties, finding nearly a million times stronger magnetic fields than typical refrigerator magnets. This technique allows probing of previously hidden regions of stars.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateOct 22, 2015

For young patients with spina bifida, smartphone app improves self-management

A new study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that a smartphone app can help adolescents and young adults with spina bifida improve their daily self-management skills. The app, called iMHere, includes mobile reminders and messaging with healthcare providers.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateOct 22, 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.

Music listening habits tell about mental health

Research finds that men who process negative feelings with aggressive music react negatively to the emotion, while females exhibit increased activity in the mPFC. The study suggests long-term effects of music listening styles on brain activity and mental well-being.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateOct 22, 2015

New medication class may safely and effectively treat anemia

A new class of oral medications, HIF-PHIs, stimulates red blood cell production by mimicking a low-oxygen state. Promising results were achieved in phase 2 clinical trials, showing improved hemoglobin levels and reduced anemia in kidney disease patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 22, 2015

Some antibiotics work by stressing bacteria out (metabolically)

A new study finds that antibiotics create conditions for bacterial demise by stressing their metabolism, leading to oxidative stress that breaks down DNA and other key molecules. This understanding could lead to more effective treatments for patients fighting infections.

SourceBrown University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 22, 2015
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Vitamin B3 derivative cuts risk of new skin cancers

Nicotinamide significantly lowered the risk of common non-melanoma skin cancer in high-risk patients, reducing incidence by 23% compared to placebo controls. The treatment also cut the incidence of pre-cancerous sun spots by around 15%.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 21, 2015

Astronomers catch a black hole shredding a star to pieces

Researchers observe closest tidal disruption event in nearly a decade, gaining new understanding of black hole effects on nearby stars. The study reveals details about the formation of an accretion disk and the expulsion of gas from the black hole.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2015

Prawns reveal the secrets of innovation

A new study found that small and hungry prawns are more likely to innovate when in a group, while size has no effect alone or with hunger. This challenges the long-held notion that necessity drives innovation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2015

University of Illinois awarded $8 million from NIH to study nuclear structure

A team led by Professor Andrew Belmont is using a combination of cytological, genomic, and functional mapping techniques to understand the organization and function of the nucleus. The research aims to uncover how changes in DNA positioning affect gene activity and overall genomic function.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateOct 21, 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.

European birdwatchers unravel how birds respond to climate change

A large dataset of bird sightings across Europe shows that some species benefit from warmer winters and more productive spring times, while others decline due to changing conditions. The study suggests that climate change will favor some species over others, with the most vulnerable being those adapted to colder regions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 21, 2015

Glowing fingerprints to fight crime

A CSIRO scientist has developed a novel fingerprint detection method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to reveal latent prints on surfaces. This technique enables faster and more precise analysis, reducing the need for heat and vacuum treatment in laboratories.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 21, 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.

Penn researchers examine effects of federal recommendations on cartilage repair studies in large animal models

A team of Penn researchers analyzed 114 large animal studies on cartilage repair to determine adherence to federal guidelines. They found that most studies did not follow the guidelines, particularly when evaluating study outcomes, and suggested that a standardized reporting structure be implemented to improve translation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2015

Hulet wins American Physical Society's Davisson-Germer Prize

Randy Hulet, a leading expert in ultracold atomic gases, has won the American Physical Society's Davisson-Germer Prize for his groundbreaking investigations of quantum degenerate gases. His research group uses lasers to cool lithium gas to near absolute zero, unlocking the mysteries of quantum mechanics.

SourceRice University·DateOct 21, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Gear, not geoducks, impacts ecosystem if farming increases

A new study suggests that geoduck farming in central Puget Sound could have significant impacts on the food web if farming activities increase by 120 percent. The equipment used to farm geoducks, including PVC pipes and nets, may have a greater impact than the addition of the clams themselves.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateOct 21, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

California 2100: More frequent and more severe droughts and floods likely

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that California will experience more frequent and severe droughts and floods due to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. The researchers found that extreme weather events are likely to increase, with droughts potentially doubling and floods tripling by 2100.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2015

Nano power grids between bacteria

Researchers have found nano-wire connections between thermophilic AOM consortia, enabling energy transfer between archaea and sulphate reducers. These direct power wires facilitate the growth of sulphate reducers, providing insight into the anaerobic oxidation of methane.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2015

Marker may predict risk of breast cancer spreading to the brain

Researchers developed a new tumor marker test that may predict breast cancer spread to the brain, based on alpha B-crystallin levels in breast tumors. The test found nearly three times higher likelihood of brain metastasis in women with alpha B-crystallin expression.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·DateOct 21, 2015

Finding the markets in emerging markets

A study in the Journal of Retailing found that leveraging distribution strategies can maximize firm performance in emerging markets. The authors propose an econometric model to help firms develop multichannel distribution strategies tailored to these markets.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateOct 21, 2015

Chipping away at the secrets of ice formation

Researchers found that particle surfaces can impact ice crystallization and encourage different ice crystal orientations. This discovery could help improve understanding of climate science, air travel, and cryopreservation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 21, 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.

Biologists discover bacteria communicate like neurons in the brain

Researchers at UC San Diego found that bacteria use electrical signaling mechanisms similar to those in the human brain to communicate and resolve metabolic stress. This discovery suggests that bacterial biofilms may be connected to neurological disorders, such as migraines and seizures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2015

Cosmic 'Death Star' is destroying a planet

Astronomers have spotted a large, rocky object disintegrating in its death spiral around a distant white dwarf star, confirming a long-standing theory behind the source of white dwarf 'pollution' by metals. The system shows signs of surrounding debris disk and at least one compact, rocky object.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2015

Immune responses provide clues for HIV vaccine development

A new review outlines findings that hint at the types of immune responses a preventive HIV vaccine may need to induce, including production of antiviral antibodies and CD4+ T cell responses. Many RV144 vaccinees produced antibodies in the IgG family linked to protection against acquiring HIV.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2015
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.

Number of postdocs declines for first time, new study shows

A new study shows a decline in postdoctoral researchers in the US, with a 5.5% loss from 2010-13, despite increasing PhD students. This decrease affects men and women, as well as US citizens and foreign postdocs.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 21, 2015

For Latinos, African ancestry adds to risk of glaucoma

A recent study found that Latinos with greater African ancestry are at increased risk for high intraocular pressure, a condition that can lead to glaucoma and blindness. The study, led by Xiaoyi Gao, analyzed the genomes of over 3,500 participants and found that those with more African ancestry had higher pressure inside the eye.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalOphthalmology·DateOct 21, 2015

Study in mice shows how brain ignores distractions

Scientists mapped the thalamus circuitry that may be involved in neurological disorders such as autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia. The study found that inhibitory neurons in the thalamus play a critical role in filtering out distractions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 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.

New care approach to liver operations speeds patient recovery

Patients undergoing oncologic liver operations who participated in an enhanced recovery program returned sooner to their normal life function and adjuvant cancer therapies than patients who were treated with a traditional approach. The study found that 75% of enhanced recovery patients achieved their baseline functional status within 3...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 21, 2015

Dead men punching

Researchers used cadaver arms in experiments supporting the idea that human hands evolved for both manual dexterity and fistfighting. They found humans can safely strike with 55% more force with a fully buttressed fist than with an unbuttressed fist.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 21, 2015

Gardening therapy helps women on long-term sick leave return to work

A study at the University of Gothenburg found that combining garden therapy and job coaching strengthens women's physical and mental health, improving their quality of life. The program included practical gardening, mental exercises, and social work to support women on long-term sick leave

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences·DateOct 21, 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.

Nanoscale diamond 'racetrack' becomes breakthrough Raman laser

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new class of Raman laser using nanoscale diamond resonator, enabling wider wavelength range and potential for improved telecommunications. The device works by converting one frequency of laser light to another, opening up possibilities for broadband data communications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateOct 21, 2015