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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 14


Page 14 of 38

How diet may affect the progression of multiple sclerosis

Research found that long-chain fatty acids promote CNS reactive immune cells, while short-chain fatty acids regulate autoimmune responses. The study suggests a potential role for dietary interventions in managing multiple sclerosis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalImmunity·DateOct 21, 2015

Scientists predict cool new phase of superionic ice

Researchers at Princeton University have predicted a new phase of superionic ice with unusual conductivity properties. The P21/c-SI phase occurs at high pressures beyond giant ice planets, offering insights into the material's behavior.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 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 study: Algae virus can jump to mammalian cells

A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has provided direct evidence that an algae-infecting virus can invade and replicate within some mammalian cells. The virus, known as Acanthocystis turfacea chlorella virus 1 (ATCV-1), successfully infiltrated macrophage cells in mice, causing changes characteristic of a viral infection.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 21, 2015

Carbon canopy

A new University of Iowa study found that tree planting in the Twin Cities region offsets only one percent of the area's carbon emissions. The research identified 'hotspots' where trees are scarce and carbon generation is high, suggesting targeted tree-planting efforts may help balance carbon supply and demand.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 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.

Bees to scientists: 'We're more complicated than you think'

A new study refutes the idea that a single group of chemicals controls reproduction across numerous social insect species, suggesting pheromones evolved uniquely in different species. The researchers found no effect on egg production, but ovary regression was positively correlated with time to egg laying.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 20, 2015

Internal fingerprint sensor peers inside fingertips for more surefire ID

Scientists have developed a new fingerprint imaging system that takes pictures from inside fingers, reducing the risk of fake fingerprints and improving security. The device uses optical coherence tomography technology to image internal fingerprints and sweat pores, offering a more reliable identification method.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 20, 2015

IBEX spacecraft sets gold standard for understanding galactic material around solar system

The IBEX spacecraft has provided the most definitive analyses of the local interstellar space, revealing its composition, properties, and processes at work. The mission's data has resolved inconsistencies in previous studies, confirming that the local interstellar flow is significantly hotter than previously thought.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateOct 20, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dietary fat impacts autoimmune flare-ups in mice

A study published in Immunity suggests that dietary fat impacts the severity and duration of autoimmune flare-ups in mice. Short-chain fatty acids were found to alleviate symptoms by promoting regulatory T cells, while long-chain fatty acids exacerbated inflammation.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateOct 20, 2015

The Kavli HUMAN Project -- Big Data to provide unprecedented insights on health and behavior

The Kavli HUMAN Project aggregates 20 years of measurements from 10,000 individuals to study the dynamic interplay between biology, behavior, and environment. The project reveals new insights into factors increasing risk for cognitive decline and its impact on daily life, healthcare utilization, and end-of-life decisions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateOct 20, 2015

Tiny dancers: Can ballet bugs help us build better robots?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University studied spider crickets' aerial acrobatics, discovering that their limbs stabilize posture during jumps. This knowledge can be applied to designing tiny robots with more efficient locomotion, such as jumping robots for rugged terrain.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateOct 20, 2015

Later age recommended for first screening mammogram

The American Cancer Society recommends starting annual mammography screening at age 45 for average-risk women. Women between 40-44 can choose to begin annual screening. Clinical breast examination is no longer recommended due to lack of clear evidence on its effectiveness in detecting breast cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 20, 2015

IBEX sheds new light on solar system boundary

The IBEX mission has created the first global maps of how our heliosphere interacts with interstellar space, revealing significant changes over time. The mission also directly measures interstellar neutral atoms flowing into the solar system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateOct 20, 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.

Bangladesh health successes shift chronic diseases to poor

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that chronic diseases are increasingly affecting poor households in Bangladesh, dragging them below the poverty line. The study suggests that addressing chronic diseases is crucial for poverty reduction and universal health coverage.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateOct 20, 2015

Why corporations don't always 'learn' their way to success

A new study suggests that companies don't always learn from their experiences, but instead self-select successful activities to repeat. This is particularly true for infrequent and complex business activities like new product introductions, where learning may be negligible.

SourceOhio State University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateOct 20, 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.

Journaling: Astronauts chronicle missions

Researchers analyze journals written by NASA astronauts to identify factors that affect their mental and emotional states during long-duration space missions. The study aims to develop recommendations for future missions, including training exercises and procedures to mitigate behavioral issues.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateOct 20, 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.

Transfusion with stored blood safe in heart surgery

A large registry study of almost 50,000 patients in Sweden found that transfusion with stored blood does not influence patient outcomes after heart surgery. The study provides firm reassurance that current blood storage practices are safe.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA·DateOct 20, 2015

Building immune system memory

Helper T cell proteins Oct1 and OCA-B work together to put immune response genes on standby, allowing for rapid activation upon re-exposure. This study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms controlling immunological memory in CD4+ cells.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·DateOct 20, 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.

Scientists find link between comet and asteroid showers and mass extinctions

New study finds a cyclical pattern between impact craters and extinction events every 26 million years, suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship. This cosmic cycle is linked to periodic motion of the sun and planets, affecting life on Earth over the past 260 million years.

SourceNew York University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 20, 2015

Annual vs. biennial mammography and breast tumor prognostic characteristics

A recent study found that premenopausal women who received annual mammography screenings had smaller and less advanced tumors compared to those who received biennial screenings. In contrast, postmenopausal women did not show significant differences in tumor characteristics regardless of screening frequency.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 20, 2015

University of Houston research would keep energy flowing

The University of Houston research aims to develop tools, techniques, and practices for creating energy infrastructure that can operate under uncertain conditions, regardless of the source of disruption. The goal is to ensure continuous operation and prevent significant financial losses due to extended shutdowns.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 20, 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.

Growing old can be risky business

Aging-related changes in physical condition and life circumstances can lead to financial vulnerabilities, which may result in substantial loss of resources. The term age-associated financial vulnerability (AAFV) describes a pattern of behavior placing older adults at risk for considerable loss of resources.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 20, 2015

Team-based treatment is better for first episode psychosis

A team-based, coordinated specialty care approach produces better clinical and functional outcomes than typical community care for people with first episode psychosis. Treatment is most effective when provided soon after psychotic symptoms begin.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 20, 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.

Program for parents helps sustain learning gains in kids from Head Start to kindergarten

A parent involvement program, REDI-P, helps young children retain literacy skills and positive learning behaviors through home visits with educational counselors. The study found that REDI-P offsets summer loss and improves academic performance and social interaction in children from disadvantaged backgrounds. By the fall of their kind...

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 20, 2015

Conventional, compost, organic production compared for strawberry

Comparing conventional, compost, and organic strawberry production systems reveals positive net returns and significant reductions in negative environmental impacts. The nonfumigated compost system and organic system show considerable reductions in acute and chronic human health risks, as well as groundwater pollution risk.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateOct 20, 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.

Opt-out system for organ donation is well intentioned but misguided

A consultant nephrologist criticizes Wales' upcoming opt-out organ donation system, citing concerns over a lack of commitment among potential donors. He believes that more radical solutions are needed to increase organ donation and argues that the current system may not be effective in addressing these issues.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 20, 2015

NIH study reveals risk of drug-resistant malaria spreading to Africa

A recent NIH study found that artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites can infect diverse mosquito species in Africa, including Anopheles coluzzii. This discovery suggests a higher risk of drug-resistant malaria infections in Africa, posing challenges to efforts to prevent and eliminate the disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2015

Another dimension: 3-D cell growth opens new pathway for spinal cord repair

Researchers at Griffith University have developed a new technique for growing cells in three dimensions, allowing them to freely associate and form natural structures. This method, using floating liquid marbles, has the potential to increase cell growth and function, particularly useful for spinal cord transplantation repair.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 20, 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.

San Diego team combats memory loss by enhancing brain function

A new study shows that increasing caveolin-1 levels in nerve cells improves learning and memory in aged mice. The researchers believe this could be a path toward treating age-related memory loss and other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 20, 2015

Why van Gogh's Sunflowers are wilting

Researchers analyzed a Van Gogh painting using X-rays to determine the type of chrome yellow used. They found that lighter shades were more susceptible to degradation and darkened over time.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 20, 2015

'Green' buildings bring in more green

A recent study found that green commercial buildings have higher average rents (3.7%) and occupancy rates (18.7% in Canada, 9.5% in the US) compared to non-green buildings. Tenant satisfaction scores also increased by 7% in Canada.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalThe Journal of Portfolio Management·DateOct 20, 2015

How stereotypes hurt

A new study led by USC researcher Cleopatra Abdou found that people who encountered negative stereotypes in healthcare settings reported adverse effects, including hypertension, depression, and poor self-rated health. The researchers highlight the need for inclusive policies to reduce healthcare stereotype threat and promote health dis...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 20, 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.

New study explores gender bias in academic hiring

A recent study by Cornell researchers Stephen J. Ceci and Wendy M. Williams found that women's hiring advantage in academia is limited when competing against highly qualified male candidates, with fewer than 5% opting for the less accomplished candidate.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 20, 2015

Surprising source for ancient life biomarker found

Stanford scientists discover tetrahymanol, a fatty molecule used as an indicator for life on early Earth, in bacterial membranes. The finding suggests many bacteria might produce the lipid, challenging conventional wisdom.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2015

Inherent mindfulness linked to lower obesity risk, belly fat

A study of nearly 400 people found that those with higher dispositional mindfulness had a lower risk of obesity and less abdominal fat. The researchers suggest that increased awareness of thoughts and feelings may help individuals overcome cravings for unhealthy foods and exercise habits.

SourceBrown University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 20, 2015

New CEO's gender may affect company performance

The study, which analyzed data from 3,320 CEO successions in China's Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, found that male-to-female succession tends to have lower postsuccession performance than same-gender succession. Companies with female CEOs also experienced higher early departure rates.

SourceRice University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateOct 20, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Big Data' used to identify new cancer driver genes

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute used publicly available cancer databases to identify novel cancer driver genes associated with cancer progression. The study found 71 previously unrecognized interfaces in proteins that may serve as new predictive markers or drug targets.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 20, 2015

MRI shows heart ages differently in women than in men

A new MRI study found that the main pumping chamber of the heart ages differently in men and women, with men's hearts becoming heavier and holding less blood. The study suggests that optimum treatment for heart failure may not be the same for women and men, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 20, 2015