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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 15


Page 15 of 38
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.

Mother-of-pearl's genesis identified in mineral's transformation

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered the earliest stages of nacre formation in a mollusk shell. The team used spectro-microscopy to observe the transformation of amorphous calcium carbonate into crystalline aragonite, revealing new insights into biomineral creation.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·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.

Exciting breakthrough in 2-D lasers

Researchers from Berkeley Lab demonstrate bright excitonic lasing at visible light wavelengths using a monolayer of tungsten disulfide in a microdisk resonator. The technology has potential for high-performance optical communication and computing applications, as well as valleytronic applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 20, 2015

Ten new genetic risk loci for eczema discovered

Researchers have identified ten new genetic risk loci for eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. The study found strong correlations with known risk factors for asthma, allergies, and other autoimmune diseases.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 20, 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.

Preserving the best qualities of 'Honeycrisp' apples

Research reveals that 'Honeycrisp' apple size and soluble solids content significantly impact consumers' willingness to pay. Growers can increase prices by optimizing fruit size, while maintaining acidity levels to command higher prices.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateOct 20, 2015

Sunscreen is proven toxic to coral reefs

A Tel Aviv University study finds that oxybenzone, a common chemical in sunscreen lotions, is highly toxic to juvenile corals, causing coral bleaching, DNA damage, and death. Concentrations as low as 62 parts per trillion pose an ecological threat.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalArchives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·DateOct 20, 2015

Superbug infection greatest increase in children ages 1-5

A nationwide study found a significant increase in CRE infections among US children aged 1-5, with rates rising from 0% to 4.5% between 1999 and 2012. The greatest increase was seen in intensive care units, where isolates of CRE in the bloodstream increased from zero to 3.2% during the study period.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateOct 20, 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.

Menopausal status a better indicator than age for mammography frequency

A new study suggests that postmenopausal women may be safely screened every two years, while premenopausal women over 40 may benefit from annual mammograms to increase early detection. The research also highlights the importance of considering menopausal status rather than age when determining screening intervals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 20, 2015

From good to bad with a copper switch

A new SISSA study uncovers a critical cofactor in prion protein transformation from 'good' to 'bad', revealing the role of copper in triggering the process. The study suggests a new potential target for treating prion diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 20, 2015

A 'hot' new development for ultracold magnetic sensors

Researchers from Loughborough and Nottingham Universities developed a multi-SQUID device that can operate at 77 K, outperforming standard 4.2 K SQUID magnetometers. The new design uses flux focusers to achieve high temperature performance with low noise levels.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 20, 2015

Cause of viral infection of the brain mapped out

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine has identified a genetic defect in the immune system that can lead to fatal brain inflammation in some people infected with the herpes virus. The discovery may also shed light on other types of viral infections, such as meningitis and influenza.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 20, 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.

NASA sees Hurricane Olaf move into central Pacific Ocean

Hurricane Olaf strengthened to a Category four hurricane on October 20 with maximum sustained winds near 150 mph. The storm is expected to remain major for the next couple of days before curving northeast and away from Hawaii by Friday, October 23.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 20, 2015

Botox may prevent irregular heartbeat after bypass surgery

Researchers found that Botox injections significantly reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) after bypass surgery. In contrast, saline injections showed no such benefit. The study's results could lead to Botox being used as a preventive measure for AF in patients undergoing heart bypass or valve repair.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 20, 2015

Alcohol ads linked to teen alcohol brand choices

Youth aged 13-20 are more than five times more likely to consume brands that advertise on TV, and 36% more likely to drink brands that advertise in magazines. Researchers used exposure estimates from media research firms to link brand-specific advertising with consumption among underage drinkers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateOct 20, 2015

Uncovered: The European roller's route between Africa and Europe

Scientists uncover European roller's migratory routes, resting areas and wintering grounds, revealing key areas of conservation importance. The study highlights the species' fragile state of conservation and the impact of human activities on its migration patterns.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateOct 20, 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.

A new way to starve lung cancer?

Researchers discovered that lung cancer cells switch to using amino acid glutamine when glucose is scarce, allowing them to continue growing under starvation conditions. Blocking this enzyme PEPCK could slow tumor growth in mice, suggesting a promising new approach to treating non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 20, 2015

Histone deacetylase 6 inhibition enhances oncolytic viral therapy

New study reveals that histone deacetylase 6 inhibition improves the ability of oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 to kill glioma cells. HDAC inhibitors increase viral trafficking to the nucleus, leading to increased replication and tumor cell death.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 20, 2015

Stimulating specific brain area could help defrost arms frozen by stroke

A study published at Neuroscience 2015 found that magnetically stimulating a specific part of the brain can affect arm movements in patients with severely disabling post-stroke arm impairment. The research suggests that repeated stimulation of the unaffected side of the brain may help teach it to control the impaired arm.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateOct 20, 2015
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.

Discrepancies are common between reported medical outcomes and trial registry data

A recent study published in Neurology found that only a quarter of headache clinical trials were registered in an approved clinical trial registry, despite a 2005 decision by major medical journals to prioritize trial registration. The study suggests significant selective reporting and potential issues with the peer review process.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNeurology·DateOct 20, 2015

New 'geospeedometer' confirms super-eruptions have short fuses

Researchers developed a new 'geospeedometer' to measure the time between magma formation and eruption, finding that super-eruptions can occur within 500 years. The technique is based on analyzing quartz crystals found in magma bodies and provides an independent estimate of the duration of magmatic conditions.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalGeology·DateOct 20, 2015

Learning from ants how to build transportation networks

Ants build complex transportation networks by minimizing costs while maintaining efficiency and robustness. Researchers at Uppsala University applied this principle to human-made systems, finding that connecting new suburbs to the closest city area can ensure relatively cheap but efficient power networks. By adjusting the frequency of ...

SourceUppsala University·JournalInterface·DateOct 20, 2015

Rutgers Genetics Research Center awarded $6 million federal grant

Rutgers Genetics Research Center has been awarded a five-year grant to provide comprehensive stem-cell related services, including iPSC derivation and quality control. The new grant will enhance access to high-quality stem cells for researchers investigating Parkinson's, ALS, and Huntington's diseases.

SourceRutgers University·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.

Study finds more tunnels in ant nests means more food for colony

A UC San Diego study found that more connected chambers in ant nests increase social interactions, allowing ants to quickly communicate good food sources. The spatial organization of a nest has a greater impact on collective behavior than the number of workers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 20, 2015

Does living in the United States promote teenage risk taking?

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that US teens exhibit higher sensation-seeking behavior compared to their peers in Puerto Rico, with rates increasing earlier and being influenced by family environment and parenting practices.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·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.

Male and female hearts don't grow old the same way

A study of nearly 3,000 adults found significant differences in how male and female hearts change over time. The research suggests that men's and women's hearts may develop age-related heart failure for different reasons, highlighting the need for gender-tailored treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalRadiology·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.

Cancer-causing parasite may accelerate wound healing

A cancer-causing parasitic worm has been discovered to drive wound healing and blood vessel growth, which could lead to accelerated recovery from chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers. The growth factor secreted by the parasite also increases the risk of developing liver cancer over time.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 20, 2015

Super-slick material makes steel better, stronger, cleaner

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a way to make steel stronger, safer and more durable by creating a surface coating made from rough nanoporous tungsten oxide. The new material is capable of repelling any kind of liquid even after sustaining intense structural abuse.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2015

Case Western Reserve receives $2 million for smoking cessation research

The study aims to investigate a combination approach to help patients stop smoking, particularly those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. A randomized trial will be conducted in eight clinics serving over 25,000 patients to evaluate the effectiveness of pairing Teachable Moment Communication Process with Ask-Advise-Connec...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·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.

Most earth-like worlds have yet to be born, according to theoretical study

A new theoretical study suggests that only eight percent of potentially habitable planets will ever form in the universe, while the bulk of those planets - 92 percent - have yet to be born. This conclusion is based on an assessment of data collected by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the Kepler space observatory.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 20, 2015

Watching the inflammation process in real time

Researchers at Jena University developed a cellular system to study inflammation processes in real time, providing a method for targeting new therapeutic approaches. The system allowed them to clarify the exact regulatory mechanism of 5-LO and FLAP interaction, enabling tests for active compounds.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 19, 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.

The Canadian experience on pediatric liver disease: Early diagnosis is critical

A nationwide study in Pediatrics found 159 children under 18 with Autoimmune Hepatitis in Canada, with fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain as common presenting symptoms. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent worsening symptoms, and the study provides evidence-based data for family physicians and specialists to refer patients earlier.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 19, 2015

Poisonous frogs more likely to face extinction, study finds

A study by University of Liverpool scientists found that amphibians using toxins for defense are at higher risk of extinction, contradicting a long-held evolutionary hypothesis. This discovery challenges our understanding of the relationship between defense mechanisms and species diversification.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Gene could hold key to treating Parkinson's disease

Researchers at King's College London have identified a new gene, HIFalpha, that regulates nerve signals from damaged mitochondria in fruit flies. Switching off the HIFalpha gene restores nerve function and prevents early failure of nerve cells caused by mitochondrial damage.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015
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.

Study of pregnancy complications finds refugee women in Ontario have higher rates of HIV

A new study by Dr. Susitha Wanigaratne found that pregnant refugee women in Ontario had a higher prevalence of HIV than immigrants and Canadian-born women, with rates eight times higher for refugees than immigrants and 17 times higher than Canadian-born women. The study suggests that recent changes to Canadian immigration policy may ha...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 19, 2015

Late-breaking study finds aerobic exercise significantly improved asthma control

Researchers found that a 12-week supervised aerobic exercise program improved asthma control, reduced short-acting bronchodilator usage, and depressive symptoms in patients with confirmed asthma. The study suggests that aerobic exercise could be an adjunct to current pharmacological therapy for adult asthma patients with poor control.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 19, 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.

Mixed bag: Electronic health records and ICU quality improvement

The study found significant reductions in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and surgical intensive care unit (SICU) mortality rates after EHR implementation. This improvement resulted in a lower risk of CLABSI per 1,000 catheter days and a decrease in overall SICU mortality.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 19, 2015