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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 16


Page 16 of 38

How mechanical stretching forces impact human vascular cells

An in vitro study found that smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells respond uniquely to mechanical stretching, with different frequencies triggering distinct adaptations. Understanding these responses could lead to cell-type specific activation of vascular cells for improved regenerative medicine strategies.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateOct 19, 2015

Solar energy's land-use impact

A new study found that most utility-scale solar energy facilities in California are located in natural habitats, leading to environmental conflicts. The researchers identified areas for more sustainable siting, including built-up lands and those already affected by human activities.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 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.

The smell of death can trigger fight or flight in humans

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that exposure to putrescine, a chemical compound produced by dead bodies, increases vigilance and readiness for either escape or aggressive behavior. The researchers believe this discovery may help determine the sensory and brain pathways involved in chemosensory threat detection.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 19, 2015

Building and breaking synapses

A new study reveals the role of ephrin-B3 in organizing synapses, which is essential for healthy brain function. The discovery could lead to better treatments for neurological diseases such as autism and Alzheimer's.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 19, 2015
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Scientists find some thrive in acid seas

Seagrasses thrive in acidic waters near underwater volcanic vents, potentially increasing their ability to absorb carbon from the ocean. However, climate change also poses risks to these ecosystems, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateOct 19, 2015

Images of pleasure and winning have unique distracting power

A new study by University College London finds that positive images are highly distracting, even when the task is difficult, while negative images can be ignored. The researchers suggest using positive images in marketing campaigns to capture attention, as people are more focused on pleasure seeking than potential harm.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEmotion·DateOct 19, 2015

Structure revealed: Plant sugar transporter involved in carbon sequestration

Researchers have elucidated the molecular structure of a plant sugar transporter called SWEET2, which plays a critical role in limiting the sugar supply to beneficial microbes while preventing pathogens from thriving. This discovery provides insights into how plants control carbon sequestration and energy homeostasis.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

X-citing X chromosome discovery could aid research on many sex-linked disorders

A team of scientists from the University of Michigan Medical School has discovered a new way for RNA to regulate genetic activity on the X chromosome in females. The finding, which could lead to better treatment for sex-linked disorders, shows that female cells produce a special type of RNA called XistAR to silence one of their two X c...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2015

Study reveals new, potent way to boost immunity and fight viruses

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have found a new component of the interferon system that enhances the body's innate immune defenses while attacking a protein relied on by many viruses. This dual mechanism could lead to effective antiviral drugs and may explain improved survival rates in genetically engineered mice.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 19, 2015

Electronics get a power boost with the addition of a simple material

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a way to give transistors a power boost by incorporating vanadium oxide into electronic devices. The material's metal-to-insulator transition property can enhance state-of-the-art non-volatile memories and improve the stability and energy efficiency of read, write, and maintain information states.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 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.

Video and research release: How insects become queens or workers

Researchers uncovered molecular mechanisms behind caste differentiation in insects, revealing subtle gene networks and lack of DNA methylation. The study used two species, dinosaur ants and red paper wasps, to gain insights into social evolution.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 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.

Clear link between income and survival after cardiac surgery

A new registry study by Karolinska Institutet found a strong correlation between household disposable income and long-term survival after cardiac surgery. The study included 100,000 patients and showed that those with higher incomes had significantly lower mortality rates, even after adjusting for other risk factors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 19, 2015

No increased dementia risk found in diagnosed celiac patients

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center analyzed data from 8,846 individuals over 50 years old with celiac disease, finding no increased risk of dementia before or after diagnosis. However, a small increase in vascular dementia was observed in patients with celiac disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateOct 19, 2015

L.A.'s CicLAvia significantly improves air quality in host neighborhoods

A study by the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health found that CicLAvia significantly reduces air quality in Los Angeles neighborhoods. The event decreases ultrafine particle presence and particulate matter readings by up to 49% along closed streets, and even lower rates on nearby streets still open to traffic.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateOct 19, 2015

Daily Earth images available from DSCOVR satellite EPIC instrument

NASA has launched a new website featuring daily color images of Earth taken by the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) EPIC camera, providing insights into global variations in vegetation, ozone, and cloud height. The images are available for public viewing on the NASA website.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 19, 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.

Memo to docs: Mind the nonresistant bugs too

Garden-variety staph infections are just as deadly for newborns as drug-resistant strains, according to a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Nonresistant bacterial infections affect more than twice as many babies and have the same high mortality rate as their drug-resistant cousins.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 19, 2015

The 20 lb. cereal box

A new Cornell study found that women who had breakfast cereal sitting on their counters weighed 20-lbs more than those without, while soft drinks contributed to a 24-26 lb weight increase. In contrast, households with fruit bowls showed a 13-lb weight loss.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·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.

Do stem cells hold the key to breast cancer spread?

Breast cancer researcher Dr Michalak aims to understand how normal and cancerous cells develop in the breast to identify suspicious tumors and develop better treatments. Her study focuses on epigenetic modifiers, which can influence DNA behavior, and may hold clues to preventing tumor spread.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateOct 19, 2015

Cyclic healing removes defects in metals while maintaining strength

A new technique called cyclic healing uses repetitive stretching to eliminate pre-existing defects in metal crystals, significantly increasing their strength. The technique was developed by an international team of researchers and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 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.

Firstborn, middle child, last-born: Birth order has only very small effects on personality

A study of over 20,000 grown-ups found no substantial effects of birth order on central personality traits, including extraversion, emotional stability, and conscientiousness. Self-reported intellect showed a small effect, with firstborns reporting better vocabulary and less difficulty understanding abstract ideas.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Gene on-off switch works like backpack strap

A team of researchers has found that proteins forming loops in human chromosomes work like a sliding plastic adjuster on a backpack. This discovery could provide new clues about genetic diseases and allow for reprogramming cells by directly modifying the loops in genomes.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

New review: What to do to prevent food allergies in infants

A new review based on latest evidence interprets how to guide physicians and families regarding food introduction and allergy prevention. Introducing peanut between 4-11 months is now recommended for high-risk infants, contradicting previous avoidance diets.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·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.

Satellite animation shows Olaf grow into a major hurricane

Hurricane Olaf has strengthened into a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching near 115 mph, forecast to cross into the Central Pacific basin tonight. The storm is expected to curve northwest and move parallel from Hawaii, posing potential threat to the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 19, 2015

Solvents save steps in solar cell manufacturing

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new solvent-based method to manufacture ultrathin films used in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells. This method eliminates the need for thermal annealing, resulting in improved film morphology and increased photovoltaic performance.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 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.

More than 11 moles on your arm could indicate higher risk of melanoma

Researchers at King's College London have identified a method to quickly estimate total body mole count using a smaller 'proxy' area, like the arm. Females with over 7 moles on their right arm had 9 times more risk of having 50+ moles overall, while those with 11 or more had 100+, indicating higher melanoma risk.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateOct 19, 2015

Burnout and depression: Two entities or one? CCNY provides answer

A recent study by City College of New York researchers found that burnout and depression are closely linked among public school teachers. The survey of 1,386 teachers revealed that 86% of those experiencing burnout also met criteria for depression.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·DateOct 19, 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.

NASA sees Koppu moving across the Philippines

Typhoon Koppu made landfall in eastern Luzon on Oct. 17, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing powerful thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures as cold as -81F. The RapidScat instrument revealed sustained winds around the eye at 40 meters per second before weakening to a tropical storm over the South China Sea.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 19, 2015

New study explains near-annual Monsoon oscillations generated by El Niño

A new study reveals the source of near-annual pressure and wind changes in the Southeast Asian Monsoon system, attributing them to El Niño's interaction with solar radiation. The research demonstrates that these oscillations are more predictable than previously assumed and provide a new mechanism for understanding climate phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Study: Alaskan boreal forest fires release more carbon than the trees can absorb

Research in Alaska's Yukon Flats reveals massive carbon losses due to increasing fire frequency, challenging assumptions about recent fire activity. The study finds that the region has become a net exporter of carbon, posing a significant threat to the global carbon cycle and climate balance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 19, 2015

Researchers learn how to steer the heart -- with light

A team of researchers from Oxford and Stony Brook universities has developed a way to precisely control electrical waves in heart cells using light. This allows for fine control over wave speed, direction, and orientation, enabling unprecedented direct control of organ-level function without manipulating individual cells.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 19, 2015
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.

Seizures from solving sudoku puzzles

A young adult developed clonic seizures while trying to solve Sudoku puzzles after being exposed to oxygen deficiency during an avalanche. The patient stopped solving the puzzle and has been seizure-free for over five years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 19, 2015

Biomarker finder adjusts on the fly

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new tool to identify DNA and RNA sequences, which will help detect diseases and design therapies. The method allows for the simultaneous observation of multiple biomarkers by adjusting the brightness of fluorescent probes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 19, 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.

CHEST Annual Meeting 2015 Case Reports

Clinicians presented rare cases of methemoglobinemia after Jungle Juice ingestion, as well as a patient with worsening dyspnea and dry cough following buttock augmentation gone wrong. Silicone emboli to the lungs can induce acute pneumonitis syndrome, which was successfully treated with corticosteroids.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 19, 2015