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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 27


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.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 9, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalStructure·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateOct 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceColumbia University·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 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.

Carbohydrate-binding proteins mitigate parasitic infection in heart tissue

Research found that carbohydrate-binding protein Gal-1 modified infection in heart muscle cells, highlighting its importance in response to parasite infection. Galectins, like Gal-1, play a role in regulating parasite interactions and may recognize glycans on the host cell surface used for invasion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 9, 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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalArthropod-Plant Interactions·DateOct 9, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 9, 2015

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.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 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.

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.

Frequent school moves hurt low-income childrens' math scores

Low-income students who change schools frequently struggle with math skills and behavioral management. Research found that frequent school transitions lead to lower math achievement, even after controlling for preschool cognitive skills.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateOct 8, 2015

Many colonoscopy patients do not accurately recall important exam details as time lapses

A new study found that patients' recollections of their last colonoscopy are variable, with many unable to recall key details such as the date of their procedure or the presence and number of polyps. The study suggests that doctors can contribute to these issues by not repeating crucial information to patients.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 8, 2015

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.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·DateOct 8, 2015
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.

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair·DateOct 8, 2015

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateOct 8, 2015

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 8, 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.

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.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateOct 8, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2015

Identified an 'alarm clock' of a leukemia-causing oncogene

Researchers identified a connection between DNMT3A gene mutations and the activation of oncogene MEIS1, which induces acute myeloid leukemia. The study found that this subtype of leukemia may be sensitive to drugs targeting both genes.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalOncogene·DateOct 8, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 8, 2015
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.

Learning from the MDGs: Improved sanitation and drainage in cities

Despite failure to meet Millennium Development Goal target, papers showcase positive developments and point the way forward for improved sanitation and drainage in cities. The journal explores persistent gaps in urban sanitation provision and ways to address them.

SourceSAGE·JournalEnvironment and Urbanization·DateOct 8, 2015

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

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 8, 2015

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.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateOct 8, 2015

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.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateOct 8, 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.

Living in fear: Mental disorders as risk factors for chronic pain in teenagers

A study of over 6,500 teenagers found that those with mental disorders are more likely to experience chronic pain. The researchers identified connections between various types of mental disorders and chronic pain, suggesting that mental health issues may be an underlying risk factor for chronic pain in young people.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Pain·DateOct 8, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 8, 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.

Perceptions of fetal size influence interventions in pregnancy, BU study finds

A study found that women who were told their babies might be large had higher odds of perinatal interventions, despite only a fraction actually having excessive birth weights. The association raises questions about how much information clinicians should communicate to women about fetal size.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateOct 8, 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.

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 8, 2015