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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 9


Page 9 of 38

Ancient permafrost quickly transforms to carbon dioxide upon thaw

Researchers found that over half of the dissolved organic carbon in ancient yedoma permafrost decomposes within one week after thawing, producing significant amounts of carbon dioxide. This rapid decomposition is attributed to high concentrations of easily degradable organic acids, posing a critical threat to aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Researchers discover an epilepsy switch

A team of researchers has decoded a signaling pathway involved in the onset of seizure disorders, discovering that a central switch called MTF1 plays a key role. By inhibiting this switch, they were able to reduce seizures in epileptic mice, offering new potential for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Persistence toxin promotes antibiotic resistance

A recent study published in PNAS has shed light on the mechanism of action of HigB, a bacterial toxin that contributes to antibiotic resistance. The researchers found that HigB selectively degrades specific mRNAs, leading to the formation of persister cells that are tolerant to antibiotics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Scientists devise new method to solve significant variables conundrum

Researchers at Columbia University and others present an alternative approach, Partition Retention, which displays strong power in prediction. This method identifies highly predictive variables that are not statistically significant, reducing prediction error rates from 30% to 8% for breast cancer gene analysis.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Molecular motor grows cell's microtubules

Researchers at Penn State have discovered that a molecular motor can stimulate the growth of microtubules in cells, which could lead to new treatments for cancer. The study found that kinesin-5 molecules pause at the end of microtubules and generate pushing forces, allowing them to grow the microtubes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 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.

DNA test for Down's syndrome on the NHS could save lives

A recent study suggests that offering pregnant women a DNA test for Down's syndrome on the NHS could reduce the number of invasive tests and potentially save lives. The 'cell-free' DNA test has been found to be highly reliable and can be easily incorporated into routine clinical care within the NHS.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 26, 2015

Natural immunity may lead fight against liver disease

Researchers at the University of Adelaide discovered a family of genes that suppress HCV infection in the liver by blocking viral entry into cells. This natural immune response may lead to new treatments targeting the virus.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 26, 2015

New study unravels mystery of why deadly tick disease appears to be surging, yet fatalities have not

A new study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that the expanding range of the Lone star tick is causing reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever infections to rise, but fatalities have not. The mild disease spread by the aggressive tick is being mistaken for the more serious disease due to similarities in bloo...

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 26, 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.

If a major economy takes the lead, warming could be limited to 2°C

A major economy leading climate action could limit warming to 2°C, but countries must agree on fairness criteria. Effective emission reductions are possible if a leader doubles domestic targets, enabling other nations to follow and stay on track for the 2°C limit.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 26, 2015

Ancient wild ox genome reveals complex cow ancestry

A study has revealed that domesticated cattle have a more complex ancestry than previously thought, with some breeds sharing genetic similarities with ancient British aurochs. The discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary history of European cattle breeds.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateOct 25, 2015

A fluorescent dye that survives in live cell STED imaging

Scientists at ITbM developed a new fluorescent dye, C-Naphox, with enhanced photostability to enable continuous live cell imaging by STED microscopy. The dye has demonstrated extreme photoresistance and no significant toxicity towards cells, opening doors to real-time biological event observation for extended periods.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 25, 2015

Protein complex links cellular metabolism to gene expression

Researchers at Stowers Institute have discovered a protein complex called SESAME that links glycolysis to chromatin modification, suggesting a potential target for detecting and treating cancers. The study's findings may also shed light on the relationship between cellular metabolism and gene expression in humans.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 25, 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.

Study finds medication errors, adverse drug events in 1 out of 2 surgeries studied

A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found medication errors and adverse drug events occurred in almost 1 out of every 2 surgical operations, with a third resulting in harm to patients. The study analyzed over 275 operations and identified common causes of errors, including labeling mistakes and incorrect dosages.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnesthesiology·DateOct 25, 2015

Research investigates impact of carbon footprint label

The study found that consumers struggled to understand and compare the labels, resulting in no price premium or increased demand for labelled products. The authors suggest a simpler label design could increase consumer awareness and drive more environmentally friendly purchasing decisions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateOct 25, 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.

The American Academy of Pediatrics tackles youth football injuries

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that youth football leagues enforce proper tackling techniques, expand non-tackling leagues, and provide skilled athletic trainers to reduce injuries among young athletes. The AAP aims to balance the recreational benefits of the game with the health risks associated with tackling.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 25, 2015

Blackouts and near drownings may signal sudden death risk

Researchers found nearly four in five patients with a specific mutation carried out blackouts, yet only 26% received correct diagnosis and treatment. The study highlights the need for proper medical attention if symptoms occur, as delayed diagnosis can be fatal.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateOct 25, 2015

ACL injuries increase among school-aged children and adolescents

A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals a significant increase in ACL tears among youths, particularly high school students, over the past two decades. The incidence rose by 2.3% per year, with females experiencing most ACL tears at age 16 and males peaking at age 17.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 23, 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.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite sees record-breaking Hurricane Patricia

Hurricane Patricia broke records as the strongest eastern North Pacific hurricane on record, with a minimum central pressure of 880 millibars and maximum sustained winds near 200 mph. The storm is expected to produce catastrophic impacts in southwestern Mexico, including life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 23, 2015

Signs of faster ageing process identified through gene research

Researchers have identified 1,450 genes linked to ageing, as well as a connection between these genes and lifestyle factors. The study found that individuals with a biological age older than their actual age are more likely to have conditions such as high blood pressure or cholesterol.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2015

Most parents form vaccination preferences before becoming pregnant

A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that nearly three-quarters of mothers and fathers start developing vaccine preferences for their newborns before they know they are having a baby. Parents who were more educated and had previously discussed vaccines with their partner were more likely to form these early preferences.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 23, 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.

Bacteriophage treatment decontaminates infant formula

A new phage treatment has shown strong anti-microbial activity against Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacterium that can kill up to 40% of infected infants. The treatment, CR5, killed the bacteria quickly and effectively, without producing toxins or virulence factors.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 23, 2015

NASA sees Hurricane Olaf still a major hurricane

Hurricane Olaf remains a major hurricane with sustained winds near 115 mph, moving northward towards the Hawaiian Islands. Swells generated by the storm will produce life-threatening surf along east-facing shores.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 23, 2015

Failing to account for climate change in mining land reclamation may cost billions: Study

Researchers at the University of Waterloo propose a six-step process to improve success rates for ecological reclamation projects and control mine closure costs. The study highlights the need for a more pragmatic approach to reclamation planning that takes into account projected climate change, which could lead to billions in additiona...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 23, 2015

NASA satellite sees Typhoon Champi elongating

Typhoon Champi is experiencing vertical wind shear, resulting in its elongation. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts the storm will weaken and transition to an extra-tropical system on October 24.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 23, 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.

UT Dallas researcher receives NSF grant to update conflict database

A UT Dallas political science professor has received a grant from the NSF to extend coverage of the Correlates of War Projects' Militarized Interstate Dispute (MID) data through 2017. The project aims to collect data quickly and efficiently using new methods, including crowdsourcing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateOct 23, 2015

Alzheimer risk impairs 'satnav' function of the brain

Young adults with genetically increased Alzheimer's risk show altered activation patterns in the entorhinal cortex, a key region for spatial navigation. This alteration may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's dementia in the long term.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience·DateOct 23, 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.

Study finds injuries from nonpowder guns severe among children

A new study reveals that nonpowder firearms like airsoft and paintball guns can cause severe injuries in pediatric patients. Twenty-nine percent of the children treated for nonpowder gun injuries required surgery, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on muzzle velocities to prevent such incidents.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 23, 2015

Depression too often reduced to a checklist of symptoms

A large-scale study reveals that certain depression symptoms play a bigger role in driving the condition than others. The researchers suggest focusing treatment efforts on these key symptoms to improve patient outcomes.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateOct 23, 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.

TUM scientists identify molecular mechanism behind early flowering

Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that triggers early flowering in thale cress under cool temperatures, allowing for accurate prediction and future modification of plant flowering behavior. This study provides insights into the impact of climate change on plant ecology and has potential applications for crop breeding.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 23, 2015

Archives of Atlantic philanthropies given to Cornell Library

The Atlantic Philanthropies' archives will be housed permanently at Cornell University Library's Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections. The collection documents roughly $8 billion in grants made by the foundation over three decades, providing a valuable resource for philanthropists and historians.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 23, 2015

Manipulating wrinkles could lead to graphene semiconductors

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered that wrinkles in graphene can form a junction-like structure, changing its electronic properties from zero-gap conductor to semiconductor and back. By manipulating the carbon structure using scanning tunneling microscopy, they have opened up new possibilities for graphene engineering.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2015

Japanese sea defense guidelines could assist other tsunami-prone nations, study suggests

A study by Plymouth University suggests that Japan's new sea defense plans could be shared with other nations to improve their preparedness for tsunamis. The research analyzed Japan's history of coastal defense design and measures taken since 2011, highlighting the country's progress in mitigating tsunami impacts.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateOct 23, 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.

NSF awards $2 milion to UT Dallas for international conflict projects

The University of Texas at Dallas will collaborate with researchers to create a research tool that uses big data to provide updated information on civil protests and unrest, as well as study Colombia's efforts to protect its power grid from attacks. The project aims to drive decisions on foreign policy, international relations, civil w...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateOct 23, 2015

NASA analyzes record-breaking Hurricane Patricia

Hurricane Patricia intensified rapidly off Mexico's southwestern coast, breaking records for the strongest Eastern North Pacific hurricane. NASA satellites and instruments tracked its rapid intensification, revealing frigid cloud top temperatures that enabled heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 23, 2015

Sensing small molecules may revolutionize drug design

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new technique for studying the interactions between small molecules and membrane proteins, allowing for precise control over binding kinetics. This breakthrough has broad implications for basic research and drug design, potentially reducing development time and cost.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 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.

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.