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Science News Archive September 2015


Page 15 of 35

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

DNA sequencing improved by slowing down

EPFL scientists have developed a method that improves the accuracy of DNA sequencing up to a thousand times by slowing down the process using nanopores and viscous liquids. This breakthrough paves the way for better and cheaper DNA sequencing, enabling scientists to detect mutations and identify different organisms with greater precision.

Atomic fractals in metallic glasses

Scientists have discovered a fractal pattern at the atomic level in metallic glasses, contradicting previous assumptions about empty space. This finding enables the study of material properties and has implications for fields like mathematics, physics, and computer science.

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.

How a frog's molecules 'leaped,' and 'crawled,' to evolve violet vision

The African clawed frog's evolution to violet vision involved rapid and controlled molecular changes, with five classes of opsin genes playing a crucial role. The study identified 12 mutations, including site 113, which shifted from glutamic acid to aspartic acid, leading to the frog's unique visual adaptation.

Study looks at whether daily limb compressions reduce dementia

Researchers investigate remote conditioning, a technique that uses blood pressure cuffs to restrict blood flow to limbs and activate natural protective mechanisms in the brain, potentially reducing dementia symptoms. The approach has shown promise in improving white matter health and may help prevent dementia.

Risk of stroke at time of carotid occlusion

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis are not significantly harmed by medical therapy and may even benefit from more intensive treatment. The study's findings suggest that preventing carotid occlusion may not be a valid indication for stenting or endarterectomy.

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.

Study: Fukushima disaster was preventable

The study found that critical backup generators were built in low-lying areas at risk for tsunami damage despite warnings from scientists. The researchers identified arrogance, ignorance, design flaws, and regulatory failures as key factors leading to the disaster.

Study examines gun control policies and effect on youth gun carrying

A study found that more restrictive gun laws were associated with lower rates of youth gun carrying in the US. The analysis of state-level gun law scores and adult gun ownership levels revealed a 10-point increase in gun law score was linked to 9% lower odds of youth gun carrying.

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.

Reduced conflict-related brain activity may indicate risk for psychosis

A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found lower conflict-related brain activity in adolescents at high risk for psychosis, indicating a potential predictor of psychotic disorders. The researchers used fMRI scans to measure cognitive flexibility and detected reduced activation in key brain regions.

Study: Social responsibility promotes conservative risk behavior

A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that social responsibility leads to more conservative risk behavior in group decision-making. This means individuals become more cautious when making decisions that affect others, as they consider the potential impact on their reputation.

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.

Targeting DNA

A modular system of proteins can detect a specific DNA sequence in a cell and trigger a response, such as cell death. The system can be customized to detect any DNA sequence and trigger a desired response, including killing cancer cells or cells infected with a virus.

Laser pulses for ultrahigh molecular sensitivity, in Nature Photonics

Researchers at ICFO have developed a new light source that detects minute changes in spectral features, ideal for identifying DNA mutations and cellular malfunctions. The mid-wave infrared range is crucial for resonantly exciting molecular vibrations, leaving fingerprints in the spectrum for identification.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

El Niño and La Niña will exacerbate coastal hazards across Pacific

A multi-agency study found that severe El Niño and La Niña events will cause an increase in storm events leading to extreme coastal flooding and erosion across the Pacific. The research analyzed data from 48 beaches across three continents, suggesting the predicted increase will exacerbate coastal erosion irrespective of sea level rise.

Malaria: Multi-drug resistance more alarming than ever

Researchers have found that parasites resistant to artemisinin-based therapies can also resist other antimalarial drugs, making combination therapies less effective. This new multi-drug resistance is a serious threat to malaria treatments in Southeast Asia.

Connecting phytobiomes with soil and plant health symposium planned

The upcoming Connecting Phytobiomes with Soil and Plant Health symposium aims to understand the interactions between plants and soils as they relate to crops, agronomy, and entomology. This research focuses on the importance of the microbiome in enhancing soil and water sustainability.

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.

ACO model associated with reduction in use of low-value services

A new study found that a Medicare payment model reduced the number of low-value services used by patients, with a 4.5% reduction in spending on these services. Providers targeted low-value services to lower spending, and those who previously used more of these services saw the greatest reductions.

Stem cell-derived 'organoids' help predict neural toxicity

A team of scientists developed a new system using stem cells to model features of the developing human brain that could be targeted by toxic chemicals or drugs. The approach, described in PNAS, uses machine learning to build a predictive model from RNA sequencing data collected from neural tissue constructs exposed to different chemicals.

Childhood kidney stones associated with atherosclerosis, study shows

A recent study identified a significant association between childhood kidney stones and thickened arteries, a precursor to cardiovascular diseases. The research found that children with kidney stones showed increased thickness of key arteries, potentially leading to future cardiovascular complications.

Earliest evidence of ancient North American salmon fishing verified

Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks discovered 11,500-year-old chum salmon bones indicating Ice Age humans in North America used salmon as a food source. The findings suggest ancient Beringian diets were broader and human colonization of North America may have been influenced by salmon fishing.

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*STAR scientists reveal how stem cells defend against viruses

Researchers from IMCB identified 303 genes linked to proviral silencing, revealing coordinated mechanisms involving multiple cellular pathways. The study found that Chaf1a and Sumo2 are the key factors controlling this process, with potential implications for stem cell therapy and disease diagnosis.

Finafloxacin for the treatment of urinary tract infections

A phase 2 clinical study shows finafloxacin was more effective than ciprofloxacin in treating complicated urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis. Finafloxacin demonstrated rapid antimicrobial activity against resistant pathogens, including ESBL-producing bacteria.

Into the mix: Harnessing the energy when freshwater meets the sea

A new study explores the potential of Pressure Retarded Osmosis technology to extract energy from salinity gradients in Australian waters. The research suggests that brine, rejected during desalination, can be used as a source of osmotic energy, offering a carbon emission-free alternative to fossil fuels.

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.

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.

DNA sequencing to improve treatment of urinary infections

Researchers developed a DNA sequencing device that can detect bacteria and antibiotic resistance in urine samples four times faster than traditional methods. The new method allows for quicker treatment and better stewardship of diminishing antibiotic reserves.

A new understanding of dengue virus

Researchers mapped antigenic differences in dengue virus strains, finding overlap among previously thought distinct groups. The findings suggest a continuum rather than separate groups, making vaccine development harder.

'Living fossil' genome decoded

Scientists from OIST and Nagoya University have decoded the first lingulid brachiopod genome, showing that despite being referred to as 'living fossils', these animals are actively evolving. The study highlights significant changes in genomic structure and gene families, contradicting the idea of a genuine living fossil.

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.

Unexpected role for the IKK complex in protecting cells from death

The IKK complex plays an unexpected role in protecting cells from death by inactivating RIPK1. This discovery reveals a new mechanism of action for the IKK complex beyond its well-known NF-kB-dependent functions, providing potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory conditions.

Captain Trevor Greene partners with SFU to walk again

Trevor Greene, a former Canadian soldier who survived a debilitating brain injury in Afghanistan, has recovered his ability to walk again with the help of a customized exoskeleton. Dr. Ryan D'Arcy's research team discovered that physical functions can be recovered through rehabilitation even six years after an injury.

Repairing the brain

Research led by Duke-NUS scientists has linked abnormal behavior of BDNF and DTNBP1 genes to the underlying cause of schizophrenia. By understanding how these genes interact, researchers have identified potential treatments that could rescue signalling balance in the brain, offering new hope for schizophrenia patients.

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.

TSRI study identifies novel role of mitochondria in immune function

A recent study by TSRI researchers has uncovered a novel pathway between the cell's powerhouses (mitochondria) and the immune system. RIPK3, an enzyme involved in cell death, relays signals between mitochondria and NKT cells, regulating both cancer and inflammatory responses.

Beetroot juice improves sprinting and decision-making during exercise

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that high nitrate beetroot juice improved both sprint performance and decision-making during prolonged intermittent exercise. The study showed a 3.5% increase in sprint performance and a 3% improvement in decision speed for athletes consuming the nitrate-rich version.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A new analysis and approach to watershed management

Researchers at UMass Amherst propose a multivariate simulation approach to assess climate-land use effects on watersheds. The study recommends increased green infrastructure and best management practices to enhance watershed resilience.

AFL, NRL, and cricket promoting alcohol to children

New research from Monash University finds that Australian children and adolescents receive millions of exposures to alcohol advertising during daytime TV viewing of AFL, NRL, and Cricket. The study suggests removing a clause allowing alcohol advertising during daytime in sport could halve children's exposure.

58,046 fruit flies shed light on 100-year old evolutionary question

Researchers found that artificial breeding created extreme wing shape and size relationships in fruit flies, but natural selection corrected these changes within just 15 generations. This study suggests that evolution is constrained by fundamental biological processes, such as developmental links between traits.

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.