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Science News Archive September 2015


Page 17 of 35

Ages apart

Researchers at EMBL, Salk Institute, and UC Berkeley measured how ageing affects brain and liver cells in rats. They found that age-related changes in brain cells often involve the loss of molecules helping neurons communicate, while liver cells show changes in metabolic processes.

Omega-3's are vital for a healthy ocean

Copepods, tiny crustaceans that form the base of marine food webs, rely on omega-3s to survive. The new study found that copepods are resilient to short-term climate change but their long-term survival is threatened by reduced food supply.

Push to dramatically broaden access to nanotech equipment in the Triangle

The Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network aims to increase innovation by making nanotechnology accessible to faculty, students, businesses, and educators across the Triangle and nation. The initiative provides graduate students with peer-to-peer training opportunities and 'Nano-Nights' programs for grades 7-12 classrooms.

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.

Training more effective teachers through alternative pathways

Teachers certified through alternative pathways exhibit stronger SAT scores and greater success on certification exams compared to traditional university-based programs. These findings suggest that adding course requirements may actually deter the most qualified individuals from pursuing teaching careers.

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.

New imaging technique detects early brain damage from hypertension

A new imaging technique found damage to nerve tracts connecting different parts of the brain in people with high blood pressure, linked to difficulties in cognitive skills and emotional regulation. DTI provides a way to evaluate pre-symptomatic brain damage in people with high blood pressure.

Genome of Tatars studied at Kazan University

Researchers have collected over 1,500 genetic samples from various ethnic groups to study the genome of the Volga Tatar people. The findings could lead to more effective treatments by identifying genetic markers for diseases.

Digital 'Rosetta Stone' decrypts how mutations rewire cancer cells

Researchers have developed a novel software that translates the effects of cancer mutations on protein function, revealing how disease mutations target and damage protein signaling networks within human cells. The discovery has significant implications for personalized precision cancer treatments.

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.

Griffith Researchers show ocean response to Red Dawn

A 2009 dust storm known as Red Dawn transported soil out to sea, causing a significant marine biological response in the Tasman Sea. The study found that phytoplankton growth was stimulated by iron-rich dust, with positive chlorophyll anomalies reaching up to 0.5mg m-3.

Personalized heart models for surgical planning

Researchers at MIT and Boston Children's Hospital have developed a system that can take MRI scans of a patient's heart and convert them into a tangible, physical model. The models provide a more intuitive way for surgeons to assess individual patients' anatomical idiosyncrasies, improving surgical planning.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Apes know a good thriller when they see one

Researchers found that great apes can remember and anticipate memorable events from a single viewing of a movie, using anticipatory looks to track impending events. The study used eye-tracking technology to test the apes' ability to recall and anticipate events in two different films.

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.

Seen once, never forgotten

Researchers adapted eye-tracking technology for apes, showing they could recall video clips after a 24-hour delay and anticipate what came next. The study suggests great apes can use their memories to avoid danger, interact socially, and navigate complex environments.

Dynamic braces for kids with scoliosis now in development

A team of experts is working on developing a dynamic spine brace that can modulate corrective forces while allowing users to perform everyday activities. The new design aims to improve the quality of life for children with scoliosis, which affects 2-3% of adolescents each year.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Global consortium rewrites the 'cartography' of dengue virus

Researchers found significant antigenic difference within each dengue serotype, suggesting individuals infected with one type may not be protected against different strains. The study's findings have implications for vaccine design and understanding of the virus's evolution.

'Being Sigmund Freud'

Researchers used immersive virtual reality to explore the effect of embodiment on thought processes. The results show that embodying a trusted authority figure, such as Sigmund Freud, leads to more effective self-advice and improved problem-solving skills.

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.

Romidepsin can reverse HIV latency in patients on long-term ART

A clinical trial of romidepsin, an HDAC inhibitor, found that it can reverse HIV latency in individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy. The treatment did not negatively affect T-cell function, and increased plasma HIV-1 RNA was detectable in five of six participants.

Vaccine clears some precancerous cervical lesions in clinical trial

In a clinical trial, a genetically engineered vaccine successfully eradicated high-grade precancerous cervical lesions in 48.2% of women who received the vaccine, compared to 30% of those who received saline injections. The vaccine also cleared the virus from the cervixes of 56 women, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

Small rural owl fearlessly colonizes the city

Researchers found that burrowing owls colonizing cities exhibit the same levels of stress as rural populations, suggesting a high tolerance to human disturbances. Urban individuals with intermediate levels of corticosterone hormone have better survival rates.

NASA sees Marianas Islands at 5 o'clock within Typhoon Krovanh

NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of Typhoon Krovanh on September 17, 2015, showing the storm's southeastern quadrant with the Marianas Islands resembling five o'clock in the sky. The typhoon had intensified into a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds near 95 knots.

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.

Making 3-D objects disappear

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have devised an ultra-thin invisibility 'skin' cloak that can conform to the shape of an object and conceal it from detection with visible light. The cloak, made of gold nanoantennas, reroutes reflected light waves to render the object invisible to optical detection.

Scientists: Let wildfires burn when prudent

Researchers propose using prescribed fires, mechanical thinning, and less suppression of wildfires in specific conditions to restore resilient forests. This approach could reduce catastrophic fires and their costly consequences.

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 shows racial disparities in environmental health hazards

A recent study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that neighborhoods with higher percentages of Hispanic and African American residents had poorer air quality and closer proximity to hazardous waste sites. The study reveals stark racial disparities in environmental health hazards across California communities.

NOAA's Marine Debris Program funds 13 new community-based removal projects

The NOAA Marine Debris Program has funded 13 new community-based removal projects, distributing nearly $1.4 million to remove large debris such as derelict vessels and abandoned fishing gear from shorelines and coastal waters. The projects also focus on prevention initiatives and raise local awareness about marine debris.

Maternal chronic stress linked to more dental cavities in children

A study by King's College London and University of Washington found that maternal chronic stress is associated with a higher prevalence of dental cavities among children. The study also found that mothers who did not breastfeed their children were more likely to have them develop cavities.

How the chameleon climbed to the top of the tree

Researchers discovered that chameleons have twice the number of wrist and ankle skeletal elements than previously thought, enabling greater rotation and flexibility. This adaptation allowed species to leave ground cover and occupy trees, revolutionizing their climbing ability.

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.

Down syndrome research untangles therapeutic possibilities for Alzheimer's

A study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has confirmed the pathogenic role of beta amyloid in dementia, both in Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that people with Down syndrome develop abnormal protein at twice the rate, providing insights into how Alzheimer's naturally progresses.

NASA's GPM analyzes Tropical Depression 9 rainfall

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission core satellite collected data on TD9's rainfall, revealing intense rain rates of 58.2 mm/hour and towering thunderstorms up to 14.9 km high. Tropical Depression Nine is expected to degenerate into a remnant low pressure area by Saturday, September 19.

Closer look reveals true cost of coal

The true cost of coal usage is higher than expected due to government subsidies and environmental side effects, argues Ottmar Edenhofer. These subsidies not only divert funds away from other important uses but also discourage investments in low-carbon alternatives.

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.

Northwestern receives $5 million for nanoscale research

Northwestern University has received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a national resource for nanotechnology facilities and expertise. The Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource provides integrated capabilities for researchers, including small businesses and industry users.

A look into why the horrifying is so very intriguing

The TV show 'Freak Show' forces audiences to confront intellectual fears about difference, diversity and change, from voyeuristic appeal to reflection on who might be the 'real' freak. The series explores what it means to be 'abnormal' or an anomaly, challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy.

A barrier against brain stem cell aging

Scientists at the University of Zurich discovered a novel mechanism that helps neural stem cells resist aging-induced damage. A diffusion barrier in the endoplasmic reticulum regulates the sorting of damaged proteins, allowing for rejuvenation and longer lifespan.

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.

Laser ablation boosts terahertz emission

Researchers at OIST have developed a method to increase efficiency of THz emission in gallium arsenide-based devices using femtosecond-laser-ablation. This technique improves the material's properties, leading to near 100% photon absorption and broader absorption bandwidth.

Sure as the wind blows

A recent study published in Renewable Energy predicts that the Midwest region will experience a 2% increase in wind energy density by 2038-2070 due to climate change. This is expected to provide additional power for residents, with some counties projected to gain enough energy to run multiple appliances continuously.

When Fed locks up funds, small businesses suffer

New research from Binghamton University reveals that federal accounting rules can lock up funds for small banks, particularly hurting their customers. This limits access to lending resources, such as commercial paper and exotics, for small businesses with greater growth potential.

Now you see it: An ultra-thin invisibility cloak

Scientists have developed a new ultra-thin invisibility cloak that can render small objects undetectable by rerouting incoming light waves. The cloak is designed with a reflective metasurface and light-scattering antennae, allowing it to conceal objects with sharp edges and peaks.

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.

Human genes adapted to life in the Arctic

Researchers discovered genetic adaptations in Greenlanders that allow them to thrive in extreme environments, including changes related to fat synthesis and a mutation affecting height. The study highlights the importance of studying small and historically isolated populations like the Inuit.

New prostate cancer screening review article advocates for active surveillance

Active surveillance can reduce overtreatment by almost 50 percent at 15 years, according to a new review article. The approach involves monitoring and testing patients with regular intervals, rather than immediate treatment. The authors found that this strategy can balance the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment in prostate cancer.