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Science News Archive September 2015


Page 21 of 35

'Deadly' maths program sees prime future for Indigenous students

QUT's YuMi Deadly Maths program is expanding to reach more Indigenous students, aiming to improve their understanding of mathematics and increase representation in STEM careers. The program, developed by CSIRO and the BHP Billiton Foundation, uses a unique kinaesthetic approach to learning.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Understanding nature's most striking colors

Plant cellulose can self-assemble into wrinkled surfaces that produce striking optical effects, such as iridescence and color changes. The researchers found that the twisting structure of cellulose creates a pattern of parallel ridges that split light into its colored components, producing an iridescent sheen.

Skin microbiome influences common sexually transmitted disease

Researchers found that individuals with distinct skin microbiomes can effectively clear chancroid-causing bacteria. The study suggests that specific bacteria in the skin microbiome may help the immune system clear pathogens, paving the way for potential probiotic therapies.

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.

Mayo Clinic receives federal grant to fund clinical test of breast cancer vaccine

Researchers at Mayo Clinic's Florida campus have been awarded a $13.3 million grant to conduct a national, phase II clinical trial testing the ability of a folate receptor alpha vaccine to prevent recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer following initial treatment. The vaccine was designed by Dr. Keith Knutson and exploits the need...

A study of antidepressants reveals how treatment helps depression management

Researchers discovered that antidepressant amitriptyline increases FGF2 mRNA expression in astrocytes through RTK activation. This signaling cascade could guide the development of novel antidepressants with new mechanisms. The study expands on previous findings, identifying EGR1 as a necessary protein for FGF2 expression.

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.

Large-scale treatment of parasitic-worm disease cost-effective

A new study suggests that expanding treatment programs to include preschool children and adults is more beneficial, reducing transmission and disability. The study found that a broader scope of treatment would be cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $167.

UT Arlington research will lead to more efficient computer modeling

Researchers at UT Arlington are developing a hybrid software/hardware approach to create highly accurate models of electric motors. The new method aims to reduce the time and expense of modeling prototypes by speeding up model simulations by as much as 1 million times, making it easier to create more efficient motors.

Optogenetics: Light switch generates cellular second messenger

Researchers have developed a new optogenetic tool, CyclOp, which produces the second messenger cGMP when exposed to light. This allows for precise control of cellular signals involved in vision, blood pressure regulation and cell death, enabling new studies on signal pathways.

Drug prevents type 1 diabetes in mice, Stanford study finds

Researchers developed a drug that blocks hyaluronan buildup in pancreatic islets, preventing immune cell infiltration and destruction of insulin-producing cells. The study suggests a potential preventive treatment for type 1 diabetes in humans if initiated before the onset of the disease.

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.

Tall and slim: They go together, genetic study shows

A genetic study by University of Queensland researchers found a strong correlation between genes that result in greater height and those that reduce body mass index. The study, published in Nature Genetics, suggests that genetic variation may play a role in creating national differences in disorders such as dementia and heart disease.

Video game warnings fall far short in rating tobacco content

A new UC San Francisco study reveals that video game warnings fall short in rating tobacco content, exposing adolescents to more tobacco imagery than thought. The researchers found that only 8% of games received tobacco warnings, despite 42% containing actual tobacco content.

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.

Combo of 3 antibiotics can kill deadly staph infections

Researchers have developed a combination of three antibiotics that can effectively treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in test tubes and laboratory mice. The synergistic action of the drugs prevents MRSA from developing resistance, offering potential treatment against this deadly pathogen.

You're not irrational, you're just quantum probabilistic

Researchers at Ohio State University propose a new theoretical approach to psychology based on quantum physics, enabling humans to make decisions in uncertain situations. This approach resolves contradictions among previous studies and provides insight into human behavior, including the effect of survey question order.

NASA's SDO catches a double photobomb

Scientists at NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) have captured the rare alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth. During this event, a partial solar eclipse was visible from parts of Africa and Antarctica, providing a unique opportunity to study the effects of these celestial alignments.

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.

Crunching numbers to combat cancer

The project aims to create an online cache of molecular data to validate current cancer models and make predictions about the disease. This will enable a collaborative approach to cancer treatment and potentially reduce animal testing in research.

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.

New method to treat antibiotic resistant MRSA: Bacteriophages

Researchers at Brigham Young University have successfully used bacteriophage to decontaminate human MRSA bacteria from surfaces and fabrics, showing promise in treating the deadly superbug. The findings offer hope in combating antibiotic-resistant MRSA, which can cause serious disease and death.

Biodiesel made easier and cleaner with waste-recycling catalyst

Researchers at Cardiff University have devised a way of increasing the yield of biodiesel by using the waste left over from its production process. By recycling crude glycerol, they can convert it into methanol, which is then used as a starting reactant to create more biodiesel.

Discovery of a highly efficient catalyst eases way to hydrogen economy

A team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has discovered a highly efficient catalyst that can produce hydrogen using common elements like phosphorus and sulfur. The new catalyst, which is nearly as efficient as platinum, could make a significant impact on the transition to a hydrogen economy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Panel releases guide for appropriate use of PICCs

The American College of Physicians released a guide for appropriate use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) to address growing concerns over their use in hospitals. The guide highlights the potential for complications like thrombosis and infection, as well as variation in their use among patients.

Long sleep and high blood copper levels go hand in hand

A University of Eastern Finland study found that long sleep duration is associated with high serum copper concentrations, potentially linking it to pro-oxidative stress and chronic diseases like coronary artery disease. This association remained unchanged even when cardiovascular diseases were accounted for.

Ultrasound provides noninvasive hormone-sparing sterilization for male dogs

A study by Dr. Raffaella Leoci and colleagues found that a specific ultrasound treatment regime can permanently sterilize male dogs without affecting testosterone levels. The method involves three applications of ultrasound at 1 MHz, lasting five minutes, and resulted in significant reduction in testicular volume and degeneration.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

IU scientist and collaborators chart a lost highway in the brain

A study suggests that a missing part of the brain, called the vertical occipital fasciculus, may provide a fundamental white matter connection between the visual system's object identification and spatial orientation functions. This 'highway' structure could play a critical role in coordinating information transmission between brain ar...

Protected areas save mangroves, reduce carbon emissions

Protected areas in Indonesia have preserved 14,000 hectares of mangrove habitat between 2000 and 2010, avoiding 28% of total mangrove loss. This conservation effort has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 13 million metric tons annually.

NSF invests $20 million to enhance resilience of critical infrastructure

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has invested $20 million in new fundamental research to transform critical infrastructure and improve resilience. This initiative aims to develop a better understanding of interdependencies and their impacts on infrastructure systems, enabling them to perform sustainably and securely.

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.

Rating hospital readmissions

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Medicare's readmission penalties disproportionately affect hospitals serving disadvantaged communities. By adjusting for more comprehensive patient characteristics, the gap in readmission rates between best- and worst-performing hospitals is nearly halved. The researchers propose a...

UTHealth researcher awarded CDC grant to study Chagas disease in Texas

A UTHealth researcher has received a $544,329 CDC grant to develop region-specific educational materials and implement outreach on Chagas disease in South Texas. Approximately 20-30% of infected persons will enter the chronic phase, which can manifest as heart disease or gastrointestinal issues.

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.

Lung 'filtering' technique can reduce transplant rejection

Researchers used ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) to recondition poorly functioning lungs, removing donor white blood cells and reducing the risk of acute rejection. This technique can increase access to transplantation and shorten waiting list times.

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.

New ORNL catalyst addresses engine efficiency, emissions quandary

Researchers have developed a new mixed oxide catalyst that overcomes inhibition issues, allowing for more efficient engines to meet stricter emission regulations. The unique formulation of copper oxide, cobalt oxide, and cerium oxide enables better oxidation activity at low temperatures without precious metals.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Building the electron superhighway

Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed a new method to create an 'electron superhighway' in organic materials, allowing electrons to flow faster and farther. This breakthrough could lead to improved solar cells and flexible electronics with enhanced efficiency.