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Science News Archive September 2015


Page 23 of 35

Low vitamin D level predicts cognitive decline in older population

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that people with low vitamin D levels experience rapid cognitive decline over time compared to those with adequate levels. Researchers recommend daily vitamin D supplements for individuals 60-plus due to the association between low vitamin D and faster cognitive decline.

Laying the foundation for smart and connected cities and communities

The National Science Foundation has awarded $2.5 million to support research projects developing novel approaches to integrate networked computer systems and physical devices for smart city applications. The projects aim to improve public safety, transportation, and health in cities across the US and globally.

Low vitamin D associated with faster decline in cognitive function

A study found that vitamin D insufficiency was associated with a faster decline in cognitive functions among older adults. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, revealed that African American and Hispanic individuals were more likely to have vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Participants with inadequate vitamin D levels exper...

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.

Smokers at higher risk of losing their teeth, research shows

A new study reveals that smokers are up to 3.6 times more likely to lose their teeth, with male smokers being the most affected. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk, although it may take over a decade for ex-smokers to regain the same level of dental health as non-smokers.

Climate research: Where is the world's permafrost thawing?

The first global permafrost database has been launched, offering a comprehensive dataset on permafrost temperature and active layer thickness. The GTN-P database, compiled by an international team of researchers from 25 countries, will help scientists better understand the extent to which climate change is causing permafrost thawing.

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.

Study links marijuana use to poor blood sugar control in middle age

Researchers found that current and former marijuana users are more likely to have prediabetes, but not type 2 diabetes, compared to never users. Marijuana use was associated with a higher risk of developing prediabetes in middle adulthood, particularly among those who used the drug excessively.

An antibody that can attack HIV in new ways

Researchers at Caltech have identified a broadly neutralizing antibody that can recognize HIV's envelope spike in different conformations, making it easier to detect and neutralize the virus. This discovery could lead to the development of combination therapies to fight HIV, which is currently evolving rapidly.

Remnants of ex-Tropical Storm Linda spreading inland

The remnants of Tropical Storm Linda are spreading northward into northern Baja California and parts of the southwestern US, triggering shower and thunderstorm activity. Moisture from the remnant low is expected to bring increased risk of rip currents and dangerous high surf to Southern California coastline.

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.

Stellar discovery by Queen's researcher

A PhD candidate at Queen's University has made a groundbreaking discovery of the first massive binary star with magnetic fields. The research provides new insights into the origin of magnetism in massive stars and may help explain why only 10% of these stars have strong magnetic fields.

Making a difference with open source science equipment

A new study proposes open source tools can reduce research costs by redirecting funding to upgradeable equipment, improving performance and grant competition outcomes. The technology has already shown promise with customizable syringe pumps that match high-end performance, potentially yielding significant returns on investment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ebola virus mutations may help it evade drug treatment

Genetic mutations in Ebola virus appear to block antibody-based treatments from warding off infection. The mutations, or 'escape variants,' have implications for the continued development of therapeutics to treat Ebola virus disease, which has claimed over 11,000 lives in West Africa.

Innovative imaging technique reveals new cellular secrets

A team of researchers has developed a novel optical technique to resolve individual components of spindle pole body (SPB) duplication in living yeast cells, uncovering surprising facts about this nanoscale process. The study reveals that SPB duplication begins near the end of mitosis and forms structures not previously seen.

A better class of cancer drugs

A chemist at San Diego State University developed a new technique to improve the selectivity of protein kinase inhibitors, which can lead to fewer side effects. By locking in either the right- or left-handed version of an atropisomeric compound, researchers found more selective inhibition of specific kinases.

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.

Extreme pressure causes osmium to change state of matter

Scientists have successfully altered the state of matter of metallic osmium under extreme pressure conditions. The research uses ultra-high pressures to interact with core electrons in osmium, leading to anomalies in its compression behavior. This breakthrough could lead to new materials with unique properties.

Too many candidates spoil the stew

A new study by Michigan State University researcher Arend Hintze found that moderate competition optimally drives the evolution of decision-making strategies in humans. In crowded areas, hermit crabs evolve split-second decision-making to claim new shells, demonstrating a similar phenomenon in human politics.

Resveratrol impacts Alzheimer's disease biomarker

Researchers found that high-dose resveratrol stabilized a biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease progression. The study, involving 119 participants, also showed that resveratrol was safe and well-tolerated, but its effects on brain volume were unclear.

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.

Stroke patients fare better with private insurance than with Medicaid

A study by University of Florida Health researchers found that stroke victims with private insurance had lower mortality rates, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications compared to those on Medicaid. The study analyzed nationwide data from over 1.5 million hospital admissions between 2002 and 2011.

Study shows Africanized bees continue to spread in California

Researchers have found that more than 60 percent of the foraging honey bees in San Diego County are Africanized, and that Africanized bees can now be found as far north as California's delta region. The study suggests that the northward expansion of Africanized bees in California is consistent with patterns previously documented in Texas.

Insights into obscure transition uncovered by X-rays

Researchers use X-rays to study nickelates and discover that tensile strain facilitates the transfer of electrons between atoms, ruling out electronic checkerboard theory. The findings provide new insight into the metal-insulator transition, guiding the design of new electronic devices.

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.

Predicting tornadoes months or even seasons in advance

Researchers at University of Toronto develop model predicting tornado activity relative to changes in atmospheric conditions. The model takes into account instability and vertical windshear, shedding light on why actual tornado activity is vastly underestimated.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP sees a lopsided Tropical Storm Henri

Tropical Storm Henri has a lopsided structure, with almost all clouds and showers concentrated on the northeastern side of the storm. The southeasterly wind shear and dry air around the system inhibit thunderstorm development in other areas.

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.

Burning remaining fossil fuel could cause 60-meter sea level rise

A recent study suggests that burning all accessible fossil fuels would lead to a 50- or 60-meter sea level rise, putting over a billion people at risk. The team's models indicate that the West Antarctic ice sheet becomes unstable within 60-80 years if carbon emissions continue at current levels.

Wavelets improve medical imaging

Research published in the International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology reveals a wavelet transform approach that improves medical imaging. The technique boosts the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces artifacts, allowing for earlier disease detection and diagnosis.

Diet beverage drinkers compensate by eating unhealthy food, study finds

A new study of over 22,000 U.S. adults found that diet-beverage consumers often make up for the calorie lack in their drinks by consuming more sugar, sodium, fat, and cholesterol in other foods. The study suggests a possible compensation effect where people who drink diet beverages may feel justified in eating more high-calorie foods.

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.

Large eyes come at a high cost

Well-developed eyes require between 5% and 15% of an animal's total energy budget, according to a study on Mexican cavefish. The visual system's high energy cost leads to trade-offs with other organ systems in environments where it is not essential.

Periodontitis and heart disease: Researchers connect the molecular dots

Periodontitis has been shown to increase the expression of pro-inflammatory angiopoietin 2, while decreasing anti-inflammatory angiopoietin 1 in aortic smooth muscle cells, leading to increased inflammation and atherosclerosis. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms linking periodontitis to heart disease.

Montefiore and Einstein receive $3.9 million NCI Calabresi grant

The Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care has received a $3.93 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to support clinical oncology research. Four new scholars have been selected, including Drs. Thomas Ow and Akiva Novetsky, who will focus on radiation therapy and gynecologic oncology surgeries.

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.

Down but not out -- inhibited Tyk2 retains anti-cancer activity

A team of researchers found that inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Tyk2 does not hinder its ability to activate natural killer cells. In fact, this inhibited form of Tyk2 still boosts NK cell maturation and activity, leading to strong suppression of cancer growth. This breakthrough suggests promising potential for new cancer therapies

Best precision yet for neutrino measurements at Daya Bay

The Daya Bay Collaboration has achieved the most precise measurements of neutrino oscillation to date, tracking the transformation of neutrinos and confirming that the experiment is paving the way for further research. The new results will have far-reaching implications for understanding the nature of neutrinos and the universe.

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.

Inside climate politics

A study by MIT economist Christopher Knittel reveals an essential mechanism underlying the politics of climate change. The research shows that certain climate policies, like transportation fuel subsidies, contain asymmetries that benefit a smaller group at the expense of most people.

Best precision yet for neutrino measurements at Daya Bay

The Daya Bay Collaboration has made the most precise neutrino measurements to date, tracking neutrino oscillations and confirming that the experiment is a key player in advancing our understanding of fundamental physics. The new findings will aid in unraveling the mysteries of matter and antimatter asymmetry in the universe.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists learn how to predict plant size

VIB and UGent scientists developed a new method to predict plant size by analyzing RNA molecules. This approach allows breeders to select disease-resistant plants earlier and accelerate breeding programs. The study's findings have the potential to improve agricultural productivity and address global food security challenges.

Cancer patient receives 3-D printed ribs

A 54-year-old Spanish man received a revolutionary new implant made from 3D printed titanium alloy, designed to replicate the intricate structures of his sternum and ribs. The innovative prosthesis was created by medical device company Anatomics in collaboration with CSIRO's 3D printing facility Lab 22.

Short lunch periods in schools linked with less healthy eating

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that students with less than 20 minutes to eat school lunches consume significantly less of their entrées, milk, and vegetables. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits, as these students are more likely to skip fruits and vegetables.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Modeling the helicase to understand hepatitis C

Scientists created a detailed model of the NS3 helicase enzyme, which facilitates viral replication. The study provides insights into how this protein interacts with RNA and could lead to the development of new treatments that target only the hepatitis C virus without harming human cells.