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Science News Archive September 2015


Page 6 of 35

Portable, rapid DNA test can detect Ebola and other pathogens

Researchers developed a real-time DNA sequencing test that can detect multiple pathogens, including Ebola, Chikungunya, and hepatitis C, using nanopore sequencing technology. The test can be used in scarce lab environments and provides rapid results, cutting the time required for diagnosis to just minutes.

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.

Responses to treatment, outcomes of autoimmune cerebellar ataxia

A study of 118 adults with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia found that nonparaneoplastic disorders, detection of PMP antibodies, and GAD 65 antibodies predicted better immunotherapy response and neurological outcomes. Among the patients, 45.8% showed physician-reported neurologic improvement.

Snoring kids, abnormal sleep time and NIH funding

Researchers investigate risk factors for children with sleep apnea, effects of excessive or inadequate sleep on injury risk, and National Institutes of Health funding trends. The studies aim to improve understanding and treatment of sleep disorders.

Two-drug combination helps older adults with hard-to-treat depression

A multicentre clinical trial found that adding an antipsychotic medication to treatment for depression in older adults significantly improves symptoms and reduces the risk of suicidal thoughts. The study showed a 44% remission rate for treatment-resistant patients, compared to 29% with a placebo.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists solve deep ocean carbon riddle

Research reveals that hydrothermal vent systems convert long-lived organic carbon into more readily available forms, balancing the continuous supply from surface oceans. This mechanism addresses the long-standing question of why deep ocean dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels remain constant.

UMD, partners receive $4.5 million to study cosmic flashes

The University of Maryland has been awarded $4.5 million to participate in the GROWTH network, which aims to improve understanding of cosmic transients. Undergraduates will analyze telescope data from the network using flipped learning environments and active-learning techniques.

Our brain's secrets to success?

Two studies reveal that the human brain's unique support system and connectivity are associated with higher levels of education, income, and life satisfaction. The research adds to our understanding of the human brain's parts list and enhances scientists' ability to model uniquely human disorders.

Early exposure to tobacco as a cause of behavioral problems in children

Researchers found that pre- and postnatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke increases the risk of behavioral disorders in primary school children. Emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are particularly affected, with 21% of children showing signs of emotional disorder after ETS exposure.

Review suggests metformin associated with small height increase in children

A review of medical literature found that metformin use was associated with a small increase in height in children and adolescents with higher cumulative doses. However, the results were not significant for those with lower doses, indicating a potential need for longer-term studies to confirm these findings.

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.

Decision aids help patients with depression feel better about medication choices

A new study from Mayo Clinic shows that simple conversation cards can dramatically improve patients' and clinicians' satisfaction with antidepressant discussions. The tool increased patients' comfort in making decisions by 5 points and their satisfaction likelihood by 2.4-fold, while also improving physicians' decision-making comfort a...

Particular brain connections linked to positive human traits

A new study by Oxford University researchers found a strong correspondence between positive lifestyle and behavior traits and specific variations in brain connectivity. Those with classically positive lifestyles had different brain connections to those with classically negative ones.

Africa could be the answer to delaying 'peak grain'

Researchers estimate that farmers in sub-Saharan Africa can obtain 20-30% of their potential yields with optimized management and resources. The Global Yield Gap and Water Productivity Atlas provides detailed information for major crops in countries such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and others.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

NSF supports Caltech-led global project to study cosmic flashes

The Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH) project aims to improve understanding of cosmic transients by extending night-time observing hours. The network, supported by NSF's PIRE program, enables researchers to monitor rare events like neutron star mergers and heavy element synthesis.

Attacking acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered a molecule that can halt the growth of cancerous AML cells without harming healthy cells. The molecule, cortistatin A, works by inhibiting two specific kinases that play a key role in the growth of AML cells.

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.

Computer-aided detection does not improve breast cancer screening

A large national BCSC study found that computer-aided detection (CAD) of breast cancer screening does not improve accuracy or patient outcomes. CAD raised screening costs and increased false positives, but did not detect more cancers or improve outcomes for women in screening programs.

Effect of decision aid in selecting antidepressant

A decision aid helped primary care clinicians and patients with moderate to severe depression select antidepressants together, improving decisional comfort and knowledge. However, its effect on depression control and medication use was not discernible.

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.

ASU study finds weather extremes harmful to grasslands

A six-year ASU experiment found that extreme weather events affect plant species differently, with grasses declining and shrubs flourishing under alternating wet and dry years. This shift could have serious consequences for humans relying on grasslands for food, particularly cattle ranchers.

Novel tool can identify COPD

A novel approach for identifying patients with undiagnosed clinically-significant COPD has been developed. The new tool consists of several questions that can be used to aid clinicians in finding people with moderate or severe COPD, or those at risk of exacerbations before loss of lung function occurs.

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.

HIV patients should be included in early clinical trials of anti-TB drugs

HIV-infected patients are excluded from early-phase clinical trials of new anti-tuberculosis drugs, resulting in slower development and potential drug interactions with antiretroviral therapy. Experts urge including HIV patients in relevant trials to accelerate development and address drug resistance.

Sedentary behavior linked to heart risk in Hispanics

Researchers found that sedentary time was associated with higher risks of heart and diabetes problems, regardless of exercise levels. The study suggests that reducing sedentary time can be beneficial for Hispanic adults' overall health.

NASA views new Atlantic tropical depression in infrared

A new Atlantic tropical depression formed on September 28, with cloud top temperatures reaching -63 Fahrenheit/-53 Celsius, indicating potential heavy rainfall. The National Hurricane Center forecasts the depression to strengthen into a tropical storm later in the day.

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.

NASA's SDO captures image of mid-class solar flare

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of a mid-class solar flare on September 28, 2015, which peaked at M7.6 intensity. The event is expected to disturb the atmosphere in layers where GPS and communications signals travel.

Maintaining healthy DNA delays menopause

An international study of nearly 70,000 women found that genes involved in DNA repair play a crucial role in determining when a woman enters menopause. The research also confirmed a link between earlier menopause and lower breast cancer risk, with increased risk associated with delayed menopause.

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.

A natural light switch

Researchers identify and map a light-sensing protein that uses vitamin B12 to regulate gene expression in response to light exposure. The discovery expands the biological role of vitamin B12 and offers insights into novel modes of gene regulation.

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.

Milestone single-biomolecule imaging technique may advance drug design

Researchers have obtained the first nanometer-resolved image of individual tobacco mosaic virions using low-energy electron holography, a non-destructive single-particle imaging technique. This breakthrough could lead to improved drug design by providing detailed knowledge of biomolecular structures.

A new single-molecule tool to observe enzymes at work

A team of scientists created a new single-molecule tool to observe enzymatic proteins at work, providing fast and reliable characterization of their interactions with DNA. This tool offers picometer-resolution nanopore tweezers, enabling detection of minute differences in protein binding and motion.

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.

Chemical exposure linked to rising diabetes, obesity risk

The Endocrine Society releases a scientific statement linking endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure to increased risk of developing diabetes and obesity. The statement highlights the need for regulation and education to minimize further exposure and protect public health.

Health hazards of occupational exposure to talc

Researchers warn of the dangers of talc exposure in the food processing industry, highlighting a case of talcosis in workers who inhaled talcum dust. The study led to effective control measures being implemented at the company, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive surveillance programmes and structured medical evaluation.

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.

Scientists simulate Earth's middle crust to understand earthquakes

Researchers used a gel-like substance called Carbopol to study the resistance of rock formations in the middle crust to fracturing. The study provides insight into how large earthquakes and slower moving events interact, with potential implications for predicting seismic activity.

Molecular 'kiss of death' flags pathogens

The immune system marks pathogen-containing vacuoles with ubiquitin to trigger destruction, a process that could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Highly virulent strains block this tagging, making them more resistant to host response.

High dietary fiber intake linked to health promoting short chain fatty acids

Research published in Gut found that a high-fiber diet is associated with increased levels of health-promoting short-chain fatty acids, which may help reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The study also showed that vegans and vegetarians had higher levels of these beneficial compounds.

Prestigious fellowship for Strathclyde physics researcher

Dr Jonathan Pritchard has secured a prestigious fellowship to support his research into the direct exploitation of quantum phenomena. His project aims to develop a hybrid device combining atoms and superconducting circuits for scalable quantum networking, with potential applications in computing, finance, and more.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.