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Science News Archive September 2015 - Page 15


Page 15 of 35
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.

Stanford team re-engineers virus to deliver therapies to cells

A Stanford team re-engineered a virus to create a smart particle that can deliver therapeutic payloads to specific cells. By adding molecular tags, the particles can target diseased areas while leaving healthy tissue alone.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

Mice exposed to environmental chemicals may show decreased physical activity in offspring

A University of Missouri study found that female mice exposed to endocrine disruptors like BPA and EE showed decreased physical activity in their daughters, which can predispose them to obesity and other metabolic disorders. The chemicals can affect metabolism, energy expenditure, and voluntary exercise patterns.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateSep 21, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 21, 2015

Low dose beta-blockers as effective as high dose after a heart attack

A new study found that patients on one-fourth the suggested dose of beta-blockers survived at the same rate or even better than those on higher doses, increasing survival by 20-25%. The research suggests that beta-blocker dosing needs to be personalized for individual patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015

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.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalCell·DateSep 20, 2015
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateSep 20, 2015

Teenagers who become pregnant at higher risk of further teen pregnancies

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that nearly a quarter of teenagers in England and Wales who have had an abortion have been pregnant before. The research also showed that teenagers who become pregnant are at a higher risk of further pregnancies in their teenage years.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateSep 20, 2015

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.

SourceGriffith University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateSep 20, 2015
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateSep 19, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Maternal protein deficiency during pregnancy 'memorized' by fetal muscle cells

A study found that inadequate protein intake during pregnancy activates a genetic pathway leading to muscle atrophy and autophagy in the fetus. This can result in low birth weight and stunted growth in male offspring, increasing the risk of chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateSep 18, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2015

'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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2015

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.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 18, 2015

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.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateSep 18, 2015
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.

Study highlights possible knowledge gap over effects of some diabetes drugs

A new study reveals that GLP-1 agonists may activate glucagon receptors, potentially promoting high blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. The researchers emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how these drugs interact with receptors in different parts of the body.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 18, 2015

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.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 18, 2015

Western University hopes to use artificial intelligence to improve breast cancer patient outcomes

Western University researchers have developed an artificial intelligence-powered tool that can predict a patient's response to paclitaxel and gemcitabine chemotherapy medications. The tool uses genetic analysis of tumours to identify the genetic signatures most important for determining resistance and remission for each medication. Wit...

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalMolecular Oncology·DateSep 18, 2015
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.

Southern Ocean: Reconstructing environmental conditions over the past 30,000 years

Researchers reconstruct environmental conditions in the Southern Ocean over the past 30,000 years, showing that seasonal sea-ice zones had significant influences on ecosystems and carbon cycling. The study reveals that nutrient-rich waters allowed phytoplankton to store CO2, contributing to global cooling during ice ages.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2015

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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateSep 18, 2015
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateSep 18, 2015

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.

SourceMonash University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateSep 18, 2015

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2015