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Science News Archive September 2015 - Page 2


Page 2 of 35

UMMS researchers find genes that shut down HIV-1

Researchers at UMass Medical School have discovered two host cell membrane proteins, SERINC5 and SERINC3, that greatly reduce the virulence of HIV-1 by blocking its ability to infect new cells. This breakthrough offers a promising new anti-retroviral strategy for treating HIV-1 and similar viruses.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·DateSep 30, 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.

NASA satellites gather data on Hurricane Joaquin

Hurricane Joaquin strengthened into a hurricane after NASA satellites gathered data on its heavy rainfall and cloud height. The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite captured images of the storm's intense rain and convective towers, indicating its potential for intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 30, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stress causes infants to resort to habits

Infants under stress exhibit less flexible behavior when presented with new situations, unlike adults who also show reduced flexibility due to stress. This study suggests that repeated exposure to stress in infancy may hinder knowledge acquisition and have lasting effects on cognitive development.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2015

Canadian magazines miss the mark on skin cancer messages

A new University of Waterloo study found that Canadian women's magazines often prioritize a tanned appearance over skin cancer prevention messages. The research examined coverage of skin cancer and tanning in six popular women's magazines from 2000 to 2012, revealing limited information on risk factors and early detection.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateSep 30, 2015

New prostate cancer treatments could target metabolism

Researchers are investigating two new avenues for detection and treatment of advanced prostate cancer, focusing on biochemical reactions downstream of the androgen receptor. By targeting the metabolism of cancer cells, they aim to bypass ineffective drugs and develop new therapies.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 30, 2015
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.

A step toward clothing that guards against chemical warfare agents

Scientists have developed a new hydrogel coating that can neutralize both mustard gas and nerve agent VX in under 20 minutes. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of protective clothing and paints that safeguard against chemical warfare agents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 30, 2015

Electric vehicle charging habits revealed

Analysis reveals that public charging infrastructure is not needed everywhere, with homes, workplaces, and 'hot spots' sufficient for adoption. Drivers tend to favor a few public stations when away from home, with workplace charging enabling significant electric range extension.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateSep 30, 2015

Earthquake rupture halted by seamounts

A team of geologists from GEOMAR and Spanish institutions presented an explanation for the smaller-than-expected 2014 Iquique earthquake. Seamounts in the region, which subduct under the South American plate, actively deformed the interface and reduced stress buildup, resulting in a smaller earthquake.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 30, 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.

Chinese team now develops a better understanding of microbes in the air

Researchers detected an average of 104-105 viable microbial aerosol particles per cubic meter in the air, with Bacillus dominating the bacterial community. The team found striking differences in size distribution patterns across different climate zones, which may serve as a fingerprint for a particular region.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateSep 30, 2015
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.

Scientists discover how to trap cancer cells before they spread

Researchers discovered a method to reprogram fibroblasts, healthy tissue around tumors, to trap and contain cancer cells. This approach reduces the movement of cancer cells away from the tumor, showing promise in preventing tumor spread. The study has potential for various cancer types and could lead to better ways to control the disease.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalEMBO Reports·DateSep 30, 2015

Study offers insight on how a new class of antidepressants works

A new class of antidepressants has been found to work by targeting the brain's ability to respond to glutamate. The experimental therapies have been shown to produce an antidepressant effect in mice by altering brain signaling in particular neurons.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 30, 2015

Invisibility cloak might enhance efficiency of solar cells

Researchers at KIT have developed an invisibility cloak that guides sunlight around contact fingers on solar cells, reducing optical losses and increasing efficiency. By applying a special coating onto the solar cell, the cloaking effect can be achieved, potentially leading to up to 10% increase in efficiency.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalOptica·DateSep 30, 2015
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.

Menopausal women experiencing distressing pain during sex

Postmenopausal women with vulvar and vaginal atrophy often suffer from dyspareunia despite recognizing its physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. Women are not educated about treatment options or the underlying clinical cause of VVA.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateSep 30, 2015

Asteroids found to be the moon's main 'water supply'

Scientists used computer simulation to discover that asteroids can deliver more water to the lunar surface than the cumulative fall of comets over a billion year period. The study found that asteroids contain a significant proportion of water, effectively protected in their crystal lattice of minerals, and can release it when heated.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateSep 30, 2015

Finding links and missing genes

A team of scientists has created the most extensive catalogue of structural variations in human genomes, revealing over 200 missing genes and demonstrating that these changes are common risk factors for disease. The study's findings will help guide future research on genetics, evolution, and disease diagnosis.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 30, 2015

Covering the bases with cover crops

Researchers found that mixtures of cereal rye and hairy vetch can effectively control weeds and conserve soil moisture. Adding poultry litter increased decomposition and nitrogen release when the cover crop contained at least 50% cereal rye.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 30, 2015
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.

Our environment shapes our language

Researchers found that environmental and social factors shape participants' use of SOV vs SVO syntax when communicating events, with iconicity playing a key role. The study also showed that adapting to interlocutors' lead and frequent event types influence syntactic patterns.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCognition·DateSep 30, 2015

A flooding river moves more than just water

Researchers have developed a model to predict the risk of waterborne diseases in flooding rivers, which can affect millions of people worldwide. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding the complex interactions between environmental and human factors in shaping disease dynamics.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateSep 30, 2015

Can reducing nicotine curtail smoking?

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that reducing nicotine content in cigarettes can significantly reduce cigarette use and dependence. Researchers discovered that participants who smoked low-nicotine cigarettes showed lower smoking levels and reduced exposure to nicotine.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 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.

Cutting nicotine key to helping smokers quit

A new study led by UCSF scientist Neal Benowitz found that reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes can substantially decrease tobacco dependence without increasing inhalation. Smokers who reduced cigarette intake reported attempts to quit twice as often and had lower cravings compared to those smoking regular cigarettes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 2015

The Danish nitrogen budget in a nutshell

A national nitrogen budget for Denmark shows significant reductions in nitrogen emissions from agriculture, but other sectors like energy production and transport remain major contributors. New initiatives, such as organic farming expansion and electric vehicles, aim to further reduce nitrogen losses.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 30, 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.

Barley straw shows potential as transport biofuel raw material

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have found that barley straw can be effectively fermented into biobutanol, a potential alternative to ethanol. The study established optimal pre-treatment conditions for turning straw lignocellulose and barley starch into fermentable sugars that can be used in biobutanol production.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBioresource Technology·DateSep 30, 2015

MSU lands $1.8M USAID award to boost African Great Lakes' coffee industry

The Feed the Future program aims to address declining coffee production in Rwanda by promoting research, farmer capacity building, and policy engagement. MSU will inform coffee sector stakeholders of effective practices for controlling pests and establish a policy environment that encourages producers to invest in sustainable practices.

SourceMichigan State University·DateSep 30, 2015
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.

Antibody treatment efficacious in psoriasis

A multicenter clinical trial led by Mount Sinai researchers found that brodalumab achieved a 100 percent reduction in psoriasis symptoms, exceeding the results of ustekinumab. The study demonstrated that targeting the IL-17 receptor is highly effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 2015

Psoriasis, risk of depression in the US population

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that psoriasis is associated with a higher risk of major depression, regardless of severity. Patients with psoriasis reported daily functional impairment more frequently than those without the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 30, 2015

Dormant viral genes may awaken to cause ALS

Scientists at the NIH discovered a link between human endogenous retroviral genes and ALS, suggesting that reactivated viral genes may destroy neurons. Activation of HERV-K genes may be controlled by TDP-43, a gene-regulating protein linked to ALS.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 30, 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.

Funding for viral hemorrhagic fever project

A UK university team has received funding to develop a training program for Sierra Leonean health workers to combat viral hemorrhagic fever. The program will use immersive technology to educate community health workers and healthcare professionals on infection prevention control.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateSep 30, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gulf Stream ring water intrudes onto continental shelf like 'Pinocchio's nose'

Scientists have discovered a previously unknown process where warm Gulf Stream water and colder waters of the continental shelf exchange, influencing shelf circulation, biogeochemistry, and fisheries. The discovery provides new insights into the complex interactions between these two water masses.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 30, 2015

Study's message to recovering alcoholics: Quit smoking to stay sober

A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research reveals that adults with a history of problem drinking who continue smoking are at a greater risk of relapsing to alcohol dependence. Quitting cigarettes is crucial for maintaining sobriety, according to the researchers.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateSep 30, 2015

Scientists produce status check on quantum teleportation

An international team of researchers reviewed theoretical ideas on quantum teleportation, concluding a hybridisation of protocols is the most fruitful approach. This could lead to more efficient and reliable teleportation systems for quantum computing, communication, and network development.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 30, 2015
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.

Researchers disguise drugs as platelets to target cancer

Researchers have developed a technique to coat anticancer drugs in membranes made from a patient's own platelets, allowing the drugs to target both primary tumors and circulating tumor cells. This method can prolong drug circulation time up to 30 hours, increasing effectiveness.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 29, 2015

Reading the weather from inside a seashell

A study analyzing fossil brachiopod shells from West Virginia and Ohio found minimal seasonal variation in temperature and rainfall during the latest Pennsylvanian (~300 million years ago). The findings may help resolve a paleoclimate debate about monsoonality and sea level, providing insights into ancient mega-continent climates.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateSep 29, 2015