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Science News Archive September 2015 - Page 26


Page 26 of 35

Study IDs viral protein that causes dengue shock

Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) as a key culprit responsible for fluid loss and resulting shock in severe dengue virus infections. Blocking this protein in mice protected them from lethal effects, suggesting it could be a prime target for drugs and vaccines.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 9, 2015

Preventing chromosomal chaos: Protein-based genome-stabilizing mechanism discovered

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that protein lamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic structural stability by forming 'cross-links' that limit genetic material's freedom of movement within the nucleus. This creates a stable and linked polymeric structure promoting chromosomal integrity.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 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.

The sweet smell of success

Smells trigger immediate emotional responses, and olfactory branding can supplant traditional marketing signals in settings like hotel lobbies. Over 41% of guests at ITC Sonar Luxury Hotels in Kolkata agreed that scent is a key factor in enjoying their stay.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Trade and Global Markets·DateSep 9, 2015

How hashtags and @ symbols affect language on Twitter

Research from Georgia Tech reveals that Twitter users adopt formal tone when using hashtags to reach a wider audience, while using @ symbols with smaller audiences or local language. The study shows geographical differentiation in online language, with regional lingo used in messages targeting specific cities.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Speech·DateSep 9, 2015

Science provides new way to peer into pores

Rice University researchers have developed a new technique to characterize the space within porous materials, allowing them to measure dimensions and dynamics at the nanoscale. This breakthrough could improve protein separation processes for the pharmaceutical industry.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 9, 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.

USC researcher receives grant to study ALS target

Justin Ichida's lab will use cellular reprogramming to transform blood cells of ALS patients into motor nerve cells in a Petri dish. The goal is to rescue the cells by exposing them to normal levels of C9ORF72 protein and reveal its protective mechanism against ALS.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·DateSep 9, 2015

Designer molecule shines a spotlight on mysterious 4-stranded DNA

Researchers at Imperial College London have created a fluorescent molecule that can reveal the presence of quadruplexes in living cells. This breakthrough could be a game changer to accelerate research into these DNA structures and identify new compounds that can bind to them, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers mine information from next-generation subsurface flow simulations

A team of researchers is using advanced computational models to better understand multiphase flows in porous media. They aim to improve carbon sequestration, mitigate climate change, and optimize energy extraction. By analyzing data from experiments and simulations, the team is developing a multiscale framework to model complex systems.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateSep 9, 2015

Spheroid stem cell production sows hope for IPF treatment

A new method of harvesting and growing lung stem cells has been developed by researchers at NC State University, which could provide an effective treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The study used a multicellular spheroid environment to enrich adult lung stem cells, which showed promise in mice trials with reduced inflam...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateSep 9, 2015

Pride can keep you on track or send you off the rails

Researchers found that when people took pride in an accomplishment, they were more likely to continue making disciplined choices throughout the day. However, when people considered a self-control goal before feeling proud, they were more likely to indulge in rewards and have less self-control.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 9, 2015

Can black Republicans win black votes? Not likely, UC study finds

A University of Cincinnati study found that black voters are more likely to support black Democratic candidates, but may consider voting for a Republican candidate if they know the candidate's party affiliation. The study suggests that building a Republican coalition with black voters is challenging due to ongoing racial and partisan t...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateSep 9, 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.

Origin of Saturn's F ring and its shepherd satellites revealed

Researchers reveal that Saturn's F ring and its shepherd satellites, Prometheus and Pandora, formed from the collision of small satellites with a dense core. This study sheds light on the formation process of satellite systems in our solar system and beyond.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 9, 2015

Invasion of non-native genotypes exposed by environmental DNA

A team of researchers from Kobe University has developed a novel method to quantify the proportion of native and non-native genotypes in aquatic species. By analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples, they were able to detect the presence of invasive non-native strains in rivers and reservoirs of western Japan.

SourceKobe University·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateSep 9, 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.

Mothers use variety of strategies to mitigate risks to daughters' body image -- Ben-Gurion University

Research by Ben-Gurion University shows that Jewish mothers employ various protective strategies to mitigate the risk of eating disorders in their daughters, including filtering, positive reinforcement, and discussion. These methods help build resilience and promote a positive body image.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalFeminism & Psychology·DateSep 9, 2015

How the 'heat' compound from chili peppers could help kill cancer cells

Researchers discovered how capsaicin interacts with cell membranes, finding that it lodges near the surface and can cause membranes to come apart. This insight may lead to novel tools against cancer or other conditions. The study appeared in ACS' The Journal of Physical Chemistry B.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateSep 9, 2015
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.

Photovoice: A useful method to learn about the food environment

Researchers used Photovoice method to study food environments and eating habits of 9- to 13-year-old children eligible for SNAP. The method paired photographs with interviews, revealing food insecurity and the influence of family, peers, and parents on diet.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 9, 2015

Effects of MVA85A vaccine on tuberculosis

A systematic review of animal studies on MVA85A vaccine found insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness as a BCG booster. The delay in publishing the largest monkey trial with the longest follow-up also raised concerns about scientific integrity.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 9, 2015

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder -- review looks at treatment effectiveness

A comprehensive review of treatment options for PMDD identified selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as the first-line treatment, effective in reducing symptoms. For women who experience an inadequate response to SSRIs, alternative treatments such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and oral contraceptives are recommended.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateSep 9, 2015

Ebola virus disease in Liberia

Researchers mapped social vulnerability at the district level, identifying three clusters of most vulnerable districts containing over 1 million people. The study highlights the importance of addressing water quality, food insecurity, and access to medical care to prevent Ebola infections and deaths.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 9, 2015

One step towards faster organic electronics

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered that disorder and short-range intermolecular aggregation can enhance the conductivity of conjugated polymers. This finding opens up new avenues for developing faster electronic components.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 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.

The secrets of NASA's Webb Telescope's 'deployable tower assembly'

The deployable tower assembly (DTA) is a crucial component of the James Webb Space Telescope, enabling its instruments to be separated from the spacecraft bus and sunshield after launch. This allows the sunshield to unfurl and shade the telescope and instruments from radiant heat and stray light.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 9, 2015

Patients prefer relief from lower back pain over improved mobility

A new study reveals that patients with lumbar spinal stenosis prefer pain relief to improved mobility, defying medical community assumptions. Researchers surveyed 269 patients and found that 79% chose pain reduction over increased physical function.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateSep 9, 2015

Last chance for oasis in China's desert

A team of international researchers has developed recommendations to preserve the local environment in China's Xinjiang region, which produces ten percent of global cotton production. Sustainable land use practices and reforestation are key to reducing soil salination and preserving groundwater supplies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalWater·DateSep 9, 2015

Finding iconicity in spoken languages

A new study reveals that iconicity is prevalent across the vocabulary of spoken languages, including English and Spanish. The researchers found that words learned in childhood are the most iconic, which helps children grasp the concept of a word. The study suggests that iconicity plays an important role in word learning and development.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 9, 2015

Stress main cause of smoking after childbirth

A new report from the University of East Anglia found that mothers who quit smoking in pregnancy are more likely to light up again if they feel stressed and lack support. The study highlights the importance of partner support, social influences, and women's beliefs about smoking in preventing postpartum relapse.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAddiction·DateSep 9, 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.

How to spawn an 'exceptional ring'

Physicists at MIT have found a phenomenon described as a 'ring of exceptional points' produced by the Dirac cone, potentially leading to applications in powerful lasers and precise optical sensors. The discovery represents the first experimental demonstration of this phenomenon.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2015

Android widgets may boost effectiveness of sleep-monitoring apps

Researchers developed an Android sleep monitoring app widget, SleepTight, that boosted daily sleep diary information entry and self-reflection among users. The widget's visual reminders and lock screen placement increased user interaction with the data, leading to better understanding of sleep patterns and behavior.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 9, 2015

Epicolactones -- the 8-step path

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München develop efficient synthesis of epicolactone, a complex natural product produced by the endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum. The 8-step pathway reveals how the molecule is assembled and provides insight into its biochemical significance.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 9, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Etau drench Japan

Tropical Storm Etau drenched central Japan with intense rainfall, with GPM satellite measurements showing up to 88 mm/h rain rates. The storm's remnants are expected to transition northwestward off the Japanese coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 9, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ant communication: Secrets of the antennae

Researchers at Kobe University identified novel chemosensory proteins in ant antennae, revealing cooperative modes of operation and recognition of individual information. These findings provide a starting point for elucidating the molecular mechanisms supporting complex ant societies.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 9, 2015

Celeste: A new model for cataloging the universe

Celeste is a hierarchical model designed to catalog stars, galaxies and light sources in the universe, enabling astronomers to identify promising galaxies for spectrograph targeting and better understand Dark Energy. The model aims to improve data analysis methods, significantly reducing the time and effort spent working with image data.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateSep 9, 2015
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.

Astronomers discover how lowly dwarf galaxy becomes star-forming powerhouse

Researchers used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to locate compact regions within the nearby dwarf irregular galaxy Wolf--Lundmark--Melotte that can emulate larger galaxies' star-forming environments. These discoveries shed light on how dense star clusters can form in low-density, gas-poor galaxies.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2015

Ocean life triggers ice formation in clouds

Researchers found that phytoplankton organic waste can stimulate cloud droplets to freeze into ice particles, affecting global climate and influencing temperature. This discovery helps improve weather models and climate predictions.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Mindfulness may make memories less accurate

A new study suggests that mindfulness meditation can make memories less accurate, leading to confusion between real and imagined experiences. Participants who engaged in a 15-minute mindfulness meditation session were more likely to falsely recall words from a list, even when the list did not include the actual word.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 9, 2015

Nearly half of testicular cancer risk comes from inherited genetic faults

A new study reveals that nearly half of testicular cancer risk comes from inherited genetic faults, significantly higher than in most other cancer types. The research suggests testing for specific genetic variants could help identify patients at substantially increased risk and potentially lead to prevention methods.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 9, 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.

The Industrial Revolution put an end to 1,800 years of ocean cooling

Researchers investigated ocean temperature changes over centuries using climate models and fossil records. They found that volcanic eruptions caused progressive cooling until the Industrial Revolution, which marked a shift towards global warming. Understanding past climate patterns can provide insights into future climate changes.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 9, 2015

Tree planting can harm ecosystems

The world's grassy biomes are under threat from conversion to agriculture and tree planting, which can lead to ecosystem degradation. Protecting these areas is crucial for preserving biodiversity and carbon storage capabilities.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 9, 2015