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Science News Archive September 2015 - Page 28


Page 28 of 35

New drug-like compounds may improve odds of men battling prostate cancer, researchers find

Researchers have found three new drug-like compounds that target a protein responsible for chemotherapy resistance in cancers, offering hope for improved treatment options. The compounds have shown promise in re-sensitizing resistant cancer cells to chemotherapy, improving the odds of survival for prostate cancer patients.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateSep 8, 2015

Researchers develop a method for controlling gene activation

Researchers have created a new method for controlling gene activation, allowing for precise regulation of gene expression in cells. The method employs CRISPR technology combined with chemical compounds to activate specific genes without altering the genome.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 8, 2015

Study sets ambitious new goals for nutrition science

Researchers from various disciplines set eight research axes to improve nutrition science, including sustainability, data analysis, and human behavior. The initiative aims to bring together experts to tackle key challenges in the field.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateSep 8, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nano-dunes with the ion beam

The researchers used broad ion beams to create nanostructured arrays on a gallium arsenide wafer, resulting in well-defined structures reminiscent of sand dunes. The process involves heating the sample during ion bombardment and compensating for missing atom bonds by forming pairs of gallium atoms.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNanoscale·DateSep 8, 2015

England could eradicate bovine TB if it adopted Welsh or Scottish tactics

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London found declining numbers of Bovine TB infections in Scotland and Wales, while England's approach is unlikely to succeed. More frequent testing led to effective control of the disease, with a significant decline in infections.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalStochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment·DateSep 8, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Etau approaching Japan

Tropical Storm Etau formed near Iwo To, Japan on September 7 and was approaching Japan by September 8. The storm made landfall near Kyoto, Japan late on September 8/early September 9 and is forecast to dissipate due to land interaction.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 8, 2015

Realizing carbon nanotube integrated circuits

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solution to create stable carbon nanotube-based integrated circuits using newly designed encapsulation layers. These layers protect the sensitive devices from environmental degradation, enabling reliable operation for years or even decades.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 8, 2015

NASA's GPM sees Grace weaken to a depression

Tropical storm Grace has weakened to a depression in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean after just three days of formation. NASA's GPM satellite found only scattered areas of light rain in the system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 8, 2015

Untangling the mechanics of knots

Researchers develop a new theory that describes how a knot's topology determines its mechanical forces, providing guidelines for choosing certain knot configurations. The theory accurately predicts the force needed to close a knot, given its topology and strand properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 8, 2015

Flu vaccine reduces hospitalizations and deaths among nursing home residents

A study of over 1 million Medicare recipients found that flu vaccines with a high match rate to the prevalent strain reduced pneumonia hospitalizations by 4.2% and deaths by 2.0%. The study estimated lives saved and prevented hospitalizations annually in long-stay nursing home residents.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 8, 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.

Light shed on the underside of the 'cocktail effect' of endocrine disruptors

Scientists have elucidated a molecular mechanism that contributes to the 'cocktail effect' of endocrine disruptors when combined. The study shows that certain compounds bind cooperatively to a receptor in the cell nucleus, inducing a toxic effect at lower concentrations than individual molecules.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2015

Dark matter: CRESST searches for 'lightweights'

Researchers have expanded their search radius for dark matter particles using the CRESST experiment, which can now detect particles with masses below 10 GeV/c^2, including those comparable to a proton. The new detectors are being equipped and will begin measuring in late 2015.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateSep 8, 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.

Researchers find that lure of winning prizes encourages saving

A study published in the Journal of Public Economics found that Prize Linked Savings (PLS) products, which combine savings with the possibility of winning large cash prizes, are more effective at inducing savings than standard interest-bearing accounts. This is particularly true for lower-income and less-educated individuals who are al...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateSep 8, 2015

More than half of Asian-Americans with diabetes are undiagnosed

Researchers found that nearly 50% of Asian Americans with diabetes remain undiagnosed, with the highest prevalence in Hispanic Americans at nearly 23%. The study highlights the need for increased education and testing efforts among this population.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalJAMA·DateSep 8, 2015

Changing behavior through synaptic engineering

Scientists have discovered a novel approach to study neural circuits that change behavior, using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. By flipping the sign of a synapse, researchers were able to completely reverse behavior, suggesting that neural wiring is remarkably stable and allows for changes in behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 8, 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.

Big data tool to reveal immune system role in diseases

Researchers have developed ImmuNet, an online tool that uses public experiments and machine learning algorithms to predict new immune pathway interactions and disease-associated genes. The tool accelerates the understanding of immunological mechanisms and diseases, ultimately leading to improved treatment options.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateSep 8, 2015

New model for the treatment and prevention of obesity in the United States

A new model for preventing and treating obesity in the United States has been proposed, integrating healthcare with community resources. The model centers on individual patients and family engagement, restructuring clinical services to address stigmatization and promoting behavioral changes.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 8, 2015

NASA sees Typhoon Kilo maintaining its eye

Typhoon Kilo maintained its clear eye with NASA's Terra satellite imagery on September 7. The storm's maximum sustained winds near 65 knots (74.8 mph/120.4 kph) are expected to strengthen to 75 knots before weakening, affecting Japan and Russia.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 8, 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.

Artificial 'plants' could fuel the future

Researchers have created artificial plants that can produce methane and butanol using semiconducting nanowires and bacteria. This technology has the potential to replace fossil fuels with a sustainable and efficient alternative.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2015

Freebies won't bribe most bloggers into positive reviews

Researchers found that bloggers who accepted compensation tend to feel more empowered in their relationships with companies, rather than feeling indebted. However, the guidelines have not changed how bloggers acknowledge compensation, and many simply don't report accepting free products.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Communication Management·DateSep 8, 2015

Stem cell-derived 'mini-brains' reveal potential drug treatment for rare disorder

Researchers have identified a histone deacetylase inhibitor that reverses MECP2 alterations in mutant neurons, offering hope for treating the devastating neurological disorder. The breakthrough uses stem cell-derived 'mini-brains' to screen potential drug libraries, providing an efficient method for finding effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 8, 2015

Umeå researcher explains the increase in dengue epidemics in Singapore

A study by Umeå University researchers found that population growth is responsible for 86% of the increase in dengue incidence in Singapore, with climate change and urban heat islands contributing to the remaining 14%. The findings have significant implications for predicting future trends in dengue epidemics.

SourceUmea University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 8, 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.

Peak emissions at London station worse than road-side equivalents

A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that peak-time emissions from diesel trains at London's Paddington Station exceeded European air quality recommendations and were higher than nearby roadsides on most days. The station's semi-enclosed design contributed to elevated concentrations of particulate matter, nitrogen ...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 8, 2015

Study identifies psychological traits associated with homophobia

A new study found that psychoticism and immature defense mechanisms are risk factors for homophobia, while depression and neurotic defense mechanisms lower the risk. The study included 560 Italian university students and aims to address the long-standing debate about whether homosexuality is a disease.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateSep 8, 2015

Half diamond, half cubic boron, all cutting business

Scientists at Sichuan University develop an alloy combining diamond and cubic boron nitride, exhibiting superior hardness and wear resistance when cutting through steel and granite. The novel process enables mass production of the alloy, which could revolutionize various industrial materials processing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 8, 2015

Parasite vs. invader: New endoparasitoid wasp can save the Dominican Republic economy

Scientists have discovered a new parasitoid wasp species that can kill up to 25% of the Asian fly larvae, a widely spread invasive pest corrupting large parts of the pigeon pea crops. This natural enemy has the potential to be a biocontrol agent, offering a promising solution for the Dominican Republic's economic losses estimated at 76%.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateSep 8, 2015

Texas A&M biologists zero in on 2-protein 2-step trigger for deadly scar-tissue loop

Researchers have identified a naturally occurring blood protein called lumican as a key player in the development of excessive scar tissue in fibrotic diseases. The study suggests that lumican triggers a vicious cycle when stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha, leading to increased production of scar tissue.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 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.

E-cigarettes serve as gateway to smoking for teens and young adults

A national US sample of 16-26 year olds showed that 38% of e-cigarette users started smoking traditional cigarettes within a year, compared to 10% of non-e-cigarette users. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine slowly, allowing users to become tolerant and advance to cigarette smoking.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 8, 2015

Children overcoming adversity

Research suggests that children who focus on their possible future selves and have strategies to attain these possibilities perform better academically and emotionally. In contrast, children who dwell on difficulties without planning for the future experience a negative impact on their optimism and fatalism.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateSep 8, 2015

Advanced treatment and prognosis data available for TNM classification

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has released new data for the TNM classification of lung cancer, which will inform the Eighth Edition of the staging manual. The new database includes 94,708 patients diagnosed worldwide from 1999-2010 and analyzes tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastatic status.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 8, 2015

Bubble, bubble ... boiling on the double

New analysis reveals that excessive bubble formation limits heat transfer, leading to overheating and equipment damage. The study identifies optimal surface texturing to improve boiler efficiency and plant safety.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 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.

New NIH-funded study explores the impact of exercise on breast cancer outcomes

A new NIH-funded study launched at UH Seidman Cancer Center aims to investigate the effects of physical activity on functional status, body composition, and biomarkers associated with breast cancer prognosis in older breast cancer survivors. The five-year clinical trial will focus on African American and low socioeconomic status women.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateSep 8, 2015

A close-up view of materials as they stretch or compress

A team of researchers developed a system to study how materials respond to mechanical stress, enabling nondestructive characterization of structural materials. The tool could lead to aerospace components that are lighter and more tolerant to damage.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateSep 8, 2015

Outcomes improve for extremely preterm infants

Survival rates for extremely preterm infants have increased significantly over the past 20 years, with improvements in maternal/neonatal care leading to reduced complications and mortality. The study found that survival without major complications increased approximately 2 percent per year for infants at 25 to 28 weeks' gestation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 8, 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.

UC Davis study shows popular molecular tests

A new UC Davis study found that molecular tests, commonly used in US hospitals, often misdiagnose patients with C. difficile infection, leading to over-treatment and potential harm. The study suggests that traditional toxin tests are more effective in predicting clinical disease and outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 8, 2015

Studying kangaroo cartilage could help human treatment

Studying kangaroo cartilage reveals how shoulder and knee joints behave differently, leading to improved treatments and better implants. The researchers identified the collagen network as a key factor in absorbing forces without damaging.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 8, 2015

Resin may provide medicine against epilepsy

Resin acids have been found to be effective in treating epilepsy by opening potassium channels and reducing nerve activity. The substances, which are fat-soluble and electrically charged, were synthesized from a natural molecule and tested on frog eggs and mice before patent applications were submitted.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 8, 2015

The Achilles' heel of HI virus

Scientists have found that the cGAS sensor can detect single-stranded DNA, including guanosines, which triggers a strong immune response. The HI virus has evolved to eliminate guanosines from its genetic material, partially avoiding detection by the cell.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 8, 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.

Inspired by art, lightweight solar cells track the sun

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed solar cells that can track the sun using a kirigami-inspired design. The array of small solar cells tilts within a larger panel, keeping their surfaces more perpendicular to the sun's rays and raising the effective area soaking up sunlight.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2015

Teens are not always irrational

A new Duke University study reveals that adolescents aged 10 to 16 can be more analytical in their economic choices than slightly older young adults. Researchers found that teens carefully weigh decisions, using cost-benefit analysis skills, while young adults rely on simple rules.

SourceDuke University·JournalCognitive Development·DateSep 8, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Global health studies in September Health Affairs

Studies in the September Health Affairs issue reveal declining global mortality rates for heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, but increasing trends in diabetes, liver cancer, respiratory disease, and lung cancer deaths, particularly among women and in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 8, 2015

Lazing away the summer

Researchers found that dormice start hibernation early when beech trees produce few beechnuts, allowing them to survive during mild weather periods. This behavior changes the view on hibernation as a strategy to decrease energy expenditure.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology B·DateSep 8, 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.

Infant learning: Is more really better?

Researchers found that preverbal infants can learn basic rules through audio-visual pairs only when stimuli match each other's nature. The study suggests that unified sensory input is crucial for effective learning in infancy.

SourceWiley·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateSep 8, 2015