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Science News Archive September 2015 - Page 34


Page 34 of 35

Men in China face increasing tobacco-related cancer risks

Men in China face increasing tobacco-related cancer risks due to high cigarette smoking rates among teenagers and continued use in adulthood. The country now produces and consumes nearly 40% of the world's cigarettes, primarily driven by men's smoking habits.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 2, 2015

New symptom may help ID sleep apnea in older women

A new study suggests that nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting, may be an additional symptom to look for when assessing post-menopausal women for obstructive sleep apnea. The study found a strong association between OSA risk factors and nocturnal enuresis in postmenopausal women.

SourceBrown University·JournalMenopause·DateSep 2, 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.

Study shows that nutrient shortfalls are a serious and persistent health disparity

A recent study published in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved reveals that Non-Hispanic Black Americans have significantly higher rates of nutrient shortfalls compared to Non-Hispanic Whites. The analysis, conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found that Blacks we...

SourcePorter Novelli·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateSep 2, 2015

Microbial diversity insights are often strongly biased

Researchers found that high-throughput molecular methods used to analyze soil fungi often produce biased results due to limitations in taxonomic resolution and primer-template mismatches. Despite these biases, the study suggests that PCR-free methods have potential for understanding functional capacity of microorganisms.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMycoKeys·DateSep 2, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soil area the size of Berlin lost each year due to water erosion in the EU

The EU loses approximately 970 million tonnes of soil annually due to water erosion, equivalent to a one-metre-depth loss from Berlin-sized area. Soil erosion by water accounts for the greatest loss in Europe, with agricultural lands accounting for 68.3% of total losses.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateSep 2, 2015

How protein tangles accumulate in the brain and cause neurological disorders

A recent study published in Neuron highlights a novel role for the appoptosin protein in initiating tau aggregation, a key component of brain lesions. Elevated levels of appoptosin increase caspase-mediated tau cleavage, leading to synaptic dysfunction and progressive deterioration of the central nervous system.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNeuron·DateSep 2, 2015

Risk of financial crisis higher than previously estimated

Researchers estimate systemic risk to be 90% higher than previous estimates by expanding layers of connectivity, including derivatives and foreign exchange. The new method provides a way to create systemic risk profiles for markets and individual institutions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalJournal of Financial Stability·DateSep 2, 2015

How does your microbiome grow?

A new computational method suggests that analyzing the relative amounts of starting DNA and ending DNA can be translated into the growth rate for each strain of bacteria. This approach has been found to reveal intriguing links between bacterial growth rates and conditions such as type II diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateSep 2, 2015

Ancient hybridization key to domestic dog's origin, wolf conservation efforts

A new study proposes a logical classification scheme for dogs and wolves, revealing that domestic dogs are descendants of two interbred species: an extinct Asian wild dog and the grey wolf. This finding has implications for wolf conservation, as some hybrids have evolved into full species.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalVavilov Journal of Genetics and Breeding·DateSep 1, 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.

Understanding the deep sea is key to a sustainable blue economy

A new European Marine Board paper highlights the need for major progress in deep-sea research to underpin future management and exploitation of living and non-living deep-sea resources. The report identifies deficiencies in basic knowledge of deep-sea systems, which could hinder ecosystem-based management and limit sustainability.

SourceEuropean Science Foundation·DateSep 1, 2015

Studying the outliers

Scientists have identified a gene variant that slows Alzheimer's disease progression by preventing eotaxin levels from increasing with age. The study found that individuals carrying this variant experienced a modest delay in disease onset, suggesting a potential protective mechanism against the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 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.

Male seahorse and human pregnancies remarkably alike

Researchers found male seahorses play a crucial role in nourishing and protecting embryos during pregnancy, delivering energy-rich lipids and calcium. Their gene expression during pregnancy was also similar to that of humans, suggesting a common genetic mechanism for managing pregnancy across species.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 1, 2015

Why do certain hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of HIV?

Researchers found that DMPA use is associated with an increased risk of HIV infection, especially in women with vaginal infections or disturbed microbiota. The study suggests that hormonal contraceptives can exacerbate the suppression of immune systems, making women more vulnerable to HIV.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateSep 1, 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.

Brazilian wasp venom kills cancer cells by opening them up

Researchers found that Brazilian wasp venom's MP1 toxin selectively kills cancer cells by interacting with abnormally distributed lipids on their surface. The peptide creates gaping holes, allowing critical molecules to escape and potentially leading to new anticancer drug development.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 1, 2015

Gene may predict severity of post-traumatic stress disorder

Researchers found that a gene linked to PTSD severity predicts increased symptoms and thinner brain cortex in veterans returning from conflict. The study suggests a possible genetic blood test to identify at-risk individuals.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 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.

Heat and acid could squeeze trout out of southern Appalachian streams

A recent USDA Forest Service study found that warming temperatures and acidity threaten coldwater aquatic species in the southern Appalachians, with an estimated 10-20% loss of habitat for brook trout. The research highlights the importance of watershed management and climate adaptation planning to mitigate these impacts.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 1, 2015

The more the merrier for animals that synchronize their behavior

Researchers discovered that larger groups of animals synchronize their behavior, with social interactions playing a key role. The study found that even without external cues, internal mechanisms are regulated by social presence, leading to increased synchronization in group settings.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 1, 2015
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Maths skills count for premature babies

A recent study by the University of Warwick found a significant link between premature birth and decreased intelligence, reading, and mathematical ability in adulthood. The research also highlighted an impact on earnings into adulthood, with preterm-born individuals more likely to be manual workers or have lower family incomes.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 1, 2015

Butterfly wings help break the status quo in gas sensing

Researchers have replicated the surface chemistry found in iridescent Morpho butterfly scales to create a highly selective gas sensor. The bio-inspired sensor detects small color changes for gas detection, potentially transforming medical diagnostics, industry, and military sectors.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2015

NASA sees wind shear affecting Hurricane Ignacio

Hurricane Ignacio is being affected by wind shear, weakening the storm. Infrared satellite data shows that southwesterly wind shear is pushing thunderstorms to the northeast, causing a 'warmer banding feature' across the western and northern semicircles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 1, 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.

Saving oysters by digging up their past

A new Cornell University study suggests that examining centuries-old oyster reefs can help restore these vital marine ecosystems. By analyzing fossils and sediment records, scientists can gain insights into how oysters have grown, lived, and interacted with their environments over time.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Shellfish Research·DateSep 1, 2015

Water heals a bioplastic

A team of researchers developed a self-healing bioplastic from squid proteins, which can be repaired with warm water. The material exhibits improved durability for applications such as medical implants and fiber-optic cables.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 1, 2015

Body fat hormone leptin influences runner's high

A new study has found that the satiety hormone leptin plays a crucial role in the 'runner's high' feeling, with mice running longer distances on a wheel due to reduced leptin signaling. The research also suggests that people with lower fat-adjusted leptin levels may be more inclined to exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 1, 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.

Design of 'Japonica Array'

A research group has designed the first ever SNP array optimized for the Japanese population, covering the whole-genome region from which SNPs possessed by Japanese people can be obtained with high accuracy. The Japonica Array offers improved genotype imputation accuracy, accelerating personalized healthcare and medicine research.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateSep 1, 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.

Simplified handwashing steps help reduce sickness-related absenteeism for kids: Study

A simplified handwashing routine with five steps instead of seven reduces sickness-related absenteeism for students with mild intellectual disability, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The intervention improved hand hygiene and reduced absenteeism by 40% compared to the control group.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateSep 1, 2015

Penn and German researchers help identify neural basis of multitasking

A study by Penn and German researchers reveals that cognitive flexibility is predicted by the degree to which brain networks reconfigure themselves. Participants who performed best on alternating tasks showed more rearrangement of connections within their frontal cortices and new connections with other areas of their brains.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2015

New international standards needed to manage ocean noise

Experts call for new international standards and mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of seismic surveys on vulnerable marine life. The proposed measures aim to reduce risks from sound pollution, protect important habitats, and promote coordinated planning across industries and nations.

SourceDuke University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateSep 1, 2015

2016 Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Awards announced

Two Stanford University researchers, Maria Barna and Carolyn McBride, received the award for their pioneering work on ribosome processing and mosquito behavior. The Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recognizes outstanding contributions to genetics research in human and non-mammalian systems.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateSep 1, 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.

The timing of sleep just as important as quantity

Researchers at Washington State University discovered that altering the timing of an animal's sleep can have a significant impact on its immune response and overall sleep quality. The study found that mice with disrupted circadian cycles had blunted or overactive immune responses, making them more susceptible to illness.

SourceWashington State University·DateSep 1, 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.

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.

First global antineutrino emission map highlights Earth's energy budget

A team of geologists and physicists has generated the world's first global map of antineutrino emissions, which provides an important baseline image of the energy budget of Earth's interior. The map reveals that natural sources accounted for less than 1 percent of detected antineutrinos, highlighting human-made radioactivity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 1, 2015

Study will investigate storm impacts on fresh water

A $475,000 grant will support a study examining the huge amount of particulate organic nitrogen transported downstream during intense storms and its impact on freshwater streams and rivers. The researchers aim to understand how this contributes to the overall nitrogen load and what happens to the particulate materials.

SourceStroud Water Research Center·DateSep 1, 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.

Modified CAR T cells can preferentially target cancer cells and spare normal cells

Researchers engineered CAR T cells to preferentially target cancer cells expressing high amounts of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), while sparing normal cells. The modified cells were selectively activated only in response to cancer cells, demonstrating improved safety and efficacy in treating solid tumors.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 1, 2015