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Science News for June 27, 2014


Study: To address climate change, nothing substitutes for reducing CO2 emissions

A comprehensive study by University of Chicago climatologist Raymond Pierrehumbert finds that reducing CO2 emissions is essential for mitigating climate change. The study shows that efforts to reduce other, shorter-lived greenhouse gases are insufficient and may even distract from the urgent need to address CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAnnual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences·DateJun 27, 2014

Climate change and the ecology of fear

A recent study examines how climate change alters species interactions in marine ecosystems, particularly predator-prey relationships. The research found that warming temperatures can lead to decreased energy reserves in prey species, highlighting the need for considering multiple species and their interactions when understanding ecolo...

SourceNortheastern University College of Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 27, 2014
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.

Sex hormone levels at midlife linked to heart disease risk in women

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that midlife sex hormone changes are associated with lower quality cholesterol carriers, which predict higher risk of heart disease. The study suggests that advanced testing methods may be needed to evaluate menopause-related dynamic changes in women.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 27, 2014

Potential Alzheimer's drug prevents abnormal blood clots in the brain

A potential Alzheimer's drug has been identified that prevents abnormal blood clots in the brain, which contribute to memory loss and cognitive decline. The compound, RU-505, targets amyloid-β's role in forming clots and shows promise in both test tube experiments and mouse models.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 27, 2014

Research may yield new ways to treat antibiotic-resistant TB

Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully developed a new compound with improved antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant strains of tuberculosis. The findings offer an important new avenue for treatment of the disease, which is responsible for over 1 million deaths annually.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 27, 2014
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.

'Big data' technique improves monitoring of kidney transplant patients

Researchers developed a new big data analysis technique to predict kidney transplant patient outcomes, providing doctors with valuable time to intervene. The technique uses complex algorithms to analyze hundreds of thousands of variables from blood samples, allowing for more accurate prognosis and improved patient recovery periods.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 27, 2014

Homeless alcoholics typically began drinking as children

A study of homeless, alcohol-dependent patients reveals that they often begin drinking as children, with most reporting abuse or neglect in their childhood homes. The majority of patients were unemployed and had entered detoxification programs multiple times before the study.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 27, 2014
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.

Ceremonial PTSD therapies favored by Native-American veterans

A recent survey conducted at Washington State University found that half of Native American veterans say standard PTSD treatments don't work. Instead, many turn to traditional healing therapies like the Sweat Lodge ceremony, which helps dispel chronic 'ghost sickness' and provides a sense of community and spirituality.

SourceWashington State University·DateJun 27, 2014

'Compressive sensing' provides new approach to measuring a quantum system

Physicists at University of Rochester use compressive sensing to measure both momentum and position of a quantum system without violating the Uncertainty Principle. The technique allows for efficient measurement of conjugate variables, enabling new insights into quantum behavior.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 27, 2014
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.

Monkeys also believe in winning streaks, study shows

Researchers found that monkeys consistently show the hot-hand bias, even when faced with random rewards, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation for foraging in the wild. The study's findings could inform treatment for gambling addiction and provide insights for investors.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateJun 27, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global healthcare is a labour of Hercules

As global poverty rates decrease, new challenges emerge in addressing rising healthcare costs and demands. Hans Rosling argues that verifiable data and statistics are essential for strategic decisions, and innovative solutions like generic drug production can make treatment more affordable for all.

SourceLindau Nobel Laureate Meetings·DateJun 27, 2014

Early life stress can leave lasting impacts on the brain

Researchers found that early life stress can alter brain structures involved in learning, memory, and emotion processing. Children who experienced physical abuse or neglect had smaller amygdalas and hippocampal volumes, linked to behavioral problems and cumulative life stress.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 27, 2014

Genetics dominant risk factor in common cancers

A study of adoptees found that genetics play a significant role in the development of these three types of cancer. The risk was 80% higher when an adoptee had at least one biological parent with the same cancer.

SourceLund University·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateJun 27, 2014

Scientists study effects of warming on tropical rainforests

Researchers are conducting a groundbreaking experiment in Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest to study the impact of global warming on tropical forests. The goal is to determine how sensitive these ecosystems are to temperature changes and what physiological changes they may undergo.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateJun 27, 2014
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.

Diamond plates create nanostructures through pressure, not chemistry

Researchers have developed a method to produce silver nanostructures using high-pressure diamond plates, outperforming traditional chemical methods. This approach enables the creation of flexible electronics, transparent electrodes, and new classes of chemically and mechanically stable nanostructures.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 27, 2014

Extinct undersea volcanoes squashed under Earth's crust cause tsunami earthquakes, according to new research

Researchers from Imperial College London and GNS Science have discovered that tsunami earthquakes may be caused by extinct undersea volcanoes causing a 'sticking point' between tectonic plates. This release of energy led to the formation of large tsunamis, as seen in rare events off New Zealand's north island in 1947.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 27, 2014

USAMRIID research sheds light on how deadly lassa virus infects cells

Scientists have discovered that Lassa virus uses a two-step process to enter cells, involving the transport of the virus to a lysosome and the binding to an interior cell receptor called LAMP1. This finding could lead to new approaches for preventing the disease.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateJun 27, 2014
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.

AJMC publishes results showing big data analytics can predict risk of metabolic syndrome

Researchers used large-scale patient data analytics to predict future risk of metabolic syndrome, identifying individual variable impact on risk associated with adherence to prescribed medications and routine doctor visits. The study also found that improving waist circumference and blood glucose yielded the largest benefits.

SourceMacDougall Biomedical Communications, Inc.·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 27, 2014

Barriers prevent many older Americans from taking driving tests

Research highlights significant barriers to driving evaluations for older adults, including high insurance costs and low awareness among healthcare providers. The study suggests improved referral systems and third-party reimbursement could increase participation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalOccupational Therapy In Health Care·DateJun 27, 2014
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.

Prevention incentives

A private South African health plan increased patient use of preventive care services like mammograms and influenza vaccines through a novel retail incentive program. The program offered discounts on retail goods and travel for participants who used preventive services, resulting in a 5% increase in uptake.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 27, 2014

Youth regularly receive pro-marijuana tweets

Researchers analyzed tweets from a popular marijuana account and found that 82% of recipients were under 19 years old, with 54% aged 17-19. The study highlights the need for discussion about pro-drug messages on social media platforms and their potential impact on vulnerable youth.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 27, 2014
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.

Kids who know unhealthy food logos more likely to be overweight

Research finds that children who know more about unhealthy food brands are more likely to be overweight or obese. Exercise may not be enough to offset the negative effects of exposure to these logos, suggesting a need for limiting advertising exposure.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAppetite·DateJun 27, 2014