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Science News Archive 2015


Page 104 of 402

New dietary guidelines must be sustainable, regardless of politics

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans should incorporate sustainability considerations to address the health and wellbeing of Americans and the planet. Sustainability evaluations may lead to future regulation, change food-group guidance, and form new political coalitions that favor sustainable diets.

New science redefines remote -- even pandas global

A new framework reveals how panda conservation efforts in China impact cities worldwide, including economic impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. The study also explores the effects of tourism and conservation on local ecosystems.

Nectar thieves are damaging rare orchids in North Dakota

Researchers have found that hawk moths and bumble bees are damaging rare orchids in North Dakota by stealing nectar without providing pollination services. The long-tongued hawk moth species are particularly problematic, as they have tongues longer than the orchid's spur, allowing them to access nectar without paying for it.

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.

The golden anniversary of black-hole singularity

Sir Roger Penrose's 1965 theorem associates black holes with trapped surfaces that shrink over time. The theory also predicts the existence of singularities in extreme conditions, highlighting the limitations of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity.

Extending a battery's lifetime with heat

Researchers from California Institute of Technology found that heat can shorten dendrites by up to 36% and possibly extend battery lifetimes. By analyzing the effect of temperature on individual lithium atoms, they discovered that increased temperatures trigger atomic motion, leading to the breakdown of dendrite structures.

CWRU researcher to transform clot makers into clot busters

A CWRU researcher has received a $1.9 million grant to transform synthetic platelet technology into devices that dissolve clots to prevent serious health risks like stroke and heart attack. The technology, called SynthoPlate, has already shown promising results in treating bleeding disorders.

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.

Keeping the body ticking

A team of scientists discovered a molecular switch that regulates the body's circadian clock, allowing it to keep time. The 'phosphoswitch' maintains clock speed despite temperature changes and metabolic signals.

Deworming shows growth similar to placebo in pre-school children in Peru

A randomized controlled trial in Peru found that deworming treatment had no significant impact on growth in pre-school children, similar to a placebo. The study highlights methodological challenges and the need for further research to accurately detect the true effect of deworming on growth in early childhood.

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.

Tweets from mobile devices are more likely to be egocentric

A recent study found that mobile device tweets are more likely to employ egocentric language compared to non-mobile device tweets. Researchers analyzed 235 million tweets and discovered a consistent greater ratio of egocentric to non-egocentric tweets on mobile platforms.

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.

Brain networking

Researchers developed a way to convert brain scans into wiring diagrams, revealing fundamental rules governing cognitive control and the frontal cortex's role in controlling thoughts and actions. The study highlights the importance of location and connectivity between brain regions.

Glutamate, an essential food for the brain

Researchers at the University of Geneva have confirmed that glutamate is an essential energy source for the brain, which cannot store glucose. In its absence, the brain sends signals to the liver to increase glucose production, leading to muscle loss and growth deficits.

Link between height and cancer

A large-scale Swedish study has discovered a link between height and cancer risk in both men and women. The research found that taller individuals have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and melanoma, with the risk increasing by up to 30% per 10 cm of height.

NASA sees Tropical Depression Marty meets its end

Tropical Depression Marty's winds had diminished to near 30 mph with higher gusts, leaving the southwestern coast of Mexico. The storm then degenerated into a remnant low pressure area, forecast to dissipate in a day or so.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIH invests $85 million for BRAIN Initiative research

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $38 million in grants to support the BRAIN Initiative, a large-scale effort to understand neural circuit function and capture dynamic views of the brain. The initiative aims to treat devastating brain disorders that affect over one billion people worldwide.

More-flexible machine learning

Researchers at MIT develop a new way of doing machine learning that enables semantically related concepts to reinforce each other. In experiments, their system outperformed conventional training methods in predicting Flickr tags and even when considering semantically similar tags.

Many young fish moving north with adults as climate changes

A new study found that climate change is altering the distributions of young and adult fish in the Northeast U.S. Larval stages of 43% of species shifted distribution, while adult stages of 50% also changed, often moving northwards or along the shelf. These changes have significant implications for fisheries management.

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.

Study explores ancient ecosystem response to a 'big 5' mass extinction

A new study explores how ancient South African ecosystems responded to the 'big 5' mass extinction, revealing that species with important roles in food webs were most vulnerable to extinction. The research highlights the critical importance of understanding food webs in predicting community stability during times of great change.

Study examines scale of gene mutations in human neurons

A new study by HHMI scientists found that a single neuron in an adult human brain may have more than 1,000 genetic mutations not present in surrounding cells. These mutations mostly arise while genes are in active use after brain development is complete.

Hibernating bats mount a partial immune response against white nose fungus

Researchers found that hibernating bats infected with the white nose fungus exhibited a partial immune response, including acute inflammation and wound healing. However, the influx of white blood cells into infected tissue was missing, which may be related to the unique characteristics of the Pd pathogen.

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.

Grant supports research on most common tumor in women

Northwestern Medicine researchers aim to develop new treatments for uterine fibroids using novel targets and pathways. The NIH grant supports projects focused on progesterone effects, nuclear receptors, and AKT pathway modification.

The media love men... bad news for women

A study published in the American Sociological Review found that media coverage is dominated by men, with 82% of names being men's. Despite significant social and economic advances, women continue to be underrepresented in media coverage.

Ram earns GSA's 2015 Baltes Foundation Award

Ram, an associate professor at Penn State, received the award for his work on longitudinal research methodology and life-span development. His research focuses on understanding human behavior through novel longitudinal methods that address fundamental questions about behavioral change.

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.

What types of video games improve brain function?

Action video games have been shown to improve attention skills and cognitive functions, while 'brain games' lack equivalent impact on perception and cognition. Video game play predicts poorer attention in the classroom, but benefits can be positive or negative depending on content.

Researchers make 5 recommendations for standardized test designers

Standardized test designers should use tests as tools to promote learning, provide feedback, and encourage self-assessment to enhance student outcomes. The researchers recommend adapting tests to students' ability levels and ensuring they encourage critical thinking and application of knowledge.

An accessible approach to making a mini-brain

The researchers created mini-brains using living tissue from a single rodent, which can form complex neural connections and produce electrical signals within two weeks. The approach is expected to reduce animal use in neuroscience research and make it more accessible to labs without advanced equipment.

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.

Screening for mental health issues in a pediatric ED

A pilot study found nearly half of pediatric ED patients exhibit mental health symptoms, underscoring the need for early identification and treatment. The study aims to reduce stigma and provide quality medical care by incorporating mental health screening into emergency department assessments.

Four gut bacteria decrease asthma risk in infants

Researchers at UBC and BC Children's Hospital found that acquiring four specific gut bacteria can protect infants from developing asthma. The study analyzed fecal samples from over 300 children and confirmed the finding in mice, opening the door to probiotic treatments for premature babies.

Scientists create world's largest catalog of human genomic variation

The 1000 Genomes Project Consortium has created the world's largest catalog of genomic differences among humans, identifying over 88 million sites that vary among people. This database will help researchers understand how inherited genetic variations contribute to disease risk and drug response, enabling the development of improved dia...

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.

Islamist insurgency strongly influences where polio occurs

New research shows Islamist insurgency has a strong impact on where polio cases occur, particularly in the past few years, likely due to counterinsurgency strategies. The study suggests that improving vaccines and administration is not enough to eradicate polio; political and social barriers must be addressed.

New predictor of health complications can identify high-risk preemies

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a strong link between elevated blood eosinophilia and late complications in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis. High levels of eosinophils after NEC onset can predict life-threatening conditions like bowel rupture, fibrosis, and intestinal strictures.

Genes that protect African children from developing malaria identified

Researchers have discovered a new gene locus that explains why some African children develop severe malaria while others do not. The genetic variant, found in Kenyan children, reduces the risk of severe malaria by about 40% and lies within a region of the genome shared with chimpanzees.

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.

Are American schools making inequality worse?

A study published in Educational Researcher found that unequal access to rigorous mathematics content exacerbates the gap in performance on international math literacy tests. The study revealed that nearly a third of the relationship between socioeconomic status and math literacy in the US is due to inequalities in math coverage.

Rock samples from Western US teach how to hunt for life on Mars

Researchers analyzed Eocene rocks found in the Green River Formation and identified features that visually indicate the presence of life. They used chemical analysis to confirm the presence of lipid biomarkers, which are preserved remnants of lipids synthesized by organisms.

Surface of the oceans affects climate more than thought

A recent study by Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research and Institute of Catalysis and Environment in Lyon reveals that oceans produce significantly more isoprene, a gas formed by both vegetation and oceans. This finding suggests that the climate models need to be improved to accurately predict temperature and precipitation changes.

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.

High-volume facilities better for nursing hip fractures

A recent study suggests that experienced skilled nursing facilities are more likely to successfully discharge patients back to the community within 30 days of breaking a hip. Facilities with over 24 cases in the prior year had a discharge rate of 43.7%, compared to 18.8% for those with fewer cases.

Latest technology could help curb repeat Ebola crisis, experts say

Recent developments in surveillance technology could enable a swifter response to potentially deadly outbreaks of disease. A team of infectious disease experts found that shortcomings in the global response to Ebola highlight the need for state-of-the-art techniques to detect and monitor outbreaks.

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.

More obesity among the less educated in rich countries

A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health confirms that obesity is more common among those with lower education levels in wealthy countries. The research, which analyzed data from 70 countries, suggests that economic growth and increasing calorie-rich food availability contribute to this trend.

Strokes in children linked to infections, inadequate vaccinations

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that children who have suffered from recent infections or are not up-to-date on their vaccinations are at a higher risk of stroke. The study, which analyzed data from over 350 children, found that 18% of those who experienced strokes had recently contracted an infection.