Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2015 - Page 139


Page 139 of 402

Sohl to expand autism care network

Dr. Kristin Sohl is expanding the ECHO Autism program to an additional 10 sites, aiming to improve healthcare for children with autism in underserved communities. The $15 million grant will enhance early identification of autism and treatment of co-occurring conditions in primary care.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateSep 1, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How does an insecticide treated bed net actually work?

Research reveals that insecticide-treated bed nets function as human-baited insecticidal traps, delivering insecticide quickly to reduce mosquito activity. The study uses infrared video tracking technology to understand how mosquitoes interact with nets and inform future LLIN designs.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 1, 2015

Climate change will irreversibly force key ocean bacteria into overdrive

A new study reveals that climate change will irreversibly force key ocean bacteria into high-speed reproduction, producing 50% more nitrogen. This accelerated growth can't be reversed and may lead to catastrophic die-offs of the microorganism and dependent species.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2015

Psychological consequences remain profound in coastal areas of Tohoku

A study by Tohoku University found that depressive symptoms are higher in coastal areas than inland areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Four percent of participants experienced considerable posttraumatic stress reaction (PTSR). Psychologists have provided support to over 600 residents with psychological problems.

SourceTohoku University·DateSep 1, 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.

Made from solar concentrate

A team of scientists from Berkeley Lab and the University of Illinois created a solar cell that absorbs high-energy light at a 30-fold higher concentration than conventional cells. This breakthrough uses quantum dot light-emitters with spectrally matched photonic mirrors to efficiently utilize the high-energy part of the solar spectrum.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalACS Photonics·DateSep 1, 2015

Large parks key to city success

The study concludes that high-density cities with large parks or nature reserves yield the most benefits, but smaller parks and gardens also play a positive role. Compact developments incorporating large green spaces are essential for delivering ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateSep 1, 2015

Suicide-by-firearm rates shift in 2 states after changes in state gun laws

Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that Connecticut's permit requirement led to a 15.4% reduction in firearm suicide rates, while Missouri's repeal increased rates by 16.1%. The study suggests factors other than handgun licensing may have contributed to the decline in Connecticut.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·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.

The four-letter code: How DNA barcoding can accelerate biodiversity inventories

A new study reveals how DNA barcoding can accelerate biodiversity inventories by using rapid publishing techniques and surveying nature reserves in just four months. The results revealed abundant biodiversity in previously understudied taxa, including the addition of 181 new spider species to the inventory list.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateSep 1, 2015

NASA-NOAA satellite shows fred facing a fizzling future

Tropical Storm Fred has rapidly weakened to near 50mph due to increased wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures. It is forecasted to become a tropical depression by late Wednesday, September 2, with potential dissipation by Friday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 1, 2015

Self-driving golf carts

Researchers at MIT's SMART program conducted a six-day experiment using autonomous golf carts to ferry tourists around winding paths. The system, which used off-the-shelf sensors and dynamic algorithms, demonstrated a 98% user satisfaction rate and showed potential for elderly transportation applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 1, 2015

Preterm birth linked with lower math abilities and less wealth

A recent study has found that preterm birth is associated with lower academic abilities in childhood and lower educational attainment in adulthood, leading to less wealth. The research also showed that the effects of prematurity on math abilities can last into the fifth decade of life.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 1, 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.

Most CRT-P patients would not benefit from addition of defibrillator

A recent study published in European Heart Journal found that most patients with cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) pacemaker would not benefit from the addition of a defibrillator. The CeRtiTuDe cohort study analyzed data from 1,705 consecutive patients implanted with CRT between 2008 and 2010 in France.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateSep 1, 2015

How to get rid of a satellite after its retirement

Researchers developed a new method to eliminate artificial satellites in Highly Elliptical Orbits (HEO) by leveraging gravitational effects. The methodology, tested with the European Space Agency INTEGRAL mission, reduces both cost and risk.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateSep 1, 2015

Vitamin a implicated in the development of alcoholic liver disease

Chronic alcohol consumption lowers vitamin A levels in the liver while raising levels in other tissues, leading to reduced vitamin A function and its link to alcoholic liver disease. Novel treatments may focus on counteracting alcohol's impact on vitamin A levels in the liver.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 1, 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.

New NGA global map advances R&D in geophysics and nonproliferation

The Antineutrino Global Map 2015 offers new insights into the Earth's interior and reveals information about the planet's heat sources and geodynamics. The map provides a new tool for basic science research and nuclear nonproliferation efforts.

SourceNational Geospatial-Intelligence Agency·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 1, 2015

New UT Arlington-developed product could help concepts become working apps

Researchers at UT Arlington have developed a computer program called PixeltoApp that can automatically create a working app from an artist's concepts. The product uses image information to create user interfaces and has been shown to be similar to original apps in experiments with over 100 cellphone apps.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 1, 2015

Explaining crocodiles in Wyoming

Researchers suggest increased low clouds in the Arctic due to rising temperatures could slow the formation of frigid air masses, explaining past and future continental warming. This mechanism may have allowed crocodiles to thrive in Wyoming during the Cretaceous and Eocene periods.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2015

Redefining pediatric malnutrition to improve treatment

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) has redefined pediatric malnutrition to include five domains: anthropometrics, growth, chronicity, etiology, and impact on functional status. This revised definition aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition in pediatric patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalNutrition in Clinical Practice·DateSep 1, 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.

Could tiny jellyfish propulsion drive design of new underwater craft?

Researchers study tiny jellyfish's coordinated multiple jets propulsion system, which could inspire a natural solution for multi-engine organization in underwater-distributed propulsion vehicles. The jellies' ability to turn and maneuver with relatively simple components could lead to more efficient and redundant designs.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2015

Inntags: new tools for innocuous protein tagging

A new approach to tag proteins has been developed using plant protein epitopes, inntags, which are stable and do not compromise native function. The smallest protein domains with strong structural determinants were selected for tagging purposes.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 1, 2015

Yeast study yields insights into cell-division cycle

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that a yeast vacuole plays a vital role in initiating the cell-division cycle. The study's findings suggest a 'checkpoint mechanism' that prevents cell-cycle progression if essential organelles aren't present, which could lead to new insights into cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateSep 1, 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.

Helping toddlers understand emotion key to development

A federally funded study led by Michigan State University researcher finds that teaching toddlers to understand emotion through 'emotion bridging' with their mothers can reduce behavioral problems. Mothers of higher-risk toddlers benefited most from this strategy, particularly those from disadvantaged families.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateSep 1, 2015

Surge in bicycle injuries to riders over 45

A recent study by UC San Francisco found that bicycle accidents among riders older than 45 have increased significantly, resulting in more hospitalizations. The study showed a 66% increase in hospital admissions to older riders and an 81% rise in injuries occurring to riders above age 45.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateSep 1, 2015
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Oxygen oasis in Antarctic lake reflects Earth in the distant past

Researchers found a thin layer of oxygen in Lake Fryxell, Antarctica, which could be a modern replica of ancient oxygen oases. This discovery sheds light on the Great Oxidation Event, a major turning point in Earth's history when oxygen became more prevalent.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalGeology·DateSep 1, 2015

How wind sculpted Earth's largest dust deposit

Researchers found that wind blew dust from the Mu Us Desert into the Loess Plateau, creating a massive accumulation of consolidated dust. The plateau is not static but slowly moving downwind due to wind erosion, and linear ridges on its top are also sculpted by the wind.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateSep 1, 2015

When stroke patients undergo surgery to remove blood clots, what anesthesia works best?

A study in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases explores the pros and cons of general anesthesia versus conscious sedation for stroke patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery. The authors conclude that an anesthesiologist or anesthesia care team should be present to provide sedation, regardless of the approach used.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·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.

In September's Physics World: The secret life of scientific ideas...

Researchers have found that most ideas are generated through group work and discussions with colleagues, contrary to the traditional image of a single individual having an eureka moment. The study also highlights the importance of mundane activities like taking a bath in sparking creativity.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateAug 31, 2015

Circuit in the eye relies on built-in delay to see small moving objects

A new study on mice reveals how motion-sensing cells in the eye form synapses with interneurons, creating a unique delay that allows for accurate tracking of small moving objects. This delay enables the object motion sensors to distinguish between the motion of an object and its background.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2015

Spinal manipulation works for back pain -- in some people

Researchers found that spinal manipulation provides immediate benefits for some patients with low-back pain, but has no effect on others. The study suggests that different groups of people respond differently to the treatment, highlighting the complexity of low-back pain and the need for personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalSpine·DateAug 31, 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.

New research confirms lack of sleep connected to getting sick

A new study confirms that insufficient sleep is connected to a greater likelihood of catching a cold. Adults who slept less than six hours a night were four times more likely to catch the cold compared to those who got more than seven hours of sleep.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 31, 2015

Inducing metabolic catastrophe in cancer cells

Cancer cells can be made vulnerable to autophagy shutdown by combining an FLT3 inhibitor with an autophagy blocker. This combination prevents cancer cells from metabolizing glucose and mobilizing stored nutrients, leading to cell death. The study provides evidence that this approach could be a new way to treat various types of cancer.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 31, 2015

Alzheimer's disease -- Overlooked for 30 years: A new kid on the block

Researchers have identified a new protein fragment, amyloid-η, which antagonizes the hyperactive effect of beta-amyloid on nerve cells. This finding has immediate implications for ongoing clinical trials targeting beta-amyloid, suggesting that unanticipated side-effects may occur if eta-amyloid levels increase

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2015

Scientists 'squeeze' light one particle at a time

Researchers successfully demonstrated squeezing of individual light particles, or photons, using an artificially constructed atom. The experiment achieved this by shining a faint laser beam on to their artificial atom, which excited the quantum dot and led to the emission of a stream of individual photons.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2015

Study reveals human body has gone through four stages of evolution

Researchers analyzed 430,000-year-old fossils from Spain to determine the human body's evolutionary stages. The study found four main stages of evolution, with the Atapuerca individuals exhibiting a tall, wide, and robust body form, sharing features with Neanderthals.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

Seabird SOS

A new study estimates that almost all seabirds have consumed plastic, with 90% of individual birds ingesting some form of plastic. This widespread impact is a concern, as plastic ingestion can cause gut impaction, weight loss, and death in seabirds.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Magnetic stimulation effective in helping Parkinson's patients walk

A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience reports that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can reduce gait freezing in Parkinson's patients. The treatment, involving high-frequency rTMS, improved motor skills and continued to show benefits even after the intervention was stopped.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 2015

Meet Pentecopterus, a new predator from the prehistoric seas

The newly discovered Pentecopterus was found in a 5km meteorite crater, providing insights into the evolution of eurypterids. The species, lived 467 million years ago, has well-preserved fossils that show its diverse developmental stages.

SourceYale University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 31, 2015

'Happy Meals' bill could improve healthfulness of fast food meals for kids in NYC

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers finds that a 'Healthy Happy Meals' bill could reduce calories, fat, and sodium in fast food meals marketed to children. The proposed legislation requires fast food meals for kids to include a serving of fruit or vegetables and be limited to 500 calories or less.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 31, 2015

$3.9 million supports search for moral superstars

Researchers aim to identify morally exceptional individuals through competitions, conferences, and research projects to foster moral attributes. The project's goal is to understand the psychological, cultural, and spiritual factors that contribute to moral excellence.

SourceWake Forest University·DateAug 31, 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.

UCI study finds dramatic increase in concurrent droughts, heat waves

A UCI study finds a significant increase in concurrent droughts and heat waves, posing a more severe threat due to their combined impact. Researchers attribute the rise to rising global temperatures, which raise the probability of extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

New UC Davis environmental research center links science with advocacy

The UC Davis Environmental Health Sciences Center aims to develop preventions and policies protecting communities from environmental toxins and disease. The center focuses on studying toxic exposures and their effects on human health, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley with high pollution levels and ethnic diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateAug 31, 2015

Use of ozone-tolerant cultivars can enhance India's food security

A recent study highlights the importance of ozone research in the IGP region, which is agriculturally important and densely populated. The results show that seven out of 18 rice cultivars are adaptable to high-ozone environments, suggesting a useful strategy for food security in India.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 31, 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.

Tail as old as time -- researchers trace ankylosaur's tail evolution

A team of scientists from North Carolina State University and the University of Alberta compared Jurassic and Cretaceous ankylosaur specimens to determine how their tails evolved. They found that the tail stiffened before the growth of the osteoderm knob, with handle-like vertebrae appearing in early ankylosaurs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateAug 31, 2015

Watching more TV as a young adult predicts obesity

A 15-year analysis by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health reveals that young adults who spend more hours watching television each day are more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and bigger waist circumference. This association did not hold in later years, indicating that targeting young adults for i...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalSAGE Open·DateAug 31, 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.