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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 149


Page 149 of 402

Giving pharmacists the power to combat opioid overdoses

In response to the growing opioid crisis, pharmacists in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are distributing naloxone rescue kits without a prescription, slowing epidemic rates. This pharmacy-based model is being evaluated at hundreds of pharmacies to determine its impact on overdose death rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHarm Reduction Journal·DateAug 24, 2015

Study backs flu vaccinations for elderly

A new Brown University study analyzed nursing home records to show that flu vaccinations significantly reduce deaths and hospitalizations among the elderly. The study found a 50-percentage point increase in match rate for A/H3N2 strain resulted in saving 2,560 lives and preventing 3,200 hospitalizations.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 24, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetic overlapping in multiple autoimmune diseases may suggest common therapies

A study analyzing 10 childhood-onset autoimmune diseases found 22 genome-wide signals shared by two or more diseases, suggesting potential new targets for therapy. The research identified genes with biological relevance to specific diseases, offering opportunities for targeted treatment and repurposing existing drugs.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 24, 2015

Blacks hit hardest by public-sector job losses during recession, study finds

A new study by University of Washington sociologist Jennifer Laird finds that African-American workers disproportionately lost jobs in the public sector during the Great Recession, leading to widening racial disparities. Black civil servants, especially women, faced higher rates of unemployment than their white counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 24, 2015

Under the wing of science: Two methods for aging nestling Carnaby's cockatoo species

The study assesses two methods for aging nestlings: one based on physical appearance changes and the other on folded wing length measurements. Accurate aging is essential for population dynamics and conservation planning. The researchers found that measuring folded wing length is more accurate than observing size and feathers changes.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateAug 24, 2015

Kazan microbiologists on how to fight antibiotic-resistant pathogens

Researchers at Kazan Federal University investigate the role of hydrolytic enzymes and metalloproteinases in making enterobacteria resistant to antibiotics. They find that these pathogens can cause severe diseases like meningitis, septicemia, and endocarditis, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalGenome Announcements·DateAug 24, 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 links physical activity to greater mental flexibility in older adults

A recent study found that older adults who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity have more variable brain activity at rest, which is associated with better cognitive performance. The research also revealed that physically fit individuals tend to have larger brain volumes and more intact white matter than their less-fit peers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2015

Men, people over 65 sleep better when they have access to nature

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that individuals over 65 who have access to natural environments report better sleep quality. The research suggests that exposure to green spaces and natural amenities can improve sleep patterns, particularly for men.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateAug 24, 2015

Researchers tackle issues surrounding security tools for software developers

A new research from North Carolina State University explores how security tools are used by software developers, finding that peer influence and corporate culture are key factors in adoption. The study also highlights limitations of current tools, including inaccurate notifications and lack of user-friendly interfaces.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateAug 24, 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.

Study finds black bears in Yosemite forage primarily on plants and nuts

A study by UC San Diego biologists found that black bears in Yosemite National Park primarily forage on plants and nuts, with acorns and pine nuts being their main food sources. The research also suggests that female bears tend to forage more heavily for high-fat seeds during reproduction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 24, 2015

New NSF award will expand scope and impact of ASU water research

Arizona State University's Decision Center for a Desert City will explore transformational changes to sustain water supplies in the Colorado River Basin region, enabling cities like Colorado, Nevada, and California to build capacity for sustainable water management. The four-year award brings total NSF investment to $18 million.

SourceArizona State University·DateAug 24, 2015

Antidepressants fine-tune brain reward pathway to lessen neuropathic pain

A study at Mount Sinai Hospital found that antidepressants regulate chronic pain and depression through actions in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain reward center. The research discovered a gene (RGS9) controlling molecular adaptations for recovery from pain and depression.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 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.

Use of tamoxifen by young women is influenced by fertility concerns

A study of 515 premenopausal patients found that younger women with stage 0-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer are less likely to initiate or continue tamoxifen treatment due to concerns about side effects and fertility, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 24, 2015

NASA's Terra satellite sees Tropical Storm Atsani stretching out

Tropical Storm Atsani was elongated with powerful thunderstorms in its quadrants, but its eastern quadrant showed almost no activity. The storm's interaction with westerlies and impending drop in sea surface temperatures indicate it may transition to an extra-tropical storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2015

UMD-led study identifies the off switch for biofilm formation

A University of Maryland-led team has discovered an enzyme that breaks the signaling pathway of biofilms, a complex web of fibers that protects bacteria from threats. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments to prevent biofilm-related complications and reduce hospital equipment failures.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2015

Children's hospitals shift from CT scans for common childhood health problems

Children's hospitals have reduced CT scan usage for 10 common childhood diagnoses, opting for alternative imaging methods like ultrasound and MRI instead. This shift is attributed to growing evidence linking ionizing radiation from CT scans to increased cancer risk and the adoption of electronic health records.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 24, 2015

Medical terms lead to divide between parents and doctors

A recent study found that labeling a child's symptoms as 'pink eye' can mislead parents into wanting antibiotics, even when they're not necessary. The study suggests that physicians should be aware of the effect of words on parents' expectations for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateAug 24, 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.

New study indicates magnetic stimulation effective in reducing bed-wetting

A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience reports that repetitive sacral root magnetic stimulation (rSMS) can significantly reduce the frequency of nighttime bedwetting. The treatment also improved mental health scores, including social functioning, vitality, and mental health.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateAug 23, 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.

Hinode, IRIS, and ATERUI cooperate on 70-year-old solar mystery

A research team combined high-resolution observations from Hinode and IRIS with numerical simulations to detect resonant absorption in a solar prominence. This process heats the prominence through turbulent flow, providing a solution to the long-standing coronal heating problem.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateAug 23, 2015

One in 5 over-65s who drink alcohol do so at unsafe levels

A study by King's College London found that one in five older people who drink alcohol consume it at unsafe levels, with median consumption being just 6 units per week. The research also revealed that men are more likely to be unsafe drinkers than women and those from higher socioeconomic status.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 23, 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.

Want a better relationship and a better sex life?

Research by Georgia State University sociologists found that men sharing child-care duties lead to better relationships and sex lives, while women shouldering most responsibilities result in lower quality relationships. Couples with egalitarian arrangements reported equal levels of satisfaction with their sex lives.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateAug 23, 2015

American women use book club memberships in dating field

A University of Kansas study found that American women use their book club memberships to increase their popularity in the dating field. They also utilize reading as a means to develop self, social capital, and construct their sexual identities. In contrast, Irish women do not find this relevance and join book clubs for different reasons.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateAug 22, 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.

Food is community

A University of Iowa study reveals local food markets are rooted in relationships, values, and a sense of community. Consumers shop at farmers markets and join coops due to a desire to know the farmers behind their food, reflecting a commitment to healthy lifestyles and sustainable environments.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateAug 22, 2015

Both sides framed Keystone XL Pipeline debate in Nebraska

The Keystone XL Pipeline debate in Nebraska pitted economic benefits against environmental concerns, with supporters framing job creation as a key selling point. Rural landowners and farmers opposed the project due to fears of aquifer contamination, while proponents stressed national security and energy independence.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateAug 22, 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.

Self-healing landscape: Landslides after earthquakes

After strong earthquakes, landslides decrease due to an internal healing process of the landscape, returning to pre-earthquake levels in months to years. The destabilization caused by the quake gradually recovers as cracks close and are filled with sand and earth.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeology·DateAug 22, 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.

Inspired by venus flytrap, researchers develop folding 'snap' geometry

A team of researchers at UMass Amherst has developed a way to use curved creases to give thin curved shells a fast, programmable snapping motion. This technique avoids the need for complicated materials and fabrication methods, enabling rapid shape changes in structures.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2015

Graphene oxide's secret properties revealed at atomic level

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that graphene oxide exhibits remarkable plastic deformation before breaking, unlike its more perfect counterpart graphene. This unique property may unlock the secret to scaling up graphene oxide.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2015

Improving cardiorespiratory fitness reduces risk of arrhythmia recurrence

A study found that improving cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the risk of arrhythmia recurrence in obese atrial fibrillation patients. Patients with higher exercise capacity showed a significant reduction in arrhythmia risk, with 84% being free from arrhythmia after four years.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 21, 2015

Passion for your job? If not, it's attainable

Researchers at University of Michigan examined two mindsets: fit theory and develop theory. They found that both are equally effective in achieving vocational well-being, with differing motivations. People with the fit theory prioritize initial enjoyment, while those with the develop theory focus on cultivating passion over time.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 21, 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.

Anti-aging tricks from dietary supplement seen in mice

Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine found that alpha lipoic acid can stimulate telomerase, the enzyme that lengthens telomeres, with positive effects in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. The discovery highlights a potential avenue for treating chronic diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 21, 2015

Superlattice design realizes elusive multiferroic properties

Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully created a multiferroic material by sandwiching a polar metallic oxide between an insulating material. This breakthrough design strategy realizes elusive multiferroic properties, offering potential applications in low-power electronics, logic processing, and memory storage.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateAug 21, 2015

New diagnostic tools for dehydration severity in children

Researchers have created two simple diagnostic tools to assess dehydration severity in children, using symptoms such as general appearance and tear presence. The tools showed high accuracy rates of 83% and 81% for severe dehydration, and could potentially replace existing systems in resource-constrained clinics.

SourceBrown University·DateAug 21, 2015

Undergrad biomedical engineering teams win NIH's DEBUT Challenge

Three teams of undergraduate students won the National Institutes of Health's Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge with projects focused on improving global health. The winners developed a portable HIV treatment monitor, a surgical clamp to treat drooping eyelids, and a low-cost patient monitor.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·DateAug 21, 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.

Study finds that genetic ancestry partially explains 1 racial sleep difference

A recent study published in SLEEP reveals that African genetic ancestry is associated with lower slow-wave sleep amounts in African-American adults. The research found a significant genetic basis for racial differences in slow-wave sleep, which may lead to the development of population-specific treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 21, 2015

NASA Goddard scientist wins Harold C. Urey Prize

Dr. Geronimo Luis Villanueva, a NASA Goddard scientist, has been awarded the 2015 Harold C. Urey Prize for his exceptional work in planetary research and spectroscopy. He is recognized for his contributions to understanding comets and Mars's atmosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2015

NASA sees diminutive Hurricane Danny from space

Hurricane Danny is a small Category 2 hurricane with hurricane-force winds extending only 15 miles from the eye. Satellite data indicates maximum sustained winds of near 105mph and an estimated minimum central pressure of 976 millibars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2015

NASA sees wide-eyed Typhoon Atsani ready to curve

Typhoon Atsani features a large 46 nautical-mile-wide eye captured by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm is expected to transition to an extra-tropical system as it curves northeast, staying well south of Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2015

Chestnut leaves yield extract that disarms deadly staph bacteria

Researchers have discovered a chestnut leaf extract that blocks Staphlococcus aureus virulence and pathogenesis without detectable resistance. The extract, rich in ursene and oleanene derivatives, shuts down the ability of the bacteria to create toxins by taking away its weapons.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 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.