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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 192


Page 192 of 402

Study highlights pneumonia hospitalizations among US adults

A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that viruses, not bacteria, are the most commonly detected respiratory pathogens in U.S. adults hospitalized with pneumonia. The study highlights the need for more sensitive rapid diagnostic tests to identify pneumonia pathogens and target appropriate treatments.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 14, 2015

Obesity-related behaviors increase when school's out

Researchers found that children on summer break consume more sugar, watch more TV, and eat fewer vegetables than the rest of the year. Despite differences in obesity behaviors between income groups, overall patterns were similar across households above and below poverty thresholds.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of School Health·DateJul 14, 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.

Law governing anomalous heat conduction revealed

Researchers have discovered a new law governing anomalous heat conduction, which scales up with temperature in a power law manner. This finding challenges previous exponential scaling predictions and provides insights into the thermal transport of electrons.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 14, 2015

Benzodiazepines not recommended for patients with PTSD or recent trauma

A systematic review and meta-analysis concludes that benzodiazepines are not effective for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment and may even worsen symptoms. The study found that benzodiazepines were associated with no improvement in PTSD-related outcomes and increased the risk of developing PTSD in patients with recent trauma.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateJul 14, 2015

Constant change

The determination of fundamental constants is becoming increasingly accurate, according to a review paper published this week. This will aid in the redefinition of standard scientific units, including the kilogram and the Kelvin, by 2018.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Physical and Chemical Reference Data·DateJul 14, 2015

New cell division mechanism discovered

A team of Canadian and British researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the cell division mechanism, finding that chromosomes emit signals to influence microtubule action. This signaling pathway is crucial for the segregation of chromosomes during cytokinesis, a critical step in cell division.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer survivors may face unique challenges when trying to adopt

A new study found that cancer survivors may face limited options for adoption due to agency policies, but a training program for oncology healthcare providers can provide valuable information. Cancer survivors often turn to adoption due to infertility caused by cancer treatments, but the process is long and costly.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 13, 2015

New GSA Today science investigates lithosphere of the Central Iranian plateau

Research by Franz Neubauer and Fariba Kargaranbafghi reveals lithospheric thinning associated with the formation of a metamorphic core complex in the Central Iranian plateau. The study suggests that this process was linked to extension, upwelling of hot asthenosphere, and subsequent uplift of the plateau.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJul 13, 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.

Researchers find 1 in 4 dogs competing at Crufts is overweight

Researchers at the University of Liverpool found that up to 26% of show dogs, particularly pugs, Basset hounds, and Labradors, are overweight due to their breeding history for physical activity. The team graded body condition and found significant health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, and respiratory diseases in obese dogs.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJul 13, 2015

Polymer mold makes perfect silicon nanostructures

Researchers at Cornell University have created a polymer mold that can shape liquid silicon into perfect, 3-D single crystal nanostructures. The breakthrough uses extremely short laser pulses to heat the silicon without degrading the polymer mold.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2015

Chemotherapeutic coatings enhance tumor-frying nanoparticles

Duke University researchers created a method to enhance tumor-frying nanoparticles with chemotherapeutic coatings, releasing drugs in heated tissue. The technique combines photothermal therapy with localized drug delivery, potentially increasing effectiveness.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateJul 13, 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.

Researchers develop aerosolized vaccine that protects primates against Ebola

A collaborative team from UTMB and NIH develop an inhalable vaccine that protects primates against Ebola. The aerosol delivery method has shown promising results, with a single vaccination providing protection against the severe disease and death caused by lethal Ebola infection.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 2015

Nutrients turn on key tumor signaling molecule, fueling resistance to cancer therapy, Ludwig Cancer Research study shows

Researchers found that glucose and acetate can activate key tumor signaling molecule mTORC2, allowing tumors to resist targeted therapies like EGFR inhibitors. This discovery provides a potential window into treating glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer with limited treatment options.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

Cancers caught during screening colonoscopy are more survivable

Patients whose colorectal cancer is detected during a screening colonoscopy tend to live longer than those who wait until symptoms appear. The study found that these patients had cancer at an earlier stage and were more likely to survive beyond the study period, with about 55% surviving beyond the time of diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJul 13, 2015

Ocean warming leads to stronger precipitation extremes

Researchers studied extreme precipitation events in coastal regions near warm seas and found a strong link between ocean warming and increased precipitation intensity. The Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean have warmed by about 2C since the early 1980s, leading to more frequent and intense convective storms.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 13, 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.

Heat buckyballs to help environment

Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in developing tunable carbon-capture materials by heating buckyballs to alter their properties. This process enables the creation of materials that can selectively capture carbon dioxide from various sources, including industrial flue gases and natural-gas wells.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateJul 13, 2015

Nanoscale light-emitting device has big profile

The researchers created a nanoresonator that can manipulate light to cast a large 'reflection', making objects appear 10,000 times larger than their physical size. This technology has huge implications for photography and solar power.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 13, 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.

Researchers find nanowires have unusually pronounced 'anelastic' properties

Researchers from North Carolina State University and Brown University discovered that nanoscale wires have a significant anelasticity - they return slowly to their original shape when bent. The discovery was made while studying the buckling behavior of nanowires, and it has important implications for electronics and wearable devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 13, 2015

Better memory with faster lasers

Caltech researchers used ultrafast electron crystallography to visualize changing atomic configurations of phase-change materials. They discovered a previously unknown intermediate atomic state that represents a physical limit to data recording speeds.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 13, 2015

Algae, quinoa, legumes top list of alternative protein choices

Research from the Institute of Food Technologists highlights algae, quinoa and pulses as promising alternatives to meat, rich in protein and low in environmental impact. These plant-based options are being increasingly adopted in food products, offering a sustainable solution for feeding the world's growing population.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·DateJul 13, 2015

The quantum physics of artificial light harvesting

A team of researchers developed an artificial model system to study quantum effects in light harvesting, revealing a delicate interplay between molecular vibrations and electrons. The resulting theoretical model explains experiments perfectly, shedding light on the physical mechanisms necessary for energy-efficient photovoltaic cells.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2015

Noninvasive prenatal testing may also detect some maternal cancers

A study published in JAMA reveals that noninvasive prenatal testing for fetal chromosome abnormalities can detect underlying conditions in the mother, including cancer. The test analyzes placental and maternal DNA to identify chromosomal abnormalities, but may also reveal undiagnosed cancers in mothers.

SourceTufts Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJul 13, 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.

Fossils indicate human activities have disturbed ecosystem resilience

A fossilized owl pellet study reveals that the small mammal community was stable and resilient around 13,000 years ago, but human-caused changes since the late 1800s have caused a massive drop in biomass and energy flow, indicating a loss of natural resilience

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

UB researcher explores first-responders' role in end-of-life calls

A new study provides a glimpse into the complex dynamics of end-of-life care and emergency response. Paramedics and EMTs often enter situations where a patient's end-of-life wishes contradict their professional code, requiring careful assessment and management to uphold those wishes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateJul 13, 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.

One in 4 UK show dogs competing at Crufts is overweight

Research published in Veterinary Record found that one in four UK show dogs competing at Crufts was overweight, despite breed standards emphasizing ideal condition. The study suggests that widespread online exposure of show dog images may be normalizing canine obesity.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJul 13, 2015

Online registry improves clinical research study participation

A groundbreaking online registry, Research for Her, has shown to enroll study participants more quickly than traditional paper-based registries. The Cedars-Sinai program has seen a 4.3 fold increase in registrations over a 14-month period, with an additional 50% boost in enrollment for the Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Program.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateJul 13, 2015

Immune cell journey has bloody consequences

Researchers identified neutrophils as the bloody culprit behind immune cell-induced bleeding. Blocking neutrophil passage could prevent complications in transplant and chemotherapy patients.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 13, 2015

Heading the ball, player-to-player contact and concussions in high school soccer

A study found that player-to-player contact was the most common cause of concussions in high school soccer, with heading the ball being the most common soccer-specific activity leading to concussions. The rate of concussions per 10,000 athlete exposures was higher for boys than girls, highlighting a need for improved safety measures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 13, 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.

Eating wild, foraged mushrooms can result in liver failure or death as misidentification is common

A case study in Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the risks of eating wild mushrooms, with a woman requiring a liver transplant after consuming misidentified Aminata bisporigera. The authors emphasize the importance of proper identification and caution against premature discharge from hospital or emergency department.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 13, 2015

Tropical Depression Chan-Hom makes landfall

Tropical Depression Chan-Hom made landfall just south of Pyongyang, North Korea, on July 12. The depression weakened to a remnant low pressure area and is expected to dissipate by July 14.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 13, 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.

Virginia Tech scientists develop point system to help people drink to good health

Researchers created a scoring system, called the Healthy Beverage Index, to evaluate beverage intake patterns and their impact on health conditions like obesity and diabetes. The index scores are correlated with better cholesterol levels, lowered risk of hypertension, and lower blood pressure in men.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 13, 2015

An elusive molecule -- finally revealed

Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered ethylenedione, a diradical molecule that was previously thought to be elusive. The discovery has significant implications for understanding radical molecular species, industrial processes, and potentially even atmospheric chemistry and climate modeling.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 13, 2015

VIB-KU Leuven-ULB researchers uncover genetic alterations in development of skin cancer

Scientists have identified key genetic mutations leading to skin cancer progression, similar to those found in human cancers. By analyzing genetic abnormalities in premalignant and fully malignant tumors, researchers found that larger chromosomal copy number alterations were responsible for tumor formation, rather than point mutations.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 13, 2015

Study offers new method of identifying sweet corn hybrids for increased yield and profit

Researchers have developed a new method to compare and identify processing sweet corn hybrids with improved crowding stress tolerance (CST), enabling growers to maximize yields and profits. The approach involves growing hybrids at higher plant populations than usual, allowing for more efficient comparison of CST among different hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 13, 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.

Teaching reflection to doctors to improve physician-patient interactions

A study at Tufts University trained medical residents to reflect on their interactions with patients, revealing three key themes: interdependence of physician-patient communication, subtleties of patient behavior, and images of growth and awareness. These reflections improved physicians' ability to respond empathetically to patients.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJul 13, 2015

Learning impacts how the brain processes what we see

Researchers found that learning enhances top-down control in the brain's visual cortex, allowing it to better predict and fill in missing information. This cognitive process has implications for understanding psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 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.

Native Guam plant on cover of international journal

The study, published in International Journal of Plant Sciences, reveals that Guam's trade winds play a vital role in fadang tree pollination. This discovery contradicts existing knowledge that all cycad species rely solely on insects for pollination.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

New Alzheimer's study reveals how spouse-caregivers sustain relationships

Researchers identified 10 communication patterns that support intimacy in couples affected by Alzheimer's disease, including 'news of the day,' 'sharing memories,' and 'delighting in the unexpected.' These patterns help caregivers and spouses maintain a caring relationship despite progressive decline.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal for Human Caring·DateJul 13, 2015

Air travel and climate: A potential new feedback?

Researchers found a connection between climate and airline flight times, suggesting a feedback loop between carbon emissions and warming climate. The study suggests that climate variability determines flight times, with faster winds resulting in shorter flights and increased fuel consumption.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 13, 2015
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.