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Science News Archive 2015


Page 194 of 402

Men may feel more threatened by female bosses, research finds

Research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology finds that men may feel threatened by female supervisors, acting more assertively towards them. This could disrupt workplace dynamics, stifle team cohesiveness, and negatively affect team performance if not addressed.

Obesity drug has no effect on baby birthweights, study finds

A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology found that treating obese pregnant women with the diabetes drug metformin does not reduce their babies' birth weights. Despite this, the treatment did help lower blood sugar levels in mothers-to-be and markers linked to pre-eclampsia and premature births.

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.

Cutting cost and power consumption for big data

Researchers at MIT developed a new system that makes servers using flash memory as efficient as those using conventional RAM while preserving power and cost savings. The system uses preprocessed data on flash drives to improve distributed computation efficiency.

To avoid dangerous shark encounters, information trumps culling

Researchers found that the risk of white shark attack for individual ocean users in California has fallen strikingly by over 91 percent since 1950. Information on coastal population growth, seasonal and weekly beach going, surfing, scuba diving, and swimming empowers ocean users to avoid large predators.

UB to study dangers of diver dehydration for US Navy

Researchers at the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions will examine diver physiology during and after underwater activities. The study aims to develop Navy diving protocols to prolong endurance and make missions safer for divers.

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.

The rhythm cells must go by

Researchers investigated daily fluctuations in human buccal mucosa cells over a year, revealing significant daily rhythms in eleven fatty acids. The study suggests that the cellular changes may be linked to environmental conditions and could have implications for human health.

Neutrons find 'missing' magnetism of plutonium

Researchers have confirmed plutonium's magnetism using neutron scattering, resolving a scientific mystery that had gone unsolved for seven decades. The discovery provides insight into plutonium's unique electronic properties and suggests new avenues for materials science applications.

Cell structure discovery advances understanding of cancer development

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a new cell structure called the mesh, which helps hold together cells and is partly made of protein TACC3 found to change in certain cancers. The finding provides crucial insight into why cancer cells develop incorrectly during division.

Farming is driving force drying soil in Northern China

A 30-year study found Northern China's soil moisture decreased by 6% since 1983, with optimal levels now below 40%. The researchers attribute this decline to increased fertilizer use and crop types with high water demands, posing a risk to agriculture and the fresh water supply.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cell machinery wears complex coat

Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg have produced detailed images of the COPI coat surrounding vesicles that transport molecules within cells. The intricate protein structure is composed of repeating building blocks called triads, which organize functional elements in a precise 3D structure.

Graphene-based film can be used for efficient cooling of electronics

Researchers developed a graphene-based film that efficiently cools electronics by increasing thermal conductivity to four times that of copper. The film can be attached to silicon components, overcoming previous adhesion issues, and has been tested with an additive creating stronger silane bonds, resulting in improved heat transfer.

USC Stem Cell researchers poke around for blood genes

Researchers at USC's Stem Cell labs have discovered new genes affecting blood stem cell development and function. The study found that certain genetic regulators, such as Hopx, play a crucial role in the formation of red and white blood cells in adults.

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.

Improved sperm diagnostic test may pinpoint best fertility treatment for couples

Researchers developed a diagnostic test for sperm RNA based on next-generation sequencing, which may help determine the best infertility treatment for couples having difficulty conceiving. The test can identify those who benefit from assisted reproductive technologies and those who may be successful with minimal intervention.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to help small 'green' businesses

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been selected as one of five national laboratories to lead the Department of Energy's new Small Business Vouchers Pilot. The lab will provide technology assistance to small clean energy firms in three sectors: bioenergy, water power, and buildings.

The role of the microbiota in preventing allergies

The study demonstrates how the microbiota acts on the balance of the immune system, specifically blocking type 2 immune responses that lead to allergic reactions. By stimulating type 3 cells, which coordinate phagocytosis and killing of microbes, the researchers provide an innovative therapeutic approach for allergy treatment.

Study identifies factors affecting prescription pain reliever misuse

A nationwide study found that individuals of any age who used illicit drugs had a higher likelihood of misusing prescription pain relievers. Adults aged 50 and above were more likely to acquire pain relievers through multiple doctors, while younger individuals relied on friends, relatives, or drug dealers.

Blood stem cells in a rush -- velocity determines quality

Accelerating the G1 phase transit of human blood stem cells significantly improves their function and promotes prolonged continuous production of mature blood cells. This study reveals a crucial regulator of hematopoietic stem cell function, which may contribute to functional defects in aged mice or elderly humans.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Scientists simulate the space environment during NASA's New Horizons flyby

Researchers created a simulation of Pluto's space environment to estimate solar wind densities and understand how they affect the dwarf planet's atmosphere. The models, which take into account coronal mass ejections and other factors, suggest that Pluto may experience low solar wind densities for about a month before being compressed.

NASA looks at Typhoon Chan-Hom's strongest winds on approach to China

Typhoon Chan-Hom was monitored by NASA using RapidScat, which detected the storm's strongest winds stretching from northwest to southeast at over 30 meters per second. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 100 knots and is expected to weaken as it approaches the Chinese mainland.

NASA sees Typhoon Nangka leaving the Marianas

Typhoon Nangka weakened to typhoon status after reaching maximum sustained winds of 126.6 mph, with its strongest winds observed on the western side at over 67 mph. The storm is expected to move west-northwest while steadily weakening before re-strengthening.

New research allows doctors to image dangerous 'hardening' of the arteries

New imaging technique using radioactive sodium fluoride allows doctors to visualize unstable calcium deposits in arteries, enabling early diagnosis and development of new medicines. The technique non-invasively detects calcification in atherosclerosis, potentially revolutionizing treatment for patients at risk.

Risk of COPD may already occur in adolescence

A groundbreaking study reveals that COPD can develop without accelerated lung function decline. The research indicates two major trajectories of lung function leading to COPD: a fast decline trajectory and an alternative trajectory where suboptimal lung function development in childhood and adolescence is the primary determinant.

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.

Diet and exercise does not prevent gestational diabetes in obese women

A large-scale trial found that an intensive diet and exercise regime does not prevent gestational diabetes in obese pregnant women. However, the intervention led to reductions in pregnancy weight gain, lower glycaemic load, and higher activity levels, which were associated with healthier outcomes for mothers and children.

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.

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.

NOAA, partners predict severe harmful algal bloom for Lake Erie

The 2015 western Lake Erie harmful algal bloom season is expected to be the most severe in recent years, with blooms peaking in September. The severity index measures 8.7, indicating a higher risk of blooms in high concentration areas and potential water quality issues.

'Conjunction junction' for brain's navigation function

The study identifies the retrosplenial cortex as a critical brain region for navigating complex environments, combining mapping interior and exterior spaces. The findings support computational modeling research and clinical observations of Alzheimer's disease, with potential applications in robotics and early disease detection.

A tunable, highly sensitive graphene-based molecule sensor

Scientists at EPFL and ICFO have developed a reconfigurable, highly sensitive graphene-based molecule sensor that can detect nanometric compounds. The device exploits the unique electronic and optical properties of graphene to focus light on precise spots, enabling detection of tiny molecules.

Scientists don't turn a blind eye to bias

A team of biologists reviewed nearly 900,000 experiments and found non-blind trials averaged a 27% stronger result than blind trials. The study suggests less than one in four experiments used blind data recording.

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.

Jumping robots blend the best of both worlds

Researchers designed a more efficient jumping robot using 3D printing techniques and combining hard and soft materials. The robot's unique design, inspired by nature, allows for improved durability and control.

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 reveals alarming effects of climate change on bumble bees

Researchers have found that climate change is causing widespread declines of pollinators across continents, affecting critical roles played by bumble bees as wild pollinators. The study reveals that bumble bee species are being compressed into their northernmost ranges, leading to alarming effects on ecosystems.

Smart stuff: IQ of Northwest power grid raised, energy saved

A five-year regional smart grid pilot project in the Pacific Northwest improved energy efficiency and reduced power costs by up to $235,000 annually. The project also demonstrated the effectiveness of transactive control technology in improving reliability and reducing peak demand.

Super graphene helps boost chemotherapy treatment

Researchers found that a silver coating on catheters breaks down chemotherapy drugs, reducing treatment effectiveness. In contrast, graphene was shown not to react with the drugs, making it a promising alternative for medical equipment coatings.

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.

Researchers identify cause of heart damage in sepsis patients

Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered that nuclear proteins called histones induce damage to heart muscle cells in sepsis. Histone levels in blood can predict which patients are at risk of developing deadly heart complications. The study also identified a novel targeted treatment using specific antibodies.

Graphene gets competition

Researchers have developed black arsenic phosphorus as an alternative to graphene for electronic devices. The new material exhibits an extremely small band gap and can be precisely controlled by adjusting the arsenic concentration, making it suitable for sensors and other applications.

Volcanic eruptions slow down climate change -- temporarily

A team of international researchers found that volcanic aerosols have acted as a natural umbrella to slow down global temperature increase from greenhouse gases. The cooling effect due to volcanic eruptions was clearly underestimated by climate models, and it is only temporary as the rise of Earth's temperature will speed up again.

Astronomers find a massive black hole that outgrew its galaxy

Astronomers have found a super-sized black hole in the early universe that grew faster than its host galaxy, challenging previous observations. The massive black hole, measuring 7 billion solar masses, is located in galaxy CID-947 and has a mass similar to that of a typical galaxy.

Researcher detects traces of HIV in the city

A sociologist has revealed significant traces of HIV in Montreal's urban landscape, including public spaces like Park of Hope and the Chapel of Hope. These urban vestiges reflect the history and presence of the gay community and the fight against AIDS.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Deceptive flowers

Scientists found that flowers with both scent and nectar attract more pollinators, increasing outcrossing rates. Nectar has a larger impact on female moths laying eggs than floral scent.

Study determines why organizations fight data breaches differently

A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas finds that organizations should invest in three key resources to protect their information: security technologies, qualified personnel, and security awareness. The researchers surveyed 241 organizations and identified coercive and normative pressures as drivers of investment in securit...

Uric acid may lessen women's disability after stroke

A new study found that 42% of women treated with uric acid therapy had little to no disability after 90 days compared to 29% of those treated with a placebo. Uric acid also helped reduce dead tissue resulting from lack of blood supply.

Researchers develop basic computing elements for bacteria

Researchers at MIT have created sensors, memory switches, and circuits that can be encoded in the common human gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. These basic computing elements will allow the bacteria to sense, memorize, and respond to signals in the gut.

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.