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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 219


Page 219 of 402

Research with thieving puppets demonstrates toddlers' caring sides

Research with thieving puppets shows that three- and five-year-old children will return stolen cookies to victims, prioritizing the victim's welfare over punishing the thief. This early sense of justice highlights toddlers' ability to act out of concern for others.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 18, 2015

Baboons decide where to go together

A team of researchers used GPS technology to track the movements of wild olive baboons, finding that certain individuals act as initiators and pull followers in a particular direction. The study suggests that shared, democratic decision-making is widespread even among species with highly stratified social hierarchies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2015

Tiger-spray DNA shown as valuable conservation tool

Researchers have demonstrated a new technique to non-invasively survey tigers using their scent sprays, which can be detected more frequently than traditional scat. This method shows promise for genetic monitoring of tiger populations and could increase the power of conservation surveys.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalConservation Genetics Resources·DateJun 18, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Water screening: International hunt for unknown molecules

A global strategy for preventative water sample analysis has been developed, utilizing a comprehensive database of 8,000 substances. This allows laboratories to identify previously unknown molecules faster through non-target screening technology, enabling quicker response to potential waterborne risks.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJun 18, 2015

Baboon study reveals surprises, breaks ground in tracking behavior

A new study from the University of California, Davis, uses GPS tracking to show that animals living in complex societies make decisions democratically. The study breaks ground in how animal behavior data is collected, revealing patterns similar to those found in more simple societal structures.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2015

Wastewater injection rate strongest trigger for induced quakes

A new study finds that wastewater injection rate is the strongest trigger for induced quakes, with high-rate wells nearly twice as likely to cause earthquakes. The research analyzed public data on operational wells across the US and discovered a strong correlation between injection rate and induced seismicity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2015

Jet contrails affect surface temperatures

Researchers found that jet contrails depress daytime-highs and nighttime-lows, mimicking the effect of ordinary clouds, with a 5-6 degree Fahrenheit reduction in daily temperature range in regions like the South and Midwest.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateJun 18, 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.

Faster, not stronger: How a protein regulates gene expression

Researchers at EPFL have discovered how a major effector protein regulates gene expression by speeding up its search for chromatin binding sites. By increasing its binding rate and forming dimers to maximize interaction with chromatin, HP1α enhances gene regulation efficiency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2015

Best practices highlighted to prevent infections during healthcare laundry process

A new review published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology highlights best practices to prevent infections during healthcare laundry, including adherence to Standard Precautions and proper storage of laundered textiles. The study found that current industrial laundry processes are sufficient to interrupt patient-to-patient tra...

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 18, 2015

Sequential immunizations could be the key to HIV vaccine

Researchers suggest that a sequence of tailored immunizations could guide the immune response to develop special antibodies that can neutralize HIV. The approach targets the virus's binding site, which remains unchanged despite mutations.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJun 18, 2015

Oklahoma earthquakes linked to oil and gas drilling

Scientists found that Oklahoma's rising number of earthquakes coincided with increased disposal of salty wastewater into the Arbuckle formation. The primary source of quake-triggering wastewater is brackish water generated from oil and gas extraction, not hydraulic fracturing flowback water.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 18, 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.

Molecular cause of heart condition identified by Stanford researchers

Researchers have identified the molecular basis for a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy and found a potential treatment that partially restores function to diseased cells. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to model the disease, revealing how a key signaling pathway develops in healthy vs. diseased cells.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 18, 2015

New security technology for the 'Internet of Things'

A new security technology has been developed by IT researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum to protect the 'Internet of Things' from cyber threats. The technology uses a combination of digital encryption and analogue communication technologies, making it fast, energy-efficient and secure.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJun 18, 2015

Tearing down the barriers to care transitions

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers could automate hospital discharge communication, adding critical data and cutting delivery time from weeks to hours. The research aims to reduce hospital readmissions by making the discharge summary more efficient.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateJun 17, 2015

Elaborate egg shells help prevent forgery

African songbirds use color and pattern traits to recognize forgery eggs from cuckoos, but the system is not foolproof. Researchers found that heavily parasitized birds create unique egg patterns by combining individual traits, which may have security implications.

SourceDuke University·DateJun 17, 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.

On the road to needle-free medicine

Alternative drug-delivery systems are being explored to overcome syringe injection drawbacks, including ointments, dissolvable tablets and micro-needle skin patches. Several promising results have been shown in animal testing, but widespread adoption will require changing the mindset of pharmaceutical companies and regulators.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 17, 2015

Conflicting histories harm negotiations, researchers say

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that conflicting histories can lead to mistrust and conflict in negotiations. The study used two experiments with 392 participants, finding that those with asymmetric histories were more likely to reach an impasse during negotiations.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateJun 17, 2015

A new way to image surfaces on the nanoscale

A new imaging technique has been developed to determine the arrangement of atoms on surfaces at atomic resolution. The method could improve our understanding of corrosion and catalysis processes, leading to more efficient green energy production.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 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.

Identified the epigenetic basis of CVID through the study of identic twins

Researchers identified epigenetic alterations in CVID patients by comparing monozygotic twins. They found higher DNA methylation levels and impaired DNA demethylation in immunodeficient B cells, leading to reduced antibody production and altered cell maturation. These findings provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of CVID.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2015

Mantis shrimp inspires new body armor and football helmet design

Researchers have discovered that the mantis shrimp's dactyl club can filter out certain frequencies of shear waves, making it an effective material for body armor and athletic gear. The study aims to develop synthetic materials with similar filtering properties for various industries, including aerospace and automotive.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateJun 17, 2015

New biomarkers might help personalize metastatic colorectal cancer treatment

Researchers identified two genes, ERCC1 and TS, that can predict positive response to chemotherapy and longer survival times in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Low levels of these genes are associated with improved survival rates when treated with oxaliplatin, while high levels may require irinotecan as the first treatment choice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 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.

Materials science researcher honored as Fellow by ASM International

Pranesh Aswath, a renowned materials scientist at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been recognized as a Fellow by ASM International for his groundbreaking research in ceramics. His work on functional ceramic films and biological applications has resulted in over 150 publications and numerous patents.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJun 17, 2015
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.

A new look at surface chemistry

A new analytical method using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) has resolved the unique atomic structure at the surface of a material for the first time. This breakthrough enables direct information on both surface and bulk atoms, improving understanding of critical reactions such as catalysis and corrosion.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2015

Vinculin protein boosts function in the aging heart

A team of researchers found that the contractile function of fruit flies' hearts is improved when overexpressing vinculin, a protein that accumulates at higher levels in aging rats and humans. This improvement leads to longer lifespans in genetically modified flies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 17, 2015

Alaska glaciers make large contributions to global sea level rise

A new study finds that Alaska's glaciers are losing mass exceptionally fast due to surface melting, overshadowing iceberg calving, and making climate-related melting the primary driver of global sea level change. This will have significant implications for future sea level projections and models.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 17, 2015
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.

Changes in HIV genetic code determine severity of disease

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles discovered two new locations in HIV's genetic code that affect the virus's ability to infect cells, influencing disease progression. The study found that slight genetic changes to the C2 region and bridging sheet of gp120 molecule can alter receptor usage.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 2015

This week from AGU: Gender parity in the geosciences, Tibetan Plateau formation

A new study finds that the lag time between rock uplift and river erosion in the Tibetan Plateau was just 2 million years or so, making them relatively synchronous events. The researchers used fission track dating to determine the timing of these events and shed light on the geological history of the region.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 17, 2015

Potent approach shows promise for chronic pain

A new treatment approach uses a non-narcotic inhibitor to reduce excessive BH4 production, leading to pain relief without addiction or tolerance. The research, led by Boston Children's Hospital, shows promise for treating conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateJun 17, 2015
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.

Mold unlocks new route to biofuels

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified the mechanism and structure of enzymes that produce hydrocarbons from yeast moulds. This discovery provides a new route to producing alpha-olefins, a key intermediate in various industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2015

Percentages of patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy increases

The percentage of patients with early-stage breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving therapy increased from 54.3% in 1998 to 60.1% in 2011, despite socioeconomic barriers persisting. The use of BCT was higher among patients with private insurance and those living closer to treatment facilities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJun 17, 2015

Plants make big decisions with microscopic cellular competition

Researchers discovered a mechanism that allows plant cells to balance opposing signals from Stomagen and EPF2, competing for access to the same surface proteins. This finding sheds light on how plants coordinate cellular structures and make decisions on stomata placement.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2015
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.

The Lancet: Patients with complications after major surgery more likely to survive if readmitted to the same hospital

A national study involving over 9 million Medicare patients found that patients rehospitalized with complications after major surgery are 26% more likely to survive if they return to the hospital where they had their operation. The researchers suggest maintaining continuity of care when readmissions occur is a key predictor of survival.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 17, 2015

Rare disorder found to have a common form

Researchers discovered that mutations in the AIRE gene can cause a milder form of Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1, affecting fewer organs and appearing later in life. This finding suggests that dominant AIRE-mutation autoimmune disease may be responsible for various autoimmune syndromes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalImmunity·DateJun 17, 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.

NIH-funded researchers identify new genetic immune disorder

Researchers have identified a new genetic immune disorder, DOCK2 deficiency, which causes debilitating infections and combined immunodeficiency in children. Early screening for the disease can prevent life-threatening infections, and understanding its role may inform the study of more common immune system disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 17, 2015

Fructose powers a vicious circle

Researchers discover fructose's role in heart failure, finding it efficiently converts to fat and stimulates glycolysis. Fructose also activates HIF, leading to increased KHK-C production and a vicious cycle of growth and damage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 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.

Is phthalate alternative really safe?

A study by Montreal researchers found that the plasticizer DINCH's metabolite MINCH can act as a metabolic disrupter, affecting adipose tissue differentiation. The study suggests that DINCH exposure may pose a risk to human health and warrants further research.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJun 17, 2015

How much do consumers know about new sunscreen labels?

A study surveyed patients about their knowledge of new sunscreen labels and found that most understood protection against sunburns but struggled with broad-spectrum protection. Fewer than half correctly identified terminology indicating skin cancer protection, leading to calls for improved labeling clarity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJun 17, 2015

Cellulose from wood can be printed in 3-D

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully printed and dried three-dimensional objects made entirely from cellulose for the first time, competing with fossil-based plastics and metals. The breakthrough uses a 3D bioprinter to create electrically conductive materials with carbon nanotubes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateJun 17, 2015

Protein plays unexpected role in embryonic stem cells

Researchers find nucleoporins, proteins that guard the nucleus, also regulate gene expression and control stem cell differentiation into neurons. The discovery sheds new light on genetic diseases caused by mutations in these proteins.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 17, 2015

Value of nonprofit hospital tax exemption nearly doubled over 9 years, reaching $24.6 billion in 2011

The study found that nonprofit hospitals spent only a small fraction of their 'charity care and community benefit' on efforts aimed at improving the health of the communities they serve. In 2011, hospitals allocated less than 1% of total spending towards community health improvement.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 17, 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.

JAMA Viewpoint: Middle East respiratory syndrome: A global health challenge

Global health experts Lawrence O. Gostin and Daniel Lucey outline strategies for managing the MERS-CoV outbreak, focusing on transparency, trust, and infection control in healthcare settings. Key findings include training health workers and conducting diagnostic testing of travelers to limit quarantines.

SourceO'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law·JournalJAMA·DateJun 17, 2015

UC research explores national trends in commuting patterns

The study found that out of 25 cities, five had the worst commutes in 2011, while cities like Omaha and Las Vegas had the shortest. The UC study also analyzed how commuting travel changed between 1990 and 2002 and from 2002 to 2011, providing new insights into the impact of planners' efforts on traffic congestion.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 17, 2015

Adenosine in Ambrosia pollen increases allergic response

A recent study by Technical University of Munich found that ragweed pollen triggers a strong allergic response due to the presence of adenosine. The protein Amb a 1 alone did not induce such a reaction, but combining it with adenosine led to increased inflammation in lung tissue.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAllergy·DateJun 17, 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.