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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 221


Page 221 of 402

Dietary trans fat linked to worse memory

A study published in PLOS ONE found that men under 45 who consume more trans fats have poorer memory function, with an average drop of 86 words recalled compared to those consuming no trans fats. The researchers linked this association to the adverse effects of trans fats on brain function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 2015

Tests to gauge genetic risks for prostate cancer now are feasible

A new blood test has been developed to identify men with a genetically inherited risk of developing prostate cancer. The test analyzes DNA variants associated with increased risk and has shown promise in identifying high-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJun 17, 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.

What's on the surface of a black hole?

Physicist Samir Mathur proposes that the surface of a black hole is not a fiery firewall but rather a benign copy machine creating an imperfect hologram. This idea counters the prevailing firewall theory and has significant implications for our understanding of the universe as a hologram.

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 16, 2015

Renewable energy from evaporating water

Researchers create two novel devices that harness the power of evaporation to generate electricity and propel self-sustaining devices. The floating piston-driven engine generates enough electricity to cause a light to flash, while the rotary engine drives a miniature car.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 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.

Businesses don't always get what they want, but try to get what they need

A study of federal policy decisions between 1998 and 2002 found that businesses have a roughly equal chance of success as citizen groups when opposing them. However, businesses may excel in certain types of legislative battles, such as technical projects, where they draw little opposition. The researchers also found that businesses hav...

SourcePenn State·JournalInterest Groups & Advocacy·DateJun 16, 2015

Study reveals surprising truths about caregivers

The study found that almost one-third of the U.S. population are informal caregivers, with women providing more unpaid care hours than men. Elderly people were frequently cared for by spouses, not adult children. The researchers also estimated the value of unpaid care nationwide at $691 billion in 2012.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateJun 16, 2015

Key to quick battery charging time

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered the structure and transport properties of the intermediate state in lithium-ion batteries. This finding may help accelerate battery reaction speed and significantly shorten battery charging time.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 16, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Panel urges innovative research to improve diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS

The NIH panel recommends increased research funding and education for healthcare providers to address the diagnostic challenges and limited knowledge surrounding ME/CFS. Recent insights into possible causes, such as brain changes and immune imbalance, offer hope for eventual understanding and effective treatments.

SourceNIH/Office of Disease Prevention·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 2015

New research shows Earth's core contains 90 percent of Earth's sulfur

Scientists have long suspected sulphur in the Earth's core but now have conclusive geochemical evidence confirming its presence and estimating its vast quantity. The discovery lends weight to the theory that the Moon was formed by a planet-sized body colliding with the Earth.

SourceEuropean Association of Geochemistry·JournalGeochemical Perspectives Letters·DateJun 16, 2015

NREL partnerships to help the grid accommodate more renewable energy

NREL is awarding up to $6.5 million in federal funds to technical teams across the US to test advanced control systems, smart consumer devices, energy storage, and emerging communications technologies for grid reliability and efficiency. The projects aim to accelerate modernization of the electric grid and enable a clean energy future.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateJun 16, 2015

New UC study uncovers same-sex couples' opinions about marriage and cohabitation

A University of Cincinnati survey found that 90% of same-sex couples believe marrying is important to their relationship, with themes including legal benefits, relationship legitimacy, and equal commitment. In contrast to previous research, same-sex couples view cohabitation as a significant symbol of commitment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·DateJun 16, 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.

NASA sees Hurricane Carlos causing coastal complications

Hurricane Carlos has caused coastal complications for western Mexico residents as it weakened and re-strengthened to hurricane force. The storm's compact structure and strong thunderstorms tightly circling the center have extended hurricane-force winds up to 10 miles from the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 16, 2015

Public divided on heart benefits from alcohol consumption

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that people are divided on the cardiovascular benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. Those who believe alcohol is 'heart healthy' drink more and have higher education, income, and age compared to those with unfavorable views.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJun 16, 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.

Drug trials in pet dogs with cancer may speed advances in human oncology

Researchers are using pet dogs with naturally occurring tumors to test new cancer drugs, which could lead to innovative therapies for both humans and animals. The dogs' physiological similarities to humans and conserved genetics between some dog and human cancers make them an ideal model for studying new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJun 16, 2015

Has breast milk become an Internet commodity, and not just for infants?

The practice of breast milk sharing has evolved into an Internet-based marketplace where mothers sell their milk to feed babies and as a supplement to bodybuilders. Breast milk purchase on the Internet poses risks, including dilution with cow's milk or bacterial contamination due to improper storage.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateJun 16, 2015

Young adults find health insurance enrollment on HealthCare.gov challenging

A study found that young adults struggle with navigating health insurance plans, citing unfamiliarity with terms like deductible and co-insurance. The researchers suggest the need for tools to assist with the enrollment process, including decision aids and cost estimators.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 16, 2015

Do insect societies share brain power?

A new study suggests that as social behavior evolved in insects, the need for complex cognition in individuals decreased. Solitary wasp species have larger brains than their social counterparts, indicating a shift from individual to distributed cognition.

SourceDrexel University·DateJun 16, 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.

Vagrant bachelors could save rare bird

A study by Zoological Society of London reveals that bachelor males in small, threatened populations can maintain genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding. These 'floaters' have a significant impact on population size and sex ratio, helping to increase breeding birds and influence the survival of the species.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateJun 16, 2015

Scientists use molecular 'lock and key' for potential control of GMOs

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed an easy way to contain bacteria using genetic mutations that require a specific molecule for viability. The method has promise as a practical method of biocontainment and could be applied to organisms engineered to treat diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJun 16, 2015

Journal article details 'multiplicity of barriers' to clinical acceptance of medical laser innovations

Medical laser technologies hold promise for various applications, including iron deficiency screening, breast cancer treatment, glioblastoma multiforme surgery, nasal airway obstruction relief, and varicose vein treatment. However, their translation into clinical practice is hindered by multiple barriers that need to be overcome.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJun 16, 2015

The presence of roseola virus in chromosomes triples the risk of angina

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people with roseola virus DNA in their chromosomes are three times more likely to suffer from angina. The virus's genetic material can be transmitted like human genes, and its presence may lead to premature aging and inflammation.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 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.

Prescription drug benefit doesn't save money for Medicare

Researchers from Northeastern University conclude that Medicare Part D did not save the program any money overall. Despite increased access to prescription drugs, there was no significant decrease in emergency room visits, hospital stays, or healthcare spending. The study's findings challenge the Congressional Budget Office's methodolo...

SourceNortheastern University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 2015

Parents' comparisons make siblings different

A new study from Brigham Young University found that parents' beliefs about their children can influence sibling differences, particularly in academic achievement. The study discovered a significant difference in GPA among participants whose parents believed one child was smarter than the other.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJun 16, 2015

Tracking the viral parasites cruising our waterways

A new study has created a map of fecal viruses traveling global waterways using modeling methods. The map helps assess water quality worldwide and design treatment and vaccination programs to prevent sewage-associated diseases.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPathogens·DateJun 16, 2015

Sediment makes it harder for baby Nemo to breathe easy

Researchers found suspended sediment harms fish gills, reducing oxygen intake and triggering diseases. This study highlights the need for coastal developments to consider sediment's impact on reef ecosystems.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 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.

Gene discovery could lead to muscular dystrophy treatment

Australian researchers discovered that a single genetic change in Smchd1 affects its function in the cell, leading to debilitating muscle wasting in FSHD. This fundamental understanding could help develop future treatments for the currently untreatable disease.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2015

Scientists find methane in Mars meteorites

Researchers discovered methane in six Martian meteorites, similar to the Martian atmosphere's composition. This finding suggests that methane could be used as a food source by rudimentary forms of life on Mars.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2015

Rate of ectopic pregnancy following IVF has almost halved in past 12 years

The rate of ectopic pregnancy following IVF has decreased significantly over the past 12 years, from 20 cases per thousand cycles in 2000 to 12 cases per thousand in 2012. This decrease is largely attributed to advancements in ART techniques and a reduction in tubal factor infertility.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 16, 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.

Hormone fluctuations disrupt sleep of perimenopausal women

Women in perimenopause experience more sleep disturbances before menstruation due to higher progesterone levels, which disrupt deep sleep and lead to more awakenings. This study provides insight into the mechanisms behind sleep disturbances during menopause transition.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 16, 2015

Vitreomacular adhesion patients report improved vision with non-surgical treatment

Patients suffering from symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion experience improved vision after receiving ocriplasmin injections, without undergoing surgical treatment. The non-surgical approach avoids risks and costs associated with surgery, making it an attractive option for preventing blindness.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJun 16, 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.

Hematite 're-growth' smoothes rough edges for clean energy harvest

A team of researchers from Boston College and China's University of Science and Technology has developed a new method to harness the power of solar water splitting using hematite and silicon as absorbers. The 're-growth' technique improved the material's surface, doubling electrical yield and achieving a record low turn-on voltage.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2015

Diamonds are for temperature

Scientists have created tiny diamond-based probes that can measure temperature with high accuracy, from near-cryogenic cold to slightly above the melting point of aluminum. The probes use luminescent signals from green glowing diamond defects and can detect fast thermal variations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 16, 2015

When a sudden boost in status at work isn't all good

Researchers found that American employees who experienced a sudden boost in status due to a language mandate felt mixed emotions, including happiness and fear. They knew their status was not tied to their performance or achievement, leading to feelings of instability and lack of control. This study highlights the complex nature of stat...

SourceOhio State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJun 16, 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.

Toxic algal blooms behind Klamath River dams create health risks far downstream

A new study found that toxic algal blooms in reservoirs on the Klamath River can travel over 180 miles downriver and create unsafe water conditions. The blooms can accumulate to concentrations that pose health risks to people, pets, and wildlife, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and public health outreach.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHarmful Algae·DateJun 16, 2015

For those over 50, finding a job can get old

A study by Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Minnesota found that older adults receive fewer job offers, search for weeks longer, and are less likely to find re-employment after losing a job. The researchers identified factors such as age-related differences in knowledge, skills, and abilities, social networks, marketpl...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJun 16, 2015

Einstein saves the quantum cat

Researchers have discovered that time dilation caused by gravity can explain the suppression of quantum behavior in larger objects, such as molecules and dust particles. This effect destroys quantum superposition and forces these objects to behave classically.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 16, 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.

Communicating with hypersonic vehicles in flight

A new approach has been proposed to communicate with spacecraft as they re-enter the atmosphere, utilizing a matched layer in the antenna to replicate special conditions that enhance signal transmission. This method could also be applied to other hypersonic vehicles, such as military planes and ballistic missiles.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 16, 2015

First incidence of koi sleepy disease in Austria

Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna have discovered a new case of koi sleepy disease in Austria, which is believed to originate from Asia. The virus causes symptoms such as sunken eyes and swollen gills in infected fish.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateJun 16, 2015

Next-generation sampling: Pairing genomics with large-scale herbarium sampling

A study highlights the importance of coupling natural history collections with next-generation sequencing to obtain large molecular data sets for species-rich groups. Large genomic data sets are becoming increasingly obtainable, but the bottleneck shifts to the number of species and individuals that can be included in the study.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJun 16, 2015

IVF in women over 38: The doctor's dilemma

A study by Dr. Marta Devesa found that IVF cumulative live birth rates decline significantly with age, especially in women using their own eggs, with a 3% chance of success at 44 and over. In contrast, egg donation shows higher success rates, making it a viable alternative for older patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 16, 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.

Extreme exercise linked to blood poisoning

Researchers at Monash University found that extreme endurance events can lead to sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Fitter individuals with a steady training program can adapt and counteract this effect without side effects.

SourceMonash University·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJun 16, 2015

Eye's motion detection sensors identified

A team of researchers has identified a specific neural circuit in the eye's retina that enables motion detection. This discovery could lead to the development of artificial retinas for people with vision loss. The study focused on mice, but similar cells are also found in other species, including humans.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJun 16, 2015

Structural data reveals new mechanism behind protein transport

Researchers at Umea University discovered how the signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes signal-sequences on newly-produced proteins, enabling transport to the cell membrane. The SRP undergoes structural changes upon binding, allowing it to adapt to diverse signal-sequences.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2015