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Science News Archive 2015


Page 230 of 402

Birth weight affected by warm temperatures during pregnancy

A study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Harvard found that exposure to high air temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of lower birth weight and can cause preterm birth. High temperatures of 8.5 °C in the last trimester were associated with a 17g decrease in birth weight.

Insomnia leads to decreased empathy in health care workers

A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that insomnia decreases empathy in health care workers. The study, which included 97 subjects from various healthcare professions, used the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to measure empathy across four subscales.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improving energy storage with a cue from nature

A branching tree-like structure can increase the melting rate of materials for better energy storage. The study's findings could help improve phase change systems, essential for renewable energy sources like wind and sun.

Stem cell discovery paves way for targeted treatment for osteoarthritis

Researchers at the University of York have identified individual stem cells that can regenerate tissue, cartilage and bone, opening the way for improved treatment options for osteoarthritis. The discovery has the potential to develop targeted therapies for arthritis patients, making cell-based treatments less of a lottery.

Can not having enough to eat lead to poor diabetes management?

A recent study by the American Diabetes Association found that Latinos experiencing food insecurity have poorer glycemic control and eat fewer vegetables. The study suggests that food insecurity should be considered in overall diabetes management, highlighting the need for individualized care.

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.

Aneurysms may recur years after endovascular treatment

Researchers found that patients with larger aneurysms or incomplete occlusion face a long-term risk of aneurysm recurrences after endovascular treatment. The study suggests that longer follow-up protocols may be necessary for some intracranial aneurysm patients who undergo EVT.

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.

Social media helps young adults quit smoking

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that social media-based campaigns can be more effective in helping young adults quit smoking than traditional methods. The Break It Off campaign, launched by the Canadian Cancer Society, uses interactive websites and smartphone apps to engage users and encourage smoking cessation.

New tool could track space weather 24 hours before reaching Earth

A new model can measure the magnetic field configuration of a solar eruption significantly further ahead in time, potentially giving forecasters 24-hour advance warning to protect their systems. The model uses NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory data and has been tested on eight different CMEs with promising results.

Pigeon 'chain of command' aids navigation

Researchers found that hierarchical social structures, where individuals follow a single leader with rapid information passing down the 'chain of command', enable pigeon flocks to navigate accurately. This allows for better decision-making even when individual birds make navigation errors.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Brain lesions in children challenging to diagnose

A multidisciplinary team of Loyola University Medical Center physicians report a case of a 12-year-old boy with refractory seizures due to an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the brain. The case highlights the challenge in distinguishing different lesions based on imaging, emphasizing the importance of carefully analyzing available ...

Single dose of HPV vaccine may prevent cervical cancer

A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that a single dose of the HPV vaccine Cervarix can provide similar protection to three doses, offering hope for improving vaccination rates. This finding is particularly relevant for states like Kentucky with low completion rates.

Geological game changer

A comprehensive biological study refutes a long-standing geological fact, showing plants and animals migrated between North and South America nearly 30 million years ago. This new information changes our understanding of biodiversity and climate, both at regional and global levels.

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.

Study: Crop-rotation resistant rootworms have a lot going on in their guts

Researchers found that western corn rootworm beetles develop resistance to crop rotation through gene expression changes in their guts, involving immune regulation and antimicrobial functions. The study sheds light on the complex interplay of forces behind rotation resistance and could help develop more sustainable agricultural practices.

Images reveal structure of heart cells that may hold heart attack clues

Researchers have discovered the 'bicycle spoke' structure of healthy heart cells, which carries an electrical signal through the cell. After a heart attack, this structure is lost and leads to damaged heart muscle and potential heart failure. The study aims to find out why this process happens and develop strategies to intervene.

Mean light timing may influence body mass index and body fat

A new study found that individuals with earlier exposure to moderate light had lower body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat. The study, published in the journal Sleep, suggests changes in environmental light exposure may impact body weight regulation.

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.

Study redefines role of estrogen in cervical cancer

A recent study has found that estrogen receptors are almost entirely absent in cervical cancer tumors, but still present in the tumor microenvironment. This finding highlights a critical communication between the microenvironment and tumor cells, allowing the tumor to thrive despite its inability to respond to estrogen.

No waiting game: Immediate birth control implant more cost-effective

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that immediate birth control implant insertion after childbirth is more cost-effective than delaying it to a 6-8 week postpartum visit. The study estimates that immediate contraception can avert 191 unintended pregnancies and save over $1 million in the first year.

Overall rate of traumatic spinal cord injury remains stable in US

The incidence rate of acute traumatic spinal cord injury remained relatively stable between 1993 and 2012, with a slight increase among older adults. The majority of cases were associated with falls, leading to a significant rise in spinal cord injuries among those 65 years or older.

Predicting tree mortality

A study analyzing drought, heat, and insects found that a combination of these factors contributes to over 12 million dead trees in California. Researchers expect this number to rise with climate change.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

MCAT predicts differently for students who test with extra time

Applicants with disabilities who took MCAT with extra time had no significant difference in medical school admission rates but lower USMLE Step exam pass rates and graduation rates. The redesigned MCAT increases testing time, which may impact predictive scores.

How a gut feeling for infection programs our immune response

Scientists have identified a key role for gut tissue in programming immune cells, known as monocytes, to either repair or protect the body. The discovery has implications for treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases and certain cancers.

Low glycemic index diet reduces symptoms of autism in mice

Researchers at Salk Institute found that a low glycemic index diet reduced symptoms of autism in mice, including impaired social interactions and repetitive behaviors. The diet may influence gut bacteria and inflammation, which are linked to the development of autism.

'Myths' persist about the increase in human-caused seismic activity

Induced earthquakes, caused by injecting fluids into the earth, are increasingly felt in the US. Research reveals that most of these earthquakes stem from oil and gas wastewater disposal, not hydraulic fracturing. Experts recommend proactive approaches to mitigate seismic risks.

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.

Epic fails in 2015 elections: Does polling jeopardize fairness?

Researchers found that pre-election polls can influence voter behavior, leading to biased electoral results. A study on French elections showed that exit polls influenced voters in territories, resulting in higher turnout and a 'bandwagon effect'. This insight suggests that polling errors can sway election outcomes, even in the UK.

The food-waste paradox

A study from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that buying too much food, preparing in abundance, and improper storage lead to significant household food waste. Implementing efficient meal planning strategies and proper food storage techniques can significantly reduce waste and save money.

Pitt engineer receives $200,000 grant to explore use of bamboo

A University of Pittsburgh-led consortium has received a $200,000 grant to explore the use of bamboo as a safe and sustainable construction resource in urban areas. The research aims to reduce the environmental impact of housing while addressing global grand challenges of urbanization and resilience.

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: Juvenile incarceration yields less schooling, more crime

A new study by MIT scholars finds that juvenile incarceration significantly lowers high-school graduation rates by 13 percentage points and increases adult incarceration by 23 percentage points. The research project analyzed tens of thousands of teenagers in Illinois, using a natural experiment to isolate the effects of sentencing on k...

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.

Body's response to spicy foods guides design of new pain relief drugs

UC Davis researchers identified molecular interactions between capsaicin and the TRPV1 receptor, paving the way for more selective and effective pain relief drugs. The study found that sweet peppers contain a compound called capsiate, which is almost identical to capsaicin but differs at one key interaction site.

GLP-1 alters how the brain responds to food

Researchers found that GLP-1 receptor activation decreases anticipatory food reward, reducing cravings, and increases feeling of food reward during consumption, reducing overeating. The study suggests a potential therapeutic target for substance abuse disorders, offering new insights into the mechanisms of obesity.

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.

Nearby 'dwarf' galaxy is home to luminous star cluster

A team of astronomers has discovered a massive star cluster in the NGC 5253 dwarf galaxy, containing over 7,000 massive O-type stars. The cluster, dubbed Cloud D, is incredibly efficient at forming stars and creating dust, with a gas cloud rate that is ten times greater than in our own Milky Way.

Molecular docking site of a bacterial toxin identified

A team of researchers from the University of Freiburg has discovered how the toxins of Clostridium difficile bacteria enter the interiors of cells. The surface protein LSR receptor is responsible for binding to the CDT toxin, allowing it to penetrate the cell membrane and exert its lethal effect.

WSU Spokane researchers isolate smallest unit of sleep to date

Scientists have isolated the smallest unit of sleep, discovering that it originates from small neural networks. The research, published in European Journal of Neuroscience, allows for the independent isolation of sleep for research without physiological factors.

Parasite re-infection reduced by handwashing or nail clipping in Ethiopian children

A cluster randomized controlled trial in Ethiopian children found that promoting handwashing with soap significantly reduces intestinal parasite re-infection rates, with a 14% re-infection rate compared to 29% in non-handwashing groups. Additionally, weekly nail clipping interventions also showed efficacy, particularly when combined wi...

Discovery of new rock property earns prize

Scientists at the National Oceanography Centre have discovered a new fundamental rock property that allows electricity to flow more easily through sedimentary rocks in the vertical direction. This finding will improve the interpretation of geological fluid flow from geophysical surveys.

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.

MIPT physicists develop ultrasensitive nanomechanical biosensor

The new sensor can track changes in mass of a few kilodaltons in real time, enabling early diagnosis of diseases like cancer. It detects biological objects, such as viral disease markers, through cantilever oscillations, making it a highly sensitive and scalable technology.

Are the data underlying the US dietary guidelines flawed?

Researchers question the validity of US dietary guidelines citing memory-based dietary assessment methods and their inability to accurately capture food consumption. Experts counter that multiple data sources can mitigate these issues, providing a more accurate representation of dietary habits.

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.

UM College of Arts & Sciences assistant professor wins 2015 Erdos-Renyi Prize

Chaoming Song, assistant professor of physics at the University of Miami, was awarded the 2015 Erdos-Renyi Prize for his influential work on network science. His research has a significant impact on various areas of Network Science, including statistical physics, biological science, and computational social science.

A step towards a type 1 diabetes vaccine by using nanotherapy

Researchers have developed a novel approach using liposomes to prevent the onset of Type 1 Diabetes in mice, offering a promising candidate for human vaccination. The technique avoids damaging insulin-producing pancreatic cells and induces immunological tolerance, providing a potential solution for this incurable disease.