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Science News Archive 2015


Page 258 of 402

Recommended levels of activity rarely achieved in busy workplace environment

A study published at the EuroPRevent congress found that employees in busy workplaces often do not meet recommended levels of physical activity, with only 6% achieving 10,000 steps per day. The research highlights the need for workplace health promotion policies to be more effectively applied to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Study estimates prevalence of glaucoma among Singapore Chinese

A study of 3,353 Chinese adults in Singapore found the prevalence of glaucoma to be 3.2%, with primary open-angle glaucoma affecting 1.7% and primary angle-closure glaucoma affecting 1.5%. The study also highlighted the need for increased public awareness of this potentially blinding condition.

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.

Typhoon Dolphin closing in on Guam

Typhoon Dolphin is a highly developed and organized storm with strong winds of up to 95 knots (109-132 mph) and wave heights of 32 feet. The typhoon is forecasted to bring damaging winds, torrential rains, and high surf to Guam and surrounding islands.

Germination can make buckwheat more nutritious

A new study reveals germinated buckwheat has better nutritional value than ungerminated buckwheat due to activated dormant enzymes. This process increases the presence of nutrients and reduces compounds interfering with nutrient absorption.

Minimal residual disease alone not predictive in T-cell leukemia

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that minimal residual disease alone is not predictive of risk or outcome in children with T-cell leukemia. Despite having few remaining leukemia cells, patients achieved complete remission and had excellent outcomes without intensifying therapy.

Hazing remains a concern in college marching bands, new study shows

A recent study found that nearly a third of college marching band members surveyed observed hazing in their programs, including public verbal humiliation and degradation, yet few reported the activities due to fears of retribution or social standing. The researchers suggest that education and reporting efforts by band directors may be ...

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.

'This never would have happened with a red dress'

The researchers found that all test subjects perceived similar color shades with varying lightness but not actual colors. The perception of daylight locus is influenced by the position of the sun, causing variations in lighting conditions.

Who should pay the price?

Researchers devise a replicator dynamics model to analyze the effects of incentives and meta-incentives on resolving social dilemmas. The study finds that allowing a reward-to-reward linkage can resolve the dilemma without any social costs, making it an efficient solution for real-world applications.

Revealing the ocean's hidden fertilizer

A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Columbia University reveals a more complex marine phosphorus cycle than previously thought, with microbes playing a key role in using and breaking down forms of the essential element. In the process, about five percent of phosphate is converted to phosphonates in shallow water samples.

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.

New research suggests afterlife belief preserves hope when thinking about death

New research from psychologists at the University of Kent found that afterlife beliefs help preserve hope among people with low self-esteem, even when faced with mortality salience. In two studies, participants who believed in immortality showed increased hope levels after reading statements about life after death or gene promises.

Geneticists clock genetic differences between 'larks' and 'owls'

A new study by geneticists from the University of Leicester has identified nearly 80 genes associated with 'morningness' and 'eveningness' in fruit flies. This discovery could lead to better diagnostics and personalized medicine, where individuals receive tailored therapies based on their unique genetic profiles.

New age of genome editing could lead to cure for sickle cell anemia

Researchers introduce single-letter DNA change into human red blood cells, increasing oxygen-carrying haemoglobin production and alleviating symptoms of sickle cell anaemia. The approach is effective, safe, and non-inherited, offering a promising alternative to conventional gene therapy.

Genome-wide DNA study shows lasting impact of malnutrition in early pregnancy

A genome-wide study found that malnutrition in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy is associated with changes in DNA methylation, which can suppress genes involved in growth, development, and metabolism. These findings have significant implications for understanding the long-term effects of prenatal nutrition on health outcomes.

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.

Bullying: What we know based on 40 years of research

A comprehensive review of over 40 years of research on bullying reveals its complex nature and negative impact on victims. The study suggests that bullying is a distinct form of interpersonal aggression, with long-term effects that can endure into adulthood.

Study investigates the quality of organs from potential donors with HIV

A study explores the quality of organs from HIV-positive donors for potential transplant use in the US, finding that donor kidneys may be of reduced quality. The study suggests nearly 400 potential organ donors might be available annually, but long-term viability and hepatitis C virus infection could impact organ health.

Common hospital soap effective in preventing hospital-acquired infections

A new study reports that bathing patients in chlorhexidine was equally effective in preventing MRSA transmission as current contact precautions, reducing contamination events by 29%. The research challenges the practice of limiting patient contact and may provide a cheaper alternative strategy for improving patient care.

Do flies have fear (or something like it)?

Researchers studied flies' response to shadows, finding that they display persistent defensive behavior, generalizable across contexts. The study suggests that flies may help understand the fundamental neurochemistry of fear and emotions.

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.

Antibody's unusual abilities might inspire vaccine strategies

A novel antibody, Ab926, has been discovered that can prevent E. coli from attaching to human cell surfaces and also dislodge bacteria already attached. This antibody works by binding to the side of the FimH pocket, rather than directly competing with free-floating mannose.

Unemployment linked to rise in prostate cancer deaths

Rises in unemployment are associated with significant increases in prostate cancer mortality, according to the first study to systematically explore this correlation. The effect continued for at least five years after a 1% rise in unemployment, even after controlling for competing factors.

Definitive tests for irritable bowel syndrome developed at Cedars-Sinai

Cedars-Sinai gastroenterologist Mark Pimentel has developed two simple blood tests that accurately diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in millions of people worldwide. The new blood tests identify specific antibodies reacting to toxins from bacteria, such as salmonella, and confirm IBS diagnosis with greater than 90% certainty.

Findings reveal clues to functioning of mysterious 'mimivirus'

Researchers have discovered the structure of a key protein on the surface of the mimivirus, aiding efforts to determine its hosts and unknown functions. The R135 protein is similar to an enzyme found in a fungus and may participate in biodegrading lignin, suggesting alternative hosts such as algae.

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.

Unique social structure of hunter-gatherers explained

A new UCL study reveals that sex equality in residential decision-making explains the unique social structure of hunter-gatherers. The research found that when both men and women have influence over camp assortment, group relatedness is much lower due to individuals seeking to live with as many kin as possible.

Spores for thought

Researchers at the Institute of Food Research have visualized the structural changes Clostridium spores undergo during germination, which could help control pathogenic bacteria. The study provides new insights into the genetic controls of spore germination and reveals that spores have polarity that aligns structures correctly.

Trap-jaw ants jump with jaws to escape the antlion's den

A study published in PLOS ONE found that trap-jaw ants use their spring-loaded mandibles to jump out of harm's way when threatened by an antlion. This behavior increases the ants' survival rate, with 15% of encounters resulting in escape.

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.

Syracuse physicists aid in discovery of subatomic process

Physicists at Syracuse University have discovered a rare subatomic process involving the decay of the Bs meson, confirming its predicted decay into two muons. The finding provides insight into the Standard Model and offers an indirect way to test new models of physics.

Brain compass keeps flies on course, even in the dark

Researchers discovered that fruit flies use a brain structure called the ellipsoid body to navigate and maintain their bearings. The ellipsoid body cells locked onto visual patterns, allowing the fly to track its orientation in the dark.

Device developed at WashU may allow sensations in prosthetic hands

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a device that stimulates nerves in the upper arm and forearm to transmit sensory signals to the brain, enabling users to feel hot and cold and the sense of touch through their prosthetic hands. The team plans to test the device on nonhuman primates to determine its effect...

A bucketful of new Eugenia plant species from Madagascar

Botanists have discovered 17 new species of Eugenia plants in Madagascar, with the finds shedding light on the genus's distribution and ecological patterns. The discovery highlights the country's rich biodiversity, with many plant families yielding new species annually.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How used coffee grounds could make some food more healthful

Researchers found high levels of phenols in spent coffee grounds, which have potential as additives to enhance health effects of other food products. The study's findings suggest that used coffee grounds could be a valuable source of dietary phenolic compounds.

Comet Wild 2: A window into the birth of the solar system?

Researchers from University of Hawai'i - Mānoa discover that larger dust particles in comet Wild 2 are similar to rocks found in primitive meteorites called chondrites. The smaller-sized dust displays a range of oxygen isotopic compositions, deepening the mystery of Wild 2's past.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Infant antibiotic use linked to adult diseases

A new study led by researchers at the University of Minnesota has found a three-way link among infant antibiotic use, changes in gut bacteria, and disease later in life. The study developed a predictive model for measuring healthy development of bacteria in young children.

Where do the happiest children live?

A survey of over 50,000 children aged 8-12 across 15 countries reveals that children's happiness differs significantly depending on their geographical location and lifestyle. In Northern European countries, children are dissatisfied with their appearance and self-confidence, while those in African countries tend to be happier with scho...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Two Large Hadron Collider experiments first to observe rare subatomic process

Two Large Hadron Collider experiments have combined their results to observe a previously unseen subatomic process, establishing a new and extremely rare decay of the Bs particle into two muons. This discovery helps scientists study the properties of particles to search for cracks in the Standard Model, potentially revealing new physics.

Brains of smokers who quit successfully might be wired for success

A study found that smokers who quit successfully had greater connectivity between the insula and somatosensory cortex compared to those who failed. This suggests that targeting this neural pathway could be a strategy for improving smoking cessation outcomes. The researchers hope their findings will guide the development of new treatments.

Cybersecurity and the artificial pancreas -- what are the risks?

Recent studies on artificial pancreas systems have identified security vulnerabilities, including software integrity and malware threats. The authors propose a more formal approach to reporting the technical characteristics of these complex systems to ensure their safety.

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.

Nano-policing pollution

A team of scientists from OIST and international partners has created a sensor that can detect carbon monoxide, a common industrial pollutant, using copper oxide nanowires decorated with palladium nanoparticles. The sensor demonstrates significant improvements in detecting gas emissions compared to existing methods.

Water was plentiful in the early universe

Astronomers find water formation may have occurred less than a billion years after the Big Bang, when the universe was 5% of its current age. This discovery raises important questions about the habitability of the first planets and the origin of life.

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.

Learning entrepreneurship: Starting a business is a matter of adequate training

A recent study by Leuphana University of Lüneburg found that action-oriented entrepreneurship training can unlock dormant potential and awaken entrepreneurial spirit in individuals. The training program, STEP, combines practice exercises with theory-based content and provides seed capital to participants. After twelve months, the train...

'Supercool' material glows when you write on it

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new material that stays liquid at temperatures below its expected freezing point but crystallizes upon writing or rubbing. This unique property makes it highly sensitive to pressure and could lead to breakthroughs in biosensors, optical memory, and electronic devices.

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.

Burmese long-tailed macaque stone-tool use catalogued

Eighty percent of Burmese long-tailed macaques on an island in southern Thailand use stone and shell tools to crack open seafood, employing 17 different action patterns. The study catalogued tool use and action patterns, revealing one-handed hammering for precision striking and two-handed hammering for larger shells.

RDA Data Share announces fellowship awards

The RDA Data Share Fellowship recognizes and supports early-career researchers in adopting data-sharing best practices. Fellows will collaborate with working groups, receive stipends, and attend bi-annual plenaries.

Nation's beekeepers lost 40 percent of bees in 2014-15

The US experienced a significant decline in honey bee colonies between April 2014 and April 2015, with beekeepers losing over 40% of their colonies. Summer losses were particularly severe, with commercial beekeepers facing high rates of colony losses due to unknown factors.

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.

Mayo Clinic to study 10,000 patients for drug-gene safety

The Mayo Clinic is launching a study of 10,000 patients to examine the potential risks of drug reactions based on individual genome variations. Researchers will analyze DNA sequencing data from 69 genes influencing drug metabolism, aiming to identify 'early warning systems' for adverse reactions and ineffective treatments.

Tumor sequencing study highlights benefits of profiling healthy tissue as well

A recent study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests that profiling normal DNA provides an opportunity to identify inherited mutations critical for patients and their families. Researchers sequenced tumor and normal DNA from patients with advanced cancer, identifying germline mutations in nearly all cases.