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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 306


Page 306 of 402

Widespread agricultural contaminant impacts fish reproductive behavior

Researchers found that exposure to a common growth-promoting hormone affects the sexual behaviors of fish, altering male reproductive behavior in guppy fish. This has significant implications for individual populations and species, with potential devastating long-term evolutionary and ecological impacts.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateApr 1, 2015

Wayne State study of brain networks shows differences in children with OCD

A new Wayne State University study demonstrates altered communication between brain centers in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The research found that the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex exerts exaggerated brain network effects in OCD, suggesting a putative scientific framework for understanding the disorder.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 1, 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.

Complete camel skeleton unearthed in Austria

Archaeologists uncovered a complete camel skeleton in Tulln, Austria, dating back to the 17th century, shedding light on camel use in Central Europe. The hybrid camel, with a dromedary mother and Bactrian father, was likely used for military transportation, not food.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 1, 2015

Migrating immune cells promote nerve cell demise in the brain

Researchers found that inflammatory cells from the bloodstream play a key role in neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. CD95L-bearing immune cells cause damage to neurons, and blocking this molecule can prevent neurodegeneration in mice. This suggests that early treatment with drugs targeting CD95L might mitigate Parkinson's symptoms.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 1, 2015

Femto-snapshots of reaction kinetics

Using quantum chemistry and X-ray spectroscopy, researchers have gained insights into the bonding behavior of iron pentacarbonyl. The study could lead to the development of novel catalysts for chemical storage of solar energy by understanding how photons interact with molecules on ultrafast timescales.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2015
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.

Cooling massive objects to the quantum ground state

Researchers have developed an innovative cooling scheme for massive mechanical resonators, overcoming the limitation of quantum backaction. By utilizing destructive quantum interference in a cavity optomechanical system, they achieve ground state cooling beyond three orders of magnitude.

SourceScience China Press·DateApr 1, 2015

Texting too tempting for college students even when inappropriate

A recent study by Penn State psychologists found that college students often disregard social norms when texting, with many admitting to sending texts during funerals, in the shower, or while having sex. The researchers suggest that breaking with these norms is too tempting for most students, who prioritize checking their texts over pr...

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Social Science Journal·DateApr 1, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Poses of power are less powerful than we thought

A recent study by University of Zurich researchers found that power poses, commonly believed to boost confidence and influence hormones, have no impact on actual behavior. However, the study did show that power poses can affect one's perception of power, leading to increased self-confidence.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 1, 2015

Simpler antibiotic treatments could help millions of infants who lack access to hospitals

Researchers found that simpler antibiotic regimens are as safe and effective as standard treatments, allowing more infants with severe infections to receive life-saving treatment at home. The study demonstrated that outpatient treatments with fewer injections can produce similar results to the traditional course of twice daily injections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateApr 1, 2015

Complete camel skeleton unearthed in Austria

Archaeologists have discovered a unique complete camel skeleton unearthed in Tulln, Austria, dating back to the 17th century. DNA analysis reveals the animal was a hybrid of a dromedary and Bactrian camel. The find provides insight into the use of camels as exotic animals during the Ottoman era.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 1, 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.

Deforestation is messing with our weather -- and our food

A new study investigates the cooling and warming effects of forests at both a global scale and high spatial resolution. Researchers found that tropical forests have a strong cooling effect year-round, while boreal and temperate forests show seasonal variation in temperature.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 2015

Exercise for older mouse mothers lowers risk of heart defects in babies

A new study found that exercise alone can lower the risk of heart defects in babies born to older mouse mothers. The research suggests that genetic mutations are tied to age, not egg quality, and that healthy metabolism and exercise may play a crucial role in preventing congenital heart disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 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.

Dangers of adolescent energy drink consumption for the heart

A recent study warns that adolescents consuming energy drinks are at risk of sudden cardiac deaths and arrhythmias. The researchers recommend caution when it comes to ED consumption before or during sports practice, as well as consulting cardiologists for underlying medical conditions.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateApr 1, 2015

Lifting families out of poverty -- with dignity

A new study by Jennifer Sykes and colleagues found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program bolsters recipients' self-respect by emphasizing their role as working parents and providers. The EITC has lifted approximately 7 million people out of poverty every year, about half of those children.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateApr 1, 2015

Older people at higher risk of emergency cancer diagnosis

A Cancer Research UK review found that older people, women, and less affluent individuals are at a higher risk of emergency cancer diagnoses. The study also revealed that emergency-diagnosed cancers tend to have poorer survival rates compared to those diagnosed through other routes.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 1, 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.

New instrument dates old skeleton; 'Little Foot' 3.67 million years old

A team of scientists from Purdue University and other institutions dated the 'Little Foot' skeleton at 3.67 million years old using a new radioisotopic dating technique called isochron burial dating. This places Little Foot as an older relative of Lucy, a famous Australopithecus skeleton dated at 3.2 million years old.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2015

Student helps to discover new pain relief delivery method

A University of York student has helped develop a new drug release gel that may help avoid some of the side effects of painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen. The gel is based on small molecules that self-assemble into nanofibers, allowing for precise control over drug release.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalChemical Communications·DateApr 1, 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.

Broad Institute-MIT team identifies highly efficient new cas9 for in vivo genome editing

A Broad Institute-MIT team has identified a highly efficient new Cas9 nuclease that overcomes the primary challenge to in vivo genome editing, expanding therapeutic and experimental applications of CRISPR. The new tool is expected to improve scientists' ability to screen for gene mutations and understand gene function using animal models.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2015

Longer DNA fragments reveal rare species diversity

Researchers used longer-read sequencing technology to reconstruct microbial communities, revealing over 400 previously unknown species and improving understanding of environmental processes.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 1, 2015

Soldiers cite 'Medic!' as a top hearing priority

Researchers identified mission-critical auditory tasks, prioritizing sounds like 'Medic!', grid references and commands. A new hearing test will assess auditory fitness-for-duty in combat situations.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNoise and Health·DateApr 1, 2015

A CNIO team succeeds in doubling the life span of mice suffering from premature aging

A CNIO team has developed a method to rescue premature aging in mice by increasing the body's capacity to produce DNA building blocks. By introducing a mutation that boosts nucleotide production, the researchers doubled the lifespan of ATR-mutant mice from 24 weeks to 50 weeks, also alleviating symptoms of Seckel syndrome.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 1, 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.

Locking up an oncogenic transcription

A new molecule designed to specifically target a cancer-causing transcription factor has shown potential to extend survival in some leukemia patients. The small molecule, AI-10-49, inhibits the progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by sequestering an oncogenic mutant, leaving normal transcription factor activity intact.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2015

Springing ahead of nature: Device increases walking efficiency

Researchers at NC State University and Carnegie Mellon University developed a lightweight ankle exoskeleton that increases walking efficiency without using energy from batteries. The device reduces metabolic energy consumption by 7 percent, improving the 'gas mileage' of human walking.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2015

NASA covers Super Typhoon Maysak's rainfall, winds, clouds, eye

NASA's fleet of satellites captured stunning views of Super Typhoon Maysak's eye and powerful thunderstorms. The storm dropped rain at a rate of over 70 mm per hour northwest of its well-defined eye. Maysak was moving west-northwest towards the Philippines, where it is expected to make landfall on April 4.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 1, 2015

AAO-HNSF updated clinical practice guideline: Adult sinusitis

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation has updated its clinical practice guideline for adult sinusitis. The new guideline emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making between patients and clinicians, including deciding whether to use antibiotics for acute bacterial sinusitis. Key recommendations ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateApr 1, 2015
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.

Experimental Ebola vaccine safe, prompts immune response

A Phase 1 trial of VSV-ZEBOV, an experimental Ebola vaccine, found it safe and elicited robust antibody responses in all 40 healthy adults who received it. The vaccine showed a favorable safety profile with mild or moderate fever experienced by 30% of participants.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 1, 2015

Cancer's relentless evolution

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells exhibit high genetic diversity, driven by convergent evolution and mutation rates, leading to increased treatment resistance. Researchers are exploring a new paradigm that leverages cancer's evolveability to develop more effective treatments.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 1, 2015

Agricultural contaminant impacts fish reproductive behavior

Researchers found that 17beta-trenbolone alters male reproductive behavior in guppy fish, influencing mating success and potentially devastating long-term impacts. The study demonstrates the capacity of agricultural contaminants to disrupt mating systems in wild populations.

SourceMonash University·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateApr 1, 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.

Sexual dysfunction inadequately reported in hair loss drug trials

A Northwestern University study found that clinical trials for finasteride, a common hair loss treatment, inadequately reported sexual dysfunction, which may persist. The study analyzed 34 clinical trials and found no adequate information on the severity, frequency, or reversibility of sexual adverse effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 1, 2015

Adults who struggle to follow heart medication regimens should focus on behavior change

A University of Missouri researcher found that behavioral interventions for patients are more effective than those targeting healthcare providers in improving medication adherence. The study analyzed 29 interventions and concluded that patient-centered approaches can help identify the root causes of non-adherence.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateApr 1, 2015

Atmospheric energy escaped from the Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau is warming at a faster rate than the rest of the globe, with a 30-year decline in thermal forcing attributed to enhanced top-of-atmosphere outgoing radiation. This phenomenon enhances shortwave and longwave radiation, leading to increased cloud cover and radiative cooling.

SourceScience China Press·DateApr 1, 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.

Where no smartphone has gone before

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a smartphone-based device that uses hyperspectral imaging to identify the chemical composition of objects. The technology has potential applications in fields such as agriculture, biotechnology, and homeland security.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateApr 1, 2015

BPA exposure during pregnancy linked to mothers' future diabetes risk

Exposure to BPA during pregnancy may raise a mother's susceptibility to weight gain and diabetes later in life. The study found that BPA can harm glucose metabolism in offspring exposed in utero, leading to an increased predisposition to developing metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateApr 1, 2015

Drop the bounce test: A common battery test often bounces off target

Researchers at Princeton University found that the common battery bounce test is not an effective way to check a battery's charge. Instead, they discovered that the bouncing increases due to the formation of tiny bridges within the zinc material, decreasing mechanical damping and causing the battery to bounce more.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateApr 1, 2015

Barriers found that prevent Ugandans with RHD from receiving needed penicillin

Researchers found that financial constraints, transportation problems, and stigma associated with the disease were major barriers to accessing penicillin injections. Despite these obstacles, patients reported personal motivation and injection reminders helped them stay on schedule and manage their symptoms.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGlobal Heart·DateApr 1, 2015

Ebola planning created need for unprecedented preparedness in hospitals

Two studies published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology detail the challenges of caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in hospitals. Key findings include staffing shortages, delays in patient care, and anxiety among staff and patients due to high-profile cases.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 1, 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.

Negotiating: Careful choice of words increases chances of success

A recent study by Leuphana University and Saarland University found that using wording that emphasizes the benefits of a proposal can lead to better outcomes. Researchers investigated this effect in eight studies involving over 650 subjects and discovered that parties who focus on their own gains are less willing to make concessions. B...

SourceLeuphana Universität Lüneburg·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 1, 2015

The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health: Babies with clinically suspected serious infections can be safely and effectively treated outside hospital

Newborns and young infants with severe bacterial infections can be effectively treated outside hospital with simplified antibiotic regimens, reducing deaths and improving adherence. The Lancet study found that treatment failures were low in all three trials, and the risk of death was similar to infants who received hospital care.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 1, 2015

VSV-EBOV Ebola vaccine appears safe and generates immune response

A phase 1 clinical trial found the VSV-EBOV Ebola vaccine to be safe and elicit a robust immune response, with 93% of volunteers developing anti-Ebola antibodies within two weeks. The vaccine's higher dose showed a stronger antibody response.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 1, 2015
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.

Cancer prevention efforts in the US a mixed bag

The American Cancer Society's new report highlights disparities in cancer prevention and early detection efforts, including underutilized screening for colorectal and cervical cancers. Meanwhile, tobacco use remains a major cause of preventable disease and premature death, with wide variation by education and race/ethnicity.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateApr 1, 2015