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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 348


Page 348 of 402

DARPA contract to fund exploration of hard-to-find information on the web

Juliana Freire is developing scalable techniques for traditional search engines, enabling focused crawling for tracking criminal activities and integrating crawling with search and data analysis. Her research also aims to address human trafficking, a key Defense Department mission with a significant web presence.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateFeb 25, 2015

Oat breakfast cereals may contain a common mold-related toxin

A study by American Chemical Society researchers found that oat-based breakfast cereals exceeded EU standards for ochratoxin A levels in 8% of samples. The findings highlight the need for improved oat production, storage, and processing to protect consumer health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 25, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electric-car driving range and emissions depend on where you live

Scientists found that electric car driving range and emissions differ greatly depending on regional energy sources and climate, with extreme temperatures affecting battery efficiency. The study's analysis revealed that geographical differences can influence the energy implications of electric vehicles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 25, 2015

Helmet add-ons may not lower concussion risk in athletes

Researchers evaluated four football helmet add-ons, including Guardian Cap and Concussion Reduction Technology, which showed limited impact on reducing concussion risk. The study found that helmets with these add-ons reduced linear accelerations by about 11 percent but had little effect on angular accelerations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 25, 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.

Penn vet researchers identify effective treatment for Niemann Pick Type C

A study published in Science Translational Medicine shows that treating cats with Niemann Pick Type C with cyclodextrin significantly improved their neurological symptoms. The treatment halted disease progression and allowed the cats to live past three years of age, making it a promising potential therapy for human patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2015
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.

Frequent sauna use protects men against cardiac death

A 20-year follow-up study found that frequent sauna use can reduce the risk of cardiac death in men. Men who used saunas 4-7 times a week were 63% less likely to experience sudden cardiac death compared to those using them once a week. Longer sauna sessions also reduced cardiovascular risks.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2015

Should smoking be banned in UK parks?

Extending UK anti-smoking legislation to parks and squares aims to support healthy lifestyle choices, particularly among young people. The proposal is based on evidence from successful smoking bans worldwide, which have been shown to reduce smoking prevalence and improve public health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 25, 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.

Heart's inner mechanisms to be studied with NIH grant

The grant will allow Cui to analyze mechanisms underlying potassium ion channel properties and develop targeted treatments for cardiac arrhythmia. He aims to understand a novel mechanism behind Long QT syndrome, which can be fatal.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateFeb 25, 2015

Researchers enable solar cells to use more sunlight

A team of researchers from the University of Luxembourg and TDK has improved a conductive oxide film to increase transparency in the infrared region, enabling solar cells to harness more sunlight. The breakthrough allows for stable films that retain conductivity after exposure to air for over a year.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalProgress in Photovoltaics Research and Applications·DateFeb 25, 2015

Warning on use of drug for children's sleep

Researchers at the University of Adelaide warn against giving melatonin to children to treat sleep problems, citing lack of rigorous safety studies and potential interactions with other medications. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates circadian rhythms in adults but its use for children's sleep is unregulated in the US.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·DateFeb 25, 2015

Multicenter study finds respiratory viruses most common cause of pneumonia in children

A multicenter study found that respiratory viruses, particularly RSV and human rhinovirus, are the leading causes of pneumonia in children. The study, which included over 2,300 hospitalizations, revealed that viral infections accounted for 81% of cases, while bacterial infections were responsible for only 8%. The findings suggest that ...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2015

One-minute test predicts how well a patient may recover after an operation

A new, shortened test to assess frailty can accurately determine which surgical patients are most at risk for complications. The test, taking less than a minute, assesses grip strength and weight loss, providing critical information for patient planning and setting expectations.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 25, 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.

Million man study examines long-term effects of blocking inflammation

Researchers found that blocking interleukin-1, a master regulator of inflammation, increased the risk of coronary heart disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm. In contrast, naturally occurring interleukin-1 inhibition decreased the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateFeb 25, 2015

Consumer behavior and free trials: What makes a customer stay?

A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research found that free trial customers have a distinct relationship with service providers, forming a less-developed bond. This can be leveraged by firms targeting these customers with personalized marketing communication and information on their usage behavior to encourage retention.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 25, 2015
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.

New nanowire structure absorbs light efficiently

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new method to combine different types of nanowires into a single array, improving absorption efficiency. The dual-type nanowire arrays show better light coupling and reduced reflection, making them suitable for applications such as solar cells and LEDs.

SourceAalto University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2015

Breakfast habits affect teens' metabolic responses to protein-packed morning meals

Researchers found that habitual breakfast skippers had poorer glucose control after consuming a high-protein breakfast, while those who typically ate breakfast experienced improved glucose control. The study suggests that young women should gradually increase protein intake in the morning to improve glycemic control.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 25, 2015

Graphene shows potential as novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategy

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered that graphene oxide can selectively target and neutralize cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for cancer spread and recurrence. The study suggests that graphene oxide could be used as a non-toxic anti-cancer agent in combination with existing treatments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateFeb 25, 2015

Sharp rise in experimental animal research in US

The study found a sharp rise in the use of mice and unregulated species in US laboratory research, contradicting industry claims and government efforts. The data highlights the need for greater transparency and efforts to curb animal use in scientific research.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateFeb 25, 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.

Do long sleepers have an increased risk of stroke?

A new study published in Neurology found that people who sleep more than eight hours a night have an increased risk of stroke. Those who shifted from sleeping less than six hours a night to more than eight hours were nearly four times as likely to have a stroke.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 25, 2015

The body's 'Transformers'

A study by UCSB scientists examined the unique properties of tau, a critical protein in neurons that can form clumps associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that exposing tau to certain chemicals, such as urea, could prevent aggregation, while another compound, TMAO, accelerated it.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 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.

Study IDs key birds that host Lyme disease bacteria in California

A study published in PLOS ONE identified wood rats and western gray squirrels as hosts for Lyme disease-causing bacteria in California, but birds were found to be more important than previously recognized. The study also discovered a new subtype of Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia bissettii, in birds for the first time in California.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 25, 2015

International marketing: Are store brands becoming a global phenomenon?

A new study found that countries with modernized marketing systems and supermarkets are best positioned to lower prices on store brands. Businesses in these nations face challenges finding quality suppliers and efficient transportation systems. As a result, store brands will inevitably become a global phenomenon.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of International Marketing·DateFeb 25, 2015

Systemic sclerosis patients with unhealed digital ulcers benefit from fat cell transplant

Researchers have found that local implants of autologous adipose tissue-derived cells resulted in significant pain reduction and healing within two to seven weeks for all patients with long-lasting, non-healing digital ulcers. The treatment showed promise as an alternative to traditional therapies.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateFeb 25, 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.

Epigenetic 'switch' regulates RNA-protein interactions

Researchers discovered that epigenetic modifications to mRNA act as a structural switch allowing RNA-binding proteins to recognize inaccessible regions. This phenomenon, known as the m6A switch, affects practically all RNA-protein interactions, with widespread implications for gene expression and regulation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2015

Hidden gene gives hope for improving brain function

Researchers found that the Gomafu gene is dynamically regulated in the adult brain, affecting behavior related to anxiety and schizophrenia. The discovery sheds light on the gene's potential as a surveillance system for rapid brain responses to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 25, 2015

Is your busy schedule affecting your health? Time might not be the problem

A new study found that emotional conflict between activities makes consumers feel they have less time, generating stress and anxiety. Authors suggest two strategies: slow breathing and channeling stress into positive emotions to reduce feelings of being pressed for time.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 25, 2015

Unusual disease that causes acute confusion may be underdiagnosed

Susac syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease causing acute confusion, hearing problems, and eyesight issues. It is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis or ADEM, but may be considered in young patients with unexplained acute onset of confusion and abnormal spinal fluid tests

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateFeb 25, 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.

Found: Ancient, super-bright quasar with massive black hole

Astronomers have found a super-bright quasar powered by the most massive black hole ever observed for an object from that time, located at a distance of 12.8 billion light years away. The quasar is 7 times brighter than the most distant known quasar and has a luminosity of 420 trillion solar units.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2015

Shining new light on vascular diseases in diabetics

Researchers have developed a novel vascular optical tomographic imaging system to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of peripheral artery disease in diabetics. The system uses near-infrared light to map hemoglobin concentration, revealing perfusion issues in extremities.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateFeb 25, 2015

Why companies don't learn from their mistakes

A study by economists from Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena found that three out of four customer complaints are not passed on to line managers, despite specific regulations in place. The researchers recommend training employees on the importance of forwarding complaints and developing incentives for their participation.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateFeb 25, 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.

Monster black hole discovered at cosmic dawn

Researchers have discovered the brightest quasar in the early universe, powered by a massive 12 billion solar mass black hole. The quasar's luminosity is equivalent to 420 trillion suns and is seven times brighter than the most distant known quasar.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2015

Using 'fuzzy logic' to optimize hybrid solar/battery systems

A team of researchers has developed a new sizing system for hybrid photovoltaic panel/battery systems using fuzzy logic, which can determine optimal panel surfaces and battery capacity. The system was verified through simulations and demonstrated effectiveness in optimizing cost and losses.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateFeb 25, 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.

The future is looking less cloudy

Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered a practical solution to fog detection using cellular communication networks. The study utilizes higher cellular frequencies to detect even light fog, providing high-resolution spatial measurements and potentially reducing accidents. Current fog monitoring tools are insufficient, but the n...

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateFeb 25, 2015

How the landscape of the pancreatic cancer genome is coming into view

A study of 100 pancreatic cancer genomes identifies four subtypes, including 'stable', 'locally rearranged', 'scattered', and 'unstable' genomes. The analysis suggests that patients with 'unstable' genomes respond well to platinum-based drugs and PARP inhibitors, offering a promising lead for personalized treatment.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2015

Blockbusters: Can EEGs predict a movie's success better than surveys?

A new study found that EEG measurements were more accurate in predicting individual preferences for movies than participants' conscious statements. The study also suggested that EEG tests are relatively cheap and can capture complete information about consumer behavior.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 25, 2015

Researchers demonstrate optogenetic stimulation of the brain to control pain

Scientists at UT Arlington discovered that optogenetically stimulating a small area of the brain, specifically the anterior cingulate cortex, can significantly reduce pain behavior in lab mice. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for managing chronic pain and improving our understanding of pain pathways.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 25, 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.

Antifreeze protein from ticks fights frostbite in mice

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a protein found in ticks that can prevent frostbite in mice. The antifreeze protein, when introduced into mouse cells or whole live mice, showed significant protection against frostbite, with 60% of treated mice showing no visible signs of damage.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 25, 2015

Molecular feedback loop gives clues to how flowers drop their petals

Researchers identified a positive feedback loop between genes and proteins that regulates floral abscission, allowing plants to shed petals. The study, supported by the National Science Foundation, provides new insights into plant development and responses to environmental cues.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2015