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Science News Archive 2015


Page 45 of 402

One very brainy bird

A new study finds that pigeons can accurately categorize digitized microscope slides and mammograms of benign and malignant human breast tissue. With training, they perform as well as humans in this task, demonstrating a remarkable ability to perceive and process visual cues.

Geordie Williamson to receive 2016 AMS Chevalley Prize

Geordie Williamson will receive the inaugural AMS Claude Chevalley Prize in Lie Theory for his work on representation theory, including proofs of longstanding conjectures and counterexamples to expected bounds. His research has re-opened the field of modular representations and revealed inadequate numerical evidence.

Spider webs yield clues to stickier glues (video)

Researchers create synthetic adhesives that mimic the viscosity and tackiness of spider web glues, improving performance in humid environments. The study's findings suggest that adding salts to synthetic adhesives could enhance their stickiness.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Babies have logical reasoning before age one, study finds

Research reveals that infants can make transitive inferences about social dominance by 10-13 months of age, demonstrating an ability to reason logically. The study's findings suggest that this skill is evolutionarily important and may be shared with other animals.

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.

Nondrug interventions improve quality of life for Chinese cancer patients

A meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicine and nonpharmacological interventions found that they alleviate symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and pain in Chinese cancer patients. These interventions include acupuncture, therapeutic massage, stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical training.

Study compares risk of anaphylaxis among marketed IV iron products

A study analyzed data from 688,183 recipients of IV iron products and identified a higher risk of anaphylaxis with certain formulations, including iron dextran. The researchers found that the cumulative risk of anaphylaxis was highest with iron dextran and lowest with iron sucrose.

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.

Chemists create adaptable metallic-cage gels

Researchers developed polyMOCs, hybrid materials combining metallogels and MOCs, with tunable properties. These gels can be used for various functions, including controlled release of molecules and gas storage.

Navy researchers recruit luminescent nanoparticles to image brain function

Researchers at the US Naval Research Laboratory have developed luminescent nanoparticles to image brain function, enabling real-time mapping of neural connections. The nanoparticles, specifically quantum dots, can track action potential changes with high fidelity and are ideal for interfacing with neurons.

Researchers create cheaper, high performing LED

Researchers from Florida State University have created a new type of high-performing LED using organometal halide perovskites, which outshines traditional LEDs by about 25 times. The material is also quick and easy to produce, reducing production costs.

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.

Many hands make light work and improve health, researchers have found

A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that cooperative bird behavior can reduce oxidative stress and cell damage during the breeding season. In groups with shared workload, birds showed stronger antioxidants and lower free radical damage compared to those with heavy breeding workloads.

Study quantifies risk of cardiac arrest in children during spine surgeries

Children with neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy are three times more likely to experience cardiac arrest during spine surgeries. The study found that the absolute risk of cardiac arrest is minuscule, but knowing who's at highest risk can improve preparedness and response time.

Self-help books: Stressed readers or stressful reading?

Researchers found that consumers of problem-focused self-help books present greater depressive symptoms, while growth-oriented book consumers show increased stress reactivity. Further research is needed to determine the cause of this observation.

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.

Understanding seal movement can help mitigate seal-fishery conflict

A new study reveals differences in seal species' behavior, influencing effective measures to mitigate seal-fishery conflict. The study suggests that developing fishing gear and practices can provide more effective mitigation measures than removing individual seals away from fishing gear.

UT Dallas researchers use vagus nerve stimulation outside the forebrain

Researchers at UT Dallas have made a breakthrough in developing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for spinal cord injuries outside the forebrain. The study found that VNS paired with rehabilitation can restore 75% more forelimb strength after a cervical spinal cord injury, opening up new possibilities for treatment.

Stacking instead of mixing

Scientists at Jülich and Aachen have developed a method to control the conducting properties of topological insulators more precisely. By stacking materials instead of mixing, they optimized conductivity and reduced energy requirements. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more efficient computers and mobile phones.

NASA measures India's deadly flooding rains

Heavy flooding in southeastern India has caused at least 70 reported deaths, with Chennai experiencing exceptionally high casualties. NASA's Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data indicate rainfall totals of over 200mm in large areas of Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.

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.

Endurance athletes who 'go against the grain' become incredible fat-burners

In a new study, elite ultra-endurance runners who eat very few carbohydrates burned more than twice as much fat as high-carb athletes during maximum exertion and prolonged exercise. The study reveals that low-carb diets can augment physical performance and recovery, challenging conventional sports nutrition advice.

Electrons always find a (quantum) way

Researchers at the University of Basel successfully transport electrons from a superconductor through a quantum dot into a metal with normal conductivity. The team measured discrete resonances, confirming theoretical predictions and demonstrating the phenomenon's applicability to quantum technology applications.

Mathematical model helps show how zebrafish get their stripes

A mathematical model developed by Brown University researchers sheds light on how zebrafish get their iconic stripes. The model simulates the movement of pigment cells and birth and death of cells to recreate the development of stripes as seen in experiments.

Eating to impress

A Cornell University study found men will eat significantly more food in the company of women than other men, consuming 93% more pizza and 86% more salad. When dining with men, many women felt they overate and were rushed through their meal.

Success in producing a completely rare-earth free Feni magnet

Scientists successfully produced a high-quality FeNi magnet using natural meteorite material in just ten days, significantly reducing the production time from billions of years. This breakthrough resolves issues related to rare-earth supply and paves the way for industrial superiority in future magnets.

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.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes harm bone health

Researchers found obesity and Type 2 diabetes negatively impact bone health, while exercise prevents weight gain, diabetes, and increases bone strength. This study informs interventions to improve bone health in individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Hallucinations linked to differences in brain structure

Research found structural differences in brain regions of people with schizophrenia who experience hallucinations compared to those without hallucinations. The paracingulate sulcus, a fold towards the front of the brain, was shorter in individuals prone to hallucinations.

Bright prospects: Repairing neurons with light

Researchers successfully promoted the repair of an injured neural circuit in zebrafish using a special form of inducible adenylyl cyclase that responds to blue light, increasing repair rates by up to 30%. This breakthrough has potential therapeutic implications for conditions like diabetes-related neuropathies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Research reveals connections between social science and high fashion

A University of Cincinnati professor examines how casting agents with anthropological training navigate conservative views in the fashion industry. Her research reveals that these individuals often turn to creative outlets like documentaries and blogs, highlighting the evolving role of anthropology in understanding professionals.

What's in a name? More than you think...

A study by psychologists at the University of York analyzed anonymized data from League of Legends to find correlations between user names and in-game behavior. Positive usernames were linked to positive personality traits, while anti-social expressions correlated with similar behavior. Age was also indicated by numbers in user names.

Perpetual youth for batteries?

Researchers at Technical University of Munich identify key mechanisms behind lithium ion battery capacity loss due to aging. The study reveals that a pacifying layer on the anode consumes active lithium and protects the electrolyte from decomposition.

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.

Melting Scandinavian ice provides missing link in Europe's final Ice Age story

Researchers have found evidence that the melting of Scandinavian ice sheet drove a catastrophic freshwater flood, plunging the planet into a sudden cold snap, reconciling climate models with reconstructions. The study provides the missing link to understanding current inconsistencies between climate models and reconstructions.

Gene mutation linked to reckless drunken behavior

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have found a genetic mutation that renders carriers susceptible to impulsive and reckless behavior when drunk. The study, led by Dr. Roope Tikkanen, discovered a point mutation in the serotonin 2B receptor gene associated with increased impulsivity, particularly in response to alcohol consumption.

Ranibizumab found effective against diabetic retinopathy

Researchers have found ranibizumab to be an effective alternative to laser therapy for treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a disease that causes extensive harm to the blood vessels in the retina. The drug carries fewer side effects and improves vision by about half a line on an eye chart compared to the laser group.

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.

Scientists take aim at disease-carrying 'kissing bug'

Researchers identify unique expansions of gene families related to chemoreception and feeding in Rhodnius prolixus, the kissing bug that transmits Chagas disease. These findings may lead to novel approaches for controlling or eliminating the disease by targeting specific genes or processes.

For kids prone to wheezing with respiratory infections, early antibiotics help

Researchers found that giving common antibiotic azithromycin at the first sign of cold symptoms can reduce the risk of severe lower respiratory tract illness in children. The study tested azithromycin against placebo in 607 children and showed a significant difference in the severity of infections between the two groups.

OU-led study links deep-time dust with major impacts on carbon cycling

A University of Oklahoma-led study reveals that vast amounts of iron-rich dust deposits from 300 million years ago had a significant impact on ecosystem fertilization and atmospheric carbon levels. The research offers insights into the potential consequences of geoengineering schemes to control climate change.

Team approach may reduce readmissions due to falls in seniors

A comprehensive care program involving a team of specialists from multiple medical disciplines has reduced hospital readmissions for seniors due to falls by 10%. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes early intervention and patient-centered care, leading to improved safety outcomes and reduced risk of future complications.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Merging alcohol giants threaten global health, warn experts

The merger of Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller poses significant global health risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The new company's expansion plans in Africa are driven by targeting low-income consumers, echoing the strategies of transnational tobacco companies.

Recognizing the basic structure of language is not unique to the human brain

The study reveals that both humans and monkeys have a common brain area that recognizes the orderliness of sound sequences, suggesting evolutionary origins of cognitive functions underlying language. This knowledge may help understanding how we learn and lose language, such as in aphasia after a stroke or dementia.

Social and practical barriers keep HF patients from benefits of exercise therapy

New research from the American Heart Association found that heart failure patients who face lack of social support and practical barriers such as transportation are less likely to benefit from supervised aerobic physical activity. In contrast, those with higher perceived social support and fewer barriers exercised more, on average.

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.

Blood test results vary from drop to drop in fingerprick tests

A Rice University study found that hemoglobin content, platelet count, and WBC count vary significantly from drop to drop in fingerprick tests. To achieve accurate results, healthcare professionals must take care to avoid skewed data when designing new protocols and technologies.

Studies find decline in rates of PSA screening, early-stage prostate cancer

Two studies found a decline in early-stage prostate cancer incidence and PSA-based screening rates among men 50 years and older following the 2012 USPSTF screening recommendations. The decline was most pronounced in younger men, with significant reductions in PSA screening rates observed between 2010 and 2013.