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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 88


Page 88 of 402

Redefining temperature with precision lasers

A team of Australian scientists developed a precision laser device to measure temperature with high accuracy. The breakthrough enables any laboratory worldwide to accurately measure temperature, bringing a universally agreed temperature scale to the globe.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2015

ALMA telescope unveils rapid formation of new stars in distant galaxies

Researchers using ALMA telescope detected a burst of new stars in seven distant galaxies nine billion years ago. The galaxies' gas content was already depleted despite high rates of star formation, suggesting an increase in efficiency above the main sequence. This study pushes galaxies at z~1.6 well-above the star-forming main sequence.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 14, 2015

Despite promise, vitamin D and calcium do not reduce colorectal cancer risk

Researchers found no significant difference in new polyp formation between patients with vitamin D and/or calcium supplements and those without. The study's results contradict previous findings in models and smaller human trials, highlighting the need for further research on promising cancer prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 14, 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.

Research that is simply beyond belief

Researchers found that directing magnetic energy into the brain reduced belief in God by 32.8% and increased positive feelings towards immigrants by 28.5%. The study used transcranial magnetic stimulation to temporarily shut down specific brain regions.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 14, 2015

To save on weight, a detour to the moon is the best route to Mars

A new MIT study proposes refueling on the moon to reduce launch mass for a Martian mission, with the potential to save 68% of cargo. The research suggests that establishing an infrastructure in space could enable sustainable travel between planetary bodies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Spacecraft and Rockets·DateOct 14, 2015

The gaze that hinders expression

A new study by researchers at SISSA found that individuals with autism have difficulty interpreting facial expressions due to impaired facial mimicry, which can be exacerbated when making joint attention. The study suggests that understanding the interaction between these two functions is crucial for social interaction.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalAutism Research·DateOct 14, 2015

New data may help physicians better understand risk of lung cancer

A new scoring system for a common lung cancer diagnostic test has been developed, allowing physicians to more accurately assess the risk of malignancy. The EBUS-TBFNA procedure provides an accurate positive diagnosis of lung cancer 84% of the time and an accurate negative diagnosis of 68%.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Society of Cytopathology·DateOct 14, 2015
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.

Tracking agricultural water use on a smartphone

The new EEFLUX application allows farmers to view field-scale maps of water consumption in near real-time, providing insights into evapotranspiration and water management. With Landsat satellite imagery, experts can track water consumption year over year, making it easier to monitor the effectiveness of conservation projects.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 14, 2015

Likely drug interactions in placenta could harm fetus

A new laboratory study finds that mothers taking certain medications during pregnancy may be at risk of birth defects or stunted fetal growth. The research highlights the need for more detailed knowledge of placental drug transport to preserve fetal health.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateOct 14, 2015

Study charts 'genomic biography' of form of leukemia

Researchers analyzed genetic material from over 500 CLL patients, identifying dozens of genetic abnormalities linked to the disease. The study found that specific mutations affect treatment response and disease progression, providing insights into the complex interplay between different mutations in cancer cells.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Flowing toward red blood cell breakthroughs

A team of researchers is using the Cray XK7 Titan supercomputer to simulate hundreds of millions of red blood cells in an attempt to develop better drug delivery methods and predictors for diseases like sickle cell anemia. The simulations are focused on understanding how these diseases interact with human blood vessels, particularly in...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateOct 14, 2015

Mode control for square microresonator lasers suitable for integration

Square optical microresonators support whispering-gallery modes, suitable for unidirectional microlasers. Microsquare lasers offer better modulation behaviors and higher output power than microdisk lasers. Mode selection is achieved by adjusting the output waveguide width, enabling continuous tuning of lasing wavelength.

SourceScience China Press·DateOct 14, 2015

New clinical guideline to help clinicians treat circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders

A new clinical practice guideline provides updated recommendations for treating intrinsic circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, promoting high-quality patient-centered care. The guideline updates previously published parameters and includes positive endorsements of melatonin and light therapy for select patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateOct 14, 2015

Don't stop at 'Don't do that again!'

A new study by the University of Iowa found that parents' conversations with their children after an injury play a crucial role in shaping their safety values. The study revealed that parents are more likely to urge daughters than sons to be more careful and discuss why certain activities are dangerous, especially for older children. B...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateOct 14, 2015

Stress during pregnancy related to children's later movement, coordination

A new study found that mothers who experienced more stressful events during their pregnancies had children who scored lower on a test of movement competence. Children born to stressed mothers showed poorer fine and gross motor skills, which can lead to difficulties in everyday life.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 14, 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.

Study shows antioxidant use may promote spread of cancer

Researchers found that antioxidants can allow melanoma cells to survive and spread more quickly in mice. The study suggests that cancer cells benefit more from antioxidants than normal cells do, raising concerns about the use of dietary antioxidants by patients with cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2015

Six Degrees of Francis Bacon launches

The site recreates the British early modern social network to trace personal relationships among figures like Bacon, Shakespeare, and Newton. It identifies over 13,000 individuals and 200,000 relationships, providing new ways for scholars to consider communities, factions, influences, and sources.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 14, 2015

Prehistoric mammal likely suffered from hair disease

A team of researchers found a fossilized mammal from the Cretaceous period that may have suffered from a fungal infection affecting its fur. The Spinolestes had fused hairs resembling hedgehog spines and reinforced spine structures, indicating a unique adaptation to its environment.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 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.

Developing Saurolophus dino found at 'Dragon's Tomb'

A team of scientists has discovered a group of perinatal Saurolophus angustirostris dinosaurs found at the Dragon's Tomb site in Mongolia. The young dinosaurs, likely from the same nest, exhibit characteristics similar to those of adult Saurolophus angustirostris, including an upwardly directed snout and poorly developed crest.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 14, 2015

One step closer to a new drug for alcohol dependence

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that OSU6162 can reduce craving for alcohol in people with alcohol dependence, normalizing dopamine levels in brain reward system. Thorough clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAddiction Biology·DateOct 14, 2015

Biodiversity stabilizes ecosystems during climate extremes

A study of 46 grasslands in North America and Europe found that increasing plant diversity decreases the extent to which extreme wet or dry conditions disrupt grassland productivity. Higher biodiversity communities are more stable, exhibiting resistance during extreme climate events.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 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.

Unique breed of investors helps universities launch start-ups

A new model of investing has been developed to help bridge the funding gap between university labs and the marketplace, with some stunning successes reported. The traditional venture capital approach doesn't provide long-term investments necessary for early research development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 14, 2015

SAGE to publish the International Journal of Qualitative Methods

The International Journal of Qualitative Methods addresses qualitative methodology and related issues across various disciplines. The journal publishes innovative work and provides a global exchange of knowledge and ideas to further qualitative investigation.

SourceSAGE·JournalInternational Journal of Qualitative Methods·DateOct 14, 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.

Rising seas will drown mangrove forests

Mangrove forests around the Indo-Pacific region are at risk of submersion due to sea-level rise. However, some areas such as east Africa and north-western Australia may be able to persist despite rising seas.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2015

Computers match doctors in predicting patient discharges

A new study from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University finds that computers can accurately predict patient discharges, improving hospital resource management. The model uses fewer than 30 variables, including patient demographics and medical history, to make predictions, outperforming doctors in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateOct 14, 2015

Type 2 diabetes patients find exercise more difficult, says CU Anschutz study

A recent CU Anschutz study reveals that people with Type 2 diabetes perceive exercise as more difficult due to metabolic and cardiovascular challenges. The researchers found elevated lactate levels and increased rating of perceived exertion among individuals with the disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·DateOct 14, 2015

How to fall gracefully if you're a robot

Researchers at Georgia Tech developed an algorithm to teach robots how to fall safely by determining the optimal sequence of movements to slow their momentum. The planning algorithm was validated through physics simulation and experimental testing on a humanoid robot, enabling potential applications in healthcare and domestic tasks.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 14, 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.

The brain's dress code

A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study found that The Dress activates frontal and parietal brain areas, depending on perception. Researchers identified differential brain activity in participants perceiving the dress as white-gold versus black-blue.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCortex·DateOct 14, 2015

Suicide prevention program associated with reduction in suicide attempts

A recent study found that counties implementing the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program experienced lower rates of suicide attempts among young people aged 16-23. The program's comprehensive activities, including education and mental health awareness, contributed to these findings. The results suggest significant impl...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateOct 14, 2015

Penn researchers: New neuroimaging method better identifies epileptic lesions

Researchers at Penn developed a new neuroimaging method that uses glutamate detection to identify epileptic lesions in patients with medication-resistant epilepsy. The GluCEST imaging method was tested on four patients and confirmed the location of the seizures with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2015

Free app empowers public to locate, recognize ancient fossils

The Digital Atlas of Ancient Life app enables anyone to discover and classify fossils with the eye of a scientist, featuring pictures, maps, and information on fossil origins. The app is available for download and can be used by farmers, amateur paleontologists, teachers, and biologists to learn about fossils in the field.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateOct 14, 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.

New research could revolutionize flexible electronics, solar cells

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a method to pattern electrically conductive features into individual graphene oxide sheets with unprecedented spatial control. This enables the potential integration of graphene oxide into future technologies such as flexible electronics, solar cells, and biomedical instruments.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalCarbon·DateOct 14, 2015

Silver: The promising electrode winner for low-cost perovskite solar cells

Researchers have identified silver corrosion as a major issue in perovskite solar cells, which absorb light across almost all visible wavelengths and exceed 20% power conversion efficiency. A solution-based method using silver electrodes can reduce costs but may lead to short lifetimes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateOct 14, 2015

Different types of child abuse: Similar consequences

A study by McGill University researchers found that emotional abuse has equivalent, broad, and universal effects on children's behavior and mental health, comparable to physical abuse and neglect. The study suggests that effective treatments for maltreatment of any sort are likely to have comprehensive benefits.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateOct 14, 2015

Mother's gestational diabetes diagnosis slows fetal brain response after meals

A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that mothers with gestational diabetes have slower-firing brains in their unborn children. This may be due to the mother's metabolism influencing her child's development and increasing their risk of obesity and diabetes later in life.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 14, 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.

USC researchers find gene facilitating repair of acutely injured kidney

Researchers have discovered a gene called Sox9 that enables kidney cells to switch on and repair damaged tissue after acute injury, offering new hope for treating this serious condition. The study found that the Sox9 gene promotes timely repair of the nephron's cellular lining and repairs the kidney after AKI.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 14, 2015

Larger brains do not lead to high IQs

A recent meta-analysis published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews found a weak association between brain size and IQ, with brain structure and integrity appearing more important as a biological foundation of intelligence. The study also highlights the importance of compensatory mechanisms of cognitive functions.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateOct 14, 2015

Latest experiment at Large Hadron Collider reports first results

The CMS collaboration at CERN has reported the first particle collisions from the Large Hadron Collider's second run, producing an average of 22 charged particles per collision. The results provide a precise picture of a typical proton collision, which will help scientists sift through background events to detect rare particles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateOct 14, 2015
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.

Researchers find neural switch that turns dreams on and off

UC Berkeley researchers discovered a neural switch in the medulla that activates rapid transition to REM sleep, characterized by muscle paralysis and cortical activation. Activating this group of neurons can send mice into dreamland, while inactivating them reduces or eliminates REM sleep.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2015

$6.7 million project aims to improve dialysis care

A new project at the University of Michigan aims to educate patients and healthcare professionals on how to make dialysis sessions safer, reducing instability and its associated risks. The study will use a combination of peer mentoring and provider education to support behavior change.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateOct 14, 2015

A successful intervention boosts the gender diversity of STEM faculty

A three-step intervention increases hiring of female STEM applicants by 6.3 times, with women constituting 50% of those hired after its application to all STEM-faculty hiring at Montana State University. The approach is based on self-determination theory and aims to enhance competence, autonomy, and relatedness in the search process.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateOct 14, 2015

New concept to help set priorities in water management

Researchers have developed a theoretical framework, ecological simplification, to address the complexity of ecological relationships in ecosystems. By systematically observing components of complexity, causes of simplification can be recognized and countermeasures can be introduced.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalBioScience·DateOct 14, 2015
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.

Effects of traumatic injury and disease on functional brain networks examined in brain connectivity

Studies examine effects of TBI, stroke, and repetitive stimulation on functional brain networks, revealing hyper-connectivity and reduced coherence in TBI patients. Researchers also describe remodeling of neuronal axons and myelin after stroke, as well as improvements in motor symptoms with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateOct 14, 2015

A step forward in obtaining blood stem cells in laboratory

Researchers at IMIM have found that Notch protein activation intensity determines cell fate, revealing a competition between two proteins for hematopoietic stem cell formation. This study could lead to more efficient and reproducible lab-grown blood stem cells for patients with no compatible donors.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2015

Soft robot changes color as it grips and walks (video)

A new advancement in soft robotics has been reported, enabling elastic material to change color when stretched. This feature can help robots camouflage themselves, indicating areas of vulnerability, while also allowing for potential applications in medicine delivery and repair.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 14, 2015

Chesapeake Bay surface water temperature is increasing over time

A new study finds that Chesapeake Bay surface water temperature is increasing rapidly, with trends detected in over 92% of the Bay. The study suggests that warming waters signal spawning time for fish and exacerbate eutrophication and algal blooms.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateOct 14, 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.

Biochemists uncover structure of cellular memory mechanism

Researchers have imaged the structure of IP3R, a calcium ion channel that controls cell function, offering insights into diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer. The discovery could lead to new treatments by enabling drug design venues.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2015

Deadly bacteria stiff-arm the immune system

Researchers discovered M1 strep's ability to inactivate antimicrobial peptides, a key component of the immune system's defense. This finding highlights the need to fortify or optimize antimicrobial peptides to improve the immune system's odds of fending off infections.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 14, 2015