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Science News Archive April 2015


Page 1 of 36

Department of the Navy announces 2015 young investigators

The Department of Navy announced 36 young investigators who will receive grants to fund research in various naval-relevant science and technology areas. The awardees, representing 31 institutions across the US, will receive funding for laboratory equipment, graduate student stipends, and other expenses.

Gambling is all an illusion

Research found habitual gamblers exhibit probability matching behavior and perceive illusory patterns in random sequences. Gamblers are also less able to resist impulses, leading to impulsive betting decisions.

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.

Mammals not the only animals to feed embryo during gestation

A recent study published in Biological Reviews found that matrotrophy, where mothers provide nutrients to their embryos during gestation, has evolved independently in at least 21 of 34 animal phyla. This process is more common than previously thought and is often associated with live birth.

Bacterial viruses: Tools of the trade

Researchers discovered that bacterial viruses carry genetic instructions for producing an actin-like protein, which enables the transport of their DNA to host cells. This mechanism allows the virus to replicate its genome in bacteria lacking a cytoskeleton.

Desirable defects

Researchers have discovered a new way to harness the defects in liquid crystals to create novel meta-materials with potential applications in optics and electronics. By exploiting these 'defect lines', scientists can remotely interact among colloidal particles, allowing for energy-efficient control and unprecedented plasticity.

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.

Dull forest glow yields orbital tracking of photosynthesis

Scientists from Brown University have successfully linked chlorophyll fluorescence to plant photosynthesis in a deciduous forest, validating orbital measurements of fluorescence with ground-based observations. The study provides crucial ground-truth for measuring photosynthesis on a global scale from low-Earth orbit.

Mechanisms for continually producing sperm

Researchers found that differences in reactivity to retinoic acid in spermatogonial stem cells are controlled by the Rarγ gene. This discovery explains how mammalian testis maintain a delicate balance between stem cell numbers and differentiation into sperm. The study suggests that other tissues may also be maintained through similar m...

How your sex life may influence endometriosis

A new University of Adelaide study discovered an association between contact with seminal fluid and the development of endometriosis. The research found that seminal fluid enhances the survival and growth of endometriosis lesions, potentially increasing the risk of progression in women.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Vital step in stem cell growth revealed

Researchers found that Wnt and Activin pathways work together to activate essential genes for stem cells to differentiate. This discovery could improve regenerative therapies and understanding of cancer development.

Obesity linked to increased health care costs after plastic surgery

A study found that obese patients undergoing common cosmetic plastic surgery procedures had higher rates of complications, hospital visits, and emergency department visits. The findings link obesity to increased healthcare costs, with average cost differences ranging from $3,900 to $7,400.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quantum mechanical helium trio

Physicists have created a stable Efimov state consisting of three helium atoms, exhibiting huge distances between binding partners. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions and opens new avenues for research in quantum mechanics.

England set for 'substantial increase' in record-breaking warm years

A new study suggests that climate change will substantially increase the likelihood of record-breaking warm years in England, with a 13-fold increase or more likely due to human influences. The Central England Temperature series shows rapid warming over the past 60 years, with 2014 as the warmest year on record.

Study finds swine farming is a risk factor for drug-resistant staph infections

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that swine farmers are more likely to carry multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) than people without current swine exposure. The researchers followed a group of 1,342 Iowans for 17 months and discovered that farmers with livestock exposure, particularly swi...

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.

Role of telomeres in plant stem cells discovered

Researchers have discovered that telomeres are essential for the renewal of plant stem cells and growth. The study uses innovative technology to measure telomeres at the cellular level in plants, revealing a vital relationship between telomere length, stem cells, and longevity. This breakthrough has implications for developing novel th...

Evolution: The secrets of the brachiopod shell

Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanisms behind brachiopod shell formation, revealing evolutionary conserved genetic programs among invertebrates. The study identifies unique proteins and structural resemblances to other animal phyla, providing new insights into the evolution of biomineralization.

Fossils help identify marine life at high risk of extinction today

A study using fossils to predict extinction risk identifies vulnerable ocean ecosystems and species, providing a baseline for conservation efforts. The analysis finds that animals with small geographic ranges and certain groups are more prone to extinction, highlighting the need for targeted conservation and management.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New research into health benefits of coffee

Monash researchers, in collaboration with Illycaffè, conducted a comprehensive study on the behavior of free radicals and antioxidants during coffee brewing. They discovered that under certain conditions, coffee can act as an antioxidant, providing a deeper understanding of its potential health benefits.

Pre-existing inflammation may promote the spread of cancer

A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that pre-existing inflammation can promote the spread of cancer by raising levels of chitinase-3-like-1, a known biomarker of cancer. This increase in CHI3L1 leads to faster cancer growth and increased metastasis.

Engineering new blood vessels in people is 1 step closer to reality

Researchers discovered that controlling the innate immune system's reaction to tissue-engineered vascular grafts can reduce abnormal narrowing and increase graft performance. The study sets the stage for developing safe and effective vascular grafts for congenital heart disease treatment.

See flower cells in 3-D -- no electron microscopy required

Researchers developed an optical sectioning–3D reconstruction method using compound fluorescence light microscopes to image plant cells without damaging them. This approach allows for bulk processing of samples, clear imaging months after collection, and higher resolution than SEM.

Zooming in

Researchers from UCSB have successfully measured the frequency of radiation emitted by a single electron for the first time. The team used a tabletop instrument to detect emissions from an individual, orbiting electron and witnessed over 100,000 single electrons.

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.

U of M institute discovers how aspirin fights cancer

Researchers at The Hormel Institute discovered that aspirin may exert its chemopreventive effects against colorectal cancer by normalizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in gastrointestinal precancerous lesions. This finding suggests EGFR as a novel target for preventing colorectal cancer.

Large new study of phthalate exposure and breast cancer risk

A new study led by UMass Amherst epidemiologist Katherine Reeves is assessing the relationship between phthalate exposure and breast cancer risk. The three-year study will analyze urine samples from 500 women with invasive breast cancer and 1,000 healthy controls to measure levels of 11 phthalate metabolites.

Impaired sleep linked to lower pain tolerance

A large Norwegian health study of over 10,400 adults found that people with insomnia have increased pain sensitivity. The effect was strongest in those with both insomnia and chronic pain, highlighting the need for treatments targeting both conditions.

A BRAIN Initiative first: New tool can switch behavior 'on' and 'off'

Researchers have developed a new chemogenetic technique that enables them to switch specific behaviors in mice on and off, demonstrating the control of brain circuits over behavior. This tool, KORD, has the potential to treat diseases such as schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy by modulating neurons.

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.

Palaeontology: Unique fish fossils identified

A team of researchers has identified the first fossil specimens of a major group of killifishes that is widely distributed in freshwater habitats today. The fossils, which date back to 6 million years ago, provide new insights into the evolution of bony fishes and the diversification of species.

Rupture along the Himalayan Front

A recent study by Kristin Morell and colleagues reveals the Himalayan Front's central seismic gap is overdue for a major earthquake. The researchers used geomorphic and erosion rate data to define the active detachment fault likely to host a large earthquake, pinpointing a distinctive physiographic transition in Uttarakhand, India.

Optimizing treatment protocols when diagnostics are costly

Researchers develop a mathematical platform to compute optimal diagnostic-guided vs. pro-active treatment strategies, showing that pro-active strategies may be worthwhile in resource-constrained settings. The study challenges current treatment paradigms and provides a framework for future research.

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.

Buyers with a trade-in get a raw deal

New research from USC Marshall School of Business shows that consumers who trade in their used cars pay an average of $990 more than those without a trade-in. Dealers infer a higher willingness to pay and charge higher prices based on the characteristics of the trade-in vehicle.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Quang develop an eye

Tropical Cyclone Quang strengthened during the early morning hours of April 30, developing an eye and triggering warnings. The storm's sustained surface winds reached speeds of 67 mph, with strongest winds in the southern quadrant.

First embryonic stem cell therapy safety trial in Asian patients

The study, which followed four individuals for a year after they were treated with embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells, observed no serious side effects related to the therapy. The researchers reported positive results in visual acuity improvements among patients.

Listening for whales and fish in the Northwest Atlantic ocean

The U.S. Northeast Passive Acoustic Sensing Network (NEPAN) uses buoys and autonomous underwater vehicles to record and archive sounds from marine mammals and fish in the western North Atlantic. The data will inform NOAA Fisheries stock assessment reports, permit consultations, and specific management actions.

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.

Waking proteins up from deep sleep to study their motions

Researchers have developed a new method for studying protein motion by freezing and then slowly 'waking' them up with increasing temperature. This approach, using variable-temperature solid-state NMR, reveals a hierarchical sequence of protein motions, allowing scientists to study individual motions and their interactions.

How some beetles produce a scalding defensive spray

Researchers have solved the mystery of how bombardier beetles produce their explosive defense mechanism, revealing a complex process controlled by a flexible membrane and valve. The beetle's ability to superheat and expel the liquid creates a powerful spray that is highly effective against predators.

Pancreatic cancer risk linked to weak sunlight

Researchers at UC San Diego found that pancreatic cancer rates are highest in countries with the least amount of sunlight, due to low vitamin D levels. Limited foods naturally contain vitamin D, and experts suggest that a deficiency may contribute to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Dwindling productivity in Congress linked to vanishing cooperation

Researchers found a decline in cross-party voting and an increase in party-line voting among Congressional representatives over the past 60 years. The study used network modeling to identify patterns at the individual level, revealing that geography had little influence on voting behavior.

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.

Compact synchrotron makes tumors visible

Researchers developed a compact synchrotron source that measures X-ray absorption, phase shifts, and scattering, allowing for the differentiation of healthy tissue from tumors. The new technology has improved soft tissue contrast, enabling quicker diagnoses in medical emergencies.

New method enables drug target validation for COPD treatment

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have developed a new method to validate drug targets for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. The technique enables the study of lung tissue repair mechanisms in patient-derived tissues, providing valuable insights into COPD pathologies and potential therapeutic avenues.

Lifestyle advice for would-be centenarians

A study of 855 Gothenburg men born in 1913 found that factors such as not smoking, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and a strong socio-economic standard contributed to their longevity. Additionally, correlations with maternal longevity and robust working capacity were also identified.

Dam removal study reveals river resiliency

The USGS study found that rivers quickly erode sediment accumulated in former reservoirs and redistribute it downstream, returning the river to conditions similar to those prior to impoundment. In many cases, fish and other biological aspects of river ecosystems also respond quickly to dam removal.

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.

Alberta's older injured workers at disadvantage in returning to jobs

A new University of Alberta study reveals that older workers (65+ years old) are more susceptible to severe injuries but less likely to receive modified work duties or rehabilitation. Researchers call for a revised approach to assess and treat injured workers, prioritizing their return to work.

Highly efficient CRISPR knock-in in mouse

A highly efficient CRISPR/Cas system has been developed for targeted long cassette insertion into the mouse genome, achieving efficiency of up to 50%. This breakthrough technology enables the creation of humanized mice for modeling genetic diseases and improving gene therapy safety.

NASA contributes to first global review of Arctic marine mammals

A recent multinational study assesses the impact of Arctic sea ice decline on 11 marine mammal species, including seals, walruses, and polar bears. The research highlights the critical role of sea ice in their habitats, revealing changes in population trends, feeding patterns, and behavior.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.