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Science News for April 10, 2015


Cosmic debris: Study looks inside the universe's most powerful explosions

Researchers have built detailed computer simulations of a GRB jet's internal structure, revealing that non-uniformity is key to determining astroparticle emission. The model predicts a lower neutrino flux from GRBs than previously thought, which may be detectable by the next generation of neutrino telescopes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2015

Platform adoption in network markets

Research identifies company characteristics, partner selection, and consumer uncertainty as crucial elements in platform adoption. The study suggests partnering with reputable firms can foster technology adoption.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalInternational Journal of Innovation Management·DateApr 10, 2015

Eating out = high blood pressure?

A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers found an association between meals eaten away from home and high blood pressure in university-going young adults. The study, which surveyed over 500 participants, showed that pre-hypertension was prevalent in 27.4% of the population, with men more likely to be affected than women.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateApr 10, 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.

Can humans get norovirus from their dogs?

A study found that some dogs can mount an immune response to human norovirus, suggesting they may be infected. However, the risk of canine infection and transmission to humans is unclear.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateApr 10, 2015

Dodo bird verdict given new life by psychosis therapy study

A recent study found that a good therapeutic alliance is crucial for improving wellbeing, while poor relationships can harm treatment outcomes. The researchers discovered that patients who received effective therapy benefited from the therapist-patient connection, regardless of the therapy type.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateApr 10, 2015

Telomeres and cancer mortality: The long and the short of it

A recent study published in the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a surprising association between shorter telomeres and decreased cancer mortality. The researchers analyzed data from two prospective cohort studies involving over 64,000 individuals and discovered that those with longer telomeres had higher genetic sc...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 10, 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.

A new beginning for baby mosasaurs

A new study has discovered that mighty mosasaurs, which could grow up to 50 feet long, likely gave birth to their young in the open ocean, not on or near shore. This groundbreaking finding answers a long-held question about the initial environment of this iconic predator.

SourceYale University·JournalPalaeontology·DateApr 10, 2015

MIPT researchers grow cardiac tissue on 'spider silk' substrate

Researchers at MIPT have successfully grown fully functional cardiac tissues from cardiomyocytes using a genetically modified spider silk substrate. The study, published in PLOS ONE, demonstrates the potential for regenerative medicine to overcome transplant rejection by finding suitable substrates for cell growth.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 10, 2015

How many gold atoms make gold metal?

Gold nanoclusters of 102 and 144 atoms show distinct behavior, with smaller clusters acting like giant molecules and larger ones exhibiting metallic properties. These findings have significant implications for developing bioimaging and sensing technologies based on metal-like clusters.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 10, 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.

Research could usher in next generation of batteries, fuel cells

Researchers at the University of South Carolina and Clemson University have discovered a way to improve the transport of oxygen ions in batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more efficient energy conversion devices with significantly enhanced performance, increasing energy efficiency.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2015

Enzyme in cosmetic products can act as allergen via the skin

Researchers found that papain breaks down skin cell connections, leading to increased skin permeability and inflammation. The enzyme can still trigger allergic reactions even when its enzymatic function is blocked.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateApr 10, 2015

New material could boost batteries' power, help power plants

Researchers developed a material that acts as a superhighway for ions, making batteries more powerful and changing how gaseous fuel is turned into liquid fuel. The material also helps create membrane systems that purify gas mixtures, potentially replacing steam in fuel conversion processes.

SourceClemson University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2015

Scientists a step closer to developing renewable propane

Researchers at the University of Manchester have created a synthetic pathway for biosynthesis of renewable propane, paving the way for its commercial production. The breakthrough uses an engineered enzyme variant to redirect microbial pathways, producing propane as a clean-burning alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateApr 10, 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.

Graphene looking promising for future spintronic devices

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered that large area graphene can preserve electron spin over extended periods and communicate it over greater distances than previously known. This breakthrough has opened the door for developing faster and more energy-efficient memory and processors in computers.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2015

New guidance on contact precautions for hospital visitors

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new guidelines for contact precautions for hospital visitors, aiming to strike a balance between visitor and patient safety. The recommendations vary by pathogen type, with special considerations for immunocompromised visitors or those unable to practice good hand hygiene.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 10, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What happens underground when a missile or meteor hits

Researchers at Duke University simulate high-speed impacts in artificial soil and sand, finding that materials get stronger when struck harder. This challenges previous models and may lead to better control of earth-penetrating missiles.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 10, 2015

Accelerating universe? Not so fast

Researchers have found two groups of type Ia supernovae with different properties, hinting at a reevaluation of the universe's expansion rate and dark energy. The discovery uses combined observations from the Hubble Space Telescope and Swift satellite.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateApr 10, 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.

NASA satellite image shows Joalane's beauty beyond compare

Tropical Cyclone Joalane is a tightly wound tropical cyclone with hurricane-strength winds, generating rough seas and heavy rainfall. NASA's satellite image captures the storm's eye and surrounding thunderstorms, revealing high cloud top temperatures that indicate heavy rainfall potential.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 10, 2015

Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation bestows annual awards

The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation recognizes innovators in interventional radiology with the Leaders in Innovation Award. Sharon Kwan receives the Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award for her research on sublobar resection and thermal ablation for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateApr 10, 2015

NASA satellite sees a rooster in Tropical Cyclone Solo

Tropical Cyclone Solo, forming in the Coral Sea, is triggering watches in Solomon Islands due to its powerful thunderstorms and expected high winds. The storm's cloud top temperatures are as cold as 210 kelvin, potentially generating heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 10, 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.

Researchers test smartphones for earthquake warning

Researchers found that smartphones' GPS receivers can detect permanent ground movement caused by fault motion during large earthquakes. Crowd-sourced smartphone data can be used to build earthquake warning systems, providing early warnings to people in affected areas before strong shaking begins.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 10, 2015