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Science News Archive April 2015


Page 29 of 36

Could a dose of nature be just what the doctor ordered?

A study by biologists and public health experts finds that nature exposure is linked to improved human health, but the optimal dose of nature is unclear. The researchers propose a new approach to studying nature exposure through dose-response modeling, which could help develop recommendations for enhancing human health in urban areas.

NASA analyzes rainfall in Tropical Cyclone Joalane

Tropical Cyclone Joalane's clouds were analyzed by NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency using the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite. The study found intense convective thunderstorms dropping rain at a rate of over 63 mm per hour, with storm tops reaching altitudes of up to 17.4 km.

UAB researchers develop a harmless artificial virus for gene therapy

Researchers at UAB have created an artificial virus that can self-assemble, surround DNA fragments, and reach the nucleus of cells without biological risk. This innovation provides a promising alternative to traditional viruses in gene therapy, enabling the efficient delivery of therapeutic DNA and drugs directly to target cells.

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.

Alternating antibiotics render resistant bacteria beatable

Researchers discovered that alternating low doses of two antibiotics can kill bacteria while promoting the emergence of drug-resistance mutations. This sequential treatment approach, called 'sequential synergies,' may provide a way to sensitize bacteria to concentrations of antibiotics that would normally induce resistance.

Mental disorders and physical diseases co-occur in teenagers

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mental disorders and physical diseases often co-occur in teenagers. The strongest correlations were found between affective disorders (e.g. depression) and diseases of the digestive system, as well as anxiety disorders and arthritis. These associations highlight the need for...

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.

How unwanted CDs and DVDs could help cut carbon emissions

Researchers from Poland and the US turn disc fragments into activated carbon with high surface areas, capturing carbon dioxide, hydrogen gas, and benzene. The material could be used for carbon capture applications and separate volatile organic compounds.

New study indicates that exercise improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology shows that exercise, regardless of frequency or intensity, benefits obese and overweight adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Both aerobic and resistance training-based exercise regimens reduce liver fat and visceral fat. The improvement was independent of weight loss.

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.

Ordinary clay can save the day

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered that ordinary clay can effectively capture carbon dioxide (CO2), rivaling other materials used for this purpose. The smectite clay's surface is responsible for binding CO2, with ions associated with the surface being the active capturers.

UTMB researchers develop Ebola vaccine effective in a single dose

Researchers at UTMB have developed an Ebola vaccine that is both safe and effective with a single dose, providing protection against the deadly virus. The new vaccine employs a 'Trojan horse' approach, using a weakened form of the virus to trigger an immune response.

Researchers urge stronger warning for indoor tanning risks

Researchers say there is enough evidence to declare indoor UV radiation tanning causes skin cancer. The authors urge the US Surgeon General to make a stronger statement regarding UV tanning devices, citing eight out of nine Bradford Hill criteria as satisfied.

Game played in sync increases children's perceived similarity, closeness

A new study shows that playing a synchronized game on a computer increased children's sense of similarity and closeness immediately after the activity. The findings suggest that time-based synchronized activities, including in music, dance and sports, could be useful tools in bringing children closer together.

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.

Seasonal, year-long cycles seen on the sun

Scientists have discovered a nearly-annual cycle of solar activity that can drive space weather events, including solar storms at Earth. This discovery could improve forecasts of space weather by understanding the interaction between magnetic field bands on the sun.

Rural African-American women had lower rates of depression, mood disorder

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that rural African-American women had lower rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and mood disorder compared to their urban counterparts. In contrast, rural non-Hispanic white women had higher rates of MDD and mood disorder. The findings suggest the need for further research into the correl...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Obesity-related receptors have a unique structure

Researchers have elucidated the structure of two adiponectin receptors, revealing a completely new type unlike G protein-coupled receptors. The discovery may lead to new adiponectin receptor agonists for treating obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Ecological 'flash mobs': It's all about timing ... and magnets?

A University of California, Davis study found that the Ising model can explain synchronous events like fruit tree boom and bust years and insect outbreaks. The model applies to understanding population dynamics and has broader implications for extinction and disease.

Worms and germs lead to better immune function

Research at Duke University Medical Center found that increasing bacterial and worm diversity in the digestive tract enhances immune function, with better responses to vaccination and increased natural antibody production. The study suggests that biome enrichment may serve as an 'immune trainer' to improve overall health.

Study shows rats fed a dietary fiber supplement had better weight control

A University of Calgary study found that rats fed a fibre supplement while on a high fat and high sugar diet showed a much lower weight gain than those who did not eat the fibre. The study suggests that oligofructose, a naturally occurring dietary fibre, may help reduce weight gain by affecting gut microbiota and gut hormones.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Older people can learn to spend less time sitting down

In a pilot study, older adults aged 60+ reduced their sitting time by an average of 27 minutes per day through coaching. Participants reported improved ability to perform everyday tasks and fewer symptoms of depression. The study suggests that reducing sedentary behavior in older adults could have significant health benefits.

At American University, chemistry majors take charge

At American University, chemistry majors take charge of their research projects, allowing them to develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-motivation. The program's success has led to improved student engagement and satisfaction, with some students publishing research articles and receiving grants.

Are plants passive smokers?

Researchers found that plants like peppermint take up high concentrations of nicotine from cigarette smoke and contaminated soils. This discovery may explain the presence of high levels of nicotine in spices, herbal teas, and medicinal plants.

A digital field guide to cancer cells

A Yale University-led team has compiled sophisticated data on the signaling networks directing highly invasive cancer cells. They found that breast cancer cells prioritize certain cues in the presence of others and can switch their migration mode depending on what they see from the environment.

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.

Inkjet-printed liquid metal could bring wearable tech, soft robotics

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new method to mass-produce electronic circuits made of liquid-metal alloys using inkjet printing. This technology enables the creation of stretchable garments and pliable robots that can interact with computers or provide therapeutic benefits. The approach involves dispersing liquid met...

Distance running may be an evolutionary 'signal' for desirable male genes

The study found a strong correlation between men's endurance running ability and prenatal testosterone exposure, with good runners having greater reproductive potential. Researchers suggest that female selection for athletic endurance in males may have been driven by the importance of persistence hunting in hunter-gatherer societies.

Melanoma surgery delays are common for Medicare patients

A Yale study found that one in five Medicare patients with melanoma experience significant delays in getting surgery, affecting their psychological well-being and healthcare quality. The study analyzed data from over 32,000 Medicare patients and revealed that 22% waited longer than 1.5 months for treatment.

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.

Recovery potential for the world's coral reef fish

A global study found that nearly 83% of fished coral reefs have lost more than half their fish biomass, highlighting the need for effective management and conservation strategies. Marine reserves can recover fish populations in approximately 35 years, while heavily depleted reefs take around 60 years to recover.

Doing the impossible: Enzyme-catalyzed Diels-Alder reaction

Researchers have discovered an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of a natural insecticide, Spinosyn A, at lower temperatures than previously thought. The new mechanism reveals how the enzyme guides the substrate towards the transition state, resulting in a more energetically balanced reaction.

New emotion recognition model

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum propose a new model for emotion recognition, suggesting that humans can directly recognize emotions through pattern recognition. Even with sparse clues, humans can identify typical emotion patterns, including physiological reactions and facial expressions.

Ironing out oxidative stress

A new study by ETH Zurich researchers has identified a critical link between oxidative stress and the immune system's ability to fight off viruses. Vitamin E was shown to be effective in protecting T cells from cell death caused by oxidative stress, a breakthrough that could have implications for treating chronic infections.

Inventing a 2-D liquid

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed nanoparticles that can interact with oil-water interfaces without clumping together. By measuring pressure and density, they've established universal rules governing the physics of these systems, which could lead to advances in nanomanufacturing, catalysis, and photonic devices.

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.

UM study finds fast food just as effective for recovery as sports supplements

A new University of Montana study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that eating fast food after a workout can provide the same potential for muscle glycogen recovery as traditional sports supplements. The study, led by Brent Ruby, analyzed muscle biopsies and blood samples from male...

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.

The rest of the brain gets in the way

A study using fMRI scans found that unnecessary brain activity hinders learning, while reduced neural connections facilitate faster skill acquisition. The researchers' novel analysis methods revealed complex brain networks and community structures that correlate with individual differences in learning rates.

Simons Foundation honors UMass Amherst mathematician

HongKun Zhang will use the $100,000 award to work with colleagues in France and St. Louis on a mathematical conjecture arising in statistical mechanics. Her research aims to improve conceptual understanding of physical systems and predict their behavior.

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.

Into thin air and back

Researchers examined muscle physiology in deer mice from high and low-altitude habitats, revealing heritable differences in energy metabolism and muscle plasticity. Genetic changes associated with increased oxidative capacity and blood supply enabled improved fitness under hypoxic conditions.

Rates of ADHD appear to decrease at higher altitudes

Researchers found that ADHD prevalence decreases substantially at higher elevations, correlating with increased dopamine levels. The study suggests that hypobaric hypoxia, a condition caused by lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, may serve as an environmental stressor and potentially protect against the disorder.

Purging a virus from organ transplants

Scientists have discovered a molecular switch that allows human cytomegalovirus to enter dormancy or reactivate infection. By manipulating this switch with simple drugs, HCMV can be targeted with antivirals and purged from organs before transplantation.

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.

Six from CCNY named NSF Graduate Research Fellows

Six CCNY graduates have been named National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellows for their exceptional proposals in biology, environmental engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, and geochemistry. The fellowships provide annual stipends and cost-of-education allowances to support graduate study.

Obesity in children: Breastfeeding is best, but...

Recent studies show that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of childhood obesity, with benefits increasing with longer and more exclusive breastfeeding. However, research now needs to move beyond observational studies to provide definitive evidence.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.