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Science News Archive April 2015


Page 3 of 36

Study finds ancient clam beaches not so natural

Archaeologists discovered ancient clam gardens in the Pacific Northwest, revealing a sophisticated marine management system. The findings challenge the notion of First Nations living in wild environments, instead showing they were farmers who cultivated productive clam habitats.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

DNA suggests all early Eskimos migrated from Alaska's North Slope

A recent DNA study reveals that all early Eskimos migrated from Alaska's North Slope, providing the first genetic link between Iñupiat populations and their ancestral homeland. The research also suggests two major migrations to the east from the North Slope at different times in history.

Soldier beetle went a-courtin'

A study by Denson McLain found that larger male soldier beetles exhibit a size-related preference for large females, resulting in stronger assortative mating. This preference increases their likelihood of encountering and mating with more fecund females.

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.

Medical education: Guiding professional identity to prevent burnout

A special issue in Academic Medicine explores 'professional identity formation' and its implications for preventing burnout. The issue offers insights into guiding students through the process, which is not always intuitive, and highlights the importance of reflective writing in developing a strong professional identity.

Measuring customer value? Don't overlook product returns

A new study found that considering product returns as a means of allocating resources can lead to significant increases in profits for firms. By targeting marketing efforts towards customers with positive attitudes toward returns, companies can reduce costs and maximize value from these interactions.

Novel approach blocks amyloid production in Alzheimer's mouse model

A novel approach has been identified to block amyloid production in an Alzheimer's mouse model, promising a potential early therapeutic intervention. The study found that the most promising compound, P8, can be administered to individuals at high risk of developing the disease and may have few side effects.

Drug that can prevent the onset of diabetes is rarely used

A recent UCLA study found that only 3.7% of US adults with pre-diabetes were prescribed metformin, despite its proven effectiveness. The study highlights the underuse of metformin for diabetes prevention, which could be attributed to lack of knowledge and reluctance by patients and doctors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improved sanitation may reduce sexual violence in South African townships

A Yale University study found that increasing public toilet availability can decrease the risk of sexual violence by nearly 30%. The study, published in PLOS ONE, also estimates a significant reduction in social costs to society. Implementing more toilets could save $40 million annually in South African townships.

Locally sourced drugs can be effective for treating multidrug-resistant TB

Researchers found no significant difference between treatment outcomes of patients using locally sourced and internationally quality-assured antibiotics. The study suggests that locally procured drugs can be a sustainable strategy, encouraging local pharmaceutical industries to adhere to quality standards.

Urine profiles provide clues to how obesity causes disease

A study by Imperial College London identifies chemical markers in urine associated with body mass, providing insights into how obesity causes disease. The findings suggest that obesity has a 'metabolic signature' detectable in urine samples, pointing to processes that could be targeted to mitigate its effects.

Rare sperm whale fossils discovered in Panama

The discovery of rare pygmy sperm whale fossils in Panama has provided new insights into the evolution of these whales. The fossils indicate that the spermaceti organ, which plays a key role in sound generation and echolocation, was reduced in size throughout their evolution.

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.

Two NASA views of newborn Tropical Cyclone Quang

Tropical Cyclone Quang formed quickly after organizing from a low-pressure area in the Southern Indian Ocean. NASA's Aqua satellite data revealed strong thunderstorms and high cloud top temperatures indicative of potential heavy rainfall.

Inspired by humans, a robot takes a walk in the grass

Researchers at Oregon State University successfully field-tested a two-legged robot that can move, balance, and withstand mild blows while taking a walk in the grass. The 'ATRIAS' robot is three times more energy-efficient than other human-sized bipedal robots, heralding the running robots of the future.

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.

Quenching the thirst for clean, safe water

A new foam water filter has been developed by Michigan State University researchers, which significantly reduces dangerous pathogens in drinking water. The filter combines existing treatment principles and features a unique biological layer that enables it to become more efficient over time.

A study analyzes the distance children are willing to walk to school

A new study by University of Granada researchers analyzed the distance English schoolchildren are willing to walk to school, finding it increases with age. The results show that children living closer to their school are more likely to walk, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in shaping walking habits.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

UM researcher: Forest canopies buffer against climate change

Recent research by Solomon Dobrowski, a University of Montana professor, finds that forest canopies play a crucial role in buffering juvenile trees from drought and heat. The study suggests that climatic buffering from forest canopies is important to consider when projecting the likelihood of regeneration in future forests.

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.

Is quality or cost more essential? The international cellphone market

A new study in the Journal of International Marketing reveals significant cross-national differences in consumer satisfaction with mobile services. In less-developed markets like Barbados, affordability is key, while in more developed countries like Singapore, quality is essential even at a higher cost.

Pharmaceutical industry regulation undermines NICE drugs appraisal work

The pharmaceutical industry's regulatory system is criticized for lacking accountability and being evidence-based, resulting in high NHS costs and inefficient use of technology appraisal work. The Cancer Drugs Fund is also singled out for criticism due to its inequitable allocation of funds and discrimination against other diseases.

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 links quitting smoking with deterioration in diabetes control

Researchers found that quitting smoking is associated with a temporary deterioration in blood glucose control, which can last up to three years. The study suggests that smokers with type 2 diabetes should expect to take extra care to keep their blood glucose levels well-controlled after quitting smoking.

Brain tumor patients should be screened for depression

A new study supports the screening and treatment of depression in brain tumor patients, who are at high risk of depressive symptoms that can impact care outcomes. The authors recommend using reliable screening tools and refer patients with positive results for detailed psychiatric assessment.

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.

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.

A phone with the ultimate macro feature

Researchers developed a smartphone attachment that can image and size single DNA molecules 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. The device is intended for use in remote laboratory settings to diagnose various types of cancers and nervous system disorders.

Chromosome-folding theory shows promise

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new theory on chromosome folding, which is crucial for understanding gene regulation and other biological processes. The theory predicts the folding mechanisms and resulting structures of chromosomes using statistical tools and energy landscapes.

University of Louisville researchers detail role of silica and lung cancer

Researchers at the University of Louisville have detailed a crucial connection between silica exposure and rapid lung cancer progression, highlighting the role of inflammatory mediator LTB4 and its receptor BLT1. The study's findings suggest that novel treatment strategies for both silicosis and associated lung cancers may be possible.

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.

Toxic combination of air pollution and poverty lowers child IQ

A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that children born to mothers experiencing economic hardship and exposed to high levels of PAH during pregnancy scored significantly lower on IQ tests at age 5. The researchers followed 276 mother-child pairs from pregnancy through early childhood, observing ...

Even an hour of TV a day ups risk of childhood obesity

Children who watch TV for just an hour a day are more likely to be overweight or obese, according to a new study. The research suggests that even small amounts of TV viewing can lead to unhealthy weight gain and recommends daily limits on screen time.

Researchers closer to being able to change blood types

Scientists at the University of British Columbia have created an enzyme that can alter the sugar structures in Type A and B blood, making it more compatible with Type O blood. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for blood transfusion shortages, as the universal donor Type O blood can be given to patients of all blood types.

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.

Scientist receives March of Dimes Developmental Biology Prize

Rudolf Jaenisch received the March of Dimes Developmental Biology Prize for establishing the basis of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. His research holds great promise in regenerative medicine, potentially treating human diseases such as sickle-cell anemia and Parkinson's disease.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.