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Science News Archive April 2015


Page 30 of 36

Contaminants also a threat to polar bears

A recent study highlights the growing threat of environmental contaminants and plastic pollution to polar bear health, alongside climate change. The research, led by Norwegian scientists, found that exposure to these pollutants is affecting the endocrine system and reproductive system of polar bears.

How do single women seeking donor semen differ from cohabiting women?

A Danish study of 311 women reveals that single women seeking donor semen differ little from cohabiting women in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward motherhood. The study suggests that the myth surrounding single women's suitability for parenthood may be overstated.

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.

New study hints at spontaneous appearance of primordial DNA

A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Milan proposes a novel scenario for the non-biological origins of nucleic acids. The research demonstrates that the spontaneous self-assembly of short DNA fragments can drive the formation of longer polymers, potentially providing a pre-RNA route to the RNA world.

Sun experiences seasonal changes, new research finds

New research reveals quasi-annual variations in solar activity that can amplify or weaken solar storms, affecting Earth's atmosphere. Understanding these variations could lead to improved predictions of space weather events and mitigation strategies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tunneling across a tiny gap

Heat flow between materials separated by less than a nanometer occurs not via radiation or conduction, but through phonon tunneling. Researchers developed a unified framework to calculate heat transport at finite gaps, explaining how phonons can

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.

Complex bacterial challenge in fight against deadly amphibian disease

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the complex relationship between bacteria and the deadly frog disease chytrid fungus. The study found that only a small proportion of bacteria inhibited all forms of the disease, highlighting the need for diverse probiotic treatments to combat its shifting targets.

Seena Magowitz Foundation funds TGen's zebrafish studies of pancreatic cancer

Researchers at TGen are using zebrafish to accelerate investigations of pancreatic cancer, with the goal of finding therapeutics that can slow down and reverse tumor growth. The study is funded by the Seena Magowitz Foundation and aims to understand how pancreatic cancer invades local tissue and spreads to other organs.

Two ancient human fossils from Laos reveal early human diversity

Researchers have discovered two ancient human fossils in Laos that show early modern humans were physically quite diverse, with one jawbone exhibiting both archaic and modern human traits. The discovery adds to the evidence that early modern humans migrated through Southeast Asia earlier than previously thought.

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.

New tool to diagnose Ebola uncovers some surprises

A new tool uncovers some surprises in diagnosing Ebola by identifying six key symptoms: contact with an infected person, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, difficulty swallowing and absence of abdominal pain. This score can help clinicians risk-stratify patients during outbreaks.

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.

Gotcha! Ultra-realistic robot proves there's more than 1 way to scare a fish

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a robotic predator that can spook zebrafish just as well as a real one, revealing new insights into fear and anxiety in animal populations. The robot's effectiveness was comparable to that of live red tiger oscar, but with more consistent avoidance responses.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mortality and blood pressure directly linked to relationship quality

A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences found that mortality and blood pressure are directly linked to relationship quality. The research revealed that wives' stress has significant implications for husbands' blood pressure, particularly in negative relationships.

New model could help identify root cause of swallowing disorder

Researchers at the University of Missouri have established a model that identifies aging as a key factor in the development of dysphagia. Healthy aging mice exhibit symptoms of swallowing impairment similar to those seen in older adults, with slowed swallowing function and impaired tongue movement.

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.

The hoo's hoo of gibbon communication

Researchers have deciphered gibbons' subtle 'hoo' calls in response to specific events like foraging and predator encounters, revealing context-specific vocal communication. The study's findings suggest that gibbon vocalisations may hold clues about the evolution of human speech.

Epidemiology of HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance

A study analyzing individual virus sequences from 287 published studies found that most HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance strains arose independently in sub-Saharan Africa and south/southeast Asia. The study suggests screening for specific high-prevalence mutations could identify patients with TDR before therapy initiation.

Brontosaurus is back!

A new study by palaeontologists from Portugal and the UK provides conclusive evidence that Brontosaurus is distinct from Apatosaurus, overturning over a century of research. The team applied statistical approaches to calculate differences between species and genera, revealing Brontosaurus as a unique genus.

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.

Carbon nanotube computing?

Researchers at Durham University and the University of São Paulo discovered a correlation between single-walled carbon nanotube concentration and computational capability in composite materials. The emerging field of 'evolution-in-materio' uses natural evolution principles to train materials to mimic electronic circuits.

Lizards are larger and retain heat longer in high-altitude habitats

Scientists at the University of Granada have confirmed Bergmann's rule for ectotherms, revealing that long-tailed lizards are larger and retain heat longer in high-altitude habitats. This study resolves decades-long debates on the mechanism behind the Bergmann clines, showing that larger animals indeed have slower cooling rates.

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.

Easing the pain

A recent study published in PAIN found that combining morphine and nortriptyline provides better pain relief than using either drug alone, with 87% of patients experiencing significant pain reduction. The combination treatment also showed no worsening of common side effects such as constipation and dry mouth.

New technology making drones safer and smarter

The new technology enables drones to detect safe landing spots and execute proper landing operations even without GPS signal. The system uses computer-vision software to analyze images and identify landmarks, allowing the drone to regain stable flight and fulfill its mission autonomously.

Asbestos use in Asia poses serious health dangers

The increasing use of asbestos in Asia poses a significant threat to public health, with the potential for widespread mesothelioma and lung cancer cases. Government and non-government groups must work together to improve recognition and diagnosis of asbestos-related lung diseases.

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.

New mechanisms of 'social networking' in bacteria

Scientists deciphered bacterial communication mechanisms, revealing new ways bacteria regulate gene expression. Quorum sensing controls a variety of biologically relevant processes, and the study expands our understanding of regulation in Bacillus subtilis.

Overconfidence in new technologies can influence decision-making

Research by University of Missouri professor Chris Robert found that people tend to overestimate the likelihood of new technologies' success, influencing important decisions. This phenomenon, known as the 'technology effect,' is driven by constant exposure to technology and associations with successful outcomes.

Are current dietary guidelines for sodium and potassium reasonable?

Current dietary guidelines for sodium and potassium are unfeasible, with only 0.3% of Americans meeting the World Health Organization's targets. The main issue is that sodium and potassium are found in many of the same foods, making it impossible to recommend a reduction in sodium intake while increasing potassium intake.

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.

Common drug is re-engineered to improve surgery outcomes

A Northwestern University team has re-engineered a common drug to deliver nitric oxide, preventing cellular overgrowth and scarring in blood vessels during and after surgery. This modified protamine sulfate can slowly release nitric oxide, minimizing its negative effects while maintaining its function as an antidote for heparin.

Future electronics based on carbon nanotubes

A team of researchers has found a way to strip out metallic carbon nanotubes from arrays using a simple, scalable procedure, leaving behind semiconducting nanotubes suitable for electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to the development of smaller, faster, and cheaper electronic devices.

New study questions role of breast milk in obesity prevention

A new study from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center suggests that breastfeeding may not be a reliable method for preventing childhood obesity. The research highlights the complex relationship between breastfeeding and obesity, citing factors such as maternal obesity and alterations in digestive system processing.

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.

The control of Idiazabal cheese is not limited to the absence of defects

A recent study by the University of the Basque Country explores the relationship between the quality of designation of origin cheeses, such as Idiazabal, and consumer preferences. The research suggests that sensory evaluation methods need to be standardized to ensure good practices are followed in cheese production.

Dr. Owen Witte recognized with AACR G.H.A. Clowes Memorial Award

Dr. Owen Witte, a pioneer in human leukemias and immune disorders, received the AACR G.H.A. Clowes Memorial Award for his groundbreaking work on tyrosine kinases as drug targets. His discoveries have led to multiple approved targeted therapies, transforming patient outcomes.

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.

More anti-inflammatory genes mean longer lifespans for mammals

A recent study by UC San Diego researchers found a correlation between CD33rSIGLEC gene copy number and maximum lifespan across 14 mammalian species. Mice lacking this gene also showed signs of accelerated aging and higher levels of reactive oxygen species.

Swimming algae offer Penn researchers insights into living fluid dynamics

Scientists are studying Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to understand the behavior of living fluids, which could lead to new treatments for lung diseases like cystic fibrosis. The research team discovered that the algae changes its swim pattern dramatically in elastic fluids, which possess both liquid and solid-like properties.