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Science News Archive April 2015


Page 4 of 36

Giving to charity: Feeling love means doing more for distant strangers

A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research reveals that love alone can inspire people to give to those with whom they have no connection. The study found that only emotional love, not closely related emotions like compassion, increased the desire to donate to distant charities. This finding has serious implications for marketers ...

Challenging work tasks may have an upside for the brain

A new study by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that professionals with jobs requiring strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and managerial tasks may experience better brain protection against memory and thinking decline. Participants with higher levels of these tasks showed slower cognitive decline rates over eight years.

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.

Low health literacy linked to heart failure deaths after hospitalization

Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that patients with low health literacy are 34% more likely to die after hospitalization for acute heart failure. Healthcare providers should be aware of their patients' health literacy skills to provide clear medical instructions and improve patient outcomes.

No quick fixes for developing world's solid waste management crisis

A study published in Waste Management highlights the need for a multi-dimensional approach to managing solid waste in developing countries. The research emphasizes the importance of considering environmental, socio-cultural, legal, institutional, and economic linkages in implementing effective waste management systems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Two new creeping water bug species found in Belize and Peru

Scientists have identified two new species of creeping water bugs, Ambrysus cayo and Procryphocricos pilcopata, found in streams in western Belize and southeastern Peru. The discovery highlights the vast unexplored world of aquatic insects, with many still to be discovered before it's too late due to habitat destruction.

New study links drinking behaviors with mortality

A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that social and psychological problems caused by drinking generally trump physically hazardous drinking behaviors when it comes to overall mortality rates. Light drinkers reported surprisingly high percentages of problems, with 48% experiencing some issue with alcohol in t...

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.

New IVF device may improve fertility treatment

A new IVF technique uses open microwell setup to screen embryos before implantation, potentially increasing success rates. The method allows researchers to select the most viable embryos on a case-by-case basis, reducing the number of cycles and costs.

Burmese python habitat use patterns may help control efforts

A new USGS study tracked 19 wild-caught Burmese pythons to reveal their home range and habitat use patterns. The research found that pythons share common areas within the park, which may be optimal locations for control efforts, and provides insights into the snakes' movement patterns during wet and dry seasons.

Childhood obesity -- 1 epidemic or 2?

A new study found that childhood obesity has distinct causes depending on the age of the child. In toddlers, weight gain is largely influenced by parental factors, while adolescents experience weight gain across the entire age group, regardless of parentage. The study suggests that public health strategies may need to be tailored accor...

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.

Monkey droppings complement field observations, researchers report

Researchers used high-throughput sequencing to analyze fecal DNA of saddleback tamarins, identifying 20 families and genera of invertebrates consumed. This study complements behavioral observations and ecological sampling, providing insight into the monkeys' foraging strategies.

Weighing -- and imaging -- molecules one at a time

Caltech scientists develop nanodevices that can measure the mass of individual molecules and reveal their three-dimensional spatial distribution, crucial for identifying large protein complexes. This technology enhances protein identification and analysis, improving odds in discovery mode.

New study shows parrotfish are critical to coral reef island building

A recent study published in Geology has shown that parrotfish play a pivotal role in providing the sands necessary to build and maintain coral reef islands. The research found that parrotfish produced over 85% of the new sand-grade sediment on reefs around island communities in the Maldives.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Crustaceans from the second largest river basin in South America

A team of Brazilian and English zoologists has developed a comprehensive guide to identifying 19 species of planktonic copepods from the 'de la Plata' basin, the second largest river basin in South America. The study provides detailed information on taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships, and identification keys for each sex.

ONR: Helping to train the future canine force

Researchers focus on olfactory and cognitive optimization to improve canines' scent recognition and memory. The goal is to expand their recognition of odors within diverse elements and in what ratios, as well as determine how long they retain scent memory.

Bigger bang for your buck: Restoring fish habitat by removing barriers

Researchers developed a powerful new model to help decision makers choose cost-effective barrier removal projects, doubling habitat accessible to migratory fish. The study found that coordinated efforts across the entire basin are nine times more cost-effective than local or county-level efforts.

UM study: Oil and gas development transforms landscapes

A recent UM study found that oil and gas development has transformed vast areas of North America's rangelands and croplands, leading to vegetation loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitats. The research estimates that over half a million acres of land are lost annually, equivalent to 120.2 million bushels of wheat.

Research prompts rethink of enzyme evolution

Scientists at University of Otago challenge traditional understanding of enzyme evolution, finding evidence of rapid evolution and ancient catalysts. The research has implications for designing proteins with biomedical applications.

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.

New study raises the bar in the cough and cold category

A new study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy found that diphenhydramine, an active ingredient in Dr. Cocoa's Nighttime formula, significantly inhibits cough reflex sensitivity in adults with acute pathological cough, commonly known as a cold.

Children with ADHD at risk for binge eating, study shows

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that children with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop an eating disorder akin to binge eating. The research suggests a common biological mechanism linking the two disorders, highlighting the need for developing new treatment strategies.

Water could have been abundant in the first billion years

Theoretical work suggests water vapor could have existed in pockets of space a billion years after the Big Bang, with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit allowing for its formation. The team found equilibrium levels similar to those seen in our local universe.

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.

Small high school reform boosts districtwide outcomes

A study by New York University researchers found that small high school reform leads to improved graduation rates and test scores in both new and existing larger schools. The reform resulted in a 13 percentage point increase in graduation rates among students in small high schools compared to those in continuously operating schools.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Mathematics reveals how fluid flow affects bacteria

Researchers used mathematical equations to study how flowing fluid hinders bacterial movement in search of food. The findings suggest that slender bacteria get trapped in high shear regions, affecting their ability to find food but potentially aiding surface colonization.

Study shows diversity of habitat needed around spotted owl reserves

A recent study found that over 50% of National Forest land in the northern Sierra Nevada is designated to promote mature, closed-canopy forest, while many bird species prefer undergrowth and habitat outside reserves. The study suggests a need to balance old-growth forest management with diverse forest habitats for all species.

Researchers find evidence of groundwater in Antarctica's Dry Valleys

Researchers have discovered a salty aquifer beneath the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica, which could provide insights into ancient climate change and the potential for microbial life. The discovery was made using a novel sensor system that penetrated below the surface of large areas of terrain.

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.

The fearsome foursome: Technologies enable ambitious MMS mission

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission successfully launched a unique formation of four identical spacecraft to study magnetic reconnection, driving space weather events that disrupt Earth's orbit. The Goddard-developed Navigator GPS receiver enabled precise navigation and tracking in weak signal areas.

Grant funds innovative news follows to Washington state tragedies

A WSU study will place microphones in popular gathering spots of traumatized Washington State communities to determine effective journalism that respects community members. The project aims to provide a platform for community voices and handle the emotional trauma faced by journalists covering disasters.

Lack of safety at school and poverty linked to childhood obesity

Researchers at the University of Montreal found a complex link between feelings of being unsafe, poverty, and childhood obesity. Youth who experienced chronic poverty were more likely to be overweight despite higher levels of physical activity, suggesting a key role for feeling unsafe in perpetuating obesity.

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.

Ancient connection between the Americas enhanced extreme biodiversity

A new study reveals that species migrations between North and South America began around 20 million years ago, contradicting a long-held assumption that the Isthmus of Panama formed 3 million years ago. This finding has significant implications for understanding how biodiversity in the Americas developed.

Build or burn? Competition for wood on the rise

Researchers investigated wood supply and demand in Bavaria by 2035, finding that using wood as a building material first reduces ecological benefits. Wood scarcity could lead to increased imports and substitute products, affecting jobs and carbon balance.

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.

As circumcision wounds heal, HIV-positive men may spread virus to female partners

A new study has identified a temporary, but potentially troublesome unintended consequence of male circumcision: an increased risk of infecting female sexual partners while the wound heals. The study found that nearly 30% of HIV-positive men were shedding the virus two weeks after surgery, compared to less than 10% before circumcision.

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.

A glitch in the recycling

A recent study by Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease. The researchers discovered that disruption of a developmental mechanism, Lmx1b, leads to the death of dopamine-producing neurons, resulting in the symptoms of PD.

Keeping food visible throughout the house is linked to obesity

A study by Ohio State University found that people with low self-esteem related to their weight are more likely to have visible food in their homes, eat unhealthy foods, and experience depression. The home environment may contribute to obesity, but it's not a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

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.

Windows that act like an LCD Screen

A novel liquid crystal technology allows displays to flip between transparent and opaque states, increasing visibility while reducing the need for power. The new design remedies previous problems with scattering and absorption, providing a faster response time and improved energy efficiency.

C. difficile rates highest in Northeast region, spring season

Rates of C. difficile infection were highest in the Northeast region and during the spring season over the last decade, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The study found that adults and older adults followed overall trends, with pediatric CDI being highest in winter.

Water companies license 2 UW-Milwaukee sensor technologies

Researchers developed real-time sensors that can detect trace amounts of heavy metals and bacteria in private well water. The technology has been licensed to six companies, including three Wisconsin-based firms, for use in water equipment and treatment processes.