Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2015


Page 7 of 36

Climate change: How Brits feel about 'smart' energy

A new study found that while most people are willing to reduce their personal energy consumption, many are hesitant to share their energy data with third parties. Climate change awareness and cost concerns play a significant role in shaping public acceptance of demand-side 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.

Atrial fibrillation increases risk of only 1 type of heart attack

Researchers found that atrial fibrillation, the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder, is associated only with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) type of heart attack, increasing risk by 63 percent overall and higher rates in women. Atrial fibrillation has long been known to be a risk factor for stroke.

Lightweight membrane can significantly reduce in-flight aircraft noise

Researchers at North Carolina State University and MIT have developed a lightweight membrane that can significantly reduce low-frequency noise in aircraft cabins. The membrane covers one side of the honeycomb structure and blocks sound energy, making flying more pleasant for passengers.

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.

Is the universe a hologram?

Researchers at TU Wien found that the holographic principle can hold true even in flat spacetime, confirming its validity in our own universe. This validation suggests that the universe may be a hologram, with three-dimensional space being an image of two-dimensional processes on a cosmic horizon.

Tracking an invasive bird

A new study reveals that monk parakeets invading Europe and North America share similar genetic patterns, indicating they originated from the same small area in Uruguay. The invasive populations have lower genetic diversity compared to native populations, which is unusual for species with successful invasions.

Controlling arterial tone and blood flow in the brain

A study published in The Journal of General Physiology reveals the distinct roles of calcium channels in controlling arterial tone and blood flow to the brain. Researchers found that blocking L-type and T-type channels has opposite effects on blood flow, with one promoting vasodilation and the other constricting arteries.

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.

$4.5 million grants to fund research literacy for hospital chaplains

The project aims to equip hospital chaplains with research skills, enabling them to guide, evaluate and advocate for spiritual care. This will advance outcome-oriented chaplaincy care and align with the growing body of evidence connecting religion and spirituality with better patient outcomes.

How to short circuit hunger

Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered a long-sought component of the neural network that controls eating, finding that the melanoncortin 4 receptor-regulated circuit inhibits and controls hunger. Activating this circuit reduces feeding in mice and removes feelings of intense hunger.

Bumblebee genome mapped

The bumblebee genome has been mapped, revealing a relatively small fraction of genes involved in the immune response compared to flies and mosquitoes. Despite its weak social organization, the bumblebee has just as few immune genes as the honeybee, suggesting that diet may play a role in shaping its immune system.

Patient portals could widen health disparities

A new study found that patient portals exacerbate existing health disparities, with less educated and minority patients being less likely to use electronic medical records. Patients with low health literacy skills were 3.5 times more likely to be registered than those without these skills.

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.

Scientists join forces to reveal the mass and shape of single molecules

Researchers have created a method that can identify the mass and shape of individual molecules, opening up new possibilities for biologists and biomedical applications. The technique uses vibrations in a tiny device to measure the mass-to-charge ratio and then analyzes the resulting frequencies to determine the molecule's shape.

Most women don't know female-specific stroke signs

A national survey found that only 11% of women can correctly identify pregnancy, lupus, and other female-specific stroke risks. The survey also highlights the importance of recognizing early warning signs such as hiccups, atypical chest pain, and dizziness.

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.

Detection of critical heart disease before birth lags among poor

Research reveals that detection rates of critical congenital heart disease before birth have improved, but disparities remain in poor and rural communities. The study found that those living in these areas are less likely to receive a diagnosis before birth due to limited healthcare resources.

Google searches for 'n-word' associated with black mortality

Researchers found a significant association between Google search volume of the 'n-word' and higher mortality rates among Blacks. The study suggests that area-level racism can be monitored using internet query-based measures, pointing to its impact on mortality risk.

Single cells seen in unprecedented detail

Researchers have developed a large-scale sequencing technique called Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing (G&T-seq) that reveals the unique genome sequence of a single cell and the activity of genes within that cell. The study found that when a cell loses or gains a copy of a chromosome, the genes in that region show decreased or in...

Brain balances perception and action when caught in an illusion

Researchers Paul Dassonville and Scott A. Reed found that the brain relies on a shared representation of space to make perceptual judgments and guide behavior, contradicting the notion of separate pathways for perception and action. This study challenges long-held assumptions about how the brain processes visual information.

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.

'Chemo brain' is real, say UBC researchers

Breast cancer survivors experience chemo-brain, a condition characterized by chronically wandering minds and inability to focus. UBC research reveals that their brains are stuck in a disengaged state, making it difficult for them to concentrate on tasks.

Effective sleep apnea treatment lowers diabetes risk

A new study found that using a simple device for eight hours a night can help people with prediabetes improve their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment was shown to lower glucose metabolism, insulin regulation, stress hormone levels, and blood pressure.

Lower back pain may have ties to our last common ancestor with chimpanzees

A researcher has uncovered a relationship between upright locomotion and spinal health, finding that human vertebrae with disc problems are closer in shape to those of chimpanzees than those without disc problems. The study suggests that evolution may not have fully adapted the human spine for bipedal walking.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Conifer study illustrates twists of evolution

A new study analyzing over 460 conifer species found that the ancient pollination mechanism is gradually disappearing, leading to a loss of buoyant saccate pollen and droplet emission. Instead, species evolved new traits or lost existing ones, demonstrating 'stasis and release' in plant evolution.

Two-dimensional semiconductor comes clean

Researchers at Columbia Engineering and their collaborators have demonstrated the improvement of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) performance by encapsulating it in boron nitride (BN), an insulating material. This breakthrough enables the study of true properties and potential applications in high-performance electronics, detection, and emi...

Norwegian neuroscientists elected to American Philosophical Society

May-Britt and Edvard Moser, Norwegian neuroscientists, were elected members of the American Philosophical Society in recognition of their groundbreaking research on spatial memory. The APS recognizes outstanding achievements in all fields of intellectual endeavor, a testament to the Mosers' exceptional contributions to neuroscience.

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.

HIV prevention and risk behaviors follow weekly patterns

Researchers found that people tend to seek information on HIV-related topics at the beginning of the week and engage in risky behaviors on weekends. Implementing interventions based on these patterns could lead to better outcomes, including improved ART adherence and increased testing.

New UW app can detect sleep apnea events via smartphone

A new app developed at the University of Washington uses inaudible sound waves to track breathing patterns, capturing sleep apnea events with 98% accuracy. The app has the potential to be a simple and noninvasive way for people to identify and potentially treat sleep apnea.

Ocean bacteria get 'pumped up'

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discovered that stressed and dying phytoplankton release chemicals that stimulate marine bacteria to quickly convert organic carbon back into CO2. This process reduces the amount of sinking detritus, releasing more CO2 into the shallow ocean and atmosphere.

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.

More is less in novel electronic material

Scientists at Boston College have discovered negative electronic compressibility (NEC) in a three-dimensional material, iridium oxide. Adding electrons to the system effectively shrinks its size, a phenomenon previously only observed in two-dimensional materials.

Studies yield mixed findings on high-dose flu vaccine for elders

A new Veterans Affairs study found that the high-dose flu vaccine provides stronger protection against flu-related hospitalizations and deaths for those 85 and older, while standard vaccines may be effective for younger seniors. The study included over 165,000 patients and tracked hospitalization and death rates.

Neurons constantly rewrite their DNA

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that neurons use minor 'DNA surgeries' to toggle their activity levels, shedding light on brain disorders and learning. The study found a mechanism where Tet3 levels respond to synaptic activity, enabling neurons to maintain consistent levels of communication.

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.

Time to move Lyme Disease Awareness Month to April?

Climate warming is leading to earlier spring feeding by blacklegged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease and other pathogens. This shift in tick activity highlights the need for public education campaigns to reduce the number of people affected by tick-borne illnesses.

Inaccurate reporting jeopardizing clinical trials

A recent study analyzed 58 papers on inflammatory bowel disease and found inconsistent methods reporting, leading to difficulties in reproducing experiments. The researchers developed a critical checklist to address the issue, recommending its adoption as a publication requirement to improve study quality and standardization.

Common back problems may be caused by evolution of human locomotion

A study found that humans are more commonly afflicted with spinal disease due to their unique vertebrae shape, which shares similarities with non-human primates. Researchers studied human, chimpanzee, and orangutan vertebrae to uncover the link between vertebral shape and disc herniation.

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.

Parents sound off on mobile device use by children

A study of 35 parents/guardians reveals high tension regarding technology use, with many worried about their children's screen time affecting social skills. Parents also expressed concerns about addiction and the creative benefits of mobile media, highlighting the need for guidance from pediatric providers.

JCU doctors in world-first epilepsy treatment

Researchers at James Cook University are conducting a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of intravenous Levetiracetam in treating Convulsive Status Epilepticus (CSE) in children. The study aims to determine if this new treatment can work faster and have fewer serious side effects than current medications.

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.

Program puts a dent in summer hunger

A summer feeding program in California has served over 33,000 meals to 1,200 children and adults, significantly reducing food insecurity. The program, established in 2013, provided breakfast and lunch to kids, lunch to adults, and take-home meals for families.

Could smell hold the key to ending pesticide use?

Researchers from Cardiff University and Rothamsted Research created tiny molecules that replicate a natural insect-repelling smell, offering a potential alternative to pesticides. The team's breakthrough uses an enzyme to create similar smelling insect repellent molecules, with some exhibiting attractive behavior.

Electronic cigarettes gaining in popularity among teens

A recent study found that electronic cigarette use among teenagers is increasing rapidly, with 10% of teens using e-cigarettes in 2012 rising to 11% in 2014. The study also showed that e-cigarette use was more prevalent among older youths and males.

We are family: Adult support reduces youths' risk of violence exposure

Researchers found that males living in Philadelphia with supportive adult connections were significantly less likely to report involvement or witnessing violence. Supportive relationships with parents and other adults were common among youths, with nearly 70% saying they had at least one supportive adult in their life.

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.

Persistent swollen neck glands could indicate cancer

New research suggests that persistent swollen lymph glands in the neck are a high-risk indicator for lymphoma. By referring patients with unexplained swollen neck glands for further investigation, doctors can help reduce cancer-related deaths in the UK.

Some children lose autism diagnosis but still struggle

A study found that 7% of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) resolved their symptoms, but most continued to struggle with social and emotional challenges. The children who showed improvement had normal cognition, but residual learning and behavioral issues persisted.

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.