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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 11


Page 11 of 36

Many Dry Tortugas loggerheads actually Bahamas residents

Researchers tracked loggerheads from Dry Tortugas National Park to Bahamas, finding they spend most of their lives there before returning to nest. This new information helps identify areas for conservation efforts to protect the threatened northwest Atlantic population.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalAnimal Biotelemetry·DateApr 23, 2015
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.

How 'time is money' thinking can hurt the environment: UBC research

A UBC study reveals that individuals with an hourly wage mindset are less likely to undertake eco-friendly behaviors that require only a few seconds or minutes of extra effort. Researchers recommend equating environmental behavior with self-interest and adjusting billing practices to promote sustainability.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateApr 23, 2015

Baclofen shows promise in patients with alcohol-induced liver disease

A new study shows that Baclofen has a positive impact on alcohol consumption and liver function in patients with alcohol-induced liver disease. The results demonstrate improved indicators of liver health, reduced physical dependence, and lower standard measures of liver damage.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Astronomers find runaway galaxies

Researchers identified 200 previously unknown compact elliptical galaxies using public archives of data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the GALEX satellite. Of these, 11 isolated compact galaxies were found moving faster than their cluster counterparts

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

Human tape worm drug shows promise against MRSA in lab

A new study finds that niclosamide, a drug used to treat tapeworms, suppresses the growth of MRSA cultures and preserves the lives of infected nematode worms. Oxyclozanide, another salicylanilide anthelmintic, proves more effective in killing MRSA.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2015

Fat finding

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a long non-coding RNA that regulates brown fat development in mice. This finding holds promise for developing new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat obesity.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2015

Going with the flow?

Researchers have made significant strides in measuring preferential flow, a crucial factor in soil's physical, chemical, and biological functions. The study reveals unique water patterns depending on landform units, soil types, initial moisture, and precipitation features.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateApr 23, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fat signals control energy levels in the brain

The study found that a key enzyme produced by fat tissue regulates brain function and energy levels, suggesting an optimal amount of body fat for maximizing health and longevity. Mice with low NAMPT in fat tissue had impaired energy levels and physical activity, while those with high NAMPT exhibited increased physical activity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2015

Shetland pony midge study offers clues to curbing allergies

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that Shetland ponies' immune response to insect bites can prevent allergic reactions, similar to what happens in people with allergies. The study found that two different responses occur in horses, one triggering allergy symptoms and the other preventing allergic reactions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2015

Heat still on despite warming slowdown

A recent slowdown in global average temperatures is having no effect on the planet's projected warming by 2100. The study found that long-term temperature outcomes are unaffected by short-term variability, with greenhouse gases expected to overwhelm natural fluctuations and lead to dangerous levels of warming.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 23, 2015
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.

An improvement to the global software standard for analyzing fusion plasmas

Researchers have updated the TRANSP program to better simulate interactions between energetic particles and instabilities in plasma, which can affect fusion reactions. The updated code will provide a more accurate way to compute particle transport and improve simulations for future fusion facilities like ITER.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateApr 23, 2015

Scientists see deeper Yellowstone magma

Researchers have imaged the continuous volcanic plumbing system under Yellowstone, revealing a reservoir of hot, partly molten rock 12-28 miles beneath the surface. The new discovery is 4.4 times larger than the previously known magma chamber.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

Mountains warming faster, CU-Boulder, other scientists report

A new study published in Nature Climate Change finds that high mountain regions are warming at a rate faster than lower elevations, posing significant risks to alpine flora and fauna. The research team calls for improved observations, satellite-based remote sensing, and climate model simulations to better understand this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 23, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study: Photosynthesis has unique isotopic signature

A new study finds that photosynthesis imparts a distinct biosignature on oxygen molecules, allowing scientists to trace biological processes. This discovery has the potential to measure productivity in the open ocean and assess the health of oceans.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

Novel mechanism for Crohn's disease uncovered

A study reveals that an unfavorable bacterial network configuration in the gut can cause inflammation similar to Crohn's disease. Researchers found that transplanting 'healthy' bacteria into patients' intestines may provide a conventional treatment option.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGut·DateApr 23, 2015

Woolly mammoth genomes offer insight into their history and extinction

The study analyzed ancient mammoth genomes to understand population dynamics and genetic diversity. The results showed low genetic variation and inbreeding, indicating a small population size. The research provides insight into the woolly mammoth's evolutionary history and potential reasons for their extinction.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Thawing permafrost feeds climate change

A recent study found that thawing permafrost in Siberia is releasing ancient carbon into the atmosphere, which is then consumed by microbes and released as carbon dioxide. This process accelerates global warming and creates a runaway effect. Scientists are now studying the impact of this phenomenon on climate change.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 23, 2015
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.

Resilience, not abstinence, may help teens battle online risk

Researchers found that more resilient teens were less likely to suffer negative consequences from extreme online exposure, regardless of their level of internet usage. The study emphasizes the importance of empowering teens with coping strategies to manage online risks rather than relying solely on abstinence.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 23, 2015

ORNL reports method that takes quantum sensing to new level

Researchers at ORNL have developed a technique that uses quantum correlated beams of light to overcome the fundamental detection limit of microcantilever-based sensors. This results in a 60% error reduction, enabling higher contrast imaging and detection of lower concentrations of particles.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalOptica·DateApr 23, 2015

Long-term therapy with ETV or TDF demonstrates positive 5-year survival in patients with chronic HBV

A large cohort study found that long-term use of entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir (TDF) results in excellent 5-year survival for Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), with a significant proportion of deaths coming from liver-unrelated causes. The development of hepatocellular carcinoma plays a major role in mortality.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015

Looking to fossils to predict tooth evolution in rodents

A new study uses fossil data to predict that most rodent species will evolve continuously growing molar teeth over the next 50 million years. The researchers found evidence that many species possess the potential for acquiring dental stem cells, which are required for continuous tooth growth.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 23, 2015
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.

Rising antibiotic shortages raise concerns about patient care

A study of antibiotic shortages from 2001 to 2013 found that 148 antibiotics were affected, with an upward trend starting in 2007. Many involved gold-standard therapies for life-threatening infections with limited alternative treatment options, raising concerns about patient care.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 23, 2015
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.

Exploring treatment options for women with fibroids

Women with uterine fibroids have several treatment options, including medical and interventional therapies. Alternative treatment options include tranexamic acid, levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs, hysteroscopic myomectomy, endometrial ablation, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, and more.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 23, 2015
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.

Weight loss is associated with improvements in histological features of NASH

A new study presented at The International Liver Congress 2015 shows that significant weight loss through lifestyle changes can improve histological features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Over 10% weight loss is necessary to induce complete resolution of steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and portal inflammation.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015

The creation of Shangri-La

Researchers used a new computer model to simulate the formation of high-lying valleys in the southeastern Tibetan plateau. They found that these valleys developed in place, not as remnants of former lowlands, and were shaped by river disruption due to tectonic movement.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2015

In search of tinnitus, that phantom ringing in the ears

A new study reveals that tinnitus is represented differently in the brain compared to normal sounds, and that it may not be just a 'gap' left by hearing damage. The discovery could inform treatments such as neurofeedback and electromagnetic brain stimulation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015
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.

Study: This is your teen's brain behind the wheel

Researchers found that teens are more likely to make risky decisions when driving alone, but with a mother present, they become less likely to take risks. The brain regions responsible for this behavior include the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 22, 2015

NEJM perspective: 'Patient CARE Act' Medicaid block grant likely unconstitutional

Two legal experts argue that the proposed Medicaid block grant in the Patient CARE Act would be unconstitutional as it violates the Tenth Amendment. The block grant's fixed sum allocation and limited growth rate would coerce states into accepting a reduced financing structure, similar to the 2012 NFIB v. Sebelius ruling.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 22, 2015

Nanotech-enabled moisturizer speeds healing of diabetic skin wounds

Researchers developed a topical gene regulation technology that uses spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) to silence the gene that interferes with wound healing in diabetic animals. The treatment improved healing and blood circulation at the wound site, reducing recovery time by 50%.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2015

Desert plant could bolster world's supply of natural rubber

Scientists have developed a method to extract rubber from guayule, a desert shrub native to the southwestern US, which could bolster the world's supply of natural rubber. The discovery may help reduce reliance on Southeast Asian plantations and diversify the global market.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 22, 2015
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.

Notre Dame paper examines the clinical potential of microvesicles

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame investigate the clinical potential of microvesicles, shedding light on their role in promoting tumor invasion and metastasis. The study identifies key proteins that guide the formation of these vesicles and suggests a potential link to biomarker development.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2015

Electron spin brings order to high entropy alloys

High entropy alloys consist of four or more metals in equal amounts, exhibiting remarkable properties such as hardness and tensile strength at low temperatures. Researchers found that chromium and its spin play key roles in ordering the alloy's composition.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 22, 2015

High mountains warming faster than expected

High mountain regions are warming at a faster rate than previously thought, according to an international research team. This accelerated warming can lead to dramatic changes in ecosystems, including glacial melt and vegetation shifts, posing significant social and economic risks.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 22, 2015

Natural reparative capacity of teeth elucidated

Scientists have isolated dental stem cell lines and identified a natural mechanism for repairing tooth lesions. The study reveals that dopamine and serotonin play a crucial role in recruiting stem cells, which then repair the tooth. This breakthrough discovery opens up new therapeutic strategies to mobilize resident dental stem cells.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalStem Cells·DateApr 22, 2015
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.

UT Arlington nano-project seeks to uncover new materials, processes

The team aims to create scalable nano-manufacturing processes for functional metamaterials, revolutionizing computing, communication, sensing, and imaging. By manipulating light in ways not possible in natural materials, they seek to overcome current roadblocks towards integrated photonics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateApr 22, 2015

Study examines long-term adverse health effects of Ebola survivors

A large-scale study of Ebola survivors found persistent health effects, including vision loss, hearing impairment, and cognitive decline. The study highlights the need for strategies to address the long-term health needs of survivors.

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 2015

A promising step forward toward a new treatment against cancer

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain develop a new therapeutic agent that stimulates the immune system to target cancer cells by blocking immunosuppressive T-lymphocytes. This approach could lead to improved treatment efficiency for cancer patients and potentially treat other diseases with insufficient immunity.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 22, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Penn researcher advises translational med hubs best place for clinical phenotyping efforts

The article highlights the importance of clinical phenotyping in precision medicine, with Penn researcher Garret FitzGerald advocating for translational med hubs to be equipped with the necessary resources. The NIH's Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) program is seen as a key driver of this effort.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 22, 2015

DNA of bacteria crucial to ecosystem defies explanation

Researchers found a bacterium, Trichodesmium, with a unique genome that contradicts the understanding of free-living microbial genome architectures. The DNA sequence contains only about 63% expressed protein, breaking the mold for oligotrophs and challenging current knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2015

From metal to insulator and back again

Scientists Russell Hemley and Ivan Naumov found that certain metals transition from being metallic to insulating under pressure, and vice versa. They identified the physics framework underlying these transformations, which involves specific electron configurations and asymmetry.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 22, 2015