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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 12


Page 12 of 36

Exploding stars help to understand thunderclouds on Earth

Researchers used cosmic rays to measure electric fields in thunderclouds, revealing strengths of up to 50 kV/m. This new method provides a better understanding of lightning activity and contributes to more accurate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 22, 2015

Alana Foundation to fund Case Western Reserve-MIT research on Down syndrome

The Alana Foundation has awarded $1.7 million to Case Western Reserve University and MIT to advance research on new chemical compounds for treating Down syndrome. The study will test the effects of these compounds on cells involved in cognitive function, aiming to improve cognitive abilities in individuals with the condition.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateApr 22, 2015

Papers identify effective and cost-effective treatments for complex wounds

Two new papers by St. Michael's Hospital researchers identified effective treatments for diabetic ulcers and pressure ulcers, as well as cost-effective interventions for complex wounds. The studies analyzed high-quality systematic reviews and cost-effectiveness analyses to provide clinicians and decision-makers with a guide towards tai...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalBMC Medicine·DateApr 22, 2015

Better social media techniques increase fan interest, engagement

A new study by researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that MLB teams with more original content on their Twitter accounts gained more followers and increased engagement. The study also showed that trends such as winning streaks and frequent national television appearances led to significant increases in followers. By ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Sport Management·DateApr 22, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Demanding jobs may increase survival in frontotemporal dementia

A new study found that people with more challenging jobs may live up to three years longer than those with less skilled jobs after developing frontotemporal dementia. The cognitive reserve theory suggests that higher occupational levels build connections in the brain, creating a buffer against disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 22, 2015

Drug research enhanced by fragment screening libraries

Researchers identified 422 structural clusters of naturally-derived fragments with diverse properties, suitable for chemical biology and drug discovery. These fragments could serve as the starting point for a highly diverse library with minimal structural complexity.

SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 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.

Researchers discover new drugs to combat the root cause of multiple sclerosis

Researchers at George Washington University and Case Western Reserve University have discovered two drugs that effectively treat multiple sclerosis by reversing the immune system's attack on nerve insulation, leading to increased remyelination. The study found that miconazole and clobetasol can promote myelination and enhance repair of...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2015

Scientists X-ray anti-inflammatory drug candidates

Researchers from Universities of Hamburg and Aarhus decode molecular structure of two promising drug candidates from Spiegelmers for the first time. The results provide a deeper understanding of the mode of action of these substances that have already entered clinical trials.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2015

Millimeter-sized stones formed our planet

Asteroids formed by capturing millimeter-sized chondrules with gravitational force, which then accumulated like sand in a storm. This process could also explain the formation of protoplanets and terrestrial planets, including Earth.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2015

New class of 3-D-printed aerogels improve energy storage

Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new type of graphene aerogel using direct ink writing. The 3D printed aerogels exhibit high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and supercompressibility, making them suitable for applications such as energy storage and sensors.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 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.

Invasion of the earthworms, mapped and analyzed

Researchers use statistical analysis to predict the spread of invasive European earthworm species Dendrobaena octaedra into Canada's boreal forest, forecasting it will expand from 3% to 39% of the forest floor by 2056. The worms are entering the forest via roadways, altering soil pH and decomposition rates.

SourceOhio State University·JournalComputational Statistics & Data Analysis·DateApr 22, 2015

Sugary drinks boost risk factors for heart disease, study shows

A recent study found that sugary drinks increase risk factors for cardiovascular disease in young, healthy adults. The research demonstrated a direct correlation between the amount of added sugar consumed and increased risk factors, including high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 22, 2015
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Cloth masks -- dangerous to your health?

A new study suggests that cloth masks used by healthcare workers in Vietnam increased their risk of contracting respiratory illnesses. The trial found that cloth masks allowed almost 97% of particles to pass through, compared to medical masks with 44%. Experts warn against the use of cloth masks in healthcare settings.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 22, 2015

Spread of pathogens between species is predictable, study finds

A study of disease dynamics in a California grassland reveals fundamental principles underlying the spread of pathogens among species. The researchers found that the amount of disease on each species depended on how common it was, as well as on the abundance of its close relatives.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2015

UNH researchers discover new method to detect most common bacteria contaminating oysters

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have discovered a new method to detect Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacterium that has contaminated oyster beds and sickened consumers in the Northeast. The detection platform uses genome sequencing and analysis to identify specific genes found only in the invasive strain.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateApr 22, 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.

Invisible inks could help foil counterfeiters of all kinds

Scientists at Northwestern University invented fluorescent inks that can be used as multicolored barcodes to authenticate products. The inks are invisible under normal light but visible under ultraviolet light, making them difficult for counterfeiters to mimic.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2015

How foreign animals affect Newfoundland's food chain

Research from Concordia University and Memorial University of Newfoundland found that the introduction of foreign species has resulted in an increase in prey per predator, which could lead to a decrease in prey species. This study sheds light on the impact of invasive mammals on the island's food web.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2015

Flameproof falcons and hawks

A Cooper's hawk in Greater Vancouver has been found with the highest levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) ever recorded, significantly higher than levels in California or China.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 22, 2015

The Association for Molecular Pathology compiles current research on liquid biopsy

The Association for Molecular Pathology compiles current research on liquid biopsy approaches for cancer diagnostics. The review supports the notion that these minimally invasive tests allow for earlier diagnosis, faster and more targeted treatment, reduced costs, and increased quality of life.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateApr 22, 2015

Humans' ancestors had tentacles

Researchers found evidence supporting the idea that the last common bilaterian ancestor had tentacular appendages, a concept favored by the Russian zoological school. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of chordate animals and could help refine the classification system.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 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.

Testosterone key to new bird bang theory

Researchers discovered that birds with complex courtship displays have muscles sensitive to testosterone, enabling them to perform impressive acrobatics. This groundbreaking study sheds light on how hormones control social behavior in birds, paving the way for further research into the evolution of bird brawn.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateApr 22, 2015

Cancer scan could remove need for radiotherapy for cured patients

A UK National Cancer Research Institute trial suggests that a PET scan after chemotherapy can identify patients who don't need additional radiotherapy, reducing late effects. The study found that 90.8% of patients without further treatment remained disease-free compared to 94.6% in the radiotherapy group.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 22, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

More Americans at risk from strong earthquakes, says new report

A new report by the Seismological Society of America estimates that 143 million Americans are exposed to potentially damaging ground shaking from earthquakes. The average long-term value of building losses from earthquakes is $4.5 billion per year, with California, Oregon, and Washington accounting for roughly 80% of losses.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 22, 2015

Toxic mushroom-based drug may help battle colorectal cancer

Researchers found that a toxic mushroom-based drug can suppress the POLR2A gene in cancer cells, resulting in complete tumor regression and reduced toxicity. The study's findings provide a new therapeutic approach for human cancers with common genomic alterations.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2015

Backache -- a matter of mechanics

Researchers at Empa use computer simulations and 3D X-ray imaging to study back pain caused by mechanical issues. They aim to identify misalignments in the spinal column and develop personalized therapy recommendations.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEuropean Spine Journal·DateApr 22, 2015

Drexel materials scientists putting a new spin on computing memory

Researchers at Drexel University are exploring new spintronic materials to create more energy-efficient computing memories. By understanding the physical principles behind spintronics, they hope to develop a framework to unlock new possibilities in data storage and processing.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2015
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.

Global hepatitis B epidemic can be treated for $36 (£24) per person per year

A recent study by the University of Liverpool suggests that the hepatitis B drug entecavir can be mass-produced for £24 ($36) per person per year, making it more accessible to developing countries. This could lead to significant reductions in liver cancer and cirrhosis cases, as well as lower death rates from Hepatitis B.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Virus Eradication·DateApr 22, 2015

Cloud security reaches silicon

The new chip features a data structure known as a tree, where every address is randomly assigned to a path through the tree -- a sequence of nodes stretching from the top of the tree to the bottom, with no backtracking. This approach improves efficiency by minimizing extra data needed between the chip and memory.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 22, 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.

Personalizing bipolar disorder treatment

A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers found that an insulin-like hormone, IGF-1, increases lithium sensitivity in blood cells of patients who do not respond to traditional treatment. This breakthrough may pave the way for improving the efficacy of lithium in treating bipolar disorder.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Molecular Neuroscience·DateApr 22, 2015

Treating patients with dignity -- but what about hands-on care?

Research reveals a gap between healthcare professionals' emphasis on dignity and patients' expectations for hands-on care. Healthcare professionals view dignity as an ideal to be delivered through everyday care, while patients focus on specific tasks such as washing, dressing, and feeding.

SourceBrunel University·JournalBMC Public Health·DateApr 22, 2015

Engineering the P450 enzyme to perform new reactions

Scientists develop enzymes that can catalyze brand-new chemical reactions by mimicking natural evolution and optimizing active site amino acids. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel chemicals, such as aziridines, which have potential applications in pharmaceuticals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateApr 22, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Nondestructive 3-D imaging of biological cells with sound

Scientists at Walailak University and Hokkaido University report the first full 3D scan of a single biological cell, achieving micron resolution with picosecond ultrasonics. This technique allows for nondestructive imaging of living cells, opening new avenues for studying their physical properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 22, 2015
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.

Stegosaurus plates may have differed between male, female

Researchers found that tall and wide-plated Stegosaurus individuals were actually male and female of the same species. The differences in plate height and width were not due to growth, but rather sexual dimorphism, providing new insights into Stegosaurus behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2015

Boosting the malaria battle-line

Researchers discovered that combining artemisinins with a low dose of an anti-cancer drug can increase the effectiveness of anti-malarial drugs and overcome the parasite's defences. This finding has the potential to combat resistant malaria parasites, which are currently spreading globally.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 22, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Cirrhosis deaths drop 41 percent from 2002 to 2012

A new study found a significant decline in hospital mortality rates among patients with cirrhosis and liver failure. The study analyzed over 780,000 hospitalizations and found that inpatient mortality decreased steadily during the period, despite increases in patient age and medical complexity.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 22, 2015

Computer-assisted diagnosis tool helps physicians assess skin conditions

A study published in Diagnosis found that a computer-assisted diagnosis tool, VisualDx, was used by physicians without an increase in dermatology consultations. The tool aids in diagnosing skin conditions by generating possible diagnoses accompanied by photographs from a database of over 1,300 pediatric and adult conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDiagnosis·DateApr 22, 2015

Unique field study shows that pesticide harms wild bees

A field study by Lund University has shown that neonicotinoid pesticides harm wild bees, affecting their growth and reproduction. Researchers found no negative impact on honeybees, but warned of the need for new evaluation methods to predict risks in real landscapes.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2015

Evolution makes invading species spread even faster

Invasive species can spread rapidly due to rapid evolution, contradicting previous predictions. This accelerated invasion rate is crucial for understanding ecological and socio-economic impacts of invasive species.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2015
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.

Autism and prodigy share a common genetic link

Researchers found a common genetic link between child prodigies and autism, specifically on chromosome 1. The study identified shared genetic markers in five prodigies and their family members with autism, suggesting a potential genetic component to exceptional abilities.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHuman Heredity·DateApr 22, 2015