Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 22


Page 22 of 36

Optimal substrate moisture content determined for high-quality bedding plants

A study found that controlled irrigation treatments at lower substrate moisture content levels can produce high-quality plants with equal shelf life, while reducing water usage. Researchers used Angelonia angustifolia and discovered the benefits of reduced irrigation for retail settings.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 15, 2015

Wildfires emit more greenhouse gases than assumed in California climate targets

A new study reveals that California's forests and wildlands are significant carbon reservoirs, but also release more greenhouse gases through wildfires and deforestation than expected. The findings have implications for the state's efforts to meet its Global Warming Solutions Act goals.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateApr 15, 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.

New '4-D' lung cancer model could quicken discoveries

Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed a new, ex vivo lung cancer model that mimics the process of tumor progression. The '4-D' model allows for the study of cancer metastasis, including the growth of primary tumors and formation of circulating tumor cells, providing insights into tumor progression and potential new therapies.

SourceHouston Methodist·DateApr 15, 2015

ASU team unlocks clues in unidentified human remains

Researchers at Arizona State University are working with the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility to analyze human remains using isotopic analysis. The team aims to determine a person's diet, birthplace, and travel history using oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, strontium, and lead isotopes.

SourceArizona State University·DateApr 15, 2015

Teachers more likely to label black students as troublemakers

New research finds that teachers' perceptions of student behavior are influenced by race, with black students being labeled as 'troublemakers' more often than white students. This can lead to harsher discipline and perpetuate racial disparities in school discipline.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 15, 2015

Millions of liters of juice from 1 grapefruit

Researchers at the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology successfully produced large quantities of Nootkatone, a natural flavoring substance used in soft drinks and cosmetics. The substance was produced from sugar using genetic engineering in yeast cells, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical synthesis.

SourceAustrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB)·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateApr 15, 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.

New method increases accuracy of ovarian cancer prognosis and diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Utah Health have discovered patterns in DNA anomalies that predict a woman's outcome significantly better than tumor stage, also indicating how well she'll respond to platinum therapy. The new method could lead to personalized prognostic and diagnostic laboratory tests.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2015

Anti-fungal drug shows promise as potential new cancer treatment

A common anti-fungal drug, itraconazole, has shown potential in treating metastatic prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The ReDO project is exploring its use in various cancers, offering a more affordable alternative to existing treatments.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateApr 15, 2015

What is more rewarding: A soccer goal or prize money?

A study by researchers at the University of Bonn found that brain activity in soccer players is similar when scoring a goal or winning money. Players with more egotistical personalities showed increased activity in learning and reflection regions when goals were scored after passing, not after taking the shot.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New blood test can predict future breast cancer

A new blood test has been developed to predict future breast cancer by analyzing metabolic profiles of over 57,000 people. The test shows a sensitivity of 80% in predicting the likelihood of developing breast cancer within two to five years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalMetabolomics·DateApr 15, 2015

Botox makes unnerving journey into our nervous system

Researchers at University of Queensland found Botox toxin travels through nerves to central nervous system, where it can intoxicate neighboring cells. This discovery has implications for disease treatments and raises questions about the toxin's long-term effects.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·DateApr 15, 2015

Gene in high-altitude cattle disease sheds light on human lung disease

A genetic mutation in cattle grazing at high altitude leads to a life-threatening condition called brisket disease, characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. The study sheds light on human lung disease, particularly non-familial pulmonary hypertension in patients with emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 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.

Quantization of 'surface Dirac states' could lead to exotic applications

Researchers at RIKEN have successfully demonstrated the integer quantum Hall effect in a new type of film, known as a 3D topological insulator. By quantizing surface Dirac states, they overcame limitations that had hindered previous efforts to harness these materials for low-power consumption electronics.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2015

Seeing the unseen: PET/CT scans reveal worms' hidden life

Researchers used PET/CT scans to study the behavior of lugworms in sediment, revealing how they burrow and interact with their surroundings. This technique provides insights into the ecological models of benthic animals, highlighting the importance of understanding their activities for maintaining ocean health.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2015

High fidelity: SLU researcher finds keys to genome integrity

Alessandro Vindigni's research reveals four-way junctions as a critical mechanism for resolving DNA lesions, enabling cells to resume replication and maintain genetic stability. New enzymes, including DNA2, play a key role in this process.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Detecting cryptosporidium in China

Researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip device that can diagnose Cryptosporidium infections in as little as 10 minutes, offering potential improvements in treatment outcomes for rural areas in China. The device is easy to use and has diagnostic capabilities comparable to current standards, with the potential to reduce costs and timeframe.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateApr 14, 2015

New potential cause for Alzheimer's: Arginine deprivation

A new Duke University study in mice found that immune cells consuming an important amino acid called arginine may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Blocking this process with a small-molecule drug prevented characteristic brain plaques and memory loss in mouse models, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy.

SourceDuke University·DateApr 14, 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.

Researchers discover an inactive tumor suppressor gene in lung cancer

A study by Genes and Cancer group at Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute found that the inactivation of PARD3 gene promotes tumor cell invasion and metastasis in lung cancer. Restoring PARD3 levels significantly reduced the risk of metastasis in animal models.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 14, 2015

Selecting the right tool for the job

In a deadly, rapidly spreading infectious disease like Ebola, traditional randomized clinical trials may be inadequate. Alternative trial designs can provide useful information and are morally justifiable, says a new article in the American Journal of Bioethics.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·DateApr 14, 2015

Harvesting energy from electromagnetic waves

A team of researchers from the University of Waterloo has developed a novel design for electromagnetic energy harvesting based on the full absorption concept, which enables the collection of essentially all electromagnetic energy that falls onto a surface. This technology has vast applications in space solar power and wireless power tr...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 14, 2015

The microscopic topography of ink on paper

A team of Finnish scientists has created a nano-scale map of toner ink thickness on paper, revealing that wood fibers receive relatively thin coatings and roughness dictates ink thickness rather than chemical variations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 14, 2015

Study shows novel pattern of electrical charge movement through DNA

Researchers at Arizona State University have identified a new mechanism of charge transport through DNA, differing from previously recognized patterns. The discovery has important implications for the design of functional DNA-based electronic devices and understanding health risks associated with oxidative damage to DNA.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Research details 40 million-year-old family tree of baleen whales

Researchers have created a comprehensive family tree of living and extinct baleen whales stretching back nearly 40 million years. The study estimates that there were over 70 species, with many lineages branching out into unique body shapes and feeding strategies before extinction occurred between 30-23 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 14, 2015

Queen's researchers in £5 million program to improve bowel cancer survival

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have launched a revolutionary personalized treatment program to improve bowel cancer survival rates. The S-CORT Consortium will employ state-of-the-art techniques to define the genetic make-up of bowel cancer cells, collected from over 2,000 patients, and develop personalized care plans.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateApr 14, 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.

New CU-Boulder technique could slash energy used to produce many plastics

A new material developed at CU-Boulder can separate ethylene from ethane more efficiently, reducing energy consumption. This could save up to 46 million megawatt-hours of electricity per year in the US, equivalent to seven average-sized nuclear power plants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 14, 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.

Protecting nature on the fly

Scientists have developed a new method to monitor Europe's nature protection areas by analyzing reflected light signals from laser pulses. The technique allows for the identification of different types of vegetation, including weeds and vehicle tracks, and provides detailed 3D maps of the landscape.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalRemote Sensing·DateApr 14, 2015

Opioid relapse rates fall after jail release, according to pilot study

A pilot study published in Addiction journal found that extended-release naltrexone significantly reduced opioid relapse rates among mostly heroin-dependent men released from New York City jails. After one month, 88% of participants in the control group relapsed, compared to 38% in the treatment group.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAddiction·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Study: Civic engagement may stave off brain atrophy, improve memory

A new study found that participating in civic activities with others can reverse the normal brain shrinkage associated with aging. Seniors who engaged in meaningful social activities showed significant increases in brain volume and improved memory function over two years.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateApr 14, 2015

Bone-eating worms dined on marine reptile carcasses

Scientists discovered that a species of bone-eating worm, Osedax, originated at least 100 million years ago and subsisted on prehistoric reptile bones. The discovery suggests that Osedax may have prevented many skeletons from becoming fossilized, affecting our knowledge of extinct marine life.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 14, 2015

Benefits of heroin treatment for drug users

Research suggests heroin assisted treatment can improve outcomes, reduce harm, and lower societal costs for a subgroup of patients who do not benefit from conventional treatments. This approach could provide savings that could be redirected to addiction prevention programs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 14, 2015

Stronger muscles make for healthier bone development

A new study published in the journal Bone found a strong link between lean muscle mass and healthy bone development in children aged six and seven. The research, led by Dr Rebecca Moon, suggests that higher muscle mass is associated with larger, denser bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBone·DateApr 14, 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.

Syngenta wins 2015 INFORMS Edelman Prize, leading award in analytics, O.R.

Syngenta's use of advanced analytics and operations research led to improved crop production, reducing the time and cost required to develop crops with high productivity. The company's innovative tools have resulted in over $287 million in cost savings and a high probability of delivering a portfolio value exceeding $1.5 billion.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 14, 2015

Blood disorder study illustrates the challenges to parsing genetic data

Researchers analyzed genomic data from 16,000 individuals to understand the impact of mutations in two genes associated with a blood disorder. They found that about 1.3% carry a mutation in at least one gene, and algorithms predicted varying levels of harm from these mutations.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2015

Violent video games not linked to aggression in adults with autism

A study from the University of Missouri found that violent video games do not affect adults with autism spectrum disorder differently than typically developing adults. Over 100 participants, half with autism and half without, showed similar aggression levels after playing violent or nonviolent games for 15 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 14, 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.

Neanderthals manipulated the bodies of adults and children shortly after death

Scientists have discovered that Neanderthals from the French region of Poitou-Charentes performed perimortem corporal manipulations on adults and children, including cutting, beating, and fracturing bones. The bone fragments analyzed show clear signs of these manipulations, which may be related to rituals or cannibalism.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 14, 2015

New mesoamerican pine beetle described by SRS scientist and collaborators

A new species of tree-killing bark beetle has been described in a paper published online in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America. The mesoamerican pine beetle was found to work in concert with the southern pine beetle, causing catastrophic damage to pines in Central America.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateApr 14, 2015

Interactivity tools can boost persuasiveness of websites

Researchers found that interactive tools can boost persuasiveness of websites, particularly modality interactivity, which absorbs users and limits thoughts, while message interactivity increases thoughts and promotes positive attitudes towards the message.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Communication·DateApr 14, 2015

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Sleep apnea media alert

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine publishes two Reviews on obstructive sleep apnea, discussing its effects on brain health and cognitive performance. The articles also explore the potential for personalized treatment approaches and emerging diagnostics in managing OSA.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Injury prevention programs not widely used in high schools, study shows

A new study from Oregon State University found that injury prevention programs are not widely used in high school soccer and basketball teams, despite their benefits. Only 21% of coaches were using a program, and most reported using similar activities but not an official program.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateApr 14, 2015