Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 29


Page 29 of 36

Could a dose of nature be just what the doctor ordered?

A study by biologists and public health experts finds that nature exposure is linked to improved human health, but the optimal dose of nature is unclear. The researchers propose a new approach to studying nature exposure through dose-response modeling, which could help develop recommendations for enhancing human health in urban areas.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateApr 8, 2015

NASA analyzes rainfall in Tropical Cyclone Joalane

Tropical Cyclone Joalane's clouds were analyzed by NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency using the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite. The study found intense convective thunderstorms dropping rain at a rate of over 63 mm per hour, with storm tops reaching altitudes of up to 17.4 km.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 8, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UAB researchers develop a harmless artificial virus for gene therapy

Researchers at UAB have created an artificial virus that can self-assemble, surround DNA fragments, and reach the nucleus of cells without biological risk. This innovation provides a promising alternative to traditional viruses in gene therapy, enabling the efficient delivery of therapeutic DNA and drugs directly to target cells.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateApr 8, 2015

Alternating antibiotics render resistant bacteria beatable

Researchers discovered that alternating low doses of two antibiotics can kill bacteria while promoting the emergence of drug-resistance mutations. This sequential treatment approach, called 'sequential synergies,' may provide a way to sensitize bacteria to concentrations of antibiotics that would normally induce resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 8, 2015

Fracking fluid chemicals uncovered, helping test for contamination

Researchers uncover organic compounds in fracking fluid, including biocides and surfactants, which can contaminate groundwater. The study provides a basis for water testing and future regulation, addressing the public awareness of fracking's environmental impact.

SourceElsevier·JournalTrends in Environmental Analytical Chemistry·DateApr 8, 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.

Mental disorders and physical diseases co-occur in teenagers

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mental disorders and physical diseases often co-occur in teenagers. The strongest correlations were found between affective disorders (e.g. depression) and diseases of the digestive system, as well as anxiety disorders and arthritis. These associations highlight the need for...

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateApr 8, 2015

How unwanted CDs and DVDs could help cut carbon emissions

Researchers from Poland and the US turn disc fragments into activated carbon with high surface areas, capturing carbon dioxide, hydrogen gas, and benzene. The material could be used for carbon capture applications and separate volatile organic compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 8, 2015

New study indicates that exercise improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology shows that exercise, regardless of frequency or intensity, benefits obese and overweight adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Both aerobic and resistance training-based exercise regimens reduce liver fat and visceral fat. The improvement was independent of weight loss.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateApr 8, 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.

Ordinary clay can save the day

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered that ordinary clay can effectively capture carbon dioxide (CO2), rivaling other materials used for this purpose. The smectite clay's surface is responsible for binding CO2, with ions associated with the surface being the active capturers.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 8, 2015

UTMB researchers develop Ebola vaccine effective in a single dose

Researchers at UTMB have developed an Ebola vaccine that is both safe and effective with a single dose, providing protection against the deadly virus. The new vaccine employs a 'Trojan horse' approach, using a weakened form of the virus to trigger an immune response.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

Researchers urge stronger warning for indoor tanning risks

Researchers say there is enough evidence to declare indoor UV radiation tanning causes skin cancer. The authors urge the US Surgeon General to make a stronger statement regarding UV tanning devices, citing eight out of nine Bradford Hill criteria as satisfied.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 8, 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.

Game played in sync increases children's perceived similarity, closeness

A new study shows that playing a synchronized game on a computer increased children's sense of similarity and closeness immediately after the activity. The findings suggest that time-based synchronized activities, including in music, dance and sports, could be useful tools in bringing children closer together.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2015

Seasonal, year-long cycles seen on the sun

Scientists have discovered a nearly-annual cycle of solar activity that can drive space weather events, including solar storms at Earth. This discovery could improve forecasts of space weather by understanding the interaction between magnetic field bands on the sun.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2015

Rural African-American women had lower rates of depression, mood disorder

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that rural African-American women had lower rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and mood disorder compared to their urban counterparts. In contrast, rural non-Hispanic white women had higher rates of MDD and mood disorder. The findings suggest the need for further research into the correl...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 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.

Obesity-related receptors have a unique structure

Researchers have elucidated the structure of two adiponectin receptors, revealing a completely new type unlike G protein-coupled receptors. The discovery may lead to new adiponectin receptor agonists for treating obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

Ecological 'flash mobs': It's all about timing ... and magnets?

A University of California, Davis study found that the Ising model can explain synchronous events like fruit tree boom and bust years and insect outbreaks. The model applies to understanding population dynamics and has broader implications for extinction and disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2015

Worms and germs lead to better immune function

Research at Duke University Medical Center found that increasing bacterial and worm diversity in the digestive tract enhances immune function, with better responses to vaccination and increased natural antibody production. The study suggests that biome enrichment may serve as an 'immune trainer' to improve overall health.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2015

Study shows rats fed a dietary fiber supplement had better weight control

A University of Calgary study found that rats fed a fibre supplement while on a high fat and high sugar diet showed a much lower weight gain than those who did not eat the fibre. The study suggests that oligofructose, a naturally occurring dietary fibre, may help reduce weight gain by affecting gut microbiota and gut hormones.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalObesity·DateApr 8, 2015

Older people can learn to spend less time sitting down

In a pilot study, older adults aged 60+ reduced their sitting time by an average of 27 minutes per day through coaching. Participants reported improved ability to perform everyday tasks and fewer symptoms of depression. The study suggests that reducing sedentary behavior in older adults could have significant health benefits.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateApr 8, 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.

At American University, chemistry majors take charge

At American University, chemistry majors take charge of their research projects, allowing them to develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-motivation. The program's success has led to improved student engagement and satisfaction, with some students publishing research articles and receiving grants.

SourceAmerican University·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·DateApr 8, 2015

Are plants passive smokers?

Researchers found that plants like peppermint take up high concentrations of nicotine from cigarette smoke and contaminated soils. This discovery may explain the presence of high levels of nicotine in spices, herbal teas, and medicinal plants.

SourceSpringer·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·DateApr 8, 2015

A digital field guide to cancer cells

A Yale University-led team has compiled sophisticated data on the signaling networks directing highly invasive cancer cells. They found that breast cancer cells prioritize certain cues in the presence of others and can switch their migration mode depending on what they see from the environment.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2015

Inkjet-printed liquid metal could bring wearable tech, soft robotics

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new method to mass-produce electronic circuits made of liquid-metal alloys using inkjet printing. This technology enables the creation of stretchable garments and pliable robots that can interact with computers or provide therapeutic benefits. The approach involves dispersing liquid met...

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 8, 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.

Distance running may be an evolutionary 'signal' for desirable male genes

The study found a strong correlation between men's endurance running ability and prenatal testosterone exposure, with good runners having greater reproductive potential. Researchers suggest that female selection for athletic endurance in males may have been driven by the importance of persistence hunting in hunter-gatherer societies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2015

Melanoma surgery delays are common for Medicare patients

A Yale study found that one in five Medicare patients with melanoma experience significant delays in getting surgery, affecting their psychological well-being and healthcare quality. The study analyzed data from over 32,000 Medicare patients and revealed that 22% waited longer than 1.5 months for treatment.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 8, 2015

Recovery potential for the world's coral reef fish

A global study found that nearly 83% of fished coral reefs have lost more than half their fish biomass, highlighting the need for effective management and conservation strategies. Marine reserves can recover fish populations in approximately 35 years, while heavily depleted reefs take around 60 years to recover.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 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.

Doing the impossible: Enzyme-catalyzed Diels-Alder reaction

Researchers have discovered an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of a natural insecticide, Spinosyn A, at lower temperatures than previously thought. The new mechanism reveals how the enzyme guides the substrate towards the transition state, resulting in a more energetically balanced reaction.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2015

New emotion recognition model

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum propose a new model for emotion recognition, suggesting that humans can directly recognize emotions through pattern recognition. Even with sparse clues, humans can identify typical emotion patterns, including physiological reactions and facial expressions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMind & Language·DateApr 8, 2015

Ironing out oxidative stress

A new study by ETH Zurich researchers has identified a critical link between oxidative stress and the immune system's ability to fight off viruses. Vitamin E was shown to be effective in protecting T cells from cell death caused by oxidative stress, a breakthrough that could have implications for treating chronic infections.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 8, 2015

Inventing a 2-D liquid

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed nanoparticles that can interact with oil-water interfaces without clumping together. By measuring pressure and density, they've established universal rules governing the physics of these systems, which could lead to advances in nanomanufacturing, catalysis, and photonic devices.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2015
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.

UM study finds fast food just as effective for recovery as sports supplements

A new University of Montana study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that eating fast food after a workout can provide the same potential for muscle glycogen recovery as traditional sports supplements. The study, led by Brent Ruby, analyzed muscle biopsies and blood samples from male...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateApr 7, 2015

Which type of sustainable rooftop technology is best in cold climates?

A new study finds that photovoltaic panels outperform green roofs and white roofs in cold Canadian climate. Green roofs are the only option to reduce both heating and cooling energy use, while photovoltaic panels demonstrate high environmental performance across all impact categories.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateApr 7, 2015

Education and awareness key to helping physicians address elder abuse

Elder abuse affects 5-10% of seniors and is associated with hospital admissions, reduced quality of life, and death. Physicians can help prevent it by being aware of risk factors and using validated screening tools like the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 7, 2015

Novel therapeutic procedure helps stroke patient recover three-dimensional vision

Researchers at Saarland University have developed a treatment regime to help stroke patients regain binocular depth perception, enabling them to perceive spatial depth and judge distances accurately. The procedure has shown promising results, with one patient returning to work as a lawyer after being cured of 'flat vision',

SourceSaarland University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateApr 7, 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.

The rest of the brain gets in the way

A study using fMRI scans found that unnecessary brain activity hinders learning, while reduced neural connections facilitate faster skill acquisition. The researchers' novel analysis methods revealed complex brain networks and community structures that correlate with individual differences in learning rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 2015

Simons Foundation honors UMass Amherst mathematician

HongKun Zhang will use the $100,000 award to work with colleagues in France and St. Louis on a mathematical conjecture arising in statistical mechanics. Her research aims to improve conceptual understanding of physical systems and predict their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 7, 2015

Into thin air and back

Researchers examined muscle physiology in deer mice from high and low-altitude habitats, revealing heritable differences in energy metabolism and muscle plasticity. Genetic changes associated with increased oxidative capacity and blood supply enabled improved fitness under hypoxic conditions.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 7, 2015

Rates of ADHD appear to decrease at higher altitudes

Researchers found that ADHD prevalence decreases substantially at higher elevations, correlating with increased dopamine levels. The study suggests that hypobaric hypoxia, a condition caused by lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, may serve as an environmental stressor and potentially protect against the disorder.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateApr 7, 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.

Central signaling pathway in lymphoma can be blocked successfully

Scientists have discovered a crucial signaling pathway in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that can be targeted with substances already in clinical development for other diseases. This finding holds promise for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 7, 2015

Purging a virus from organ transplants

Scientists have discovered a molecular switch that allows human cytomegalovirus to enter dormancy or reactivate infection. By manipulating this switch with simple drugs, HCMV can be targeted with antivirals and purged from organs before transplantation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateApr 7, 2015

Six from CCNY named NSF Graduate Research Fellows

Six CCNY graduates have been named National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellows for their exceptional proposals in biology, environmental engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, and geochemistry. The fellowships provide annual stipends and cost-of-education allowances to support graduate study.

SourceCity College of New York·DateApr 7, 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.

Obesity in children: Breastfeeding is best, but...

Recent studies show that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of childhood obesity, with benefits increasing with longer and more exclusive breastfeeding. However, research now needs to move beyond observational studies to provide definitive evidence.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalCurrent Obesity Reports·DateApr 7, 2015

New, natural DNA-based drugs are safe, potent activators of immune system

MGN1703 is a single-stranded oligonucleotide-based drug that activates the human immune system without causing harmful side effects. It works by binding to toll-like receptor 9, triggering a cascade of signaling pathways that enable recognition and destruction of foreign cells.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateApr 7, 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.