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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 3


Page 3 of 36

Study finds ancient clam beaches not so natural

Archaeologists discovered ancient clam gardens in the Pacific Northwest, revealing a sophisticated marine management system. The findings challenge the notion of First Nations living in wild environments, instead showing they were farmers who cultivated productive clam habitats.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateApr 29, 2015

Cytokine may play a major role in multiple sclerosis

A study confirms that GM-CSF drives inflammation and neuronal damage in MS, explaining why INF-Beta is effective at reducing MS attacks. The cytokine is also identified as a potential target for new therapies.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateApr 29, 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.

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.

DNA suggests all early Eskimos migrated from Alaska's North Slope

A recent DNA study reveals that all early Eskimos migrated from Alaska's North Slope, providing the first genetic link between Iñupiat populations and their ancestral homeland. The research also suggests two major migrations to the east from the North Slope at different times in history.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 29, 2015

Soldier beetle went a-courtin'

A study by Denson McLain found that larger male soldier beetles exhibit a size-related preference for large females, resulting in stronger assortative mating. This preference increases their likelihood of encountering and mating with more fecund females.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 29, 2015

Medical education: Guiding professional identity to prevent burnout

A special issue in Academic Medicine explores 'professional identity formation' and its implications for preventing burnout. The issue offers insights into guiding students through the process, which is not always intuitive, and highlights the importance of reflective writing in developing a strong professional identity.

SourceBrown University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateApr 29, 2015

Measuring customer value? Don't overlook product returns

A new study found that considering product returns as a means of allocating resources can lead to significant increases in profits for firms. By targeting marketing efforts towards customers with positive attitudes toward returns, companies can reduce costs and maximize value from these interactions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateApr 29, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel approach blocks amyloid production in Alzheimer's mouse model

A novel approach has been identified to block amyloid production in an Alzheimer's mouse model, promising a potential early therapeutic intervention. The study found that the most promising compound, P8, can be administered to individuals at high risk of developing the disease and may have few side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2015

Drug that can prevent the onset of diabetes is rarely used

A recent UCLA study found that only 3.7% of US adults with pre-diabetes were prescribed metformin, despite its proven effectiveness. The study highlights the underuse of metformin for diabetes prevention, which could be attributed to lack of knowledge and reluctance by patients and doctors.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 29, 2015

Improved sanitation may reduce sexual violence in South African townships

A Yale University study found that increasing public toilet availability can decrease the risk of sexual violence by nearly 30%. The study, published in PLOS ONE, also estimates a significant reduction in social costs to society. Implementing more toilets could save $40 million annually in South African townships.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2015

Locally sourced drugs can be effective for treating multidrug-resistant TB

Researchers found no significant difference between treatment outcomes of patients using locally sourced and internationally quality-assured antibiotics. The study suggests that locally procured drugs can be a sustainable strategy, encouraging local pharmaceutical industries to adhere to quality standards.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 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.

Urine profiles provide clues to how obesity causes disease

A study by Imperial College London identifies chemical markers in urine associated with body mass, providing insights into how obesity causes disease. The findings suggest that obesity has a 'metabolic signature' detectable in urine samples, pointing to processes that could be targeted to mitigate its effects.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 29, 2015

Rare sperm whale fossils discovered in Panama

The discovery of rare pygmy sperm whale fossils in Panama has provided new insights into the evolution of these whales. The fossils indicate that the spermaceti organ, which plays a key role in sound generation and echolocation, was reduced in size throughout their evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2015

Two NASA views of newborn Tropical Cyclone Quang

Tropical Cyclone Quang formed quickly after organizing from a low-pressure area in the Southern Indian Ocean. NASA's Aqua satellite data revealed strong thunderstorms and high cloud top temperatures indicative of potential heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 29, 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.

Inspired by humans, a robot takes a walk in the grass

Researchers at Oregon State University successfully field-tested a two-legged robot that can move, balance, and withstand mild blows while taking a walk in the grass. The 'ATRIAS' robot is three times more energy-efficient than other human-sized bipedal robots, heralding the running robots of the future.

SourceOregon State University·DateApr 29, 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.

Quenching the thirst for clean, safe water

A new foam water filter has been developed by Michigan State University researchers, which significantly reduces dangerous pathogens in drinking water. The filter combines existing treatment principles and features a unique biological layer that enables it to become more efficient over time.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateApr 29, 2015

A study analyzes the distance children are willing to walk to school

A new study by University of Granada researchers analyzed the distance English schoolchildren are willing to walk to school, finding it increases with age. The results show that children living closer to their school are more likely to walk, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in shaping walking habits.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalHealth & Place·DateApr 29, 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.

UM researcher: Forest canopies buffer against climate change

Recent research by Solomon Dobrowski, a University of Montana professor, finds that forest canopies play a crucial role in buffering juvenile trees from drought and heat. The study suggests that climatic buffering from forest canopies is important to consider when projecting the likelihood of regeneration in future forests.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateApr 29, 2015

Is quality or cost more essential? The international cellphone market

A new study in the Journal of International Marketing reveals significant cross-national differences in consumer satisfaction with mobile services. In less-developed markets like Barbados, affordability is key, while in more developed countries like Singapore, quality is essential even at a higher cost.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of International Marketing·DateApr 29, 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.

Pharmaceutical industry regulation undermines NICE drugs appraisal work

The pharmaceutical industry's regulatory system is criticized for lacking accountability and being evidence-based, resulting in high NHS costs and inefficient use of technology appraisal work. The Cancer Drugs Fund is also singled out for criticism due to its inequitable allocation of funds and discrimination against other diseases.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateApr 29, 2015

Study links quitting smoking with deterioration in diabetes control

Researchers found that quitting smoking is associated with a temporary deterioration in blood glucose control, which can last up to three years. The study suggests that smokers with type 2 diabetes should expect to take extra care to keep their blood glucose levels well-controlled after quitting smoking.

SourceCoventry University·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateApr 29, 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.

Artificial photosynthesis could help make fuels, plastics and medicine

Scientists develop a novel artificial photosynthetic system that converts light and carbon dioxide into building blocks for plastics, pharmaceuticals and fuels without electricity. The system harnesses solar energy and bacteria to produce chemical precursors for everyday products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 29, 2015

Brain tumor patients should be screened for depression

A new study supports the screening and treatment of depression in brain tumor patients, who are at high risk of depressive symptoms that can impact care outcomes. The authors recommend using reliable screening tools and refer patients with positive results for detailed psychiatric assessment.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalCNS Oncology·DateApr 29, 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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A phone with the ultimate macro feature

Researchers developed a smartphone attachment that can image and size single DNA molecules 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. The device is intended for use in remote laboratory settings to diagnose various types of cancers and nervous system disorders.

SourceOptica·DateApr 29, 2015

Chromosome-folding theory shows promise

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new theory on chromosome folding, which is crucial for understanding gene regulation and other biological processes. The theory predicts the folding mechanisms and resulting structures of chromosomes using statistical tools and energy landscapes.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2015

University of Louisville researchers detail role of silica and lung cancer

Researchers at the University of Louisville have detailed a crucial connection between silica exposure and rapid lung cancer progression, highlighting the role of inflammatory mediator LTB4 and its receptor BLT1. The study's findings suggest that novel treatment strategies for both silicosis and associated lung cancers may be possible.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 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.

Toxic combination of air pollution and poverty lowers child IQ

A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that children born to mothers experiencing economic hardship and exposed to high levels of PAH during pregnancy scored significantly lower on IQ tests at age 5. The researchers followed 276 mother-child pairs from pregnancy through early childhood, observing ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateApr 29, 2015

Drug-resistant bacteria common for nursing home residents with dementia

A new study found that one in five nursing home residents with advanced dementia harbor strains of drug-resistant bacteria, with over 10% resistant to four or more antibiotic classes. Researchers detected genetically related bacteria in 82% of the 22 nursing homes studied.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 29, 2015

Even an hour of TV a day ups risk of childhood obesity

Children who watch TV for just an hour a day are more likely to be overweight or obese, according to a new study. The research suggests that even small amounts of TV viewing can lead to unhealthy weight gain and recommends daily limits on screen time.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalObesity·DateApr 29, 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.

Researchers closer to being able to change blood types

Scientists at the University of British Columbia have created an enzyme that can alter the sugar structures in Type A and B blood, making it more compatible with Type O blood. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for blood transfusion shortages, as the universal donor Type O blood can be given to patients of all blood types.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 29, 2015

Gene variants show potential in predicting rheumatoid arthritis disease outcomes

A new study has discovered specific genetic variants associated with higher risks of increased disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis. Certain amino acid positions in the HLA-DRB1 gene were found to be strong predictors of radiological damage, enabling early identification and potential treatment optimization.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateApr 29, 2015

Scientist receives March of Dimes Developmental Biology Prize

Rudolf Jaenisch received the March of Dimes Developmental Biology Prize for establishing the basis of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. His research holds great promise in regenerative medicine, potentially treating human diseases such as sickle-cell anemia and Parkinson's disease.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·DateApr 29, 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.