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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 32


Page 32 of 36

Study reveals Internet-style 'local area networks' in cerebral cortex of rats

A massive data compilation of 40 years' worth of research on rat brains reveals local networks of neurons, similar to the Internet, governing various functions such as vision, learning, and bodily concerns. This discovery opens a new avenue for connecting human brain studies with animal models, potentially leading to breakthroughs in n...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 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.

Research debunks commonly held belief about narcissism

A study published by the American Psychological Association found no association between excessive use of first-person singular pronouns and narcissistic tendencies. The research used a large sample size of over 4,800 participants and multiple narcissism measures, suggesting that I-talk may not be a reliable indicator of narcissism.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 6, 2015

Sea sponge anchors are natural models of strength

A team of Brown University engineers found that the unique internal structure of sea sponge spicules contributes to their remarkable anchoring ability. The pattern of decreasing layer thickness from center to edge enhances the spicule's strength and stability, potentially inspiring new engineering designs.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Researchers track protein 'hitchhiker' in fluorescent worms

Researchers at the University of Iowa identified a mechanism in which a protein 'hitchhiker' attaches to the centrosome to regulate gene expression during cell division. This process could have implications for understanding human development and disease, including cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 6, 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.

Teams with a critical mass of women lets them 'lean in' and aim for science careers

A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that teams with a critical mass of women allow them to participate more actively, feel confident, and aspire toward engineering careers. In contrast, teams with equal numbers of men and women or mostly male groups reduced women's worries and anxieties but didn't encourage speaking up.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

We can fix the Great Barrier Reef

Scientists outline a six-point plan to restore the Great Barrier Reef through better policies on science, protection, and conservation. The plan includes measures to reduce stressors such as fishing, pollution, and coastal development, as well as transitioning away from fossil fuels and limiting coal port development.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 6, 2015

UH study links Facebook use to depressive symptoms

A University of Houston study finds that excessive Facebook use and social comparison are associated with depressive symptoms. The research suggests that individuals who spend more time on Facebook and engage in social comparisons may experience heightened levels of depression.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 6, 2015

NTU scientists discover new treatment for dementia

NTU scientists have discovered a new treatment for dementia using deep brain stimulation, which can form new brain cells and improve memory retention. The research found that stimulating the front part of the brain led to increased brain cell growth, reducing anxiety and depression, and promoting improved learning.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateApr 6, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate change, plant roots may accelerate carbon loss from soils

Researchers at Oregon State University found that chemicals emitted by plant roots break bonds between carbon and minerals in the soil, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. This process could accelerate climate warming by up to 1% per year, as current models may be underestimating carbon loss from soil.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 6, 2015

Cells exercise suboptimal strategy to survive

A new study published in BMC Systems Biology uses computational method corsoFBA to model cellular metabolism and discover how organisms adapt to changing environments. The researchers, led by Amina Qutub, aim to develop new treatments for diseases such as stroke and cancer.

SourceRice University·JournalBMC Systems Biology·DateApr 6, 2015

How do you feel? Video of your face may tell all

Rice University engineers create a highly accurate, touch-free system that analyzes subtle changes in skin color to monitor patients' vital signs. The technique overcomes challenges of low-light conditions, dark skin tones and movement by averaging skin-color change signals from different face regions.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 6, 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.

NASA spots an eye in fast-developing Cyclone Ikola

Cyclone Ikola formed quickly and strengthened to hurricane-force in the Southern Indian Ocean. NASA's MODIS instrument captured an image showing an eye with thunderstorms wrapping into the center, indicating high, strong storms with potential for heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 6, 2015

Antipsychotic use may increase the risk for diabetes in some children

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that antipsychotic medications may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in children by nearly 50% when initiating treatment. The study analyzed national Medicaid data and recommended that clinicians consider thoughtful risk-benefit consideration when prescribing these powerful medications ...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 6, 2015

Dwarf dragons discovered in the Andes of Peru and Ecuador

Scientists have discovered three new species of dragon-like woodlizards in the Andes of Peru and Ecuador, increasing the total number of species to 15. The new species differ from their closest relatives in scale features, coloration, and DNA.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateApr 6, 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.

Expedition will sample crater left by dinosaur-killing asteroid

A team of scientists plans to take core samples from the Chicxulub impact crater, 65.5 million years old and associated with the mass extinction event that wiped out dinosaurs. The expedition will aim to uncover details about the impact and shed light on the mechanisms of large impacts on Earth and other rocky planets.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateApr 6, 2015

Cold, callous and untreatable? Not all psychopaths fit the stereotype, says new study

A new study suggests that psychopathy is not as monolithic as believed, and many individuals with psychopathic traits are not immune to emotional distress. Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy can be effective in managing emotions and reducing aggressive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateApr 6, 2015

Inning limits don't prevent MLB pitching injuries

A study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that restricting the number of innings young MLB pitchers throw does not prevent injuries. Gradually increasing the total number of innings pitched per season also has no effect on young pitchers' risk of future injury.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateApr 6, 2015

Obstetrician-gynecologist training in Sub-Saharan Africa bolstered by new collections

The University of Michigan's 1000+ OBGYN Project has developed four new collections of high-quality educational materials to support obstetrician-gynecologist training in low-resource countries. These materials, made publicly available for free, cover topics such as abnormal uterine bleeding and postpartum care, and are intended to imp...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateApr 6, 2015

New target for anticancer drugs: RNA

Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified a new target for cancer drugs in messenger RNA molecules, which carry unique tags that can be targeted to regulate translation. These tagged mRNAs play a key role in controlling cell growth and differentiation, making them potential targets for new anticancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 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.

Northern coastal marshes more vulnerable to nutrient pollution

Northern coastal marshes are more susceptible to overgrazing by herbivores from nutrient-rich runoff, leading to destabilization and reduced function. This study integrates field experiments and finds that latitude plays a key role in mediating the impact of nutrient loading on plant-herbivore interactions.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 6, 2015

Saving lives by making malaria drugs more affordable

A new study by University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business researchers found that offering purchase subsidies to retailers can increase the availability and affordability of malaria drugs. This approach is particularly effective for long-shelf life products, such as ACTs, which are considered the best anti-malarial drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalManagement Science·DateApr 6, 2015

CU researchers: Brain activity boosts processes that promote neural connections

A study by CU researchers found that brain activity affects the development of insulating sheaths on axons, promoting neural connections. The findings have implications for understanding psychiatric disease and tie into current conversations about the adolescent and teenage brain.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 6, 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.

Working up a sweat -- it could save your life

A large Australian study of 204,542 people found that vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of early death by 9 to 13 per cent compared to moderate activity. The benefits apply to both men and women of all ages and are independent of total time spent being active.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 6, 2015

Study suggests ways to simplify health insurance enrollment

A new study suggests that using plain language, graphics, and stories can simplify the health insurance enrollment process for people who have never had insurance before. The research found that these methods helped participants make informed choices about their coverage options and increased their confidence in their decisions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateApr 6, 2015

Study suggests new role for gene in suppressing cancer

A previously known gene has been found to act as a tumour suppressor by regulating accurate chromosome segregation. Reduced expression of the glucocorticoid receptor is associated with certain cancer cell types and malignant progression.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Water makes wires even more nano

Rice University scientists have developed a technique called meniscus-mask lithography to create sub-10 nanometer wide wires from various materials. The method uses the curvy surface of water as a mask, enabling the production of ultra-nano structures that are crucial for miniaturizing electronic devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 6, 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.

Tropical Depression Haishen moves away from Fananu

NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Storm Haishen over the Fananu and Federated States of Micronesia. The storm weakened to a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds near 25 knots, moving northwest at 7 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 6, 2015

Winning women

A study by MIT economists found that increasing female candidates on electoral lists improves a party's chances of winning votes. Voter turnout did not diminish in response to more female candidates, suggesting internal party dynamics may be the main barrier to women's representation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateApr 6, 2015

Discovery by Virginia Tech may be breakthrough for hydrogen cars

A team of Virginia Tech researchers has discovered a way to produce hydrogen fuel using a biological method that reduces the time and money required for its production. The new method uses abundant corn stover to create hydrogen with extremely low carbon emissions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Lead hokes the age

Researchers found metallic lead nanospheres in 3.4 billion-year-old zircons from Antarctica, which could alter ages determined using high-resolution ion probe techniques. The inhomogeneous distribution of lead in zircon might falsify ages, highlighting the need for reevaluation of geological age determination methods.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Highly competitive NASA grant will fund UT Arlington study of space weather

Physicist Ramon Lopez will use a combination of computer simulation models and real observations to understand the role of solar wind fluctuations in space weather. The research aims to enhance our understanding of the near-Earth space environment and provide critical information for managing satellite and communications technology.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateApr 6, 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.

Liquid corn, fish fertilizers 'good options' for organic blackberry production

Researchers found that liquid corn and fish fertilizers are good options for organic blackberry production, meeting plant nutrient needs except for calcium and boron. The fertilizers were effective in delivering nutrients through the drip system, but regular flushing was recommended to prevent emitter clogging.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 6, 2015

Childhood cancer survivors face chronic health problems

According to a Northwestern University study, nearly 400,000 childhood cancer survivors in the US experience chronic health issues, including mental impairment, anxiety, and physical limitations. The majority face these problems five or more years after diagnosis, highlighting the need for comprehensive care.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateApr 6, 2015

With breast cancer treatment, you do get what you pay for

A Yale University study found that higher breast cancer treatment costs are associated with better survival rates. Over a decade, Medicare costs increased from $18,100 to $32,600, while five-year survival improved from 38.5% to 51.9%. The cost increase was largely due to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

SourceYale University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 6, 2015

Fishing amplifies forage fish collapses

A new study reveals that fishing likely contributes to population collapses in forage fish, including herring, anchovies, and sardines. The research suggests that suspension of fishing when populations fall below half their average can prevent 64% of collapses with minimal impact on fisheries.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 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.

Endangered tortoises thrive on invasive plants

Research on giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands reveals that they prefer non-native plants over native ones, with introduced species making up roughly half of their diet. The tortoises' nutritional status shows no negative effects from eating invasive plants, suggesting a potential positive impact on their health.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiotropica·DateApr 6, 2015

Women and men have different exclusion criteria for rtPA

Researchers found that women were excluded from rtPA treatment for reasons unrelated to their sex, including advanced age and large strokes. High blood pressure was a common reason for exclusion in women, highlighting the importance of treating this condition to improve stroke treatment outcomes.

SourceLifespan·DateApr 6, 2015

Origin of cancer wasting identified in fruit flies

Two independent studies reveal that tumor-secreted molecule ImpL2 causes wasting syndrome, also known as cachexia, in fly cancer models. Researchers found that depletion of ImpL2 levels significantly reduced wasting in flies, suggesting new candidates for mediators of cachexia and novel therapeutic approaches.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 6, 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.

MIPT researchers put safety of magic anti-cancer bullet to test

Researchers analyzed cytotoxicity and non-specific cellular uptake of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) in human skin cells. UCNPs convert near-infrared radiation to visible light, allowing for detection and monitoring of cancerous cells.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNano Research·DateApr 5, 2015

NASA catches a tropical cyclone's birth in 3-D

Tropical Cyclone 05W formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean on April 3, with NASA's GPM satellite analyzing rainfall rates and creating a 3-D image of high thunderstorms. The storm was moving west-northwest through Micronesia at 11 knots per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 3, 2015

New genetic clues emerge on origin of Hirschsprung's disease

Researchers have identified a new pathway guiding the development of the enteric nervous system, which is separate from the central nervous system. This pathway interacts with specific genes and proteins to cause Hirschsprung's disease, a rare condition that can be fatal if left untreated.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 3, 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.

Doctor at Rhode Island Hospital develops Ebola virus diagnostic tool

A new diagnostic tool for Ebola virus disease was developed by Dr. Adam C. Levine at Rhode Island Hospital, which can help determine the likelihood of a patient having EVD based on six specific symptoms. The tool aims to facilitate timely and effective treatment for patients suspected to have the virus.

SourceLifespan·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 3, 2015

Camera chip provides superfine 3-D resolution

A new nanophotonic coherent imager (NCI) developed at Caltech uses an inexpensive silicon chip to provide the highest depth-measurement accuracy of any such device. The NCI produces high-resolution 3D images with micron-level resolution, enabling applications in 3D scanning and printing, driverless cars, and human machine interfaces.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 3, 2015

Gender difference in moral judgments rooted in emotion, not reasoning, study finds

A new study found that gender differences in moral decisions are caused by stronger emotional responses among women, not rational thinking. Women were more likely to reject harmful actions, even if they would ultimately save lives, while men showed less emotional aversion.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 3, 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.

Targeting dangerous inflammation inside artery plaque

A study led by researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital shows that a nanotherapeutic medicine can halt the growth of artery plaque cells and suppress inflammation, leading to reduced heart attack risk. The therapy uses high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to target inflamed immune cells in arterial plaques.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 3, 2015

New evidence shows carbon's importance to ocean life's survival 252 million years ago

Scientists discovered that elemental carbon became a key construction material for certain marine organisms, such as agglutinated foraminifers and worm tubes, after the devastating Permian-Triassic extinction event. The high influx of carbon into the ocean environment was linked to volcanic activity and coal combustion.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalInternational Geology Review·DateApr 3, 2015

NASA sees Typhoon Maysak weakening

Typhoon Maysak is weakening due to vertical wind shear as it approaches landfall in Luzon on April 4. The storm had peak intensity of over 130 knots but has weakened to about 115 knots, with heavy rain detected in its northwestern side.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 3, 2015

Science and medicine have a 'publication pollution' problem

The scientific community is facing a 'pollution problem' due to plagiarism, fraud, and predatory publishing, threatening the trustworthiness and reliability of research. Dr. Arthur Caplan proposes a national meeting to address this issue and promote sustainable publishing practices.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 3, 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.

UCLA research links HIV to age-accelerating cellular changes

Researchers at UCLA find that HIV infection accelerates age-related epigenetic changes, leading to accelerated onset of diseases like cancer and osteoporosis. The study suggests that HIV itself may accelerate these aging-related changes by more than 14 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2015