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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 4


Page 4 of 36

Giving to charity: Feeling love means doing more for distant strangers

A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research reveals that love alone can inspire people to give to those with whom they have no connection. The study found that only emotional love, not closely related emotions like compassion, increased the desire to donate to distant charities. This finding has serious implications for marketers ...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·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.

Challenging work tasks may have an upside for the brain

A new study by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that professionals with jobs requiring strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and managerial tasks may experience better brain protection against memory and thinking decline. Participants with higher levels of these tasks showed slower cognitive decline rates over eight years.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 29, 2015

Low health literacy linked to heart failure deaths after hospitalization

Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that patients with low health literacy are 34% more likely to die after hospitalization for acute heart failure. Healthcare providers should be aware of their patients' health literacy skills to provide clear medical instructions and improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 29, 2015

No quick fixes for developing world's solid waste management crisis

A study published in Waste Management highlights the need for a multi-dimensional approach to managing solid waste in developing countries. The research emphasizes the importance of considering environmental, socio-cultural, legal, institutional, and economic linkages in implementing effective waste management systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalWaste Management·DateApr 29, 2015

Victims of bullying fare worse in the long run than maltreated children

Researchers found that victims of bullying fare worse in the long run than maltreated children, with those who experienced both facing increased risk of depression and self-harm. The study suggests a need for more efforts by schools and policymakers to address bullying.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateApr 28, 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.

Two new creeping water bug species found in Belize and Peru

Scientists have identified two new species of creeping water bugs, Ambrysus cayo and Procryphocricos pilcopata, found in streams in western Belize and southeastern Peru. The discovery highlights the vast unexplored world of aquatic insects, with many still to be discovered before it's too late due to habitat destruction.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateApr 28, 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 study links drinking behaviors with mortality

A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that social and psychological problems caused by drinking generally trump physically hazardous drinking behaviors when it comes to overall mortality rates. Light drinkers reported surprisingly high percentages of problems, with 48% experiencing some issue with alcohol in t...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 28, 2015

New IVF device may improve fertility treatment

A new IVF technique uses open microwell setup to screen embryos before implantation, potentially increasing success rates. The method allows researchers to select the most viable embryos on a case-by-case basis, reducing the number of cycles and costs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateApr 28, 2015

Burmese python habitat use patterns may help control efforts

A new USGS study tracked 19 wild-caught Burmese pythons to reveal their home range and habitat use patterns. The research found that pythons share common areas within the park, which may be optimal locations for control efforts, and provides insights into the snakes' movement patterns during wet and dry seasons.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalAnimal Biotelemetry·DateApr 28, 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.

Childhood obesity -- 1 epidemic or 2?

A new study found that childhood obesity has distinct causes depending on the age of the child. In toddlers, weight gain is largely influenced by parental factors, while adolescents experience weight gain across the entire age group, regardless of parentage. The study suggests that public health strategies may need to be tailored accor...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateApr 28, 2015

Chemists strike nano-gold: 4 new atomic structures for gold nanoparticle clusters

Chemists have designed four new atomic arrangements of gold nanoparticle clusters, exhibiting lower potential energy and greater stability than previous configurations. The arrangements could inform the use of these nanoparticles in transporting pharmaceutical drugs and removing pollutants from industrial byproducts.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2015

Male beetles up their game when they catch a whiff of competition

Researchers found that male flour beetles can detect chemical cues on females indicating sperm competition and adjust their courtship efforts accordingly. When females exhibit the scent of one to three rival males, males increase their reproductive investment.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateApr 28, 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.

Monkey droppings complement field observations, researchers report

Researchers used high-throughput sequencing to analyze fecal DNA of saddleback tamarins, identifying 20 families and genera of invertebrates consumed. This study complements behavioral observations and ecological sampling, providing insight into the monkeys' foraging strategies.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 28, 2015

Weighing -- and imaging -- molecules one at a time

Caltech scientists develop nanodevices that can measure the mass of individual molecules and reveal their three-dimensional spatial distribution, crucial for identifying large protein complexes. This technology enhances protein identification and analysis, improving odds in discovery mode.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 28, 2015

New study shows parrotfish are critical to coral reef island building

A recent study published in Geology has shown that parrotfish play a pivotal role in providing the sands necessary to build and maintain coral reef islands. The research found that parrotfish produced over 85% of the new sand-grade sediment on reefs around island communities in the Maldives.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGeology·DateApr 28, 2015

Crustaceans from the second largest river basin in South America

A team of Brazilian and English zoologists has developed a comprehensive guide to identifying 19 species of planktonic copepods from the 'de la Plata' basin, the second largest river basin in South America. The study provides detailed information on taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships, and identification keys for each sex.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateApr 28, 2015

ONR: Helping to train the future canine force

Researchers focus on olfactory and cognitive optimization to improve canines' scent recognition and memory. The goal is to expand their recognition of odors within diverse elements and in what ratios, as well as determine how long they retain scent memory.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 28, 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.

Bigger bang for your buck: Restoring fish habitat by removing barriers

Researchers developed a powerful new model to help decision makers choose cost-effective barrier removal projects, doubling habitat accessible to migratory fish. The study found that coordinated efforts across the entire basin are nine times more cost-effective than local or county-level efforts.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2015

UM study: Oil and gas development transforms landscapes

A recent UM study found that oil and gas development has transformed vast areas of North America's rangelands and croplands, leading to vegetation loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitats. The research estimates that over half a million acres of land are lost annually, equivalent to 120.2 million bushels of wheat.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalScience·DateApr 28, 2015

Research prompts rethink of enzyme evolution

Scientists at University of Otago challenge traditional understanding of enzyme evolution, finding evidence of rapid evolution and ancient catalysts. The research has implications for designing proteins with biomedical applications.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 28, 2015

New study raises the bar in the cough and cold category

A new study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy found that diphenhydramine, an active ingredient in Dr. Cocoa's Nighttime formula, significantly inhibits cough reflex sensitivity in adults with acute pathological cough, commonly known as a cold.

SourceRobin Leedy & Associates, Inc.·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Pharmacy·DateApr 28, 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.

Children with ADHD at risk for binge eating, study shows

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that children with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop an eating disorder akin to binge eating. The research suggests a common biological mechanism linking the two disorders, highlighting the need for developing new treatment strategies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateApr 28, 2015

Water could have been abundant in the first billion years

Theoretical work suggests water vapor could have existed in pockets of space a billion years after the Big Bang, with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit allowing for its formation. The team found equilibrium levels similar to those seen in our local universe.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 28, 2015

Joslin research finds gastric band and weight management therapies offer similar benefits

A clinical trial by Joslin Diabetes Center found that adjustable gastric band surgery and intensive group-based medical diabetes and weight management program achieved similar improvements in controlling blood sugar levels after one year. Participants experienced significant weight loss and better quality of life with both approaches.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 28, 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.

Scientists uncover surprising new details of potential Alzheimer's treatment

Researchers found that simultaneous inhibition of multiple Class 1 HDACs led to improved memory restoration and synaptic growth in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a promising new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this devastating neurodegenerative disorder.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateApr 28, 2015

Small high school reform boosts districtwide outcomes

A study by New York University researchers found that small high school reform leads to improved graduation rates and test scores in both new and existing larger schools. The reform resulted in a 13 percentage point increase in graduation rates among students in small high schools compared to those in continuously operating schools.

SourceNew York University·JournalEducational Researcher·DateApr 28, 2015

Mathematics reveals how fluid flow affects bacteria

Researchers used mathematical equations to study how flowing fluid hinders bacterial movement in search of food. The findings suggest that slender bacteria get trapped in high shear regions, affecting their ability to find food but potentially aiding surface colonization.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateApr 28, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Study shows diversity of habitat needed around spotted owl reserves

A recent study found that over 50% of National Forest land in the northern Sierra Nevada is designated to promote mature, closed-canopy forest, while many bird species prefer undergrowth and habitat outside reserves. The study suggests a need to balance old-growth forest management with diverse forest habitats for all species.

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 28, 2015

Researchers find evidence of groundwater in Antarctica's Dry Valleys

Researchers have discovered a salty aquifer beneath the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica, which could provide insights into ancient climate change and the potential for microbial life. The discovery was made using a novel sensor system that penetrated below the surface of large areas of terrain.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2015

Age at surgery and valve type in PVR key determinants of re-intervention in congenital heart disease

A retrospective review of 633 patients found that younger age, small body weight, and certain valve types significantly increased the risk of re-intervention. Patients under 18 years old had a five times greater risk than adults, with younger children being more likely to require surgical or cardiac catheterization re-interventions.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·DateApr 28, 2015

The fearsome foursome: Technologies enable ambitious MMS mission

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission successfully launched a unique formation of four identical spacecraft to study magnetic reconnection, driving space weather events that disrupt Earth's orbit. The Goddard-developed Navigator GPS receiver enabled precise navigation and tracking in weak signal areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 28, 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.

Grant funds innovative news follows to Washington state tragedies

A WSU study will place microphones in popular gathering spots of traumatized Washington State communities to determine effective journalism that respects community members. The project aims to provide a platform for community voices and handle the emotional trauma faced by journalists covering disasters.

SourceWashington State University·DateApr 28, 2015

Lack of safety at school and poverty linked to childhood obesity

Researchers at the University of Montreal found a complex link between feelings of being unsafe, poverty, and childhood obesity. Youth who experienced chronic poverty were more likely to be overweight despite higher levels of physical activity, suggesting a key role for feeling unsafe in perpetuating obesity.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 28, 2015

Electron chirp: Cyclotron radiation from single electrons measured directly for first time

Researchers have successfully detected cyclotron radiation from single electrons, a phenomenon predicted in 1904, and developed a new method to measure the energy of electrons. This technique has the potential to determine the mass of neutrinos, which are essential for understanding the universe's large-scale structure.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 28, 2015

Ancient connection between the Americas enhanced extreme biodiversity

A new study reveals that species migrations between North and South America began around 20 million years ago, contradicting a long-held assumption that the Isthmus of Panama formed 3 million years ago. This finding has significant implications for understanding how biodiversity in the Americas developed.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 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.

Build or burn? Competition for wood on the rise

Researchers investigated wood supply and demand in Bavaria by 2035, finding that using wood as a building material first reduces ecological benefits. Wood scarcity could lead to increased imports and substitute products, affecting jobs and carbon balance.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateApr 28, 2015

As circumcision wounds heal, HIV-positive men may spread virus to female partners

A new study has identified a temporary, but potentially troublesome unintended consequence of male circumcision: an increased risk of infecting female sexual partners while the wound heals. The study found that nearly 30% of HIV-positive men were shedding the virus two weeks after surgery, compared to less than 10% before circumcision.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 28, 2015

Whitening the Arctic Ocean: May restore sea ice, but not climate

Scientists propose whitening Arctic Ocean to restore sea ice, but research shows it would not effectively cool the climate or prevent methane release. The study found that ocean whitening could lead to wetter and milder winter conditions in some regions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 28, 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.

Early separation of cow and calf has long-term effects on social behavior

A study found that early separation of cow and calf has long-term effects on social behavior, stress responses, and motivation in dairy cows. Animals raised with maternal contact showed improved heart rate regulation and higher activity during isolation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·DateApr 28, 2015

A glitch in the recycling

A recent study by Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease. The researchers discovered that disruption of a developmental mechanism, Lmx1b, leads to the death of dopamine-producing neurons, resulting in the symptoms of PD.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 28, 2015

Keeping food visible throughout the house is linked to obesity

A study by Ohio State University found that people with low self-esteem related to their weight are more likely to have visible food in their homes, eat unhealthy foods, and experience depression. The home environment may contribute to obesity, but it's not a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateApr 28, 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.

Researchers develop new computer-based vision screening test for young children

A new computerized vision-screening test, the Jaeb Visual Acuity Screener (JVAS), has been developed to identify children with subnormal visual acuity. The test uses a set testing algorithm to minimize subjective tester bias and provides simple pass/fail results for four age groups.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateApr 28, 2015

Windows that act like an LCD Screen

A novel liquid crystal technology allows displays to flip between transparent and opaque states, increasing visibility while reducing the need for power. The new design remedies previous problems with scattering and absorption, providing a faster response time and improved energy efficiency.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateApr 28, 2015

C. difficile rates highest in Northeast region, spring season

Rates of C. difficile infection were highest in the Northeast region and during the spring season over the last decade, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The study found that adults and older adults followed overall trends, with pediatric CDI being highest in winter.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateApr 28, 2015

Water companies license 2 UW-Milwaukee sensor technologies

Researchers developed real-time sensors that can detect trace amounts of heavy metals and bacteria in private well water. The technology has been licensed to six companies, including three Wisconsin-based firms, for use in water equipment and treatment processes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateApr 28, 2015