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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 5


Page 5 of 36

Diverse sea creatures evolved to reach same swimming solution

A new study reveals that diverse sea creatures have evolved to swim with elongated fins using the same mechanical motion, maximizing speed and ensuring survival. The researchers found a consistent ratio of 20, known as the optimal specific wavelength (OSW), which is a key finding in understanding convergent evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 28, 2015

Elderly crickets are set in their ways, study finds

A new study published in Behavioural Ecology found that elderly crickets' behavior becomes more entrenched with age, making them less responsive to changing environmental conditions. This suggests that older individuals may struggle to adapt to changes in climate, habitat, or diet, potentially affecting their survival prospects.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateApr 28, 2015

Switching on one-shot learning in the brain

Scientists have discovered that uncertainty in causal relationships is the main factor in determining one-shot learning. The ventrolateral prefrontal cortex evaluates such uncertainty and activates one-shot learning when needed. This finding could lead to new approaches for helping people learn more efficiently.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·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.

Strong evidence for coronal heating theory presented at 2015 TESS meeting

Researchers present strong evidence for the coronal heating theory, suggesting that tiny explosive bursts of heat called nanoflares are responsible for heating the sun's atmosphere. The new findings come from NASA's EUNIS sounding rocket mission and NuSTAR X-ray observations, providing insight into the solar corona.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 28, 2015

Beijing Olympics study links pollution to lower birth weight

Research during the Beijing Olympics found a correlation between reduced air pollution and higher birth weights among pregnant women. The study suggests that pollution may interfere with fetal growth, particularly in late pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 28, 2015

New blueberry species found in the Colombian forests

Researchers have identified five new species of blueberry relatives in Colombia, showcasing the country's rich biodiversity. The newly discovered species exhibit unique morphological characteristics and are found primarily in the Western Cordillera and Chocó biogeographic region.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateApr 28, 2015

Tracking exploding lithium-ion batteries in real-time

A UCL-led team used high-energy synchrotron X-rays and thermal imaging to track lithium-ion battery damage in real-time. The study found that internal structural damage can spread to neighboring batteries, causing severe failure.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2015

Megacity metabolism: Is your city consuming a balanced diet?

A comprehensive survey of resources used and removed in the world's largest metropolitan areas reveals that megacities consume significantly more energy and produce more solid waste than other regions. Despite having a relatively small percentage of the global population, megacities generate a substantial proportion of global GDP.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 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.

The victimization quandary: To help victims we have to stop blaming them

A study by Rutgers University-Newark researchers found that emotional disclosure reduces victim blaming, with witnesses who express disturbing thoughts and feelings blaming victims less than those who suppress their emotions. The research suggests people can best help victims by addressing their own emotional needs.

SourceRutgers University-Newark·JournalEmotion·DateApr 28, 2015

Age at autism diagnosis differs between boys, girls

A study found girls with ASD were diagnosed at a mean age of 4 years compared to 3.8 years for boys, while girls with Asperger's syndrome were diagnosed at 7.6 years versus 7.1 years for boys. Girls struggled more with social cognition and had less severe mannerisms.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 2015

Polygamy increases risk of heart disease by more than 4-fold

A prospective multicentre observational study examined the relationship between polygamy and cardiovascular health. Men with multiple wives had a higher risk of coronary artery disease, left main disease, and multivessel disease, with risks increasing by up to 4-fold.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 28, 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.

UT research uncovers lakes, signs of life under Antarctica's dry valleys

A team of scientists from UT Knoxville has discovered extensive salty groundwater networks in Antarctica using SkyTEM technology. This finding supports the presence of subsurface microbial ecosystems and provides insights into glacial dynamics and ancient climate change.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2015

When mediated by superconductivity, light pushes matter million times more

By using a superconducting island to mediate interaction, researchers increased radiation pressure coupling by a millionfold, enabling observation of quantum phenomena in larger structures. This breakthrough paves the way for studying mechanical oscillations at the level of a single photon.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2015

Pneumonectomy or lobectomy?

A study of over 8000 patients found that surgeons with higher volumes are less likely to perform high-risk pneumonectomies, leading to better long-term survival. The researchers suggest that surgeon experience is an important factor in determining surgical outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·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.

New material for creating artificial blood vessels

Researchers at TU Wien and MedUni Vienna have developed artificial blood vessels that are biocompatible and can be broken down by the body. The new material has excellent mechanical properties and allows for the growth of natural tissue, making it a promising solution for bypass operations.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateApr 28, 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.

Improving the effect of HIV drugs by the use of a vaccine

A vaccine targeting the viral protein Tat shows promise in boosting an HIV-infected patient's immune system, increasing CD4+ T cell count and reducing latent virus DNA load. The results suggest a new treatment scenario to investigate intensified antiretroviral therapy with a vaccine.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalRetrovirology·DateApr 28, 2015

Engineering a better future for the Mississippi Delta

The Mississippi Delta is facing an uncertain future due to the combined effects of sea-level rise and land subsidence. The study uses precise GPS data and tide gauge records to measure subsidence rates, revealing that parts of the delta may not be viable in the long term.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateApr 28, 2015

Embracing the 5G era

Recent research on 5G has systematically overviewed latest progress on network architecture and promising techniques, including NOMA, MIMO, and cognitive radio. The study highlights potential key areas of research to overcome the spectrum crisis in global wireless communications.

SourceScience China Press·DateApr 28, 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.

New method provides direct SI traceability for sound pressure

Scientists at NPL have developed a new optical method for directly measuring sound pressure, providing direct traceability to fundamental SI base units. This method can be used to calibrate any acoustic device without assumptions regarding geometry and sound field characteristics.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 28, 2015

Human hunting weapons may not have caused the demise of the Neanderthals

A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution suggests that technological innovations in hunting weapons may not have been a driving force behind the colonization of Europe by anatomically modern humans. The researchers found that stone tools used by humans around 40,000 years ago appeared in Europe earlier than previously th...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateApr 28, 2015

Cal-BRAIN selects 16 California research projects for seed grants

The Cal-BRAIN program awards $1.92 million in seed grants to 16 interdisciplinary teams at 10 UC campuses and other institutions to advance neurotechnology research. The projects focus on measuring brain activity through various strategies, aiming to improve treatments for brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateApr 28, 2015

Genetic markers for fetal overgrowth syndrome discovered

Genetic markers have been identified for large offspring syndrome (LOS) in cattle, a condition that can cause physical abnormalities and fatalities in newborn calves. This discovery may lead to safer assisted reproduction procedures by allowing breeders to avoid genetically predisposed embryos.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 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.

Two-week international diet swap shows potential effects of food on colon cancer risk

A two-week international diet swap study found that changing from a Westernized to an African high-fiber, low-fat diet reduced biomarkers of cancer risk in both African-American and rural South African volunteers. Increasing fiber intake and reducing animal fat and proteins may help lower colon cancer risk.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2015

Studies in cell transplantation show beneficial effects for variety of serious conditions

Researchers have made significant progress in cell transplantation therapy, demonstrating improved outcomes for patients with complete spinal cord injury and potential treatments for Parkinson's disease. Studies also show that human pluripotent stem cells hold promise for treating the disease.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateApr 28, 2015

Gene mapping reveals soy's dynamic, differing roles in breast cancer

Researchers mapped human genes triggered by soy phytonutrients, revealing a complex role in breast cancer prevention and promotion. Soy flour stimulates tumor-suppressing genes, while purified isoflavones stimulate oncogenes, promoting tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateApr 28, 2015

Not much size difference between male and female Australopithecines

Researchers challenge previous convention that males were much larger than females in the early hominid species Australopithecus afarensis. The study uses Lucy and Kadanuumuu as templates to determine size variation and finds moderate levels of sexual dimorphism within human-like species

SourcePenn State·JournalPeerJ·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.

Heat makes electrons' spin in magnetic superconductors

Researchers from Finland and Europe have discovered a method to convert heat into spin current in magnetic superconductors, enabling faster data writing processes. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize memory technology, making it more efficient and faster.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·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.

NASA sees weekend Texas severe storms in 3-D

Severe thunderstorms swept through central Texas on April 26, 2015, generating heavy rainfall and large hail. The GPM Core Observatory satellite captured a 3D view of the storms, revealing some reaching altitudes above 7.7 miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 28, 2015

Rubber from dandelions

Researchers at TUM and IME identified a protein complex on rubber particles responsible for the formation of polyisoprene, the main component of rubber. The study found two key proteins necessary for natural rubber biosynthesis in dandelion plants. This discovery brings biotechnological manufacturing of rubber closer.

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

Study: A minority of women seek health care after military sexual assault

A study of over 1,300 women service members and veterans found that fewer than a third sought post-assault health care, despite growing awareness and efforts to deter sexual crimes. Researchers identified embarrassment, confidentiality concerns, and adverse career impacts as key factors preventing servicewomen from seeking care.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalMedical Care·DateApr 28, 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.

Framing time in days instead of years could spur action toward goals

Researchers found that measuring time in days instead of years can make future events feel closer and prompt people to start planning earlier. Participants planned to save four times sooner when considering time in days compared to years, even after accounting for age, income, and education.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 28, 2015

Loyola study provides evidence that premature girls thrive more than premature boys

A new study from Loyola University Medical Center found that female infants tend to do better than males when born prematurely, achieving independent oral feeding at 36 weeks and four days on average. Researchers also discovered that being born before 29 weeks of pregnancy negatively influences the ability to eat independently.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine·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.

Women show persistent memory impairment after concussion

A recent study found that women are at a higher risk of persistent memory impairment after a concussion, with brain scans revealing reduced activation in working memory circuits. The study's findings suggest that female gender may be a risk factor for working memory impairment after mild traumatic brain injury.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 28, 2015

New technique for exploring structural dynamics of nanoworld

Researchers developed a hybrid approach combining core-loss spectroscopy and ultrafast four-dimensional electron microscopy to visualize structural dynamics of atomic-scale materials. The technique revealed tiny electronic changes in individual atoms within a material on ultrafast time scales.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalStructural Dynamics·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.

Majority of people unable to pay their medical bills skip medical care

Difficulty paying medical bills is a significant predictor of foregone medical and prescription drug care. The study examines how unaffordable medical expenses can lead to cyclical relationships between health, employment status, and financial resources.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateApr 28, 2015

Childhood bullying causes worse long-term mental health problems than maltreatment

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that children who experienced bullying had worse long-term mental health problems than those who were maltreated by adults. The research, led by Professor Dieter Wolke, analyzed data from over 5,000 participants and found that being both bullied and maltreated increased the risk of o...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateApr 28, 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.

Silicon: An important element in rice production

Research highlights silicon's importance in rice production, enhancing resistance to pests, pathogens, and abiotic stresses. Recycling of rice straw is crucial for maintaining silicon availability, particularly in regions with low soil weathering.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPlant and Soil·DateApr 28, 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.

Heroin use spikes among whites who abuse prescription painkillers

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that past-year heroin use rose significantly among individuals taking opioids like oxycontin, particularly among Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The rate of heroin use for non-Hispanic whites increased by 75% in 2008-2011 compared to earlier years.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 27, 2015

Researchers train computers to identify gene interactions in human tissues

Scientists have developed a computer system that can analyze large databases of gene-activity measurements to identify genes that are turned on in specific cell types. This allows researchers to refine their analysis through thousands of measurements, providing more information about human diseases than current techniques.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 27, 2015