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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 9


Page 9 of 36

Mental disorders don't predict future violence

A new Northwestern University study of delinquent youth reveals that mental disorders do not predict future violent behavior, except for substance use disorders. Providing comprehensive treatment to individuals with psychiatric illness may reduce violence, according to the research.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 24, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Long lasting anti-hemophilia factor safe in kids

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that a new recombinant factor VIII fusion protein prolongs the duration of anti-hemophilia factor in children. This allows for reduced frequency of treatment, reducing the burden on patients with severe hemophilia A.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateApr 24, 2015

Northwestern scientists develop first liquid nanolaser

Researchers at Northwestern University have created the world's first liquid nanoscale laser that can change colors in real time. The technology has significant advantages over traditional lasers, including simplicity, affordability and room-temperature operation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 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.

Systematic interaction network filtering in biobanks

A team of scientists discovered CRMP1, a protein that acts as a 'chaperone' to prevent misfolding of the toxic huntingtin protein. In healthy brains and tissues, CRMP1 is present in higher amounts than in those affected by Huntington's disease.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 24, 2015

Understanding the body's response to worms and allergies

A team of scientists from the University of Manchester has identified a new protein called Mbd2 that plays a key role in controlling inflammation during worm infections and allergies. By understanding how this protein functions, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies for these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2015

Prenatal stem cell treatment improves mobility issues caused by spina bifida

Researchers at UC Davis Health System have combined fetal surgery with a placental stem cell treatment to reduce the effects of spina bifida, with six lambs regaining ability to walk without noticeable disability after birth. The study aims to confirm safety and determine optimal dosing for potential human clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateApr 24, 2015

Biodiversity promotes multitasking in ecosystems

A new study reveals that biodiversity enhances multiple ecosystem functions, from soil nitrogen accumulation to aquatic algae control. This finding bolsters the importance of conserving biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 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.

Micro fingers for arranging single cells

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a novel cell-manipulation tool that can trap and release single cells in a parallel arrangement. The tool, consisting of hollow microprobes, works like micro fingers to pick up human cells.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalBiomedical Microdevices·DateApr 24, 2015

3-D printing is so last year! We're onto 4-D printing now

Researchers have developed a new type of 4D printing material that can transform into different shapes in response to water or heat. The technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine and construction, with applications including soft robotics and autonomous valves.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateApr 24, 2015

A 'forest instead of the trees' viewpoint may motivate change after negative feedback

Researchers found that people are more likely to accept criticism and make changes if they take a broad, high-level construal view. This involves considering the big picture and believing change is possible. The study's findings have practical implications for delivering negative feedback in the workplace and health education campaigns.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 24, 2015

DNA study could shed light on how genetic faults trigger disease

A new technique identifies how genes are controlled and pinpoints source of disease-causing mutations in enhancers. Researchers found that genes are regulated by multiple enhancers, allowing precise control during development and maintaining normal brain function.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2015

Study describes brain circuitry for selecting among sensations

A new study describes how the neocortex selectively samples sensory information from the thalamus, controlling the throughput of sensory input. The researchers found that cortical neurons control thalamic neuron activity by varying signal frequency, either suppressing or enhancing it.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateApr 23, 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.

Bumblebee genomes give insights into threats to pollinators

The study provides insights into the genetic basis and evolution of bumblebee biology, including their social living, coping with chemicals, and diseases. The findings suggest that the immune system of bees has remained largely the same since before the origin of bee sociality.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Expert panels successfully rate medical research proposals

A study published in Science found a high correlation between how NIH projects are rated by peer review and the quality of resulting research. The analysis showed that applications with better peer-review scores are consistently associated with better research outcomes.

SourceBoston University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

How experience may lead to misperception

A new study by neuroscientists at the Bernstein Center Munich found that previous experience plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions of physical quantities. The researchers developed a Bayesian model that integrates two classic theories and explains how prior knowledge affects judgment, leading to systematic estimation biases.

SourceBernstein Coordination Site (BCOS)·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 23, 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.

Zeroing in on a silent killer

Using a sophisticated X-ray analysis, scientists revealed the molecular structure of the angiotensin receptor AT1R, an important regulator of blood pressure in humans. This discovery provides new insights into the mode of action and facilitates the development of new drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 2015

An end to cancer pain?

Researchers discover TMPRSS2 gene as key player in triggering severe forms of cancer pain. The discovery could lead to targeted therapies shutting down the expression of this gene or its ability to infiltrate pain receptors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Faculty of Dentistry·JournalPain·DateApr 23, 2015

Ultra-sensitive sensor detects individual electrons

A Spanish-led team has created an electronic device to detect individual electrons' charge, enabling future quantum computers to read information stored in single electron spin. The device, called a 'gate sensor', can detect electrical charge in less than one nanosecond.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2015

Multi-million EU project to protect data against quantum computers

The European PQCRYPTO consortium is developing technology to resist quantum computer attacks, targeting small devices and cloud storage for the next three years. Post-quantum cryptography could protect sensitive data like health records or top-secret documents with confidentiality requirements over 10 years.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·DateApr 23, 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.

What does the public think about paying people to donate their organs?

A study in Australia found that the public generally favors eliminating disincentives for living kidney donors, but is opposed to providing financial incentives. Many participants believed reimbursement and justifiable recompensation were acceptable ways to support living donors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 23, 2015

Enhancing earthquake early warning in the Pacific Northwest

The study focuses on improving seismic monitoring data transmission speed and reducing response time to provide timely warnings for the region. Key findings include increasing station coverage, particularly in urban areas like Portland, Oregon, and strategically placing coastal stations to mitigate megathrust fault earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 23, 2015

New gel medication breakthrough delays release of drug to benefit the patient

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a special gel that delays the release of medication, ideal for administering to young children and the elderly. The gel-based medication consists of microscopic particles that solidify in the stomach, releasing the drug in the intestine over several hours.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateApr 23, 2015

Scientists use nanoscale building blocks and DNA 'glue' to shape 3-D superlattices

Researchers developed a method to fabricate structured composite materials using directional bindings of shaped particles for predictable assembly. The approach uses linker molecules made of complementary strands of DNA to control the arrangement of particles, achieving long-range order in large-scale assemblies and clusters.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 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.

Picture this: Graphene brings 3-D holograms clearer and closer

Researchers at Griffith University and their international consortium have made significant progress in creating wide-angle and full-color 3D images using graphene. The sub-wavelength feature size allows for static holographic 3D images with a wide viewing angle, revolutionizing capabilities across various optical and electronic devices.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2015

Boiling down viscous flow

A new simplified model predicts patterns that form from honey-like fluids, influenced by the ratio between fluid speed on impact and conveyor belt speed. The team's findings match previous experimental results and may be used to optimize manufacturing processes for nonwoven materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 23, 2015

Chance and circumstance tip immune control of cancer

Researchers created a computational model to investigate cancer's earliest stages and the immune system's response. The study found that spatial disorganization within tumors can promote immunosuppression and tumor growth.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 23, 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.

Delaying treatment for hepatitis C puts patients' lives at risk

Researchers found that delaying treatment until after a patient's FIB4 level exceeds 3.25 has a clear detrimental effect on treatment effectiveness, increasing morbidity and mortality risks. Early treatment initiation is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015

A focus on flight

Researchers found that birds adopt only two stereotyped postures to navigate through cluttered environments at high speed. These postures allow birds to minimize energy loss and maximize robustness during flight. The study's findings may offer new insights into programming drones and UAVs to avoid obstacles.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2015

BPA risk to newborns may be smaller than previously believed

Researchers have found that healthy newborns can alter and rid their bodies of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in plastics and food packaging. The study challenged the current thinking on BPA toxicology and suggests that exposure to BPA in infancy may not be as harmful as previously believed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 23, 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.

OU and Nanowave Technologies enter into research agreement

The University of Oklahoma and Nanowave Technologies will establish a research group to develop next-generation electromagnetic sensors. The collaboration aims to optimize hardware solutions for customers in the airborne weather radar and satellite communications markets.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateApr 23, 2015

A silver lining

The study demonstrates the use of DNA nanotechnology to position arrays of hundreds of identical silver clusters with tunable fluorescent properties. This approach enables controlled assembly of photonic arrays, opening up new possibilities for sensing and imaging applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 23, 2015

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease shown to affect the development of coronary artery calcification

A new study published at The International Liver Congress reveals that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the development of coronary artery calcification. In patients without existing CAC, NAFLD significantly accelerated atherosclerosis progression, while in those with existing CAC, it did not affect disease ...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015

UTMB investigates use of oxygen therapy among COPD patients

A recent UTMB study found that oxygen therapy is being prescribed more frequently among COPD patients, especially women over 75 with multiple health conditions. The study's results show an increase in oxygen use from 2001 to 2010, likely due to improved survival rates and decreased stigma around the treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 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.

Scientists create the sensation of invisibility

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet create perceptual illusion of having an invisible body, reducing social anxiety responses. The study demonstrates the 'invisible hand illusion' can be extended to an entire invisible body, affecting brain processing of social cues.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 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.

Small victims of galactic threesomes can run away

Researchers found nearly 200 compact elliptical galaxies, including 11 isolated ones, which were formed when a massive galaxy stripped away the core of a smaller one. These galaxies can escape their host clusters due to gravitational perturbations, helping them survive for about a billion years.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

How does the brain keep track of time?

Researchers found that rats' behavior changed according to waiting times, mimicking human actions. The neural basis was linked to the striatum, where neurons encoded time as a position within an interval, not absolute units.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Earth Day: Disease spread among species is predictable

A study in a California grassland reveals fundamental principles underlying disease dynamics, predicting pathogen spillover based on species relatedness. The results show that closely related species are more vulnerable to disease, while introducing rare species can create openings for less common species.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2015

Evolution of stem cells traced in study of fossilized rodent teeth

Researchers analyzed 3,550 North American rodent fossils to show how fundamental evolutionary mechanisms drive the emergence of novel mammalian stem cells. The study found that most extinct species can acquire continuously growing molars through evolution, and the final developmental step is surprisingly simple.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 23, 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.

Cell fusion 'eats up' the 'attractive cell' in flowering plants

In a study on flowering plants, researchers have discovered a novel cell-elimination system based on an unusual cell fusion. Successful fertilization triggers cell fusion between the persistent synergid cell and the endosperm, leading to inactivation of the persistent synergid cell.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 2015

Can sound help us detect 'earthquakes' on Venus?

Scientists propose using infrasonic observations to study geological dynamics of Venus, with potential applications in understanding planet's interior and history. Researchers plan to deploy balloons or satellites above Venus' surface to detect barometric pressure changes or airglow, which could reveal seismic activity on the planet.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 23, 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.