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Science News Archive August 2015


Page 1 of 32

In September's Physics World: The secret life of scientific ideas...

Researchers have found that most ideas are generated through group work and discussions with colleagues, contrary to the traditional image of a single individual having an eureka moment. The study also highlights the importance of mundane activities like taking a bath in sparking creativity.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateAug 31, 2015

Circuit in the eye relies on built-in delay to see small moving objects

A new study on mice reveals how motion-sensing cells in the eye form synapses with interneurons, creating a unique delay that allows for accurate tracking of small moving objects. This delay enables the object motion sensors to distinguish between the motion of an object and its background.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2015

Spinal manipulation works for back pain -- in some people

Researchers found that spinal manipulation provides immediate benefits for some patients with low-back pain, but has no effect on others. The study suggests that different groups of people respond differently to the treatment, highlighting the complexity of low-back pain and the need for personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalSpine·DateAug 31, 2015

New research confirms lack of sleep connected to getting sick

A new study confirms that insufficient sleep is connected to a greater likelihood of catching a cold. Adults who slept less than six hours a night were four times more likely to catch the cold compared to those who got more than seven hours of sleep.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 31, 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.

Inducing metabolic catastrophe in cancer cells

Cancer cells can be made vulnerable to autophagy shutdown by combining an FLT3 inhibitor with an autophagy blocker. This combination prevents cancer cells from metabolizing glucose and mobilizing stored nutrients, leading to cell death. The study provides evidence that this approach could be a new way to treat various types of cancer.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 31, 2015

Alzheimer's disease -- Overlooked for 30 years: A new kid on the block

Researchers have identified a new protein fragment, amyloid-η, which antagonizes the hyperactive effect of beta-amyloid on nerve cells. This finding has immediate implications for ongoing clinical trials targeting beta-amyloid, suggesting that unanticipated side-effects may occur if eta-amyloid levels increase

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2015

Scientists 'squeeze' light one particle at a time

Researchers successfully demonstrated squeezing of individual light particles, or photons, using an artificially constructed atom. The experiment achieved this by shining a faint laser beam on to their artificial atom, which excited the quantum dot and led to the emission of a stream of individual photons.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2015

Study reveals human body has gone through four stages of evolution

Researchers analyzed 430,000-year-old fossils from Spain to determine the human body's evolutionary stages. The study found four main stages of evolution, with the Atapuerca individuals exhibiting a tall, wide, and robust body form, sharing features with Neanderthals.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

Seabird SOS

A new study estimates that almost all seabirds have consumed plastic, with 90% of individual birds ingesting some form of plastic. This widespread impact is a concern, as plastic ingestion can cause gut impaction, weight loss, and death in seabirds.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Magnetic stimulation effective in helping Parkinson's patients walk

A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience reports that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can reduce gait freezing in Parkinson's patients. The treatment, involving high-frequency rTMS, improved motor skills and continued to show benefits even after the intervention was stopped.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 2015

Meet Pentecopterus, a new predator from the prehistoric seas

The newly discovered Pentecopterus was found in a 5km meteorite crater, providing insights into the evolution of eurypterids. The species, lived 467 million years ago, has well-preserved fossils that show its diverse developmental stages.

SourceYale University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 31, 2015

'Happy Meals' bill could improve healthfulness of fast food meals for kids in NYC

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers finds that a 'Healthy Happy Meals' bill could reduce calories, fat, and sodium in fast food meals marketed to children. The proposed legislation requires fast food meals for kids to include a serving of fruit or vegetables and be limited to 500 calories or less.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 31, 2015

$3.9 million supports search for moral superstars

Researchers aim to identify morally exceptional individuals through competitions, conferences, and research projects to foster moral attributes. The project's goal is to understand the psychological, cultural, and spiritual factors that contribute to moral excellence.

SourceWake Forest University·DateAug 31, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCI study finds dramatic increase in concurrent droughts, heat waves

A UCI study finds a significant increase in concurrent droughts and heat waves, posing a more severe threat due to their combined impact. Researchers attribute the rise to rising global temperatures, which raise the probability of extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

New UC Davis environmental research center links science with advocacy

The UC Davis Environmental Health Sciences Center aims to develop preventions and policies protecting communities from environmental toxins and disease. The center focuses on studying toxic exposures and their effects on human health, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley with high pollution levels and ethnic diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateAug 31, 2015

Use of ozone-tolerant cultivars can enhance India's food security

A recent study highlights the importance of ozone research in the IGP region, which is agriculturally important and densely populated. The results show that seven out of 18 rice cultivars are adaptable to high-ozone environments, suggesting a useful strategy for food security in India.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 31, 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.

Tail as old as time -- researchers trace ankylosaur's tail evolution

A team of scientists from North Carolina State University and the University of Alberta compared Jurassic and Cretaceous ankylosaur specimens to determine how their tails evolved. They found that the tail stiffened before the growth of the osteoderm knob, with handle-like vertebrae appearing in early ankylosaurs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateAug 31, 2015

Watching more TV as a young adult predicts obesity

A 15-year analysis by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health reveals that young adults who spend more hours watching television each day are more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and bigger waist circumference. This association did not hold in later years, indicating that targeting young adults for i...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalSAGE Open·DateAug 31, 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.

How neurons get their branching shapes

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals how the protein centrosomin controls the growth of microtubules within neurons, influencing dendritic branching. The researchers found that centrosomin acts as a 'glue' to fix microtubules, preventing excessive branching and promoting more complex arbors.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 2015

Men who buy sex have much in common with sexually coercive men

A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that men who buy sex have less empathy for women in prostitution and view them as intrinsically different from other women. This aligns with research on sexual aggression, which suggests a lower level of empathy among perpetrators.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateAug 31, 2015

DNA-guided 3-D printing of human tissue is unveiled

Researchers have created a technique to build tiny models of human tissues, called organoids, using a process that turns human cells into biological equivalents of LEGO bricks. These mini-tissues can be used to study how structural features affect normal growth or go awry in cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 31, 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.

NASA sees Hurricane Jimena's large eye

Hurricane Jimena maintained its large eye and powerful thunderstorms around it, with cloud-free eyes revealed by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm's warm sea surface temperatures fueled its intensification, with NHC predicting little change in strength over the next day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 31, 2015

We've all got a blind spot, but it can be shrunk

Scientists have found that training can effectively reduce the size of the human blind spot, improving vision in individuals with age-related macular degeneration. The researchers trained participants on a direction-discrimination task for 20 consecutive weekdays, resulting in a 10% reduction in functional blindness.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 31, 2015

ELIXA trial shows CV safety of lixisenatide

The ELIXA trial demonstrated that lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, did not increase or decrease the rate of cardiovascular events compared to placebo. The study found a modest benefit in weight gain, but also identified patients with heart failure as being at high risk of all-cause death.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2015

Older people getting smarter, but not fitter

A new study found that older populations in Germany and England are scoring better on cognitive tests, while physical functioning and mental health have declined. The increasing use of modern technology and higher education levels contribute to the improvement in cognitive abilities.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 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.

Close friendships in adolescence predict health in adulthood

A new study suggests that maintaining close relationships with peers in adolescence can have long-term benefits for adult physical health. The research found that both high-quality friendships and a drive to fit in with peers were associated with lower anxiety, depressive symptoms, and improved overall health.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 31, 2015

Plastic in 99 percent of seabirds by 2050

Researchers predict that 90% of all seabirds alive today have eaten plastic, with the majority having it in their gut. Plastic ingestion causes gut impaction, weight loss and death, affecting marine biodiversity.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Preventive medicine experts speak out about reducing firearm violence

A special issue of Preventive Medicine addresses firearm violence, highlighting its impact on public health and the need for increased funding. The article presents key findings on the relationship between alcohol abuse, gun ownership, self-defensive gun use, and criminal acquisition of firearms.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateAug 31, 2015

Giant 'sea scorpion' fossil discovered

A newly discovered species of eurypterid, a giant 'sea scorpion', has been found in Iowa, measuring over 1.5 meters long and dating back to 460 million years ago. The fossil provides unique insights into the anatomy and behavior of these ancient predators.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 31, 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.

Using ultrathin sheets to discover new class of wrapped shapes

Using ultrathin sheets, researchers have discovered a new regime of wrapped shapes that can efficiently contain toxic or corrosive liquids. The technique, which uses capillary action to wrap droplets in film, enables the creation of non-spherical shapes with minimal material waste.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 31, 2015

'But doctor, I'm not ill' -- insight in psychotic patients

A study investigated the link between brain cell dysfunction and poor insight in psychotic patients, finding a correlation between reduced NAA levels and impaired awareness of illness. The research may help develop new treatment options for improving insight and patient outcomes.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 31, 2015

Come here and be quiet!

A novel technique identified an unusually strong 3D network of developmental genes in ESCs, physically clustered and silenced by Polycomb repressive complex (PRC1) to maintain the undifferentiated state. This mechanism allows for selective release of genes, controlling early development decisions.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 31, 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.

Women in poor areas twice as likely to develop clinical anxiety as men

A new study of over 20,000 men and women in the UK found that women living in poor areas are almost twice as likely to develop clinical anxiety disorder as those in richer areas. In contrast, men's levels of generalized anxiety disorder remain unaffected by their socio-economic status.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 31, 2015

Volcanic eruptions: Properties of magma influence forecasts

Researchers simulated volcanic eruptions to understand how current forecasting models succeed in predicting magma properties. Heterogeneous magma leads to more accurate predictions, while homogeneous magma results in less precise forecasts.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 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.

New material science research may advance tech tools

Researchers manipulated a steel gray mineral to create holes in thin films, which showed magnetic properties at their edges. The discovery raised the metal-to-insulator phase transition temperature of the film.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Heart rate, heart rate variability in older adults linked to poorer function

A new study found that higher resting heart rates and lower heart rate variability are associated with poorer ability to function in daily life and future decline in older adults. These markers of frailty were linked to a higher risk of functional decline, regardless of sex.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 31, 2015

Sea temperature changes linked to mystery North Pacific ecosystem shifts

Researchers found longer, less frequent climate fluctuations contribute to abrupt and unexplained ecosystem shifts in the North Pacific. The study suggests changing climate variability contributed to 1977 and 1989 regime changes with more likely larger climate-triggered shifts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Columbia engineers develop new approach to modeling Amazon seasonal cycles

A Columbia Engineering team has developed a new approach to model the Amazon seasonal cycle, correcting inaccuracies in general circulation models. The high-resolution atmospheric model resolves clouds and convection, providing a more accurate understanding of water and carbon cycles.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

Tiny drops of early universe 'perfect' fluid

New RHIC data reveals clear-cut evidence of primordial soup's signature particle flow in collisions of 3-particle ions with gold nuclei, confirming earlier suspicions that smaller particles can create droplets of free-flowing QGP. The analysis shows a triangular pattern consistent with the creation of three tiny droplets of QGP.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 31, 2015

Raising pay can reduce smoking rates

A 10% increase in wages leads to a 5% drop in smoking rates among male workers with low education levels. Increasing the minimum wage could improve quitting rates for smokers and has significant health benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateAug 31, 2015

Dialect influences Appalachian students' experiences in college

A study by NC State University researchers found that rural Appalachian students who speak a stigmatized dialect may feel like they're at a disadvantage in the classroom. They reported being met with snickers or feeling singled out, which led to hesitation in speaking up and trying to change their way of talking.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Journal of Higher Education·DateAug 31, 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.

A technique designed to predict how much energy waves will be bringing

The EOLO group has developed a novel method for predicting wave energy up to 16 hours in advance, using a combination of historical measurements and machine learning algorithms. This technique has shown higher reliability than existing methods for forecasting swell and storms in the Bay of Biscay.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalOcean Engineering·DateAug 31, 2015

Religion, physicians and surrogate decision-makers in the intensive care unit

A study analyzed 249 audio-recorded conversations between surrogate decision-makers and healthcare professionals, finding that religious or spiritual considerations were discussed in 40 cases, mostly initiated by surrogates. The discussions focused on beliefs, practices, community, miracles, and the end-of-life as a new beginning.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 31, 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.

Cardiologists fail to identify basic and advanced murmurs

A recent study found that cardiologists failed to identify over half of basic and nearly 35% of advanced pre-recorded murmurs. However, a 90-minute training session significantly improved their ability to recognize indications of heart conditions.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2015

Parents' views on justice affect babies' moral development

A new study from the University of Chicago shows that babies' neural responses to prosocial and antisocial behavior are influenced by their parents' attitudes toward justice. Children as young as 12-24 months old exhibit strong individual differences in moral development, which are predicted by parental sensitivity to justice.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015