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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 12


Page 12 of 32

Cellphone data can track infectious diseases

Researchers used anonymous mobile phone records for 15 million people in Kenya to track the spread of rubella, predicting seasonal disease patterns. The study shows that cellphone movement can be a predictor of infectious-disease spread, particularly among children during school breaks.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 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.

Extracorporeal life support is 'bridge-to-life' for patients with sudden onset cardiogenic shock

Researchers found that patients with acute cardiogenic shock who received extracorporeal life support had better cardiac recovery rates compared to those with chronic conditions. The study showed a 59% survival rate for patients in the acute group, while only 14% survived in the chronic group.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateAug 20, 2015

Is hospice use alone a good indicator of quality of end-of-life care?

A recent study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine found variations in hospice use patterns between states, highlighting the need for improved end-of-life care. Researchers identified differences in the timing and duration of hospice enrollment, which could mask issues requiring attention.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateAug 20, 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.

Kessler researchers find ramelteon may be useful for sleep problems after TBI

A pilot study found ramelteon increased total sleep time and improved cognition in individuals with traumatic brain injury. The medication, a melatonin-agonist, was well-tolerated and showed significant improvement in executive functioning and reaction time after three weeks of treatment.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateAug 20, 2015

Making hydrogen fuel from water and visible light highly efficient

A new technique mimics photosynthesis by harnessing the power of catalysts, light, and sacrificial molecules to boost hydrogen production efficiency. By solving the bottleneck of converting visible light into energy, researchers create a sustainable method for producing hydrogen fuels.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateAug 20, 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.

Disagreement among experts over bioweapons threat

A study using the Delphi Method assessed the bioweapons threat and potential misuse of scientific research by querying 59 experts. The results show significant disagreement among authorities, with differing opinions based on factors such as age and expertise.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2015

NASA's CloudSat slices into Super Typhoon Atsani

CloudSat's cloud profiling radar captured the sloping nature of Super Typhoon Atsani's eyewall, revealing heavy rainfall and powerful thunderstorms. The satellite also detected deep convective cloud tops northwest and southeast of the eye, with winds extending over 60 nautical miles from the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 20, 2015

Study examines breast cancer mortality after ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosis

A study of over 100,000 women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) found that the 20-year breast cancer-specific death rate was 3.3 percent, higher for women under 35 and black women compared to non-Hispanic white women. Preventing ipsilateral invasive recurrence did not reduce mortality from breast cancer, according to researchers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 20, 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.

Anxiety in the workplace can lead to lower job performance

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that high levels of emotional exhaustion due to workplace anxiety can directly impact job performance. The quality of relationships between employees, supervisors, and co-workers plays a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of workplace anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateAug 20, 2015

Scientists turn oily soil into fertile ground

Rice University researchers develop a new method to clean contaminated soil at oil spills, reducing energy consumption and enhancing soil fertility. The process uses pyrolysis to heat the soil in the absence of oxygen, removing toxic pollutants and retaining beneficial carbon.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 20, 2015

S'no water in Sierra Nevadas

Researchers in California found that melting snow can produce highly variable results in underground water levels. The study used a network of moisture sensors to measure soil moisture and relate it to snow depth, finding that different sensor locations and tree cover conditions led to varying wetting and drying dynamics.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateAug 20, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Special issue: Forest health

A special issue of Science explores the impact of human-induced environmental changes on forests worldwide. The reviews highlight pressing issues such as forest fires, drought, and extinction, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices, genetic engineering, and collaborative research.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2015

Unique genes in Khoe-San people may lower risk of some pregnancy hazards

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered a new gene variant in the Khoe-San population that reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia and leads to larger, healthier babies. The mutation alters the binding of immune cells to placental cells, resulting in better blood supply to the developing embryo.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 20, 2015

Boreal forests challenged by global change

The world's boreal forests are under pressure from global warming, with rising temperatures and changing conditions threatening their resilience and productivity. The forests play a crucial role in the Earth's climate system, but may switch from being carbon sinks to sources of greenhouse gas emissions if not managed adaptively.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 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.

Ecologists roll a century's work on food-webs into a single model

A new model presents a common mathematical structure underlying food-web interactions, allowing ecologists to view all species' connections using a single language. The model reveals previously unobserved similarities between different ecological reactions and has profound implications for infectious diseases, fisheries, and conservation.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2015

A paradigm shift in multidrug resistance

Bacteria can become highly resistant to antibiotics when exposed to their environment in the body, not just in lab tests. The study suggests incorporating animal models and biochemical environments into antibiotic development to improve accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEBioMedicine·DateAug 20, 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.

The human genome: A complex orchestra

Researchers discovered that genetic variation impacts multiple, separated gene regulatory elements simultaneously, revealing a harmonized and synergistic behavior. This study sheds light on fundamental aspects of genome biology and its role in complex diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateAug 20, 2015

New method of closing the incision during scoliosis surgery nearly eliminates infections

A new wound closure technique has been shown to significantly reduce complication rates in patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis undergoing spinal fusion surgery. The multilayered flap closure method eliminates 'dead space' and creates a better barrier, resulting in a 0% complication rate in patients who received the novel technique.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics·DateAug 20, 2015

Discovery of trigger for bugs' defenses could lead to new antibiotics

Researchers have identified a protein called sigma54 that controls bacterial defenses, including the production of resistant outer coats and defensive structures. Understanding how sigma54 works could lead to the development of new compounds that can kill bacteria, providing a potential solution to antibiotic resistance.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2015

AGA proposes alternate pathway to recertification

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has proposed an alternate pathway to recertification that focuses on active, adaptive, self-directed learning modules. This approach aims to enhance patient care by making the recertification process more individualized and competency-based.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 20, 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.

Antibodies in the blood provide clues to transplant recipients' likelihood of rejection

Study finds that certain IgG3 and IgG4 donor-specific HLA antibodies correlate with distinct patterns of antibody-mediated injury to transplanted organs. Patients with mostly IgG3 antibodies have a higher likelihood of organ rejection soon after transplantation, while those with mostly IgG4 antibodies experience delayed rejection.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 20, 2015

Women warriors at no greater risk for PTSD than men, study finds

A new study suggests that women and men in the military have similar rates of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after combat. The study found that 6.7% of women and 6.1% of men developed PTSD, with no significant differences in severity.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateAug 20, 2015

Humans as predators: An unsustainable appetite for adults and carnivores

A new study reveals that humans prey on adult species at rates up to 14 times higher than other predators, leading to widespread extinction and restructuring of food webs. This behavior alters observable traits in prey populations and transforms ecological interactions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 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.

FIC proteins send bacteria into hibernation

Researchers from the University of Basel's Biozentrum have discovered a mechanism by which FIC proteins send bacteria into a state of dormancy, protecting them from antibiotics. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of pathogens and their tools, offering new avenues for understanding bacterial evolution.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 20, 2015

Experiment attempts to snare a dark energy 'chameleon'

Researchers at UC Berkeley conducted an experiment to detect dark energy particles called 'chameleons,' which were proposed as a possible explanation for the mysterious energy. The results narrowed the search by a thousand times compared to previous tests, ruling out certain energies and eliminating a large range of possible particles.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2015

Cartilage grown in lab implanted into man's knee

Doctors at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have successfully implanted lab-grown cartilage into a patient's knee, offering a potential long-term solution for patients with knee injuries. The implant is made from the patient's own cells and has shown promise in improving patient outcomes.

SourceMediaSource·DateAug 20, 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.

Daycare doesn't lead to aggressive behavior in toddlers

A Norwegian study of nearly 1,000 children found that time spent in daycare had little impact on aggressive behavior. The longer children stayed in non-parental care, the smaller the effects became.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 20, 2015

Maltreated children's brains show 'encouraging' ability to regulate emotions

A University of Washington-led study found that maltreated adolescents can modulate their emotional responses when taught strategies for controlling them. The researchers observed increased brain activity in regions involved in emotion control among the maltreated group, suggesting a promising ability to regulate emotions with training.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 20, 2015

Carnegie Mellon-led team identifies structure of tumor-suppressing protein

A team led by Carnegie Mellon University physicists has discovered the structure of PTEN, a key tumor-suppressing protein. The findings reveal how PTEN regulates cell growth and suppresses tumor formation through dimerization, providing new insights into cancer development and potential therapeutics.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalStructure·DateAug 20, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Engineered hot fat implants reduce weight gain in mice

Researchers at UC Berkeley created an implant containing stem cells that form functional brown-fat-like tissue, reducing weight gain and lowering blood glucose levels in mice. The study's results suggest the technique could lead to new therapeutic approaches for metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 20, 2015

Grape waste could make competitive biofuel

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that grape waste can be converted into a competitive biofuel, producing up to 270 litres of ethanol per tonne of grape marc. The process involves fermentation and pre-treatment with acid and enzymes, which increases yields to 400 litres per tonne.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBioresource Technology·DateAug 20, 2015

More grasslands in Tibet could bring climate improvements

Research suggests that restoring native grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau could cool the air through increased evapotranspiration, weakening global warming. The study's findings indicate a positive impact on both regional and global climates.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 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.

Electrospray solves longstanding problem in Langmuir-Blodgett assembly

Researchers have developed an electrospray technique to improve Langmuir-Blodgett assembly, reducing the need for toxic organic solvents and increasing efficiency. This approach enables the creation of well-dispersed nanoparticle monolayers with precise control over packing density.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2015

Breastfeeding may expose infants to toxic chemicals

A new study has found that breast milk can build up toxic chemicals in infants by 20-30% each month, increasing their risk of immune system dysfunction and other health problems. The study followed 81 children born in the Faroe Islands between 1997-2000 and found higher levels of these chemicals in exclusively breastfed infants.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·DateAug 20, 2015

All together now: Group behavior in biomolecular systems

Actin filaments exhibit complex behaviors, including self-organization and active motion. New research reveals that molecular motors play a crucial role in forming strong bends and enabling collective motions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 20, 2015

Lighting up cancer cells to identify low concentrations of diseased cells

Researchers in China have developed tiny nanocrystals that can specifically target and identify cancer cells, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The nanocrystals, made from heavy metals lanthanum and europium, can be used as 'staining' agents to highlight diseased cells under a microscope.

SourceElsevier·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateAug 20, 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.

Eating 'on the go' could lead to weight gain, new research finds

Researchers from the University of Surrey found that eating while walking triggers more overeating compared to other forms of distraction. Dieters who eat 'on the go' may increase their food intake later in the day, leading to weight gain and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Health Psychology·DateAug 20, 2015

Study shows what business leaders can learn from Formula One racing

Academic researchers found that teams with small, incremental improvements performed better than those with big changes, especially when regulatory environments were changing. Small, marginal improvements gained efficiency without disturbing the whole system. The study suggests that sometimes, going slow can be beneficial for business.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganization Science·DateAug 20, 2015