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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 29


Page 29 of 32

Finding the 'conservación' in conservation genetics

A special journal issue highlights real-world applications of conservation genetics in Latin America, from combating wildlife smuggling to exposing consumer fraud. Researchers used genetic techniques to characterize jaguar populations and identify piracatinga fish as a substitute for river dolphins.

SourceAmerican Genetic Association·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateAug 5, 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.

The role of intra-abdominal fat in IBD uncovered

A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that intra-abdominal fat cells may promote inflammation in IBD patients. The research isolated and cultured pre-intra-abdominal fat cells from healthy subjects and those with IBD, revealing significant differences in signaling mediators produced by...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 5, 2015

Consuming highly refined carbohydrates increases risk of depression

A diet high in refined carbohydrates may lead to an increased risk for new-onset depression in postmenopausal women, according to a recent study. The study found that greater consumption of dietary fiber, whole grains, vegetables, and non-juice fruits was associated with decreased risk.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 5, 2015

Two-drug combination boosts survival in metastatic prostate cancer

Patients with metastatic prostate cancer who received a two-drug combination of chemotherapy and hormone blocker lived longer than those on hormone-blocker alone, surviving for 57.6 months versus 44 months. The treatment also delayed disease progression by six months.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 5, 2015

Study finds state policies influence vaccination, disease outbreak rates

A new study from the University of Georgia found that lax state vaccination laws contribute to lower immunization rates and increased outbreaks of preventable diseases, such as whooping cough and measles. States with stricter policies have lower pertussis rates, highlighting the impact of policymakers on disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 5, 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.

Storytelling skills support early literacy for African American children

Early narrative skills are tied to kindergarten literacy among young African American children, suggesting that storytelling is crucial for their early reading development. The study found that preschool oral narrative skills predicted emergent literacy for poor and non-poor African American kindergartners, but not for the overall sample.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateAug 5, 2015

Making a better nitrate test kit

A new handheld device replaces traditional methods with a safer, more accurate, and affordable testing procedure. It is adaptable for different chemical measurements and can be used by schools and individuals to gather real data in their communities.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 5, 2015

Stroke therapy put to the test in preclinical randomized controlled trial

A preclinical randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate a potential stroke therapy that had shown promise in one mouse model but not another. The study found that the treatment's success may depend on the type and severity of the stroke, suggesting improved clinical trial design could have mitigated this issue.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 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.

Series of wildfires in Northern California continue blazing

Several fire complexes are currently active in Northern California, including River, Fork, South, Route, and Mad River, with total fires numbering over 40 in the Fork Complex alone. Damage assessments are ongoing, and crews are working to contain fires and protect structures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 5, 2015

Delay in treatment, missed diagnostic testing found among lung cancer patients

A recent study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that patients with suspected lung cancer often wait too long to receive treatment and skip vital diagnostic steps. Only 1 in 10 patients had the recommended combination of three staging tests before surgery, highlighting the need for improved quality care.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateAug 5, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lightning reshapes rocks at the atomic level, Penn study finds

A team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania discovered that lightning can reshape rocks at an atomic level, creating distinctive black 'glazes' and shock lamellae. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the effects of meteorite impacts on rocks.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateAug 5, 2015

Wasp masters manipulate web-building zombie slave spiders

A Japanese wasp has been found to control its zombie spider host to build a reinforced cocoon web for pupa development. The spiders were manipulated to remove their sticky spiral, reinforce radial and frame threads, and add decorative fibrous structures.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 5, 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.

Enthusiasm for personalized medicine is premature, prominent public health scholars argue

Two leading public health scholars, Sandro Galea and Ronald Bayer, warn that the US emphasis on precision medicine may distract from broader investments to reduce health inequities and address social factors. They cite a 2013 report by the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine, which found that health is determined by...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 5, 2015

Viruses thrive in big families, in sickness and in health

A study by the University of Utah Health found that households with children are more likely to experience viral infections throughout the year. On average, people in childless households were infected for 3-4 weeks, while those with one child were infected for 18 weeks, and those with six children were infected for up to 45 weeks.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 5, 2015

NASA looks at Tropical Storm Guillermo closing in on Hawaii

Tropical Storm Guillermo is forecasted to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the Hawaiian Islands. NASA's Terra satellite and RapidScat instrument provided critical data on the storm's wind patterns, revealing strongest winds on the northern and eastern sides.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 5, 2015

Special edition of Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences

The Royal Tyrrell Museum's 30-year anniversary is celebrated with a special edition of Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, featuring research papers on Alberta's geology and palaeontology. The journal recognizes the museum's contributions to understanding life on Earth.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateAug 5, 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.

Endoscopes still contaminated after cleaning, study shows

A recent study found that endoscopes can harbor residual contamination and viable microbes even after thorough cleaning and disinfecting. The study tested 60 encounters with 15 colonoscopes and gastroscopes, detecting contamination on 92% of devices after bedside cleaning.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateAug 5, 2015

Computer algorithm can forecast patients' deadly sepsis

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a computer-based method to predict hospital patients at risk of septic shock with 85% accuracy. The Targeted Real-time Early Warning Score (TREWScore) combines 27 factors into a predictive score, detecting septic shock before organ dysfunction in over two-thirds of cases.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 2015

Cancer treatment models get real

Researchers at Rice University have developed a way to mimic the conditions under which cancer tumors grow in bones, enabling more accurate testing of cancer-fighting drugs. The study found that bone tumors exposed to normal forces express more of a protein called IGF-1 than detected in static cultures.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 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.

How stress can tweak the brain to sabotage self-control

A study published in Neuron found that stress can alter brain connections to impair self-control, particularly when faced with tempting food choices. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced moderate stress were more likely to choose unhealthy options, and their brains showed altered patterns of connectivity.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 5, 2015

Long-term followup of type of bariatric surgery finds regain of weight, decrease in diabetes remission

A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy experienced significant weight regain and a decrease in remission rates for type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related disorders over time. The study collected data from 443 patients who underwent the procedure between 2006 and 201...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 5, 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.

Dogs process faces in specialized brain area, study reveals

A recent study has identified a face-selective region in the temporal cortex of dogs, which responds significantly to human and dog faces. The research suggests that this ability is hard-wired through cognitive evolution and may help explain dogs' sensitivity to human social cues.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 4, 2015

Latest update to TASC II is published in the Journal of Endovascular Therapy

The Journal of Endovascular Therapy publishes the latest update to TASC II guidelines for managing peripheral arterial disease (PAD), emphasizing an endovascular-first approach and expanded lesion classification. The updated guidelines address treatment decisions for complex anatomies and critical limb ischemia.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Endovascular Therapy·DateAug 4, 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.

Riding a horse is far more complex than riding simulators

Researchers found that riding a horse increases the body's stress hormones and heart rate compared to simulator-based training, indicating a more complex movement experience for riders. This suggests that simulators could be an excellent preparation for beginners but may not fully replace traditional horseback riding.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Equine Veterinary Science·DateAug 4, 2015

Natural cocktail used to prevent, treat disease of wine grapes

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have discovered a natural cocktail of four bacteriophages that can prevent and treat Pierce's disease in wine grapes. The phage treatment offers an alternative to pesticides for disease control, with promising results in both greenhouse experiments and field testing.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 2015

England still struggling to close the gap in cancer survival

A new Cancer Research UK study reveals that England's cancer survival rates remain lower than those of countries with similar healthcare systems, despite steady improvements. The study found five-year survival from breast cancer improved more in England than in four leading countries, but overall cancer survival was lowest in England.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateAug 4, 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.

CU researcher calls for improved firearm safety counseling by physicians

CU researchers call for improved firearm safety counseling by physicians, emphasizing respectful dialogue and cultural competence. They argue that physicians should reconsider their approach to discussing firearm safety with patients, acknowledging the diverse perspectives of gun owners.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA·DateAug 4, 2015

Can habitat protection save our disappearing bats?

Researchers from Concordia University and the University of Tennessee found that preserving natural habitats is crucial for maintaining bat populations. The study analyzed data from 9,552 hours of bat call recordings and found that bats need natural habitats to survive, even in highly modified agricultural landscapes.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 4, 2015

Flowers can endanger bees

Researchers found four common bee parasites dispersed via flowers, causing diseases such as lethargy, dysentery, and colony collapse. The study suggests planting more flowers can provide bees with options, reducing parasite spread.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 4, 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.

NASA sees Soudelor reach category 5 typhoon status

Super Typhoon Soudelor has reached Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale, with sustained winds of near 155mph and a 12-nautical-mile-wide eye. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts the storm to maintain its intensity for another 24 hours.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2015

Projected benefits of high BP treatment in China

A modeling study predicts treating hypertension in China could prevent between 600,000 and 1,000,000 cardiovascular disease events annually. The intervention is projected to be borderline cost-effective, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $18,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 4, 2015

Study: Sequential voting in presidential primaries best system to winnow candidates

The current sequential election system results in the highest probability that the Condorcet winner is elected and the highest expected quality of the nominee. Sequential primaries allow voters to narrow down the field of contenders, avoiding vote-splitting among similar candidates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateAug 4, 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.

Scientists identify that memories can be lost and found

Researchers from Cardiff University identified a process in the brain that can help rescue lost memories or bury bad ones. They found that strong reminders can recover memories previously thought to be lost in rats.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2015

From pluripotency to totipotency

Researchers from INSERM have successfully induced totipotent cells, capable of producing an entire embryo and placenta, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute. The team discovered that down-regulating a protein complex called CAF1 leads to chromatin reprogramming into a less condensed state.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 4, 2015

Insulin's potential to treat dementia outlined in new study

Researchers discovered insulin delivered via nasal cavity reaches affected brain areas, improving memory in a mouse model. The study suggests potential future treatments using gastrointestinal hormones like insulin to combat Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·DateAug 4, 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.

New research shows remembering self-control failures leads to repeat failures

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology reveals that remembering self-control failures can actually lead to repeated failure, rather than improved decision-making. The research found that recalling past successes is more effective in improving self-control, while recalling failures has a negative impact.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateAug 4, 2015

New weapon in the fight against malnutrition

Researchers developed an animal model that replicates the imbalance of gut bacteria associated with malnutrition, a disease responsible for one-fifth of child deaths worldwide. The model will enable testing of treatments and understanding how malnutrition impacts cognitive development and growth.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2015