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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 13


Page 13 of 32
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.

Little or no July effect in neurosurgery

The study examined adult neurosurgical cases and found no significant differences in postoperative complications or deaths between July and non-July months. However, junior residents showed a modest increase in surgical complications during the transition period.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateDec 15, 2015

Shingles increases short-term risk of stroke in older adults

A recent US study found that adults 50 and older are at a 50% increased risk for stroke for 90 days following a shingles episode. The study also revealed that people with shingles had more risk factors for stroke than those without, suggesting worse overall health.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateDec 15, 2015

Active and passive smoking linked to infertility and earlier menopause

A large study of over 93,000 women found that active and passive smoking are associated with an increased risk of infertility and earlier menopause. Women who smoked daily had a 14% greater risk of infertility, while those exposed to second-hand smoke had a 26% heightened risk of menopause before age 50.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateDec 15, 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.

Turning point of a lifetime

Scientists have developed a new light sheet microscope that can record the first two to three days of a mouse embryo's life. By tracking each cell's daughters, grand-daughters, great-granddaughters, and so on, they identified a crucial turning point in the embryo's development.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 15, 2015

Rapid 'dipstick' test tackles fatal sleeping sickness

Scientists have developed a rapid diagnostic test to combat Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), a deadly sleeping sickness. The test requires a pin-prick blood sample and is more heat-stable and user-friendly than existing methods.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 15, 2015
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Seal tagging improves ocean forecasts

A UK-led study found that seal tags can improve ocean forecasts by providing valuable temperature and salinity recordings in regions rarely sampled. This could lead to better weather predictions and improved marine conditions for industries such as shipping and offshore oil and gas operations.

SourceWiley·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateDec 15, 2015

Gamma rays from distant galaxy tell story of an escape

Researchers detected gamma rays from a rare blazar galaxy, PKS 1441+25, 7.6 billion light-years away, setting new bounds on the extragalactic background light. The observations provide clues to the production of high-energy gamma rays and their interaction with the surrounding environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 15, 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.

Hot water puts crocs at risk

A University of Queensland study finds that climate warming causes saltwater crocodiles to spend less time submerged, compromising their ability to avoid predators and forage underwater. The research suggests that elevated water temperatures pose a significant threat to the species' survival.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Physiology·DateDec 15, 2015

Three miles high: Using drones to study high-altitude glaciers

Scientists are mapping glaciers and wetlands in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range with high-altitude drones, collecting data on glacier melt and groundwater storage. The study provides a template for research teams investigating water security in other areas of the world.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 15, 2015

Military families benefit from UCLA-developed resilience program

The UCLA-developed FOCUS program significantly improved the ability of military families to cope with deployment-related stresses and combat injuries. The eight-week program reduced anxiety and depression by half and improved family dynamics, particularly in areas such as communication and problem-solving skills.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 15, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In aging, one size does not fit all

Researchers Warren Sanderson and Sergei Scherbov propose new measures to replace the old-age dependency ratio, providing a more nuanced understanding of population aging. The new measures take into account factors such as health care costs and pension payouts, offering a more accurate assessment of future consequences of aging.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateDec 15, 2015

NASA's GPM measured Super Typhoon Melor's heavy rainfall

Super Typhoon Melor dropped heavy rainfall on the Philippines in December 2015, with the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite capturing its intensity. The GPM data showed that the storm's eye wall was producing intense storms with precipitation rates of over 86 mm/hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 15, 2015

Transparent metal films for smart phone, tablet and TV displays

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new material that is both highly transparent and electrically conductive, potentially replacing indium tin oxide in display technology. The new material, a correlated metal, has a structure that allows it to behave like a liquid, resulting in high optical transparency and conductivity.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 15, 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.

U of G researchers study tie between estrogen, memory

A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that adding estrogen to female mouse brains boosts short-term learning, likely through a 'use-it-or-lose-it' process. The team discovered that brain cells grow more synapses on branches of neurons when exposed to estrogen.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2015

We infer a speaker's social identity from subtle linguistic cues

New research shows that people can pick up on nuanced language to identify a speaker's social group membership. Participants were more likely to believe the speaker and Peter shared the same group when the speaker described Peter's behavior in abstract terms, not concrete terms.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 15, 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.

Predators key to helping prey evolve with climate change

A new UBC study found that predators can help prey species evolve quickly in response to climate change. In experiments with tiny water fleas and predatory fly larvae, populations evolved rapidly when predators were present, highlighting the importance of conserving entire ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBiological Letters·DateDec 15, 2015

UMass Amherst wildlife biologist wins National Conservation Award

Katherine Zeller, a UMass Amherst doctoral candidate, won a Switzer Environmental Fellowship to develop effective corridors for wildlife between protected areas and populations. Her research uses GPS telemetry collars and genetics to model animal movement and design conservation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateDec 15, 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.

Elevated testosterone levels may raise risk of uterine fibroids

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that high testosterone levels may increase the risk of developing uterine fibroids in midlife women. Women with both high testosterone and estrogen levels faced a greater risk of developing fibroids.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 15, 2015

Fuel economy improvements in US climate commitment on par with 1970s gains

A new study from the University of Washington and MIT found that US fuel economy improvements are on par with those achieved in the 1970s, but may not be enough to meet future climate commitments. The research suggests that automakers have been unable to deliver sufficient levels of innovation since the 1990s, highlighting the need for...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalApplied Energy·DateDec 15, 2015

Researchers take first step in precision medicine for penile cancer

A new study has identified potential genetic alterations in penile cancer, revealing similarities with other squamous cell cancers. The researchers found a common combination of alterations in genes KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS, as well as EGFR, which may impact the tumor's response to an EGFR inhibitor.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 15, 2015

North Slope permafrost thawing sooner than expected

New projections suggest the mean annual ground temperature at the top of permafrost on the North Slope has risen from 17.6 degrees Fahrenheit in 1988 to 28.5 F now, and is expected to reach 32 F by 2100, leading to substantial thawing in certain areas and widespread instability beneath infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateDec 15, 2015

New evidence of tool use discovered in parrots

Researchers at the University of York and University of St Andrews observed greater vasa parrots using small pebbles or date pits to grind calcium from seashells, a behavior never seen before in this species.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 15, 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.

'Hydricity' concept uses solar energy to produce power round-the-clock

The hydricity concept integrates solar concentrators to produce high temperatures, superheating water to generate electricity and split into hydrogen and oxygen. Researchers have shown the process has an average sun-to-electricity efficiency of 35 percent.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2015

CTE is confirmed as a unique disease that can be definitively diagnosed

A consensus panel of neuropathologists confirms CTE has a distinct pathognomonic signature in the brain, differentiating it from other tauopathies. The criteria define progressive degeneration of brain tissue, including abnormal protein buildup, leading to memory loss and dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateDec 15, 2015

CWRU researchers to make virtual energy audits a reality

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will create software to perform virtual energy audits, helping building owners identify efficiency problems and cost-effective solutions. The project aims to enhance the nation's economic and energy security by improving building energy efficiency.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateDec 15, 2015

New results from LUX

Researchers at UCSB have improved LUX's sensitivity by 20 times using a neutron calibration technique. The new method helps rule out potential dark matter detections at low masses, excluding alternative particle models.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 15, 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.

Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders impact hospital rankings

Researchers found that including patient decisions about life-sustaining treatments in hospital mortality rankings resulted in substantial changes to hospital rankings. Hospitals admitting more patients who chose a 'DNR' status tended to have greater patient satisfaction and high performance on pneumonia care measures.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2015

New research: 'Flipped' classrooms improve physics education

Researchers at Concordia University found that students can improve their thinking and learning with Reflective Writing and interactive activities. Flipping the classroom on its head allows students to explore concepts before class and collaborate with peers, leading to better understanding and approach to learning.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPhysical Review·DateDec 15, 2015

Study finds that aging warps our perception of time

Seniors struggle to process multisensory information, affecting tasks like driving and balance. Training methods, such as video games or brain stimulation, may help improve perceptions of time in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateDec 15, 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.

Warmer air and sea, declining ice continue to trigger Arctic change

The Arctic Report Card 2015 reveals a warming trend with air temperature 2.3 degrees above average, sea ice extent at its lowest record since 1979, and significant melting on the Greenland ice sheet. Fish and walrus are adapting to the changing climate by moving north in search of new habitats.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalNOAA technical report NMFS SSRF·DateDec 15, 2015

First serotonin neurons made from human stem cells

Researchers have successfully created human stem cell-derived serotonin neurons, a breakthrough that could lead to more effective drug treatments for depression and anxiety. The cells were generated using induced pluripotent stem cells from patients' skin cells.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 15, 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.

Brain regions of PTSD patients show differences during fear responses

Researchers found that PTSD patients exhibit heightened brain activity when viewing non-threatening images similar to their trauma, suggesting a generalized response. The study identifies key brain regions involved in this process, including the fusiform gyrus and locus coeruleus.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateDec 15, 2015

Robotics to help blind and visually impaired to recognize objects

Researchers at University of Nevada, Reno are developing a wearable robotic device that combines vision, tactile, force, temperature, and audio sensors to help blind and visually impaired individuals identify and grasp objects. The device aims to provide greater independence and ability to navigate daily tasks.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateDec 15, 2015

Preoperative use of blood-thinning drugs is safe for cancer patients

A new study by the American College of Surgeons found that preoperative use of blood-thinning drugs does not increase major bleeding rates in cancer patients undergoing major operations. The study also revealed a lower risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients who received preoperative VTE prophylaxis.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 15, 2015

Building blocks for GaN power switches

A team of engineers has created gallium nitride (GaN) power diodes with record-low defect concentrations, enabling efficient control and distribution of electricity. The discovery is significant as GaN materials are notorious for their defects and reliability issues, but the new devices show promise in addressing these challenges.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 15, 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.