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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 20


Page 20 of 32

Satellite animation shows series of storms pummel Pacific Northwest

A series of low-pressure areas pummelled the Pacific Northwest from Nov. 29 to Dec. 9, 2015, bringing heavy rain and snow to western Washington and northwestern Oregon. The National Weather Service described the event as a classic atmospheric river event with subtropical moisture and upper-level disturbances affecting the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 9, 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.

Imbalanced gender ratios could affect views about casual sex and hook-up culture

An experimental study found that an imbalanced gender ratio affects views about casual sex, with women more willing to engage in casual sex when they outnumber men. Men, on the other hand, tend to place less importance on casual sex and be more open to long-term commitment when there are more women than men.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 9, 2015

Nanostructured metal coatings let the light through for electronic devices

Researchers developed a nanostructured metal coating that lets light through without hindering electrical access, outperforming flat surfaces. The coating combines enhanced optical transmission with electrical contact, enabling higher-efficiency optoelectronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 9, 2015

Is chemical exposure in mothers, babies, linked to poor vaccine response?

A new study from the University of Rochester found that early life exposures to toxic chemicals like PCBs and DDE reduce infants' responses to vaccines. The research, which analyzed blood samples from over 500 mother-infant pairs in eastern Slovakia, shows that even small changes can lead to long-term immune system dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 9, 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.

Plus-sized models in advertising linked to rising obesity rates: Study

A study from Simon Fraser University suggests that plus-sized models in advertising campaigns may contribute to growing obesity rates. The researchers found that non-traditional models with larger body types can have a detrimental effect on the public's lifestyle and eating behavior.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateDec 9, 2015

Flushed resource restores ecosystem

Researchers used biosolids to create a soil blend that supported healthy bacteria, fungus, and plants, outperforming traditional compost in restoring the degraded surface area of Lake Calumet Cluster Site. The 'dream treatment' has potential to restore poor quality soils in Chicago's dense urban areas.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateDec 9, 2015

Racial disparities found in major surgeries at quality-improvement hospitals

A new Henry Ford Hospital research study has found significant racial disparities in surgical outcomes for black and Hispanic patients undergoing major cancer and non-cancer surgeries. Despite improvements seen in other areas of healthcare, these disparities persist even at quality-improvement institutions.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateDec 9, 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.

Study measures drag from fishing gear entanglements on North Atlantic right whales

Researchers quantify the amount of drag on entangled whales created by towing fishing gear, revealing significant effects on energy costs and survival. The study provides crucial data for evaluating risks and benefits of whale disentanglements and reinforces current efforts to minimize entangling gear.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateDec 9, 2015

Genomic analysis sheds light on Ebola virus disease outbreak in Liberia

A comprehensive genomic analysis of Ebola virus sequences from Liberia reveals a single introduction source, followed by local spread and diversification. The study also identified reintroductions as a key factor in the continuation of the outbreak in Guinea.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 9, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NCAR to develop wildland fire prediction system for Colorado

NCAR will develop a revolutionary forecasting system to predict wildland fire behavior in Colorado, capturing critical feedbacks between fires and local weather. The system will provide unprecedented detail about interactions between weather and fire, helping firefighters and the public.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateDec 9, 2015

Heart injury reduced after bariatric surgery but not lifestyle intervention

Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology reveals that bariatric surgery can reduce cardiac stress and chronic subclinical cardiac injury in morbidly obese patients. In contrast, lifestyle intervention had a limited impact on reducing high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I levels.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 9, 2015

Mount Sinai researchers develop tool to determine function of MicroRNAs

Mount Sinai researchers developed a synthetic vector to rapidly eliminate total cellular miRNA populations, revealing the limited role of microRNAs in modulating cell biology over long periods. This tool enables manipulation of miRNA responses for potential treatment of diseases like cancer.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 9, 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.

'Ornamental' faced ceratopsian found in China

Scientists have uncovered a new, 160 million-year-old ceratopsian dinosaur from China with an 'ornamental' texture on its skull. The fossil, named Hualianceratops wucaiwanensis, provides insights into the early evolution of Ceratopsia and suggests that at least five ceratopsian lineages may have emerged during this period.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2015

Which college students are likely candidates for risky sex?

A University of Illinois study links instability in young adults' lives to increased risk-taking behavior, including casual sex and impulsive sexual activity. The researchers suggest that colleges should focus on teaching stress management and self-esteem skills to reduce these risks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateDec 9, 2015

Eyes and a citrus smell could help cut hospital infections

A new study found that images of intense staring eyes and a clean citrusy smell substantially improved hand-washing rates among hospital staff and visitors. The researchers discovered that exposure to male eyes led to a higher rate of hand-washing compared to female eyes, while the citrus smell boosted hand-washing by nearly 50%.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalHealth Psychology·DateDec 9, 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.

Deep core of African lake gives insight to ancient lake levels, biodiversity

Researchers have uncovered a 380-meter-deep time capsule from Lake Malawi, providing unprecedented insight into the past of this African lake. The study found that changes in lake level over the last 1.3 million years played a significant role in the development of the lake's diverse fish species.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 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.

Computing with time travel

Scientists have found a way to solve complex problems using a quantum computer traveling along 'open timelike curves' without breaking the laws of causality. This breakthrough allows for supercomputational power while maintaining the integrity of quantum principles.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateDec 9, 2015

Researchers work to fingerprint hydrofracking water quality

A Syracuse University study, Project SWIFT, aims to establish a baseline for groundwater quality and develop geochemical fingerprinting tools to analyze water quality in areas with potential shale gas drilling. The researchers are analyzing flow-back water to uncover unique chemistry not found in well water.

SourceSyracuse University·DateDec 9, 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.

Have sex workers revealed a connection between semen exposure and HIV resistance?

Studies reveal that long-term sex work may increase HIV-1 resistance through changes in the cervical and vaginal microenvironment. Women who remain uninfected despite repeated sexual activity exhibit lower immune activation, enhanced expression of interferon ε, and reduced expression of genes critical for HIV survival.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateDec 9, 2015

Teresensis' bromeliad treefrog found in Brazil

A new tree frog species, Dendropsophus bromeliaceus, has been discovered in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, where tadpoles develop in pooled rainwater stored in bromeliad leaves. The species is distinguished by its small size and unique color pattern.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 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.

UT Dallas researchers study mindset of Hong Kong voters

Researchers Dr. Harold Clarke and Dr. Karl Ho are studying voter behavior in Hong Kong elections, examining attitudes toward electoral democracy and factors that influence voting decisions. The study aims to understand the impact of class, generation, immigration status, and political affinity on voters' choices.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateDec 9, 2015

Using 'big data' to combat influenza

A team of researchers combined large genomic and proteomic datasets to identify new factors that can be targeted to prevent viruses from spreading. They found 20 previously unrecognized host proteins required for IAV replication, including the pivotal protein UBR4.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell·DateDec 9, 2015

It is about me

A rising trend in narcissism may require firms to rethink their marketing strategies by offering customizable products. Studies show that narcissistic consumers desire uniquely designed items and are willing to pay more for them.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateDec 9, 2015

Triceratops gets a cousin: Researchers identify another horned dinosaur species

Researchers have discovered a new species of plant-eating dinosaur, Hualianceratops wucaiwanensis, that sheds light on the ceratopsian family tree. The findings suggest that Jurassic period dinosaurs may have had more species diversity than previously thought, with at least four lineages present by the beginning of the Jurassic Period.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2015

Erasing fear: A one-session treatment for phobia?

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reports the successful reduction of fear in spider-fearful participants following a 2-minute exposure combined with a single dose of propranolol. The treatment resulted in drastically reduced avoidance behavior and increased approach behavior, with effects persisting for one year.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 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.

Climate outlook may be worse than feared, global study suggests

A new study suggests that global land surface temperatures will increase by an average of almost 8C by 2100 if significant efforts are not made to address climate change. This would have a devastating impact on life on Earth, posing risks from extreme temperatures, flooding, regional drought, and food shortages.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEarth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh·DateDec 9, 2015

Quantum physics problem proved unsolvable

A mathematical problem in particle and quantum physics is provably unsolvable, showing that even a complete microscopic description cannot predict macroscopic behavior. This finding limits the extent to which we can predict the behavior of quantum materials.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2015

Students report high levels of hazardous drinking, CAMH survey finds

According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) survey, Ontario students reported high levels of hazardous drinking, with 29% of 12th graders engaging in hazardous drinking. The survey also found that more students used electronic cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·DateDec 9, 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.

Better understanding of cell renewal and cellular quality control

The newly established Collaborative Research Centre on selective autophagy aims to improve therapy for diverse diseases by targeting autophagy at the molecular and cellular level. Researchers will study autophagy in complex organisms, including humans, to understand its role in pathophysiology and develop new therapies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateDec 9, 2015

Is stroke prevention taking a back seat to stroke treatment?

A recent study by the University of California, Irvine found that three-fourths of ER stroke cases had some degree of preventability, highlighting the need for improved stroke prevention strategies. The study's results suggest that resources for acute stroke treatment may be misdirected towards patients whose strokes are more preventable.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 9, 2015

Research leads to first puppies born by in vitro fertilization

For the first time, a litter of puppies was born through in vitro fertilization, thanks to work by Cornell University researchers. The breakthrough enables conserving endangered canid species and study genetic diseases, as dogs share more than 350 similar disorders with humans.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2015

Europe injects 3 million euros into three-dimensional genomics

The EU-funded project aims to lay the groundwork for 3D genomics by standardizing experiments, storing data, and developing protocols. The goal is to move from 1D genomic studies to understanding DNA structure and function in a 3D context.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·DateDec 9, 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.

Bold new Journal Healthcare Transformation launched Dec. 8, 2015

The inaugural issue of Healthcare Transformation features provocative conversations with thought leaders and decision makers, including Aneesh Chopra and Jack and Suzy Welch. The journal aims to reimagine healthcare delivery, education, and technology, predicting a Blockbuster-to-Netflix paradigm shift in the healthcare industry.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealthcare Transformation·DateDec 9, 2015

New nanomanufacturing technique advances imaging, biosensing technology

Researchers develop novel method to build large arrays of nanolenses using chemical and lithographic techniques, enabling extremely high-resolution imaging or biological sensing. The technique allows for precise control over nanoparticle placement, producing tiny separations that produce the nanolensing effect.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 9, 2015

UM study: Plants absorb less carbon dioxide than models show

Researchers at the University of Montana found that current models overpredict plant growth's ability to offset CO2 emissions, suggesting the earth's capacity may be limited. The study highlights the importance of integrating model, satellite, and on-the-ground measurement approaches to improve understanding of plant growth's response ...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 9, 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.

US capability for treating ebola outbreak appears sufficient but limited

The US has sufficient capacity to treat another Ebola outbreak, but challenges remain in providing necessary resources, staffing, and training. The study highlights issues with waste disposal, staffing, and pediatric care, emphasizing the need for further investigation and investment.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 9, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.