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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 28


Page 28 of 32

Laser scanning shows rates, patterns of surface deformation from the South Napa earthquake and other recently released Geosphere articles

Researchers used 3D laser scanning to measure surface deformation after the 2014 South Napa earthquake, revealing complex deformation patterns that challenge traditional notions of topography formation. The study also found evidence of 'afterslip' effects that can occur hours to years after an earthquake.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 3, 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.

Penn Medicine study is first to map of paths of hundreds of urban males on violence risk

A new Penn Medicine study outlines how an individual's location and activities influence their risk of being assaulted, with areas of neighborhood connectedness showing lower rates of gun and non-gun related assaults. The research highlights the importance of changing urban environments to make them safer and reduce violence.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalEpidemiology·DateDec 3, 2015

VLA yields new insights on solar flares

Astronomers have confirmed a proposed explanation for how solar flares accelerate charged particles to nearly the speed of light using the upgraded VLA radio telescope. The new observations support the idea that a termination shock is responsible for accelerating electrons, with results closely matching computer simulations.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 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.

How breast cancer cells cooperate to spur tumor growth

Research by Allison Cleary reveals that breast cancer cells work together to promote tumor growth, contradicting the long-held assumption of competitive interactions within tumors. Her findings have implications for developing novel treatments that target cooperative interactions in human breast cancers.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateDec 3, 2015

Effective policing depends on public trust, science shows

A new report analyzes factors driving public trust in policing, finding that respectful treatment and transparent decision making are key to building cooperation. The study highlights the importance of procedural justice in fostering perceptions of police legitimacy.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateDec 3, 2015

Even for free online education, socioeconomic disparities remain

A new study found that even free online educational courses tend to favor students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, adolescents from lower-income neighborhoods were less likely to earn certificates in MOOCs compared to their peers from more affluent areas.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 2015

Protecting ocean species

A new study finds that 97.4 percent of marine species have less than 10 percent of their range represented in MPAs, with the US ranking near the bottom in terms of supporting formal protected areas. The research provides strategic guidance on where MPAs could be placed to better protect marine biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 3, 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.

Earth-sized telescope finds clue to black hole growth

Researchers have discovered high levels of polarization in radio emissions from Sagittarius A*, providing proof that strong horizon-scale magnetic fields exist. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of black hole growth and the nature of gravity.

SourcePerimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 2015

Where did Australian cats come from?

Researchers found that feral cats in Australia originated from European settlers' pets, introducing a damaging invasive species. The study's findings have implications for managing invasive species, as they determined a specific time frame for cat introduction linked to native species decline.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 3, 2015

Increasing and accurately measuring rabies vaccination coverage in Tanzania

A study in Tanzania found that using incentives increased dog vaccination turnout by 34 dogs per village, while a household questionnaire underestimated coverage by 6.6%. The researchers recommend using incentives and the questionnaire as a reliable method to assess post-vaccination coverage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 3, 2015

Penn researchers make thinnest plates that can be picked up by hand

Penn researchers develop ultra-thin aluminum oxide plates with nanoscale thickness, exhibiting remarkable mechanical strength and stiffness. These corrugated plates, like an egg carton on the nanoscale, can bend, twist, and recover their shape without additional support.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 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.

'Nanobombs' might deliver agents that alter gene activity in cancer stem cells

Researchers developed nanoparticles that target and burst when exposed to near-infrared laser light, releasing therapeutic agents that alter gene activity in cancer stem cells. The study used human prostate-cancer cells and tumors, showing promise for overcoming biological barriers to gene-regulating agents.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 3, 2015

DXL-2: Studying X-ray emissions in space

The DXL-2 mission aims to better understand the nature of the local hot bubble and solar wind charge exchange. It will study diffuse x-ray emissions, which are believed to originate from remnants of a supernovae, but are also influenced by the solar wind's charge exchange process.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 3, 2015

The fadeout effect

A meta-analysis of experimental methods found that early interactions designed to raise intelligence lose their effects over time. This challenges theories on cognitive development and environmental influences, suggesting that increased intelligence may adapt to new environments rather than leading to permanent gains.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalIntelligence·DateDec 3, 2015

Teaching parents about the importance of breakfast has benefits for both parent and child

A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that both online and in-person group education are effective in helping parents reduce breakfast-skipping and improve other breakfast-related nutritional knowledge and behaviors. The study involved 590 WIC participants, with both groups showing improve...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateDec 3, 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.

Live together or get married? Study finds similar emotional benefits

A new study by Ohio State University found that young couples experience a similar decline in emotional distress when moving in together as they do getting married. Men experienced a drop in emotional distress only when going directly to marriage, while women saw the same benefits from cohabitation. The study suggests an evolving role ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateDec 3, 2015

Global toll of injuries down by almost a third since 1990

Injuries have fallen by almost a third since 1990, with car crashes, self-harm, and falls making up the top causes, while fracture injuries require hospital admission. The global injury toll remains high but decreased in most regions, prompting researchers to conclude that the world is becoming safer.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateDec 3, 2015

New sand fly species discovered in Brazil

A new sand fly species, Psathyromyia baratai, has been discovered in Brazil. The species was originally misidentified and found to be an undescribed species through detailed analyses.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateDec 3, 2015

OU team gets first look at gut microbes of an American Indian community

A University of Oklahoma-led research team collaborated with Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes to study the microbiome of an American Indian community. The study revealed biological connections between certain bacterial families and metabolic pathways, which may be linked to socioeconomic challenges and resource availability.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 3, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sperm carries information about dad's weight

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that a man's weight affects the heritable information contained in sperm. The study compared lean and obese men and found differences in epigenetic marks associated with appetite control. Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings on offspring.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 3, 2015

Genetic mutations differ within a single tumor, study finds

Researchers found that different regions of a single tumor shared varying levels of genetic mutations, ranging from 67% to 93%. This variation could make it harder for targeted therapies to work effectively. The study's findings have significant implications for treatment recommendations and patient care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalLaboratory Investigation·DateDec 2, 2015

Are blood clots in patients with heart-assist pumps decreasing or on the rise in 2015?

Recent studies have analyzed trends in blood clot formation in patients with heart-assist devices, revealing a potential decline in thrombosis rates since 2011. However, the exact impact of this trend on patient outcomes remains unclear, and experts emphasize the need for continued vigilance and research.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateDec 2, 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.

New research: Intestinal bacteria are affected by antidiabetic drugs

Researchers found that metformin treatment leads to favourable changes in gut microbiota, increasing the production of health-promoting short-chain fatty acids. However, other antidiabetic drugs showed no impact on gut bacteria, contradicting previous research findings.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateDec 2, 2015

CWRU researchers laying groundwork for new type of pain relief

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a new type of pain relief using high-frequency electrical stimulation. The study aims to understand why this method is more effective than traditional stimulation, with potential applications in the fight against opioid addiction.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateDec 2, 2015
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

First direct evidence for synaptic plasticity in fruit fly brain

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have observed direct evidence of synaptic plasticity in the fruit fly brain while flies learn. The team found a dramatic reduction in synaptic strength upon subsequent presentations of the test odor, indicating a decrease in its attractiveness.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateDec 2, 2015

Can slow walking speed in elderly signal Alzheimer's disease hallmarks?

A recent study published in Neurology found an association between slow walking speed and amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered that participants with higher levels of amyloid were more likely to have slower walking speeds.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 2, 2015

Quantum computer made of standard semiconductor materials

Researchers at TUM and Los Alamos National Laboratory have discovered a way to prevent the loss of stored quantum information by applying an external magnetic field. The new nanostructures use common semiconductor materials compatible with standard manufacturing processes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 2, 2015

Research team discovers novel pestivirus affecting swine

A team of researchers at Kansas State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has identified a novel pestivirus affecting swine, causing uncontrollable shaking that led to the death of nearly 700 pigs. The virus, named APPV, was found to be widely distributed in the US swine herd and is associated with neurological disease.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateDec 2, 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.

New plastic solar cell minimizes loss of photon energy

Researchers at RIKEN and Kyoto University have developed a new polymer that minimizes photon energy loss in solar cells, leading to higher efficiency and robust conversion of solar energy into electricity. The achievement marks a significant step towards commercializing cheaper and more efficient polymer-based solar cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2015

Involvement in traditional dating abuse increases chances of cyberdating abuse in teens

A new study reveals that teenagers who experience traditional dating abuse are at a higher risk of becoming cyberdating abuse victims, and vice versa. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 high school students and found that involvement in one form of abuse increases the likelihood of involvement in the other.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateDec 2, 2015

Incarcerated mothers impact children's future criminal involvement

A Sam Houston State University study found that children of incarcerated mothers are more likely to experience attachment disruptions, separation anxiety, and depression. The study also showed a significant link between maternal incarceration and adult offspring's involvement in the criminal justice system.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJournal of Research in Crime and Delinquency·DateDec 2, 2015

Global bicycle ownership has halved in 30 years, research reveals

The study found that global bicycle ownership has declined from 60% to 32% over the past three decades, with significant variations across regions. The data highlights the need for policy makers to develop targeted strategies to boost cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateDec 2, 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.

Fries with a side of acrylamide

A team of scientists has identified two promising potato varieties, Payette Russet and Easton, that form less acrylamide when fried. The study shows a strong relationship between the genetics of raw potatoes and their potential to produce acrylamide.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateDec 2, 2015

New insights into the creation of heavy elements

A new method using supercomputers simulates the scattering of helium nuclei inside stars, shedding light on the formation of heavier elements. By reducing computational effort, scientists can now model complex processes involving more particles, bringing them closer to understanding the 'Holy Grail of astrophysics': oxygen creation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateDec 2, 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.

The Sun could release flares 1000x greater than previously recorded

Researchers have discovered a stellar superflare on KIC9655129 with wave patterns similar to those observed in solar flares, suggesting the potential for the Sun to also produce a superflare. This could lead to catastrophic consequences, including power blackouts and disruptions to GPS and radio communication systems.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 2, 2015

Texas engineers develop potential treatment for whooping cough

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed two antibodies to potentially treat or prevent pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that affects millions of infants worldwide. The antibodies potently neutralize pertussis toxin, bolstering immune function and rapidly reducing white blood cell counts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 2, 2015

CU Denver research finds long term effect of natural gas leakage

New study from CU Denver finds that even low levels of natural gas leakage can make it as damaging as coal for climate change. The research shows a leakage rate of 3.9% over 20 years and 9.1% over 100 years makes natural gas equivalent to coal in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClimatic Change·DateDec 2, 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.

A quantum spin on molecular computers

Researchers created cleverly designed molecular complexes that can store information in a quantum state, overcoming one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing. These new molecules could potentially lead to the development of functional devices and more efficient computer designs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateDec 2, 2015

CT and 3-D printing aid surgical separation of conjoined twins

A combination of detailed CT imaging and 3-D printing technology has been used to plan the surgical separation of conjoined twins. The 3-D models were designed so that they could be assembled together or separated during the surgical planning process, with a high level of concordance between the models and the twins' actual anatomy.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 2, 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.

Risk of childhood wheeze from antibiotic use in third trimester of pregnancy

A new study suggests that antibiotic use during the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of childhood wheeze. However, when confounding factors such as maternal infections and respiratory conditions are accounted for, the link between antibiotic use and childhood wheeze becomes less clear.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateDec 2, 2015

Research team finds detailed record of mysterious fast radio burst

Researchers have discovered a detailed record of an FRB, providing new insights into its origin and environment. The signal exhibited Faraday rotation and passed through two distinct regions of ionized gas, shedding light on the mysterious astrophysical phenomenon.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature·DateDec 2, 2015

Carbon capture analyst: 'Coal should stay in the ground'

A new study from the University of Michigan found that most economic analyses of carbon capture and storage technology for coal-fired power plants severely underestimates its costs and overestimates its energy efficiency. The researchers conclude that renewable energy sources are likely to be cheaper than reducing carbon emissions from...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 2, 2015

US forest products in the global economy

The US forest products market share has declined from 28% in 1999 to 17% in 2013, mainly due to decreases in construction and paper manufacturing. However, a return to long-term housing market averages could bring the demand for wood as a construction material back up.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalJournal of Forestry·DateDec 2, 2015

FSU researchers pushing limits of solar cells

Researchers at Florida State University have introduced a new strategy for generating more efficient solar cells, increasing maximum efficiency from 33% to over 45% through photon upconversion and self-assembly process.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateDec 2, 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.