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Science News Archive February 2015


Page 1 of 31

Psychology of food choice: Challenging the status quo

Researchers explore alternative methods to encourage healthy eating in children and teens, such as providing vegetables before other food options. Studies also investigate the impact of weight stigma, calorie counting, and food marketing on behavior, finding that weight stigma can lead to increased high-calorie snack consumption.

Can money buy happiness?: The relationship between money and well-being

Research highlights the benefits of experiential purchases, finding that anticipating experiences brings more happiness than waiting for material goods. In contrast, wealth and abundance may undermine appreciation for everyday moments, while temporarily giving something up can provide a route to happiness.

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.

CWRU researchers bring clean energy a step closer

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made a major breakthrough in developing a metal-free catalyst that performs as well as costly metal catalysts in an acidic fuel cell. The new carbon-based catalyst corrodes less and is more durable than traditional materials, paving the way for low-cost clean energy production.

Mystery of the reverse-wired eyeball solved

Researchers at the Technion have confirmed the biological purpose for the seemingly counterintuitive setup of photoreceptors and neurons in the human eye. The retina is optimized for vision purposes, with Müller glia cells concentrating light into photoreceptors.

Quality control for adult stem cell treatment

Researchers have devised a clonal strategy to ensure adult epidermal stem cells meet the highest safety criteria before use in treatments. The approach involves cultivating, genetically modifying and testing individual cells to guarantee their viability and safety.

Feast-and-famine diet could extend life, study shows

Researchers found that an intermittent feast-and-famine diet increased sirtuin proteins, which promote longevity and protect against age-related diseases. The diet also decreased insulin levels, potentially having an anti-diabetic effect.

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.

UT Dallas study challenges theory on unconscious memory system

A UT Dallas researcher challenged a long-held scientific theory about the role of the hippocampus in unconscious memory. The study used EEG to test brain wave patterns in amnesia patients with damaged hippocampuses, revealing that the hippocampus is involved in processing unconscious memories.

Modern logging techniques benefit rainforest wildlife

Researchers found that Reduced-Impact Logging (RIL) has little effect on bird, bat, and large mammal populations in Central Guyanese rainforests. RIL is a cost-effective option for timber companies to ensure long-term sustainability of biodiversity-rich tropical forests.

Finding psychological insights through social media

Researchers are using social media to study personality, mental health, and cross-cultural differences. Studies have found that language patterns on Twitter and Facebook can predict heart disease risk and emotional stability, while open-vocabulary analysis reveals connections between words and personality traits.

The sun has more impact on the climate in cool periods

A new study published in Geology reveals a close correlation between solar activity and sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic during cool periods over the last 4,000 years. The research sheds light on the importance of solar forcing in shaping climate change patterns, providing a crucial piece of the overall climate puzzle.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Drug research and development more efficient than expected

A recent study by the University of Basel analyzed new drugs approved by the FDA from 2003 to 2013, revealing that several parameters have improved efficiency. The researchers found that market access is not inefficient, but rather dependent on collaboration between industry and authorities.

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.

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.

Untangling DNA with a droplet of water, a pipet and a polymer

Researchers at KU Leuven developed a simple and effective way to untangle DNA using a 'rolling droplet' technique. The method involves injecting genetic material into a droplet of water and dragging it over a glass plate covered with a sticky polymer, resulting in longer and straighter DNA strands that can be studied under a microscope.

Neurons controlling appetite made from skin cells

Columbia University researchers successfully converted human skin cells into hypothalamic neurons, a type that regulates appetite. These neurons provide a patient-specific model for studying the neurophysiology of weight control and testing potential therapies.

Breakthrough in understanding how cancer cells metastasize

Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital have discovered a new mechanism driving cancer cell metastasis, focusing attention on the biological role of DENND2B protein. The study highlights Rab13 as an enzyme promoting cell migration in cancer cells.

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.

New filter could advance terahertz data transmission

University of Utah engineers create a filter for separating different frequencies in the terahertz spectrum, a key step towards utilizing this bandwidth for commercial use. The filter can be fabricated using an off-the-shelf inkjet printer and has the potential to boost data transmission rates by thousands of times.

Predicting human crowds with statistical physics

Scientists developed a mathematical law for pedestrian interactions based on time until collision, revealing consistent patterns in crowd behavior. The model can be used to predict potential dangers in sporting events and festivals, as well as improve public space design.

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.

Enhancing studies on a possible blood biomarker for traumatic brain injury

Researchers are advancing blood biomarker capabilities using the Simoa technology, which offers unprecedented improvement in sensitivity proteins for detecting traumatic brain injury. The technology allows for more effective measurement of low concentrations of proteins such as tau, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Crohn's disease not exempt from racial disparities

A recent study published in the IBD Journal found significant racial disparities in the treatment and outcomes of children with Crohn's disease. Black children had a 1.5 times higher frequency of hospital readmissions due to Crohn's disease compared to white children.

Personality and place: New insights on person-environment links

Research reveals spatial clusters of personality traits within cities, states, and countries, with associations between life satisfaction, terrain preference, and self-esteem. Studies also explore the role of geography in shaping individual behavior and well-being.

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.

HIV controls its activity independent of host cells

Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes found that HIV remains active as infected cells transition to rest, controlled by the virus's Tat protein. This independent control allows the virus to survive even if host cells are inactive, making it harder to cure the infection.

Suicide rates rising for older US adults

Suicide rates among US adults aged 40-64 have increased by 40% since 1999, with a sharp rise since 2007. Economic factors such as job loss, bankruptcy, and foreclosure are being identified as contributing to this trend.

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.

Synthetic biology breakthrough leads to cheaper statin production

Researchers at the University of Manchester and DSM have developed a single-step method for producing pravastatin, a widely used cholesterol-lowering drug. This breakthrough reduces the cost and complexity of statin production through reprogramming of the Penicillium chrysogenum fungus.

New approach to assessing effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs

Researchers have created a new method to monitor the effect of anti-cancer drugs on rare leukaemia stem cells, enabling personalized treatment and potential cure. The approach involves testing small samples of cells with a novel technology platform.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Life 'not as we know it' possible on Saturn's moon Titan

Researchers at Cornell University have modeled a methane-based, oxygen-free life form that can metabolize and reproduce like life on Earth. The theorized cell membrane, called an azotosome, is composed of small organic nitrogen compounds and shows stability and flexibility similar to Earth's phospholipid membranes.

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.

Reviving drugs with anti-stroke potential, minus side effects

Researchers have discovered a neuroprotective compound that limits brain damage during ischemia associated with stroke and other brain injuries while minimizing side effects. The pH-dependent NMDA receptor antagonist, 93-31, reduces damaged brain tissue by over half in mouse models.

Study: High stress for new mothers increases secondhand smoke risk for infants

A recent study found that new mothers experiencing higher social stressors have a 2.5 times higher odds of having only partial or no restrictions on smoking in their home, exposing infants to secondhand smoke. The researchers identified statistically significant socio-demographic and socio-economic trends in home smoking rules, highlig...

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.

The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education honors new awardees

The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) recognizes excellence in gerontological education and training. The recent award recipients include Suzanne R. Kunkel, Jennifer C. Mendez, Dena Shenk, Eleanor Krassen Covan, Feliciano Villar, Montserrat Celdran, Josep Fabà, Graham D. Rowles, Katherine Humber, Tina Kruger Newsha...

Leukemia-associated mutations almost inevitable as we age

Researchers estimate that up to 20% of people aged 50-60 and more than 70% of people over 90 have blood cells with the same gene changes as found in leukemia. Genetic mutations associated with leukaemia become inevitable with age, increasing dramatically with age.

Embrace unknowns, opt for flexibility in environmental policies

Researchers at the University of Washington argue that environmental conservation requires adapting to an uncertain future. They suggest creating flexible policies with legs, supporting ecosystem diversity, investing in monitoring, expecting unexpected changes, and designing adaptive management strategies.

Global health experts call into question sub-Saharan cancer data

Cancer data in sub-Saharan Africa is being questioned due to its poor population coverage and weak registration systems. GLOBOCAN statistics are heavily relied upon by Governments and NGOs, despite lacking independent evaluation. Experts call for improved cancer registration systems and more transparency from the WHO.

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.

NASA sees the Tropical Cyclone Glenda away from land

Tropical Cyclone Glenda is intensifying with powerful thunderstorms and a hint of an eye forming in its center. It is expected to strengthen and then transition into an extra-tropical storm due to favorable upper-level conditions.

Fighting the Colorado potato beetle with RNA interference

Researchers use RNA interference to target essential genes in the beetle, resulting in a 100% mortality rate after five days of feeding. This technology offers precise protection without chemicals and foreign proteins production, making it a promising strategy for pest control.

Human antibodies target Marburg, Ebola viruses; 1 step closer to vaccine

Human antibodies have been isolated and characterized that can neutralize the Marburg virus, a close cousin to Ebola. The discovery could lead to the development of an effective treatment and vaccine against these often lethal viruses. Researchers hope to complete clinical safety trials by the end of the year.