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Science News Archive February 2015


Page 30 of 31

Confidence in government linked to willingness to vaccinate

A study by Ohio State University suggests that confidence in government is a key factor in public willingness to vaccinate. People with high trust in the government were more likely to take the swine flu vaccine, while those with low trust had lower vaccination rates. The research also found that individuals who watched more news and h...

Toward the next biofuel: Secrets of Fistulifera solaris

Fistulifera solaris, a diatom microalga, is found to grow quickly and produce high levels of oils simultaneously. Its genome and transcriptome analyses provide insights into its characteristics, making it an excellent candidate for batch culture biofuel production.

UI researchers link smoke from fires to tornado intensity

Researchers found that smoke from spring fires in Central America intensified conditions leading to severe tornadoes in the US. The study's results suggest a novel mechanism by which smoke affects tornado severity, and highlight the importance of considering atmospheric particles in weather prediction models.

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.

You can be a coward or a fighter -- just pick one and stick with it, says study

Researchers found that aphids which consistently display risk-averse or risk-prone behavior tend to thrive better than those that exhibit mixed strategies, especially when faced with predators. The study suggests that committing to a consistent behavioral type can be key to achieving overall fitness and reproductive success.

AAO-HNSF clinical practice guideline: Allergic rhinitis

The AAO-HNSF clinical practice guideline for allergic rhinitis aims to improve diagnosis and treatment, addressing quality improvement opportunities and reducing harmful variations in care. It affects about 1 in every 6 Americans, generating an estimated $2 to $5 billion in expenditures each year.

First sensor for 'crowd control' in cells

University of Groningen scientists have created a molecular sensor to measure crowding in living cells, allowing for the quantification of macromolecule concentrations. The sensor uses Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to detect changes in protein-protein interactions and provides valuable insights into cellular function.

New technique captures real-time diagnostic 3-D images

Researchers have developed a new technique to capture real-time 3D images of living organisms, such as zebrafish and fruit flies, allowing for the visualization of their anatomy and functions. This breakthrough uses Optical Projection Tomography, enabling the creation of three-dimensional images up to three millimeters long.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists view effect of whisker tickling on mouse brains

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a technique to visualize AMPA receptors in live mice, revealing that tickling increases receptor levels and strengthens synapses. This discovery has broad applications for studying learning and neurological disorders like autism, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.

Study shows top 10 challenges facing global pharmaceutical supply chains

A new study identifies the top 10 challenges facing global pharmaceutical supply chains, including lack of coordination, inventory management, and human resource dependency. The research highlights the need for strengthened pharmaceutical delivery systems to improve health outcomes in developing regions.

Safe production in Industry 4.0

The Fraunhofer Institute's IT Security Laboratory provides a secured test environment to assess the security of industrial automation systems and develop new defense strategies. Real-time requirements in production facilities necessitate unique IT security measures.

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.

Discovery of a gene responsible for familial scoliosis

A variation in the POC5 gene was found to be associated with familial scoliosis in a large French family study. The gene encodes for a centrosomal protein involved in microtubule-organising centres and cellular polarity, leading to rotational deformations similar to those observed in scoliosis patients.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Getting yeast to pump up the protein production

Scientists at Northwestern University have found a way to harvest industrially useful protein from yeast in greater quantities without increasing its production. By genetically knocking out proteins responsible for reabsorption, the team increased protein yields by two- to three-fold.

New '2-in-1' test simplifies retina evaluations

Researchers developed a new test using magnetic resonance imaging to measure the function of retinal blood vessels and light-detecting cells. This breakthrough enables doctors to detect eye problems earlier, including macular degeneration and after childhood injuries, and may slow disease progression.

To save your energy while strolling, walk this sway

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that when people walk in sync on a swaying bridge, they conserve energy and reduce their energy costs. By widening their stride, individuals can increase stability while also saving energy, which is equivalent to walking with or without a school backpack.

Sleep problems may impact bone health

Recent research suggests sleep apnea impacts bone metabolism through sleep duration and quality disruptions. Daily rhythms play a crucial role in maintaining normal bone health.

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.

NASA catches speedy Tropical Cyclone Eunice transitioning

Tropical Cyclone Eunice was spinning in the Southern Indian Ocean when NASA's Terra satellite captured its transition to an extra-tropical cyclone. The storm's warm core became a cold core, characteristic of mid-latitude low pressure areas.

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.

Possible cause of IVF failure in some women identified

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a possible cause of IVF failure in some women, which may be treated with therapies targeting microRNA-145 and its effects on IGF1R. The study's findings suggest that manipulating this biological process could lead to improved rates of embryo attachment during implantation.

Scientists open new chapter in cell biology and medicine

Scientists at TU Dresden have presented a novel method, real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC), to mechanically screen large populations of cells quickly and accurately. This technology enables the continuous, on-the-fly mechanical screening of hundreds of cells per second.

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.

Physical activity as medicine among Family Health Teams: Study

A recent study found that almost 60% of Ontario Family Health Teams offer physical activity services, but their quality and accessibility vary. The study suggests that standardized physical activity promotion is needed to increase its effectiveness in promoting healthy lifestyles among Canadians.

Bowhunting may have fostered social cohesion during the Neolithic

Researchers analyze ancient wooden bows found in La Draga, Spain, and conclude that bowhunting played a significant community and social role among early peasant societies. The discovery provides new evidence on the social role of hunting in the first farming societies.

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.

Protein threshold linked to Parkinson's disease

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers identified a critical threshold in alpha-synuclein protein levels that increases the chances of aggregation and neurodegeneration. The findings provide a mechanistic description of the initial molecular events leading to Parkinson's disease.

Skin based immunity secrets revealed

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which immune cells in the skin function as the body's 'border control'. This finding could improve how we fight some infections, allergies and auto-immune diseases. The discovery of CD1a molecule reveals how it interacts with lipid molecules to identify foreign invaders.

More evidence that musical training protects the brain

A new study found that older adults with musical training were 20% faster at identifying speech sounds than non-musicians. The research suggests that music instruction can enhance brain areas supporting speech recognition, even in old age. Music training may help counteract cognitive decline and improve auditory processing abilities.

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.

Language study offers new twist on mind-body connection

Research from Northeastern professor of psychology Iris Berent and her colleagues finds that linguistic preferences are guided by abstract rules rather than motor system simulation. Abstract rules trigger motor action, not the other way around.

New reset button discovered for circadian clock

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered a new reset button for the brain's master biological clock, which can be stimulated using light to alter sleep patterns. This finding has the potential to lead to new treatments for conditions like seasonal affective disorder and reduce adverse health effects of night shifts.

Turning up heat on plants could help grow crops of the future

Researchers discovered that high temperatures stimulate stem growth in plants, contrary to cooler temperatures where light inhibits it. Mathematical models and experiments validated the findings, suggesting plants may associate hot weather with drought risk and grow quickly to reproduce.

Mining the moon becomes a serious prospect

Texas-based Shackleton Energy Company plans to mine lunar water ice and convert it into rocket propellant, with Moon Express also interested in using the resource as fuel. Meanwhile, China is making headway in mining rare-earth elements on the Moon, sparking interest in establishing a human settlement.

Babies can follow complex social situations

Infants as young as 13 months old can comprehend complex social scenarios, taking into account who knows what about whom. They are able to make inferences about others' behavior based on the information they have learned, indicating that they are developing essential skills for assessing social situations and making relevant judgments.

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.

Penn professor shows how 'spontaneous' social norms emerge

A new study led by Penn's Damon Centola reveals that social conventions can emerge spontaneously, with no centralized leader or media source, through the normal interactions of people in social networks. The research used a web-based game to test how large populations come to consensus, and found that random mixing allowed for the emer...

Epigenetic signatures that differentiate triple-negative breast cancers

A new study reveals distinct methylation patterns in primary biopsy breast cancer cells, indicating better or worse prognosis. This epigenetic signature can stratify triple-negative breast cancers into two sub-groups, allowing for more precise disease management and potential improved outcomes.

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.

Addressing feral cats' diet may help protect native species

Feral cats feed on a wide range of native species, including endangered birds and mammals. A study suggests that controlling rabbit populations could harm native mammals instead, highlighting the need for multi-species pest control approaches.

Light jogging may be most optimal for longevity

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, light jogging is associated with lower mortality rates. Jogging frequencies between 1-2.4 hours per week showed significant lower mortality rates compared to sedentary non-joggers.

Bushfire in Southwestern Australia

A severe bushfire burned in southwestern Australia, covering an area of 70 square miles. Residents were forced to evacuate due to the high risk of fire spreading.

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.

BU study finds occupational link in kidney disease epidemic in Central America

A new BU study finds a decline in kidney function among Nicaraguan sugarcane workers, suggesting heat stress and dehydration may play a role in the high rates of chronic kidney disease. The research team recruited 284 workers performing different tasks and found that those with longer employment duration had worse kidney function.

Risk for autism increases for abandoned children placed in institutions

A recent study published in JAACAP found that abandoned children placed in institutions have an increased risk for behaviors similar to those seen in children with autism. However, when moved into child-centered foster family care at a young age, their social behaviors improved significantly.

Physician guidelines for Googling patients need revisions

A Penn State College of Medicine researcher proposes updating professional medical society guidelines to address when it is ethically justified to Google a patient. The proposed guidelines would help healthcare providers navigate the use of search engines in patient care.

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.