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Science News Archive February 2015


Page 6 of 31

Cyberbystanders: Most don't try to stop online bullies

In a study, 221 college students observed bullying in an online chat room and often judged the abuser indirectly by giving them bad marks or reviews later. Only 10% of students directly intervened, but many expressed regret at not doing so afterwards.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Researchers clarify vasospasm incidence in children with moderate to severe TBI

A study published in Critical Care Medicine defines the prevalence, associated factors, and time course of vasospasm in children with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that children with higher Injury Severity Scores, fever at admission, and lower Glasgow Coma scores were at increased risk of developing vasospasm.

Cross-cultural communication -- much more than just a linguistic stretch

A study by McGill researchers found that Mandarin-speakers are more likely to interpret emotions through tone of voice, whereas English-language speakers rely on facial expressions. This cultural difference is rooted in the limited eye contact and restrained facial expressions typical of East Asian cultures.

Women twice as likely to see pot as risky

A 10-year decline in perception of marijuana risk is reported in a study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. Women over 50, non-white individuals, and those with lower incomes are more likely to perceive cannabis use as risky.

Polio vaccination with microneedle patches receives funding

Researchers are developing dissolvable microneedle patches that can provide protection against the poliovirus in humans. The patches, about an inch square, contain 100 vaccine-filled needles and can be applied by minimally-trained personnel, facilitating their use in remote areas.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step with the development of an indirect method that detects and measures particles as small as 100 nanometers. This technique can accurately quantify asphaltene precipitation and account for water presence, offering valuable insights into preventing clogs in oil production lines.

NASA Terra satellite spots new Tropical Cyclone 14S

Tropical Cyclone 14S formed on February 21 in the Southern Indian Ocean, slowly organizing and consolidating. The storm intensified to 35 knots with strong thunderstorms circling its center, forecasters predict it will intensify further over the next three days

Marine oil supplement has positive effects on post-exercise muscle damage

A study found that taking a pre-exercise supplement of omega-3 PCSO-524, derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, has significant positive effects on post-exercise muscle damage. The subjects experienced less muscle soreness, pain, strength loss, fatigue, and inflammatory proteins in their bloodstreams.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tumor location in colorectal cancer may influence survival

A recent study published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that tumor location in colorectal cancer may influence survival. Patients with left-sided primary tumors had better survival outcomes than those with right-sided tumors, suggesting potential differences in gene expression patterns and cancer biology.

Study finds hormone therapy in transgender adults safe

A comprehensive review of hormone therapy in transgender adults has found no significant increase in cancer risk despite previous concerns. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology, provides reassurance for individuals requiring hormone treatments, reducing anxiety and increasing access to care.

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.

Younger women delay seeking help for heart attacks, study finds

A new study by Yale University found that younger women with heart disease symptoms often delay seeking medical care, citing fears of false alarms. The research highlights the need for education and improved response strategies to empower these women to recognize early symptoms and seek prompt care.

Renewable energy obtained from wastewater

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a technology to recover energy from wastewater using MEC, producing hydrogen with high efficiency and low voltage. The system demonstrated excellent results in hydrogen production and energy recovery, opening up potential for industrial-scale development.

Boy or girl? Lemur scents have the answer

Researchers found that pregnant lemur moms carrying boys produce simpler scents with fewer odor compounds compared to those carrying girls. The change in scent patterns correlates with changes in blood hormone levels. The study provides the first evidence of a pregnant mother's scent differing depending on the sex of her baby.

NASA adds up Tropical Cyclone Marcia's Queensland area rainfall

Tropical Cyclone Marcia caused significant flooding and damage in eastern Queensland with rainfall totals reaching up to 300-350mm. The merged precipitation analysis from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center indicates heaviest rainfall areas were off-shore from Lismore, Byron Bay, and Mackay.

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.

Stellate cells in the liver control regeneration and fibrosis

A new molecule, endosialin, on hepatic stellate cells drives liver fibrosis by activating these cells. However, its absence improved the regenerative capacity of remaining liver cells without proliferating them. This finding helps understand how liver fibrosis develops and may lead to treatments for other diseases.

Pew names 5 new marine conservation fellows for 2015

The Pew Charitable Trusts has named five distinguished scientists and conservationists from Canada, Australia, Russia, and the UK as 2015 recipients of the Pew fellowship in marine conservation. They will conduct research projects addressing key ocean conservation challenges including bycatch reduction and coral reef protection.

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.

Geysers have loops in their plumbing

A recent study by UC Berkeley professor Michael Manga found that geysers erupt periodically due to underground loops and side-chambers that trap steam bubbles. The study suggests that these underground features heat the water column above, eventually leading to sudden boiling and pressure release.

Crocs rocked pre-Amazonian Peru

A new study has uncovered seven different species of crocodiles co-existing in the same place and time, filling gaps in understanding the Amazon's rich biodiversity. The research suggests that a peak in mollusk diversity was correlated with the rise of 'durophagous' crocodiles, which went extinct when the mega-wetlands transformed.

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.

Communicating emotions

Researchers at McGill University found that visual cues are crucial in recognizing emotions conveyed by music, whereas speech relies on acoustic cues. In their study, participants identified emotions better with video and audio combined compared to just audio or speech alone.

NASA satellite reveals how much Saharan dust feeds Amazon's plants

A NASA satellite has quantified in three dimensions how much dust makes its trans-Atlantic journey from the Sahara to the Amazon rain forest. An estimated 22,000 tons of phosphorus-rich Saharan dust are carried across the ocean each year, equivalent to about the same amount lost from rain and flooding.

Ultra-thin nanowires can trap electron 'twisters' that disrupt superconductors

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed a method to control individual vortices in nanowires, trapping them and maintaining resistance-free current in superconductors. This breakthrough has the potential to enhance the performance of devices such as MRI scanners, particle accelerators, and future quantum computers.

Decline in smoking rates may increase lung cancer mortality

Research at Mayo Clinic found that a decline in smoking rates may lead to fewer people qualifying for early detection of lung cancer through low-dose CT scans. As smokers quit earlier, more patients are diagnosed at a later stage, increasing mortality.

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.

New, useful feature of Moringa seeds revealed

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that Moringa seed protein can be used to separate different materials from water, a process important in mining industries. The study found that the optimal amount of seeds needed varies depending on the material, allowing for more efficient separation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

SOHO sees something new near the sun

A unique comet, not part of a known family, survives its trip to within 2.2 million miles of the sun's surface. This is one of the few instances where a comet has been observed and recorded by SOHO in recent years.

Detecting defects at the nanoscale will profit solar panel production

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a new metrology system to detect tiny defects in thin films, crucial for printed electronics and solar panels. The NanoMend project aims to reduce cost and increase reliability of flexible PV cells, paving the way for wider adoption of renewable energy.

Garlic extract could help cystic fibrosis patients fight infection

Researchers found that garlic extract's allicin component inhibits bacterial growth and kills certain plant pathogens, potentially offering a new treatment option for people with cystic fibrosis. The study suggests using allicin-containing remedies in combination with existing antibiotics to treat life-threatening lung infections.

Why a latte is less likely to spill than a coffee

Princeton scientists discovered that foam significantly dampens liquid sloshing by absorbing energy through friction with container walls. The team's research has applications beyond breakfast beverages, including safer transport of hazardous liquids.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

'Patchwork' ovarian cancer more deadly

A Cancer Research UK study found that serous ovarian cancers with diverse genetic profiles are more likely to become resistant to chemotherapy and recur. This variability affects the prognosis of patients with these tumors, leading to earlier deaths compared to those with less varied tumors.

Key genes for symbiosis between mycorrhiza fungi and trees evolved several times

An international team analyzed 49 fungal genomes, revealing that key genome adaptation enabling symbiosis evolved independently in numerous lines of fungi. The study provides crucial information on how symbiosis between fungi and trees evolved, enabling scientists to improve prediction of reaction to environmental modifications.

Unexpected outcomes for elderly couples who stop driving

A University of Missouri researcher found that even if one spouse stops driving, the other is less likely to work or volunteer. This decline in activity can occur even when the other partner can still drive. Planning for alternative transportation options is crucial to minimize negative consequences.

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.

New Florida Tech study links coral disease to a warming Atlantic

A new study from Florida Institute of Technology finds that ocean warming has played a significant role in the decline of iconic elkhorn and staghorn corals. The research suggests that curbing greenhouse gas emissions could support the recovery of these critical reef-building corals.

Sea level spiked for 2 years along northeastern North America

A team of researchers found that sea levels rose by an average of four inches along the Northeast Coast from New York to Newfoundland, causing flooding independent of hurricanes or winter storms. The extreme increase was linked to changes in ocean circulation and the North Atlantic Oscillation.

Bribery 'hits 1.6 billion people a year'

A new book reveals that nearly a quarter of the global population, 1.6 billion people, are compelled to pay bribes for everyday public services. The surveys conducted across 119 countries highlight differences in bribery rates between countries, public services, and individuals.

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.

New study finds same patient mortality rates for experienced and new surgeons

A recent study using a new statistical methodology found that the patient mortality rates of new and experienced surgeons are similar. However, researchers emphasize that further studies are necessary to confirm these findings and account for other factors, such as changes in surgical training practices and patient demographics.

Disparities in breast cancer care linked to net worth

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that household net worth, rather than just income, plays a significant role in determining breast cancer patients' ability to afford treatment. The study suggests that physicians and health insurers need to consider this economic variable to ensure equitable care.

Bacteria network for food

Scientists discovered that bacteria use direct connections to exchange nutrients, rather than releasing them into the environment. The study found that gut microbe E. coli forms unique nanotubes to connect with other bacteria.

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.

Great Barrier Reef corals eat plastic

Researchers at James Cook University have discovered that Great Barrier Reef corals will consume microplastic pollution. The study found that the corals eat plastic particles at rates only slightly lower than their normal rate of feeding on marine plankton.

Research shows that sea urchins, sand dollars thrived with time

A new study on echinoids shows that evolutionary rates were lowest at the group's onset and increased over time through bursts associated with changes in feeding strategies. This challenges traditional views of evolution, suggesting a more complex history for many clades.

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.