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Science News Archive February 2015


Page 8 of 31

Study tested centralized system for reminding families about immunizations

A randomized trial using Colorado Immunization Information System found that children in the centralized notification system received at least one contact, with documentation rates of 26.9% compared to 21.7% in the practice-based group. The study concludes that a collaborative centralized approach can increase immunization rates and is...

Resistance to aspirin tied to more severe strokes

A study found that individuals exhibiting resistance to aspirin have more severe strokes, with larger brain areas affected, compared to those who respond to the drug. The study also found a median stroke severity score of four in the aspirin-resistant group, indicating a moderate stroke.

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.

Immunization rates improve with centralized reminder system

A new study found that a centralized notification system improved immunization rates by reaching 87% of eligible children and increasing documentation rates. The system was more cost-effective than practice-based approaches, with substantial cost savings expected from a societal perspective.

Epigenome orchestrates embryonic development

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that the epigenome plays a significant part in guiding development in zebrafish embryos within the first 24 hours after fertilization. The study suggests an underappreciated fraction of the genome is involved in gene regulation, with many noncoding regions acting as developmental enhancers.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 23, 2015

Eight health professional organizations and the American Bar Association recommend reducing firearm-related injuries and death in the US through public health approaches. They advocate for criminal background checks, improved access to mental health care, and research into firearm violence causes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Intense anger associated with high risk of heart attack

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care found that intense anger is associated with a significantly higher risk of heart attack. The study discovered that acute coronary blockage was more likely to occur within two hours of an angry episode, with the risk being eight times higher than usual.

Building tailor-made DNA nanotubes step by step

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new DNA nanotube assembly method that allows for better control over size and structure. This breakthrough could lead to applications in opto-electronics and smart drug-delivery systems.

Physicians performing breast exams may miss masses deep in breast

A study found that many doctors may not be pressing hard enough during breast exams, missing deep-tissue masses. The researchers used sensor technology to assess physicians' clinical skills and found that accuracy improved with increased force application, but only up to a point.

NASA satellite sees a warm winter in the western US

A recent study using NASA's Aqua satellite data shows that temperatures in the western third of the US have been warmer than normal over the past two months. The 'Ridiculously Resilient Ridge' pattern of the polar jet stream has led to this anomaly, with surface temperatures ranging from 62.3F to 80.3F.

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.

Should paramedics be allowed to give antibiotics to trauma victims?

A new study found that administering antibiotics within the first hour of injury can significantly reduce infection rates in trauma patients. The study, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, included 137 patients with open fractures and found that those who received antibiotics early had much lower infection rates.

How brain waves guide memory formation

Neurons generate brain waves at distinct frequencies to communicate between brain regions, reinforcing correct guesses and weakening incorrect ones. Researchers found that beta (9-16 Hz) and theta (2-6 Hz) frequencies are used in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex during learning tasks.

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.

New assistive equipment to maximize human sensorimotor function

Researchers at Hiroshima University developed a prototype called Sensorimotor Enhancing Suit (SEnS) to support human motion. SEnS reduces muscle load on the upper limbs, improving sensorimotor functions and enhancing the quality of life for both elderly individuals and healthy people working under extreme conditions.

Preliminary results of the JIKI clinical trial against Ebola test the efficacy of favipiravir in reducing mortality in individuals infected by Ebola virus in Guinea

The JIKI clinical trial found encouraging signs of efficacy for favipiravir in individuals with high or moderate viral replication and less severe visceral lesions. In contrast, patients with very high viral loads and serious visceral involvement showed no efficacy from the treatment. These findings have implications for Ebola virus di...

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.

Via laser into the past of the oceans

Scientists from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel reconstructed pH values of northern Pacific ocean over past 120 years with monthly resolution. The study found that the pH value has been declining since late 19th century, coinciding with rising carbon dioxide levels in atmosphere.

Sobering effect of the love hormone

Researchers at the University of Sydney and Regensburg found that oxytocin prevents alcohol from accessing specific brain sites causing intoxication effects, leading to improved coordination in rats. Oxytocin may help reduce alcohol's impairing effects on speech and cognition after high consumption levels

Retracing the roots of fungal symbioses

A team of researchers analyzed 49 fungal genomes, revealing that mycorrhizal fungi evolved independently in many fungal lineages. The study also found that up to 40% of symbiosis-induced genes were restricted to a single mycorrhizal species.

Stretch and relax! -- Losing 1 electron switches magnetism on in dichromium

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have discovered a surprising high-spin ground state in the cationic cousin of dichromium, Cr2+, using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. The team found complete localization of all ten valence electrons and maximum spin coupling, transforming an antiferromagnet into ferromagnetic.

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.

3-D printed guides can help restore function in damaged nerves

Researchers developed 3D printed guides to help damaged nerves repair naturally by guiding the nerve ends towards each other. Successful repairs were demonstrated in a mouse model, showing promise for treating nerve injuries with reduced surgery and improved results.

Fox Chase receives grant from National Breast Cancer Foundation

Fox Chase Cancer Center has received a one-year grant from the National Breast Cancer Foundation to provide mammography screening and navigation services to underserved women. The program aims to increase access to care by bringing cancer screening into community settings via its mobile unit.

Fever alarm armband: A wearable, printable, temperature sensor

Researchers at University of Tokyo develop wearable fever alarm armband with built-in temperature sensor and power supply circuit using organic components. The device can detect high body temperatures and provide audible alerts, enhancing healthcare monitoring in infant, elderly, and patient care settings.

Experimenting preteens may have different brain processes

A study of 62 preteen girls found that those who experimented showed stronger connections between the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior insula/putamen, linked to exploring actions and body state, respectively. This could help identify teens at risk for risky behaviors.

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 approach to tackle alphavirus infections

A new approach to tackling alphavirus infections has been developed using the protein pentraxin 3, which plays a crucial role in promoting virus infection and disease. This breakthrough discovery paves the way for improved vaccine and drug development.

Breastfeeding, other factors help shape immune system early in life

Research by Henry Ford Hospital reveals that breastfeeding and early exposure to bacteria stimulate the immune system, boosting protection against allergies and asthma. The study found distinct gut microbiome compositions in breastfed vs non-breastfed infants, with breastfed babies at lower risk of developing allergies.

AU professor develops web tool to speed data collection

A new web application developed by AU Professor Michael Bader and colleagues uses Google Street View technology to speed up researchers' data collection for sociological studies on aging in place. The app eliminates costly and time-consuming aspects of conducting research, providing a reliable tool for large-scale research.

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.

Genome's tale of 'conquer and enslave'

Researchers found that C2H2-ZF transcription factors evolved to defend the genome from self-replicating parasitic DNA, known as selfish DNA. These proteins eventually took control of genes, including those involved in brain and heart development.

MARC Travel Awards Announced for ABRF 2015 Annual Meeting

The FASEB MARC Program has selected four students and postdoctorates from underrepresented groups to receive travel awards. The awards totaled $7,400 and aim to promote diversity in the biomedical research community. The recipients include Hamid Hussaini, Ibrahim Osumanu, Isavannah Reyes, and Kimberly Herard.

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.

NASA sees heavy rain in Tropical Cyclone Lam

Tropical Cyclone Lam brought heavy rain to the Northern Territory, causing flooding in low-lying areas and river rises over the central Top End. The cyclone made landfall as a Category Four storm, with sustained winds near 55 kph.

Bacterial memories

The study found that Listeria monocytogenes adapts its metabolism specifically to the host genotype, correlating with the severity of symptoms in infected mice. Bacteria retain a 'memory effect' that reverts to a common metabolic fingerprint after laboratory cultivation.

Reducing energy efficiency boosts calorie burning in muscle

A new injection approach shows promise as a potential weight-loss therapy by making muscles less energy efficient and increasing calorie burning. This could help people overcome their body's natural resistance to weight loss, especially for those with limited mobility.

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.

Greenland is melting -- The past might tell what the future holds

Scientists studied lake cores in Greenland to understand the ice sheet's response to a warm period 8,000-5,000 years ago. They found that during this time, the ice sheet was losing mass at a rate of 100 Gigaton per year, delivering an equivalent 16 cm of global sea-level rise.

Education 'experts' may lack expertise, study finds

A new study suggests that education 'experts' with substantial media presence but little background in education and policy research may be more influential than those with empirical expertise. Researchers found experts associated with organizations like the American Enterprise Institute received nearly 2.5 times more citations.

Protein linked to development of asthma

A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry identifies CCL28 as a key player in inducing asthma pathology even without a viral infection. This finding opens the door for developing potent and specific CCL28 inhibitors to prevent post-viral asthma in young children.

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.

Ancient and modern cities aren't so different

A study on ancient settlements in the Basin of Mexico found that larger settlements were more productive and efficient, exhibiting similar urban scaling trends as modern cities. The research team analyzed data from over 2000 years and four cultural eras to estimate populations and site use intensity.

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.

Intoxicated on YouTube

A University of Pittsburgh analysis of 70 YouTube videos depicts drunkenness found little portrayal of negative outcomes, with humor often juxtaposed. The study suggests targeting men in future interventions debunking alcohol-related myths on social media.

Hubble gets best view of circumstellar debris disk distorted by planet

Astronomers have used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to capture the most detailed edge-on picture yet of a large disk of gas and dust encircling Beta Pictoris. The disk is distorted by the gravitational pull of an embedded giant planet, allowing scientists to study the effects of planetary formation on young star systems.

Paleoclimate, proxies, paleosols, and precipitation: A look to the future

Researchers develop a new relationship between soil magnetic properties and precipitation, doubling the potential range of terrestrial paleoclimate applications. This improves understanding of hydrologic conditions in the deep past, leading to more accurate predictions of water availability and ecosystem stability in a warmer world.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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