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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 18


Page 18 of 31

Study recommends closing the high seas to fishing

A recent study led by Simon Fraser University biologist Isabelle Côté suggests that closing the high seas to fishing would have little impact on global fish catches. Most fish stocks are already shared between the high seas and exclusive economic zones, reducing the financial implications of such a closure.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2015

Cancer patients rarely demand unnecessary tests and treatments

A new study of cancer patient-clinician encounters found that only a small percentage of patients requested clinically inappropriate tests or treatments. Most requests were for imaging studies, laboratory tests, or palliative care interventions, with few requesting chemotherapy or proton beam therapy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 12, 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.

New study in Science calculates amount of plastic waste going into the ocean

A recent study published in Science estimates that between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, mainly from coastal regions. The researchers used a grand model to estimate the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean and found that it is significantly higher than previously estimated.

SourceSea Education Association·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015

Changing stereotypes key to getting girls interested in computer science

Researchers at the University of Washington found that female teachers can inspire high school girls to be interested in computer science. The study also recommends broadening the image of who computer scientists are to counteract negative stereotypes. By shifting these stereotypes, more girls can feel included and encouraged to pursue...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 12, 2015

Better catalysts, made-to-order

University of Utah scientists develop computational model to predict catalyst performance, allowing for the design of more efficient and selective catalysts. The model uses big data analysis to identify structural features that correlate with reaction selectivity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015

New fluorescent protein permanently marks neurons that fire

Researchers have developed a new fluorescent protein called CaMPARI, which permanently marks neurons that are active at a particular time. This allows scientists to visualize neural activity beyond the limited field of view of a microscope and capture snapshots of neural activity during complex behaviors.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 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.

Southwest & Central Plains face unprecedented drought risk in the 21st century

A recent study suggests that both regions will experience severe droughts in the future, worse than any in the last millennium. The projections are based on computer model simulations and comparison with past climate reconstructions, indicating a future with extremely parched Southwest and Central Plains.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 12, 2015

Urban pollinators get the job done, SF State study finds

A study from San Francisco State University found that native bees can provide sufficient pollination for tomatoes in urban gardens, with floral resource density being the key factor. This research challenges conventional wisdom and offers good news for farmers in space-starved cities.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalUrban Ecosystems·DateFeb 12, 2015

Penn Medicine: Brain activity can predict increased fat intake following sleep deprivation

A new study found that sleep-deprived individuals consume more fat and less carbohydrates, while displaying increased connectivity in the salience network, which is linked to emotional responses and bodily sensations. This unique approach examines changes in brain activity's impact on eating behavior following sleep deprivation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 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.

Oyster disease thrives in nightly dead zones

A study by Smithsonian scientists found that oyster disease is more prevalent in areas with low oxygen levels at night, which can cripple the oysters' defense against the parasite. However, surprisingly, oysters' filtration powers flag during periods of low oxygen but recover afterwards.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 2015

Nationwide study reports shifts in Americans' use of natural products

A nationally representative survey shows that natural product use in the US has shifted since 2007, with some products becoming more popular and others falling out of favor. Fish oil was the top natural product among adults, while melatonin saw a significant increase in use among children.

SourceNIH/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health·DateFeb 11, 2015

A new variant of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease endangers the Iberian lynx

A new variant of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus is threatening the survival of the Iberian lynx, a predator that relies heavily on wild rabbits for prey. The study found a significant decline in rabbit populations and a notable drop in the number of Iberian lynx cubs born in the wild.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 11, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Low vitamin D predicts more severe strokes, poor health post-stroke

Research found that patients with low vitamin D levels suffered larger areas of dead tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply compared to those with normal levels. Additionally, a 10 ng/mL reduction in vitamin D level was associated with a decreased chance for healthy recovery after stroke

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 11, 2015

UC San Diego/SDSC study advances brain cancer research

Researchers at UC San Diego identified a pyramid hierarchical network of coherent gene modules that regulate glioblastoma genes, involved in highly aggressive brain cancer. This finding informs a strategy to elucidate these modules and identify new drug therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular BioSystems·DateFeb 11, 2015

Carbon release from ocean helped end the Ice Age

A study published in Nature shows that a release of carbon dioxide from the deep Southern Ocean helped bring an end to the last Ice Age. The finding provides insight into how oceanic carbon storage affects climate change.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 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.

Long-term changes in dead wood reveal new forest dynamics

A study in California's Sierra Nevada region found a nine-fold increase in standing dead trees and nearly three times more logs on the ground, but smaller and more decayed pieces. This shift poses a challenge for forest managers, who must balance habitat value with fire hazard reduction.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateFeb 11, 2015

Order matters: Sequence of genetic mutations determines how cancer behaves

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that the order of genetic mutations acquired determines how cancer behaves. The study found that patients who acquire mutations in JAK2 prior to those in TET2 are more likely to develop a severe red blood cell disease subtype and suffer from blood clots.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Terrible at remembering names? Blame it on the music, not the memory

A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology found that music can impair the memory of older adults when trying to remember names. The researchers tested participants' ability to associate faces with names in silence and while listening to background music, discovering a 10% decline in performance among older adults.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateFeb 11, 2015
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.

A new species of hummingbird?

A new species of hummingbird has been discovered in the Bahamas, characterized by its distinctive lyre-tailed plumage and unique courtship displays. Genetic analysis reveals that the two subspecies diverged around 400,000 to 1 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateFeb 11, 2015

Better how-to videos

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University developed a new system called Crowdy that recruits viewers to create subgoal labels for educational videos. The system improves video annotations by leveraging crowdsourcing, reducing costs to $1 per minute, and enhancing learner retention and satisfaction.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 11, 2015

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute awards more than $460,000 to community projects

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute awarded $462,656 to 17 projects statewide to address community-identified needs and decrease the impact of cancer on Oregonians. The funded projects focus on preventing tobacco use among youth, increasing colorectal cancer screening, and developing skin cancer prevention programs.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateFeb 11, 2015

VLA finds unexpected 'storm' at galaxy's core

Astronomers found a supermassive black hole actively heating and blasting gas in the galaxy J1430+1339, transforming it into an elliptical-type galaxy devoid of gas. The VLA observations revealed powerful jets and winds that remove or destroy raw material needed for star formation.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateFeb 11, 2015
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.

Protein controls both alcohol craving and organ damage

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a protein called RGS6 that controls both alcohol craving and organ damage. The team found that inhibiting RGS6 could represent a new approach to counteract alcohol dependence and protect against cell-killing actions of alcohol.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2015

New study 'game-changer' for stroke treatment worldwide

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a dramatic improvement in restoring blood flow to the brain after adding stent thrombectomy to standard clot-dissolving therapy. The new treatment restores blood flow to 89% of patients, with 71% returning to independent living.

SourceMelbourne Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Novel basic science news tip sheet

Researchers found that aged mice developed more severe intestinal permeability and bacterial infections after stroke, leading to higher mortality rates. In contrast, social isolation improved recovery in aged mice by reducing inflammation and enhancing brain function.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 11, 2015

Automatic Whale Detector, version 1.0

The new system, developed by NOAA scientists, can track individual whales and increase the sample size of the population count. This allows for more accurate estimates of population size and helps conservation efforts.

SourceNOAA National Marine Fisheries Service·DateFeb 11, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Mainz researchers identify novel factor involved in autophagy

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz identified RAB3GAP complex as a key factor in autophagy, a process that breaks down cellular proteins and organelles. This discovery may enable innovative approaches to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAutophagy·DateFeb 11, 2015

Wikipedia use -- nothing to be ashamed about

A study by Monash University found that while seven in eight students use Wikipedia, it's not considered the most useful education resource. Academics and universities should integrate Wikipedia into teaching and learning to support students' scholarship.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Higher Education Policy and Management·DateFeb 11, 2015

Buildings with 'rocking' technology would be more earthquake-resilient

Case Western Reserve University researcher Michael Pollino developed a computer model that suggests optimal sizes for 'rocking steel-braced frames' to dissipate seismic energy. These designs could provide better earthquake resilience and repairability, potentially reducing costs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEngineering Structures·DateFeb 11, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Diabetes drug spurs host defense

Researchers found that pioglitazone enhances ROS production in white blood cells, killing difficult-to-treat pathogens. This finding demonstrates a relevant contribution to host defense in mouse and cellular models of chronic granulomatous disease.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 11, 2015

Revolutionary new probe zooms in on cancer cells

Researchers at McGill University developed a powerful new intraoperative probe for detecting cancer cells in real time during surgery. The Raman spectroscopy probe has a greater than 92% accuracy in identifying invasive brain cancers, and its use may improve patient outcomes by reducing cancer recurrence and extending survival times.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Making a better wound dressing -- with fish skin

Scientists develop nanofibers from tilapia collagen and apply them to rat wounds, resulting in faster healing times and no immune reactions. The study suggests fish collagen could be a viable alternative for wound treatment, reducing the risk of transmitting diseases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 11, 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.

Want to save the planet? Neighbors better allies than family

A recent study by University of Vermont researchers reveals that socializing with neighbors is linked to a set of environmental behaviors, including buying chemical-free fruits and vegetables, conserving water and energy, and driving less. Generalized trust in others also plays a crucial role in promoting eco-friendly habits.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateFeb 11, 2015

Researchers find new therapy benefits stroke patients

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that endovascular treatment can dramatically improve patient outcomes after an acute ischemic stroke, increasing positive outcomes from 30% to 55%. The treatment resulted in a 50% reduction in deaths and restored blood flow to the brain.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015
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.

Florida State-Russian research team explores vision complications for astronauts

A Florida State University and Russian Academy of Sciences team found that space travel may impair the body's ability to regulate blood flow to the brain, contributing to temporary or permanent vision problems experienced by astronauts. The research team plans to conduct further experiments to find solutions.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 11, 2015

Berkeley Lab researchers at AAAS

Researchers from Berkeley Lab presented on severe weather events in a changing climate, novel technologies for exploring uncultivated microorganisms, and future of accelerators. They also discussed battery innovations and what to expect from the LHC's second run.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateFeb 11, 2015

Plant extract fights brain tumor

A novel, non-invasive treatment strategy for Cushing Disease has been discovered using silibinin from milk thistle seeds. The active compound binds to heat shock protein 90, allowing glucocorticoid receptor molecules to dissolve and restore normal ACTH production.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 11, 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.

Study finds new lethal combination of cancer drugs shrinks tumors

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and University of Waterloo have discovered a new lethal combination of cancer drugs that can shrink tumors and extend the survival of mice with cancer. The study found that targeting specific protein Hck can kill transitioning cells between non-Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) and CSCs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2015

Novel high-power microwave generator

A new study by scientists from Bangladesh explores the viability of a novel structure for generating high-power microwaves, offering an alternative to traditional approaches. The proposed semi-circular slow wave structure is capable of producing high-power microwaves via ultra-high-frequency radio waves.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 11, 2015

Minds at attention: Military and mindfulness

A University of Miami study found that short-form mindfulness meditation training reduces attentional lapses and mind wandering, enhancing cognitive resilience in military personnel. This technique can be beneficial for civilians in demanding professions as well.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 2015
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.

Largest ever genome-wide study strengthens genetic link to obesity

Researchers analyzed genetic samples from over 300,000 individuals to find genetic variations associated with obesity traits. They discovered 140 locations across the genome that play roles in various obesity traits, including waist-to-hip circumference ratio.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2015