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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 28


Page 28 of 31

Birth method, gestation duration may alter infants' gut microbiota

Researchers found that vaginally delivered infants with longer gestations tended to develop more mature gut microbiota faster, while those born via Caesarean section took longer to acquire a healthy gut microbiota, leading to differences in body fat at 18 months.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateFeb 3, 2015

New data revealed on Q10 coenzyme, whose deficiency causes a rare mitochondrial disease

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the biosynthetic pathway of CoQ10, a molecule essential for cellular metabolism. The study, led by Dr. David J. Pagliarini, reveals that protein CoQ9 regulates enzyme Coq7, and that CoQ10 synthesis is organized as a multiprotein complex to increase efficiency and regulation.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2015

Power psychs people up about... themselves

A new study suggests that powerful individuals are more likely to be inspired by their own experiences, whereas less powerful people are equally inspired by both their own and others' stories. The researchers found that people with high power tend to prioritize themselves over others in social interactions.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 3, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

From pecan to walnut: American leafminer invades Italy on a new tree

The American leafminer species Coptodisca lucifluella has invaded Italy's walnut orchards, a new hostplant for the insect. The moth feeds on walnut leaves, making short galleries and leaving characteristic holes, while its larvae attach small shields to leaves or surfaces.

SourceNaturalis Biodiversity Center·JournalBulletin of Entomological Research·DateFeb 3, 2015

Infant gut microbiota links gestation duration, delivery method, healthy weight gain

A study reveals that infants with a mature gut bacteria profile at an early age tend to have normal levels of body fat by 18 months, while those with less mature profiles are more likely to have lower body fat. The research found that gestational duration and delivery method influenced the rate of bacterial colonization in the infant gut.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalmBio·DateFeb 3, 2015

New technique doubles the distance of optical fiber communications

Researchers at UCL have developed a new method to process fibre optic signals, which can correct corrupted data and increase the useful capacity of fibres. This technique has the potential to double the distance data can travel error-free through sub-marine cables.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 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.

New findings on how the brain ignores distractions

Researchers at Brown University found that the brain uses specific patterns of brain wave synchrony to suppress attention and ignore distracting stimuli. By harnessing this process, scientists hope to develop new treatments for pain and depressive thoughts through non-invasive brain stimulation techniques.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 3, 2015

A novel shuttle for fatty acids

Researchers at Ludwig Maximilians University have identified a novel chloroplast membrane protein that plays a central role in transporting fatty acids from chloroplasts into the cell cytoplasm. This discovery may lead to new strategies for producing biofuels, which are rich in TAG-rich plant oils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 3, 2015
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.

Simple strategies lead to improvements in 1 year-olds at risk for autism

Researchers found that a parent-coaching intervention called Adapted Responsive Teaching (ART) can significantly improve the outcomes of one-year-old children at risk for autism. The study, published in Autism Research and Treatment, compared ART to early intervention and monitoring, showing promising results.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAutism Research and Treatment·DateFeb 3, 2015

NASA's Aqua satellite sees demise of Tropical Cyclone Ola

Tropical Cyclone Ola was being battered by vertical wind shear when NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared picture. The storm's cloud tops showed stronger thunderstorms, but forecasters expected it to dissipate due to increasing wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 3, 2015

Smoking linked to higher risk of death among colorectal cancer survivors

A new study by American Cancer Society researchers found that smokers before and after diagnosis had a higher risk of death from all causes and colorectal cancer-specific mortality compared to non-smokers. Smoking is associated with more aggressive tumors or decreased treatment efficacy, leading to increased mortality.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 3, 2015
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.

New molecule protects heart from toxic breast cancer drugs

A new research by Dr Alessandra Ghigo found that inhibiting the activity of phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma (PI3K?) protected mice with hypertension from developing heart failure. The study also showed that a PI3K? inhibitor could synergise with chemotherapy to delay tumour growth and prevent cardiotoxicity.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateFeb 3, 2015

Protective brain protein reveals gender implications for autism, Alzheimer's research

A Tel Aviv University study found that a mutated gene regulating over 400 proteins affects male and female brains differently, leading to sex-specific learning and memory differences. The research suggests analyzing men and women separately in clinical trials to find cures for diseases due to potential gender differences.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stanford researchers discover insulin-decreasing hormone in flies, humans

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine identified limostatin, a hormone that decreases insulin levels during recovery from fasting or starvation, in fruit flies and found a similar protein in humans. This discovery has critical ramifications for understanding metabolism and may inform new efforts to combat diabetes.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 3, 2015

Early childhood programs found to significantly lower likelihood of special education placements in third grade

Research finds that high-quality early childhood initiatives significantly lower likelihood of special education placements in third grade, benefiting students and reducing costs for school districts. The programs also provide positive spillover effects on other third graders, reducing preventable cognitive and social disabilities.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateFeb 3, 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.

Precision medicine in action: Genomic test helps solve medical mystery

A genomic test helped doctors solve a medical mystery for a boy with painful spasms. Whole exome sequencing identified the rare condition Episodic ataxia type 1, allowing for targeted treatment and symptom relief. The patient's motor and cognitive functioning have improved since medication was started.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 3, 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.

New research sheds light on neural circuit development

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies report substantial postnatal changes in the functional properties of brain circuits. These changes improve the ability of brain cells to encode information, enhancing brain function.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 3, 2015

23andMe study uncovers the genetics of motion sickness

The study identified 35 genetic factors associated with motion sickness, including those affecting balance, eye, ear, and cranial development, as well as glucose homeostasis. The findings suggest a role for the nervous system in motion sickness and may provide insight into other nausea-related conditions.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateFeb 3, 2015

Study investigates the complex roads that lead families to food insecurity

Researchers at the University of Houston explore the interplay between four key risk factors and food insecurity in families. A mother's poor health is found to be a determining factor in extreme food insecurity cases, while financial strain affects non-poor households experiencing marginal food security.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalSocial Science Research·DateFeb 3, 2015

CWRU astronomers find new details in first known spiral galaxy

A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University has discovered new features of the 'Whirlpool Galaxy', M51a, using a 20-hour exposure photograph. The image reveals faint plumes extending from the galaxy's northeast and south, providing valuable insights into its history and interaction with neighboring galaxies.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 3, 2015
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.

Children's hunger born from mothers' trauma

A new study by Drexel University suggests a strong relationship between adverse childhood experiences and household food insecurity. Trauma and chronic stress are found to be a largely overlooked part of the picture of why one in five American households with young children live with food insecurity.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateFeb 3, 2015

Only two-thirds of donations to Ebola crisis have reached affected countries

A report by The BMJ found that only around two-thirds of Ebola donations ($1.9 billion) reached affected countries, with delays in disbursements potentially contributing to the spread of the virus. Expert Karen Grépin argues that existing mechanisms need improvement to enable rapid deployment of funds for future public health threats.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 3, 2015

One in 2 people in the UK will get cancer

A new forecast from Cancer Research UK suggests that 1 in 2 people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lives. The increased risk is primarily due to more people living into older age, when cancer is more common.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 3, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Artificial blood vessels

Researchers at Shanghai University developed a tri-layered artificial blood vessel composed of separate materials for mechanical strength and new cell growth. The composite allowed rapid proliferation and integration of rat fibroblast cells, overcoming limitations of existing vascular grafts.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateFeb 3, 2015

Add nature, art and religion to life's best anti-inflammatories

New research from UC Berkeley links positive emotions with lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which fight infection and disease. The study found that awe, wonder, and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines, suggesting a direct influence on health and life expectancy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEmotion·DateFeb 3, 2015

Puget Sound salmon face more ups and downs in river flows

Research shows that fluctuations in river flows are increasing with climate change, scrounging away salmon eggs and exhausting young fish. Habitat restoration projects and reducing stormwater runoff can ease flooding and peak flows threatening salmon redds.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 3, 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.

There have been a lot of cats in The New York Times, and not all just for fun

University of Illinois journalism professor Matthew Ehrlich compiled hundreds of cat-related tales from the New York Times digital archive, showing a range of stories beyond just cute cat videos. He found hero cats and nuisance cats, as well as concerns over animal treatment and rights.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournalism·DateFeb 3, 2015

Choosing a cell phone, prescription drug plan or new car? Read this first

Researchers found that dividing options into smaller piles and choosing the best option from each pile produced the best outcomes. In contrast, considering all options together led to poor decisions due to choice overload. The sequential tournament approach was the most effective but also the least liked by study subjects.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateFeb 3, 2015
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.

New yeast species marks milestone for collection

The National Collection of Yeast Cultures has added the 4,000th yeast strain to its collection, including a novel species found in Ecuador's Yasuní National Park. This discovery expands microbial biodiversity and offers new possibilities for sustainable biotechnology.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateFeb 3, 2015

Sparing hope for the future: Preserving fertility in cancer patients

A new Special Issue from ecancermedicalscience tackles fertility-sparing cancer treatments, collecting latest research on preserving fertility in breast, cervical and ovarian cancers. Fertility-sparing treatments balance patient's wishes with oncological outcomes.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateFeb 3, 2015

Research reveals statistics is the fastest-growing degree

The American Statistical Association analysis shows that statistics degrees nearly doubled during 2010-2013, outpacing other computer-related disciplines. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for workers with statistical and analytical skills in the job market.

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·DateFeb 3, 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.

Penta-graphene, a new structural variant of carbon, discovered

Penta-graphene, a two-dimensional carbon allotrope composed exclusively of pentagons, has been discovered to possess high strength, thermal stability, and unusual properties. The material's unique structure inspired by the Cairo tiling may have applications in various fields.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2015

Dartmouth researchers reprogram tumor's cells to attack itself

Researchers at Dartmouth have found that introducing a specific strain of bacteria into the microenvironment of ovarian cancer tumors can transform tumor cells from suppressors to attackers, sparking a strong anti-tumor immune response. The study's results demonstrate a new potential for treating various types of cancers.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalOncoImmunology·DateFeb 3, 2015

Female sticklebacks prime their offspring to cope with climate change

Researchers found that female sticklebacks prime their offspring with information about their living environment through the mitochondria, allowing them to adapt better to warmer waters. This mechanism plays a crucial role in the species' ability to cope with climate change.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateFeb 3, 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.

Customers who binge-consume are more valuable, says INFORMS study

A new study by Yao Zhang and colleagues finds that customers with 'clumpiness' - bursts of heavy buying interspersed with little or no buying - provide higher long-term returns to businesses. This pattern of consumption extends the 'hot hand' literature in statistics journals.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateFeb 3, 2015