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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 3


Page 3 of 31
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.

'Ecosystem services' help assess ocean energy development

A new study uses ecosystem services to evaluate the potential impacts of tidal power projects on coastal environments and people. Researchers identified biodiversity, tourism, and food provision as key ecosystem services that should be assessed in the Muskeget Channel Tidal Energy Project.

SourceBrown University·JournalMarine Technology Society Journal·DateFeb 26, 2015

Living in the genetic comfort zone

Fruit flies exhibit homogenous gene expression pattern at optimal temperature of 18°C, unaffected by genetic variation. Canalization mechanism acts as buffer against environmental or genetic perturbations, stabilizing organismal growth.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 26, 2015

Bumblebees make false memories too

Researchers found that bumblebees can create false memories by combining features of previously seen stimuli. This phenomenon is similar to human memory conjunction errors and may be an adaptive mechanism to help animals respond in new situations. The study suggests that false memories may be widespread in the animal kingdom.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 26, 2015

Gene discovery sheds light on causes of rare type of dwarfism

A gene linked to primordial dwarfism has been identified, revealing errors in the XRCC4 gene cause profound growth defects before birth. The discovery helps provide better diagnoses for families affected and advises children with mutations to minimize X-ray exposure and regular immunological checks.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 26, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Moving molecule writes letters

Scientists from TUM and LIU create technology to cage molecules in 2D nanopores, allowing them to investigate thermal behavior of individual species. They successfully track molecule motions at sub-nanometer resolution using scanning tunneling microscopy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2015

Biophysicist receives EliteForsk Award 2015

Lene Oddershede's work focuses on merging physics, biology, and medicine to develop new treatments for diseases. Her award-winning research includes the creation of Scandinavia's first optical tweezers, which enable the study of individual cells and molecules without damaging surrounding tissues.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateFeb 26, 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.

Can coffee reduce your risk of MS?

A new study suggests that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers analyzed data from two studies involving over 3,700 people with MS and found that those who consumed high amounts of coffee had a lower risk of developing the disease. The study supports the idea that caffeine may have prote...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 26, 2015

Hospitals face growing active shooter threat

Active shooter incidents at hospitals have risen, with 14 such incidents reported in the year leading up to a Boston surgeon's murder, resulting in 15 fatalities. Hospitals must take proactive measures to mitigate the threat, including deploying security cameras, limiting entrances and exits, and stationing armed police.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2015

Food security in Africa needs a tailored approach, suggests new research

African food security requires a customized approach, according to new research. The study suggests that developing new technologies for tree and root crops could be more effective than copying Asian approaches. Key findings reveal that labor-intensive technologies are not suitable for Africa due to abundant labor costs.

SourceElsevier·JournalFood Policy·DateFeb 26, 2015

Africa, from a CATS point of view

The Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) instrument has provided a detailed profile of the atmosphere above Africa, revealing particles in the air at different heights. The data will help scientists model dust plumes and interactions with clouds and aerosols, improving our understanding of climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 26, 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.

Early signs in young children predict type 1 diabetes

Researchers have identified three ways to predict the development of type 1 diabetes in young children based on autoantibody presence. The presence of these autoantibodies can indicate an autoimmune reaction against the body's own insulin cells, which may be triggered by a viral infection.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·DateFeb 26, 2015

Aggressive plant fungus threatens wheat production

A new surveillance technique has revealed a diverse population of wheat rust fungus in the UK, with some strains being more aggressive and virulent than others. The findings highlight the threat posed to global food security due to climate change and increased globalization.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateFeb 26, 2015

New insight found in black hole collisions

Astrophysicist Dr. Michael Kesden's research provides new insights into binary black hole mergers and their connection to gravitational wave detection. The solutions can significantly impact the study of black holes and the search for gravitational waves in the cosmos.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 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.

Impact of a supermarket on children's diets

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers found that locating full-service supermarkets in food deserts has no appreciable impact on household food availability or children's dietary intake. The introduction of a government-subsidized supermarket did not result in significant changes in dietary habits, despite the expectati...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateFeb 26, 2015

Newly discovered neurons predict the cooperative behavior of others

Researchers have identified a set of neurons in the frontal brain region that predict an opponent's cooperation in strategic decision-making tasks. This discovery sheds light on the neuronal basis of cooperative interactions and may lead to new treatments for autism and antisocial personality disorder.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 26, 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.

Strong connection between violence and mental illness during Guatemala Civil War

Research suggests that those who experienced violence during the Guatemala Civil War are four times more likely to suffer from PTSD and alcohol-related disorders. The study, led by Victor D. Puac-Polanco and Charles C. Branas, found significant mental health problems among Guatemalans who witnessed or experienced violent events.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 26, 2015

Altering perception of feeding state may promote healthy aging

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that manipulating the central nervous system's energy-sensing pathway can cause organisms to perceive their cells as in a low-energy state, even if they are eating normally and energy levels are high. This process may offer an alternative to caloric restriction for pro...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell·DateFeb 26, 2015

Cherenkov Effect improves radiation therapy for patients with cancer

Researchers from Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have discovered the Cherenkov Effect can be measured to improve radiation therapy. The study found that light emission correlates with dose, making it suitable for narrow beam stereotactic radiation therapy and surface dosimetry applications.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateFeb 25, 2015

Workplace negativity can hurt productivity

Employees who point out problems may become mentally fatigued, defensive, and experience a drop-off in production. Suggesting ideas for improvement can have a positive effect, but finding a balance between constructive feedback and positivity is key.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateFeb 25, 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.

Understanding faith, teaching evolution not mutually exclusive

A study by Penn State researchers found that students from Catholic colleges were more reflective when discussing issues of faith and science, suggesting they may be better prepared to address evolution questions. The study suggests that incorporating faith into discussions about evolution can help build confidence in biology teachers,...

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateFeb 25, 2015

Competition among physicians and retail clinics drive up antibiotic prescribing rate

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that competition among healthcare providers, including physicians and retail clinics, leads to higher antibiotic prescribing rates in affluent areas. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between the number of clinics and increased antibiotic prescriptions in wealthy regions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateFeb 25, 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.

Using snus doubles the risk of alcohol dependency

A Swedish study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that using snus increases the risk of developing alcohol dependency, with a doubled risk compared to non-users. The more snus used, the higher the risk, and this association holds true even after accounting for socio-economic factors.

SourceUmea University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 25, 2015

Molecular mouse-trap technique sheds light on key cell processes

Researchers have developed a molecular mouse-trap technique that aids understanding of cell division and its role in cancer. By studying the structure of proteins involved in chromosome formation, scientists can develop new approaches to analyze complex biological molecules.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalOpen Biology·DateFeb 25, 2015

Team approach boosts human and environmental wellbeing

Researchers say treating human health as part of an ecosystem can resolve problems like antibiotic crisis and obesity epidemic. Professor Mark Wahlqvist advocates for integrative approaches to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of nature and varied diets.

SourceMonash University·JournalAsia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 25, 2015

A simple way to make and reconfigure complex emulsions

The MIT team devised a two-step process to create large quantities of complex emulsions with precise control over the composition of droplets. By adding different chemicals or exposing them to light or different acidity levels, they can finely tune the configuration of droplets. This allows for rapid, large-scale production and enables...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 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.

How the 'mute' cicada sings

Researchers found that 'mute' cicadas produce sound by banging their forewing costa against the operculum, a newfound mechanism. This discovery expands our understanding of acoustic signaling in cicadas without tymbal organs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 25, 2015

Quick antibiotics reduce PICU needs and mortality of pediatric cancer patients

Pediatric cancer patients who receive antibiotics within 60 minutes of reporting fever and neutropenia have decreased intensive care consultation rates and lower mortality. The study shows that timely antibiotic delivery can lead to significant reductions in hospitalization and fatalities among pediatric cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateFeb 25, 2015
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.

Sewage provides insight into human microbiome

Researchers from Marine Biological Laboratory and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee used sewage samples to compare human gut bacteria with high accuracy, revealing a core set of bacteria linked to obesity levels in cities. The approach provides a non-intrusive way to monitor public health without compromising individual privacy.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalmBio·DateFeb 25, 2015

Study maps extroversion types in the brain's anatomy

A new study maps distinct brain signatures for two types of extroverts: gregarious 'people-persons' and ambitious 'go-getters'. The research, published in Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience, found overlapping yet distinct signatures in the anatomy of the brain.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 25, 2015

UT Dallas criminologist's study shows lack of mental health care for prisoners

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that one in four prison inmates have a diagnosed mental health condition, yet few receive treatment. The study highlights the need for prisons to prioritize validated screening procedures and treatment for mental health disorders.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 25, 2015

Endocrine Society honors 2015 Helmsley Award winners

The Endocrine Society has selected 22 winners of the Helmsley Charitable Trust Abstract Awards in Type 1 Diabetes, recognizing outstanding work in clinical care and underlying mechanisms. The award winners will present their research at ENDO 2015 and received travel grants to attend.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateFeb 25, 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.

Agricultural insecticides pose a global risk to surface water bodies

A global map produced by researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research reveals that streams within 40% of the global land surface are at risk from insecticide runoff. The map highlights areas such as the Mediterranean, USA, Central America, and Southeast Asia as particularly vulnerable to water pollution.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateFeb 25, 2015

Bariatric surgery affects risk of pregnancy complications

Pregnant women after bariatric surgery are at higher risk for complications like preterm birth and small babies, but lower risk of gestational diabetes. Maternal health services should provide extra care to these women.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2015

Warming up the world of superconductors

Researchers at USC found that aluminum 'superatoms' exhibit superconductivity at temperatures around 100 Kelvin, a significant increase from bulk aluminum metal. This discovery raises the possibility of creating ultraefficient electronic devices, such as laptops and power grids, with minimal energy loss.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2015

Study shows troubling rise in use of animals in experiments

A new study by PETA found a staggering 73% increase in the number of animals used in US laboratories between 1997 and 2012, despite industry claims of reduced animal use. Mice usage accounted for a 72.7% increase due to genetic modification experiments.

SourcePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateFeb 25, 2015
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Could an HIV drug beat strep throat, flesh-eating bacteria?

Scientists have found a tool that could help fight bacterial infections, including strep throat and flesh-eating disease. A drug approved to treat HIV has been shown to inhibit the production of a deadly toxin in lab tests, offering new hope for developing therapies against these deadly pathogens.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateFeb 25, 2015

New study shows safer methods for stem cell culturing

A new study at The Scripps Research Institute shows that certain stem cell culture conditions can reduce DNA mutations. Researchers developed a method using feeder cells and manual passaging to minimize genetic instability.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 25, 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.

Scientists grow leg muscle from cells in a dish

Researchers successfully generated mature, functional skeletal muscles in mice by growing cells in a dish and implanting the graft near a normal muscle. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for various muscle disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2015