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Science News Archive January 2015


Page 1 of 28

Orangutans take the logging road

Researchers observe orangutans walking on newly constructed logging roads in East Kalimantan's Wehea Forest, suggesting a potential adaptive strategy for survival. The finding highlights the rapid loss of Borneo's forest habitats and underscores the need to protect remaining forests.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalOryx·DateJan 31, 2015

Skull discovery potentially housed brain like ours

A team of scientists has discovered a 55,000-year-old human skull at Manot Cave in Israel with distinctive modern human brain features. The findings support the hypothesis that early humans evolved in Africa or the Middle East rather than Europe.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Arsenic stubbornly taints many US wells, say new reports

A dozen scientific papers report naturally occurring arsenic in private wells, posing continuing risks due to inadequate regulation and mitigation. The studies also shed new light on the geologic mechanisms behind contamination, which may reduce IQ in children and increase risk of heart disease and cancer.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 30, 2015

DNA clock helps to get measure of people's lifespans

Researchers identified a biological clock that measures individuals' lifespans by analyzing DNA changes. A faster-running biological clock is linked to earlier death, even after accounting for other factors.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 30, 2015

Master switch found to stop tumor cell growth by inducing dormancy

Researchers discovered that gene NR2F1 induces dormancy in tumor cells when activated, preventing rapid growth and division. Combining azacytidine and retinoic acid significantly increased NR2F1 activity, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2015

'Vast majority' of neurosurgeons practice defensive medicine

A study by Dr. Timothy R. Smith and colleagues found that over three-fourths of US neurosurgeons practice defensive medicine, ordering extra tests and procedures to mitigate malpractice risks. Rates were highest in states with high-risk liability environments, where neurosurgeons reported stopping procedures due to fear of lawsuits.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurosurgery·DateJan 30, 2015

Scientists trial system to improve safety at sea

A new satellite imaging concept could significantly reduce search areas for missing boats and planes, potentially reducing search and rescue time. The system uses existing satellites to take images of the seas, enabling more accurate tracking of vessel movements.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalInternational Journal of Remote Sensing·DateJan 30, 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.

Fluorescent dyes 'light up' brain cancer cells, reports Neurosurgery

Two new fluorescent dyes, CLR1501 and CLR1502, attracted to cancer cells, were evaluated for their ability to differentiate brain tumors from normal brain tissue in mice. The results confirmed that both agents provided excellent fluorescence discrimination of tumor from adjacent normal brain.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurosurgery·DateJan 30, 2015

Research uncovers connection between Craigslist personals, HIV trends

Research from the University of Minnesota found a significant connection between Craigslist's personals section and a 16 percent increase in reported HIV cases. The study suggests that online platforms can facilitate new social routes of HIV transmission, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts to reduce disease spread.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateJan 30, 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.

Moffitt study find loss of certain protein is associated with poor prognosis in breast, lung cancer

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute found that low levels of tristetraprolin (TTP) protein are associated with more aggressive tumors and poorer prognosis in breast and lung cancer patients. A network of 50 genes linked to TTP is present in various tumor types, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 30, 2015

Unique EarlyBird study set for historic third phase

The study, following 300 young people from age five since 2000, aims to test whether patterns of pancreatic function detected in childhood persist into adulthood. It will also explore the childhood origins of a range of new health problems, including dental and psychological health issues.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateJan 30, 2015

Parallelizing common algorithms

A new way of implementing priority queues allows for performance improvement even with the addition of new cores. The algorithm uses a skip list data structure to make moving through the hierarchy more efficient, reducing collisions and achieving better scalability.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 30, 2015

Blue mussels not yet the bellwether of NE coastal environment

A new study reveals three regional mysteries about blue mussels in the Northeast coast, including generation gaps and predator activity. The research suggests that mussels can be a good sentinel species for rocky shores but requires more knowledge about their behavior in different estuarine settings.

SourceBrown University·JournalEcosphere·DateJan 30, 2015
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.

Carnegie Mellon, Pitt ethicists question impact of hospital advertising

Researchers argue that reliable information is hard to identify among growing medical care advertisements online, potentially influencing patients' decisions. They recommend clearly labeling hospital websites as advertisements and allocating resources to create balanced online informational tools.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 30, 2015

Hot on the trail of the hepatitis-liver cancer connection

Scientists from RIKEN have found that chronic hepatitis infection and inflammation can lead to similar genetic mutations in liver tumors, potentially paving the way for targeted therapies. The study identified changes in mutations associated with aggressive biliary-type liver cancers and discovered new targets for future treatments.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2015

Researchers develop new instrument to monitor atmospheric mercury

Researchers developed a new sensor to detect ambient mercury levels in the atmosphere, providing a more accurate method for measuring global human exposure. The sequential two-photon laser-induced fluorescence (2P-LIF) instrument detects mercury at parts-per-quadrillion sensitivity, outperforming existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateJan 30, 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.

Evidence mounts for quantum criticality theory

A new study by Rice University and international collaborators adds to the growing evidence for a theory that explains high-temperature superconductivity and heavy fermion physics through quantum fluctuations. The research observed a sharp Fermi surface reconstruction, consistent with theoretical predictions of unconventional quantum c...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2015

DNA nanoswitches reveal how life's molecules connect

Researchers have developed DNA nanoswitches that can detect and report molecular interactions, enabling biological measurements to be made by almost anyone. The new tool dramatically lowers barriers to making traditionally complex measurements at a significantly lower cost than conventional equipment.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 30, 2015

Pinholes are pitfalls for high performance solar cells

High-performance solar cells with a combination of materials like perovskite and spiro-MeOTAD are plagued by tiny pinholes, allowing water and gases to degrade the material. Researchers at OIST Graduate University believe these minuscule openings could be key to understanding the degradation of perovskite, leading to potential solutions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJan 30, 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.

Scientists home in on reasons behind cancer drug trial disappointment

Researchers at the University of Helsinki identified an alternative cell pathway promoting blood vessel growth that may explain why certain cancer therapies are failing to improve patient survival. This discovery could help clarify confusing trial results and potentially lead to new treatments for ovarian cancer and other cancers.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2015

Population genomics unveil seahorse domain

Researchers have determined that seahorses are more permanent residents of the western mid-Atlantic Ocean than previously thought. The study used genomic data to infer three genetically divergent subpopulations, strongly supporting Virginia Province inhabitants as a historically persistent ancestral gene pool.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 30, 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.

Tweeting about sexism may improve a woman's wellbeing

A study found that publicly tweeting about sexism can increase women's wellbeing by allowing them to express themselves and feel like they're making a difference. The study, published in the British Journal of Social Psychology, involved 93 female undergraduate students who tweeted about sexism for three days.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateJan 30, 2015

Scientists use knowledge from the food industry to understand mass extinction

Researchers studied sediment rocks in Italian Dolomites and found high acidity levels, similar to vinegar or lemon juice, indicating repeated acid rain events. These acidic conditions led to a decline in plant life, causing a collapse in the food chain and contributing to the mass extinction of end-Permian life on land.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 30, 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.

Sequencing genetic duplications could aid clinical interpretation

Researchers mapped 184 genetic duplications to aid in the interpretation of copy number variations (CNVs) found in individuals referred for genetic testing. The study found that most CNVs were inherited from a parent and often disrupted nearby genes, making it difficult to pinpoint particular genes responsible for medical conditions.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 30, 2015

New method allows for greater variation in band gap tunability

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel method to control the electronic band gap in complex oxide materials without altering their composition. This can lead to better performance in electro-optical devices and new energy-generation materials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2015

New molecular target identified for treating cerebral malaria

Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered a link between food intake during early infection stages and disease outcome. Reducing leptin levels or using pharmacologic inhibitors protected against cerebral malaria in mouse models.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2015

Stress shared by same-sex couples can have unique health impacts

Researchers studying same-sex couples' stress levels and overall health have developed a new framework to understand the effects of minority stress. The study highlights how shared stress can affect relationships and quality of life for these couples.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJan 30, 2015
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.

Bird watchers help federal agencies pinpoint conservation priorities

A study analyzing 308 bird species found that many birds switch between federal land managers throughout the year, highlighting the need for cooperation in conservation. The research used crowdsourced checklists and mapping to identify key habitats and inform land management priorities.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJan 29, 2015

Complex environments push 'brain' evolution

Neuroscientists studied animats with complex neural networks that evolved to master video games of varying difficulty. The research found that in more complex environments, the animats developed intricate neural connections and increased their ability to integrate information, supporting the theory of Integrated Information Theory (IIT).

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 29, 2015

Landmark study to track 'pioneer' generation of transgender children

A landmark study led by Kristina Olson aims to provide insight for parents and families of transgender children. The initial results found that participants' responses were indistinguishable from those of control groups, suggesting a deeply held gender identity among young trans kids.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 29, 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.

Study on dopamine neurons could instruct research into mobility and neurological disorders

Researchers from the University of Leicester used electrophysiology to capture electrical signals from dopamine neurons in the forebrain, revealing that these cells are active when fish swim. The study suggests that dopamine plays a key role in regulating excitability of spinal networks and may contribute to motor side effects of dopam...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 29, 2015

Infants create new knowledge while sleeping

Research found that infant brain activity changes during sleep, forming categories and transferring learned names to similar objects. Infants who slept showed better categorization skills than those who stayed awake, suggesting a significant impact of sleep on memory consolidation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2015

Mercury levels in Hawaiian yellowfin tuna increasing

A new study led by the University of Michigan found that mercury concentrations in Hawaiian yellowfin tuna increased at a rate of 3.8% per year from 1998 to 2008, likely due to rising atmospheric mercury levels. This increase is consistent with global trends and highlights the need for stricter policies to reduce mercury emissions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJan 29, 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.

Made-in-Singapore rapid test kit detects dengue antibodies from saliva

The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology has developed a paper-based disposable device to detect dengue-specific antibodies from saliva, enabling early diagnosis and treatment. The device can differentiate between primary and secondary dengue infections, reducing the risk of severe complications.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJan 29, 2015

Genetic basis of color diversity in coral reefs discovered

Researchers have found that corals use multiple identical copies of a gene to control pigment production, leading to dramatic differences in color among individuals. This genetic strategy helps corals survive in stressful environments and extends their distribution range along light gradients of coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJan 29, 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.

Dartmouth researchers determine key element in circadian clock speed

Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine have identified a determinant of the circadian clock's period, suggesting that protein structure plays a crucial role in determining clock speed. This finding may lead to new treatments for sleep disorders and other health problems tied to circadian rhythms.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalScience·DateJan 29, 2015

Invasive species in the Great Lakes by 2063

The Great Lakes are vulnerable to future invasions due to the lack of effective regulations. Scientists predict new waves of invaders and identify key species that could arrive in the next 50 years, posing threats to native biodiversity and the multibillion-dollar fishery.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Great Lakes Research·DateJan 29, 2015

Growing functioning brain tissue in 3-D

Scientists at RIKEN have successfully induced human embryonic stem cells to self-organize into a three-dimensional structure resembling the cerebellum. The resulting neurons demonstrated proper responses to currents and inhibition, indicating functional development. This breakthrough could lead to modeling of cerebellar diseases like s...

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 29, 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.