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Science News Archive January 2015


Page 10 of 28

Research: Tablet computers good medium for educational materials

Research conducted by University of Illinois experts found positive results in all three areas: engagement, learning and professional development. Students used tablets mostly as a tool for communication and reading, with an average of 49 percent of class reading done on the tablet.

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.

Study shows Brazil's Soy Moratorium still needed to preserve Amazon

A new study shows that Brazil's Soy Moratorium has been effective in reducing deforestation, but government policies alone are not enough. The moratorium helped drastically reduce soy expansion linked to forest clearing, whereas governmental policy alone only curbed a small portion of the issue.

Antibiotic use by travelers may add to global spread of superbugs

A study found that taking antibiotics for diarrhea while traveling increases the risk of colonizing drug-resistant bacteria, such as ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Travelers returning home with these bacteria can unknowingly spread them to their own countries, posing a serious public health threat.

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.

Snack attack: Bears munch on ants and help plants grow

Researchers found that ant-scaring insects, like beetles, allowed treehoppers to thrive, benefiting nearby rabbitbrush plants. This study highlights the interconnectedness of species in ecosystems and the importance of conservation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Doubt cast on global firestorm generated by dino-killing asteroid

Researchers from University of Exeter, Edinburgh and Imperial College London recreated asteroid impact to debunk theory it caused massive global firestorms. The intense heat near the impact site was too short to ignite live plants, but affected areas far from the site were heated for longer periods.

Pictured together for the first time: A chemokine and its receptor

The study reveals that one chemokine binds to just one receptor in the CXCR4-chemokine complex and that the contacts between the receptor and its binding partner are more extensive than previously thought. This new information could aid the development of better small molecular inhibitors of CXCR4-chemokine interactions.

What to do in a flu epidemic? Stay at home and watch TV

Research suggests that staying at home and watching TV can help reduce disease spread during a flu epidemic. The study found that certain age groups and socio-economic groups responded more strongly to these behaviors, highlighting the importance of targeted public health policies.

Penn study uncovers secrets of a clump-dissolving protein

Researchers have discovered the N-terminal domain of Hsp104 plays a crucial role in its ability to dissolve prions and other misfolded proteins. This finding opens up new research directions for designing and engineering Hsp104 to combat human disease proteins.

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.

Estrogen-producing neurons influence aggression in both sexes

Research by UC San Francisco scientists reveals that estrogen-producing neurons play a crucial role in regulating aggression in mice, affecting both male and female behavior. The study found that eliminating these neurons slowed response times to threats and reduced aggression in males, while females showed similar changes in maternal ...

Blame it on your brain: Salt and hypertension

A study by McGill University scientists found that high salt intake affects brain circuits, preventing the inhibition of neurons that release vasopressin and leading to increased blood pressure. The research suggests that limiting dietary salt may help mitigate hypertension.

DOE to announce plans for geothermal R&D at Stanford Geothermal Workshop

The US Dept. of Energy will discuss its plan to accelerate geothermal energy development, which could increase global resources by harnessing hydraulic fracturing techniques. Researchers present results on controlling injection-triggered seismicity and improving injectivity rates in enhanced geothermal systems.

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.

Is glass a true solid?

Researchers used computer simulations and information theory to study glass's behavior. They discovered that atoms in the glass organize into icosahedral configurations, which increase in size over time, suggesting that glass can become a true solid.

Study finds infants can learn to communicate from videos

Babies as young as 15 months can learn communicative skills from commercial videos, recognizing and producing signs with similar accuracy to parents' instructions. The study contradicts previous research on limited learning potential in this age group.

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.

Revolutionary device found to lower blood pressure

Researchers developed a paper clip-sized implant called the Coupler, which significantly lowered blood pressure among patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The treatment reduced hypertensive complications and hospital admissions for high blood pressure crises, providing an immediate and pain-free solution.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Viruses may play unexpected role in inflammatory bowel diseases

Researchers found patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis had greater viral diversity than healthy volunteers, suggesting viruses play a role in the diseases. The study suggests that studying the virome may reveal new insights into obesity and diabetes.

Rosetta data reveals more surprises about comet 67P

The comet's coma composition changes in response to temperature and seasonal variations, suggesting a complex nucleus-nucleus relationship. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that comets are made mostly of water ice.

Scientists announce revolutionary culturing technique for liver and pancreas

Scientists have developed a breakthrough culturing system for human liver stem cells and pancreatic cancer stem cells, allowing for the growth of mini-organisms in the lab. This technology has the potential to revolutionize liver transplantation and aid in the fight against pancreatic cancer, with applications in personalized medicine.

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.

Oxford University Press publishes first issue of EHJCVP

The journal aims to publish high-quality research on cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, focusing on improving patient care and management of cardiovascular disease. The first issue will be published in 2015, with four issues planned for the year.

Alamo impact crater: New study could double its size

A new study by Andrew J. Retzler and colleagues presents a revised map characterizing the size and shape of the Alamo crater. The researchers estimate the crater's diameter to be between 111 and 150 km, more than double previous estimates. This places the Alamo crater as one of the largest marine impacts in the last 550 million years.

New animal models faithfully reproduce the tumor of each patient

Researchers developed new animal models that faithfully reproduce the evolution and malignancy of different human tumors. This allows for parallel tumor progression, prediction of relapses, and assessment of effective treatments in a controlled laboratory setting.

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.

BIDMC receives Commonwealth Fund grant to develop OurNotes

OurNotes aims to enhance communication and engage patients in managing illness more effectively and efficiently, leading to improved patient safety and quality of care. The project will explore the potential for patients to contribute to their own medical records, building on BIDMC's well-established work in patient engagement.

Going with the flow

Researchers at UCSB show that changes in river channel boundaries directly impact flood hazard trends across the US. Channel capacity needs to be considered jointly with stream flow for accurate flood hazard calculation.

Pro-marijuana 'tweets' are sky-high on Twitter

Researchers analyzed over 7.6 million tweets about marijuana, finding that 77% were pro-pot, while only 5% were anti-marijuana. Pro-pot tweets often encouraged use and made claims about health benefits, reaching a large audience of young people at risk for substance abuse.

Contrary to popular belief, dental care for baby teeth is vital

A new behavioral intervention aims to change caregivers' perceptions about oral health, encouraging them to seek dental care for their children. The study, funded by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, will test a referral letter and educational materials to improve the oral health of children nationally.

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.

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.

Incidence of colorectal cancer increasing in young adults

A new study finds that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing among young adults aged 20-39 years in the US. The data also showed greater CRC risk for certain racial groups and differences in tumor location and stage at diagnosis compared to older adults. Colorectal cancer is uncommon in people younger than 50 years of age.

Attractiveness speeds up performance

A study by British researchers found that aesthetically appealing visuals speed up people's ability to solve multi-step problems with visuals on websites or mobile phones. Simple and familiar icons were the easiest to find, but when the task got harder, pleasing aesthetics provided a performance boost.

Climate affects the development of human speech

Researchers discovered a correlation between climate and language evolution, finding that complex tones occur more frequently in tropical regions. The study suggests that inhaling dry air can cause vocal fold dehydration, making it harder to achieve complex tones.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Rare neurological disease shines light on health of essential nerve cells

Researchers have made breakthrough discoveries in understanding Pelizaeus Merzbacher disease (PMD), a devastating neurological condition. The study found that myelin-producing cells are still active and can be stimulated to produce more myelin, potentially leading to new treatments for PMD and multiple sclerosis patients.

NYU researchers develop new assessment tool to combat oral-systemic disease

The Interprofessional Oral Health Grant Team at NYU College of Nursing introduces the HEENOT approach, a comprehensive examination that includes oral cavity assessment. This method is expected to increase interprofessional oral health workforce capacity and improve oral-systemic health across the lifespan.

You are what you eat -- How gut bacteria affect brain health

Research explores how gut bacteria influence brain activity, sleep, stress responses, and disease development. The human microbiome's role in brain function is a growing area of study, with potential therapeutic applications through dietary modification.

Enzymes believed to promote cancer actually suppress tumors

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered that enzymes believed to promote cancer actually suppress tumors. Correcting a loss-of-function PKC mutation in colon cancer cells reduced tumor growth in mouse models, demonstrating normal PKC activity inhibits cancer.

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.

Key factor discovered in the formation of metastases in melanoma

A team of researchers identified a key epigenetic factor EZH2 that plays a central role in controlling tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma. The study found that suppressing EZH2 activity can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, offering new hope for cancer treatment.

Family voices and stories speed coma recovery

A Northwestern University study found that family members sharing familiar stories with coma patients who wore headphones recovered consciousness faster and had improved outcomes. This 'familiar auditory sensory training' stimulated the brain's memory circuits, helping patients wake up more easily and respond to their environment.

Early human ancestors used their hands like modern humans

Early human ancestors, such as Australopithecus africanus, used human-like hand postures for forceful precision and power gripping 3-2 million years ago. This discovery supports archaeological evidence for stone tool use among fossil australopiths.

Rediscovering a culture of health

A recent study found that communities with higher levels of Indigenous language knowledge and cultural continuity have significantly lower diabetes rates, contrary to expectations. The research suggests that reconnecting Aboriginal Canadians to their cultural roots may be a crucial factor in addressing the epidemic of modern times.

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.