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Science News Archive January 2015


Page 2 of 28

Global warming won't mean more stormy weather

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that global warming will not increase the number of storms, but rather make strong storms stronger and weaker storms weaker. The atmosphere's circulation pattern is like a heat engine that requires fuel to do work.

Privacy challenges

MIT researchers report that just four pieces of information are enough to identify 90% of people in a data set. Adding coarse-grained price information reduces the number of data points needed to reach 94%. The study highlights the risks of re-identification and encourages socially beneficial uses of big data.

Which health messages work?

Research reveals that negative health messages are more effective for highly involved and detail-oriented audiences, while positive messages are better for those with uncertain outcomes. For the general public, positive messages with clear action steps are more effective.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Iceland rises as its glaciers melt from climate change

A University of Arizona-led team reports that Iceland's glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate, causing the island's crust to rise rapidly. The study uses GPS measurements to track geological activity and finds a direct connection between glacier loss and uplift.

New research shows our seas are in trouble

A new study by the University of Sheffield has found that 20-25% of well-known sea species are threatened with extinction. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive assessments of marine species, which currently have been completed for only three percent of cases.

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.

Who's going to win? The answer could change by the hour

A study published in Current Biology found that athletes' performance peaks at different times of day based on their natural sleep patterns. The researchers used a novel test to characterize over 120 athletes' circadian phenotypes and discovered a significant variation in individual performance throughout the day.

Survival of very premature infants is improving in France

The EPIPAGE 2 study found a significant improvement in the survival of premature infants in France, with survival rates increasing by 14% for infants born between 25-29 weeks. However, results for extremely premature infants show little progress, highlighting the need for better care and monitoring.

Is this the year you join the 1 percent?

According to new research, nearly 70% of Americans will experience at least one year in the top 20% of income earners by age 60, while only 11% will spend time among the top 1%. The study also highlights persistent racial inequality and the relatively low percentage of people who stay in the top echelon for a decade.

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.

A rare glimpse at the elusive Saharan cheetah

Researchers have gathered rare photographs of the critically endangered Saharan cheetah, shedding light on its elusive behavior and habitat requirements. The study's findings suggest that these large cats are more nocturnal, wide-ranging, and occur at lower densities than other cheetahs in Africa.

Baleen whales hear through their bones

Researchers at San Diego State University used computer simulations to discover that fin whale skulls can capture low-frequency energy and direct it to the ear bones. This bone conduction method is up to 10 times more sensitive than pressure mechanisms for hearing, solving a long-standing mystery about baleen whales' acoustic properties.

Kidney-brain connection may help drive chronic kidney disease

A study found that high-salt intake accelerates kidney scarring in rats with chronic kidney disease by activating the brain-kidney connection called the renin-angiotensin axis. Targeting this nerve reduced salt-induced kidney scarring, providing new strategies for protecting patients' kidney health.

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.

Common pesticide may increase risk of ADHD

A commonly used pesticide may increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and pregnant women. According to a new Rutgers study, exposure to pyrethroid pesticides like deltamethrin can lead to dysfunctional dopamine signaling, hyperactivity, and other ADHD-like symptoms.

Why is a dolphin not a cat?

A study comparing genome sequences of 29 mammals reveals how evolution repurposes shared genes for unique traits. The research provides insights into the 'mammalian radiation,' a period of rapid morphological evolution that occurred after the asteroid impact that caused the dinosaurs' extinction.

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.

Could a new proposed particle help to detect dark matter?

Researchers at the University of Southampton have proposed a new fundamental particle that could explain why Dark Matter remains undetected. The particle interacts strongly with normal matter, making it a promising candidate for detection in space experiments.

Novel eye-tracking technology detects concussions and head injury severity

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed a novel eye-tracking device to diagnose concussion severity, tracking pupils for over 200 seconds while watching a music video. The study found that trauma patients with normal CT scans were slightly worse at 1-2 weeks after injury and recovered about one month later.

HIV testing yields diagnoses in Kenya but few seek care

A study published in The Lancet HIV reports that an HIV testing campaign in Kenya's Bunyala subcounty yielded over 1,300 new diagnoses, with only 15% of newly diagnosed individuals seeking care. Home-based counseling and testing provided a diagnosis to nearly 40% of people living with HIV who otherwise would not have sought testing.

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.

Can Lean Management improve hospitals?

A new study from Monash University and RMIT investigated the application of Lean Six Sigma in a hospital emergency department. The researchers found that introducing these methods can help streamline processes, improve costs, and enhance patient discharge processes.

Powerful tool promises to change the way scientists view proteins

The Aquaria project has created a powerful web resource that simplifies the process of gleaning insight from 3D protein structures. The tool offers around 46 million computer models, allowing users to view additional information such as genetic differences mapped onto 3D structures.

Testing for EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements is cost-effective in NSCLC

A study found that multiplexed genetic screening for EGFR and ALK gene rearrangements followed by molecularly-guided treatment is cost-effective compared to standard chemotherapy. The approach offers better outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life years gained and life-years, making it a valuable option for patients with NSCLC.

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.

New study details future of oil and gas development in the Western Amazon

A new study analyzes the hydrocarbon sector and access roads in the Western Amazon, finding that 11 out of 17 major projects have access roads. The researchers recommend adopting the offshore inland development model to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. Additionally, there are 35 confirmed and/or suspected hydrocarbon discov...

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.

Diet and nutrition essential for mental health

A new international collaboration reveals a vital relationship between diet quality and potential nutritional deficiencies and mental health. The study finds that nutrient-based prescription has the potential to assist in managing mental disorders at an individual and population level.

More than one-third of kids in England are overweight/obese

A 20-year study found that over one-third of children in England are overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity among younger children appears to have stabilized, but this is not cause for complacency. The study's findings highlight the need for effective public health strategies and policies to address childhood obesity.

Transgender kids show consistent gender identity across measures

A recent study with 32 transgender children aged 5-12 found that their gender identity is deeply held and not a result of confusion or pretense. The study used implicit measures to gauge the strength of automatic gender associations, revealing consistent patterns across measures.

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.

Gender roles: Men and women are not so different after all

A recent study published in American Psychologist found that men and women share over 80% of the same psychological characteristics, including risk-taking, occupational stress, and morality. While there are some differences, these findings suggest that our similarities outweigh our differences.

Parkinson's gene linked to lung cancer

Researchers identified a link between a PARK2 gene mutation and familial lung cancer, implicating the mutation as a genetic susceptibility factor. The findings suggest potential targeted therapies for individuals with this mutation variant.

Picking up on the smell of evolution

Scientists studied the fly species Scaptomyza flava to understand its transition from a non-plant diet to herbivory. They found that genetic and neurological processes underlying behaviors were drastically remodeled, enabling the flies to seek out healthy plants and lay eggs on them.

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.

New clues about a brain protein with high affinity for Valium

A team of scientists has deciphered the structural details of a brain protein, TSPO, which has an almost equally strong affinity for Valium as it does for its target protein. The study reveals that TSPO breaks down a compound found in red blood cells, potentially helping regulate oxygen compounds and mitigating side effects.

She thinks friends, he thinks sex

A recent study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that both men and women tend to misinterpret each other's social signals. Women reported being misinterpreted as sexually interested approximately 3.5 times a year, while men reported being misinterpreted less often. The results suggest that these miscommunicati...

Tracking fish easier, quicker, safer with new injectable device

Researchers have developed a new injectable acoustic fish tag that allows for safe and quick insertion into young fish, reducing the risk of altering their behavior. The new tag, which is about as big as two grains of rice, can release beeps every 0.4 seconds and lasts up to 120 days on a single battery.

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.

Why do zebras have stripes?

A UCLA study finds that regulating body temperature is a crucial factor in zebra striping, controlling zebras' body temperature and protecting them from diseases carried by biting flies. The research provides the first evidence of thermoregulation as the main reason for stripes and patterns.

Study analyzes Internet, mobile and video game effects on young users

A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona analyzed the use of information and communication technologies among secondary school students, revealing links between school failure and an elevated use of computers at home. The study also found correlations between intensive ICTS use and substance consumption.

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.

Fox Chase researchers reveal how pancreatic cancer cells sidestep chemotherapy

Fox Chase researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer cells sidestep chemotherapy by hijacking the vitamin D receptor, a key mechanism driving chemotherapeutic effectiveness against pancreatic cancer. The findings raise hopes for developing new treatments that can selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

In a role reversal, RNAs proofread themselves

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a new quality control mechanism where RNAs proofread themselves, ensuring proteins are made correctly. The CCA-adding enzyme uses a screw-like motion to add CCA groups to tRNAs, and the RNA itself determines whether to allow further additions.

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.