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Science News Archive January 2015


Page 23 of 28

Malassezia yeasts -- everywhere and sometimes dangerous

Researchers discuss the role of Malassezia yeasts as pathogens, highlighting common skin diseases such as dandruff and atopic eczema. The study also explores the potential link between Malassezia and skin cancer, as well as bloodstream infections in vulnerable populations.

Ancient maize followed two paths into the Southwest

The study provides comprehensive tracking of maize origin in the Southwest, showing it entered via highland route around 4,100 years ago and later via coastal route about 2,000 years ago. Researchers also identified genes responsible for adaptation to drought and changes in starch composition.

Solving a case of intercellular entrapment

Researchers at UCSB's Reich Group have developed a method for spatially and temporally controlling the release of proteins inside cells using near-infrared laser-activated nanocarriers. This technology allows for targeted protein delivery, enabling new avenues for basic research and therapeutic applications.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Rihanna eases kids' pain after surgery

A Northwestern University study found that pediatric patients who listened to their chosen music or audiobooks had a significant reduction in post-surgical pain. The therapy was effective regardless of the patient's initial pain score and can be used as an alternative to opioid analgesics.

Sophisticated system prevents self-fertilization in petunias

Plant scientists have discovered a new self-incompatibility system in petunias that recognizes and rejects its own pollen, preventing genetic defects. The system involves 18 male proteins recognizing 40 female proteins, which are toxic to the plant's own pollen.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fear of terror may lead to job burnout over time

A Tel Aviv University study found that fear of terrorism can lead to anxiety-related insomnia, depleting vital resources and paving the way for occupational burnout. Workplace colleagues' emotional and technical support played a crucial role in reversing insomnia and job burnout.

Blueberries: Small fruit delivers big reward

A new study found that consuming just one cup of blueberries per day can significantly lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1 hypertension. The findings suggest that blueberries may mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects of menopause, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Daily consumption of blueberries may lower blood pressure

Researchers found daily blueberry consumption resulted in significant reductions of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-HTN. The study suggests that blueberries may prevent the progression to full-blown hypertension, potentially through enhanced nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation.

Newly discovered antibiotic kills pathogens without resistance

Researchers at Northeastern University have discovered a novel antibiotic called teixobactin that eliminates pathogens without developing detectable resistance. This breakthrough presents a promising new opportunity to treat chronic infections caused by staphylococcus aureus and tuberculosis, two highly resistant bacterial strains.

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.

How quality of sleep impacts academic performance in children

A study by researchers at McGill University and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute found that a good night's sleep is linked to better performance in math and languages, subjects critical for later learning and academic success. Higher sleep efficiency was associated with higher grades in these subjects.

Teachers on the front line following attack in Boston

A survey of Boston teachers found that while many provided classroom-based support after the 2013 Boston Marathon attack, others lacked clear policies and training to help students cope with trauma. The study suggests that teachers play a crucial role in supporting student mental health following crises like terrorist attacks.

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.

Mapping snake venom variety reveals unexpected evolutionary pattern

A large-scale survey of venom variation in two snake species reveals no local co-adaptations in eastern coral snakes, challenging traditional views on venom evolution. The consistent venom mix across Florida will aid antivenom development and inform conservation efforts for the declining eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

Emissions-free cars get closer

Researchers have discovered that hydrogen binding energy is the most important factor predicting the rate of the fuel-cell reaction, enabling the design of new catalyst materials. Alkaline polymers are being explored as a potential solution to create less expensive electrocatalysts that work well in an alkaline environment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Algae blooms create their own favorable conditions, new study finds

A new multi-institution study shows that cyanobacteria can set up positive feedback loops in lakes, amplifying the effects of pollutants and climate change to create ideal conditions for blooms. This finding sheds light on what makes cyanobacteria successful and may lead to new methods of prevention and control.

Hunting bats rely on 'bag of chips effect'

Researchers discovered that hunting bats rely on echolocation calls from fellow bats to pinpoint insect patches. By aggregating and sharing this information, bats can improve their chances of finding prey despite the challenges posed by sparse distribution and long flight distances.

Focusing on lasting legacy prompts environmental action

Researchers found that prompting people to consider their long-term impact can motivate them to take action on climate change, leading to increased environmental concern and behavior. Participants who wrote about their legacy pledged more money to a pro-environmental nonprofit.

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.

GraphExeter defies the Achilles heel of 'wonder material' graphene

Researchers have discovered GraphExeter, a graphene-based material that withstands extreme conditions, including high temperatures and humidity. This breakthrough could revolutionize the electronics industry by replacing indium tin oxide (ITO) with a more durable alternative.

The devil is in the detail

A team of researchers studied the red devil cichlid, a species with two color variants, and found that the darker individuals can alter their brightness to match their environment, while the gold-colored fish cannot. This ability may play a crucial role in maintaining color frequencies in the wild.

Mercury from gold mines accumulates far downstream

Researchers have found hazardous levels of mercury hundreds of miles downstream from Peruvian gold mines, contaminating local soil, sediment, and water resources. The study highlights the widespread impact of artisanal small-scale gold mining on human health and the environment.

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.

New study findings help physicians and patients determine prostate cancer risk

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have developed a new tool to estimate prostate cancer risk based on family history, which can help clinicians decide whether a PSA test is appropriate. The study found that two-thirds of Utah men have some increased risk of developing prostate cancer due to their family history.

Neurons that detect disease

A study by the University of Geneva reveals how mice avoid their sick peers through the detection of specific olfactory signals by the vomeronasal system. This neural mechanism allows rodents to recognize and avoid diseased individuals, providing a new understanding of social behavior and innate defense strategies.

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.

Know when to fold 'em

Researchers at the University of Alberta have solved heads-up limit Texas hold'em poker, a challenge problem for artificial intelligence going back over 40 years. The breakthrough is attributed to general algorithmic advances that make game-theoretic reasoning more tractable.

Characterizing baobab, the nutritious African 'Tree of Life'

A new publication provides standardized descriptors for the African baobab tree, enabling accelerated research into its nutritional value and potential to increase local incomes. The descriptors will aid in domestication and cultivation, supporting sustainable development of baobab value chains.

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.

Scientists document longest-ever case of sperm storage in sharks

Researchers found a brownbanded bamboo shark pup born after nearly four years of isolation from males, marking the longest documented case of sperm storage in any shark species. The discovery highlights the sharks' ability to store sperm for long periods, promoting genetic diversity and potentially helping wild populations.

Quantum optical hard drive breakthrough

A team of physicists at Australian National University has improved storage time by a factor of over 100, achieving a record six-hour storage time. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the transmission of quantum information and enable the creation of a secure worldwide data encryption network.

Researchers grow functional tissue-engineered intestine from human cells

A new study by researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has shown that tissue-engineered small intestine grown from human cells replicates key aspects of a functioning human intestine. The tissue-engineered small intestine offers a promising treatment for short bowel syndrome, a major cause of intestinal failure.

How do men and women respond to gender bias in STEM?

A study analyzing online comments found that men are more likely to respond negatively to articles on gender bias in STEM, while women are more likely to express gratitude and call for social change. Men also make up a disproportionate share of sexist remarks against both themselves and others.

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.

T cell receptor ensures Treg functionality

Scientists discovered that Tregs need continuous contact with their environment to function correctly and require the T cell receptor for protection. The study showed that Tregs without the receptor lose their special ability to suppress excessive immune reactions.

CU Denver study shows direct link between ethnic discrimination and health

A CU Denver study reveals that experiencing racial discrimination during pregnancy can significantly impact a woman's physical health and pass these effects on to her infant. The research found an association between maternal ethnic discrimination and increased levels of stress hormones in pregnant women and their infants.

In head and neck cancer, surgeons need solid answers about tumor recurrence

A new use of an existing antibody cocktail has been confirmed to provide key information about tumor recurrence in head and neck cancer patients. The ProExC cocktail allows pathologists to differentiate between true pre-neoplasia and reactive biopsies, enabling surgeons to make informed decisions about therapeutic interventions.

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.

Integrated space-group and crystal-structure determination

The new SHELXT program solves the phase problem for single-crystal reflection data using a novel dual-space algorithm, extending resolution and accommodating missing data. With high success rates, it has already solved thousands of structures.

New research explores effects of moderate fat diets that include avocados

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a moderate fat diet incorporating one fresh avocado daily improved certain blood lipid markers, including total cholesterol to HDL and LDL-cholesterol ratios. The avocado diet achieved greater reductions in bad cholesterol levels compared to low-fat diets.

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.

Monkeys can learn to see themselves in the mirror

Monkeys can be taught to recognize themselves in a mirror through visual-somatosensory training, demonstrating the neural basis of self-awareness. The study's findings have hopeful implications for people with brain disorders affecting self-recognition.

Alcohol warnings from parents matter

A University at Buffalo psychologist's study shows that parents who communicate the risks of alcohol use with their young children are more likely to have kids who think critically about drinking. The research suggests maintaining those discussions as children grow older can help prevent underage drinking. The study found a correlation...

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.

Was Beethoven's music literally heartfelt?

Researchers analyzed Beethoven's compositions for clues of a heart condition and found striking rhythms that reflect the irregular patterns of his cardiac arrhythmia. The study suggests that Beethoven's music could be 'musical electrocardiograms,' a readout of modern heart rhythm testing equipment.