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Science News Archive January 2015


Page 4 of 28

Long-necked 'dragon' discovered in China

A new species of long-necked dinosaur, Qijianglong, has been discovered in China with a remarkably lightweight neck and surprisingly stiff joints. The findings suggest that long-necked dinosaurs diversified uniquely in Asia during Jurassic times.

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.

Nanoscale mirrored cavities amplify, connect quantum memories

The team constructed tiny mirrors to trap light around impurity atoms in diamond crystals, increasing the efficiency of photon transmission. They demonstrated a spin-coherence time of over 200 microseconds, essential for quantum computing systems and long-range cryptographic networks.

Does getting an 'expensive' drug affect how much patient benefits?

A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that patients with Parkinson's disease experience improved motor skills when receiving an 'expensive' drug, even if it's just a placebo. The study suggests that harnessing the placebo response could enhance treatment benefits and reduce dosage needs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chimps with higher-ranking moms do better in fights

A study of 12 years of observations of chimpanzee playground fights found that chimps with higher-ranking moms are more likely to win. However, the mothers did not intervene in most cases, letting their offspring fight their battles for themselves.

Refineries challenge EPA plan to cut emissions

The EPA proposes stricter rules for refineries to reduce emissions, but industry groups dispute the environmental benefits, citing high costs. The EPA claims the revisions will improve air quality and public health in affected communities.

Demystifying nanocrystal solar cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a physical model explaining electron transport in nanocrystal solar cells, which could lead to improved efficiency. The model reveals that nanocrystal size can be controlled to optimize absorption of sunlight, enabling the creation of flexible and thin solar cells with higher performance.

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.

Flame retardants linked to preterm birth

Pregnant women exposed to high levels of flame-retardants are more likely to deliver babies early, with over 15 million preterm births occurring annually worldwide. Researchers analyzed blood samples from pregnant women and found a correlation between flame-retardant chemicals and preterm birth.

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.

Schoolgirl comment points to antibiotics as new cancer treatments

Researchers have discovered a way to eradicate cancer stem cells using antibiotics, opening up the possibility of a new treatment for cancer. The study found that four types of antibiotics eradicated cancer stem cells in every test, including glioblastoma and other aggressive forms of cancer.

No direct link found between rising inequality and reduced trust

A recent University of Luxembourg study analyzed European Social Survey data and found no direct link between income inequality and general trust. Key factors influencing trust include beliefs about a society's intrinsic values and perceptions of socio-economic events.

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.

Beer compound could help fend off Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Researchers found that xanthohumol, a compound in hops, can protect neuronal cells from oxidative damage, potentially slowing the development of brain disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study suggests xanthohumol could be a promising candidate for fighting neurodegenerative conditions.

When aid brings conflict, not relief

Research by University of Illinois economist Ben Crost found that aid to villages in the Philippines increased violence. The villages that qualified for aid saw a significant increase in violence, while those that didn't participate experienced less violence. This suggests that aid can inadvertently make communities vulnerable to attacks.

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.

Some older cancer patients can avoid radiotherapy, study finds

A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that older women with early-stage hormone-receptor positive breast cancers who receive hormone treatment and surgery can safely omit radiotherapy. This group of patients is at low risk of cancer recurrence, making radiotherapy unnecessary.

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.

Fossil skull connects continents

A fossil skull discovered in Israel's Manot Cave provides strong evidence of the first modern human migration to Europe, dating back 55,000 years. The analysis reveals a close genetic relationship between ancient Europeans and modern humans from Africa, challenging previous theories about the origins of European modern humans.

Dutch babies trump US peers in laughing, smiling, cuddling

A new study found that Dutch babies laugh, smile, and cuddle more than their US counterparts. US infants were typically more active and vocal, while Dutch babies demonstrated greater expressions of happiness during routine activities and were easier to calm when upset.

Child maltreatment not a clear path to adult crime

A recent study finds that childhood maltreatment is linked to adult crime, but this effect disappears when accounting for socioeconomic status and later life factors. Protective experiences like high school graduation and marriage can significantly reduce an individual's risk of crime.

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.

NASA measured nor'easter's powerful winds from space

The ISS-RapidScat instrument provided forecasters with wind speed data on the hurricane-force nor'easter. The storm brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions to the Northeast region, with sustained winds reaching up to 35 meters per second (78.2 mph/126 kph).

NASA engineer advances new daytime star tracker

A NASA engineer is developing a low-cost, off-the-shelf solution to track stars during the day, enabling science operations through the day. The precision attitude sensor uses near-infrared wavelength bands and cameras with filtering capabilities to process data in real-time.

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.

Mobile apps take students into the laboratory

Researchers developed mobile applications that allow students to interact with real laboratory equipment, promoting deeper learning and engagement. The apps have been shown to be effective for students with special needs and can accommodate multiple simultaneous connections.

Smothered oceans

A study from the University of California, Davis reveals extreme oxygen loss in oceans around 10,000-17,000 years ago, coinciding with past global climate change. The findings suggest that modern oceans are moving into a state with no precedent in human history.

Did genetic links to modern maladies provide ancient benefits?

A study discovered that genetic variations associated with psoriasis and Crohn's disease are extremely old, predating the evolution of Neanderthals. The research suggests that these genetic features may have played a role in the health and survival of our ancient ancestors.

The electric eye of Cyclone Bansi

Astronauts on ISS captured stunning night image of Cyclone Bansi in January 2015, revealing brilliant lightning around its eye. The cyclone reached category 4 strength before weakening into an extra-tropical system.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Nordic marine scientists push for way forward

Nordic scientists emphasize the need for collaborative approach to address complex ocean changes. The region's oceans are highly sensitive to environmental shifts, with increased temperatures, acidification, and retreating sea ice posing significant challenges.

New protein detonates 'invincible' bacteria from within

Researchers at Tel Aviv University identified a novel protein capable of targeting and inhibiting the activity of a protein essential to bacterial cells. This discovery may strengthen efforts to combat antibiotic-resistant infections and presents a potential breakthrough in the fight against superbugs.

The 2 faces of Mars

A massive celestial object impacted Mars, generating a magma ocean that solidified into the mountainous highlands of the southern hemisphere. This event, occurring around 4-15 million years after Mars' formation, is believed to have triggered volcanic activity and changed the planet's magnetic field.

Results of sun-safety mobile app featured in 2 studies, 1 editorial

A smartphone app improved some sun protection behaviors, including increased shade use and combined use of all sun protection behaviors. However, there was no significant difference in sunburns between groups. Strategies to increase mobile app usage are needed for effective deployment.

New hypertension guidelines could save lives and money

Full implementation of new guidelines could prevent 56,000 cardiovascular disease events and 13,000 deaths annually, with cost-effectiveness found in treating stage 1 hypertension for some patients. Treating women ages 35-44 with stage 1 hypertension without CVD may not be cost-effective.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New cells may help treat diabetes

Scientists at the University of Iowa created human insulin-producing cells that respond to glucose and correct blood-sugar levels in diabetic mice. The findings may represent a step toward developing patient-specific cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes.

Manchester United's rising stars revolutionize heart health

A unique research project is using Manchester United's Academy players to investigate the effects of exercise on young hearts. The study aims to identify healthy limits and benefits of exercise for elite athletes, normal children, and those with congenital heart defects.

Damaged DNA may stall patrolling molecule to initiate repair

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that damaged DNA can cause a molecule to slow down its patrol, giving it more time to recognize and initiate repair. The protein XPC, important for DNA repair, stalls at damaged sites due to twisted damage, allowing it to open and fix the damage.

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.

Ocean acidification changes balance of biofouling communities

A new study reveals how tiny marine organisms that attach to ships' hulls and rocks respond to ocean acidification. The research found that certain species, such as sea squirts and sponges, increase in number, while others, like hard shell worms, decline significantly.

DFG to fund 4 new clinical trials

The DFG is funding four new clinical trials addressing urgent questions in patient-oriented research, including surgery for metastatic stomach cancer and individualised chemotherapy for certain breast cancers. Over 1,160 patients will participate in the trials, which will test efficacy of new procedures over a three-year period.

Mobile teledermoscopy for short-term monitoring of atypical moles

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that mobile teledermoscopy is a feasible and effective method for short-term monitoring of atypical nevi, with high diagnostic concordance rates. Patients were receptive to the technology, which involves taking images of monitored lesions via a mobile dermatoscope.

Picture this: Technology tightens the focus on who's watching women

A new analysis found that women were viewed more frequently and for longer durations - even when blended with men's photos - leading to negative impacts on self-esteem and behavior. The study used eye-tracking technology to measure gaze patterns, revealing objectification theory effects.

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.

Epigenetic drug boosts chemotherapy's efficacy in some lung cancers

A study from Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that an existing epigenetic drug can increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have BRG1 or EGFR mutations. This breakthrough suggests a new approach to precision medicine in cancer treatment.

Large study catalogs genetic culprits in head and neck cancers

A comprehensive catalog of genetic mutations has been published for 279 head and neck cancers, revealing distinct genetic profiles for HPV-positive and -negative patients. This finding may lead to the development of targeted therapies and improved outcomes for these cancer types.

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.