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Science News Archive January 2015


Page 5 of 28

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.

Mayo Clinic receives $5.75 million gift for Lewy body dementia research

The Mayo Clinic has established a new program dedicated to finding answers and treatments for Lewy body dementia, a deadly disease causing progressive decline in mental and physical abilities. The program builds on previous research discoveries, including a genetic risk factor and severe sleep disorder linked to the disease.

Bike-to-work events offer chance to explore barriers to cycling

A study led by the University of Colorado Denver found that cities using bike-to-work days can capture a wide range of bicyclists and gather insights into barriers to increasing their commuting. The study suggests that cities should use these events to understand participants' motivations and identify obstacles, such as safety concerns...

Communication is key to emergency department success, new study says

A new study at St. Michael's Hospital emphasizes the importance of strong teamwork and communication skills for clinicians in emergency departments. Strategies include introducing staff, speaking with nurses before assessment, sharing learning opportunities, and being clear and concise in communication.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Good results with surgery for gynecomastia in bodybuilders

A report in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that breast reduction surgery achieves good aesthetic outcomes in bodybuilders with gynecomastia. Most patients are extremely satisfied with their surgical results and have no recurrent gynecomastia issues.

Health insurers using drug coverage to discriminate

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that some health insurers are using drug coverage decisions to discourage people with HIV from selecting their plans, resulting in higher costs for those enrolled in these plans. This practice could undermine a central feature of the Affordable Care Act.

Researchers produce two bio-fuels from a single algae

Scientists have discovered a way to produce both biodiesel and jet fuel from a single type of algae, utilizing its unique fatty acid compounds. The breakthrough could hold potential for commercialization, but further research is needed to scale up production.

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.

Missing link in metal physics explains Earth's magnetic field

Scientists from Carnegie Institution have made a groundbreaking discovery that resolves the long-standing debate on how metals become less conductive when heated. Their work reveals that the missing piece of the traditional theory explaining this phenomenon was needed to complete the puzzle for generating Earth's magnetic field.

Gully patterns document Martian climate cycles

Researchers from Brown University found new evidence of glacier-like ice deposits advancing and retreating multiple times in Mars' midlatitudes, suggesting recent climate cycles. The study suggests that the planet's wobbly rotation around its axis may have driven these ice ages.

Blind beetles show extraordinary signs of sight

Researchers discovered that blind predatory water beetles express opsin genes, which are usually found in species with eyes. This finding supports non-adaptive evolutionary theory and suggests that these beetles may have evolved through neutral mutations.

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.

Kepler astronomers discover ancient star with 5 Earth-size planets

Astronomers have discovered a star that is 11.2 billion years old and has at least five Earth-size planets, revealing that planetary formation occurred throughout the universe's history. The system, Kepler-444, consists of five planets with sizes between Mercury and Venus, orbiting a smaller star than our sun.

Does space flight inspire school students to take STEM subjects?

Researchers aim to gauge the effect of space and space travel on interest in STEM subjects among school children. A three-year project will involve gathering views from pupils, teachers, and space scientists to understand what inspires young people to participate in STEM.

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.

Analysis rejects linkage between testosterone therapy and cardiovascular risk

A comprehensive review of literature reveals a strong relationship between higher testosterone levels and reduced cardiovascular disease and risk factors. Despite four flawed studies sparking concerns, dozens of studies demonstrate benefits of testosterone therapy in reducing mortality, improving cardiovascular health, and alleviating ...

2015 AAAS/Subaru SB&F prizes honor science books that encourage exploration

Four groundbreaking science books that present scientific information in innovative ways to young audiences have earned the 2015 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize. The winning books include 'Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes' and 'Mission: Mars', which invite readers to explore their own world or prepare themselves to explore other worlds.

Canada, partners invest US$1.6 million to improve mental health in Africa

Grand Challenges Canada funds BasicNeeds' award-winning model for mental health treatment in resource-poor countries, enabling access to care for nearly 75% of the world's people with mental illness. The model generates sustainable impact, enabling 86% of people with mental health problems to access treatment and report reduced symptoms.

Things smell good for a reason

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered that fruit flies can detect antioxidants using olfactory cues, increasing feeding behavior and triggering oviposition. This form of detection is not unique to insects, as humans also perceive pleasant odors from healthy nutrients.

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.

Sam Houston State studies civilians in policing

The study found that civilians offer numerous benefits to police departments, including cost savings, specialized skills, and improved community relations. However, it also raises concerns about job security, officer discretion, and operational disruption.

New pathway to valleytronics

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a new pathway to valleytronics by selectively controlling photoexcited electrons/hole pairs in different energy valleys. This technique, based on the use of circularly polarized femtosecond light pulses, enables ultrafast manipulation of valley excitons for quantum information applications.

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.

Women diagnosed with PCOS twice as likely to be hospitalized

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are twice as likely to be hospitalized for reasons unrelated to reproductive health or injury. The study, which examined health records of over 2,500 women with PCOS, also foun...

NASA spots heavy rainfall in Tropical Cyclone Diamondra

Tropical Cyclone Diamondra formed on January 26 and strengthened to 45 knots by January 27, with heavy rainfall detected east of its center. The storm is expected to strengthen further before weakening in cooler waters and encountering strong vertical wind shear.

Urban sprawl promotes worm exchange across species

Researchers identified 32% of parasites found in rats also infecting humans, highlighting the importance of habitat overlap and species relationships. The study developed a new modeling approach to forecast parasitic infections and disease emergence globally.

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.

Supercomputing the evolution of a model flower

Researchers used iPlant, Stampede and Lonestar supercomputers to identify genes sensitive to cold and drought in the flowering mustard weed Arabidopsis thaliana. This helps understand plant adaptation to climate change and can be applied to improve crops.

Financial incentives help pregnant women to quit smoking

New research published in The BMJ finds that financial rewards motivate pregnant women to quit smoking. A study of 612 pregnant smokers showed that those offered shopping vouchers had a 69% quit rate compared to 23% in the control group.

Man trumps dog: Earlier assumption about BPA exposure confirmed

A new human study confirms that oral BPA exposure does not lead to high levels in the blood, contradicting earlier assumptions made by a dog study. The study found that the body inactivates most BPA molecules and eliminates them within 24 hours, with no evidence of accumulation.

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.

Age concern in largest ever study of heroin user deaths

A study of 198,247 opioid users in England found that they were six times more likely to die prematurely than the general population. The risk of death increased with age, with older users facing a staggering increase in homicide rates.

Drug combo suppresses growth of late-stage prostate cancer tumors

A Purdue University study found that a combination of low doses of metformin and gene inhibitor BI2536 can successfully halt the growth of late-stage prostate cancer tumors, potentially prolonging patients' lives. The treatment promotes self-destruction of cancer cells and prevents androgen synthesis.

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.

Lung cancer clues found in downstream pathway

Researchers found that a protein called FADD picks up a phosphate for a specific amino acid when KRAS is active, and that blocking this process can prevent tumors from forming. A CK1-alpha inhibitor is currently being developed as a potential treatment for lung cancer caused by KRAS mutations.

Psychopathic violent offenders' brains can't understand punishment

Research reveals that psychopathic violent offenders have abnormalities in brain regions related to learning from punishment, leading them to prioritize rewards over consequences. The findings suggest that punishment may not be an effective deterrent for these individuals, highlighting the need for alternative interventions.

'Healthy' fat tissue could be key to reversing type 2 diabetes

Researchers discovered that specialised immune cells called regulatory T cells played a key role in controlling inflammation in fat tissue and maintaining insulin sensitivity. Treating fat tissues with IL-33 restored normal Treg cell levels, reducing inflammation and decreasing blood glucose levels.

Respiratory chain: Protein complex structure revealed

Biochemists elucidate protein complex structure in the respiratory chain, a crucial process for cellular energy production. The study reveals how complex I switches between active and inactive forms, shedding light on its role in disease, including Parkinson's and myocardial infarction.

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.

What do medical journalists think about cancer research?

A survey of 364 medical journalists found that direct contact with physicians is the most reliable source of information for creating accurate cancer news. Medical journalists also rely on social media and personal connections to support their research, highlighting the need for responsible healthcare reporting.

Crude conspiracy theories could be right

A new study has found that oil interests are a primary motivator for third-party countries to intervene in civil wars, challenging common conspiracy theory explanations. The research analyzed data from over 69 countries and revealed that countries with significant oil reserves were more likely to be targeted by foreign intervention.

Fish catch break on world stage at global conference

The Global Conference on Inland Fisheries emphasizes the significant role of freshwater fish in global development, food security, and ecosystem health. Experts urge policymakers to prioritize inland fisheries, which provide vital protein, micronutrients, and economic benefits for millions worldwide.

Lawrence Livermore research finds early Mesoamericans affected by climate change

Researchers found evidence of regional drought between 500 and 1150 AD in Mexico, contributing to the abandonment of Cantona, a large fortified city with a population of 90,000 inhabitants. The study suggests that climate change played a role in the site's history, highlighting the interplay of environmental and political factors.

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.

Funding for pulmonary rehabilitation study in East Africa

A pulmonary rehabilitation programme will be assessed and implemented in Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia to improve treatment and quality of life for patients with chronic lung disease. The study aims to reduce the burden on local communities and economies by developing an effective and inclusive programme.

New mechanism unlocked for evolution of green fluorescent protein

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a novel mechanism driving the evolution of green-to-red photoconvertible phenotype in green fluorescent proteins. The study reveals that hinge migration, driven by long-range dynamic motions, can lead to the acquisition of red fluorescence.

Sexual offending treatment programs in prisons and hospitals are ineffective

Sexual offending treatment programs in prisons and hospitals have been shown to be ineffective in reducing recidivism rates, with most offenders releasing back into society posing the same level of risk as before treatment. Experts argue that only proven treatments should be used to rehabilitate offenders effectively.

Spider electro-combs its sticky nano-filaments

Researchers studied the 'garden centre spider' to understand how it spins ultra-fine filaments. The spider uses electrically charged threads to create 'catching wool', which is made of thousands of nano-scale filaments that are combed out and charged.

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.

Sugary drinks linked to earlier onset of menstrual periods

A new study found that frequent consumption of sugary drinks is associated with an earlier onset of menstruation in girls. The researchers followed 5583 girls aged 9-14 years and found that those who drank more than 1.5 servings of sugary drinks per day had their first period 2.7 months earlier.

Web surfing to weigh up bariatric surgery options

A study of 212 bariatric surgery candidates found that 77.8% used the Internet to seek information about surgical procedures and patient experiences, while 92.6% trusted online advice before making a decision.