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Science News Archive January 2015


Page 6 of 28

Mothers' 'baby talk' is less clear than their adult speech

Research suggests mothers speak slightly less clearly to infants than adults, contradicting the widespread view of hyperarticulation. This finding may explain why babies excel at learning their language's distinct sounds despite less clear input.

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.

Is the medical match fair?

A new MIT study analyzes residency compensation using demand analysis, finding residents accept lower wages for experience and prestige. The study suggests salaries may remain low unless residency programs increase the number of positions available.

Researchers use sound to slow down, speed up, and block light

Researchers at University of Illinois have demonstrated Brillouin Scattering Induced Transparency (BSIT), a phenomenon that can slow down, speed up, and block light in optical waveguides. BSIT uses sound waves to eliminate opacity and create a non-reciprocal behavior, enabling the creation of isolators and circulators.

Using stem cells to grow new hair

Scientists developed a method to induce human hair growth using pluripotent stem cells, providing an unlimited source of cells for transplantation and improving upon existing methods. The research team successfully coaxed human pluripotent stem cells to become dermal papilla cells, which regulate hair-follicle formation and growth cycle.

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.

The laser pulse that gets shorter all by itself

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have developed a way to compress intense laser pulses by a factor of 20 using a cleverly designed hollow fibre. This tabletop technology makes creating short infrared pulses much simpler and cheaper than previously used setups.

That's using your head

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that the brain can regulate fat metabolism, potentially stopping the development of atherosclerosis and its associated risks. The researchers discovered that the brain uses the presence of fatty acids to trigger the liver to reduce its own lipid production.

Keeping the Kraken asleep

Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, have found that CDK6 is essential for activating leukemic stem cells, which causes leukemia. Inhibiting CDK6 may prevent relapse, while leaving healthy stem cells unaffected.

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.

Infant failure to thrive linked to lysosome dysfunction

A recent study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that lysosomal dysfunction may be the underlying cause of infant failure to thrive. This condition occurs when infants are unable to absorb essential nutrients, leading to delayed growth and weight gain issues.

How creative are you? Depends where you're from

A Concordia University study found that individuals from collectivist societies generate fewer ideas but with higher quality, while those from individualistic countries produce more ideas but with lower quality. The study suggests that understanding cultural differences is crucial for maximizing productivity in international teams.

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.

Easter Island mystery

Researchers found that Rapa Nui communities were abandoned due to environmental constraints, with nutrient-rich areas maintaining viable populations despite external threats.

ORNL researchers tune friction in ionic solids at the nanoscale

Scientists have discovered a way to control friction on ionic surfaces at the nanoscale by applying electrical stimulation and ambient water vapor. This new method allows for both increasing and decreasing friction, offering significant technological implications for energy research and device applications.

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.

Climate change redistributes fish species at high latitudes

A new study reveals that climate change is weakening the natural barrier separating marine biotas of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, promoting the interchange of fishes between the two oceans. This will lead to a tremendous increase in fish biodiversity in coastal areas around Greenland and Svalbard.

New search engine lets users look for relevant results faster

The SciNet search engine outperforms current ones by displaying keywords related to user searches in a topic radar, enabling faster and more diverse search results. This technology helps people find information more efficiently, even when they're unsure of their search query.

Children feel most positively about mothers who respect their autonomy

Mothers who support their children's autonomy tend to be viewed more positively by their children, according to a study of over 2,000 mothers and their children. Mothers' controlling behaviors predicted the extent to which children viewed their mothers positively or negatively when they were in fifth grade.

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.

Carbon nanoballs can greatly contribute to sustainable energy supply

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered that adding carbon nanoballs to insulation plastic can increase the voltage by up to 26%, resulting in a 26% efficiency gain in electric power transmission. This could lead to more efficient power grids and sustainable energy systems.

Researchers finds hormone that increases the sex drive of mice

Researchers have found that ghrelin increases sexual activity and motivation in mice, suggesting a possible role for the hormone in regulating human sexuality. Further research is needed to understand the effects of ghrelin on humans, but ghrelin inhibitors may hold promise as new treatments for sex addiction.

Carbon accumulation by Southeastern forests may slow

Researchers found that future carbon accumulation rates are highly sensitive to land use changes, with afforestation and deforestation impacting rates. Forests in the region are relatively resilient to natural disturbances, but aging forests and land use transitions can slow down accumulation.

The origin of life: Labyrinths as crucibles of life

A team at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München shows that temperature gradients in pore systems promote cyclical replication and emergence of nucleic acids. The researchers demonstrate a setting where pore systems on the seafloor, heated by volcanic activity, can serve as reaction chambers for RNA synthesis.

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.

Achieving a world without AIDS: Scale must give way to focus, details

The global AIDS community must adopt more specific and focused approaches to meet the 90-90-90 targets, which aim to eliminate AIDS by 2020. This involves identifying at-risk subpopulations, tailoring prevention tools to each population's risk profile, and developing innovative solutions.

Retreat of multiculturalism 'is a myth'

A study comparing citizenship programs in four European nations found that multiculturalism policies are still in place and being expanded to support ethnic minority integration. Researchers argue that the term 'multiculturalism' is being used less frequently with a positive connotation, but actual policies have not been repealed.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NREL scientist Brian Gregg named AAAS Fellow

Brian Gregg, a scientist at NREL, has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work on organic solar photoconversion and excitonic solar cells. His research has led to new technologies such as photoelectrochromic windows that can automatically adjust to light levels.

Researchers identify natural plant compounds that work against insects

A team of scientists has discovered potent natural compounds in plants that can counteract the action of juvenile hormone in insects, making them effective against mosquitoes and other pests. The newly identified compounds could lead to the development of a new class of safe and effective pesticides.

CWRU researcher on the clock to improve early Ebola detection

Case Western Reserve University researchers aim to reduce false negative results in Ebola diagnosis by developing a positive control using plant virus nanoparticles. The goal is to create a reliable test for early detection and monitoring of the virus.

LA BioMed study finds traumatic brain injury treatment is ineffective

A new LA BioMed study found that platelet transfusions and DDAVP are not effective in preventing further bleeding or death in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The researchers analyzed data from 408 patients and found no significant differences in mortality or hemorrhage progression between those who received the treatments and t...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stomach acid-powered micromotors get their first test in a living animal

Researchers have successfully powered micromotors with stomach acid in a living animal, demonstrating their potential for targeted drug delivery and diagnosis of hard-to-reach tumors. The motors achieved remarkable penetration and retention rates, outperforming traditional oral delivery methods.

Dog disease in lions spread by multiple species

A study found that canine distemper in lions is no longer primarily spread by domestic dogs but rather by multiple wild carnivore species. The virus can jump between species in natural ecosystems, threatening vulnerable populations.

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.

Cochlear implant users can hear, feel the beat in music

Researchers found that cochlear implant users can synchronize body movement to music with a strong beat, similar to hearing individuals. The study suggests that using music compositions emphasizing beats may improve cochlear implant users' understanding and use of spoken language, as well as their enjoyment of music.

How cancer turns good cells to the dark side

A new study by Rice University researchers shows how cancer cells use 'jagged' proteins to hijack cell-signaling process and promote metastasis. The mechanism plays a crucial role in embryonic development and wound healing.

Nanoshuttle wear and tear: It's the mileage, not the age

A new study led by Columbia University researcher Henry Hess found that molecular shuttles degrade over time, similar to a car's wear and tear, when operating. The degradation is measured in terms of distance traveled, with equivalent wear occurring at just a millimeter for the shuttle.

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.

Is head CT overused in emergency departments?

Researchers found that less than 7% of patients with dizziness or syncope benefited from head CT scans. Most cases can be managed with a careful history and physical examination, making unnecessary CT scans a common but potentially harmful practice.

High cholesterol in 30s, 40s, increases later risk of heart disease

Researchers found that high cholesterol in young adults between 35-55 years increases heart disease risk by 39% each decade, even among those with normal blood pressure and weight. The study suggests that healthy individuals in this age group should consider cholesterol control earlier.

Study shows risk for younger adults with isolated systolic hypertension

A large study found that younger adults with isolated systolic hypertension have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Women in this age group are particularly at risk, with a 55% increase in cardiovascular death compared to their male counterparts.

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.

Support cells in the brain offer a new strategy to boost memory

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discovered a new memory regulator in astrocytes, which improved memory in healthy mice and prevented impairments in Alzheimer's disease models. The study suggests that targeting A2A adenosine receptors may offer a potential treatment for improving memory.

Winters in Siberian permafrost regions have warmed since millenia

Researchers have reconstructed the development of winter temperatures in Russia's Lena River Delta, revealing a clear trend: warming winters over the past 7,000 years. The study used oxygen isotope analysis on ice wedges to access temperature information stored in the ice and compile it into a climate curve.

Morphine following common childhood surgery may be life threatening

A recent study published in PEDIATRICS found that morphine administered for post-operative pain in children who have undergone tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy can cause significant respiratory problems and potentially fatal breathing disruptions. In contrast, ibuprofen was shown to be a safe and effective alternative.

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.

Study finds potential new drug target for lung cancer

Researchers at the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center have identified pyruvate carboxylase as a key enzyme in lung cancer cell growth and survival. The study suggests that inhibiting this enzyme could lead to novel drug development for treating lung cancer, offering new hope for improving current treatment options.