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Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 10


Page 10 of 28

Research: Tablet computers good medium for educational materials

Research conducted by University of Illinois experts found positive results in all three areas: engagement, learning and professional development. Students used tablets mostly as a tool for communication and reading, with an average of 49 percent of class reading done on the tablet.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalE-Learning and Digital Media·DateJan 22, 2015

Angel or devil? For cancer, not all neutrophils are created equal

Research shows that different neutrophil subtypes exist, with some anti-tumor properties while others promote tumor progression. The study highlights the importance of targeting specific neutrophil populations to develop effective new therapies for cancer.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 22, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows Brazil's Soy Moratorium still needed to preserve Amazon

A new study shows that Brazil's Soy Moratorium has been effective in reducing deforestation, but government policies alone are not enough. The moratorium helped drastically reduce soy expansion linked to forest clearing, whereas governmental policy alone only curbed a small portion of the issue.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2015

Antibiotic use by travelers may add to global spread of superbugs

A study found that taking antibiotics for diarrhea while traveling increases the risk of colonizing drug-resistant bacteria, such as ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Travelers returning home with these bacteria can unknowingly spread them to their own countries, posing a serious public health threat.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 22, 2015
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.

Snack attack: Bears munch on ants and help plants grow

Researchers found that ant-scaring insects, like beetles, allowed treehoppers to thrive, benefiting nearby rabbitbrush plants. This study highlights the interconnectedness of species in ecosystems and the importance of conservation.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 22, 2015

American liberals and conservatives think as if from different cultures

A new study reveals that US liberals and conservatives think differently due to cultural influences. Researchers found that conservative Americans are more likely to engage in holistic thinking, similar to East Asian cultures, whereas liberal Americans tend towards analytical thinking.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJan 22, 2015

Major study links gene to drug resistance in testicular cancer

Researchers identified a genetic mutation that may contribute to tumours becoming resistant to current treatments. The study also found a link between defective copies of the DNA repair gene XRCC2 and platinum-based chemotherapy resistance.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2015

Doubt cast on global firestorm generated by dino-killing asteroid

Researchers from University of Exeter, Edinburgh and Imperial College London recreated asteroid impact to debunk theory it caused massive global firestorms. The intense heat near the impact site was too short to ignite live plants, but affected areas far from the site were heated for longer periods.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of the Geological Society·DateJan 22, 2015
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.

Pictured together for the first time: A chemokine and its receptor

The study reveals that one chemokine binds to just one receptor in the CXCR4-chemokine complex and that the contacts between the receptor and its binding partner are more extensive than previously thought. This new information could aid the development of better small molecular inhibitors of CXCR4-chemokine interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2015

What to do in a flu epidemic? Stay at home and watch TV

Research suggests that staying at home and watching TV can help reduce disease spread during a flu epidemic. The study found that certain age groups and socio-economic groups responded more strongly to these behaviors, highlighting the importance of targeted public health policies.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateJan 22, 2015

Penn study uncovers secrets of a clump-dissolving protein

Researchers have discovered the N-terminal domain of Hsp104 plays a crucial role in its ability to dissolve prions and other misfolded proteins. This finding opens up new research directions for designing and engineering Hsp104 to combat human disease proteins.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 22, 2015

Estrogen-producing neurons influence aggression in both sexes

Research by UC San Francisco scientists reveals that estrogen-producing neurons play a crucial role in regulating aggression in mice, affecting both male and female behavior. The study found that eliminating these neurons slowed response times to threats and reduced aggression in males, while females showed similar changes in maternal ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 22, 2015
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.

Blame it on your brain: Salt and hypertension

A study by McGill University scientists found that high salt intake affects brain circuits, preventing the inhibition of neurons that release vasopressin and leading to increased blood pressure. The research suggests that limiting dietary salt may help mitigate hypertension.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateJan 22, 2015

DOE to announce plans for geothermal R&D at Stanford Geothermal Workshop

The US Dept. of Energy will discuss its plan to accelerate geothermal energy development, which could increase global resources by harnessing hydraulic fracturing techniques. Researchers present results on controlling injection-triggered seismicity and improving injectivity rates in enhanced geothermal systems.

SourceStanford University·DateJan 22, 2015
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.

Is glass a true solid?

Researchers used computer simulations and information theory to study glass's behavior. They discovered that atoms in the glass organize into icosahedral configurations, which increase in size over time, suggesting that glass can become a true solid.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2015

Study finds infants can learn to communicate from videos

Babies as young as 15 months can learn communicative skills from commercial videos, recognizing and producing signs with similar accuracy to parents' instructions. The study contradicts previous research on limited learning potential in this age group.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalChild Development·DateJan 22, 2015

Revolutionary device found to lower blood pressure

Researchers developed a paper clip-sized implant called the Coupler, which significantly lowered blood pressure among patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The treatment reduced hypertensive complications and hospital admissions for high blood pressure crises, providing an immediate and pain-free solution.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 22, 2015

Parents' belief that a child will attend college plays big role in early academic success

A UCLA study reveals that parents' long-term goals for their children play a significant role in predicting math and reading abilities. Children from poorer families tend to perform worse despite similar family incomes, due to factors like younger mothers, reduced parental interaction, and limited access to educational resources.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 22, 2015
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.

Research: 'Organizational forgetting' erodes quality gains in supply chains

A study found that organizational forgetting affects 16% of quality gains from autonomous learning and 13% of targeted quality improvement efforts. Firms must continually improve while also acknowledging the erosion of knowledge over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateJan 22, 2015

Rosetta data reveals more surprises about comet 67P

The comet's coma composition changes in response to temperature and seasonal variations, suggesting a complex nucleus-nucleus relationship. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that comets are made mostly of water ice.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2015
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 announce revolutionary culturing technique for liver and pancreas

Scientists have developed a breakthrough culturing system for human liver stem cells and pancreatic cancer stem cells, allowing for the growth of mini-organisms in the lab. This technology has the potential to revolutionize liver transplantation and aid in the fight against pancreatic cancer, with applications in personalized medicine.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalCell·DateJan 22, 2015

Oxford University Press publishes first issue of EHJCVP

The journal aims to publish high-quality research on cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, focusing on improving patient care and management of cardiovascular disease. The first issue will be published in 2015, with four issues planned for the year.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 22, 2015

Alamo impact crater: New study could double its size

A new study by Andrew J. Retzler and colleagues presents a revised map characterizing the size and shape of the Alamo crater. The researchers estimate the crater's diameter to be between 111 and 150 km, more than double previous estimates. This places the Alamo crater as one of the largest marine impacts in the last 550 million years.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJan 22, 2015
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.

Study projects unprecedented loss of corals in Great Barrier Reef due to warming

A new study projects that the Great Barrier Reef could lose more than half of its coral cover if ocean temperatures continue to rise. The research suggests that moderate warming would lead to a high probability of coral cover declining to less than 10 percent, threatening reef growth.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalEcology·DateJan 22, 2015

New animal models faithfully reproduce the tumor of each patient

Researchers developed new animal models that faithfully reproduce the evolution and malignancy of different human tumors. This allows for parallel tumor progression, prediction of relapses, and assessment of effective treatments in a controlled laboratory setting.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 22, 2015

BIDMC receives Commonwealth Fund grant to develop OurNotes

OurNotes aims to enhance communication and engage patients in managing illness more effectively and efficiently, leading to improved patient safety and quality of care. The project will explore the potential for patients to contribute to their own medical records, building on BIDMC's well-established work in patient engagement.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateJan 22, 2015

Going with the flow

Researchers at UCSB show that changes in river channel boundaries directly impact flood hazard trends across the US. Channel capacity needs to be considered jointly with stream flow for accurate flood hazard calculation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 22, 2015

Pro-marijuana 'tweets' are sky-high on Twitter

Researchers analyzed over 7.6 million tweets about marijuana, finding that 77% were pro-pot, while only 5% were anti-marijuana. Pro-pot tweets often encouraged use and made claims about health benefits, reaching a large audience of young people at risk for substance abuse.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 22, 2015
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.

Contrary to popular belief, dental care for baby teeth is vital

A new behavioral intervention aims to change caregivers' perceptions about oral health, encouraging them to seek dental care for their children. The study, funded by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, will test a referral letter and educational materials to improve the oral health of children nationally.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJan 22, 2015
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.

Incidence of colorectal cancer increasing in young adults

A new study finds that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing among young adults aged 20-39 years in the US. The data also showed greater CRC risk for certain racial groups and differences in tumor location and stage at diagnosis compared to older adults. Colorectal cancer is uncommon in people younger than 50 years of age.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateJan 22, 2015

Attractiveness speeds up performance

A study by British researchers found that aesthetically appealing visuals speed up people's ability to solve multi-step problems with visuals on websites or mobile phones. Simple and familiar icons were the easiest to find, but when the task got harder, pleasing aesthetics provided a performance boost.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJan 22, 2015

Why should adolescents with psychological symptoms be asked about hallucinations?

A recent study found that adolescents with psychological symptoms often exhibit visual distortions and hallucinations before developing a full-blown mental disorder. The researchers also discovered that these symptoms are strongly linked to self-destructive thought processes, which can increase the risk of suicide.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateJan 22, 2015
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.

Climate affects the development of human speech

Researchers discovered a correlation between climate and language evolution, finding that complex tones occur more frequently in tropical regions. The study suggests that inhaling dry air can cause vocal fold dehydration, making it harder to achieve complex tones.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2015

Rare neurological disease shines light on health of essential nerve cells

Researchers have made breakthrough discoveries in understanding Pelizaeus Merzbacher disease (PMD), a devastating neurological condition. The study found that myelin-producing cells are still active and can be stimulated to produce more myelin, potentially leading to new treatments for PMD and multiple sclerosis patients.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateJan 22, 2015

NYU researchers develop new assessment tool to combat oral-systemic disease

The Interprofessional Oral Health Grant Team at NYU College of Nursing introduces the HEENOT approach, a comprehensive examination that includes oral cavity assessment. This method is expected to increase interprofessional oral health workforce capacity and improve oral-systemic health across the lifespan.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 22, 2015

You are what you eat -- How gut bacteria affect brain health

Research explores how gut bacteria influence brain activity, sleep, stress responses, and disease development. The human microbiome's role in brain function is a growing area of study, with potential therapeutic applications through dietary modification.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateJan 22, 2015

Enzymes believed to promote cancer actually suppress tumors

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered that enzymes believed to promote cancer actually suppress tumors. Correcting a loss-of-function PKC mutation in colon cancer cells reduced tumor growth in mouse models, demonstrating normal PKC activity inhibits cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateJan 22, 2015
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.

Key factor discovered in the formation of metastases in melanoma

A team of researchers identified a key epigenetic factor EZH2 that plays a central role in controlling tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma. The study found that suppressing EZH2 activity can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, offering new hope for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2015

Family voices and stories speed coma recovery

A Northwestern University study found that family members sharing familiar stories with coma patients who wore headphones recovered consciousness faster and had improved outcomes. This 'familiar auditory sensory training' stimulated the brain's memory circuits, helping patients wake up more easily and respond to their environment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair·DateJan 22, 2015

Early human ancestors used their hands like modern humans

Early human ancestors, such as Australopithecus africanus, used human-like hand postures for forceful precision and power gripping 3-2 million years ago. This discovery supports archaeological evidence for stone tool use among fossil australopiths.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2015

Rediscovering a culture of health

A recent study found that communities with higher levels of Indigenous language knowledge and cultural continuity have significantly lower diabetes rates, contrary to expectations. The research suggests that reconnecting Aboriginal Canadians to their cultural roots may be a crucial factor in addressing the epidemic of modern times.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalInternational Journal for Equity in Health·DateJan 22, 2015
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.