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Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 12


Page 12 of 28

The path to artificial photosynthesis

Researchers have created an efficient manganese catalyst capable of converting sunlight into chemical energy. The breakthrough, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, paves the way for a continuous and environmentally-friendly storage form of solar energy.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJan 21, 2015

New type of antibiotic resistance living in hiding

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have found a new type of antibiotic resistance that doesn't rely on genetic mutations. Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics without DNA changes by altering their cell wall, making them harder to treat with standard tests.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalmBio·DateJan 21, 2015

Stopping cancer in its tracks

A team led by Dr. Andrew Craig is developing inhibitory antibodies targeting key signals that cancer cells require for metastasis. The goal is to identify lead antibodies and test their potency in pre-clinical models to develop new immunotherapies for clinical trials.

SourceQueen's University·DateJan 21, 2015

Toward a cocaine vaccine to help addicts kick the habit

Scientists develop a new approach to combat cocaine addiction by using a modified bacterial protein to trigger an immune system response. The strategy has shown promise in animal studies, offering hope for the creation of effective vaccines against drug abuse.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateJan 21, 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.

Autistic brains go their own way

A new study found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder tend to display uniquely individualistic brain organization patterns. The researchers suggest that these idiosyncrasies may be a result of disrupted interactions with the environment.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 21, 2015

Pasture feeding may improve nutritional benefits of red meat

A new review article reveals pasture-fed lamb meat is rich in polyunsaturated fats, offering a lower saturated fat alternative. The study suggests this change could help reduce cardiovascular disease risk in Western diets.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalComprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety·DateJan 21, 2015

New drug compounds show promise against endometriosis

Researchers have discovered two new drug compounds that target endometriosis by interacting with estrogen receptors, reducing inflammation and tissue growth. The compounds, OBHS and CLI, showed promising results in mouse models and human cell cultures, offering a potential new approach to treating the disorder.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 21, 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.

Kessler Foundation researchers link task length with cognitive fatigue in MS

Kessler Foundation researchers found that subjective and objective cognitive fatigue are independent factors, with increased time on task leading to higher levels of fatigue in MS individuals. Task length was the key factor associated with cognitive fatigue, supporting the Temporal Fatigue hypothesis.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateJan 21, 2015

NFCR-supported research finds new way to combat resistant cancers

A team of researchers has developed a platform to rapidly identify effective drug combinations for lung cancer patients with resistant tumors. The NFCR-supported study uses cells taken from patient tumors and treats them with various drug combinations to find the most effective treatments.

SourceThe Science Coalition·JournalScience·DateJan 21, 2015

Job seekers with 'learning' attitude have more success

A study by University of Missouri and Lehigh University researchers discovered that job seekers with learning goal orientation are more successful in achieving career goals. Individuals with this disposition tend to react to failures by intensifying their search process, while those with low LGO decrease intensity. The study suggests t...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJan 21, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Sleeping on stomach may increase risk of sudden death in epilepsy

Research shows that stomach sleepers with epilepsy are at higher risk of sudden unexpected death, often occurring during sleep. The study found that 73% of cases died in the stomach sleep position, and younger people were more likely to be found on their stomachs.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 21, 2015

Link found between pain during or after sexual intercourse and mode of delivery

A new study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found a link between pain during or after sexual intercourse and mode of delivery. Women who had an operative vaginal birth assisted by vacuum extraction, forceps, or caesarean section were at higher risk for persisting dyspareunia. Intimate partner a...

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateJan 21, 2015

The Lancet Psychiatry: Video-based therapy might benefit babies at risk of autism

New research published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that video-based therapy can modify the emergence of autism-related behaviors and symptoms in infants at risk of autism. The therapy showed improvements in infant engagement, attention, and social behavior, with a moderate effect on reducing some children's risk of autism.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJan 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biological safety lock for genetically modified organisms

Scientists have created a novel biocontainment method by making genetically modified E. coli dependent on a synthetic amino acid, which can only be obtained from laboratory cultures. This approach aims to prevent the bacteria from surviving in open environments and potentially causing ecological harm or contamination.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJan 21, 2015

Concern over skin whitener marketing

A study by James Cook University highlights the growing demand for skin-whitening products in Australia, particularly among Indian women. The marketing of these products perpetuates social and professional success with lighter skin tone, raising moral concerns about cultural values and ethnic stereotypes.

SourceJames Cook University·DateJan 21, 2015

New computation method helps identify functional DNA

A new computational method can identify positions in the human genome that play a role in cell function, revealing insights into genetic regulation and potential applications in personalized medicine. The study found that 4.2 to 7.5 percent of nucleotides in the human genome have influenced fitness since humans diverged from chimpanzees.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 21, 2015
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.

A spoonful of sugar in silver nanoparticles to regulate their toxicity

Researchers have discovered that silver nanoparticles' toxicity can be modulated by carbohydrate coatings, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology. The study found that glucose-coated silver nanoparticles are more toxic than those coated with galactose or mannose.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·DateJan 21, 2015

New UCLA research suggests walnuts may improve memory

A new study by UCLA researchers found that walnut consumption was associated with improved cognitive function in adults, regardless of age or ethnicity. The study suggests that eating a handful of walnuts daily could help improve cognitive health.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, Seattle·DateJan 21, 2015

Fatty acids in fish may shield brain from mercury damage

Research in Seychelles finds that fish consumption during pregnancy may offset mercury exposure risks, with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) counteracting toxic effects. Higher PUFA levels in mothers are linked to better neurological development in children.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 21, 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.

Goshawk hunt and prey-evasion strategies revealed

Researchers study goshawk attack tactics, finding birds hold victims in gaze for initial stage before switching to parallel pursuit. Prey evade capture by making sharp sideways turns, exploiting predator's visual guidance.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 21, 2015

Seeing is not remembering

Scientists tested 100 undergraduate students in a memory experiment and found that even simple pieces of information were often forgotten when not expected. However, participants performed better when the information was relevant to their current task. This suggests that people's expectations play a significant role in determining what...

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 21, 2015

Does corporate social responsibility reduce negative reviews for bad service?

A recent study found that companies with strong corporate social responsibility practices receive more forgiveness from customers when their service is poor. Customers who support a favorite charity are less likely to express anger or leave negative reviews, and may even return in the future.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJan 21, 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.

Twitter can predict rates of coronary heart disease, according to Penn research

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that negative emotions on Twitter are associated with higher heart disease risk, while positive emotions are linked to lower risk. The study used a large dataset of tweets and health data to develop a predictive model for coronary heart disease rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 21, 2015

Only the lonely...(reveal the secrets of atomic nuclei)

A team of physicists has found that protons and neutrons in large atomic nuclei do not behave as predicted by existing models. The researchers used experimental data from various elements to fit parameters into the current model, showing that quantum effects and nuclear vibrations have a lower impact on individual particles than thought.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 21, 2015

Heightened scents: Do ambient fragrances make consumers purchase more?

A new study in the Journal of Marketing shows that the scent surrounding a store atmosphere can influence consumer choices. Researchers found that warm fragrances make consumers perceive crowded spaces, leading them to compensate by buying prestigious items and increasing their purchases overall.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 21, 2015

Warmer, drier climate altering forests throughout California

A recent study found that California's forest structure is undergoing changes due to a warmer, drier climate, resulting in the decline of larger trees and an increase in smaller trees. This trend is observed across all regions of the state, with oaks becoming more dominant as pines decline.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2015
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.

Hydrogels deliver on blood-vessel growth

Researchers have created a new hydrogel that can be injected into wounds, forming scaffolds that help them heal quickly. The material promotes angiogenesis, the growth of blood vessels, which is essential for tissue repair and reduces the risk of complications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 20, 2015

Time to rethink the inner-city asthma epidemic?

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that urban living is not a significant risk factor for asthma, instead highlighting the importance of poverty, African-American race, and Puerto Rican ethnicity as potent predictors. The research found no differences in asthma rates between children living in urban areas and their suburba...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 20, 2015

Hearing-aid intervention helps individuals gradually adjust to devices

Researchers developed an intervention to help individuals gradually increase their hearing-aid use and satisfaction. The study found that over half of participants increased their hearing-aid use from zero to four hours, and 60% reported being satisfied with their devices.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClinical Nursing Research·DateJan 20, 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.

Harnessing data from Nature's great evolutionary experiment

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory created a new computational method, fitCons, which compares changes in DNA letters across species and within individuals to identify functionally important sequences. The analysis suggests that only about 7% of the human genome is functional.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 20, 2015

Geologist who modernized volcanology wins the 2015 Vetlesen Prize

Stephen Sparks has improved our ability to see deadly eruptions coming through his work on volcanic deposits, magma chambers, and pyroclastic flows. His methodical approach has produced a long list of discoveries that have improved practical understanding of volcanic hazards globally.

SourceColumbia Climate School·DateJan 20, 2015

'Citizen science' reveals positive news for Puget Sound seabirds

A new analysis of seven years of bird sightings by volunteer birdwatchers found increasing trends for 14 species, including cormorants and harlequin ducks. The study suggests that these birds may be turning the corner, with positive trends also reported in nesting surveys.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalPeerJ·DateJan 20, 2015

Hunger hormone in infancy may link to lifelong obesity risk

A new study reveals that ghrelin, a key regulator of appetite, plays an unexpected role in early brain development and influences long-term appetite regulation. The research suggests a link between gut-brain axis maturation and later susceptibility to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 20, 2015
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.

A chemical modified version of the second messenger cAMP

Scientists create a chemical modified version of second messenger cAMP that selectively activates only Epac2, one of several proteins involved in insulin secretion. The analogue activates Epac2 more potently than cAMP itself, offering insights into the protein's function and potential as a pharmacological target.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 20, 2015

Use of sedation protocol does not reduce time on ventilator for children

A new study published in JAMA found that a nurse-implemented sedation protocol did not reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation in children. The protocol aimed to provide targeted sedation and adjust doses every 8 hours, but it had no significant impact on time on ventilator or recovery from acute respiratory failure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 20, 2015

Working collaboratively may help reduce medical errors

A study found that working collaboratively improved medical students' diagnostic accuracy, with pairs of students outperforming individuals in selecting correct diagnoses. The collaboration also led to longer completion times but more confident decisions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 20, 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.

Atoms can be in 2 places at the same time

Researchers at the University of Bonn have shown that cesium atoms can indeed take two paths at the same time, contradicting the macro-realistic view. The team's experiment uses optical tweezers to manipulate a single Caesium atom and measures its final position indirectly.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJan 20, 2015

Laser-generated surface structures create extremely water-repellent metals

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a method to create extremely water-repellent metals using lasers, which can lead to efficient solar absorbers and self-cleaning surfaces. The technique creates multifunctional surfaces with both super-hydrophobic and highly-absorbent optical properties.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJan 20, 2015

Simple soil mixture reverses toxic stormwater effects

Researchers found that a simple column of common soil can reverse the toxic effects of urban runoff, killing young coho salmon and their insect prey. The affordable treatment offers new promise for controlling toxic pollutants in rivers, streams, and oceans.

SourceWashington State University·JournalChemosphere·DateJan 20, 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.

NOAA's DSCOVR NISTAR instrument watches Earth's 'budget'

The NISTAR instrument on NOAA's DSCOVR spacecraft will measure the Earth's radiation budget by monitoring absolute irradiance over the entire sunlit face of the planet. This information can be used to understand the effects of human activities and natural phenomena on climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 20, 2015

Greenland Ice: The warmer it gets the faster it melts

A new study by Penn State geoscientists suggests that the Greenland Ice Sheet is melting at a faster rate due to rising temperatures, with potential global sea level rise of up to 24 feet. The study's findings highlight the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate this effect and protect vulnerable communities.

SourcePenn State·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJan 20, 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.

BPA exposure during pregnancy causes oxidative stress in child, mother

A new study found that BPA exposure during pregnancy causes oxidative stress, which may lead to the development of diabetes and heart disease. Researchers analyzed blood samples from mother-infant pairs and found higher levels of BPA associated with increased oxidative stress in both mothers and babies.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateJan 20, 2015