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Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 19


Page 19 of 28

First contracting human muscle grown in laboratory

Researchers at Duke University have successfully grown human skeletal muscle that contracts and responds like native tissue, enabling the testing of new drugs and study of diseases in functioning human muscle outside the body. The lab-grown tissue can also mimic clinical responses to various drugs.

SourceDuke University·DateJan 13, 2015

Animal contraceptive vaccine could reduce euthanasia in shelters

A new vaccine technology aims to provide a nonsurgical method for spaying and neutering dogs and cats, potentially reducing the number of animals in shelters and preventing euthanizations. The vaccine targets gonadotropin-releasing hormone, crucial for reproduction in mammals.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·DateJan 13, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate and friends influence young corals choice of real estate

Researchers found that cooler temperatures and presence of symbiotic algae influence coral larvae's choice of settlement location. The study suggests a link between crustose coralline algae and symbionts, which may change how corals select their life-long position on the reef.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateJan 13, 2015

Blood test for brain injury may not be feasible

A new study in mice suggests that a blood-based biomarker for traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not be effective due to the complex glymphatic system. The researchers found that treatments and clinical approaches can disrupt waste removal, leading to unreliable protein levels in the blood.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateJan 13, 2015

Study sheds light on chemicals that insects use to communicate and survive

Researchers at UC Riverside devised a method to isolate hydrocarbon molecules used by insects for communication and differentiation. The study found that nearly all insects produce the R form of these chemicals, paving the way for understanding their functions and potential applications in controlling pest species.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 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.

Sleeping after learning is important for infants' long-term memory

Infants who slept for at least half an hour within four hours of learning reproduced significantly more actions than those who did not sleep. Timely sleep facilitates declarative memory consolidation in infants, according to a study by Ruhr-University Bochum researchers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2015

The challenges of providing obstetric care during an Ebola epidemic

Healthcare workers face difficulties in differentiating between obstetric emergencies and suspected Ebola cases, while limited evidence exists on asymptomatic pregnant women. The article highlights the need for continual assessment of minimising risk to healthcare workers while providing lifesaving care.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateJan 13, 2015

Rescuing farmland after a flood

A University of Illinois study found that levee breaches can cause permanent loss of agricultural productivity, with some fields losing up to 30% of their capacity. Implementing a soil conservation plan and updating survey maps could help restore land use after flooding.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateJan 13, 2015
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.

Tumor micro-environment is a rough neighborhood for nanoparticle cancer drugs

Researchers suggest that the tumor microenvironment could play a significant role in cancer treatment and delivery of nanoparticle-based drugs. They found varying levels of drug delivery between two triple-negative breast cancer tumors, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine and better profiling of tumors.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 13, 2015

Pivotal data for T2Candida and T2Dx published in Clinical Infectious Diseases

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases demonstrated the pivotal data for T2Candida and T2Dx, detecting Candida species with 91.1% sensitivity and 99.4% specificity in 3-5 hours without blood culture. This technology has the potential to reduce costs, length of stay, and mortality rates associated with Candida infections.

SourcePure Communications Inc.·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 13, 2015

Community-wide CVD prevention programs linked with improved health outcomes

A comprehensive cardiovascular risk reduction program in Franklin County, Maine, demonstrated significant improvements in hypertension control, cholesterol management, and smoking cessation rates. The program resulted in substantial reductions in hospitalization and death rates, as well as $5,450,362 in annual savings in hospital charges.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 13, 2015

Clinical trial shows benefits of animal-assisted therapy in adult cancer patients undergoing complex cancer treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy

A clinical trial found that animal-assisted therapy significantly improved the emotional well-being and quality of life of adult cancer patients. The study, published in Journal of Community and Supportive Oncology, involved 37 patients who received daily visits from certified therapy dogs during their treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Community and Supportive Oncology·DateJan 13, 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.

This week from AGU: Thunderstorms and ozone, urban air pollution

A new study in Geophysical Research Letters finds that large thunderstorms can transport significant amounts of ozone from the stratosphere to the troposphere. Decades of mitigation efforts in megacities like Los Angeles demonstrate improvements in air quality, highlighting the need for continued action against urban air pollution.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 13, 2015

Three new Begonia plant species from Brazil

Scientists have discovered three new species of the Begonia genus, native to Brazil and adding to the existing 1,500 species. The rare species were found in confined territories, making their discovery challenging.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateJan 13, 2015

NASA sees major Tropical Cyclone Bansi north of Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Bansi is a powerful Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 149.6 mph, forecast to intensify into a Category 5 storm before weakening. The cyclone is moving northeast at 4.6 mph and expected to pass north of Mauritius.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 13, 2015

'Gold rush' threatens tropical forests in South America

A recent study found that gold mining has led to significant deforestation in tropical forests of South America, resulting in the loss of around 1680 km2 of forest between 2001 and 2013. The research highlights the growing environmental impact of gold mining in biologically diverse regions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 13, 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.

Grant funds effort to keep South African men in HIV care

A new $1.6-million grant will support a project aimed at improving coordination between health systems and community services to retain more men in HIV care. The research focuses on the specific challenges faced by South African men, including lower testing rates and adherence to treatment.

SourceBrown University·DateJan 13, 2015

100 million Americans live with chronic pain, but treatment research is insufficient

A new report by an independent panel found that evidence-based approaches to treating chronic pain are lacking, with no existing algorithm for determining the best treatment approach. The panel recommends multidisciplinary care incorporating patients' perspectives and emphasizes the need for more research on opioids and other treatments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 13, 2015

Decoding the gravitational evolution of dark matter halos

Researchers at Kavli IPMU revealed that considering environmental effects is crucial for explaining dark matter halo distribution and evolution around galaxies. They confirmed the importance of higher-order nonlocal terms in simulations, allowing for more accurate predictions of dark matter halos' distribution.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJan 13, 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.

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.

Do cytokines have a role in the initiation and progression of breast cancer?

New research review highlights the link between cytokines and breast cancer, exploring topics such as cytokine-mediated blood vessel formation and immune evasion. The study suggests that cytokines may serve as prognostic factors for breast cancer patients.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateJan 13, 2015

Napping helps infants' memory development

A new study from the University of Sheffield found that daytime naps of 30 minutes or more help infants retain and remember new behaviors. Infants who did not nap showed no evidence of remembering the new information and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2015

The Lancet Psychiatry: Reducing fear avoidance beliefs key to improving symptoms and reducing disability in chronic fatigue syndrome

A new study found that reducing fear avoidance beliefs is crucial for improving symptoms and reducing disability in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The analysis of PACE trial data revealed that graded exercise therapy (GET) was more effective than cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in reducing fear avoidance beliefs.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2015

Researchers from MIPT predict properties of surface

Researchers from MIPT use the USPEX method to predict the structure and properties of rutile's surface. This resolves existing discrepancies between empirical and theoretical data, paving the way for understanding chemical reactions on the catalyst.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 13, 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.

Stalking risk increases among college students

A study by Sam Houston State University's Crime Victims' Institute found that college students are at higher risk for stalking than the general public. Only one-quarter of college victims reported stalking incidents to police, compared to 32 percent of the general population.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateJan 13, 2015

No gain if unfair

A study found that humans tend to turn down sure rewards if they derive from an unfair distribution of resources, regardless of whether the individual themselves or others are affected. Brain imaging revealed differing brain circuits in these two conditions.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJan 13, 2015

Good life satisfaction has beneficial effects on bone health

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that women with good life satisfaction had higher bone density and lower rates of osteoporosis compared to those with poor life satisfaction. Life satisfaction was positively associated with bone health, even after controlling for other risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJan 13, 2015

Feeling cold is contagious, scientists find

Research at University of Sussex finds humans are susceptible to 'temperature contagion', experiencing a drop in body temperature when watching someone else shiver. This phenomenon may aid empathy and cooperation in complex communities.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 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.

Long working hours linked to increased risky alcohol use

A new study published in The BMJ found that employees who work more than 48 hours per week are more likely to engage in risky alcohol consumption. The study analyzed data from 333,693 people across 14 countries and found a significant association between long working hours and increased risk of higher alcohol use.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 13, 2015

Development of psychosis: Gray matter loss and the inflamed brain

A new study finds that gray matter loss in the brain is a precursor to psychosis, with increased inflammation accelerating this process. Researchers analyzed brain scans of young adults at clinical high risk for psychosis and healthy controls, revealing a significant correlation between proinflammatory cytokines and gray matter thinning.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2015

BJOG analysis looks at risk factors for direct maternal deaths in the UK

A new study published in BJOG found that medical co-morbidities are a significant factor associated with direct maternal deaths in the UK. The study identified six factors, including previous pregnancy problems and substance misuse, which contribute to increased risk of fatality.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateJan 13, 2015

Sizing up giants under the sea

A research team analyzed body size data for 25 marine species, including whales, sharks, and squids, to correct inaccuracies and understand the challenges of measurement. The study found that some species exhibit significant size variation within a single species.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalPeerJ·DateJan 13, 2015

Detection thresholds drop with low noise quantum cascade laser driver

The QCL LAB family of instruments features low noise drive electronics, allowing for stable center wavelength and narrow linewidth. Models are available with output currents up to 2000 mA, making them suitable for various applications such as remote detection of explosive materials and medical diagnosis.

SourceWavelength Electronics, Inc.·DateJan 13, 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.

Photonic crystal nanolaser biosensor simplifies DNA detection

A team of researchers created a photonic crystal nanolaser biosensor that can detect DNA and biomolecules based on wavelength shift and laser emission intensity changes. This method is simpler and potentially less expensive than existing techniques, making it a promising tool for disease diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 13, 2015

Understanding the personalities of bacteria

Research by Professor Peter Young and his team reveals that bacterial strains are unique, with different genes and capabilities, similar to human individuals having unique genetic makeup. This study sheds light on the importance of understanding bacterial communities and their functioning through metagenomics.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalOpen Biology·DateJan 13, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A breakthrough approach to addressing the causes of biodiversity loss

The IPBES conceptual framework offers a new approach to understanding biodiversity loss by incorporating traditional knowledge and social sciences. The framework is built on six main elements: nature, human benefits, anthropogenic assets, indirect drivers of change, direct drivers of change, and good quality of life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 13, 2015

Link between stress and infertility can be broken

Researchers discovered that knocking down a single gene can prevent stress-induced female infertility and miscarriage in rats. The study found that this genetic silencing restored reproductive success to levels comparable to non-stress controls.

SourceeLife·DateJan 13, 2015

Bisexual women have worse mental health than lesbians in the UK

A new research published in the Journal of Public Health found that bisexual women are more likely to self-harm and experience eating problems compared to lesbians. Bisexual women reported 64% higher rates of eating problems and 37% higher rates of deliberate self-harm than lesbians.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJan 13, 2015

Zinc oxide materials tapped for tiny energy harvesting devices

Researchers at KAIST have developed zinc oxide-based micro energy harvesting devices that can harness mechanical energy to generate electricity. The devices, known as nanogenerators, were found to be more efficient when insulating layers such as aluminum nitride were inserted into the zinc oxide material.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 13, 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.

UCLA researchers develop new tool to predict postoperative liver cancer recurrence after transplant

A novel nomogram was developed by UCLA researchers to accurately calculate the risk of disease recurrence in liver cancer patients after a liver transplant. The tool uses pre-transplant radiologic information, blood biomarkers, and pathological characteristics to predict recurrence rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 13, 2015

Men want commitment when women are scarce

A study among the Makushi people in Guyana reveals that men are more likely to pursue long-term relationships when women are in short supply. The researchers found that when women are abundant, men tend to seek multiple short-term partners, but when they are scarce, men value and attempt to maintain a single partner.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 13, 2015

Crops can do their own weed control

Weed control in conventional farming methods has a negative impact on the environment. Research from the University of Copenhagen reveals that crops like corn, grains, and beans can suppress weed growth when sown in tighter grid patterns. This results in up to 72% reduction in weed biomass and a 45% increase in grain yields.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalWeed Research·DateJan 13, 2015

Study: Eat school lunch after recess

A Brigham Young University study found that switching recess before lunch increases fruit and vegetable consumption in children by 54%. This simple, no-cost trick has the potential to improve long-term health effects and make school meal programs more successful.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJan 13, 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.

Dinosaurs wiped out rapidly in Europe 66 million years ago

A new study reveals that dinosaurs remained diverse in European ecosystems until the end of the Cretaceous period. Fossils from Spain, France, and other countries show that meat-eating and plant-eating species were present and thriving during the final few hundred thousand years before the asteroid impact.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJan 13, 2015

Use of surgical procedure to facilitate child birth declines

A study published in JAMA found that US episiotomy rates decreased significantly between 2006 and 2012, from 17.3% to 11.6%, with notable variations based on insurance coverage and hospital characteristics. The decline was attributed to the restrictive use of episiotomy due to its risks and unclear benefits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 13, 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.

Estimated social cost of climate change not accurate, Stanford scientists say

A new study suggests that the social cost of carbon is not $37 per ton as previously estimated, but $220 per ton. This higher estimate justifies rapid and early mitigation efforts to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius. The research also explores the impact on developing countries, suggesting that delaying emissions redu...

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 13, 2015