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Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 25


Page 25 of 28

Why some geckos lose their ability to stick to surfaces

A UC Riverside study found that geckos without an adhesive system evolved faster in terms of morphology and locomotion. This suggests that losing adaptations can be beneficial for the species, allowing it to occupy a new niche.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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 finds partisanship most fierce among highly educated Americans

A new study by University of Kansas professors found that partisanship among the most educated Americans can lead to a divergence in fact understanding. Well-educated respondents disagreed more along partisan lines than less-educated respondents on highly politicized issues, suggesting education alone may not be enough to create consen...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPolitics &amp Policy·DateJan 7, 2015

Social equity in urban transportation planning

A recent study published in Transport Policy found that many North American cities prioritize environmental and congestion-reduction goals over social-equity objectives. Researchers analyzed 18 metropolitan areas and identified clear indicators for promoting social equity, such as changes in accessibility to desired destinations and di...

SourceMcGill University·JournalTransport Policy·DateJan 7, 2015

Satellite shows the snow-covered US deep freeze

A NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center satellite image on January 7, 2015, revealed a blanket of northern snow and lake-effect snow from the Great Lakes. The cold front brought Arctic air as far south as Florida and stretched back over the Gulf of Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 7, 2015

The best offense against bacteria is a good defense

Research shows that defensins can disable bacterial toxins by binding to specific locations on these proteins, triggering misfolding. This discovery offers a promising model for developing drugs that could mimic the activity of defensins and reduce pathogens' infectious power.

SourceOhio State University·JournalImmunity·DateJan 7, 2015

Genome wide expression changes in vascular tissue identified due to infection/diet

Researchers have identified distinct gene pathways altered by infection and diet in vascular tissue, suggesting future therapies may need to be tailored. This discovery sheds light on the complex development of atherosclerosis and its association with infections like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Chlamydia pneumoniae.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJan 7, 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.

Breathing in diesel exhaust leads to changes 'deep under the hood'

Researchers found that exposure to diesel exhaust for just two hours can alter DNA methylation, changing the expression of approximately 400 genes. This epigenetic shift can have long-term effects on health, even without noticeable symptoms.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·DateJan 7, 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.

Nate Silver to receive 2015 JPBM Communications Award

Nate Silver will receive the 2015 JPBM Communications Award for his innovative use of statistics and probability to make accurate predictions in various fields, including politics and baseball. The award recognizes his ability to communicate complex mathematical concepts to a broad audience.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateJan 7, 2015

Could gut bacteria that help us digest beer & bread fight disease, too?

A study published in Nature suggests that gut bacteria can utilize yeast carbohydrates, potentially supporting the development of new treatments for yeast infections and autoimmune diseases. The research identified a specific bacterium, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, with the ability to degrade complex carbohydrates in yeast cell walls.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2015
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.

Having a hard time focusing?

A research team at McGill University has identified a complex of neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex that interact to filter visual information while ignoring distractions. The discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding diseases such as autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateJan 7, 2015

Shedding light on why blue LEDS are so tricky to make

Scientists at UCL have discovered the root of the problem in making blue LEDs by examining gallium nitride's unusual behavior using sophisticated computer simulations. The study reveals that doping with magnesium is necessary to achieve the desired properties, but the complexity of the process was previously unknown.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 7, 2015

Music cuts across cultures

Researchers discovered that despite cultural differences, listeners from various groups responded similarly to the excitement and calmness of music. The study used emoticons and physiological measurements to compare reactions to Western and Pygmy music.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 7, 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.

Responsive material could be the 'golden ticket' of sensing

Researchers developed a new self-assembled material that can amplify small variations in temperature and concentration of biomolecules, making it suitable for biosensors and drug delivery systems. The material's unique response to changes in temperature and concentration could lead to significant advancements in sensing technology.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 7, 2015

New approach may lead to inhalable vaccines for influenza, pneumonia

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill created inhalable vaccines targeting lung diseases by modifying particle surface charge, inducing local and systemic immune responses. This novel approach may lead to improved vaccine accessibility in low-resource areas without refrigeration requirements.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2015

Microfluidics to accelerate cell membrane research

A microfluidic system enables serial formation of cell membranes and measurement of processes taking place on them. The system allows for the creation of stable and functional membranes, opening the road to high-throughput studies of cell membrane mechanisms.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJan 7, 2015

Grain market mystery solved

Researchers found a storage rate discrepancy that caused the cash and futures prices to diverge. The storage rate was set too low, resulting in a $2 difference between the two prices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJan 6, 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.

Drug stimulates brown fat and boosts metabolism

A FDA-approved drug may help combat obesity by stimulating brown fat's metabolic activity, increasing resting metabolic rate, and promoting weight loss in rodents. Researchers discovered that mirabegron activates the beta-3 adrenergic receptor, a promising target for obesity treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 6, 2015

Fractional quantum Hall effect: Experimental progress and quantum computing applications

Recent research on the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) has made significant progress, including the observation of the 5/2 filling state in graphene. This state is an even denominator state that requires new theoretical concepts to understand its many-body physics. FQHE applications in quantum computing are also being explored.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 6, 2015

Researchers map direct gut-brain connection

A new system between the gut and nervous system may be more direct than hormone release in signaling fullness. The connection also suggests a potential pathway for foodborne viruses to infect the brain.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 6, 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.

Researchers identify new genetic and epigenetic contributors to diabetes

Researchers have discovered new genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to diabetes, suggesting a shared pathway between genes and environment. The study found similar epigenetic changes in fat cells of obese mice and humans, highlighting the consilience of genetics and environment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 6, 2015

New year's res-illusions

Shoppers spend 15% more on food during the holiday season and only 25% of that extra food is healthy. After the New Year, shoppers continue to purchase less-healthy items while making healthier purchases.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 6, 2015
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.

Drought led to massive 'dead zone' in Lake Erie

A massive dead zone in Lake Erie was linked to the 2012 drought, according to a new study. Researchers found that agricultural practices and meteorological conditions explain year-to-year variability in the size of the dead zone.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 6, 2015

Potential option for treating chronic kidney disease

A new clinical study found that tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) supplementation can dial back excessive sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to positive effects on arterial stiffness. BH4 is a cofactor for nitric oxide synthesis and has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateJan 6, 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.

Positive personality traits may protect police at high risk for PTSD

A new study found that resilience, satisfaction with life, and a grateful disposition may protect police officers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research, conducted in the New Orleans area during and after Hurricane Katrina, suggested that these protective qualities can mitigate PTSD symptoms even years later.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalStress and Health·DateJan 6, 2015

Study finds certification may impact surgical patients

A recent study published in AORN Journal found that specialty nursing certification contributes to improved surgical patient outcomes in hospitals. The research showed higher rates of certified ambulatory perianesthesia nurse (CAPA) and certified nurse operating room (CNOR) certifications were associated with lower rates of central-lin...

SourceSeaCrest Company·DateJan 6, 2015

Study suggests that dopamine is a safe anti-angiogenic drug in cancer treatment

A new study suggests that dopamine can prevent the growth of blood vessels in tumors without causing serious side effects, unlike existing anti-angiogenic drugs. Dopamine also prevents low neutrophil counts induced by chemotherapy, making it a potential alternative for gastrointestinal cancer treatment.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJan 6, 2015

Pneumonia risk far higher for HIV-positive children, study shows

A global study found that HIV-positive children in developing countries are six times more likely to die from pneumonia than their non-HIV positive peers. The research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, highlights the need for improved early testing for HIV in infants, antiretroviral therapy and vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 6, 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.

New whole blood assay may help overcome roadblocks to TB eradication

A new multiple-target, real-time reverse transcription-PCR (real-time RT-PCR) TaqMan assay can differentiate between patients with latent TB and those with active disease. The assay targets eight human immune markers and has a sensitivity of up to 100% for active disease.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateJan 6, 2015

Poor vitamin D status linked to longer respiratory support in ICU patients, study finds

A new cohort study found that low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are inversely associated with the need for mechanical ventilation in critically ill surgical patients. The study suggests that optimized vitamin D status may reduce respiratory muscle weakness and systemic inflammation, leading to shorter respiratory support times.

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateJan 6, 2015

New technology enables ultra-fast steering and shaping of light beams

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new acousto-optic device that can shape and steer light beams at speeds never before achieved. The device, which consists of 64 tiny piezo-electric elements, can create complex sound fields that deflect and sculpt light passing through it.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 6, 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.

Has car manufacturer taken the corner too fast with the boxfish design?

Researchers at the University of Groningen have resolved the 'boxfish swimming paradox' by showing that the fish's triangular shape and body design actually promote manoeuvrability. The study, published in the online journal Interface, challenges a previous American research group's claims about the magical properties of boxfish ridges.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalInterface·DateJan 6, 2015

An unexpected way to recover from a breakup

A new study suggests that repeatedly reflecting on a breakup can speed emotional recovery. Researchers found that participants who completed a more intensive set of tasks and measures had better overall recovery from their breakups. Reflecting on the relationship helped participants build a stronger sense of themselves as single people.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 6, 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.

Landmark trial: Early blood glucose control extends life in people with type 1 diabetes

A recent report led by a University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health investigator found that people with type 1 diabetes who intensively control their blood glucose soon after diagnosis are likely to live longer. The study showed a 33 percent reduction in deaths over the past several decades among participants.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateJan 6, 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.

Researchers uncover key cancer-promoting gene

A recent study by researchers at Michigan Medicine has uncovered a key gene involved in regulating TGF-beta receptor, explaining the paradox of cancer-promoting proteins. The identified gene, Bub1, was shown to bind to the TGF-beta receptor and promote aggressive cell growth.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 6, 2015

New treatment offers hope for headshaking in horses

A new study by University of Bristol researchers found that percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) therapy reduces signs of headshaking in horses. The treatment, also used to manage neuropathic pain in people, showed promising medium-term remission results for five out of seven affected horses.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateJan 6, 2015

Children's vulnerability reflected in genes

Researchers found that a specific gene variant is associated with children's vulnerability to negative environments, but also responded positively to an intensive intervention program called Fast Track. The study suggests that personalized treatments may be possible for society's most troubled children.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateJan 6, 2015

Gemini Planet Imager produces stunning observations in its first year

The Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) has produced high-quality exoplanet images and spectra from its first year of science operations. The instrument's advanced imaging capabilities have revealed significant differences in the colors of two planets in the HR 8799 system, suggesting unique atmospheric compositions.

SourceGemini Observatory·DateJan 6, 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.

Study quantifies the effect of depressive thoughts on memory

Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth found individuals with depressed mood experience 12% memory deficit when exposed to depressive thoughts. The study suggests therapeutic approaches teaching cognitive inhibition may be effective in treating depression-related cognitive deficits.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalCognition & Emotion·DateJan 6, 2015