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Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 6


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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

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.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalBlood·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 27, 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.

MRIs link impaired brain activity to inability to regulate emotions in autism

Researchers used fMRI to show that autistic individuals have significantly different brain activity related to emotion regulation compared to non-autistic individuals. The study suggests that improving prefrontal cortex activity could help autistic people regulate their emotions and reduce severe symptoms.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateJan 27, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2015

Novel radioguided brain surgery technique could help pinpoint cancerous tissue

A novel radioguided surgery technique using Y-90 DOTATOC can effectively identify residual cancer cells during brain tumor surgery, reducing healthy tissue removal. The study's findings suggest the potential for improved resection margins and enhanced patient outcomes.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 27, 2015

This week from AGU: Iceberg sounds, underground water reserves, volcanoes on Mars

Scientists have discovered distinctive sounds associated with iceberg births, which can help detect different types of glacial loss. Underground water reserves in Hawaii's high country could be a source of geothermal energy. Researchers on Mars have found 'knobby terrain' that suggests explosive past volcanic eruptions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

SourceAalto University·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSocial Development·DateJan 27, 2015

Study shows salivary biomarkers predict oral feeding readiness in preterm newborns

A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics identified salivary biomarkers that can accurately predict oral feeding readiness in preterm newborns. The researchers found that a combination of gene amplification techniques and advanced computational analysis tools can identify specific genes associated with oral feeding success.

SourceTufts Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 27, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

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.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAddiction Biology·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJAMA·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalAmerican Behavioral Scientist·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 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.

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...

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJan 27, 2015

'Bulletproof' battery: Kevlar membrane for safer, thinner lithium rechargeables

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new battery technology using a Kevlar membrane to prevent lithium-ion fires and enhance safety. The membrane, made with nanofibers extracted from Kevlar, stifles the growth of metal tendrils that can become unwanted pathways for electrical current.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 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.

Researchers pinpoint 2 genes that trigger severest form of ovarian cancer

A team of UNC genetics researchers discovered how two genes interact to trigger cancer and spur its development. The research found that ARID1A and PIK3CA mutations led to the overproduction of Interleukin-6, a cytokine crucial for cell signaling that triggers inflammation.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2015

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.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalHearing Research·DateJan 26, 2015

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.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 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.

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.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 26, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJan 26, 2015

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateJan 26, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 26, 2015

3-D enzyme model provides new tool for anti-inflammatory drug development

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes play a role in inflammatory diseases. Researchers created 3D models that show how PLA2 enzymes extract substrates from cell membranes, triggering inflammation. These models could help design and develop specific PLA2 inhibitor drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 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.

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.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 26, 2015

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.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 26, 2015

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 26, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 26, 2015