Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 7


Page 7 of 28

Good bedtime habits equal better sleep for kids

The study found that well-established rules for getting good sleep, such as limited caffeine and a regular bedtime, led to sufficient sleep quantity and adequate sleep quality. Reducing the encroachment of technology into sleep time is crucial to support well-known sleep hygiene principles.

SourcePenn State·JournalSleep Health·DateJan 26, 2015

How ionic: Scaffolding is in charge of calcium carbonate crystals

A team of researchers discovered that negatively charged molecules in biological scaffolds act like an 'ion sponge,' capturing calcium ions to guide crystallization. This new understanding may aid in developing advanced materials for energy and environmental applications.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 26, 2015

Patents provide insight on Wall Street 'technology arms race'

A new study reveals that top firms behind most of the innovation in market infrastructure are a mix of 'new entrant' and 'incumbent' firms. Software companies and smaller brokerage firms have invested heavily in technology to stay competitive.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateJan 26, 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.

Frogs prove ideal models for studying developmental timing

Researchers successfully mutated the thyroid hormone receptor in tadpoles, disrupting hind limb development and providing insight into the importance of hormones in early development. The study also has potential applications in understanding human developmental disorders such as cretinism.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEndocrinology·DateJan 26, 2015

'Kindness curriculum' boosts school success in preschoolers

A new kindergarten curriculum developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been shown to improve preschoolers' academic performance and social skills. The curriculum focuses on promoting kindness, compassion, and self-regulation skills in young children.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJan 26, 2015

Flexible work schedules improve health, sleep

A study found that giving employees more control over their work schedules can improve sleep quantity and quality, reducing the risk of chronic disease and early mortality. Participants experienced an average gain of nearly an hour of sleep per week compared to those without flexible scheduling.

SourcePenn State·JournalSleep Health·DateJan 26, 2015

Ribose-seq identifies and locates ribonucleotides in genomic DNA

Researchers have identified widespread incorporation of ribonucleotides in genomic DNA, with hotspots found in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. The Ribose-seq technique allows for the precise location of ribonucleotides, which can affect genome stability and function.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 26, 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.

Even with copayments for nonurgent care, Medicaid patients still rely on ERs

A study found that Medicaid copayments for nonurgent emergency room visits had little impact on usage rates, with no significant difference in states with and without copayments. The researchers suggest that lack of access to primary care physicians may be a reason why patients continue to seek ER care.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 2015

Researchers identify brain circuit that regulates thirst

A team of scientists has identified a brain circuit in mice that regulates thirst, with two distinct cell types working together to maintain fluid balance. The study found that activating one set of cells triggers drinking behavior, while silencing the other population suppresses thirst.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 26, 2015

CNIO scientists discover a new blood platelet formation mechanism

Researchers at CNIO have discovered a new way to produce platelets artificially, reprogramming megakaryocytes to increase in size. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for thrombocytopenia and cancer by targeting specific proteins involved in cell growth.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 26, 2015

Initial diagnostic test in ED for chest pain did not affect low rate of heart attack

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that low-risk patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain did not experience a significant increase in heart attack risk regardless of the initial diagnostic testing strategy. The researchers analyzed data from over 421,000 ED visits and concluded that ce...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 2015

Brain study sheds light on how children with autism process social play

A recent brain study has confirmed significant differences in play behavior, brain activation patterns, and stress levels between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing children. The research suggests that some children with autism may experience social engagement as stressful or aversive.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJan 26, 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.

Study of former NFL players reveals specifics of concussive brain damage

Research finds accumulated brain damage linked to memory deficits and mood regulation in former NFL players, supporting calls for improved athlete protection from concussion. PET scans show concentrated zones of high translocator protein levels, indicating brain injury and potential long-term neurological risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateJan 26, 2015

Chemists control structure to unlock magnetization and polarization simultaneously

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have successfully controlled a material's structure to generate both magnetisation and electrical polarisation, two contradictory properties. This breakthrough has significant implications for low-energy information technology applications, such as efficient information storage and logic devices.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 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.

Cells take sole responsibility for Merkel cell maintenance

Researchers have identified a specific population of stem cells in the skin that exclusively generate and maintain Merkel cells, crucial for touch sensation. Removing these cells led to a permanent reduction in Merkel cells, highlighting their unique role.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 26, 2015

Phase 1 clinical trial of CUDC-101 'throws kitchen sink' at head and neck cancer

The CUDC-101 clinical trial, conducted at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, demonstrated activity against key drivers of head and neck cancer. In the study, patients with medium- to high-risk head and neck cancer showed significant results after treatment with CUDC-101 combined with radiation and chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 26, 2015

With pollinator declines, millions at risk of malnutrition

A new study finds that pollinator declines could lead to severe nutritional deficiencies in some populations, particularly vitamin A deficiencies. The research examines the connection between crop-pollinating animals and human nutritional health, revealing alarming effects in certain countries.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 26, 2015

Swarm of microprobes to head for Jupiter

A swarm of microprobes with different sensors could be sent to Jupiter, collecting data as they fall and transmitting it before burning up. This mission concept aims to study the planet's atmosphere and shed light on its composition, solar nebula formation, and impact history.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Space Science and Engineering·DateJan 26, 2015

Students master math through movement using Kinect for Windows

A study by UVM's Carmen Petrick Smith found that elementary school students who performed body-based tasks while interacting with a Kinect program showed significant gains in understanding angles and angle measurements. The movement-based lessons were more effective than traditional static representations.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalThe Journal of Mathematical Behavior·DateJan 26, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Scientists identify new mechanism to aid cells under stress

Scientists have discovered a novel mechanism that helps cells respond to oxidative stress, a major cause of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The new mechanism involves a protein modification called ubiquitination, which stabilizes ribosome function and promotes protein synthesis.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 26, 2015

Partly wrong with a chance of being right

A Tel Aviv University study prioritizes reasons for forecast failures across different regions, identifying man-made and natural factors such as land-use changes, topography, particles in the atmosphere, and population density. The researchers found unique factors affecting forecasts in various regions, including Europe, North Africa, ...

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalLand·DateJan 26, 2015

Reducing work-family conflicts in the workplace helps people to sleep better

A new report published in Sleep Health found that reducing work-family conflicts in the workplace can lead to better sleep outcomes. Workers who participated in an intervention aimed at reducing conflict slept an hour more each week and reported greater sleep sufficiency compared to those who did not participate.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalSleep Health·DateJan 26, 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.

Unlocking the kidney riddle in newborns

Researchers discovered that babies born with smaller kidneys are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure as adults. The study found enhanced nerve activity and an inability to respond to nitric oxide promote kidney injury.

SourceMonash University·JournalCirculation·DateJan 26, 2015

Study finds rabies booster defends pets with out-of-date vaccination against the disease

A new study by Kansas State University veterinary diagnosticians found that a rabies booster can protect pets with out-of-date vaccinations from developing the fatal disease. The finding gives pet owners and veterinarians new options when faced with quarantining or euthanizing a pet exposed to the rabies virus.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJan 26, 2015

Collagen: Powerful workout with water

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute discovered that removing water from collagen fibers dramatically increases their tensile forces, generating up to 300 times more force than human muscles. This finding suggests a more active role for collagen in living organisms and opens new possibilities for developing novel materials.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 2015

Brain's on-off thirst switch identified

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified the brain's on-off switch for thirst, revealing two types of neurons that drive and suppress the sensation. The study uses optogenetics to activate specific neuron populations in the subfornical organ, leading to increased drinking behavior in mice.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJan 26, 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.

Chromium-centered cycloparaphenylene rings for making functionalized nanocarbons

A team of chemists at Nagoya University has synthesized novel transition metal-complexed cycloparaphenylenes that enable selective monofunctionalization of CPPs. The discovery opens doors to the construction of unprecedented nanocarbons, including carbon nanotubes with new properties.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 26, 2015

New Canadian guideline to help prevent and manage adult obesity

A new Canadian guideline recommends measuring body mass index at primary health care visits to prevent and manage obesity. Structured behavioral interventions, including counseling, education, and environmental modifications, can help individuals lose weight, particularly those at high risk of diabetes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 26, 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.

Nocturnal leg cramps more common in summer

Researchers found that prescriptions for quinine and Google searches for leg cramps peak during the summer months. This seasonality could lead to a 'quinine holiday' during colder months for patients taking the medication.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 26, 2015

New strategy to combat 'undruggable' cancer molecule

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that Ras protein misregulation is linked to cell shape. By targeting changes in membrane curvature, they hope to develop new ways to diagnose and treat cancers.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 26, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ads effective even in the midst of multitasking, studies find

A study by University of Illinois researcher Brittany Duff found that people's processing styles and moods can impact their ability to recognize ads while multitasking. Analytic processors tend to focus on specific items, while holistic processors take in everything at once.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Advertising·DateJan 26, 2015

Study reveals how a cancer-causing virus blocks human immune response

Researchers discovered that EBV microRNAs block a key component of the human immune system called interferon response. This finding explains why some cancer therapies fail in certain cases and may lead to new treatments for viral cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2015

Learning from scorpions to control impulses

A study isolated the domain IV paddle of scorpion venom and found it remained sensitive to scorpion venom even when bound to a chip. This breakthrough could lead to faster identification of drugs that target this region, modifying sodium channel activity in beneficial ways.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJan 26, 2015

Higher dementia risk linked to more use of common drugs

A large study links taking commonly used medications with anticholinergic effects to a significantly increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. People taking certain medications at high doses or for longer periods are estimated to be at greater risk for developing dementia.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 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.

Daily drinking increases risk of alcoholic cirrhosis

Researchers investigated 56,000 participants and found daily drinking significantly increases the risk of alcoholic cirrhosis. Recent alcohol consumption, not lifetime consumption, is the strongest predictor of this condition.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJan 26, 2015

Satellite witnesses developing US nor'easter

A strong nor'easter is developing in the Atlantic Ocean and will bring snowfall of 1-3 feet or more to parts of the Northeast. The storm system was captured in a NASA movie of NOAA's GOES-East satellite imagery, showing its progression from January 24 through 26.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 26, 2015

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Jan. 27, 2015

The American College of Physicians marks its centennial year with a focus on the role of internal medicine in healthcare systems, professional satisfaction, and cost control. The journal also explores the challenges of sharing clinical trial data, highlighting the need for a consistent approach to balance benefits and risks.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 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.

Electronic circuits with reconfigurable pathways closer to reality

Researchers at EPFL have developed a way to control the formation of conductive pathways in ferroelectric materials, allowing for the creation of adaptable electronic circuits. This technology has the potential to miniaturize devices and enable resilient circuits that can function even with damaged components.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 26, 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.

New model better predicts breast cancer risk in African American women

Researchers developed a breast cancer risk prediction model specifically for African-American women, using data from 55,000 women. The new model predicts higher risk and is expected to increase the number of African-American women invited to participate in prevention trials.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 26, 2015

Introgression in the pig genome leads to their altitude adaptation

Researchers identified a set of gene loci responsible for thermostatic regulation in Chinese pigs, highlighting the importance of introgression in adaptation. The study found that adaptations to cold and hot environments were triggered by interspecies introgression, providing insights into evolutionary history and adaptation mechanisms.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 26, 2015

NOAA's DSCOVR going to a 'far out' orbit

DSCOVR will observe the sun, tracking Coronal Mass Ejections that can affect power grids and communications systems. The satellite will also study the Earth from its unique L1 orbit, providing multi-spectral images and radiation measurements.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·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.