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Science News Archive July 2015


Page 6 of 34

McMaster scientists show a link between intestinal bacteria and depression

Researchers found that early life stress can alter gut microbiota, leading to anxiety and depression-like behavior. Transplanting stressed mice with altered bacteria into germ-free mice showed the bacteria's impact on host behavior, highlighting the complex interaction between gut microbiota and its host.

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.

Stress hormone reduces heroin cravings

Researchers found that cortisol administration significantly reduced cravings for heroin in addicts, with a 25% decrease seen on average. The study suggests that cortisol may have inhibitory effects on addiction-related memory and behaviors.

New chemistry makes strong bonds weak

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new chemical reaction that breaks the strongest bond in a molecule instead of the weakest. Using a two-component catalyst system, they selectively activate the strongest bond through proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), allowing access to previously inaccessible compounds.

Sleepy fruitflies get mellow

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that sleep deprivation significantly reduces aggression in fruitflies, impairing their mating success. They also identified a molecular pathway involving octopamine signaling that governs recovery of aggressive behaviors.

Chill-tolerant hybrid sugarcane also grows at lower temperatures, team finds

Researchers have successfully developed chill-tolerant sugarcane hybrids that can grow at lower temperatures, similar to Miscanthus grass. The miscanes outperform sugarcane in cooler conditions, maintaining productivity without losses, offering a promising alternative for sugar and biofuels production in the US.

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.

Findings question measures used to assess hospital quality

A study found that hospitals penalized in the HAC Reduction Program often offered advanced services, were major teaching institutions, and had better performance on other measures. However, hospitals with higher quality scores were penalized more frequently, suggesting measurement issues with the program.

Effects over time of tobacco tax increases in New Zealand

Annual tobacco tax increases in New Zealand are projected to lead to significant health gains and cost savings, particularly among indigenous populations. The study found that Māori populations would experience a 3.7 fold increase in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared to non-Māori populations.

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.

Switching off street lights at night does not increase car crashes and crime

A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that reducing street lighting at night does not lead to an increase in road traffic collisions or crime. Local authorities can safely reduce energy costs and carbon emissions by carefully assessing risks, according to the researchers.

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.

Lobster-Eye imager detects soft X-ray emissions

The NASA-led group has developed a wide-field-of-view imager capable of detecting soft X-ray emissions produced when the solar wind encounters neutral gas, including Earth, Mars, and comets. The imager uses Lobster-Eye optics to focus soft X-rays onto a plane located at half the radius of the sphere.

Controlling phase changes in solids

Researchers have successfully controlled phase changes in GST material using laser light, achieving rapid and reversible changes in electro-optical properties. The results suggest GST may be a good substitute for silicon materials, with potential implications for flexible displays, logic circuits, and universal memory.

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.

Majority rule: Why conformity can actually be a good thing

A study published in Evolution and Human Behavior found that people prefer to follow the pack, with higher IQs being more strategic in their choices. The research suggests that conformity is essential for cultural evolution, as it allows us to copy successful behaviors and avoid mistakes.

Hepatitis B continues to be a global health problem

A global study found that chronic hepatitis B virus infection affects approximately 248 million people worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in some countries. The prevalence of the disease varies significantly between countries, with up to 20% of the population infected in certain regions.

FAU to develop unmanned marine vehicles for bridge inspections

Researchers at FAU will use unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to conduct on-water bridge inspections, reducing costs and improving efficiency. The USV-based system will enable automated inspection of bridge pilings and supports, overcoming challenges such as fast-flowing tidal currents and difficult underwater conditions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

USF researchers find reasons behind increases in urban flooding

USF researchers found that storm surge, high rainfall, and rising sea levels contribute to devastating 'compound flooding' in coastal cities. Their analysis identified key mechanisms, including elevated water levels and moderate storm surges, which exacerbate flooding impacts.

Quantum networks: Back and forth are not equal distances!

Scientists have developed a new type of photonic channel that allows them to control the direction of photon emission, enabling the creation of complex quantum circuits. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for building large-scale quantum computers and could lead to major advancements in chemistry and materials tec...

3-D image of malaria 'conductor' aids search for antimalarial drugs

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have developed a new class of antimalarial drugs by targeting the critical malaria 'conductor' protein plasmepsin V. The discovery could effectively kill two species of malaria parasites, including the deadliest form Plasmodium falciparum, which causes most malaria-related deaths.

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.

Device innovation is driving improvement in stroke treatment outcomes

Two studies released at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery 12th Annual Meeting found that newer devices are reducing treatment times, improving outcomes, and decreasing mortality rates in stroke patients. The studies also showed that older patients can benefit from interventional treatment with age being an exclusion criterion.

Study finds non-genetic cancer mechanism

Researchers discovered that a protein imbalance, specifically between Plcγ1 and Grb2, can lead to cell proliferation and cancer formation. High levels of Grb2 relative to Plcγ1 are associated with a favorable prognosis in ovarian cancer patients.

Why Alfred Hitchcock grabs your attention

Researchers found that during high suspense moments, the brain narrows visual attention to focus on the story, while less suspenseful moments broaden attention to surroundings. The study discovered an ebb and flow of brain activity in the calcarine sulcus, increasing processing of critical information.

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.

Depression and personality disorders drive psych patients to euthanasia

Research found that depression and personality disorders were the most common diagnoses among Belgian psychiatric patients requesting euthanasia. The study, published in BMJ Open, highlights the need for guidelines on 'unbearable suffering' and procedures for mentally ill patients seeking help to die.

$4.8 million NIH study will teach an old drug to maintain its tricks

A $4.8 million NIH study will provide essential information to clinicians on the proper intravenous dosing of polymyxin B in critically ill patients. The study aims to minimize unnecessary toxic side effects and preserve the drug's efficacy against superbug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

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.

Past and present genomes tell the story of Native American biological origins

A study of ancient and modern genomes clarifies the history of Native American migration to the Americas, tracing their ancestry back to a single late Pleistocene event. Genetic analysis reveals two distinct populations: Athabascans and northern Amerindians, diverging from shared ancestors at around 23,000 years ago.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation names winners of Klerman-Freedman Prizes

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has named six young scientists as winners of the Klerman-Freedman Prizes, recognizing their outstanding work in neurobiological and psychosocial research. The prizes were awarded to Alan Anticevic for his study on cognitive function in schizophrenia and Michael M. Halassa for his work on sensory...

New research on the causes of the Viking Age

New research explores Viking Age causes by focusing on spoils beyond portable wealth, highlighting exotic lure and tangible symbols of power. Individuals could build reputations through raiding, gaining social capital and intangible benefits.

Trigger found for defense to rice disease

Biologists at Australian National University discovered a molecule called RaxX that triggers the rice plant's immune response, allowing for containment strategies against bacterial leaf blight. The research may also provide insights into human health, as the chemistry is similar to HIV entering human cells.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

In lab tests, new therapy slows spread of deadly brain tumor cells

Researchers have developed a new therapy that slows the spread of deadly brain tumor cells by disrupting their communication pathway. The treatment improved patient survival by 50% in a mouse model and has potential as an adjunct to traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

A cataclysmic event of a certain age

Researchers have narrowed the date of an anomalous cooling episode known as the Younger Dryas, which occurred around 12,800 years ago, to a 100-year range. The study suggests that a cosmic impact triggered this event.

Scientists study predator-prey behavior between sharks and turtles

A new study examines predator-prey interactions between tiger sharks and sea turtles using satellite tagging data. The research found that while sharks exhibit modified surfacing behavior to enhance predation opportunity, turtles do not alter their behaviors to reduce shark attacks when home ranges overlap.

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.

At what age does hard work add a shine to lousy prizes?

Research finds that kindergartners, but not preschoolers, perceive hard work as increasing the value of unappealing prizes. This suggests that children's cognitive strategies for handling disappointing rewards differ at different ages.

It don't mean a thing if the brain ain't got that swing

A new UC Berkeley study finds that brain rhythms synchronize within the frontal lobe to connect with other brain regions during cognitively challenging tasks. This synchronization enables quick communication between neurons, which is critical in various disorders such as Parkinson's disease and autism.

Small genetic differences could spell life-and-death for gut infections

Researchers used fruit flies to discover that groups of genes working together, rather than single genes, influence gut immunocompetence. They found that variations in these gene clusters can make some flies highly susceptible or resistant to infections, with implications for chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

New study: Consumers don't view GMO labels as negative 'warnings'

A new study by the University of Vermont found that consumers do not perceive GMO labels as warning signs, contradicting proponents of a controversial labeling law. The study revealed that 60% of respondents were opposed to GMO technology in food production and 89% desired labeling, despite the label having no direct impact on opposition.

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.