Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 13


Page 13 of 34

Economic slump, not natural gas boom, responsible for drop in CO2 emissions

A study by the University of California Irvine found that economic downturns, rather than increased natural gas use, were responsible for a 11% decrease in climate-changing carbon dioxide emissions in the US. This shift was driven by changes in consumer demand and industrial output.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2015

Satellites peer into rock 50 miles beneath Tibetan Plateau

Researchers have taken a closer look at the geology deep beneath the Tibetan Plateau using gravity data captured by satellite. The analysis offers some of the clearest views ever obtained of rock moving up to 50 miles below the plateau, revealing a complex interplay of wavy patterns at the boundary between the crust and mantle.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 21, 2015

Low-nicotine cigarettes fail to sway smokers

A two-year study by UCSF researchers found that smokers who switched to low-nicotine cigarettes were unable to quit smoking in the long term. Despite initial drops in nicotine levels, participants' smoking habits rebounded when they returned to regular cigarettes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAddiction·DateJul 21, 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.

Scientists track monster waves below the ocean surface

Researchers have tracked the movement of internal waves in the South China Sea, revealing that they are generated daily from internal tides. These massive underwater waves can reach heights of over 170 meters and travel hundreds of kilometers, playing a crucial role in global climate regulation and marine ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2015

Blood vessels can actually get better with age

Researchers found that aging actually offers significant protection against oxidative stress, as the endothelium adapts to regulate ROS and minimize cell death. This adaptation helps ensure arteries of older individuals can still function properly.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJul 21, 2015

Drawing a line between quantum and classical world

Researchers at University of Rochester find that a classical beam of light can fail Bell's Inequality test if entangled, suggesting that the boundary between quantum and classical worlds is not as clear-cut as thought. The study reveals that some features of the real world require entanglement, a key ingredient of quantum physics.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·DateJul 21, 2015

New drug assessment program to offer value-based price benchmark

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has launched a new program to provide independent analysis on pricing linked to patient benefit for new FDA-approved drugs. The program will produce public reports near the time of FDA approval, providing a transparent basis for price negotiations and coverage decisions.

SourceBurness·DateJul 21, 2015
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Virus-like particle vaccine protects mice from many flu strains

A new virus-like particle vaccine has been developed to protect against a wide variety of influenza viruses. The vaccine was shown to provide significant protection against many different flu strains, including avian H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, which have caused many human cases and deaths in recent years.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateJul 21, 2015

The ends count starting at birth

Researchers at the International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA) found that newborn brains process language using cognitive mechanisms similar to those of adults. They demonstrated that babies are sensitive to the edges of words and can differentiate between sequences with or without edge changes.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJul 21, 2015

Genome analysis pins down arrival and spread of first Americans

A new genomic analysis pinpoints the arrival of the first Americans to Siberia around 23,000 years ago, with subsequent migrations leading to distinct populations in North and South America. The study also reveals genetic admixture from East Asians and Australo-Melanesians, suggesting limited isolation from the Old World.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2015

Detecting disease in beef cattle using ear tag units

Researchers from the University of Calgary developed an ear tag-attached accelerometer unit to monitor rumination and feeding behavior in beef cattle. The technology was able to identify feeding activity correctly 95% of the time, but only identified rumination activity correctly 49% of the time.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 21, 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.

Yeast byproduct inhibits white-nose syndrome fungus in lab experiments

Researchers discovered that a yeast byproduct can inhibit the white-nose syndrome fungus, which has killed millions of bats. The compound, tt-farnesol, is produced by Candida albicans and targets the fungus specifically without disrupting other cave ecosystem components.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMycopathologia·DateJul 21, 2015

Fatherhood makes men fat

A study by Northwestern University found that new fathers experience significant weight gain, averaging 3.5 to 4.5 pounds, which can lead to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Pediatricians are in a unique position to counsel dads on maintaining their health due to the lack of personal physicians among new fathers.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJul 21, 2015

Universal flu vaccine in the works

Researchers create a virus-like particle vaccine cocktail that expresses different subtypes of the hemagglutinin protein, providing cross-protective immunity against multiple subtypes. The study shows that 95% of mice vaccinated with the investigational cocktail were protected against eight different influenza strains.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJul 21, 2015

In pursuit of precision medicine for PTSD

Researchers used brain scans to identify a predictor of response to treatment with SSRIs, the first-line drug treatment for PTSD. The study found that patients who showed less activation in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex prior to treatment were more likely to improve with SSRI therapy.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New drug combination treats hepatitis C patients also infected with HIV

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have developed a novel treatment regimen that effectively treats hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV), with a 97% success rate

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 21, 2015

The population history of Native Americans

A genome-scale study reveals that all present-day Native Americans descended from a single migration wave into the Americas, arriving no earlier than 23,000 years ago. The ancestral population diversified into two basal branches around 13,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2015

New treatment for severe depression with far fewer side effects

A new study suggests that ultra-brief pulse stimulation is almost as effective as standard ECT in treating severe depression, but with significantly fewer cognitive side effects. The treatment has the potential to benefit up to 10,000 Australians who have not responded to first-line treatments.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJul 21, 2015

PolyU establishes Hong Kong's first breast milk nutrient database

The research team at PolyU has established Hong Kong's first breast milk nutrient database, revealing that the DHA level in over 80% of breast milk meets the recommended intake for infants. The study suggests that breastfeeding mothers consume adequate amounts of omega-3 rich fish and other nutrients to support infant growth.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·DateJul 21, 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.

An easy, scalable and direct method for synthesizing graphene in silicon microelectronics

Researchers from Korea University have developed an easy and microelectronics-compatible method to grow graphene, allowing for the synthesis of high-quality, multi-layer graphene on silicon substrates. The technique involves ion implantation and activation annealing, enabling controllable and scalable production of large-area graphene.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 21, 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.

Acupuncture impacts same biologic pathways in rats that pain drugs target in humans

A study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers found that acupuncture blunts activity in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, reducing production of stress hormones. This mechanism is similar to that of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, which exert their therapeutic effects on these same pathways.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalEndocrinology·DateJul 21, 2015

Transgender youth have typical hormone levels

A study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that transgender youth have sex hormone levels consistent with their assigned gender at birth. The research also highlighted the mental health impacts of living with a gender atypical experience, including depression and suicidal ideation.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 21, 2015

Fertile corals discovered in deeper waters off US Virgin Islands

A new study found that mountainous star corals at depths of nearly 140 feet can produce one trillion more eggs per square kilometer than shallow-water counterparts. This discovery has significant implications for the future of coral reefs worldwide, as it suggests that deeper waters may offer reproductive refuge to threatened species.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 21, 2015

Making Europe sweat

A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that latent heat release in ascending air masses plays a crucial role in the formation and perpetuation of stable high-pressure systems, also known as 'blocking', which can lead to extreme weather conditions. The research team analyzed massive amounts of climate data from around the wo...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 21, 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.

Selfishness lasts a lifetime, according to mongoose study

Researchers discovered that mongoose cooperativeness lasts a lifetime, with consistent individuals helping offspring care and those with selfish personalities not increasing their workload. The study found varying personality types among mongooses, which remain unknown.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJul 21, 2015

Exploring evolution via electric fish hybrid zone

Michigan State University researchers are studying how electric fish signals evolve in a natural hybrid zone along Gabon's Louetsi River. The discovery could help identify genes underlying complex and simple electric signals.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJul 21, 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.

Is Facebook use always associated with poorer body image and risky dieting?

A study of college-aged women found that those with stronger emotional connections to Facebook are less likely to struggle with risky dieting behaviors. However, if they compare their bodies to friends' online pictures, it's the opposite: more concern about body size and shape, and more risk of dieting behaviors.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 20, 2015

Fossil fuel emissions will complicate radiocarbon dating, warns scientist

The increasing levels of fossil fuel emissions could dilute radioactive carbon-14 in the atmosphere, artificially raising its age. This could impact various applications of radiocarbon dating, including archaeology, art authentication, and neurological research, potentially affecting results by the 2020s.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2015

Ocean acidification may cause dramatic changes to phytoplankton

Phytoplankton, the base of marine food chains, may experience significant changes due to ocean acidification, with some species dying out while others thrive. The study found that increased acidity could lead to altered competition among species, affecting entire ecosystems and potentially impacting predators like polar bears.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 20, 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.

New Pap smear schedule led to fewer chlamydia tests, new U-M study suggests

A new study suggests that a change in the recommended Pap smear schedule for young women under 25 may have dramatically lowered the chances of getting tested for chlamydia. With the addition of a reminder system, clinic visits led to increased chlamydia screenings among this age group.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 20, 2015

Study: The Angelina Jolie Effect on breast cancer screening

A study by North Carolina State University found that Angelina Jolie's announcement about her BRCA1 gene testing led to increased intentions among women to get tested for the same gene. Women who identified with Jolie or felt a parasocial relationship with her were more likely to consider genetic testing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJul 20, 2015

Mom's weight during first pregnancy may impact second child

Saint Louis University research finds that a woman's weight during her first pregnancy can affect complications in her second baby. Women who were underweight or obese during their first pregnancy had increased risks of early birth, low birth weight, and other complications.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 20, 2015

Scientists reveal 'woodquakes'

Researchers applied established methods to study wood, finding a universal pattern of response similar to avalanches. The discovery could help predict failure and prevent damage in industries like furniture and construction.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 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.

Keep fears at bay by learning something new

Researchers find that presenting a new outcome instead of omitting an expected threat can lead to more effective fear extinction in both rats and humans. The study's findings have implications for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and phobias.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 20, 2015

IBD genetically similar in Europeans and non-Europeans

A large-scale genetic study has discovered that the regions of the genome underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are consistent across diverse populations. The study included nearly 10,000 DNA samples from East Asian, Indian or Iranian descent and an existing set of 86,640 samples drawn from Europe, North America and Oceania.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 20, 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.

Why offspring cope better with climate change -- it's all in the genes!

A recent study has identified 53 key genes involved in fish's ability to adapt to warmer temperatures over multiple generations. The research found that metabolic and immune genes play a crucial role in enabling fish to cope with higher temperatures, improving their chances of survival in a changing climate.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 20, 2015

Global study of seed consumption uncovers wider risk to plant species

A global study found that large animals consume a broader range of seed sizes than previously thought, posing a risk to smaller plant species. The research, led by UNSW Australia scientists, analyzed over 13,000 animal-seed interactions and showed that even small seeds are vulnerable if large animals disappear.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJul 20, 2015

Mouse model tests health risks of circadian disturbances

A new mouse model has provided early causal evidence that weekly alternating light-dark cycles may hasten certain health risks, including breast cancer development and weight gain. The study found that mice with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer developed tumors 8 weeks earlier when exposed to the alternative light-dark cycles.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 20, 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.

Antibiotic exposure could increase the risk of juvenile arthritis

A study found that antibiotic exposure is associated with a higher risk of developing juvenile arthritis in children, particularly those with upper respiratory tract infections. Researchers suggest that antibiotics may be a marker for abnormal immunity rather than a direct cause of the disease.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 20, 2015

Inflammatory link discovered between arthritis and heart valve disease

A study has identified a potential link between inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis and the development of heart valve disease, including aneurysms. The research team hopes that existing medicines that dampen inflammation could be repurposed to treat heart valve diseases.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2015

The New York Times can predict your future weight

A new study by Cornell's Food & Brand Lab analyzed 50 years of New York Times food stories to predict a country's obesity level in three years. The study found that countries with more mentions of sweet snacks tend to be fatter, while those with more vegetable and fruit mentions are skinnier.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 20, 2015
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Finding the origins of life in a drying puddle

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology find that mixing amino and hydroxy acids with wet-dry cycles can create polypeptides, key components of life. The process, which could have occurred in a drying puddle, supports the theory that life began on dry land.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 20, 2015

HPTN 052 demonstrates sustained benefit of early antiretroviral therapy

The HPTN 052 study demonstrates that early antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples, with a sustained 93% reduction when the HIV-infected partner is on treatment and viral load suppressed. The trial also found that timely ART initiation can lead to improved health outcomes.

SourceFHI360·DateJul 20, 2015