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Science News Archive June 2015


Page 24 of 36

Social media should play greater role in disaster communication

Researchers found that social media can be a powerful tool for emergency preparedness and response, with Twitter playing a key role in spreading news. Social media use during disasters can help connect people with others who have experienced similar situations, providing emotional support and a sense of community.

Obese patients at high risk of post-surgery complications

A recent UAlberta study reveals nearly half of severely obese patients require ICU admission and one in five do not survive after emergency surgery. The researchers attribute these findings to underlying health conditions, malnutrition, and impaired healing due to obesity.

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.

Partial sleep deprivation linked to biological aging in older adults

A new study suggests that one night of partial sleep deprivation promotes biological aging in older adults by activating gene expression patterns consistent with increasing damage accumulation. The findings support the hypothesis that sleep deprivation may be associated with elevated disease risk by promoting molecular processes involv...

When trees aren't 'green'

A recent study in Japan reveals that overcrowded, older tree plantations are a significant source of non-point nitrogen pollution. The findings highlight the need for better forest management practices to restore their ability to clean water rather than pollute it.

Chimpanzee flexibly use facial expressions and vocalizations

A study found that chimpanzees produce the same facial expressions when laugh sounds are present or absent, suggesting flexibility in their expression. The study also showed that facial expressions and vocalizations are used differently during social play.

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.

2015 World Cultural Council Awards

Dr. Ewine van Dishoeck is awarded the Albert Einstein World Award of Science for her groundbreaking research on interstellar molecules, while Dr. Milton Masciadri receives the Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts for his exceptional contributions to music and education.

Genetically modified fish on the loose?

Researchers warn that genetically modified salmonids may outcompete wild-type fish due to enhanced feeding motivation. However, increased aggression could expose them to greater predation risk, reducing their overall fitness.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pedophiles more likely to have physical irregularities

Research suggests pedophiles are more likely to have minor physical anomalies in the face and head, developing during the prenatal period. The study found a higher prevalence of these deviations among left-handed men, who may be more susceptible to disruptive events during fetal development.

Americans may be wasting more food than they think

A new nationally representative survey found that nearly three-quarters of Americans believe they waste less food than the national average, despite 31-40% of the American food supply being wasted. The top foods wasted are fruits and vegetables, with food waste costing Americans $161.6 billion annually.

When modern Eurasia was born

The study confirms massive migrations led to huge changes in the European gene-pool, conferring admixture on modern populations. Genetic analysis reveals a new perception of family, property, and personhood emerged during this period, influencing language families and later developments in the Bronze Age.

A buffet of emerging biotech at 2015 BIO Innovation Zone

The 2015 BIO International Convention in Philadelphia featured the Innovation Zone, a 5,000-square-foot exhibit space dedicated to companies with cutting-edge biomedical technologies supported by NSF's Directorate for Engineering. The zone showcased over 75 companies, including those funded by the NSF Small Business Innovation Research...

University of Windsor sexual assault study reaches NEJM

A new University of Windsor-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a sexual assault resistance education program significantly reduced the likelihood of completed rape among first-year university women. The EAAA program, which consists of four three-hour sessions, helped women assess risk, overcome emotio...

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.

Weekend screen time linked to poorer bone health in teen boys

Research published in BMJ Open found that weekend screen time is associated with lower bone mineral density in teen boys, while teenage girls with different body fat distribution may be protected from the negative effects of screen time on their bones. The study suggests that persisting associations between sedentary activities and bon...

Nanoparticles target and kill cancer stem cells that drive tumor growth

Researchers have designed nanoparticles that specifically target cancer stem cells, which are tough to kill with conventional drugs. The treatment successfully killed CSCs and destroyed tumors in mice tests, with no obvious side effects. This therapy may help overcome the defenses of these hardy cells.

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.

Boreal peatlands not a global warming time bomb

A new study challenges the notion that boreal peatlands are a potential source of carbon emissions from global warming. The researchers found that oxygen exposure time, rather than temperature increases, plays a more significant role in determining peat decomposition.

MIT team creates ultracold molecules

Researchers successfully cooled sodium potassium molecules to a temperature just above absolute zero, creating exotic states of matter with strong dipole moments. The ultracold molecules exhibited long lifetimes and resisted reactive collisions, paving the way for new discoveries in quantum mechanics.

Carotenoid levels in breast milk vary by country, diet

A study found that carotenoid levels in breast milk differ significantly by country, with Chinese women's milk having the highest levels of lutein and fatty acids. The US lagged behind China and Mexico due to lower fruit and vegetable consumption.

Coral colonies more genetically diverse than assumed

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that coral colonies have higher genetic diversity than assumed, with 24-47% of polyps being genetically different. This increased diversity may help corals adapt to environmental changes, but is it sufficient to compensate for the devastating effects of climate change?

Slip sliding away: Graphene and diamonds prove a slippery combination

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have found a way to create a material combination that demonstrates superlubricity, a highly-desirable property in which friction drops to near zero. The team used graphene and diamond nanoparticles to create a nanoscale phenomenon, but found that humidity inhibited the effect.

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.

Breast milk shared to help babies via online and offline communities

A study from the University of Central Florida found that breast milk sharing is a thriving practice, with many women exchanging milk through online communities. The majority of participants were college-educated and had household incomes above $70,000, using cross-nursing as an alternative to container-based exchanges.

Return trips feel shorter in hindsight

A study published in PLOS ONE found that participants estimated the length of a round-trip walk as shorter than the outward trip, even when the times were equal. This phenomenon, known as the return trip effect, may be related to our perception of time and awareness of the destination.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

First-ever observation of the native capside of a retrovirus

Uruguayan researchers have observed the three-dimensional structure of the capsid of Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) with high resolution, revealing its flexibility and key regions. This breakthrough can lead to new antiviral medicines for diseases caused by retroviruses.

Tackling chronic sinusitis by addressing underlying factors

Researchers have developed a method to increase nitric oxide production in nasal passages, which is linked to chronic sinusitis. The approach involves boosting NO levels using low-molecular-weight peptides that were created from an already-approved drug compound.

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.

Robot eyes will benefit from insect vision

Researchers apply insect vision principles to develop an 'active vision' system, which locks onto the background and lets the target move against it. This bio-inspired algorithm performs robustly, running up to 20 times faster than state-of-the-art engineering algorithms.

'Chromosome shattering' seen in plants, cancer

Researchers at UC Davis discover that chromosome shattering, a process previously only seen in animal cells, occurs in plant embryos when combining centromeres with weakened structures. This finding opens up new possibilities for plant breeding and could aid cancer researchers using the model plant Arabidopsis.

Study discovers new method of classifying low-grade brain tumors

A new classification system has been developed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of low- and intermediate-grade gliomas (LGGs), reducing the reliance on subjective tumor appearance. The system uses molecular and genetic analysis to identify three distinct groups of LGGs with varying prognoses, offering a more objective approach.

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.

NASA sees powerful storms within Tropical Cyclone Ashobaa

NASA satellites tracked Tropical Cyclone Ashobaa's powerful storms, with rainfall rates exceeding 70.5 mm per hour and storm heights reaching up to 21 km. The cyclone is strengthening despite high wind shear, but is expected to weaken after landfall on June 12.

Fragile X proteins involved in proper neuron development

A new study reveals that fragile X proteins FMRP and FXR2P play a vital role in the maturation of newly formed adult neurons. Mice lacking FXR2P had impaired learning and memory tasks, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for fragile X syndrome and autism. The study's findings also highlight the importance of fostering new nerve ce...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New tool better protects beachgoers from harmful bacteria levels

Researchers developed a new model to predict harmful bacteria levels on beaches, using information on waves, tides, and rainfall. The model provides beach managers with an easily accessible computer tool to identify when closures are required to protect human health.

Light pollution threatens the Balearic shearwater

The study found that between 30-47% of Balearic shearwater colonies are exposed to high levels of light pollution, posing a significant threat to the species. The researchers recommend establishing rescue campaigns specifically for emancipation periods to reduce mortality rates among these endangered seabirds.

Rice researchers make ultrasensitive conductivity measurements

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new way to measure electrical transport properties of nanomaterials and structures at high frequencies. The technique produces unique optical signatures that can be used to identify the conductance of nanowires and other electronic components.

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.

Public debate could be key to strong economy

A new study by Michigan State University economists suggests that public deliberation is crucial for stable economic growth. By considering diverse citizen opinions, policymakers can create policies that regulate the economy and allocate resources effectively.

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.

A stiff upper lip makes sense to baby

Researchers at Concordia University found that 18-month-old toddlers can distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate emotional responses, demonstrating an understanding of stoicism and the importance of emotional expressions in building trust. Toddlers showed greater empathy towards individuals who expressed sadness after a negat...

Coral reefs defy ocean acidification odds in Palau

A new study has found that coral reefs in Palau are showing few of the predicted responses to low pH caused by ocean acidification. Instead, these reefs exhibit increased bio-erosion, but also host more species and have greater coral cover than in other naturally low pH reef systems.

Lonely galaxy lost in space

NGC 6503, a 30,000-light-year-long galaxy, is located at the edge of the 150-million-light-year-wide Local Void. The Hubble Space Telescope image showcases its vibrant colors and swirling spiral arms.

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.

Single protein causes Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy

Researchers discover that different shapes of alpha-synuclein aggregates cause distinct neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Multiple System Atrophy. The study suggests new possibilities for treating brain diseases with a drug that counteracts aggregate development.