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Science News Archive June 2015


Page 4 of 36

Humans across the world dance to the same beat

A new study by University of Exeter and Tokyo University of the Arts found that songs from around the world share features like strong rhythm to enable coordination and group bonding. The researchers analysed 304 recordings of diverse music, revealing dozens of statistical universals related to pitch, rhythm, and social context.

Study: Severe asthma fails to respond to mainstay treatment

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a unique immune response feature in patients with severe asthma, which may lead to new treatments. The study found that boosting levels of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) reduces airway hyper-reactivity in animal models.

Umbilical cord 'milking' improves blood flow in preterm infants

A technique called cord milking increases blood flow from the umbilical cord to the infant's circulatory system, improving blood pressure and red blood cell levels in preterm infants delivered by Cesarean section. This study found benefits only in Cesarean-delivered infants, while vaginal births showed no difference.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Almost 1 in 3 US adults owns at least 1 gun

A recent study found that nearly a third of US adults own guns, with a higher prevalence among white married men over 55. Gun ownership is also linked to social gun culture, where family or friends also own guns or engage in activities involving firearms.

Precise ages of largest number of stars hosting planets ever measured

A new study has precisely measured the ages of 33 Kepler stars with solar-like oscillations, revealing that even stars older than 11 billion years have Earth-like planets. The research uses asteroseismology to analyze tiny variations in starlight and provides a large sample for studying galactic archeology.

Earthquake not to blame for Indonesian mud volcano

New research from the University of Adelaide suggests that a major mud volcano disaster in Indonesia was triggered by a drilling accident rather than an earthquake. The study used physical data collected before and after the disaster to disprove existing earthquake-triggering models.

Automatic bug repair

CodePhage analyzes application execution to identify security checks missing from vulnerable code, then imports and inserts them into the source code. The system can repair common open-source programs in minutes, reducing grunt work for developers.

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.

Researchers discover how petunias know when to smell good

A team of University of Washington biologists has identified a key mechanism plants use to decide when to release their floral scents. They found that the petunia's LHY gene controls when the plant releases its fragrance, connecting it to the innate circadian rhythms that pulse through all life on Earth.

Acceptance of working moms at all-time high

Research from San Diego State University reveals that societal acceptance of working mothers is at an all-time high among millennials. Attitudes towards women's work and family roles have changed significantly since the 1970s, with only 22% of 12th graders in the 2010s believing a preschool-aged child would suffer if their mother worked.

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.

Extreme makeover: Mankind's unprecedented transformation of Earth

Researchers at the University of Leicester identify four key changes driven by human activity: homogenization of species, Homo sapiens as top predator, direction of evolution, and interaction with technology. These changes represent a planetary transformation as fundamental as major extinction events.

Up, up and away, in the name of science education

Researchers propose high-altitude balloons as a tool for science education, enabling students to conduct experiments in near-vacuum environments. This technology offers opportunities for hands-on learning, creativity, and enthusiasm, while also advancing scientific knowledge.

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.

Is marriage good or bad for the figure?

A comparative study of 9 European countries found that married couples have a higher body mass index than singles, with differences attributed to changes in eating behaviors. However, the study also shows that married couples tend to eat healthier, with increased consumption of regional and organic products.

PTSD, traumatic experiences may raise heart attack, stroke risk in women

Research examines the link between PTSD and cardiovascular disease in women, finding that those with four or more PTSD symptoms have a 60% higher rate of cardiovascular disease compared to those without. Women who experience traumatic events but no PTSD symptoms also show a 45% increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Food for thought: Use more forages in livestock farming

Researchers argue that increasing the use of forages to feed livestock can enhance food security and improve productive capacity in poor producers. They suggest introducing new forage varieties and animal management practices to specific farming areas, as well as coordinated efforts by farmers, extension workers, and scientists.

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.

Computers get with the beat

Researchers developed a simple system to automate music genre categorization by focusing on just pitch, tempo, and amplitude variation patterns. The approach uses random sample consensus (RANSAC) as a classifier and demonstrated accuracy in seven major musical genres.

Key element of human language discovered in bird babble

A new study has deciphered the sounds of chestnut-crowned babbler birds to reveal a key element of human language, where rearranging meaningless sounds creates meaningful signals. This finding suggests that the ability to generate new meaning may have evolved early in the emergence of complex communication systems.

ASHG honors Kay E. Davies with William Allan Award

Kay E. Davies has made significant contributions to understanding Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that causes rapid muscle weakness. Her research has led to the development of dystrophin minigenes and utrophin-based treatments, offering hope for all DMD patients.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Sandia's Z machine receives funding aimed at fusion energy

Researchers aim to develop more efficient fusion reactions using laser technology, leveraging Sandia's Z accelerator and LLE's OMEGA laser facility to study intermediate-density plasmas. The goal is to improve techniques for compressing and heating fuel to increase efficiency and understand subsidiary processes.

Stink bugs have strong taste for ripe fruit

Researchers found stink bugs track ripening fruit to maximize food access, suggesting limiting fruit availability in spring and fall could be an effective strategy for controlling stink bug populations. The study provides critical intelligence in the battle against these pests and their annual destruction.

License plate decals don't seem to curb learner driver crash rates

Research published in Injury Prevention found that license plate decals did not reduce crash rates among young drivers with learner permits in New Jersey. The study analyzed data from January 2006 to June 2012 and found no association between decal provision and crash rates, citing high compliance with passenger restrictions

Genes responsible for increased activity during the summer

A study by the University of Leicester reveals that a thermosensory gene called TrpA1 is linked to changes in behavior in flies during warmer climates. The research suggests that this gene plays a crucial role in regulating the biological clock, which is essential for controlling circadian rhythms.

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.

New nanogenerator harvests power from rolling tires

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a nanogenerator that converts wasted friction energy into electricity, potentially increasing gas mileage by up to 10%. The device uses the triboelectric effect to harness energy from tire friction, providing an innovative way to reuse energy and reduce waste.

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.

More secondary schooling reduces HIV risk

A study in Botswana found that each additional year of secondary school lowers the risk of HIV infection by 8 percentage points, particularly for women. The research suggests that secondary schooling could be a cost-effective way to reduce HIV transmission and has large benefits beyond HIV prevention.

SAPH-ire helps scientists prioritize protein modification research

The tool collects non-redundant PTM data across all known members of a protein family and projects it onto 3D protein structures to visualize PTM hotspots. By analyzing these hotspots, scientists can prioritize research on proteins with high potential for biological function.

Emergency visits for childhood food allergy on rise in Illinois

A Northwestern University study finds that severe food allergies are impacting children of all races and income levels in Illinois, with a significant increase in emergency room visits for anaphylaxis. The study also reveals a notable rise in hospitalizations among Hispanic children, up 44% per year.

Attractive female flies harmed by male sexual attention

A recent Australian and Canadian study on fruit flies reveals that too much male sexual attention hinders the species' adaptation to new conditions. The research found that sexually attractive females were overwhelmed by male suitors, leading to a decrease in their egg-laying ability.

The peaks and valleys of silicon

USC Viterbi researchers have developed new layered semiconducting materials that can be adjusted to achieve unique electronic and optical properties. These materials have potential applications in LIDAR systems, infrared thermal imaging technology, and flexible night vision glasses.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

High blood pressure linked to reduced Alzheimer's risk, meds may be reason

A new study suggests a genetic link between high blood pressure and reduced Alzheimer's disease risk, with antihypertensive drugs possibly playing a protective role. Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 17,000 individuals and found a significant association between higher systolic blood pressure and lower Alzheimer's risk.

Building a better semiconductor

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new method to change the electronic properties of materials, enabling more efficient solid-state electronics. By using ultrafast laser pulses, they can create new electronic phases with desired properties.

CCNY researchers develop eco-friendly oil spill solution

Researchers at City College of New York have developed an eco-friendly biodegradable agent derived from the plant-based small molecule phytol, which can replace chemical herders currently in use. The new substance has been shown to contract and thicken oil slicks, making them easier to collect or burn.

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.

NIDA announces new awards for early stage investigators

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded six researchers $300,000 per year for five years to support innovative studies on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. The Avenir Award Program supports creative individuals who wish to pursue research approaches for improved prevention and treatment.

Helium 'balloons' offer new path to control complex materials

Scientists have developed a method to manipulate complex oxide materials using only helium ions, enabling single-axis control over their behavior. This technique allows researchers to tune material properties with precision, advancing the understanding and use of these unique materials.

Opening a new route to photonics

Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new route to ultrahigh density, ultracompact integrated photonic circuitry. By applying mathematical concept 'adiabatic elimination' to optical nanowaveguides, they can effectively control pulses of light in closely packed waveguides, eliminating the crosstalk p...

Orange is the new red

Researchers discovered a key event in cyanobacterial photoprotection, where the carotenoid protein shifts from orange to red state through a large-scale movement. This mechanism triggers nonphotochemical-quenching, safely dissipating excess solar energy as heat.

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.

Watershed science calls for integrated research methods

The article discusses the challenges of watershed science in understanding complex systems and simulating human-nature interactions. Integrated research methods are proposed as a solution, combining approaches from different disciplines, including holism and reductionism.

Inactivity reduces people's muscle strength

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that inactivity leads to rapid loss of muscle mass and strength, affecting both young and older men equally. Young people lose twice as much muscle mass and experience greater reductions in physical fitness compared to their older counterparts.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists identify a calcium channel essential for deep sleep

Researchers have discovered a crucial role for Cav3.1 calcium channels in healthy sleep patterns, which helps regulate slow-wave sleep and overall brain activity. The absence of this channel leads to abnormal brain function, including difficulties with falling asleep and staying asleep.

UT Arlington physics professor wins esteemed Humboldt Research Award

Zdzislaw Musielak, a UT Arlington physics professor, has won the Humboldt Research Award for his exploration of extra-solar planetary systems, dark matter, and dark energy. The award provides him with the opportunity to work on research projects in Germany, furthering his cutting-edge achievements.

A 'hydrothermal siphon' drives water circulation through the seafloor

A new study by UC Santa Cruz scientists reveals the 'hydrothermal siphon' drives global ocean water circulation through the seafloor. The process is sustained by fluid flow and heat transfer through thousands of extinct underwater volcanoes, with smaller seamounts favored as sites of discharge.

Children with asthma likely born in Toronto area with high air pollution

Researchers identified clusters where higher numbers of children who developed asthma were born in Toronto, suggesting early life factors at the neighbourhood level are relevant to childhood asthma. Air pollution during pregnancy and shortly after birth was found to be related to developing asthma later in childhood.

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.