Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 4


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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateJun 29, 2015
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.

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateJun 29, 2015

Recent mercury pollution on the rise, but quick to change, Dartmouth-led study shows

A Dartmouth-led study using a 600-year-old ice core shows that global mercury pollution increased dramatically during the 20th century, but declined faster than previously thought after emissions started to decrease in the late 1970s. The study suggests present-day efforts to cut mercury emissions will reduce pollution more quickly tha...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Anthropocene Review·DateJun 29, 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.

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Learning Technology·DateJun 29, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 29, 2015

Public health surveillance system may underestimate cases of acute hepatitis C infection

A new study suggests that less than 1% of diagnosed acute hepatitis C cases met CDC reporting criteria, indicating massive underreporting in the public health surveillance system. This finding is crucial for guiding public health initiatives and planning for future needs, as accurate estimates are essential for targeting resources.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalAMBIO·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Intelligence Studies·DateJun 29, 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.

Experts cover MERS outbreak in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine

The recent MERS-CoV outbreak in Korea spread quickly due to poor infection prevention and control measures, overcrowding, and environmental contamination. The authors emphasize the importance of implementing stringent hospital protocols, contact tracing, and mandatory quarantine for close contacts.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 29, 2015

Interest in child-specific nurse practitioner programs dwindling

Research suggests that most pediatric and neonatal nurse practitioner programs have vacancies due to low interest, even with decreasing class sizes. Experts emphasize the need for greater awareness about employment opportunities for graduates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Professional Nursing·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJun 29, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Pest Science·DateJun 29, 2015

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

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateJun 29, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 29, 2015

Danish researchers map important enzyme in the fight against cancer

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered a mechanism that controls ADAM17, an enzyme crucial for cancer tumour growth. By inhibiting PACS-2, they found a way to target ADAM17 without affecting other enzymes, potentially leading to improved cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2015
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.

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 28, 2015

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateJun 28, 2015

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJun 26, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 26, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 26, 2015

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.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 26, 2015

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 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.

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.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2015

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateJun 26, 2015

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 26, 2015

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...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 26, 2015

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.

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 26, 2015

Braking mechanism identified for cell growth pathway linked to several cancers

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a self-regulating loop in the Hippo pathway that maintains cellular balance by controlling cell growth and promoting cell death. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer development and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 26, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Rehabilitation Medicine·DateJun 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.

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.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJun 26, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

High-performance microscope displays pores in the cell nucleus with greater precision

Researchers have developed a new method to display the spatial structure of nuclear pores in high resolution. This has led to a better understanding of how certain molecules are transported into or out of the nucleus. The discovery sheds light on various diseases, including cancer, that involve defective transport through nuclear pores.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2015

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.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalHealth & Place·DateJun 26, 2015