Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2015


Page 18 of 38

Research uncovers flawed IQ scoring system

A study by Queen's University professor Allyson Harrison found significant differences between Canadian and American IQ scores from postsecondary students. The research revealed that using Canadian norms resulted in lower scores for Canadian young adults, leading to incorrect classifications of intellectual abilities.

Plants' defensive responses have downstream effects on nearby ecosystems

A recent study by University of Chicago researchers found that trees' defensive responses to insect attacks have downstream effects on nearby streams, impacting aquatic ecosystems. The simulation showed that stressed trees funneled valuable nutrients away from leaves, affecting leaf chemistry and decomposition rates.

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.

Greater-than-additive management effects key in reducing corn yield gaps

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that an intensified management system increased corn yields by 28%, primarily due to the combined effects of Bt trait, strobilurin-containing fungicide, and balanced nutrition. The study suggests that no single factor is crucial, but rather the synergistic effect of all five management fa...

Clean energy future: New cheap and efficient electrode for splitting water

UNSW Australia scientists have developed a highly efficient oxygen-producing electrode for splitting water that has the potential to be scaled up for industrial production of clean energy fuel, hydrogen. The new technology is based on an inexpensive, specially coated foam material that lets the bubbles of oxygen escape quickly.

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.

Study reveals previously unknown site of anesthetic action

Anesthetics bind to and interfere with certain proteins in excitatory neurons, which are necessary for signal transmission involved in anesthesia and pain perception. This discovery may lead to more targeted and safer concentration levels of anesthetics.

Finding a new test for children with concussions

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new diagnostic tool for concussions in children, utilizing brain activation study findings. The spatial memory task has the potential to aid in assessing recovery and determining safe return to activities.

'Smart bandage' detects bed sores before they are visible to doctors

The smart bandage detects early tissue damage from pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, by exploiting electrical changes that occur when a healthy cell starts dying. It uses impedance spectroscopy to create a spatial map of the underlying tissue based on the flow of electricity at different frequencies.

Better breakfast, better grades

A new study from the University of Iowa found that schools participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's School Breakfast Program have higher achievement scores in math, science, and reading than non-participating schools. This is particularly true for students from low-income families.

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.

Women retain insulin sensitivity better than men

Researchers at McMaster University found that women's muscle appears more efficient in neutralizing the protein PTEN, which reduces insulin resistance and increases protection against type 2 diabetes. This discovery provides a potential therapeutic target for improving muscle responses to insulin and treating the disease.

The future of 'bioprocessing' for medical therapies

Continuous bioprocessing is gaining consideration as a method of industrial bioprocessing, with potential advantages including lower costs and increased efficiency. Dr. Konstantin Konstantinov and Dr. Charles Cooney emphasize the need for methods to evolve around this new platform.

Teaching science to the brain: How the brain learns the way things work

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have traced the brain processes that occur during learning of technical concepts. They found that new knowledge is built up in the brain through multiple stages, involving different parts of the brain, and that appropriate instruction can bring out fundamental understanding at a deep level.

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.

Duration of antiplatelet therapy following PCI, risk of adverse events

A study of 11,648 patients found that extended dual antiplatelet therapy after bare metal stent placement did not significantly increase rates of stent thrombosis or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. However, the sample size limitations may have impacted the results, suggesting further trials are needed.

New cystic fibrosis research takes aim at deadly pathogen

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method to test the most common cause of life-threatening infection in people with cystic fibrosis. The approach allows scientists to identify several genes necessary for Pseudomonas aeruginosa survival, improving efforts to study and combat the illness.

Study raises concerns about reporting of noninferiority trials

A study found that noninferiority trials often lack clear justification for chosen margins, leading to concerns about their validity. The authors highlight the need for improved registration and reporting standards within publicly accessible trial registries.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

3-D snapshot of protein highlights potential drug target for breast cancer

A study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reveals that human DNA polymerase theta may be a promising drug therapy target for inhibiting breast cancer. The researchers used X-ray crystallography to determine the first crystal structures of POLQ, providing insights into its role in DNA repair and genomic instability.

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.

'Distracted driving' at an all-time high; new approaches needed

A new study of 3,000 teenage drivers found that interactive presentations can raise awareness of the dangers of distractions while driving. The research also highlights the importance of educating young drivers about the risks associated with cell phones and other distractions.

Gulf of Mexico marine food web changes over the decades

A NOAA study found that natural climate cycles and human activities triggered widespread ecosystem changes in the Gulf of Mexico, impacting fish populations and communities. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) played a significant role in these changes.

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.

Findings from the BRIGHT trial published in JAMA

The BRIGHT trial demonstrated the superiority of bivalirudin over heparin monotherapy and heparin plus tirofiban in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Bivalirudin reduced bleeding rates while maintaining comparable rates of major adverse cardiac events.

NASA eyes Tropical Cyclone Nathan's Australian comeback

Tropical Cyclone Nathan is expected to make landfall in Queensland, Australia on March 20, bringing heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms. NASA's Aqua satellite captured data showing temperatures near -63F/-52C, indicating strong storms with potential for heavy rainfall.

NASA awards UCI $9 million to study underlying mechanisms of 'space brain'

Researchers at UC Irvine will investigate the behavioral impairments of rodents attributed to space radiation exposure, aiming to understand the underlying causes of these deficits. The study aims to inform efforts to minimize the effects of solar and galactic cosmic radiation on the central nervous system.

Cultivated papaya owes a lot to the ancient Maya, research suggests

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that the hermaphrodite version of the papaya plant, essential for commercial fruit production, arose from human selection by the ancient Maya around 4,000 years ago. This genetic study could lead to the development of a new, more efficient papaya variety.

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.

Old blood as good as fresh in patients with life-threatening illnesses

A large clinical trial found no significant difference in mortality between fresh and older blood in critically ill patients. The Age of Blood Evaluation (ABLE) study, conducted across 64 centers, showed that 423 patients died within 90 days with fresh blood compared to 398 with older blood.

Dairy industry making strides toward reducing its carbon footprint

New study finds that farms with lower carbon footprints and higher-producing cows are more profitable, offering a win-win solution for the dairy industry. By increasing milk production, decreasing herd replacement rates, or improving reproductive efficiency, farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining profitability.

NASA's SDO sees sun's 2 coronal holes

Scientists have observed two large coronal holes on the sun, with one covering about 6-8% of the total solar surface and another 0.16%. These regions can emit fast solar winds that affect Earth. The unique magnetic fields in these areas extend far into space.

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.

Researchers describe 5 new species of marine invertebrates

Brazilian researchers have discovered five new species of marine invertebrates, the ascidians, which are rich in natural compounds with potential uses in medicine. The newly found species contain substances that can eliminate cancer cells but also destroy healthy cells.

Social media training works best for student-athletes, study shows

Researchers found that college athletes are willing to receive social media education as long as it is tailored to their actual habits and includes their input. Athletes perceive excessive monitoring software as overburdensome, highlighting the need for consistent follow-up and athlete feedback integration.

New anti-inflammatory molecule could halt MS progression

Researchers have developed a new drug-like molecule called WEHI-345 that binds to and inhibits a key immune signalling protein, preventing the release of inflammatory cytokines. The molecule showed promise in preventing the progression of multiple sclerosis in 50% of cases.

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.

Teens' approach to social media risk is different from adults'

Researchers found that teens tend to disclose information first and then seek help to mitigate risks, a different approach than adults who consider risks before taking action. This 'disclose-first-and-then-make-corrections' model may explain the privacy paradox observed in teens.

Microenvironment provides growth factor for metastasis

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have identified a new role for VEGFA in the metastasis of neuroblastoma. The study found that an increase in bone deposition occurs when NB cells metastasize to the bone, driven by VEGFA, leading to increased bone resorption and severe bone loss.

Language of gene switches unchanged across the evolution

A new study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that the language used to switch genes on and off has remained conserved across millions of years of evolution. The differences between species reside in the content and length of these instructions, with specific transcription factors recognizing unique DNA words.

Graphene membrane could lead to better fuel cells, water filters

Researchers discovered that graphene's naturally occurring defects allow hydrogen protons to cross the barrier at unprecedented speeds, creating water channels. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient separation membranes for desalination and a new design for fuel cells.

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.

What's on the menu for young African sawflies?

Researchers have discovered the early stages of two African sawfly species, Xenapates braunsi and Xenapates gaullei. These larvae feed on specific grass and day flower species, with potential implications for crop protection and invasive weed control.

Conifers' helicoptering seeds are result of long evolutionary experiment

Researchers found that conifer species that independently evolved whirling, or autorotating, seeds settled on only one optimal single-winged design after millions of years of evolution. This design provides enhanced dispersal efficiency, especially during the Permian Period when seed dispersal by animals was virtually absent.

Study: Prices of cancer drugs have soared since 1995

A study by MIT economist Ernst Berndt and colleagues found that the prices of leading cancer drugs increased by 10% annually from 1995 to 2013, even after adjusting for inflation and incremental health benefits. The researchers suggest that rising prices reflect a greater social tolerance for significant healthcare costs.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study suggests precision medicine for adrenal cancer

A new international study has found a small subset of patients with adrenal cancer respond significantly to the investigational drug linsitinib, paving the way for personalized treatment options. The researchers plan to analyze DNA collected from the study to identify possible markers for response.

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.

Data structures influence speed of quantum search in unexpected ways

A new analysis found that highly connected databases don't always support fastest quantum computing, with low connectivity yielding fast search in some cases. Researchers used the properties of superposition to model a quantum particle's movement through a database, demonstrating the unexpected influence of data structure on search speed.

A better way of scrubbing CO2

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a way to improve the cost-effectiveness of CO2 scrubbing using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). By appending diamine molecules, they were able to more than triple the CO2-scrubbing capacity and reduce parasitic energy.

New study: Food TV a recipe for weight gain

A new study by the University of Vermont found that watching food TV can lead to weight gain, particularly among women who cook from scratch. The study suggests that food networks should use healthier recipes and promote cooking from scratch for optimal health benefits.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.