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Science News Archive March 2015


Page 31 of 38

UH professor helps South-Asian countries manage water resources

Hyongki Lee, a University of Houston researcher, is training South Asian government officials to independently manage their water resources. With the help of a novel software toolbox, these officials can better predict and prepare for floods and monsoons, saving lives and reducing devastation.

Semi-veggie diet effectively lowers heart disease, stroke risk

A study of 451,256 Europeans found that a pro-vegetarian diet lowers cardiovascular disease risk by 20%. The research analyzed the eating habits of participants and categorized them based on their plant-based food intake. A high-protein, low-animal-based diet reduced mortality rates from heart disease and stroke.

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.

New paint makes tough self-cleaning surfaces

A new paint developed by researchers at UCL creates self-cleaning surfaces that resist everyday wear and tear. The paint's unique properties allow it to withstand damage and maintain its self-cleaning abilities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Antibodies to brain proteins may trigger psychosis

A new study has identified antibodies targeting dopamine D2 receptors and NMDA glutamate receptors in children experiencing their first episode of psychosis. This finding suggests that autoimmunity may play a role in the development of psychosis, offering hope for new treatment approaches.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protecting crops from radiation-contaminated soil

Researchers have identified a chemical compound that prevents plants from taking up cesium, reducing the harmful effects of radiation-contaminated soil. The compound, CsTolen A, selectively binds to cesium, preventing its entry into plant cells and promoting physiological processes.

Human brains age less than previously thought

Researchers challenge current theories of ageing by finding that brain activity in older adults is not reduced as previously thought. A new study using resting state fMRI measurements suggests that age-related differences in brain signal amplitude are due to vascular health, rather than brain function.

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.

Astronomers see star explode 4 times

Astronomers have observed a distant star exploding four times due to a massive galaxy cluster, providing a rare opportunity to test Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The discovery also offers clues about the strength of gravity, dark matter, and dark energy in the universe.

Surviving the 'most explosive era of infrastructure expansion' in 9 steps

The study highlights nine issues that must be addressed to limit the environmental impacts of infrastructure projects. These include preserving wilderness areas, recognizing the consequences of paved roads, and considering indirect effects in cost-benefit analyses. The researchers emphasize the need for a new approach to protect vulner...

Hot flashes at younger age may signal greater cardiovascular risk

Women who experience hot flashes earlier in life have poorer endothelial function and increased cardiovascular risk compared to those with later onset or no symptoms. The study found that the number of hot flashes matters, with more frequent hot flashes associated with greater evidence of endothelial dysfunction.

Video reveals acrobatic feats of praying mantises

Researchers observed young praying mantises jumping to a target with precision and accuracy, rotating their bodies at 2.5 times per second. The insects' unique ability to maintain stability and control during flight has implications for the development of tiny robots.

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.

Study reveals how dietary phosphate can increase heart disease risk

A new study found that high phosphate levels cause a stress signal inside blood vessel cells, leading to the release of microparticles that promote blood clot formation. This process is a common cause of injury and death, particularly in patients with kidney disease who lose the ability to excrete excess phosphate.

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.

New study links antidepressants with improved cardiovascular outcomes

A new study found that antidepressants may be more important than statins in reducing the risk of heart disease in patients with moderate to severe depression. Patients who took antidepressants alone had a 53% lower risk of death, coronary artery disease, or stroke during a three-year follow-up period.

Reliance on smartphones linked to lazy thinking

Research suggests that smartphone users who rely on gut feelings tend to use their device's search engine rather than their own brainpower. Highly analytical thinkers spend less time using smartphones, indicating a possible link between heavy smartphone use and lowered intelligence.

Turning a vole into a mighty rodent

A new study found that a vole's aerobic exercise metabolism increased by 48% and basal metabolic rate rose after 13 rounds of selection for enhanced oxygen consumption. Gene expression changes in the heart and liver were identified as the primary adaptive response.

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.

Stuck-in-the-mud plankton reveal ancient temperatures

Research reveals how tiny creatures' movements affect temperature estimates, allowing scientists to refine past climate studies. By analyzing plankton shells and ocean currents, researchers created a tool to estimate the impact of drift on temperature estimates.

New study points to better classrooms for children with disabilities

A pilot study in 51 N.C. classrooms shows the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) to be a reliable instrument assessing quality practices in inclusive preschools. The ICP reveals types of inclusive settings best serving preschoolers with disabilities, including Head Start and public pre-k programs.

Distant supernova split 4 ways by gravitational lens

Astronomers have discovered a distant supernova split into four images by a massive galaxy lens, allowing for the study of dark matter distribution and the type of star that exploded. The 'Einstein cross' will enable researchers to measure time delays between the arrival of light from the supernova in different images.

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.

The price of protection

A new study by University of Pittsburgh sociologists reveals that women who petition for restraining orders against abusers typically experience decreased earnings due to financial instability and hardship. The researchers found that the period of petitioning is accompanied by serious losses, which are not recouped later.

Researchers discover protein's pivotal role in heart failure

A study published in Cell Reports identified RBFox2 as a critical protein in the progression from weakened heart muscle to heart failure. The researchers found that reduced RBFox2 expression coincides with weakening of the heart muscle, suggesting a causal role in heart failure.

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.

Menopausal whales are influential and informative leaders

Researchers found that post-reproductive female killer whales act as leaders and share valuable ecological knowledge, helping their younger kin survive. This discovery suggests a potential explanation for the evolution of menopause in humans.

Achieving gender equality in science, engineering and medicine

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) has proposed seven strategies to advance women in science, engineering, and medicine, including flexible family care spending and recruiting gender-balanced review committees. The initiatives aim to promote gender equality and break down barriers to advancement in these fields.

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.

Scientists report breakthrough in detecting methane

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in detecting methane using TILDAS, which provides details on the environment in which methane-producing microbes thrive and helps identify the temperature at which methane forms.

Abnormal brain rhythms tied to problems with thinking in schizophrenia

Researchers found that abnormal fast-spiking interneuron activity contributes to cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Correcting these abnormalities, either through drug treatment or direct stimulation, can reverse cognitive symptoms, suggesting new potential therapies for the disorder.

Fluid-filled pores separate materials with fine precision

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a novel system for separating materials using fluid-filled pores, which can precisely separate liquids, gases, and solids without clogging. The system harnesses dynamic control over a highly sensitive mechanism, allowing for efficient separation of complex mixtures.

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.

Mars: The planet that lost an ocean's worth of water

Scientists have estimated that Mars once had a massive ocean covering 19% of its surface, which would have made the planet habitable for longer. The new research uses detailed observations of water in Mars' atmosphere to determine the amount of water lost over time.

From chick to bedside: Removing the Wnt barrier

By disabling the Wnt signaling pathway, researchers may be able to repair damaged white matter in the brain, a potential breakthrough in treating cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that targeting the Daam2/PIP5K interaction could accelerate oligodendrocyte differentiation and promote myelination.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mutation in APC2 gene causes Sotos features

A recent study has found that mutations in the APC2 gene cause Sotos-like symptoms, including nervous system-related issues and abnormal brain structure. The research team also discovered that APC2 is a crucial downstream gene of the NSD1 gene, which is responsible for Sotos syndrome.

Medical nanoparticles: Local treatment of lung cancer

Researchers have developed nanocarriers that selectively release drugs in lung tumor areas, improving treatment efficacy by 10-25 times compared to traditional methods. This approach also reduces the total dose of medicines, minimizing undesirable effects.

An explosive quartet

Astronomers spot four images of a distant supernova in a massive galaxy cluster, bending light due to gravitational lensing. The discovery provides insights into dark matter's distribution and helps refine estimates of its amount.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

How rain is dependent on soil moisture

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that rain falls most frequently in areas with lower soil moisture, which warms air and allows water vapor to rise higher. High soil moisture, on the other hand, can lead to more evaporation and precipitation, but the relationship is complex and still not fully understood.

Magnetic material attracts attention for cancer therapy

Researchers have discovered a magnetic material that can heat cancer cells to high temperatures without harming healthy tissue. This breakthrough material uses a unique Curie temperature-dependent heating effect that stops quickly and cannot get hotter.

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.

Multitasking hunger neurons also control compulsive behaviors

Researchers at Yale University found that Agrp neurons, which control food intake, also initiate repetitive behaviors seen in OCD and anorexia nervosa. These neurons play a crucial role in psychiatric conditions, highlighting the multitasking nature of brain function.

No link between psychedelics and mental health problems

A study of over 135,000 people found no correlation between psychedelic use and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. The researchers suggest that psychedelics may even be linked to fewer mental health problems, with benefits including deeply meaningful experiences and lasting positive effects.