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Science News Archive March 2015


Page 34 of 38

Obesity is associated with brain's neurotransmitters

Researchers found altered opioid neurotransmission in obese individuals, with reduced opioid receptors in the brain. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of overeating and obesity, but its findings do not indicate whether the changes are a cause or consequence of obesity.

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.

Kids and robots learn to write together

Researchers developed a robot-based writing tool called CoWriter that helps children improve their handwriting and writing skills. The program uses learning by teaching, a recognized principle in pedagogy, and has been tested with over 70 students aged 6-8 years old.

Air pollution connected with narrowing of the arteries

Research suggests chronic exposure to air pollution increases the risk of stroke by causing fatty substances to build up in the neck arteries. The study found those living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter had a 24% greater risk of carotid artery stenosis compared to those in cleaner areas.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Choice of monitoring method could be key for babies with poor growth in the womb

A recent study published in the Lancet found that babies with severely restricted growth in the womb who were monitored using late ductus venosus changes had better neurodevelopmental outcomes than those who were monitored using other techniques. The researchers recommend that these babies should be supervised in specialist centers whe...

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.

Personalized health coaching helps reverse progression to diabetes

A comprehensive health program with personalized coaching on exercise, nutrition, stress, and sleep helped people with prediabetes reverse their condition and improve overall health. Participants showed significant improvements in blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and other key risk factors.

Usual prey gone, a fish survives by changing predictably

Researchers found that bigmouth sleepers adapt by changing their behaviors, sex ratio, and physical appearance to survive on insects, snails, and crustaceans when isolated from their normal prey. The study suggests that evolution may be occurring in a predictable way, with the ability to anticipate ecological changes.

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.

New models yield clearer picture of emissions' true costs

A new Duke University study estimates that a gallon of gasoline costs around $3.80 more than the pump price when health and environment are factored in. The social cost of diesel is about $4.80 more, while natural gas becomes cheaper than its initial price. Solar and wind power also become cheaper.

Galactic 'rain' could be key to star formation

A team of astronomers has found that galactic 'rain' may be the key to understanding why some galaxies are more productive at creating stars than others. The researchers analyzed X-rays from over 200 galaxy clusters using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and discovered that massive black holes can slow down gas that helps form stars.

Oxytocin may enhance social function in psychiatric disorders

Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have shown that inducing oxytocin release can activate the social brain and create bonds. A new drug candidate has been identified to stimulate oxytocin cells, leading to enhanced attention to and learning from social information in people with social disorders.

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 reveals widespread risk of infectious diseases to wild bees

Researchers have discovered a network of viruses that pose a threat to multiple species of bumblebees and managed honeybees, highlighting the urgent need for disease management strategies. The study found five viruses, including deformed wing virus, in wild bees across Great Britain.

Can exercise training prevent premature death in elderly?

A new study suggests that exercise training can reduce the risk of premature death in elderly individuals. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that high-intensity training and moderate intensity training both showed promising results in improving fitness levels and reducing mortality rates.

Common antidepressant may hold the key to heart failure reversal

Researchers found that paroxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, restored heart function in mice with heart failure by inhibiting the GRK2 enzyme. The study's findings suggest that physicians may consider prescribing paroxetine to heart failure patients with clinical depression to improve their heart function.

History holds valuable lessons in the war on drugs

This groundbreaking research sheds light on the complex origins of drug policies that have inspired murderous violence in Mexico and the US. By examining the history of drugs in Latin America, researchers offer new perspectives on how societies have dealt with drugs and their cultural significance.

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.

Activating genes on demand

Scientists have developed a new mechanism for engineering traits governed by multiple genes, paving the way for personalized gene therapies and regenerative medicine. The approach uses the Cas9 protein to activate specific genes, allowing for precise control over multiple genes and potentially treating diseases.

UT Dallas technology could make night vision, thermal imaging affordable

Engineers at UT Dallas have created a semiconductor technology that can detect electromagnetic waves to create images at nearly 10 terahertz, making night vision and heat-based imaging more accessible. This breakthrough could enable various applications such as animal tracking, intruder detection, and building inspection.

Dog DNA tests alone not enough for healthy pedigree, experts say

Breeding dogs solely based on DNA tests can increase inbreeding and reduce genetic diversity, experts warn. A combined approach of DNA analysis, health screening, and pedigree information is necessary to minimize inherited diseases and improve the health of pedigree lines.

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 taming of magnetic vortices

Physicists at TUM and University of Cologne develop theoretical description of behavior for magnetic vortices in conductors, semiconductors, and insulators. The theory predicts properties for optimal device development, promising compact frequency devices with high efficiency.

Float like a mosquito, sting like a ... mosquito

Scientists at China University of Petroleum and Liaoning University of Technology studied mosquito legs to understand their unique adaptation to float on water. They found that the tarsus's buoyant horizontal contact with the surface generates an upward force twenty times the insect's body weight.

Identifying the war-afflicted teenagers most in need of mental health care

A new study reveals high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among war-afflicted teenagers in Northern Uganda, with former child soldiers showing the highest rates. The study suggests that psychological support should be offered through the education system to all young people in the region.

Plants detect bacterial endotoxin in similar process to mammals

Researchers discovered a plant immunosensor that detects lipopolysaccharide, a substance occurring in pathogenic bacteria. The LipoOligosaccharide-specific Reduced Elicitation (LORE) protein initiates an immune response in plants, similar to the toll-like receptor 4 in mammals.

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.

Women in business

A UC Santa Barbara study finds that people systematically discount the competence of female entrepreneurs and investment-worthiness of their enterprises, but innovation mitigates this bias. Women-led businesses pitched innovative ideas are rated more competent and worthy of investment than non-innovative counterparts.

Global Atlas of Environmental Justice re-launches website

The EJOLT project has re-launched the Global Atlas of Environmental Justice with a new platform that integrates geo-spatial data to present conflicts in context. The updated website expands its coverage, featuring almost 1400 cases of environmental conflicts across all continents.

UT Arlington award will test bridge foundation work for Caltrans

A University of Texas at Arlington researcher has been awarded a $220,000 Caltrans project to analyze and evaluate California's bridge foundations for safety and compliance with federal AASHTO standards. The research will also consider external factors such as vehicle load, weight, speed, and earthquakes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Climate change affects human health, ATS membership survey shows

A recent ATS membership survey found that 89% of respondents believe climate change is happening, while 68% attribute its causes to human activity. The survey also reported adverse health effects such as worsening asthma and increased cases of acute and chronic lung conditions due to climate change.

A high-salt diet could protect against invading microbes

A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that a high-salt diet can increase sodium accumulation in the skin, boosting the immune response to skin-infecting parasites. This finding suggests that dietary salt may have therapeutic potential in promoting host defense against microbial infections.

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.

UGR scientists provide new data on the nature of dark matter

Researchers from UGR have set limits to the properties of axions, which aspire to be identified as dark matter. The study uses numerical simulations of stellar evolution and suggests that axion emission can significantly affect the timing of helium burning in stars.

Housing First program has success in study of homeless people with mental illness

A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that homeless individuals with mental illness who received rent supplement support and intensive case management had significantly higher rates of stable housing (62.7-77%) compared to those receiving standard care (23.6-38.8%). The Housing First program resulted in a net cost offset of $4,84...

Lightning plus volcanic ash makes glass

Researchers have discovered a mechanism for generating glass spherules through the combination of lightning and volcanic ash. The study, published in Geology, reveals that high heat generated by lightning discharge can transform volcanic ash particles into spheres of glass, forming fulgurites in geologic deposits.

Friends may make the difference in keeping children active

A new study by the American Heart Association found that children being physically active with friends may accomplish more than hearing encouragement from family members. Friends getting involved significantly lowers perceived barriers to physical activity.

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.

Listeria screening in public lavatories in Vienna

A study by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna found Listeria monocytogenes in 2% of lavatory samples, highest at park facilities and mobile container lavatories. Shoes with deeper treads show higher prevalence rates.

Magnetic vortices in nanodisks reveal information

Scientists have found a method to electrically read out the orientation of magnetic vortices in nanodisks using characteristic microwaves. This knowledge could be used in novel memory technology and wireless data transmission.

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.

Advanced Laser Light Source at INRS receives major funding from CFI

The Advanced Laser Light Source at INRS has received significant funding to advance its mission as an international center of excellence in ultrafast science. With this new investment, the facility will continue to explore fundamental questions in physics and chemistry through high-quality light sources.

Scientists map memorable tunes in the rat brain

Researchers used a rat model to map the brain's communication between nerve cells as they learned to make decisions based on specific sounds. The study found that training rats to associate low frequency tones with food strengthened synaptic connections in the striatum, leading to improved performance.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Global studies in Health Affairs' March issue

A global review of health issues highlights the UK's National Health Service (NHS) reduced spending on low-value procedures, while sub-Saharan Africans rate their health among the lowest in the world. The study also suggests that US cancer care may provide less value compared to Western Europe.

Pennies reveal new insights on the nature of randomness

Theoretical chemists generate maximally random, jammed states using a computer algorithm, revealing new insights into the nature of randomness. These findings have implications for materials science and photonics, where randomly dispersed patterns can create unique properties.