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Science News Archive March 2015


Page 8 of 38

Study maps development 1 county at a time

A new US county-by-county map shows diverse land use patterns, with green counties operating efficiently and red counties consuming more land per capita. The study integrates satellite data with census population information to identify socio-economic patterns linked to land consumption.

Like Angelina Jolie, study pinpoints genetic cause of increased leukemia risk

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found a heritable genetic cause of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), similar to the BRCA mutation that affects breast and ovarian cancer risk. The ETV6 gene mutation is present at birth and increases the development of ALL, with the potential for future strategies to prevent the disease.

Florida Tech study finds climate refuges where corals survive, grow

A Florida Tech study has identified 12 climate refuges worldwide where corals are likely to survive at least until 2100 due to minimal temperature change. These areas, including the Indian and Pacific Oceans, could be essential for coral conservation and should receive protection.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Does your password pass muster?

Researchers from Concordia University found that password strength meters are inconsistent and may confuse users. They recommend using robust meters like Dropbox's, which analyze passwords for common dictionary words and highlight weak phrases.

NASA-NOAA satellite sees semnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Nathan

The Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of Tropical Cyclone Nathan's remnants, showing the storm had unraveled and most clouds were southeast of the center. Two large rainfall totals were recorded in the 24 hours prior, with 10.2 inches at Fanny Creek and 8.1 inches at Snowdrop Creek.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Promising drug a 'new paradigm' for treating leukemia

Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed a promising drug that targets a specific altered cellular protein driving acute myeloid leukemia. The compound kills cancerous cells while sparing healthy ones, offering a new paradigm for treating leukemia.

Study identifies low back pain risk factors

New research at the AAOS Annual Meeting identified nicotine dependence, obesity, and depression as significant risk factors for low back pain. The study found that these conditions can increase a person's relative risk of developing low back pain by 4-6 times.

Morphing wings help drones manage collisions

Researchers at Stanford University have created a robotic wing that can recover from mid-air collisions using a passive morphing mechanism inspired by bird wings. The mechanism allows the wing to fold and unfold without actuation, making it lighter and more reliable.

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.

Mobile DNA sequencer shows potential for disease surveillance

A pocket-sized device has shown potential in disease detection, accurately identifying a range of closely-related bacteria and viruses within six hours. The technology relies on protein 'nanopores' to determine DNA sequences, allowing for faster and more accurate identification of pathogens.

Study announces a durable vaccine for Ebola

A new study reveals a cytomegalovirus-based vaccine provides protection against Ebola virus for over 14 months after a single dose, offering hope for preventing ebolavirus infection in African apes and reducing future human outbreaks. The innovative approach could help stabilize endangered ape populations and protect humans from the de...

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Coastal property values could erode if nourishment subsidies end

A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that ending federal beach nourishment subsidies could lead to a rapid and dramatic adjustment in coastal property values. Values could erode by up to 17 percent in towns with high property values and almost 34 percent in towns with low property values.

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.

More big storms increase tropical rainfall totals

Joint research from Monash and NASA found that big storms deliver 50% of tropical rain, while small disorganized storms decrease in frequency. The study suggests a dynamic change in the climate system is responsible for increased rainfall, rather than just warmer atmosphere holding more moisture.

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.

Rare-earth innovation to improve nylon manufacturing

A new chemical process utilizing cerium-based nanometer-sized particles with a palladium catalyst produces cyclohexanone, a key ingredient in nylon production. This method replaces high-temperature and pressure traditional methods, requiring less hydrogen and energy, significantly improving the manufacturing process.

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.

Behind the dogmas of good old hydrodynamics

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed a new theory that sheds light on electroosmotic flow in hydrophobic surfaces. The theory resolves long-standing paradoxes and provides explanations for phenomena like zeta potential measurements of bubbles and drops.

Global health experts outline lessons to be learned from Ebola epidemic

The Ebola epidemic has revealed critical weaknesses in the global public health system, including delayed responses and inadequate resources. Experts recommend adjusting WHO criteria for public health emergencies and increasing local authority involvement to develop culturally appropriate measures.

Just right: A spider's tale

A new study by University of Missouri biologist James E. Carrel found that southern house spiders prefer holes and cavities that are three to four times as big as their own body size for building nests. The spiders select nest sites based on their size, similar to how hermit crabs trade up for bigger shells as they grow bigger.

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.

Will you ever pay off your student loan?

A recent report highlights the need for transparent financial counseling before students accumulate debt, which can have long-lasting consequences. The average US graduate has $28,400 in student loan debt, with many struggling to repay due to low salaries and job insecurity.

New model for predicting cardiovascular disease risk worldwide

Researchers developed a global model to predict CVD risk, analyzing data from over 50,000 participants. The model estimates fatal CVD risk over 10 years for 11 countries, highlighting disparities in high-risk populations between low- and middle-income countries.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Education may not improve our life chances of happiness

A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that all levels of educational attainment have similar odds of high mental wellbeing. High mental wellbeing is defined as feeling good and functioning well, with surprising results including increased odds among Afro-Caribbeans, particularly men.

Carbon nanotube fibers make superior links to brain

The carbon nanotube fibers have proven superior to metal electrodes for deep brain stimulation and reading signals from a neuronal network. They offer promise for treating patients with neurological disorders while monitoring the real-time response of neural circuits.

Damselfly war games

Male damselflies employ various strategies to decide whether to fight, including assessing wing pigmentation and choosing non-contact aerial display fights. Stronger males use aggressive tactics like chasing and biting to wear down weaker opponents.

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.

Researchers find promising new biomarkers for concussion

Researchers at Brown University have identified four blood proteins that can accurately signal mild traumatic brain injury within hours after a concussion. These biomarkers, which include copeptin, galectin 3, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and occludin, show significant changes in the bloodstream of patients shortly after a concussion.

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.

Lemur teeth help take a bite out of Madagascar's mysteries

A study by UC quaternary paleoecologist Brooke Crowley uses strontium isotopes to track the mobility of lemurs and other subfossil mammals over the past 10,000 years. The research aims to shed light on the environmental consequences of forest loss and inform conservation efforts.

Emergency medicine physicians urge colleagues to help prevent gun violence

The authors emphasize the need for national policies like background checks and restricting access to firearms by individuals with violent misdemeanor convictions or addiction histories. They also highlight the importance of assessing firearm risk in patients and acting on it, especially when mental illness is present.

Head injury patients show signs of faster aging in the brain

A new study by Imperial College London reveals that head injury patients exhibit changes in brain structure similar to those seen in older people. The researchers estimate that these patients are around five years older on average than their real age.

Majority of parents unaware of safe pitching practices

A new study found that 53% of parents/caregivers of youth baseball pitchers are unaware of safe pitching practices designed to prevent overuse injuries. Sixty-four percent of parents or caregivers recalled their child having upper extremity pain as a direct result of pitching.

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.

Thin air, high altitudes cause depression in female rats

Researchers found that hypobaric hypoxia caused increased depression-like behavior in female rats at high altitudes. The study suggests that altitude is an independent risk factor for depression and suicide, and physiological changes triggered by low oxygen may contribute to the issue.

Habitat loss threatens the world's felids

A study has found that habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to the world's felid species, including the critically endangered Iberian lynx. The lack of research and financing hinders effective conservation strategies.

Supermassive black hole clears star-making gas from galaxy’s core

A study by University of Maryland scientists has found a functional link between supermassive black holes and molecular outflows in galaxies. The research suggests that the black holes' winds are powerful enough to drive these massive outflows, which remove star-making gas and shape the galaxy's fate.

Mitigating reptile road mortality

A study published in PLOS ONE found that fence failures can negate the effectiveness of ecopassages in reducing reptile road mortality. Despite the use of ecopassages, turtle abundance on roads remained unchanged, and dead snakes and turtles increased after mitigation measures were implemented.

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.

Just slip out the back, Jack

A Saint Louis University research review article suggests people are hardwired to fall out of love and move onto new romantic relationships. Brain imaging studies show an increase in neuronal activity in pleasure areas that become active with cocaine use, implying a similar attachment process.

UT Dallas engineering professor earns award for influential audiovisual study

Dr. Carlos Busso's groundbreaking research on audiovisual emotion recognition has been recognized with a 10-Year Technical Impact Award. The study demonstrated the benefits of using both speech and facial recognition modalities to improve emotion classification, with applications in medical, entertainment, and security 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.